The Greatest Italian Sandwich in New York State

“Heh, come over here, kid, learn something. You never know, you may have to cook for twenty guys someday.  You see, you start out with the a little bit of oil. Then you fry some garlic. Then you throw in some tomatoes, tomato paste, you fry it; ya make sure it doesn’t stick. You get it to a boil; you shove in all your sausage and your meatballs…heh? And a little bit ‘o wine. An’ a little bit of sugar, and that’s my trick.”

Just like that, Clemenza ignited my interest in food in a short sweet scene in the Godfather. The secret to sauce.  I mean it was Clemenza and his fat fingers and also the fact that I used to watch my grandfather butcher fresh meats, and actually used to hear my great gram call out the equivalent of “An-ton-y!! It’s Prince spa-get-tee day!!!” Except the macaroni was homemade and my aunts rolled it on the kitchen table on wax paper covered with flour.

The whole point of this story is that I know Italian food.  I got street cred on this one.

I am going to let Troy in on a huge secret.  It’s secret to the people in Rensselaer County cuz’ it’s a “secret” that exists in Schenectady. I know what you’re thinking. “going to Schenectady is like going to Syracuse.” It’s all way out west.  It ain’t that far and I love Downtown Schenectady.

Perreca’s Bakery in The Electric City’s Little Italy has the greatest Italian sandwich in New York State. I said it. Fuggedboutit.  No need to go to Mulberry Street. It’s here. I tried a few. 

The prosciutto and sharp provolone knocked my socks off.  Fresh baked bread dripped with olive oil.  There’s nothing left to say. If you have not been there, or refuse to make a trip, you don’t know nuthin’ about food.

Caught Up in the Hype

I can’t remember the last time I watched TV and didn’t see an ad for the new Doritos taco at Taco Bell.  So being the curious food lover that I am, I had to make a 1am trip to the drive-through.  We all know that Taco Bell food tastes great when you eat it, but can backfire later on.  Well the Doritos taco didn’t even give me that satisfaction of eating it.  All the hype and it didn’t taste like a Dorito?  It was a taco shell with orange coloring.  That’s what I get for being inspired by a commercial.  What commercial should I follow next?

A New Pub With My Kind of Atmosphere

I hope everyone is having a great St. Patrick's Day. Average Joe has some plans later, but we can talk about the results of that another day.  

Brown's Brewing Co. is shooting for a May 1 opening date for its newest pub, The Malt Room. Brown's is investing $150,000 dollars to open up this new place,  a 2,500 square foot space, right next door to Brown’s existing pub, located beneath the storied Revolution Hall at 425 River St.

I think this will be my kind of place, the atmosphere is expected to attract an older crowd or people who want a place for quiet conversation. Nothing crazy for me.

The College Kids Love this Place

The Deli and Brew located on Vandenburgh Ave in Troy, right next to Hudson Valley Community College.  What else do you need? Subs and beer, the perfect combination for any occasion.  What I like about this place is that the subs are definitely not overpriced and you can get them as big as you need.   Beer and the gigantic subs are important here, but the pizza seals the deal. 

Like I've said before, if your looking for a place with good subs, just follow the college kids.  The Harvard on the Hudson kids know what's going on, that's for sure.  If I was still in college I would be down there every day.  Unfortunately those days are over, but I still know good food.