Sinatra keeps making it in (Albany) NY

January 16, 8:29 PMUpstate NY Restaurant ExaminerBill Dowd

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  La Serre Restaurant

ALBANY, NY -- Frank Sinatra may have been The Man in New York, Hollywood and Chicago during his heyday, but Ol' Blue Eyes always had a special place in Albany's heart.

Sinatra was chosen as the first entertainer ever to perform at the then-new civic center, originally called The Knickerbocker Arena (then the Pepsi Arena and now the Times Union Center), on opening night January 30, 1990. Special dinners starring Sinatra impersonators have been popular over the years throughout the Capital Region.

The latest such event is "Cucina Sinatra" scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, January 24, at La Serre Restaurant, just around the corner from the arena at 14 Green Street.

The wine dinner will include commentary by Joe Armstrong of Lauber Imports, a menu by La Serre's chef de cuisine Jeffrey Mesick and songs by Ed “The Voice” Clifford, known for his professional act mimicking a variety of crooners.

The menu:

• Hors d’oeuvres: Calamato (anchovy-eggplant garlic dip), polpetta (little meatballs), imported pecorino; Elsa Bonarda 2007 (Mendoza, Argentina).

• Calamari; Castell Silvaner Trocken 2006 (Franken, Germany).

• Radiatorre with broccoli, sundried tomato, basil, pine nuts; Cusumano Insolia 2007 (Sicily, Italy).

• Sicilian insalata.

• Bracciole (stuffed, marinated flank steak), asparagus Parmesan; Chateau Bouscasse Madiran 2003 (southwest France).

• Cassatta (rum cake)