You like what? What’s a poutine?

“Well that just sounds dirty” is the reaction that I received when I asked the wife if she liked poutine. “Come on”, I say, “…seriously you’ve NEVER had poutine?” For those of you unaware of this Canadian delight, it’s french fries covered with gravy and cheese curds.

Fast forward one month later and I’m in Montreal with some friends, that’s right another road trip, and I’m sitting down at Reuben’s on St. Catherine Street enjoying Chop Chop Poutine (traditional poutine with the addition of chopped smoked meat). I will not describe anymore, -- simply look at the picture I’ve provided – ‘nough said.

Ok – so now I’m back in the United States and I hear that “Montreal Poutine” has set up shop in Crossgates Mall. I saw the lines that formed at their booth at the Saratoga Track this year. I just never had a chance to try it. So I go to Crossgates and order my poutine with meat. Expectations were very high. The clerk didn’t seem to know the products well, the cook less. I get my poutine order in a small cardboard box. No chop chop here.

 I know they operate other locations going up the Northway. I haven’t had a chance to hit those yet. I will give it a second chance, but until then I’ll have the picture of my Chop Chop Poutine to remember some good times.

DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE INTRODUCES DELIVERY AND OFFERS SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SPECIALS

DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE INTRODUCES DELIVERY AND

OFFERS SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SPECIALS

(Troy, N.Y.)  Just in time for the big game, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is introducing delivery services as well as offering two Super Bowl Sunday specials. Both meals are available for delivery or pick-up from the Troy location.

Dinosaur’s delivery service launched this week all specials (including the Super Bowl Sunday specials) and regular meal orders are available from 12 noon – 9 p.m. for customers in a 10 mile radius.  There is a $15 minimum order and a 10% delivery charge (for the driver).  To place an order, simply call (518) 308-0400.

To kick off the delivery program and to celebrate America’s largest unofficial eating holiday, Dinosaur is offering two Super Bowl specials (for both delivery or pick-up):

The Pig & Wings Tailgate Special (feeds 20 guests) includes special cut ribs with jumbo smoked chicken wings. Three homemade sides and cornbread are included. Possible sides include Bar-B-Que Beans, fresh cut fries, mac & cheese, maple whipped sweet potatoes, collard and mustard greens, chopped salad and/or Harlem potato salad.  The Pig & Wings Tailgate Special is available for $229.00.

The Touchdown Special (feeds 8 to 12 guests) includes special cut ribs with bone in chicken (1/2 white, ½ dark). Two homemade sides and cornbread are included. Possible sides include Bar-B-Que Beans, fresh cut fries, mac & cheese, maple whipped sweet potatoes, collard and mustard greens, chopped salad and/or Harlem potato salad.  The Touchdown Special is available for $12.95 per person

Each order comes with disposable pans, paper plates and serving utensils. Call 518-308-0400 or emailpatti.nealon@dinosaurbarbque.com to place an order.

Stuffed Breadsticks!, Pizza! ... and Buffalo Chicken?

I decided to grab a couple of friends and go on a road trip down south. It was a true road trip, we didn't go on any highways, we stayed on the beaten path of the back roads.

By following route 9W south, we found our way in Catskill, New York. I have been to this area before when I visited Crossroads brewery in Athens. My friend Bradley was driving and decided to stop a pedestrian on the side of the road to ask where we can find a good spot for lunch. 

We were directed to go visit Pomodoro's Italian Restaurant, just off of route 9W. As soon as our new friend told us about Pomodoro's, it occurred to me I have heard of restaurant. I was now excited for lunch (when am I not excited for lunch?). 

We each ordered a couple appetizers and pizza. The menu was filled with delicious options. Bradley decided to be different and ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich. Bradley definitely did not make a poor choice. I saw his meal, it looked great and Bradley said it tasted even better than it looked. You could smell the flavor. The heat of the hot sauce and the melted bleu cheese. 

Outside of Bradley's buffalo chicken sandwich, the highlight of the day was Pomodoro's stuffed breadsticks. They were stuffed with mozzarella cheese, topped with parmesan with a side of their homemade pasta sauce. The cheese was gooey and the dough was soft and fluffy. I can clearly see why they are a best seller. I strongly recommend a visit to Pomodoro's in Catskill and order yourself the stuffed breadsticks. 

 Pomodoro's Italian Restaurant
90 Catskill Commons
Catskill, NY 12414
518-943-4446

100 Years of Oysters

One century ago today, on January 24, 1913 Jack's Oyster House opened up on Beaver Street in downtown Albany. More info on this great achievement here in The Record . Yet another centennial anniversary in the Capital Region as we also saw Manory's in Troy this month.

Wine for the Arts

Wine and Dine for the Arts

Those of you active in the local dining and arts communities, are probably confused by the title given this past weekend's event.  Give Joey a second.

When it comes to food, no one loves the Capital Region more than this guy.  So I’m sure you can understand the excitement I felt when I first heard about the 2013 Wine & Dine for the Arts.  Wine for Mrs. Average Joe, Dine for Average Joe….the perfect date!  On top of that, this weekend long event is a huge fundraiser for the local arts community.  How could it go wrong?

Easy.  They forgot the food.  Not completely, but I felt like I was at a wine tasting.  Maybe it’s sour grapes (pun alert), but as the Designated Driver, I did not have nearly as much fun as Mrs. Average Joe.  Am I embellishing?  100% .  There was food, and boy was it great.  I just felt that Mrs. Average Joe got more out of her $50 than I did.

Enough pouting.  Jack’s, 677, New World Bistro.  That’s a good week of eating right there, and I got to do it all in one day.  More importantly, this day wasn’t about the wine or the food.  It was about supporting a cause.  We went on Saturday afternoon and the room was packed, with some of the top culinary experts in the area. 

Maybe I went with the wrong strategy.  I went with an empty stomach, expecting to eat like Kobayashi.  I’ll give the Wine & Dine for the Arts another chance in 2014, but this time I think I’ll check out the Slider Slam on Friday night.  I can definitely put on a show at that.

Manory's Restaurant Celebrating 100 Years

Manory's Restaurant in Troy is getting ready to celebrate its first centennial this spring. I happened to be there this weekend and noticed a few new things including the new mural behind the counter. Here's a great article in the The Record. The great thing about Manory's is that not much has changed in 100 years.

The Simple Things

You've seen me order a lot in my day here on this blog, but how often do I ever just get a salad? It's so simple yet delightful in its own way. You have to be in that sort of salad mood though, which is rare for me I suppose.

The simple things are what's important sometimes, and healthy. Normally when I go to Francesca's I get the special. I check its Facebook page, the special's usually posted daily. Last week I just had to stop in because it had been a while.

I had a bite at the salad, it was the perfect combination of leaf and chicken, I felt in my element at that moment. I have to say the flavor was there with every bite. Like I said though, rare occasion for me, I need to eat less healthy the rest of this week, I have to get back into the old swing of things here.

Next time you're at Francesca's don't hesitate to order a simple salad.

Stay healthy.