Quoted from DemocraticVoiceOfReason

We should have a  party like they had in Boston in December 1773 -- only this time throw the
Tea Partiers into the ocean  -- actually the participants in the Boston Tea Party would be spinning
in their graves over this current group of thugs and extremists hijacking the good name of that event
237 years ago.

We revolted against Great Britain to have freedom and liberty  NOT to be enslaved under the elitist toltalitarian
right-wing junta that Palin and the others would have us living under.

Quoted from DemocraticVoiceOfReason

Brooks Barbecue is a lot more than 11 miles from Rotterdam.   It is down by Oneonta.   I have eaten there
a number of times.

There is no need to stay in New York -- the  Tea Party hasn't taken over the country yet and forced us to
have "travel permits" to leave our hometowns.

Quoted from Kevin March

I apologize.  I must have missed a word in there.  This was in comparison to your previous post at that time, and it was an additional 11 miles in the opposite direction from where you were stating.  If you're stating that Oneonta is too far, then maybe traveling to another state approximately the same distance is too far.  I realize my mistake, and I apologize.

I realize that we don't HAVE to eat in NY, or shop in Schenectady, but if we do, then it will help to bring down our tax burden when it comes to our paychecks eventually.

Quoted from DemocraticVoiceOfReason

It is not that far - a little more than an hour drive - here is a little something from their website:

"Artigiano means, “artist of the craft”.  One who takes pride in details, infusing passion into what they do. Davide Manzo, chef and owner of Trattoria Rustica is an Artigiano. Born and raised in Pompeii Italy, he is third generation of Cucina Napoletana.

At Trattoria Rustica, Davide Manzo has created an authentic Italian experience in the Berkshires, including the interior, built with his own hands. Most of the materials such as the tiles and brick of the bee-hive wood burning oven are imported from Italy. Important, because it is a key element in the flavors of “Antichi Sapori”- the ancient flavors of Pompeii.

At Trattoria Rustica you will experience Italy, from the intimate setting with Neapolitan artwork surrounding you to the delicious food you will enjoy. It's the fine art of Italian dining, service, music and the enjoyment among family and friends.

Trattoria Rustica uses the freshest ingredients available, choosing organic and locally grown produce whenever possible. We serve only the finest hormone-free and antibiotic-free, humanely raised meats, poultry and fish."

   I was first "turned on" to the restaurant by Dr. Allan Chartock and the owner of a well known Italian          restaurant in the Capital District.    This place is so good that this is where Italian chefs go to eat when
they have the opportunity.

More from their website:
"Davide Manzo, chef and owner of Trattoria Rustica, was born and raised in Pompeii Italy. He is third generation of Cucina Napoletana. With Trattoria Rustica he has created an authentic Italian experience in the Berkshires: from the decor, built with his own hands, to the artful preparation of “Antichi Sapori”, the ancient flavors of Pompeii. He is passionate about his homeland, his culture and traditions.

As a child, Davide made the tragic “old city” of Pompeii his playground. It was there that he began his lifelong fascination with ancient myths and history.  This experience combined with the strong influence of his grandmother and grandfather, who owned and operated a trattoria on the Amalfi Coast, was the basis for his present endeavor.

Davide immigrated to the United States in 1970 at the impressionable age of 15. He worked in construction while taking in the American experience always maintaining a firm connection to his family and roots. He also worked alongside his sister and mother when they opened an Americanized version of a pizzeria. As he matured, he began recognizing the presence of a muse which would drive him to want to create an authentic experience, one that paid tribute to the masterful skill of presenting and preparing food.

Davide often engages in active dialogue with his patrons, sharing with them about his ideas, educating everyone who comes in the door in one way or another about the food, wine, people, music and traditions of Italy and especially his native Pompeii. Davide has an infectious and generous energy that keeps people coming back. His enthusiasm about his culture is portrayed in a myriad of ways including the musicians he selects to perform, the late night outdoor Italian movies in the courtyard, his choice of intelligent and dedicated staff, his generosity of spirit, and most of all his delicious and authentic Cucina Napoletana."