2 Best Places to Eat Dim Sum in Albany
If you’re craving something exotic for dinner, head to one of these great restaurants in Albany for some great dim sum.
Hong Kong Bakery and Bistro
Hong Kong Bakery and Bistro is located on Wolf Road and has an extensive menu of dim sum to choose from. They have steamed dim sum, fried dim sum, as well as a nice selection of desserts. You can enjoy your meal in the restaurant, or choose some of their dim sum from the bakery area to take home with you.
The most popular items on the menu are shrimp dumplings and the pork buns, but you can also find plenty of vegetarian options on their dim sum menu. In addition to dim sum, Hong Kong Bakery also has a menu full of Chinese noodle dishes to enjoy.
Hu’s House
Hu’s House is also a great spot in downtown Albany for delicious dim sum. They’re best known for their steamed pork buns, but you can also try crispy pork buns, rice shao mai, and crispy fried wontons. There are also a few vegetarian options on the dim sum menu.
Hu’s House specializes in Shanghai-style food, so as well as great Chinese dim sum, you can also enjoy spicy soups, sweet and sour ribs, and tons of different seafood dishes. Hu’s House is a very popular restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so be sure to make a reservation if you want to ensure you get a table.
The next time you’re craving some dim sum, be sure to check out one of these delicious places in downtown Albany.

Image via Flickr by Maya83
Headlight Problems & Solutions

Out of all the features that come on your vehicle, one of the most important and most often overlooked (as a safety feature) is your headlights! Yeah, seriously. How often do you think about your headlights in the context of them being a safety feature on your vehicle? I am going to guess that the answer is “not very often.” That’s okay! This blog is about how you can take care of your headlights and make sure they’re functioning as well as they need to be. We’ve got your back on this. Don’t worry!
So, if your headlights are fully operational but just don’t seem as bright as they should be, or as they used to be, then you should first wash them with a cleaning solution and clean microfiber cloth. If, after you clean your headlights, they still seem dim, take a closer look. If they are scratched, chipped, pitted, or just hazy, ask us about headlight reconditioning!
If only one of your headlights is out, then it’s probably due to a burnt out bulb. It could also be a broken component of your headlight assembly… but it’s probably a burnt out bulb.
If both of your headlights are out, then you’ve got the opposite problem. Unless they burned out one by one (which, if that’s the case, why didn’t you come in sooner?!) you probably have a broken relay or switch for your headlights that needs to be repaired or replaced.
If your headlights work and are bright enough to satisfy you but just happen to go dim in certain situations, such as when you’re accelerating, then you might have a problem with your charging system. Talk to us about your situation at your next oil change!
Increase Your MPGs
If you are interested in increasing your vehicle’s fuel economy, you have come to the right blog! It’s not very hard to do, and especially if you’re not quite at the place to get a new vehicle just yet this can be a great thing to focus on when you drive that’ll save you money and can even be a fun driving challenge!
Our first tip for getting those MPGs up is to not speed. Speeding is, first of all, illegal, and second of all, it can bring your MPGs down drastically. When you are speeding, you’re accelerating (and decelerating) a lot more than you normally would be, which is a terrible waste of gas. To combat this, don’t speed! And use your cruise control when you are on the highway – it will keep you at a safe and consistent rate of speed.
Keeping your vehicle in peak condition is also incredibly important. Your tires should be properly inflated and your alignment should be perfect at all times. Regular inspections, tire rotations, and alignment checks are essential in maintaining good fuel economy. When your tires are properly inflated, the amount of drag that your engine has to work through is reduced. When it’s time for you to get new tires, ask for low rolling resistance tires to help your engine even more.
Combine trips when you leave the house to run errands. Carpooling is a great solution to not only lowering your emissions, but helping everyone save on gas! When you’re out and about, don’t idle your vehicle. Idling for one minute uses as much gas as it takes to start your car in the first place, and it creates a lot more exhaust.
When you’re out in the summer, try to park in the shade. Not only does this make your vehicle more comfortable for you to get into when you’re done with your errand, but it minimizes the evaporation of fuel in your tank from the heat and leaves you with more gas to use while driving. Finally, minimize the weight of your vehicle and the drag from vehicle storage. Clean out your vehicle and get rid of things in it that might be weighing you down. If you have roof storage, like a box, consider making room for those items in your vehicle or switching to a rear-mounted box to reduce drag.
You won’t increase your MPGs from 20 to 70, but if you do these things then you’ll hopefully see an increase of a few miles per gallon through careful driving!
For art lovers, the Albany Institute of History and Art offers great programs and exhibitions, to provide a new perspective on present and past. From the special collections of portrait exhibits to art programs for all, you will find several ways to get involved in art projects this spring.
Behind the Scenes Tours
Throughout the Spring, you will find tours and lectures about different art features, such as the one about Victorian Clothing and Jewelry on March 24, and a special introductory class about “Negro Artists” on March 4. Whether you are interested in the secrets and symbolism of Egyptian art or want to know more about local art history, you will find a great informative program to attend.
Glass Collection
This ongoing exhibit features household items as well as decorative glassware. You can find out more about the different techniques used to create glass objects; blowing, cutting, and coloring.
Art for All
If you would like to visit with your family, you can attend one of the “Evening at the Institute” events, every Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and take advantage of the extended hours of the galleries, cafe, and museum shop. This makes for a great way to spend some quality time together and introduce your kids to the world and history of art.
Visiting the Albany Institute of History and Art is the perfect choice for art lovers and those who are looking for historic curiosities. You can attend a lecture and find out more about your favorite artist or school.
Image via Flickr by Capital District, New York
If you are searching for an SUV with exceptional towing capacity that is ready for work when you are, the 2018 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve is a vehicle you should check out. With 8,500 pounds of maximum towing capacity and a top payload of 1.724 pounds, it can help you can get more done in less time. It’s perfect for taking the tent, the boat, and the kids.
85 Dressers
The Nissan Armada is perfect for moving house and delivering goods. With the average dresser weighing about 100 pounds, you can pile 85 of them on your trailer and be ready to go. The different cab designs and available trailers make it easy to haul whatever you need to: furniture, that special antique clock, or even a piano.
A Few Cars
The average car weighs around 4,000 pounds, which means you can use your Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve to help your friends out when they are stuck in a ditch or need cheap roadside recovery. With 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque produced by a powerful 5.6-liter V-8 engine, you can be a hero anytime.
Your RV
For those who would like to take all the comforts of home with them on an adventure, towing RVs is easier than ever. Simply choose the Tow/Haul mode on the console, and you can get a smoother ride and better stability for your load on all roads. The independent rear suspension will provide you with a quicker response when you need it.
Whether you want a reliable SUV or a car that is always ready for an adventure, the Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve is a perfect choice.
Image via Flickr by msvg
3 Hot Photo Spots for Amateur Photographers
Whether you have always enjoyed taking photos or just started your Instagram account, you will need to find the right photo spots to create unique images for your canvas wall art or your online collection. Below you will find three locations perfect for amateur and professional photographers.
- New York State Capitol Photo Spots
If you would like to capture the magnificence of the New York State Capitol on Albany’s State Street Hill, head to Lafayette Park or Academy Park early in the morning or just before sunset. Capture the unique lights and atmosphere, and find new angles to record the marvel of the 19th century masonry.
- Great Northern Catskills
The Great Northern Catskills offer great photo opportunities to capture landscapes and greenery in every season. Find wildlife or visit on a frosty morning for a unique photo shoot when you are walking around Albany. Check out the ski slopes and create a video driving down route 358.
- Washington Park
To find a great atmosphere and photo locations, head to Washington Park on a Sunday morning and see the undisturbed peace of nature. A perfect spot for creating nature collages, taking photos of wildlife, flowers, and the life that goes on here: people visiting for a quick jog, yoga, or morning walk with the dogs.
Whether you are into capturing the beauty of nature or life in the park, you will find great photo spots in Albany. Get your camera ready, wake up early, and beat the crowd.

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Image via Flickr by dougtone
3 Best New Restaurants to Try in Albany
If you would like to celebrate a great family night or have a romantic date, you might be searching for an exceptional restaurant in Albany with great dishes and a friendly atmosphere. From excellent wine to great service, Albany’s restaurants offer great value for families and couples. Find our list of the top places to visit this year below.
- Cafe Capriccio
For friendly service, authentic Italian dishes, and fresh ingredients, you will love being served at this upmarket restaurant in the Capital District. From freshly prepared salads to homemade tagliatelle, there are plenty of Italian masterpieces you can try. If you would like to try making one of the dishes, you can sign up for cooking school classes with your partner, to create something special at home for a date night.
- Yono’s
Yono’s on Chapel Street offers great Indonesian food. It also features a wine program that allows you to taste some of the best red and white vintages from all over the world.
- The Pump Station
For a relaxed chat with friends or catching up with the girls, you should head down to the Albany Pump Station, where you’ll find 11 in-house beer specialties to choose from. The specialties of the kitchen include sea bass and lobster ravioli. If you arrive with kids, you will find some light bites and small pasta dishes to keep them happy.
Whether you are looking for a place for a romantic date, or a Friday night chill with the girls, you can find the perfect restaurant for your dinner in Albany.

Image via Flickr by MJBarnes
A Souped-Up Electric Car? Meet the Nissan Leaf Nismo
If you ever wondered what would happen if Nissan combined the successful Leaf with the Nismo’s sporty character, you don’t have to keep guessing any more. The new 2018 Nissan Nismo Leaf concept opens a new chapter in the history of electric vehicles. Find out more about the features you should look out for.
Sporty Look and Handling
To further improve the appearance of the Leaf, Nissan added some fun design to the soup, so you can get the best of both worlds. With a red-accented bumper and more confident hood, the visual upgrades are clearly visible. What is invisible to the eye, however, is the upgraded suspension and the performance tires to provide you with instant acceleration and a better grip on the road.
Performance and Efficiency
You will get 147 horsepower with the 2018 Nissan Leaf Nismo and a range of around 150 miles, thanks to the 40-kW battery pack. If you are seeking some more fun, you will find the e-Pedal, allowing you to speed up, decelerate, and stop using only one pedal. Want even more? The ProPilot Park will make getting into tight places easy as pie.
Custom-tuned Computer
The custom–tuned computer will provide instant acceleration, no matter what your speed is. The power use and distribution is managed by smart technology, so you stop wasting energy and start using it to your advantage on the road.
For those who would like to combine a sporty ride with green technology and smart features, the new Nissan Leaf Nismo is like a dream come true.

Image via Flickr by MIKI Yoshihito. (#mikiyoshihito)
A Look at the 2018 Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition
The Nissan Z is one of the most iconic sports cars in history. The 1967 Datsun 240Z, also known as a Nissan Z-car, is a favorite among collectors. The Nissan 370Z was first launched in 2009 and got better with age. With over 300 horses under the hood, you will be able to turn heads and spin the wheels as fast as humanly possible.
Powerful Engine and Balanced Performance
The 332 horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 delivers on every road with its rear-wheel drive. The 2018 Nissan 370Z comes with an open differential to reduce the resistance no matter which road you have to tackle next. The Continuously Variable Valve Control System provides you with a quicker response when it matters the most. You can choose the six-speed manual or the seven-speed automatic transmission that provides downshift rev matching, allowing you to make the most out of your cruising time.
Stylish and Unique Interior
For those who remember the original Nissan V series, the return of vintage dash gauges will be a treat. You will love the automatic temperature control, which allows you to focus on the road ahead instead of adjusting the dials. The yellow-and-black interior includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, yellow interior trim, and a hands-free phone system.
Advanced Safety
From the advanced airbag system to the vehicle dynamic control and traction control, Nissan has put in all the best technology so you can feel safe behind the wheel.
Whether you love speed or the retro look interior or would like more enjoyment out of your cruising time, the Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition is a great choice.
Fall In Love With A New Nissan This V-Day!
February is here! What a fantastic month – we’ve got so many great holidays, like Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, and of course the Nissan Now Sales Event at Destination Nissan! You might not have heard of the last one, but believe us, it’s probably the best holiday this month. We’ve got some great savings available here at Destination Nissan that you should definitely check out!
The first opportunity to save big is with the 2018 Nissan Sentra. Yeah, you read that right, you can save money on a 2018 vehicle. With a 36-month lease, you’ll only pay $189 a month, and pay $189 plus tax and fees at inception. The Sentra is a fantastic vehicle whose name is almost synonymous with Nissan, and it’s perfect for everything from taking the kids to school and sports to cruising around town with your friends. Take a test drive and find out how it’s perfect for you!
Next up is the 2017 Nissan Rogue. A tough little SUV, the Rogue is an up-and-comer in the Nissan lineup, and it’s got people talking! Not only is it roomy on the inside, but it’s small enough on the outside to weave through city traffic and tough enough to tackle any outdoor adventure you go on. The best part? It’s yours for up to $6,000 off of the MSRP!
Finally, we have the fantastic 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport AWD. Those three little letters mean All-Wheel Drive, which in turn means “perfect for these Upstate winters.” It’s got all the features you love from the regular Rogue, but with the added versatility of that all-wheel drive. This vehicle can take anything you throw it at, and you’ll fall in love the first time you turn it on. You’ll also fall in love with the savings, because the 2017 Rogue Sport AWD can find a home in your garage for up to $5,000 off of the MSRP. What a way to save!
If you’re excited about these deals like we think you are, schedule a test drive today! We look forward to helping you find the perfect Nissan!
*All specials expire on 2/28/2018. See specials page for details.
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