No More Waiting

I always make sure to hit up PJ's Bar-B-Q during its open seasonal months, but now the wait to enjoy it the whole year round is almost over. Construction is almost wrapped up in preparation for the new, improved and insulated PJ's Bar-B-QSA. We will soon be able to enjoy it all year. As you can see from my June post I've been waiting for this. For more details check out this article in The Troy Record.

Location Means Nothing When There's Good Food

I remember a few years back when I heard a restaurant had opened in a small strip mall in North Greenbush right on Route 4.  I thought that's a tough place for a restaurant.  Luckily, a friend insisted that I go try it out and I'm still grateful for that advice.  Garlic Lovers Corner is a quaint Mediterranean restaurant with amazing food.  It used to be a best kept secret, but that secret is out of the bag.
 

If you go there on a Friday or Saturday night, you had better make a reservation because it gets packed.  Garlic Lovers has a fierce following and has created some truly unique dishes, I used to get the flat-iron steak with blue cheese and was sad when they moved it off the menu.  Recently I have found a new favorite, the seafood fri-diablo.  We stopped in recently and I wanted to try something new, with memories of my former favorite, I almost went with the ribeye but then the chicken dijon caught my eye.  Fried chicken layered with mozzarella cheese, spinach, tomatoes and a dijon sauce over garlic mashed potatoes.   I was very happy that I decided to try something new.  It was an amazing dish and, as always, Garlic Lovers is not skimpy on their portions so I decided to not over do it and I saved some for lunch the next day.   

Average Joe learned an important lesson years ago, in the restaurant business location means very little when the food is so good that it will keep you coming back and back and back.

The Ultimate Meat Lover's Pizza

Hot dogs, pizza, I love both. But, do I love them together? Thanks (or possibly no thanks) to Pizza Hut, I will soon be able to find out. Unfortunately I will have to pack my suitcase and hop on a flight to Great Britain to try the newest invention by Pizza Hut: Hot Dog Stuffed Crust. I would be lying if I didn’t admit my hesitation, but keep in mind I am the same guy who recently tried a Doritos shell taco at Taco Bell. 

What unique food combination do you want to see next? 

Getting My Ducks in a Row

Earlier this week I decided to go duck hunting, and this is what I came back with. A nice crispy duck breast from the Albany Pump Station. Normally I go for the sirloin, but for some reason I decided to be the odd duck, and it definitely was worth it. This was only the second time I've encountered the web footed friend on a plate, he was delicious. I accompanied my duck with the award winning Pump Station Pale Ale.

In the spirit of Easter, if you're looking for something to do after you're done egg hunting, the Albany Pump Station is having an Easter Dinner Buffet. The buffet is $18 for adults and $10 for kids aged 10 and under.

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?

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.

The War of the Wings

The fourth annual Watervliet Wing Wars is about to go down on March 3 to decide the restaurant with the best chicken wings.  Wing fanatics will decide the victor of the Wing Wars by voting.  Over a dozen restaurants from Watervliet, Troy and Cohoes will be serving up their best wings.  

The war will go down on Saturday, March 3, from 3-7 p.m, at the Watervliet AOH, 1021 9th Ave.  Admission is $15 at the door, the proceeds help fund the Watervliet Civic Center.  You can also expect a cash bar, live DJ and a raffle, hope to see you there.

My Surprise Pick at Mac 'N Cheese Bowl

I always enjoy attending the Mac ‘N Cheese Bowl. It’s a fun event and the Regional Food Bank is a worthy cause. This year, some 2,000 people came to taste the cheesy delights put forth by roughly 30 entrants.

I am always a sucker for Valente’s. They consistently win and they deserve it.  I have actually ordered Mac ‘N Cheese in the restaurant, something I would not do at many other places. However, this year, another famous local restaurant brand caught the corner of my eye and I had to try.

As I approached the Latham ’76 Diner table, the first thoughts that rang through my head were, “It’s not 3:00am and I’m sober.”  The thoughts alone served as a palate cleanser.

Here’s why they rocked: Homemade, traditional, old school, just like mom would make.  That’s it. Simple.  Just like the ham & cheese omelette I used to rock at 3:00am.

The Hunt for a New Favorite Diner

I'm sure all you folks have heard the news about the closing of the Miss Albany Diner.  I miss her already and its only been a couple of weeks.  As I said last week, now I am going to have to go find a new #1 diner in the Capital Region.  I know it's going to be tough, but I'm just going to have to move on without her.  I am open for suggestions and I plan to try out some new places here in the Capital Region that I haven't had the chance to experience yet.  Feel free to leave a comment and throw out some suggestions for me, I will update everyone as I embark on this journey to find my new favorite Capital Region diner.  I think this is the best thing for me, I just have to move on without her and check out other places.

The loss of my beloved Miss Albany

Average Joe is not ashamed to say he cried on Friday.  No, it wasn't because I watched Old Yeller or was on the wrong end of a basketball to the groin - I cried because of the loss of the Miss Albany Diner.  One of my love affairs in life, outside of Mrs. Average Joe, cheese, Star Wars, vintage snowmobiles and the 1986 New York Mets, is diners.  

The Miss Albany Diner is - was my favorite in the area.  The property was purchased by Matt Baumgartner and partners.  The rights to the name and recipes will remain with the Brown family, which owned the diner since 1988.  Mr. Baumgartner certainly knows his stuff when it comes to cutting-edge restaurants and great food.  While he has said he does not have any plans yet for the space, I'm sure it will be another home run.  He has made it clear that he is not getting into the diner business.  While I absolutely look forward to Mr. Baumgartner's next creation, it is with a heavy heart as the Miss Albany Diner is no-more.  To the Brown Family - thanks for memories, the great food and a cool place with a friendly atmosphere.    

Now I am going to have to go out and find a new #1 diner in the Region.

Testing out Testo's Italian Restaurant

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]

Meet The Meat

What's the first thing that pops into your head when thinking of artisanal meats and gourmet German food? I'm sure your thoughts don't wander to the reaches of the City of Albany. 

Rolf's Pork Store has been curing, smoking, cutting and serving some of the finest meats in the region for over 50 years.  Want a ham? Got it. Rabbit? Got it.  All the German works straight from the Deutschland? You bet they got it.  Plus, shame on you for having to learn it here first.  On a recent weekend, a friend and I stopped in to witness their craftsmanship first hand and we literally apologized to our stomachs for not coming here earlier.  Oh the shame...

This is a place foodies, blue collar and any walk of Joe from the street would love.  Pam Anderson and PETA, not so much.  Take the time to stop in and support this locally owned butcher.  They take great pride in offering a great variety of food for our area and do it in a way that has since been a lost art form in food service.  Owner, Glen Eggelhoefer, takes the time to talk, give samples and provide you with a great meal for the family, your crew of friends or a nice combo to make an enjoyable meal memorable.

Check them out.  You will not be disappointed.  As the old Saturday Night Live skit with Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon as Hans and Franz would say, "Hear me now und believe me later..."

For more info, click on their web site: http://www.rolfsporkstore.com/

Hibernating For Winter?

The snow hasn't been so bad yet here in the Capital Region, which means there is still time to get your fill before going into hibernation for the long and cold winter.  I thought to myself, if I were a bear, what would be the last thing I would want to eat before going into hibernation?  Of course the answer was none other than Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Troy.

Taking a look at the photo of my feast, which I viciously attacked, I think any bear would be satisfied.  This is why I enjoy going here, not only is it great Bar-B-Que, but also there's plenty of it.  So for the remainder of this winter, if you're hungry here is the place to go.

For hours and to take a look at their menu, Click Here.

 

Like Father, Like Son

Brandon Williams, son of former restaurant owner Don Williams, has opened a new version of a restaurant started by his father in the early 1990s going by the same name, Brandon’s Steak & Seafood. 

The restaurant is located in Schenectady at 1702 Chrisler Avenue.  Brandon invested into the property that was recently occupied by a Shalimar restaurant and has turned it into a contemporary steak and seafood restaurant, with the intention of carrying on the tradition of his fathers’ business.  Brandon’s Steak & Seafood is open for lunch and dinner and serves a assortment of dishes including lamb chops, pasta dishes, stuffed sirloin and a great variety of seafood.

Don Williams operated Brandon’s Ritz Terrace for 17 years until 2009 and opened the short-lived first version of Brandon’s Steak and Seafood in the early 1990s. 

Brandon grew up in Schenectady and formerly worked for the Mallozzi Group as a general manager of the company’s Brown Derby restaurant in Albany. 

The restaurant currently has a website under construction, for more information check out this article in The Business Review.

The Salad Bar Has Returned to Central Steak

Central Steak has announced that it will be bringing back its salad bar along with a new menu.  I was disappointed when the salad bar left, but it seems White Management has heard my cries.

“We are willing to fall on the salad fork on this one,” said Brian White, vice president of White Management, which owns Central Steak.  “For decades as The Butcher Block we were known, in part, for our salad bar.  After making some changes last year, we consistently asked for feedback from our customers and one theme which we heard loud and clear was the desire to bring back the salad bar.”

Along with Central Steak, White Management also owns Mangia, Creo’, Bountiful Bread, the Log Jam in Lake George and Cold Stone Creamery.  The recently updated menu is featuring nearly double the dinner options and some new entrees.  The returning salad bar comes with every lunch and dinner entree.  

Central Steak also recently updated a new bistro lunch menu and expanded it with more specialty sandwiches and big burgers.  “We want a lunch menu that fits every palate and based on our initial feedback we feel that we are accomplishing this,” said Devin Ziemann, executive chef at Central Steak.  “From the specialty sandwiches like the Italian Porchetta to the Pilgrim as well as the Fall Vegetable Pasta to the Bolognese, we feel that we have something for everyone, there is a lot of variety on this lunch menu.” 

 Central Steak is located on Central Avenue in Albany.  I'm looking forward to having the salad bar back, I will see you there.

Five Guys: Hamburgers with a Side of Justice

He's the hero Baltimore deserves, not the one it needs right now.

Everybody knows Five Guys has the best burgers in town, but did you know they also have crime fighters? And stabbings apparently, but I think the french fries make up for that.

Long story short, two disgruntled former employees walk in to a Five Guys in Baltimore and decide to go all Jersey Shore on the manager. Yes I saw the show and is it just me or is Snookie looking good this season? Anyway, one of the two tough guys pulled a knife and went after the manager when suddenly Tandon Doss, a rookie wide receiver on the Baltimore Ravens stepped in and broke up the fight. The two men ran off and the manager only had a minor cut on his chin. I don't know what the Ravens were expecting from Tandon when they drafted him in the fourth round but I doubt they expected this kind of heroism off the field. I'm going to start rooting for this guy. He's not a lock to start but the Ravens need some help at WR so hopefully he can contribute, that is, when he is not fighting the Joker.

For more, read the story at NFL.com.

Hudson River Coffee Review

Over the weekend I visited Hudson River Coffee for my first time. I sat down for a few hours and enjoyed a few Red Eyes and a Balboa sub, named after one of my great heroes, Rocky, the Italian Stallion.  I was a little skeptical at first when my friend recommended the place to me, Average Joe usually doesn’t hang out at these trendy places, but I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere when I got there.  I have no arguments, they had great coffee, seating, lighting, and music which included some light jazz and even some Frank Sinatra.

The coffee tastes extremely fresh; the beans are grinded right there, and you can taste the difference.  I only had a few Red Eyes, I will have to go back to try some of their more advanced specialty coffees, I don’t think I will be disappointed.  The Balboa was a typical Italian sub, nothing extraordinary, but I definitely have no complaints.

The Hudson River Coffee house is located on the corner of Hudson Ave and Quail Street in Albany. It opened up just last November and is still going strong with live entertainment from local musicians at night.  The coffee house closes late and opens early everyday of the week. 

Check out Hudson River Coffee’s website for more info, menu and calendar of events.

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