Metroland Best of the Capital Region 2009
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The Metroland Best of the Capital Region 2009 was released recently and congratulations are in order. A number of Lark Street area merchants, restaurants, and bars were recognized this year. As for food and drinks, so many Lark Street establishments were recognized that in 24 hours you could enjoy every meal here as well as desserts and drinks.
Do you need to start your day early or are you ending your night late? Café 217 was voted Best Way-Late-Night Dining. Café 217 is open from 5pm to 7am on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 5pm Friday through 2pm Sunday. Breakfast and lunch are served anytime and dinner is served from 5pm to 10pm.
Ready for a snack or lunch? There are a couple of options. Al-Baraki II Lebanese Cuisine, located close to Washington Avenue, was voted Best Falafel. Don't just stop with the falafel though; be sure to try the batata with garlic sauce and other Lebanese dishes and desserts. If you happen to be at the other end of Lark Street, head around the corner and on to Madison Avenue to check out Debbie's Kitchen. Debbie's is a great little place for terrific sandwiches that go beyond your basic meat, cheese, mayo combination. But not to worry if that is what you prefer the staff are happy to accommodate.
For dessert be sure to stop by Crisan, the Metroland's vote for Best Edible Art Gallery. They don't just serve up delicious sweets, pastries, cakes, and gelato; each of their creations is a little work of art, making everything is as beautiful as it is delicious.
In between meals and snacks don't forget to check out the great shopping on Lark Street. Elissa Halloran and the Downtube Cycle Shop were voted as the Best Jewelry and Best Bike Shop respectively, in the region again. Elissa offers an eclectic mix of vintage clothes and jewelry, gifts, and of course, her own jewelry designs. If you are looking for a new bike and accessories or if your bike is in need of repair, the Downtube is the place to go. Knowledgeable staff members will make your visit an easy one.
If you are still on the move and ready for dinner be sure to check out Elda's on Lark for their new gourmet pizzas which are sure to delight your taste buds. Or try Justin's, voted Best Late-Night Dining. The kitchen is open until 1pm and not only serves all of the classic favorites but also some more unusual dishes that are sure to please you as well.
When wrapping up your day on Lark Street be sure to check out the Best Wine Bar, the Wine Bar and Bistro, a warm and intimate atmosphere with knowledgeable servers to help you with your wine selection. The patio is a lovely little spot hidden away from the rest of the city making it a perfect place to enjoy your wine and company. Or if you are looking for something a little less cozy check out the Best Bar, Tess' Lark Tavern or the Best Gay Bar, Oh Bar. Tess' Lark Tavern has got great pub food and drinks, poetry open mics and plenty of live music. Check out Oh Bar for the drinks, the patio out back, and the karaoke. And don't forget if you get hungry after spending time at the bars, Café 217 is just down the street where you can start your day all over again.
Congratulations to our "Best of the Capital Region" Lark Street neighbors!