A night of gluttony at 5 Guys AND 16 Handles

I got home from work the other night pretty late and was faced with two dinner choices: chicken and spinach, or take-out. After approximately five seconds of hemming and hawing, the idea of take-out won. I ended up at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries in Clifton Park. I wasn't feeling very social, so I took mine and Joe Dog's meals to-go (and for the record: “Joe Dog”, is Average Joe’s furry companion, not a human companion). On the menu for the evening? A big, fat, juicy-greasy burger with melty cheese and toppings galore, an overabundance of addicting spicy Cajun fries (and plain ones for Joe Dog), sweatpants and American Idol on the tube (don’t judge me). This is the stuff that dreams are made of, my friends. But I didn't stop the dream at 5 Guys. I was also in the mood for a frozen treat and luckily for me, 16 Handles is like, right next-door. I couldn't NOT get take out fro-yo to add to my night of gluttony, right? If you aren't familiar with 16 Handles, it's a frozen yogurt spot with 16 different flavors and a plethora of toppings that you put on yourself (ah-ma-zing). For myself, I got coffee with chocolate chips, caramel cups, and chocolate sprinkles with caramel sauce and Joe Dog got a vanilla fro-yo with kiwi, mango, strawberry, peanuts and peanut butter, and LOVED it! We were both full with delicious food and glorious gluttony.  

Joe Dog enjoying fro-yo from 16 Handles

Nacho Average Quesadilla

The snow has melted.  Birds are starting to chirp.  And new lunch spots are opening.  Yup, it’s officially spring in Troy.  After a winter that seemed to never end, 50 degrees all of a sudden feels like 80. 

So this week, I strapped on my PF Flyers and took a stroll through downtown Troy to get some exercise, but more importantly, get some lunch.  I was walking by good ol’ Shalimar when I stopped in my tracks.  A new Quesadillary (say that 3 times fast) called Muddaddy Flats.  Apparently I had not been in the area in awhile, because Muddaddy Flats opened in September of last year.  Very quickly my focus went from exercise to lunch.

With many great unique options to dress up your quesadilla, I had a tough time making a decision.  Today I settled on The Parm Bird, a variation of Chicken Parm. Great call by Average Joe.  And to make this trip better, I ran in to my buddy and Troy Legend, 3^rd Street Johnny.  Johnny ordered The Kyle (chicken, bacon, bbq sauce, cheddar/jack cheese), so we did what any grown men would do…..we swapped wedges of our quesadilla.  In the spirit of the new baseball season, we went 2 for 2.

I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical given a name that instantly made me think more post-meal.  But like always, your boy Average Joe made a great call and I have a new spot to add to my lunch arsenal.  Can’t wait to go back and try all the other quesadilla options.

It's Time to Ring the Bell

I've been patiently waiting, you've seen some of the posts on this topic in anticipation, but the day had finally come, cool ranch was finally unleashed. I wasn't thrilled with the first round of the Doritos Locos Taco and I knew this second round here would turn things around.

So I pull in to Taco Bell, but I pretend like I don't know what's going on asking "hey I heard about that new cool ranch taco there, are you guys serving that yet." I was just trying to keep the excitement levels on the down low, because to some people it's just a taco. 

I'm not disappointed at all with it, it doesn't quite capture the flavor of the cool ranch chips, but in itself as a taco it brings something new to the table. So when you go to ring the bell, be sure to check it out. it won't fill you up though so grab a quesadilla too. 

Keep Calm and Drink Coffee

I was running late for work this morning so I couldn’t stop to grab my “average cup of Joe” from Dunkin Donuts. Matter of fact, I skipped coffee altogether this morning and by lunchtime, I needed an IV full of it. One of my co-workers suggested I stop into Spill’n the Beans located on 3rd Street in Troy before I headed to Subway for a sub. 

Let me tell you, I am more than thrilled that my co-worker had suggested Spill’n the Beans not only for their coffee, but for their food and bakery items! Thank goodness there was a line (which moved fast) because I was stumped on what to order. As I was waiting for my food that I ordered, I spent my time sipping on the Americano Macchiato with an extra shot of espresso (remember, I missed my morning coffee). 

Now, you know Average Joe loves me some good ole’ chili, so when I saw it on the menu, I couldn’t pass it up. Spill’n the Beans makes their homemade chili with enough kick in it to satisfy your taste buds in every bite. Also, to top my chili off, they added homemade cheese croutons. YUM.

I also ordered the Prosciutto Di Parma Panini sandwich to go along with my soup. The Panini was layered with fresh mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and basil pesto. The fresh mozzarella and provolone on the Panini tasted like no other! 

The soup and Panini came out within ten minutes, perfect timing to use their Wi-Fi, so I could check my e-mails and get caught up on my Tweets before heading back to the office. 

Even though I was stuffed, I had to eat my bakery item that was staring right at me! I ordered a slice of carrot cake, now this is not my usual order (I’m usually a chocolate brownie kind of guy), but man was I satisfied.

Spill’n the Beans is a great place for a quick pit stop to drink, eat, and relax. 

The Return of Spring is Official

This guy's got it right, Jack's Drive-in and Snowman opening up this week. I can't wait to get down there myself.

Great article in The Record on our ice cream and burger joint favorites  - Click Here

The Fathead with a Heart Attack on top

May I take your order? Sure, I’ll have the Fathead, with a Heart Attack on top……it sounds so wrong, yet so right!! So one day I’m at I Love Pizza of Troy having a slice with a buddy and look across the street and see this new place called The Flying Chicken. I take note and put it on my food calendar for a future date. I finally make it there and have been back many times since.

Their menu is a whose who of chicken and more– fried chicken, wings, nuggets, chicken & waffles, biscuits & gravy, fried pickles and salads. Oh yeah… then there’s my favorite, The Fathead: boneless fried chicken, bacon & sausage gravy on a humongous biscuit. With a Heart Attack on top, of course if you choose, is a fried egg with cheese on top.

The staff is friendly and will explain any menu item or questions you may have. The environment is cozy. Good food, good people, good place. The Flying Chicken is located at 122 4th Street in Troy.

Spend March with Marty

So I hear there’s a job opening in Italy.  Not quite entry level.  Do you think Average Joe could be the next Pope?  I might not have the professional experience that they are looking for, but I am a Catholic who does his best to practice no meat on Fridays during Lent.  Which is why I will be spending another Friday night at the South End Tavern (or as my Dad taught me at a young age, Marty Burke’s).  The menu tonight, like every Friday, will feature a variety of seafood dishes ranging from Haddock to Scallops to Shrimp.  Not practicing Lent?  Well you have quite the menu to take advantage of.  Is there anything better than bar food?

A little history about the South End Tavern for the 7 of you who have never been.  The Tavern opened in 1934 and is currently run by its third generation of the Marty Burke family.  The most recognizable trait of the South Troy Tavern is the famous “Ladies Entrance” sign that hangs out front.  Of course you can bring the Mrs., this sign has some history dating back to the 1930s when bars were considered to be “men’s territory.” 

I’ll warn you though, I won’t be the only customer spending my Friday night at Marty Burke’s.  If you can’t make it tonight, I highly recommend you put this at the top of your list.  The Tavern has been known as a great spot for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, which are only right around the corner….