Welcome to Jack's!

JACK'S!

I am excited about this week's post. How can I not be excited? I finally had the opportunity to go back to Jack's Drive-In. Jack's Drive-In has been a staple to Wynantskill for as long as I can remember. The classic burger joint is more than just your average fast food restaurant.

As I approached the line with my three buddies, I was thinking about what I wanted to order. Well, it was actually more to the fact of how much I wanted to order. Jack's Drive-In can be comparable to White Castle burgers because they are small sliders with all the goods on top. Once I got to the window it wasn't difficult, I got my usual. The four burgers with "everything", cheese fries and a Pepsi.

"Everything" in Jack's terminology is cheeseburger, ketchup and caramelized onions. By far, the best part of the burger were the onions. It is difficult to describe the flavor the onions added to the burger. If you haven't been to Jack's I would recommend that you get to Jack's Drive-In before the weather changes and you won't be able to enjoy the full Jack's atmosphere.

The Fries!

Before I left, I looked around the park benches, I noticed a table of businessmen, a table where a grandfather and granddaughter were experiencing Jack's for the first time and even a table full of federal agents packing heat. Jack's is definitely a place for for everyone to enjoy a good ol' fashioned burger (with everything). Until next week, let's see how many of my followers can go to Jack's.

Cheeseburgers with "Everything"

Jack's Drive-In

24 Main Avenue

Wynantskill, NY 12198

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/

A Silver Anniversary for Paolo Lombardi's Ristorante

I have blogged a lot about Paolo Lombardi's in the past.  Today the Troy Record had a great article to mark its silver anniversary.

Click here to check it out.

Average Joe - Featured in the Troy Record

A few weeks ago I became the Troy Record’s number one “Life” blog. Now they’re spreading the word about me in the paper. Don’t worry folks, I won’t let this newfound stardom go to my head…I’ll always be an average joe.

Now it’s time for me to return the favor: if you live in Troy or the communities that surround it, pick up a copy of The Troy Record to read with your morning cup of joe.