Field Notes - Schenectady

Hey, I just have to write a bit about our evening at Field Notes (I didn't even know the name our friend made the reservation for all of us). We had a party of 10, coming from LI and Albany, sat next to a guy from NJ, across from 4 LOVELY ladies and had 2 more couples down at the other end. Not only did this glass enclosed, beautifully lit tented farm to table exceed our expectations, but the chefs were absolutely REAL, CHARMING and LOVVVEEE what they do. The porchetta was so freakin' perfect, it put mine to shame. The white acorn squash was the creamiest rosemary scented potato type mash, I'm desperately trying to replicate it at home now (which reminded me to find who they were and post). Everything about this evening was perfect. Thank you for hosting a night we'll never forget truly.

We (my husband, toddler, mother-in-law, and me) came to brunch here on Sunday. It was a nice(ish) day and really enjoyed sitting on the patio (which now is covered and has an enclosure around it) for breakfast. For drinks the table got ice tea which was delicious, orange juice which was very fresh tasting, and hot tea which had some nice options for variety. While we were waiting on our food the farmer came out and cut up some watermelon and brought slices over to the table. It was so fresh and delicious. I went with the french toast option on their menu and it was delicious. For my toddler, she got the eggs, hash, and toast with sausages. I ate some of her food and it was delicious. I don't recall what the MIL and husband got (mostly because I didn't steal food off their plates), but everyone was satisfied. I can't wait to come back and enjoy another meal here. Maybe we'll try dinner next time. Oh and don't worry they have a pretty decent bathroom around the back. I was nervous with a potty training kiddo to bring her here, but it was all good!

Absolutely amazing! I happened to find this farm-to-table restaurant and enjoyed a wonderful Sunday brunch there!

For some context, Lansing Farm is tucked away in a suburb with plenty of open space west of Albany Airport. If you're coming from the south, you'll enjoy a pleasant drive starting on Route 155 and heading north. The commute from above the Mohawk River isn't as charming but still manageable. You'll travel a long way west on Route 7, and if you go a bit farther, you can grab a sub at Lyle's Hoagies in Schenectady for your next meal. Soon after, you’ll turn left onto a winding country road that lead you through residential areas until you reach a farm stand that is actually Lansing Farms. They offer a variety of seasonal produce, and I picked up some beautiful, sun-ripened tomatoes (though the variety was unknown to the store clerk), which will be part of tonight's dinner. Don’t forget to explore the store while you're there. Now, onto lunch. I arrived a bit late, at 1 PM, and found that there were only a couple of other diners inside the tent, which features clear sides and offers a nice view of the fields. I was eager to try the scrapple and was delighted to find it available for just $4 as part of the Local Special, which comes with two eggs and a vegetable hash (mostly sweet potatoes with a bit of zucchini). Other menu items were priced closer to $10. The eggs were fresh with intensely flavorful yolks, and while the hash was decent, the scrapple was more like a pudding with a crust—less substantial than I expected, but it paired well with Riverside maple syrup, so I can’t really complain. A buttered biscuit (rather plain) was there to soak up the delicious juices. A glass of mint iced tea was refreshing, though I wished I had been offered a refill. The service was quite relaxed, so don't expect a rushed meal, especially if you're indulging in multiple courses. Bring your growler or a bottle of wine, and settle in to enjoy the beautiful late summer weather—perhaps with a bonus thunderstorm or two.

One word: amazing!! Where else can you dine right at the farm where your food originates? Field Notes offers just that experience! We visited for brunch on a warm Sunday afternoon and were promptly seated in an open-air tent. There were fans circulating, which made the heat much more tolerable. The brunch menu included a cider donut sandwich, blueberry pancakes, eggs with vegetable hash, and a salad. We sampled the sourdough blueberry pancakes and the cider donut sandwich, topped with eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese. The fresh blueberries in the pancakes were delightful, and the sandwich struck the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I also highly recommend the lemon blueberry mint fizz if it's available on the drink menu; it was delicious and packed with fresh blueberries! I can't wait to return and try more seasonal dishes, as well as the Friday and Saturday night dinners!