My Favorite Mexican Grill Under Criminal Investigation?

Chipotle Mexican Grill has disclosed it's being investigated by federal prosecutors looking into the possible violations of securities laws when hiring its workers. The Mexican grill may be taking some shortcuts when verifying its workers aren't illegal immigrants. There are six Chipotle's here in the Capital Region, I need my chicken quesadillas.

To read more about it check out The Business Review

Average Joe is going healthy just in time for swimsuit season

Dijon Potato Salad- easy
on my waist and my wallet.

We all know that I obviously like to eat, but lately I’ve been watching my waistline because between pasta, tacos and pizza, I’ve gained a few pounds. I decided to look for products that were wholesome, healthy and local and was recommended by a buddy to check out the Honest Weight Food Co-op located on Central Avenue in Albany. Tucked away behind a Family Dollar Store, it was a bit of a challenge to find and located in an unexpected area on Central. But, to my surprise, the parking lot was filled and the exterior was decorated with flowers and plants for sale.

The entrance brought you right to the produce section of the store, featuring in-season products and according to their website, is stocked with over 250 items available. Located off of the product section is a garden aisle, displaying all sorts of plants and seeds for sale.

As I roamed through the aisles, I couldn’t help but notice how happy and helpful the employees were. I was asked if I was looking for anything in particular a few times, and I wasn’t sure if it was because I looked confused or if it was friendly customer service.

I came across the deli department, and in front of me was a case full of pre made sandwiches, sides and salads. There was also a selection of soups, desserts and baked goods, and prepared foods from local restaurants such as Mi Linh. The Dijon potato salad caught my eye and I promptly placed it in my cart. The salad was fresh- made on that day and included celery, parsley and agave nectar (no fatty mayonnaise!).

The store not only features produce and prepared items, but cheese, meat, fish, health and body aides, bulk products and dairy. It is a full-functioning grocery store, comparable to Price Chopper and Hannaford’s, with plenty to offer both the foodie, the regular or the health conscientious.

I left with some fresh apples, strawberries, artichokes, maple syrup from Vermont, a loaf of fresh made rustic Italian bread, and homemade granola for less than $25. Oh, and the potato salad didn’t even make it to the parking lot- it was consumed right in the store's cafe.

Happy 40th Birthday Purple Pub!

40 years ago, I was enjoying the finest Gerber sweet potatoes, while on the other side of the river, a local staple was opening its doors.  That's right, The Purple Pub recently turned 40.  One thing is clear, this restaurant is no where near over the hill.

I recently took a trip over the Congress St. Bridge to celebrate The Purple Pub's birthday in Watervliet.  I always love walking in and seeing how the restaurant looks very similar to how I imagine it did 40 years ago. We went for lunch, so it was quick to get a table but comforting to see regulars enjoying a meal. 

In all my excitement over the birthday celebration, I made a terrible mistake.  What is Purple Pub known for? Pizza and Wings. Guess what Average Joe ordered......neither. I can't complain about the quality of my French Dip, but as I walked out the door, I was already planning my next visit, this time for pizza and wings.  

Make sure you visit Purple Pub soon.  Bring your birthday party hats.  Tell them Average Joe sent you and make sure you order pizza and wings.

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.