Warm Karma and Cold Ice Cream

Even during a snow storm it's never too cold to slurp a shake at "Emack & Bolio's" parlor on Delaware Ave in Albany.

You can't miss it; it's the cottage house with the little white picket fence out front and colorful signage. It sits on the corner of St.James Place across from Albany's Historic Registry Fire House and the St. James Church.

Locals are lucky; all they have to do is walk here with their kiddies and canines in tow. Dogs are welcome to wait on the porch while Emack preps them a special sundae featuring a biscuit buried under 2 scoops of vanilla frozen yogurt.

Parking can be tough with over-grown snowbanks, slippery pavement and fire trucks coming and going but it's worth the fuss. Inside you'll find latte's brewing, warm pastries and a toasty fireplace with cushy chairs and free wi-fi.

The vibe on weekends is the best. There's just enough room for acoustic trios to sound off in the coffee lounge and further, in the back, is space reserved for local artisan Christine Shea. Her creative gallery sells original mosaic picture frames, mirrors, wall hangings, birdhouses, tabletops, even lazy susans.

The atmosphere and philosophy is much like Ben & Jerry's: fun, groovy and socially conscious. The chain was even named after two homeless people.

But, Emack started in Boston 3 years before B&J opened in Burlington and unlike B&J, Emack decided not to go international and sell their franchise to a large corporation. Music Lawyer Bobby Rook and a bunch of his famous musician friends still stick to their roots making sure peace, love and fabulous ice cream dominate their shops. Good for them and good for us.

Unlike Starbucks, that consistently pour only half-full cups, unless I complain, Emack fills everything to the rim, spilling some if that means more for the customer. Winter is a great time to visit because there are no queues and you can score your sweetie a box of chocolate-dipped strawberries for Valentines this February.

So step right up and pair your steaming hot chocolate fudge drink with a scoop of Caramel Moose Prints, the official store mascot. Your taste-buds will love the two extremes.

P.S. Another scoop - while eaves-dropping on a conversation I heard that this gem will be multiplying in an area mall soon. Be on the look out!

Emack & Bolio's
366 Delaware Avenue
Albany, NY 12209
Sun - Thur : 11 am - 10 pm
Fri and Sat: 11 am - 11pm
(518) 512-5100