Mahar's

Mahar's is a pub. I think they have food, but it's not why you go there. Mahar's is the place to go if you like the taste of beer. They have a fantastic selection of beers from all over the world.

This is not a place to get drunk. Mahar's is actually a quiet place, and there are rules of behavior. I've never seen anyone get thrown out, but I've heard that it happens.

You can register and keep track of all the beers you've had. When you get to certain numbers, like having tried 100 different beers, you get prizes, like a mug or a t-shirt.

My favorites tend to be the Belgian flavored ales, but I always like a good Porter. The bartenders are very knowledgeable, and a good way to start is to ask them for a recommendation.

I used to go more -- when I was in law school I lived nearby. Now I go less than once a year, but I should find a way to get there more often.

Via Fresca

I went to Via Fresca about a week ago. It's sort of a restaurant. Basically it's a take-out place, but with high-quality food. They have a great selection of De Cecco pastas and other Italian gourmet foods on some shelves. They also have a variety of prepared foods - entrees and other items they've made. Some of it is in a cooler, and there are also two counters where someone will put things together for you. I think they also have sandwiches.

I just popped in to see it, as it's not too far from my office. I picked up a few items, including a whole wheat De Cecco spaghetti, and some prepared items. Now I don't even remember what I had, but I remember it was good. The place has a very nice feel to it -- they just opened in December.

Tough thing for them is that they're on the south, or eastbound, side of Western Avenue, near Crossgates. I would think most people who might want to pick up dinner there would be coming westbound, and so would have to make two left turns - one to get in and another to get out. Sad that something like that can matter, but it might.

Joe's Pizza in Rotterdam

I've been meaning to mention this place. Joe's is in Rotterdam at 2780 Hamburg Street. A friend of mine likes to go there and had his birthday party there a week or so ago.

I'm on a new low-cholesterol kick, so I ordered the linguine a la romano (I probably misspelled that). It came with broccoli and mushrooms in olive oil. A lot of garlic too. It was excellent.

Eating low cholesterol can be tough when you go to a pizza place, so it's nice when they have good alternatives. I've had their heavy stuff in the past and that's good too.

Joe's is pretty informal. There's a take-out counter on one side, some tables in front, and a bigger room in the back. Prices are also reasonable.