The Other La Bella's

When you’ve wandered into Northern Columbia County and taken your fill of the Capital Region’s best cider donuts at Golden Harvest Orchard, you’ll probably need something more substantial to eradicate the sugar rush.

You may be familiar with the LaBella's of Wynantskill, which I have reviewed before, but La Bella’s, of Valatie is an Italian pizza and pasta place located in the Hannaford Plaza at the US Rt. 9 traffic circle, will fit the bill.

Not too expensive…good portions…and more than passable red-sauce (or gravy, to those of certain heritage).  Pizza is thin crust and NYC style. 

Worth a separate trip?  Maybe not, but definitely a stop if you are in the ‘hood and hankering for some old-world, stick-to-your-ribs cooking.

Nosh

Average Joe was out looking for a place to eat without Average Jane, and I remembered a good buddy of mine said he had been to Nosh, a NY Style delicatessen on Western Avenue in Guilderland.  Perfect solo date – me, a HUGE sandwich and a pickle bowl.

While I would love to sit here and rant and rave about Nosh, it was OK.  I’ve been to Katz’ and Carnegie, and I’d lose all credibility if I told you it was the same. It’s not.

But, I will say, it is worth your time and dime. You get a heaping pile of fresh meat, and some savory pickles. The macaroni salad lacked flavor but the tableside mustard cured that. The menu is huge!

Here's more about the place and the menu: http://www.ourtowneguilderland.com/nosh/

A meal fit for Momma Joe.

Since it was Mother’s Day, I wanted to celebrate with Momma Joe the best way I know how: ice cream from the Snowman in Lansingburgh, and pizza from New York Style Pizza in Latham. Heartburn? Bring. It. On.

The Snowman, in case you are new to Troy, not familiar with the area, or have been living under a rock, has been a 5^th Avenue staple since the 1950’s. It has been serving homemade, delicious, frosty treats to families for generations. I had the coffee-mocha chip loaded with chocolate sprinkles. Momma Joe had their signature orange sherbet twist. Classic.

The Snowman (clearly this photo is not from yesterday).

After that we headed up to Latham to pick up our garlic knots and Sicilian style pie loaded with spinach (trying to be healthy…ha!) and oozing with deliciously melted cheese. Momma Joe called it the best gift I ever gave her. 

Today's lunch: Last night's delicious pizza. 

Over 40 Million Served at The Dog Shack

 

$1.79 for 3 Toasted hot dogs – There it is, I’m not burying the lead on this one. Gus’s, Hotdog Charlie’s and Famous Lunch have cornered the market on mini-dogs, but how about a regular dog? Travel up the Northway to Hudson Falls and you will find The Dog Shack.

The buns are toasted and Uncle Louie’s meat sauce is the best. It’s a sweet sauce that doesn’t have that deep chili, this might want to play repeats on me, feel to it. I usually grab six dogs – that’s a huge lunch for less then five dollars. Over 40 million served.

If your traveling up north to the outlets or a waterpark and have a few extra minutes to hop over to Uncle Louie’s “World Famous” Dog Shack, The Hotdog Factory, it’s well worth your money and time. The Dog Shack is located at 449 Lower Main Street in Hudson Falls.