Switching gears a little to highlight a non-consumable Made in NY product

This week I wanted to switch gears a little, and shift the focus away from food and beer. This week I wanted to highlight p.w. minor, a company which has been manufacturing shoes in Batavia, NY for 144 years. Today their products are found in shoe stores throughout the country.

p.w. minor specializes in making casual shoes, dress shoes, athletic shoes, boots, sandals and shoes for the medical profession. The company displays pride in their craftsmanship for the quality of the shoe you purchase. They also manufacture a number of specialty products for individuals with a number of different conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, bunions, hammer toes, and plantar fasciitis.

A tool on their website will help you locate a dealer in your area where you can purchase their shoes.

Next time you're in the market for a new pair of shoes, why not consider a pair from a company manufacturing them right here in New York state.

Reviewing another NY beer for Oktoberfest

I know my last two posts have revolved around items found in Cooperstown, so I want to promise you that not all products reviewed in this blog will be from there. However, this post will still be a beer review as we get closer to Oktoberfest. One of the oldest, continually operating breweries in America is the Genesee Brewing Companylocated in Rochester, NY.

While there are some in Rochester who consider this to be a "cheap" beer that's not fit for consumption, it does not speak to all of those who have been supporting the brewery throughout the years. It has been my experience that most people who say they don't like Genesee beer have never actually tried it.

The brewery produces Genesee, Genny Light, Genesee Cream Ale, Genesee Ice, Genesee N.A., and Genesee Bock Beer. My personal favorite from this brewery is their flagship beer, Genesee. This beer, actually a lager, has a very crisp taste which makes it easy to drink.

If you haven't tried a beer from the Genesee Brewing Company before, or haven't had one from there in a while, I encourage you to try out any of their products.

The first of many NY beer reviews to get you ready for Oktoberfest!

In my previous post I mentioned one of my favorite dips which I found while vacationing in the Coooperstown, NY area. While on that same trip I found what I consider to be one of the best breweries in the north east. It's called Brewery Ommegang, and is located in Cooperstown, not too far from the downtown area. Driving up to it I knew it was going to be something special. It's set back from the road on a well manicured property, which is in start contrast to the forests and fields around them. The brewery offers guided tours, offering detailed explanations about the brewing process for their various beers. Don't fret, you won't be leaving empty handed. At the end of the tour you arrive in a tasting room and can sample each of the beers you just heard about. The beers are crisp, and each have a distinct flavor. I found myself particularly drawn to the Witte and the Hennipen the most, and am fortunate to still be able to purchase these locally at Wegmans. The beers themselves do have a higher price tag on them than most of the mass-produced beers you are probably familiar with. Don't let that fool you! The beers, even in their smallest 4-pack size, are stronger and have more flavor than most other beers you've tried. And if you get their larger sizes you'll find the bottle is perfect for sharing.

Next time you're looking for a new beer, particularly one made right here in New York State, check out any of the brews available from Brewery Ommegang. You won't be sorry.

One of the best Buffalo Bleu Cheese Dip's I've had

Over the years I've found it quite hard to find a good Buffalo Wing Dip at local supermarkets. Most were either too watery, too paste-like, too bland, or just didn't taste right. That all changed while I was vacationing in the Cooperstown, NY, area and found Fly Creek Cider Mill. All I have to say about this place is WOW! I could probably write a review for just about every product in this place. When you're in the store you have the opportunity to try just about every product they make. That actually makes the process harder, since everything is excellent. One of the items I tried in their store was their Buffalo Bleu Cheese Dip. It has a taste, and texture, that is very close to when you dip a buffalo wing into a tub of bleu cheese. This makes a a wonderful dip for chips & pretzels, as well as a great spread.

Buy it here directly from Fly Creek Cider Mill