Up The Hill to Japanica Grill

Japanica Grill recently opened in Troy, I decided to check it out after hearing about it from a buddy of mine who is an avid sushi eater. I did a little research and saw some pretty positive reviews on Yelp. Overall this was a case of curiosity, it's new, it's fresh and others are liking it so I had to check it out for myself.

Last night I traveled up the hill towards RPI in Troy. it was a very quiet scene and there wasn't too much action inside. This is something to consider, they have a great sushi bar, but you're not going to see any hibachi grill action. The great thing about this place though is that it has a very large menu so you can go multiple times and always try something new.

I'm not the most versatile in japanese food however, so what sounds good? The flying dragon and the chicken katsu is what you see in the photo. If you look on the left side you will see my fork there...(yes I had to be that guy and ask for a fork). They don't give you a fork to start with, and I understand that it's not the traditional way it's done so I tried my best, but the chopsticks just were not going to happen.

The sushi was great and the chicken itself had a lot of its own flavor. If you do plan on trying it out, learn to use the chopsticks though, don't be that guy.

A night of gluttony at 5 Guys AND 16 Handles

I got home from work the other night pretty late and was faced with two dinner choices: chicken and spinach, or take-out. After approximately five seconds of hemming and hawing, the idea of take-out won. I ended up at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries in Clifton Park. I wasn't feeling very social, so I took mine and Joe Dog's meals to-go (and for the record: “Joe Dog”, is Average Joe’s furry companion, not a human companion). On the menu for the evening? A big, fat, juicy-greasy burger with melty cheese and toppings galore, an overabundance of addicting spicy Cajun fries (and plain ones for Joe Dog), sweatpants and American Idol on the tube (don’t judge me). This is the stuff that dreams are made of, my friends. But I didn't stop the dream at 5 Guys. I was also in the mood for a frozen treat and luckily for me, 16 Handles is like, right next-door. I couldn't NOT get take out fro-yo to add to my night of gluttony, right? If you aren't familiar with 16 Handles, it's a frozen yogurt spot with 16 different flavors and a plethora of toppings that you put on yourself (ah-ma-zing). For myself, I got coffee with chocolate chips, caramel cups, and chocolate sprinkles with caramel sauce and Joe Dog got a vanilla fro-yo with kiwi, mango, strawberry, peanuts and peanut butter, and LOVED it! We were both full with delicious food and glorious gluttony.  

Joe Dog enjoying fro-yo from 16 Handles

Nacho Average Quesadilla

The snow has melted.  Birds are starting to chirp.  And new lunch spots are opening.  Yup, it’s officially spring in Troy.  After a winter that seemed to never end, 50 degrees all of a sudden feels like 80. 

So this week, I strapped on my PF Flyers and took a stroll through downtown Troy to get some exercise, but more importantly, get some lunch.  I was walking by good ol’ Shalimar when I stopped in my tracks.  A new Quesadillary (say that 3 times fast) called Muddaddy Flats.  Apparently I had not been in the area in awhile, because Muddaddy Flats opened in September of last year.  Very quickly my focus went from exercise to lunch.

With many great unique options to dress up your quesadilla, I had a tough time making a decision.  Today I settled on The Parm Bird, a variation of Chicken Parm. Great call by Average Joe.  And to make this trip better, I ran in to my buddy and Troy Legend, 3^rd Street Johnny.  Johnny ordered The Kyle (chicken, bacon, bbq sauce, cheddar/jack cheese), so we did what any grown men would do…..we swapped wedges of our quesadilla.  In the spirit of the new baseball season, we went 2 for 2.

I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical given a name that instantly made me think more post-meal.  But like always, your boy Average Joe made a great call and I have a new spot to add to my lunch arsenal.  Can’t wait to go back and try all the other quesadilla options.