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| chicken parmigiana with spaghetti |
Checkered tables, cozy dining room and Italian background music. All that was missing was my 78-year-old Nonna shouting "Mangia, Mangia!" across the room.
I was first introduced to Testo's through their bottled tomato sauces--traditional and meat-flavored--sold at various markets throughout the region. My quest to sample all locally-made sauces was put on an indefinite hold when I had theirs--the smooth, flavorful gravy met all my extremely fickle criteria and earned top spot. After buying dozens of jars, we decided it was time for the complete experience, and headed to the Lansingburgh restaurant.
In a word, perfetto. This weekday night was quiet, with a few patrons spread out across the nicely sized space. A man who appeared to be the head chef sat down to chat for a few minutes with people I assume were usuals - I like seeing that.
I started with crisp, crunchy salad with tasty Parmesan Peppercorn dressing, followed by the $2.50 meatballs (2 per order). I like my meatballs simple, round, and easy to look at -- not a pin cushion with too many ingredients poking out on all sides, these were just right. Only thing I would have changed was the pool of sauce they came in. Great sauce, but too much of it at once.
Next came my baked ziti (Wednesday's special at $9.50, salad included). It was literally still bubbling as it got placed down. The meat-flavored sauce was thick and addicting. The pasta was cooked to perfection and the dish included just the right amount of mozzarella. Mrs. Average Joe equally enjoyed her chicken parmigiana with spaghetti ($12.75) and mozzarella sticks to start ($6.50). Size-wise, the balance was again spot on. Not too small, not too big, but just enough to have a few leftovers for lunch the next day. Or in our case....breakfast.
We'll be back, for sure--and you should try it, too. [Insert stubborn Italian hand gesture here]
I was first introduced to Testo's through their bottled tomato sauces--traditional and meat-flavored--sold at various markets throughout the region. My quest to sample all locally-made sauces was put on an indefinite hold when I had theirs--the smooth, flavorful gravy met all my extremely fickle criteria and earned top spot. After buying dozens of jars, we decided it was time for the complete experience, and headed to the Lansingburgh restaurant.
In a word, perfetto. This weekday night was quiet, with a few patrons spread out across the nicely sized space. A man who appeared to be the head chef sat down to chat for a few minutes with people I assume were usuals - I like seeing that.
I started with crisp, crunchy salad with tasty Parmesan Peppercorn dressing, followed by the $2.50 meatballs (2 per order). I like my meatballs simple, round, and easy to look at -- not a pin cushion with too many ingredients poking out on all sides, these were just right. Only thing I would have changed was the pool of sauce they came in. Great sauce, but too much of it at once.
Next came my baked ziti (Wednesday's special at $9.50, salad included). It was literally still bubbling as it got placed down. The meat-flavored sauce was thick and addicting. The pasta was cooked to perfection and the dish included just the right amount of mozzarella. Mrs. Average Joe equally enjoyed her chicken parmigiana with spaghetti ($12.75) and mozzarella sticks to start ($6.50). Size-wise, the balance was again spot on. Not too small, not too big, but just enough to have a few leftovers for lunch the next day. Or in our case....breakfast.
We'll be back, for sure--and you should try it, too. [Insert stubborn Italian hand gesture here]
Our office loves Testo's we go for lunch at least once a week! Kerri, Choice Heating & Cooling
ReplyDeleteTESTOS is one of the hidden treasures in Troy, it has fabulous food and pretty good service. I always look forward to going there for a truly remarkable meal.
DeleteTheir gnocchi is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteTesto's sauce is the best! For some reason it always tastes better with ziti--I got a jar of Rao's the other day (at about $7) and it's the only sauce that could Testo's a run for their money. What's up with it not being sold at Hannaford's in E.G.?
ReplyDeletebtw,how can Testo's not have an email address on their website?!
ReplyDeleteWent with my husband and another couple. We've been going to Testo's for years and love it, but this was not the best meal I've had there. I had been dying for their eggplant rollatini since the last time I had it, but it was missing the ricotta cheese. I couldn't taste the eggplant because the ham was too spicy-very disappointed. The veal and eggplant seemed to have very little sauce and the portion seemed small. The lasagna was very good and the portions were very large.
ReplyDeleteMy family has enjoyed the pizza and dinners at Testo's for many years. On return trips to the area, I am pleased that Testo's continues to deliver great Italian food and pizza, along with solid service. You will not be disappointed if you are looking for a traditional Italian dinner in the restaurant, or takeout from the pizzas parlor.
ReplyDelete