Cheese & Wine With A Friend Of Mine

A few Saturdays ago, while snow flurries transformed into a serious snow, a good friend and I explored Troy’s artsy River Street shops, planning to end the day with a visit to the new Charles F. Lucas Confectionery and Wine Bar. About 3:30, as the early winter dusk fell over snowy streets, we headed over to the wine bar at 12 Second Street in pursuit of warmth and sustenance.

When we arrived the door was open, but we were early and my spirits sank—the place opens at 4 pm Monday to Saturday, 12 pm on Sunday. The moment was saved, however, when we were greeted by a friendly server who said she’d be happy to pour us a glass of wine, even though they weren’t officially open and the kitchen wasn’t ready to serve. I admit I balked for a moment, seriously thinking of heading to a restaurant in full swing. I was tired and cold and seeking immediate gratification, but the exposed brick interior, trendy low lighting and warmth of the woody decor drew me in.

From that moment on, life got better. First, we drank delicious wine from a great wine list with really interesting choices, and an upbeat, pleasant and knowledgeable bartender. As my dry red wine choice I was served a delicious Italian Barbera Piemonte (Boschis, $10/glass), while my rose-loving friend enjoyed the Tavel Rose (Domaine Pelaquie, $9/glass) from France. The full wine menu (by the glass and by the bottle) is on the website, and excitingly, it’s full of thoughtful choices with distinctive tastes. These are the types of wines which remind you why you drink wine in the first place—at an affordable price.

Next we sampled mouth-watering cheeses and meat from the Cheese & Charcuterie menu. Presented on a beautiful slate tile and artistically arranged with a fresh baguette, dijon mustard and cornichons were:  thin slices of Spicy Capicola (pronounced by local Italians as “gabba ghoul”); Old Chatham Sheepherding Co.  Shaker Blue paired with figs; Kunik, from Nettle Meadow Farms, smooth and creamy with hints of lemon and paired with tiny gingersnaps; and the piece de la resistance, a cheese called Barely Buzzed, cheddar-like and hand-rubbed with espresso and lavender—and you could actually taste these wonderful hints of flavor!

The place really delivers on everything it appears to be—intimate, special, unique, planned and well executed from the tiny European water glasses of infused drinking waters (cucumber this day), to its smart collection of craft beers, to the canisters of brightly colored classic candies it sells and beautifully displays as a shout out to the location’s confectionery history. And I haven’t even mentioned the great music that plays as if almost calibrated to fit the room.

When--not if--you find yourself longing for a spot to go that’s as good as one in Manhattan--or any of the other places we visit and then whiningly compare the Capital Region to--go to the Confectionary and Wine Bar. It’s all that and more—and without the snobby attitude and big city prices.

For more information, visit the website at www.lucasconfectionery.com. 

DINERiffffic

There is something sacred about an Average Joe and his diner experience.  The solitude and confidence that come from sitting at the counter of a diner by myself has grown exponentially as I’ve got older.  Whereas at one time the thought of eating a meal by myself was panic inducing, now it is a welcomed event.  Nestled at the top of Hoosick Street in Troy is one of the most consistently delicious diners in all of Rensselaer County.  It sits beyond the shopping plazas and the car dealerships that I always forget are there until I drive by.  At one point I thought I had driven passed the restaurant until the tiny establishment careened into view.  With nothing but a cow on the sign that plainly reads Duncan’s, many unsuspecting consumers wouldn’t give the place the time of day, but once inside all that fades away because you become consumed with the aroma of the homemade fresh baked breads that are made daily.  

Duncan’s won’t win the awards for most stylish or contemporary, but it will be remembered for the sense of family.  Upon entering I took a seat around the large counter that takes up most of the restaurant, with a dozen or so tables looming in the back.  After checking the menu momentarily, a waitress was right over to the counter to make sure I was being waited on.  Behind her many other women wove in and out of the small cook space carrying hot plates and ringing out customers in a steady rhythm.  The dynamic behind the counter adds to Duncan’s charm because you can feel the pride the family has for the restaurant, opened since 1939.  Their playful bickering fills the air and the customers seem to appreciate being let in on their little jokes. 

I ordered an omelet with American cheese, side of bacon and rye toast.  More importantly, I ordered chocolate milk and shamelessly blew bubbles into it with my straw immediately.  My food was served within minutes and the portions were anything but small.  The omelet oozed with cheese that was actually melted instead of slapped on and while the bacon had crunch, it wasn’t overcooked and flavorless.  The rye bread was my favorite however.  Buttered to perfection it brought the crunchy taste of the bacon and the warm omelet together for a perfect sandwich.

While eating I couldn’t help notice how many people were ordering loafs of bread from the counter.  Making and selling their own bread is something Duncan’s prides themselves on, and they should – it’s delectable.  

After not being able to finish my breakfast I had to see what all these people were obsessing over and I bought a loaf of raisin bread to share with my family over the upcoming holidays.  Although I’m pretty sure I already know how it will taste.

The prices are more than fair, especially for the portion sizes available and the small town atmosphere is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of city life that is present just down the hill.  

If you’re looking for a great place to eat – you better get there quick, Duncan’s closes for the winter.  Their last day is Sunday, December 23^rd.  Afraid you won’t have time, don’t worry, they open early…like 4:00 a.m. early.

Duncan’s Dairy Bar is located at 890 Hoosick Road in Troy.

Grab Your Wallet, It's CHILLLLLI

You can smell the scent of chili in the air as winter quickly approaches the Capital Region and the world, the world Famous Lunch spot that is. The smell comes from a tiny sit-down or carryout restaurant on the corner of Congress Street in Troy.

Whether you’re going to carryout or eat in, as soon as you step into the restaurant, you’re heading in a time machine back to the 50’s. With low prices, interior design and iconic work outfits, you better go in with poodle skirts and bowling shoes on. Don’t forget while looking at the menu to turn it around and learn a little history about what was going on when Famous Lunch opened their doors in 1932. One cool thing I can remember wasthat gas was 10 cents a gallon!

 

We decided to order for everyone today. We ordered 25 loaded hot dogs, five cheeseburgers, and six orders of fries for under $35. Not to shabby. Not only did we feed five people, but we had a TON of left-overs.

The combination of chili, hotdogs, cheeseburgers, and fries was to die for. Don’t forget to ask for extra zippy sauce on your fries (you’ll thank me later).

Famous Lunch’s menu consists of breakfast (breakfast sandwiches, omelette’s, doughnuts, home fries, muffins, etc.), world’s famous hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, burgers, fries, soups, and desserts.

Famous Lunch has been known for their famous hotdogs since 1932.  Think you can eat a lot?  It has been almost seven years since someone has beaten the good ole’ hot dog eating contest at Famous Lunch of 38 hot dogs in 30 minutes. Anyone think they can beat that? I tried, and didn’t get passed five.

So, the next time you go into your wallet and only find a five-dollar bill, stop into Famous Lunch and leave happy (and with change).

The ULTIMATE Food Experience

In my "Don't Eat the Pepper" on November 9, 2012, I asked for advice on what places my followers would like to see me visit. I have never been to an hibachi grill restaurant before and I am always looking for new and exciting places to eat. This was the perfect opportunity!

Last week, I went to Hana, a Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar located on Western Avenue in Albany. If I had to describe my experience at Hana, it would be AMAZING! I had the best time eating dinner at Hana. It should be called the Hana Experience because that is exactly what I had, an experience. I had the opportunity to experience Hana with my best friend as it was a first time for both of us, not to mention it was my birthday.

We had to try everything! I wanted to try everything! It was great! We took a look around the restaurant and requested to sit at the hibachi grill. You have an option to be seated at a regular table or at the hibachi grill. The only and obvious choice is to be seated at the grill. I wanted to get a feel for the entire hibachi experience. 

Cold Seaweed Salad

We ordered our appetizer and sushi roll and our meal. I was having a great time and I knew this was a guaranteed blog post. I took pictures all night because I wanted to share with you the full experience.

First, we received our appetizers. I ordered the Cold Seaweed salad and I was not disappointed. It had tremendous flavor and had a crunch that kept me going back for more. I strongly recommend for you to try the seaweed salad and I will be having this again. 

Edamame

My friend ordered the edamame (steamed soy bean pods). I have nothing bad to say about the edamame except, do not eat the pods. I ate the entire pod on my first opportunity and my friend started to laugh at me. Apparently we have to only eat the beans inside the pods. How was I supposed to know? They look like green beans and I eat the green beans whole, I love my green beans. Why would edamame be different? Before I get too far off topic, I suggest the edamame beans too. They had a nice salty taste on the outside of the pods, like the seaweed salad, I ate all of the edamame before my friend could get his serving. 

Next on the schedule, the DYNAMITE ROLL! I have had a dynamite roll before and it was delicious, but it wasn't a DYNAMITE ROLL from Hana. Hana's DYNAMITE ROLL was amazing, full of flavor and like the seaweed salad and edamame, I couldn't stop eating. I was full before I received my main course. 

A main reason why I never eat sushi rolls is because I never really know what is inside the roll. So, the DYNAMITE ROLL includes spicy tuna, yellowtail, avocado, cream cheese with baked scallop and crabmeat on the top. The "proper" way to eat the sushi rolls (as my friend had to explain to me) was to dunk them in soy sauce and wasabi paste. For my followers who enjoys the spicy meals, add more wasabi but be warned it will get spicy, as Barney Stinson realized on How I Met Your Mother. 

The Experience - FIRE!

FOR THE MAIN EVENT: the hibachi grill.

For a hibachi dinner, you get a choice of vegetables, chicken, sirloin steak or filet mignon, lamb, shrimp, scallops, salmon, swordfish, lobsters or a combination of any two or three options.
I chose to get the filet mignon (well worth the additional $3 upgrade) and shrimp for my hibachi combination.

Encouraged:  Get the Filet Mignon

The experience was amazing as there was fire flames and Sake (never had Sake before either). It was entertaining beyond my original expectations and I will go back. I highly recommend all of my followers to go and witness the Hana Experience before the new year. The pictures below tell the entire story.

It was a fun experience and the food was amazing! I'm going back next week with more friends!

Hana Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar is located at 1620 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203.

Centanni’s Market Becomes Casualty of Campbell Ave's Extended Closure

My go-to soup place is gone. I’m very disappointed about this. I’m convinced that I’ll never taste a chicken and rice soup blend that good ever again. Sources have confirmed that the business suffered a significant loss when Campbell Ave was shut down for an extended period of time and was never able to recover.

http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2012/04/05/news/doc4f7d1c5b224ef088942343.txt

RIP Centanni’s

http://traveragejoe.blogspot.com/2012/09/mm-mm-good-now-thats-some-good-soup-and.html

I will truly miss you. Thank you Lynda for the great home cooking and the friendly conversation.

Don't Eat the Pepper!

I will tell you one thing about me that many of my closest friends may not know. It isn't everyday that I wake up craving Chinese food. The other day, I woke up with the birds (the birds that haven't left us for warmer pastures) and I was craving the classic General Tso's Chicken combo with pork fried rice. 

The only problem with Chinese food is you need to take the time and research the best places in the area. From my experience, there are not many Chinese restaurants in the Capital Region that have the experience and the skill to make a great General Tso's Chicken. I have had several poor Chinese meals in my day and I was not about to ruin my craving by ordering from a satisfactory restaurant. 

After several hours of research and focus groups with my friends and family, we finally found a consensus of where we were going to order our dinner. We decided on Spring Garden on 2nd Ave in Troy. 

As expected, I ordered the General Tso's with a shrimp egg roll. You must have an egg roll!

Let me tell you! It was pretty delicious, except when i accidentally ingested one of the spicy chili peppers... such a deep burn. A special note to everyone who will eat General Tso's, DO NOT EAT THE PEPPERS!

The overall experience of my meal was good. I enjoyed the meal and I will definitely go back. However, I haven't really found that one place where I can call my "go-to" Chinese restaurant.

I am thinking about trying something new for December. I want you, my followers to pick the place for me. What are some of your favorite restaurants that I should visit and blog about? 

Nothing Like Cranberry-Orange Mayo In The Fall

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I’ve been to The Illium Café, on Broadway in Troy, many of times. I enjoy trying their number of different dishes, but I have found myself getting the same thing lately --- The Smoke House Panini (Smoked turkey, applewood smoked bacon, smoked mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and onion with a cranberry-orange mayo on Italian grilled bread). Why? Because of the cranberry-orange mayo of course!!!

Ninety-nine percent of the time I’m on the go, so there’s no use dissecting the dining-in experience – it looks comfy. The menu speaks for itself, covering the gamut of different tastes.

Sure, I’ve had a turkey club before. Bob’s Diner in Watervliet has one heck of a mean turkey club. Bob’s mayo is outstanding. Hell, any type of real mayo is outstanding. Throw some cranberry-orange in the mix and the structure, substance and core of that Paninis’ being changes for the good of mankind…and an Average Joe. The real bacon gets honorary mention here, because --- well its REAL bacon…no microwave rubber or fake bits.

Illium Café thank you for making my turkey club, I mean Smoke House Panini, truly special. Cranberry-Orange mayo also has that sound of fall. Apple picking, leaf peeping and a Smoke House Panini (my fall traditions).