Elda's On Lark serves fine Italian cuisine in the heart of the vibrant district known as Lark Street. Only open for dinner, you can choose from a list of homemade pastas (like tortelloni, ravioli and panzerotti), steak, veal and seafood dishes. You can also have something to eat at the bar or have your next office function or dinner party catered by Elda's. Buon appetito!

This family-run business on Lark Street has been around since 1976, selling their freshly roasted coffees and promoting local musicians with Thursday-night live performances. Downstairs is the café where you can get Belgian waffles, pastries, Italian sodas, smoothies, over sized Ruebens and all sorts of coffee drinks that are all homemade. Upstairs is the retail store where you can find the Daily Grind blends as well as all the coffee accessories you might need to make the perfect brew at home. Bring your laptop and hop onto the free Wi-Fi while sipping your drink.

The View at Mirror Lake Inn offers some of the finest, award-winning dining possible in the Lake Placid area. Located inside the historic Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, The View overlooks scenic Mirror Lake and has been enthralling hotel guests ever since. Meals can be included at a special rate if you are staying at the Inn, but if not, no worries since it is open to everyone. The Filet Mignon, either by itself, stuffed with Gorgonzola or topped with a mushroom sauce is phenomenal and the most tender, tasteful beef you will ever have. Guests can also take in a lovely breakfast with their famous Adirondack Flapjacks with pumpkin butter and maple syrup. Breakfast and dinner packages for hotel guests start at USD148 per person per day.

This popular Italian restaurant has been consistently voted one of the Capital Region's best as an upscale Italian eatery. The menu features locally produced and grown meats and vegetables and fantastic homemade desserts. Also enjoy seasonal menus that are paired with some of the best wines around. Once a year, the restaurants also organizes a trip to Italy to explore the impressive bouquet of flavors found in the Tuscan countryside.

Stella del Mare is located in what used to be the city's Little Italy, which was torn down to make way for the Empire State Plaza corridor and booming Interstate 787 back in the 1960's. This Italian grocery sell as variety of imports such as canned tomatoes, deli meats, cheeses, breakfast treats and imported DeCecco and Barilla pastas that cannot be found at your typical grocery store. Grinders can also be made to order and delicacies like Mortadella, Salame and Prosciutto Crudo are sold by the pound.

Lombardo's Restaurant in Albany serves up traditional Italian-American fare at this popular eatery close to Empire State Plaza. Family favorites like Eggplant or Veal Parmesan, Lobster Tail Fra Diavolo, Linguine alle vongole (Linguine with Clams) and many other pasta dishes with seafood. Chef Raffaele Sainato has been cooking up American interpretations of Calabrese dishes since 1992 and the restaurant is one of most popular in the city with its delicious meals.

Kurver Kreme has been an Albany favorite since 1953 thanks to its loyal customers that return summer after summer for delicious soft serve ice cream and loaded hot dogs. There is an overwhelming menu of Signature Sundaes, thick milkshakes, Boston Shakes, Italian Ice, ice cream floats and great hot dogs with meat sauce. Can't decide? You can bring home a pint or quart, or order an ice cream cake or pie to indulge in later on. Make sure that you come early in the evening to avoid the post-dinner rush, but worry not - the four windows can run through lines in a jiffy. Located near the Colonie Center in the suburb of Colonie.

Since 1958 Monticello Raceway has offered equestrian harness racing, and it remains a popular pastime for Catskills residents to this day. Together, the grandstand and clubhouse maintain a capacity for a total of 5,000 racing fans. The half-mile track features races all year long (weather permitting) from Sunday through Thursday. Later in the week, the track is reserved for special events. The new casino on the premise is a great way to spend an afternoon with table games, slots and fine dining. In the coming years, expect the place to grow with the addition of a luxury resort and spa. Check website for schedule listings.

This upscale American restaurant is located at Scribner Hollow Lodge, right next to Hunter Mountain and just a short drive away from Ski Windham. The Prospect has received a number of awards for its wine list and its seasonal menu featuring a multitude of regional ingredients. Menu selections include: Locally-smoked Catskill Mountain Rainbow Trout, Tartlette of Local Goat Cheese and Honey Mustard Pork Chops with Local Wildflower Glaze. The attractive dining room features views of the nearby Great Northern Catskills.

Considered by many to be the best steakhouse in the Catskills, this longtime establishment owned by Mark and Paul Edelman serves a wide variety of meats including filet mignon and sirloin steak. Among the other menu choices are salads, soups and seafood. The restaurant features a lounge area and terrace, in addition to its casual main dining room. Reservations not accepted.