Let me begin by mentioning that I am a degreed chef, I worked for 12 years as a flight attendant…read moreand Purser for Pan American World Airways, almost always working the First Class Galley, I have chaired many Tea Gatherings for my local CT Church and entertain frequently by serving an authentic English Tea to friends and family. I have earned and wear with pride my nickname of "The Tea Lady". I have taken Tea Ceremony classes in Tokyo Japan and have enjoyed afternoon tea service at 5 star properties from Manhattan (The Russian Tea Room) to Dacca in Bangladesh. I have enjoyed Tea at The Churchill Hotel in London, The Breakers Hotel under their hand painted ceiling and most recently I reveled in a cherry blossomed Tea Room in Edinburgh at the famous Palm Court of the Balmoral Hotel second only to the Palm Court at The Plaza in NYC. I say this only to provide context to what I am about to say concerning a tea spot in East Greenbush which until recently was one of my favorite upstate NY places to have Tea and escape for a few minutes from our bustling, noisy, distracting world. Just last week I invited a friend to come to tea and lunch with me since we had not seen each other in a very long time and she had had surgery a short time ago. I called Roots at 1PM and asked if their tea service could be ordered for one hour hence. I was told: "Oh no that takes 3 hours to prepare, sorry you can't order Tea now". So I settled on lunch and made an appt for 2PM. (they advertise that they are open until 3PM.) We arrived on the dot of 2, only to be reminded that they close down the kitchen at 2:30 so we should order pretty fast, in addition the kitchen was 112 degrees and the cook wanted to be out of there! We ordered and the meals came out very fast but not before we were asked 3 times by the very loud and frankly intrusive server "were our drinks ok?", "did we want to order NOW", and again, how are your drinks?" My friend and I were talking in a very soft lady-like manner and this person's tenor and intrusions into our conversation was very un-welcomed. My sandwich had mustard slathered on it, so much that I had to wipe it clean in order to eat. My tea had been served w/o the milk I requested and w/o benefit of a spoon with which to stir it when I finally was given the milk. Thereafter there followed an annoying uninvited "visit" by our server approx 4 more times to interrupt the important conversation I was trying to have with my guest. When the cook came out and pulled the money out of the register, and when the server yelled across the large room to someone who had entered the front door, over our heads, I asked my guest: "what time is it?" "2:30" she answered, we were being told it was time to leave in no uncertain terms before the close of their published business day! Then the coup de grace... the lights were turned off! Frankly I was surprised that the vacuum cleaner was not also engaged at that exact time. I stood up and said " Well I gather we are being told to leave?" No answer from either the cook or the server. I asked for the check and shared with the server ( in a very calm demeanor) how she had broken every rule of gracious dining in the 45 minutes that we had been their "guests". I left but not without leaving a generous tip even though she told me since we had had such a negative experience that I did not need to leave a tip. After all it is not her fault that her employer has not trained her in the finer points of hospitality...which is by definition "the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers". We were neither treated or received in a friendly manner. I left saying: "Goodbye for now and forever". I went home dreaming of the next time I would be at The Reading Room Cafe in Cos Cob, Greenwich where the customer is treated with the most gracious hospitality ...even if I were to arrive just before closing time at 5PM. Instead of leaving the world behind for one hour we were instead bombarded by the world outside being inside Roots... noisy, distracting and utterly w/o even the semblance of good manners and dining etiquette. Sadly and Sincerely, Mary Howard

I'll lovely cafe near home with an even lovelier owner…read more A girls lunch with one friend. I've been here before and got a sandwich which was good but the pancakes were outstanding, a family recipe and I ordered a side which was a sausage patty. A very good experience. They were short on help, but the waiter was good, and it really wasn't that long of a wait. My friend enjoyed her salad. We both had coffee and were good. After eating we went and looked around their little gift shop. They also have a little dessert and candy area. If you want a treat to go.

Very convenient store. Sells hair, food, and so much more. Nice workers and very helpful.read more

always has the right items when needed and there service is great and always has the good hair…read moreproducts

There's a little bit of everything here, but not necessarily a lot of anything. That means if you…read moresee something you want, because they might not have a lot of that item on the shelves (that may be due to space). I was greeted immediately when I entered and asked if I needed any assistance. The selections of vitamins and supplements, dried herbs, and dried fruits/nuts/etc., covered all the basics and a bit beyond. But there were also several completely empty areas in the store, and I'm not sure what was supposed to be in those spots. I also got a discount on my supplements. I'm still a little spoiled by places I could visit in the Hudson Valley (e.g., Mother Earth), but this is fine for basic items.

Great place for your nutritional need. Lots of herbal medicine's. If they don't have what you're…read morelooking for, they'll order it for you. Prices are a bit high however you're paying for their knowledge. The staff is friendly and well versed with all herbals.

Loiuse does an Amazing job! This is such a welcoming, unique place!…read more It is a MUST! They have everything! And she organizes many events!!

Delightful staff, drinks, food, and merch! We really enjoyed our visit and hearing a bit about…read morelocal history when we asked.

Been to this little shop in downtown Schenectady a couple of times whenever we visit NY. Usually…read morein the summer during some farmer's market/ street fair thing going on in that part of town. Nice selection of unique, fairly priced items. The folk in the shop have been always friendly, always helpful everything time I've been in (All two times). What I like is their selection of tie-dyed items and Baja hoodies. I actually bought one of my favorite Baja hoodies there. They also sell my favorite brand of incense, and not only that but offer up several fragrances I don't find anywhere else. So I usually pick up that as well. Tell you what, definitely makes my suitcase smell nice when I pack it in my checked luggage. Anyhoo, chances are I'll be back the next time I'm in New York. Might even find myself my new favorite Baja Hoodie.

ABSOLUTELY LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PLACE!!! I've been…read moregoing there for years and have never been disappointed with them! The staff is always super friendly and helpful.

What went well? Everything went well! Delicious food, expertly prepared, very inexpensive, very…read morefast, easy in and out to order food or pick up food or shop for groceries. I City Market, 2810 5th Ave, Troy, NY, 12180. Yum! Enjoy! Coleen Murtagh Paratore

We often order from here for lunch. We work at a school nearby and always have had a good…read moreexperience.

Such an incredible shop! Owner Theresa has such a beautiful…read moreshop, offers a ton of different scents and products, and truly goes out of her way to make customers feel welcome. I went in to get a jump start on holiday shopping, and I was so happy to find so many different scents. I got several gifts, including lotion, soaps, bath bombs and more. Scent-wise there's something for everyone, including floral, fruity, seasonal scents and even ones made from beer and spirits. There are also candles, soap holders, local art, and so much more. It's a fantastic shop in the heart of Troy. Shop small and support someone in your community, and get incredible gifts too!

This is a great shop fully of wonderful scents and sights. This is a great place to get gifts…read morejust for yourself or for others. The store is beautiful with the rows of colorful soaps. I have gotten bar soaps, bath bombs, and jar candles and all have been fantastic. Theresa (the owner) is spot on with the scent profiles and the product designs! The bar soap scent even stays fragrant for the whole use of the bar - it still smelled great when there was only a tiny piece left.

The selection for glass wear is amazing. I'm not sure if it's family owned and staffed but the two…read morepeople that were working when I went were super informative and genuine. The store is very organized and well stocked, the staff was polite. Honestly I didn't think I would love a smokeshop(ever) and it's vibe like I liked this one.

They are the best of the best for everything you need. Prices are excellent. The young lady that…read moreruns Barry's is wonderful. The selection of vapes or really anything smoke is amazing. They always have everything you need. I love Barry's.