9th Annual Polish Fest

As much as I love bouncing around from restaurant to restaurant, some of my favorite places to grab a bite are the many local festivals and bazaars that celebrate a particular ethnic heritage. And, if you're anything like me, you've been counting down the days until the summer when the festivals kick off.

I just wanted to give you an early notice about the 9th Annual PolishFest. It promises to be a great time for the whole family with plenty of food and beer to go around, not to mention the crafts, music and celebration of the Polish-American culture.

PolishFest will be held at the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochawa National Catholic Church, 250 Old Maxwell Road in Colonie on June 10th and 11th.

June 10th - $3 admission, event lasts from 5 - 9 p.m.
June 11th - $5 admission, event lasts from noon - 8 p.m.

For more information, call 453-2253 or visit their website.

All you need to know now is where do you sign up for the pierogi eating contest.

Up & Coming: Hill Street Cafe

Many of you have probably been wondering why I was so quiet this week and the truth is I've been living off of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches...just like mom used to make. And then I just got the most sudden craving for nachos. I can't keep them out of my mind.

Many longtime readers remember my review of The Fountain. Their Dorito nachos are great, but there's another hidden gem of a place that has some of the best nachos around. You've probably driven past it a dozen times already without thinking - it's hiding in plain sight. Located at 180 Madison Avenue, Hill Street Cafe is just a stone's throw from the State Museum.

I'll try to stop by during an upcoming lunch hour and provide a full report. In the mean time, I still have some PB&J to keep me going.

The Man Meal Show - Let's Get It!

I think the Youtube gods have finally answered my prayers with The Man Meal Show. Finally, an online cooking show for men, by men.

Juicy Burgers & More - Who Knew May Was Burger Month?

Nobody can ever say Average Joe doesn’t check out a hot tip from one of his readers. A few comments on my Five Guys review got me thinking about Juicy Burgers & More. Could they really be the best around? I was definitely curious but it wasn’t until I found out about their “Burger Month” promotion that I had to go. Juicy Burgers is offering a $9.99 special for a burger, fries and a drink all month long to honor May as Burger Month.

Juicy Burgers is bold about how good they are. They know it and they don’t try to be coy about it. Even the cashier insisted I take a loyalty card telling me that I would be 100% be back for more. To their credit, the burger was really good and now that I think about it, I want another one. The fries were pretty average, definitely nothing mind blowing. Considering the price, $9.99, it was definitely worth it.

Not that I’m looking to start a burger war or anything, but if I had to choose between Five Guys and Juicy Burgers right now, I'd stick with Five Guys. The burgers a bit juicier and their fries are so addictive.

Juicy Burgers has two locations in the Capital Region: 5 New Karner Road in Guilderland and 15 Trieble Avenue in Ballston Spa.

Bombers - A Model of Consistency

I think it's become fairly clear over the past couple of months that two of my favorite foods are nachos and jerked chicken. I can't help it, I want them whenever I see them on a menu. A recent visit to Bombers' original location on Lark Street gave me the chance to have both in one. So, of course, I had to get them.

Bombers is a solid meal every time. It's always steady and reliable. No matter what I get or when I get it, it's always good. It's rare to find an establishment like that and ultimately I think it's what sets them apart. You know your burrito, quesadilla or whatever you order is going to hit the spot. And the best thing is, no matter what you try off of their huge menu, it will be just as good the next time you order it.

A Taste of Troy

Looking for something to do tomorrow night? The Franklin Terrace Ballroom on 126 Campbell Ave in Troy is holding a benefit tomorrow from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Troy restaurants will be on hand, offering select items from their menus for attendees to sample. Tickets are $20 for pre-sale and $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit Hope 7 Community Center Food Pantry and Youth Programs.

Click here for more information.

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.