Had breakfast a few days ago at Gershon's. I don't go there much, but this is one of my favorite places. It's more of a traditional deli. I had a smoked salmon platter with a bagel and cream cheese. Very good. They also have great sandwiches, most of which I shouldn't eat because of my crazy cholesterol obsession. And that's probably why I don't go there more.
It's on Union Street in Schenectady. Kind of a landmark institution. Very popular with the Jewish community because it evokes the NYC deli atmosphere.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Brandon's Steak & Seafood - Schenectady
I must be eating out more lately - lots to write about.
I was invited to have lunch in Schenectady with some older gentlemen (older than me anyway). They apparently have a regular lunch at Brandon's, on Van Vranken Avenue.
I had a cup of lentil soup and a mediterranean pasta dish -- it had spinach, roasted red peppers, and shrimp, drenched in olive oil. Other than the shrimp, it was a good low-cholesterol meal. And I didn't eat all the shrimp.
The shrimp were the really small kind, about the size of the fingernail on my pinky. That's a minor turnoff, but the dish was quite good. Lentil soup was excellent. The others had clam chowder and sandwiches, and they seemed quite happy.
Brandon's also has a pretty classy interior. Nice place. I can see why these guys are regulars. There was a decent lunch crowd, so it must have a good following.
I was invited to have lunch in Schenectady with some older gentlemen (older than me anyway). They apparently have a regular lunch at Brandon's, on Van Vranken Avenue.
I had a cup of lentil soup and a mediterranean pasta dish -- it had spinach, roasted red peppers, and shrimp, drenched in olive oil. Other than the shrimp, it was a good low-cholesterol meal. And I didn't eat all the shrimp.
The shrimp were the really small kind, about the size of the fingernail on my pinky. That's a minor turnoff, but the dish was quite good. Lentil soup was excellent. The others had clam chowder and sandwiches, and they seemed quite happy.
Brandon's also has a pretty classy interior. Nice place. I can see why these guys are regulars. There was a decent lunch crowd, so it must have a good following.
Mike's Diner
We take the kids to Mike's Diner (at the intersection of Carman Road (146) and Old State Road in Guilderland) for weekend breakfast once in a while.
It's a pleasant place to go. The parking lot can get quite crowded. Good food. French toast, pancakes, eggs, etc. All tasty. They often have special varieties of pancakes, and that's what I usually get.
With my current low-cholesterol kick, I had a Greek salad (yes, for breakfast). It was yummy. There was enough that I had the leftover for lunch.
My wife had eggs, pancakes and hash browns. All delicious as usual. The hash browns are good solid chunks of potato.
My older daughter had french toast. Since she doesn't eat much, I had to help her. Tough life being a dad. Okay, I only had a little, but it was decent french toast. I tend to like my own french toast better, but I never make it any more.
It's a pleasant place to go. The parking lot can get quite crowded. Good food. French toast, pancakes, eggs, etc. All tasty. They often have special varieties of pancakes, and that's what I usually get.
With my current low-cholesterol kick, I had a Greek salad (yes, for breakfast). It was yummy. There was enough that I had the leftover for lunch.
My wife had eggs, pancakes and hash browns. All delicious as usual. The hash browns are good solid chunks of potato.
My older daughter had french toast. Since she doesn't eat much, I had to help her. Tough life being a dad. Okay, I only had a little, but it was decent french toast. I tend to like my own french toast better, but I never make it any more.
Pearl of the Orient
Had dinner at Pearl of the Orient on Easter Sunday with family. Kind of a Jewish tradition to go out for Chinese food on Christian holidays.
I hadn't been there in at least a year. This is one of my favorite sit-down Chinese restaurants in the Albany area. We like Amazing Wok for delivery, and we used to go to the Dumpling House on Everett Road. There was a problem with their phone number, so we called Pearl of the Orient instead. It's on Albany Shaker Road near Osborne Road (also near one of my favorite Italian places, D'Raymonds).
The restaurant has a lunch buffet, which usually suggests lower quality to me. That thinking does not apply here. The food is excellent. They used to have "black pepper chicken" on the menu. It's no longer there, but you can order it, and I did. They still have black pepper steak on the menu. I had to explain this to the waitress, who said she was new.
My dish was great! My wife had sesame chicken, which she said was too spicy -- not a negative to me. They also had mu-shu pork which they liked a lot. My hot-and-sour soup was also quite good. My daughters (ages 4 and 1) had plain lo mein and they definitely liked it. We were surprised how much our 1-year-old ate.
We also had a dumpling appetizer, but this was not as good as what you get at Dumpling House (I guess that's not a surprise).
I hadn't been there in at least a year. This is one of my favorite sit-down Chinese restaurants in the Albany area. We like Amazing Wok for delivery, and we used to go to the Dumpling House on Everett Road. There was a problem with their phone number, so we called Pearl of the Orient instead. It's on Albany Shaker Road near Osborne Road (also near one of my favorite Italian places, D'Raymonds).
The restaurant has a lunch buffet, which usually suggests lower quality to me. That thinking does not apply here. The food is excellent. They used to have "black pepper chicken" on the menu. It's no longer there, but you can order it, and I did. They still have black pepper steak on the menu. I had to explain this to the waitress, who said she was new.
My dish was great! My wife had sesame chicken, which she said was too spicy -- not a negative to me. They also had mu-shu pork which they liked a lot. My hot-and-sour soup was also quite good. My daughters (ages 4 and 1) had plain lo mein and they definitely liked it. We were surprised how much our 1-year-old ate.
We also had a dumpling appetizer, but this was not as good as what you get at Dumpling House (I guess that's not a surprise).
Friday, March 03, 2006
Le Bistro in Lighthouse Point, Florida
When I started this blog I fully intended to review various restaurants around Albany, and I will get there, but when I go to a great restaurant elsewhere, I figure it deserves a mention.
Yesterday we went to Le Bistro restaurant in Lighthouse Point, Florida. I was looking for something special after going to a couple of ultra-cheap and unmemorable places. Le Bistro had a number of good reviews from local papers, so we took a shot. It was excellent.
For a start we were given four very small pieces of bread with a white-bean dip that had a touch of a curry flavor. Nice touch. Heather had a tomato soup, which was wonderful. I had a black bean soup which was fine, but not as good as the rest of the meal. Then we split the simple green salad, which came with a very good balsamic dressing.
Somewhere in there we were given a small plate with a grape, a chunk of swiss cheese, and something else I forgot. Again, a nice touch. Before the entree we were also given a sorbet, raspberry I think. Probably the best sorbet I've ever tasted, though I rarely eat sorbet.
The entrees were fantastic. Heather had tenderloin in bordelaise sauce. I had surf and turf, with tenderloin, lobster, and the biggest shrimp I ever saw (called Colossal shrimp). It was close to a foot long. Presentation was a touch over the top. Heather's "stick fries" came standing up in a tall wine glass (with paper to absorb some of the oil I suppose), and it also came with grilled tomatoes that were sitting on small puffs of mashed potato. On my dish the lobster and shrimp were skewered together so that they stood up on the plate. There were also two skewers with roasted garlic and olives.
Our steaks were cooked perfectly and the sauces were delicious yet subtle -- the sauces did not overpower the other flavors. My lobster and shrimp were good, but the steak was so good that the other items didn't stand out. I had a side of grilled vegetables and that was good but not in league with the steak. One notable thing about the veggies though -- the waiter (Ron) kept commenting on how the chef uses the freshest ingredients. He was correct. The asparagus and zucchini in particular had a very fresh taste to them. Perhaps the chef didn't oversauce them to show off the freshness. In my experience store-bought zucchini and asparagus are pretty bland. These veggies had a real "green" (I can't think of a better word) flavor.
Heather had chocolate mousse which she liked very much. I had creme brulee, and it was without question the best creme brulee I ever had. I don't eat creme brulee often (more than sorbet), but I've had it enough that this means something. It was served in a deeper cup than I'm used to, and there was more creamy stuff under the caramelized top.
I find that one of the biggest things that separate fine restaurants from the rest is the texture of the food. Le Bistro gets that. The tenderloin is tender. The mashed potatoes are fluffy. Etc. Definitely a cut above.
It was expensive. We broke the century mark ourselves, and we didn't have wine. A couple could easily go over $150 or even $200 if you have a couple more courses. The 6-course tasting menu is "only" $45, which is a bargain if you like the items on the menu that day.
One other comment. While the food is fancy, the menu is clear so you know what you're ordering and it's mostly food you're familiar with. We were looking at another local place and Heather vetoed because so much of the menu was unfamiliar. If you're not the most adventurous type, you'll still like Le Bistro because it's really just regular food, but much better.
Yesterday we went to Le Bistro restaurant in Lighthouse Point, Florida. I was looking for something special after going to a couple of ultra-cheap and unmemorable places. Le Bistro had a number of good reviews from local papers, so we took a shot. It was excellent.
For a start we were given four very small pieces of bread with a white-bean dip that had a touch of a curry flavor. Nice touch. Heather had a tomato soup, which was wonderful. I had a black bean soup which was fine, but not as good as the rest of the meal. Then we split the simple green salad, which came with a very good balsamic dressing.
Somewhere in there we were given a small plate with a grape, a chunk of swiss cheese, and something else I forgot. Again, a nice touch. Before the entree we were also given a sorbet, raspberry I think. Probably the best sorbet I've ever tasted, though I rarely eat sorbet.
The entrees were fantastic. Heather had tenderloin in bordelaise sauce. I had surf and turf, with tenderloin, lobster, and the biggest shrimp I ever saw (called Colossal shrimp). It was close to a foot long. Presentation was a touch over the top. Heather's "stick fries" came standing up in a tall wine glass (with paper to absorb some of the oil I suppose), and it also came with grilled tomatoes that were sitting on small puffs of mashed potato. On my dish the lobster and shrimp were skewered together so that they stood up on the plate. There were also two skewers with roasted garlic and olives.
Our steaks were cooked perfectly and the sauces were delicious yet subtle -- the sauces did not overpower the other flavors. My lobster and shrimp were good, but the steak was so good that the other items didn't stand out. I had a side of grilled vegetables and that was good but not in league with the steak. One notable thing about the veggies though -- the waiter (Ron) kept commenting on how the chef uses the freshest ingredients. He was correct. The asparagus and zucchini in particular had a very fresh taste to them. Perhaps the chef didn't oversauce them to show off the freshness. In my experience store-bought zucchini and asparagus are pretty bland. These veggies had a real "green" (I can't think of a better word) flavor.
Heather had chocolate mousse which she liked very much. I had creme brulee, and it was without question the best creme brulee I ever had. I don't eat creme brulee often (more than sorbet), but I've had it enough that this means something. It was served in a deeper cup than I'm used to, and there was more creamy stuff under the caramelized top.
I find that one of the biggest things that separate fine restaurants from the rest is the texture of the food. Le Bistro gets that. The tenderloin is tender. The mashed potatoes are fluffy. Etc. Definitely a cut above.
It was expensive. We broke the century mark ourselves, and we didn't have wine. A couple could easily go over $150 or even $200 if you have a couple more courses. The 6-course tasting menu is "only" $45, which is a bargain if you like the items on the menu that day.
One other comment. While the food is fancy, the menu is clear so you know what you're ordering and it's mostly food you're familiar with. We were looking at another local place and Heather vetoed because so much of the menu was unfamiliar. If you're not the most adventurous type, you'll still like Le Bistro because it's really just regular food, but much better.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Brueggers
I went to Brueggers on Sunday for lunch. Trying to eat very low cholesterol, so I had what I think is called the Mediterranean bagel (it has hummus), and I had a soup. I wasn't impressed with either one. In the past I've liked some things at Brueggers. The bagels themselves are good, and I remember liking the Santa Fe bagel sandwich. But the hummus was a letdown, and the soup was nothing special. Not bad or anything, but it just didn't have that special something.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Italian
My picks for best Italian in Albany:
1. D'Raymonds. It's just off Albany-Shaker Road near Osborne Road. This is one of our absolute favorites in Albany. Surprising we don't get there more often. Great reputation for veal (though I'm not much of a veal eater). All the dishes are great.
They start you off with a little fried dough treat. If you order the salad, you get a lot of salad for not much money. Haven't been there in a while, but I just love everything they have.
It's got a nice atmosphere - feels homey. Not a good place for kids though. Also it looks crowded when you're walking in, but you don't notice that feeling when you're sitting down.
2. Lombardo's. On Madison near Pearl. Also outstanding. Again, surprising we don't get there more. Last time I think I picked my wife up for lunch and we got over there. Great food.
Also has a special atmosphere. Feels like you walked into the 1930s. Not that I would know since I was born in the 60s, but still. Has a bit of a celebrity thing too. Seems like I often see a local celebrity when I go there. I've seen TV news people. Once we saw the retired DA with the retired political cartoonist - even had a nice chat with them.
3. Carmine's. On Central Avenue, between Everett and Colvin, in the back of a minimall. Excellent food. Carmine is a local celebrity. His menu is more edgy. It's not classic Italian food, but maybe a bit nouvelle. Last time we were there seemed like a lot of dishes had sundried tomatoes in them.
That's the cream of the crop. I should put in honorable mentions for Provence and Milano. I haven't been to them as much, but they're good.
For some reason my wife likes Olive Garden, and we go there all the time. I'm kinda sick of it, but it is better for kids - if you can get a table.
Note from 7/30/06: I forgot to mention the Italian Community Center. Also one of my favorites, and I'm going there all the time now since it's now next door to our new office. It used to be called Le Caravelle, but they've dropped that name. It's run by Mallozzi's now. Food was good before and continues to be good now.
1. D'Raymonds. It's just off Albany-Shaker Road near Osborne Road. This is one of our absolute favorites in Albany. Surprising we don't get there more often. Great reputation for veal (though I'm not much of a veal eater). All the dishes are great.
They start you off with a little fried dough treat. If you order the salad, you get a lot of salad for not much money. Haven't been there in a while, but I just love everything they have.
It's got a nice atmosphere - feels homey. Not a good place for kids though. Also it looks crowded when you're walking in, but you don't notice that feeling when you're sitting down.
2. Lombardo's. On Madison near Pearl. Also outstanding. Again, surprising we don't get there more. Last time I think I picked my wife up for lunch and we got over there. Great food.
Also has a special atmosphere. Feels like you walked into the 1930s. Not that I would know since I was born in the 60s, but still. Has a bit of a celebrity thing too. Seems like I often see a local celebrity when I go there. I've seen TV news people. Once we saw the retired DA with the retired political cartoonist - even had a nice chat with them.
3. Carmine's. On Central Avenue, between Everett and Colvin, in the back of a minimall. Excellent food. Carmine is a local celebrity. His menu is more edgy. It's not classic Italian food, but maybe a bit nouvelle. Last time we were there seemed like a lot of dishes had sundried tomatoes in them.
That's the cream of the crop. I should put in honorable mentions for Provence and Milano. I haven't been to them as much, but they're good.
For some reason my wife likes Olive Garden, and we go there all the time. I'm kinda sick of it, but it is better for kids - if you can get a table.
Note from 7/30/06: I forgot to mention the Italian Community Center. Also one of my favorites, and I'm going there all the time now since it's now next door to our new office. It used to be called Le Caravelle, but they've dropped that name. It's run by Mallozzi's now. Food was good before and continues to be good now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)