Travel and Good Eats

Why Maria’s Pasta Shop Will Always Be a Utica Staple

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Some places don’t need flashy signs or trends to stay relevant they just keep doing things the right way. Maria’s Pasta Shop in Utica is one of those places.

Maria’s isn’t a sit-down restaurant. It’s better than that. It’s the kind of place you stop at on your way home, knowing dinner is already taken care of and knowing it’s going to be good. Homemade pasta, sauces, and prepared Italian dishes made with care, the way food is supposed to be made.

This shop has been a part of the Utica community for years, and you can feel that the moment you walk in. It’s a true local staple the kind of place families rely on for weeknight meals, Sunday traditions, and special occasions. No shortcuts. No fuss. Just really solid, comforting Italian food.

Personally, I can’t say enough about the lobster ravioli, hands down my favorite. Rich, flavorful, and perfectly done every time. The stuffed breads are another must have. Warm, hearty, and dangerously easy to eat more than you planned. You have choices like sausage, lasagna, spinach, and more. I ordered them for Christmas. Everyone went berserk over them.

And next on my list? Their daily “bullets.” Each day of the week features a different stuffed bullet, and I honestly can’t wait to try them. It’s little things like that rotating specials, traditions, consistency that make places like Maria’s feel special.

What really sets Maria’s apart is the homemade quality of their pasta. You can taste the difference immediately the texture, the freshness, the care behind it. This isn’t pasta that’s meant to sit on a shelf; it’s pasta made to be cooked, shared, and enjoyed. Every bite feels intentional, like someone actually took the time to get it right. It’s the kind of food that reminds you why homemade will always matter more than convenient.

In a world where everything seems rushed and mass-produced, Maria’s Pasta Shop is a reminder of what happens when food is made with pride and roots in the community. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out. And if you have you already know exactly what I mean.

You will not be dissapointed. I promise.

Maria’s Pasta Shop 2520 Oneida St, Utica, NY 13501 315-797-6835

Candied Pecans

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These candied pecans are simple, comforting, and one of those recipes that makes the house smell like the holidays almost instantly. I sometimes make them for the stocking exchange at work or give them as little extra gifts for everyone. They’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or tossing on a salad when you want something a little special without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg white
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 4 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 300° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set it aside.

In a larger bowl, whisk the egg white, vanilla, and water until it’s nice and frothy. Add the pecans and toss until they’re all coated.

Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans and gently stir until everything is evenly covered. Spread the pecans out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes, giving them a good stir every 10 minutes so they don’t stick or burn. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool completely on the pan—this is when they crisp up.

When fully cooled, store them in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

  • On the counter: up to 10 days
  • In the refrigerator: up to 2 weeks
  • In the freezer: up to 2 months

Nutrient Facts (Approximate per 1/4 cup serving):

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 9g
  • Protein: 5g

Nutrient values can vary based on the specific nuts used and the exact measurements of ingredients.

Craylees in Utica, NY

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Another great place to grab some breakfast. Craylees is located at 237 Bleeker Street, Utica, NY. There’s nothing better than homemade sausage links, fresh eggs, and bakery made Italian bread, toasted.

Good food is the answer to everything.

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

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So here is another quick and easy recipe for you to try. I love Mexican food. It’s so hearty and cheesy, love it! I always say add your seasonings little by little and taste test. There are a set of basic ingredients that you can build off of so don’t be afraid to try and make your own creation. Trust me I have screwed up plenty of times until I mastered exactly the way I wanted it.

Filling

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great also)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 – 8 oz can of green enchilada sauce
  • 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • Seasonings

For the Green Chili Sauce:

  • 1 – 8 oz can of green enchilada sauce
  • 1 – 4 oz can of diced green chilis
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 tsp of seasoning such as cumin, taco seasoning etc., I use Cilantro and Lime Seasoning that I got from the Dollar Tree and it is absolutely amazing. Shown in picture

8 – 10 either corn tortillas or regular flour tortillas

Okay so let’s do the obvious now. Spray the bottom of your 9 x 13 or 8. x 8 baking pan. Stuff your tortillas with one or two scoops of the filling. It depends on the size of the tortilla. Repeat and fill your pan. Cover with the enchilada sauce and generously sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese on-top.

Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 15 – 20 minutes. After they’re melted and bubbly I usually turn on the broiler for 5 minutes to give it that crispy cheesy topping.

I hope you enjoy these!