By Paul Post

Don’t let Matthew Killian’s very Irish sounding name fool you.

There’s a great deal of Italian influence in his family, which explains the name of his new restaurant, Buono Notte Café & Catering, opening next month at 6 Maple Street in downtown Glens Falls.

“Not all Italian cuisines are the same,” he said. “Everyone has a different style of cooking. I feel like I can bring a very good Italian ethnicity here. That’s my main goal, to bring in Italian food that we can improve on by adding to what other people have done.”

“We’re using creativity,” he said. “We don’t want to offer the same specials over and over again. What’s going to set us apart is specials like Chicken DiCapo – red-brown sauce, spinach, chicken tender breasts.”

Steak and seafood specials will highlight the menu, too.

The 21-year-old Killian grew up surrounded by good food. His father, Robert, worked at several New York City restaurants and was head chef at the former Orfino’s in upscale Briarcliff, Westchester County.

“Being that close to the city there’s a lot of culinary experiences, a lot of cultural differences,” he said. “I couldn’t find some of the things I found in the city when we moved up here. I began thinking, maybe there’s a way we could bring different styles of cooking to what people here are already offering.”

By Paul Post

Trump Administration tariffs, scheduled to take effect April 2, threaten to undermine New York’s thriving maple industry as most of the equipment producers need is manufactured in Canada.

In addition, much of the syrup consumed in New York City comes from Quebec, the world’s biggest maple producer, because upstate New York sugar makers can’t make enough to meet demand. If tariffs boost the price of Canada’s syrup 25 percent, American producers might charge the same, possibly generating more short-term revenue, but discouraging sales over the long run as consumers grapple with constantly rising food prices.

“That’s certainly not one of our goals,” said Mary Jean Packer, marketing manager of Mapleland Farm in Salem, Washington County.

Canadian maple equipment manufacturers are sending tractor-trailers across the border now and stockpiling it in northern Vermont warehouses, to keep from losing business from U.S. customers after tariffs take effect.

“As long as you have the equipment now you’ll be fine, but it could be hard to get into the business if suddenly the cost of equipment is 25 percent higher,” Packer said. “Maple is a relatively easy agricultural crop to get started with. To be viable all you need is 100 taps, collecting and boiling it with a small evaporator after coming home from an off-farm job. There aren’t many agricultural pursuits that you can get started with such a low cost of entry.”

By Paul Post

A first-of-its kind sports event for Glens Falls drew a large crowd to Cool Insuring Arena while giving local businesses a welcome boost.

More than 3,500 people turned out February 7 for Cage Wars, a mixed martial arts fight promotion with more than a dozen bouts on the card. The event was sponsored by Anthony Constantino, founder and CEO of Sticker Mule, an Amsterdam-based online custom printing company, who is also seeking the 21st District congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, President Trump’s choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

“As far as Cool Insuring Arena is concerned, we did our best just to make it a sporting event and an event that brought people to Warren County and downtown Glens Falls,” General Manager Jeff Mead said. “That’s what we’re all about, bringing people and groups to the City of Glens Falls for entertainment and the business community. From that aspect, it worked out perfectly; 3,500 people came downtown on a Friday night while the hockey team was out of town. They stay at local hotels, go out to dinner before and out to bars afterward.”

By LEE COLEMAN

The design for the new Shepard park amphitheater and bandstand has received positive reviews since the plans were unveiled by AJA Architecture and Lake George officials in late January.

“We are endorsing the design, we love it. It will increase attendance and becomes its own art piece,” said Tanya Tobias-Tomis, director of Lake George Arts Project.

The former pavilion was destroyed by an early morning fire last June, just before the summer season of events were to begin. A temporary bandstand was erected and the summer season was saved.

“With an acoustic-centered design, improved sight lines to both the stage and the lake, and safer, more accessible seating, audiences will enjoy a world-class experience like never before,” Tobias-Tomis said.

“Artists will benefit from high-quality sound and lighting, green room facilities and much-needed storage, while key safety upgrades, including lighting improvements in the park, ADA compliant walkways, and wi-fi improvements will enhance the overall experience for all who are visiting the park,” she said.

Mint Restaurant, a well-regarded Glens Falls establishment renowned for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a delightful dining experience, is now bringing its unique charm to Slingerlands. 

Johanna von Geldern, the proud owner of Mint Restaurant, along with her daughters Katriel and Cagney Houlihan, is a fervent advocate of sustainable and ethical dining. Her passion for food is deeply rooted in her childhood, where she witnessed her mother’s recovery from a serious illness through a macrobiotic diet. This early experience sparked her lifelong interest in healthy, mindful eating.  

This concept is at the core of Mint Restaurant. The restaurant passionately prioritizes sourcing ingredients from local farms and artisans, ensuring freshness, quality, and ethical and sustainable practices, fostering a strong connection with the local community.

The current menu includes produce from Grazin’ Acres Farm and The Mushroom Shop in Salem, Almosta Farm in Gansevoort, Kilcoyne Farm in Hudson Falls, Jasper Hill Farm in Freeville, Rosemary Acres and Pleasant Valley Apiary in Argyle, Saratoga Gluten Free in Schuylerville, Rock Hill Bake House in Glens Falls, and Pleasant Valley Flowers in Fort Edward.

Von Geldern’s mission is to foster a “safe space” for both employees and customers, ensuring a positive and supportive environment. She handpicks staff members who share her passion for service and contribute to the restaurant’s warm atmosphere. “I want everyone to have the most pleasing experience we can possibly provide,” she affirms.