Tasty tourism: Local foodie launches downtown Troy food tours

TROY >> A local foodie is offering culinary escapes in the Collar City with a new series of Taste of Troy Food Tours.

Amy Koren-Roth is the founder and Forever Foodie guide of the new tours, which she launched this spring.

"Food tours help tell the story of a city in a delicious way," she explained. "They're about tasting local foods and getting exposure to the entrepreneurs who are bringing creativity to their city. We can be food travelers in our own regions, cities and neighborhoods."

Culinary tourism is a popular trend for both locals and visitors, combining sightseeing and the enjoyment of unique food and drink experiences into an appetizing adventure.

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Koren-Roth said she is a history buff, "but food is what I'm most passionate about." The two are perfectly combined in the Taste of Troy Food Tours, her first business, which she hopes will thrive in her upcoming retirement years.

Taste of Troy Food Tours are offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from May through October throughout downtown Troy.

"I have been asked why I chose Troy for my Saturday walking food tour," Koren-Roth said. "It is clear to me that those asking haven't been to Troy lately and probably have never been on a food tour."

Taste of Troy Food Tours include visits to five eateries and a historical or architectural landmark. The walking tours stop at Psychedelicatessen, The Whistling Kettle, St. Paul's Church, Illium Cafe, Brown's Brewing Company and Sweet Sue's, all within the walkable downtown district.

"Our tour enables guests to try several restaurants at a time, come away with some tasty memories and hopefully return to fully enjoy all of the city's culinary delights," Koren-Roth said.

In searching for the right spots for her tour, Koren-Roth chose places that offer food or drink that tell the story of the historic downtown. Though dining out wasn't popular around the time of the city's birth, Koren-Roth discovered through research at the Rensselaer County Historical Society what types of cuisine would be offered to guests in homes. Foods on the tour like smoked salmon and macaroons came from this research, while other items like bagels and chicken wings are included because they're typical New York state foods.

In addition to Troy delicacies, Koren-Roth likes showing off how the local eateries have helped revitalize the city, which is celebrating its bicentennial this year.

"Food tours are about telling the story of a city in a delicious way, tasting local foods while giving exposure to the entrepreneurs who are bringing culinary creativity to their city," she said. "They combine sightseeing and enjoyment of unique and memorable food and drink experiences into one mouth-watering adventure. Our Central Troy Historic District food tour tells Troy's story delectably."

Each three-hour walking tour is led by Koren-Roth, who also takes time on the tour to discuss interesting historical, cultural and architectural facts along the way. A stop at the beautifully preserved St. Paul's Episcopal Church on 3rd Street allows guests to marvel at the magnificent Tiffany-designed interior.

Tours end at the Troy Riverfront Farmers Market in time for some shopping among the acclaimed market's more than 80 vendors.

A registered and certified dietitian nutritionist from Delmar, Koren-Roth got the idea for Troy food tours after experiencing similar programs in other cities in the course of her travels.

"Exploring local markets whenever I travel made me realize that we can be food travelers in our own cities and neighborhoods," she said, attributing the growth in the number and quality of Troy's food establishments, craft breweries and farmers market for the city's recent downtown revival.

"Troy's historic district is a beautifully preserved 19th century downtown, celebrating its 200th year of incorporation and yet is mostly full of recent food establishments," Koren-Roth noted. "My sense is that the growth in the number and quality of food establishments, craft breweries and amazing farmers market are helping to revitalize this gem on the eastern shores of the Hudson."

And business owners appreciate Koren-Roth taking this initiative.

"I think it's wonderful that she's driving this type of traffic through our places in Troy," said Susan Dunckel, owner of Sweet Sue's on River Street, where tourgoers indulge in a couple tasty macaroons as dessert at the end of each tour. "I thought it was an excellent idea. There are so many new places to eat, there are so many different things that we're doing in this town, that the best way to educate people is actually doing what she's doing, taking people on a walking tour.

"Plus, it's a beautiful city to walk in. It's not like you're walking through a strip mall; you're walking through a historic downtown area. It's gorgeous."

To keep things interesting, Koren-Roth said she may change her tour stops next year, mentioning DeFazio's Pizza and the soon-to-be-open little pecks cafe as possible additions.

Ultimately, Koren-Roth, an avid traveler, would love to someday take groups on guided food tours overseas.

"I love to recommend restaurants wherever I go," she said.

Included in the $49 ticket price are food and beverage tastings meant to satisfy all appetites. Young foodies ages 3-12 can experience the tour for $29. The tours take place rain or shine, and space is limited to a maximum of 16 guests. Private tours for special events like birthday parties, corporate events or bridal showers can also be arranged on request. Tours can also cater to dietary restrictions by including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

For more information or to purchase tickets for an upcoming Taste of Troy Food Tour, visit www.tasteoftroyfoodtours.com, check out its Facebook page or call 303-5034.

Source: Tasty tourism: Local foodie launches downtown Troy food tours