ALTAMONT — Longtime Capital District restaurateur Peter Blackman is challenging the long-held perception that the village’s only restaurant is an unapproachable, high-end dining establishment.
At Veronica’s Culinary Tavern, housed in what used to be Mio Vino, Blackman strives to provide a versatile dining experience where everyone is welcome, whether they’ve come to celebrate a special occasion with a fancy dinner or simply enjoy a beer at the bar after finishing yardwork for the day.
Blackman, who’s previously been at the helm of both Mazzone Hospitality’s Apertivo in downtown Schenectady, and White Management’s Mangia Wood Fired Pizza in Slingerlands, admits that Veronica’s could very well be considered the child borne of the other two establishments.
While Blackman’s goal is to provide diners with service and experience that exceeds their expectations, even more so than the food, he says the dishes prepared by Johnson & Wales trained Chef Alex Carusone are nothing short of “spectacular.” In fact, the two test and approve each dish that appears on Veronica’s menu.
In the two weeks since the restaurant debuted its new menu, Blackman says the Pappardelle Bolognese, the Buffalo Pork Chop, and the Chicken Oscar are extremely popular. His suggestion for selecting an entree: “If it sounds good to you, then it’s going to be fantastic.”
Blackman considers Veronica’s menu items to be reasonably priced, with entrees and pasta dinners ranging from $20 to $35. The restaurant is also introducing daily specials along with its new 10 to 1 Happy Hour, featuring drinks and small plate items priced from $1 to $10.
Veronica’s Culinary Tavern, located at 186 Main St. in the village of Altamont, is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. For more information about the restaurant, including its current menu, visit www.veronicastavern.com. To reserve a table, please call (518) 595-5095.