tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66411395666324119522024-02-02T13:58:56.229-05:00Albany DishAlbany Dish reviews food in Albany New York. Restaurants, markets, fairs and all in between are up for discussion and critique.Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.comBlogger276125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-68862759475764951012017-12-18T15:09:00.000-05:002017-12-18T15:09:11.958-05:00America is Great: The Eveready Diner, Hyde Park, NYThe GOP tax "plan", derailments, sexual assaults, hurricane damage, Russian interference, travel bans, climate change, fires - this is just a short sheet of all that's gone wrong in the U.S. lately. So I ask, is it fake news?<br />
<br />
I wish it were.<br />
<br />
But in Hyde Park last week I found a few things that made me remember that I love this country.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love tacky Christmas decorations and iconic upstate NY diners</td></tr>
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Start with the drive down from Albany. Upstate NY is beautiful - a wonderful winters morning - a successful night chasing down Yeti (they don't like me, I'm too hot), soft pale sun with a dusting of snow on the mountains, and cold butts on heated car seats (there's a horrible Christmas song in there somewhere). Love.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It smelled like fresh baked cookies and bacon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like it - chrome, bad coffee, and a view of the parking lot - clean and bright</td></tr>
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An early lunch was had a the <a href="http://theevereadydiner.com/" target="_blank">Eveready Diner</a> in Hyde Park. It was busy with mostly locals, cozy, glitzy, smelling of cookies and bacon and homemade soup. Diners. Something else to love about the U.S.A. - an amazing menu of everything you can imagine, breakfast all day, cocktails, retro 50s decor, real waitresses - you are family starting with your first visit.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone at Eveready likes salad as much as we do</td></tr>
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Stitch went for a meal of Chicken Pot Pie ($14.99) - with soup or salad (salad) served with their special house dressing (sort of a sweet Italian with bits of tomato). The salad had fresh mushrooms and broccoli and spinach and cuke and red onion slices and tomato and crisp romaine - wow for any restaurant, especially a diner!!! With the pie came a side of mashed and some fresh steamed veg. This was a big plate. The crust was flaky and crisp, with big chunks of chicken, and a rich flavorful gravy that tasted like a hug.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big plate - the Chicken Pot Pie could feed two superheroes easily</td></tr>
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Puppy started with a cup of Ed's Chicken Soup ($3.49) - again, big chicken chunks, bits of red pepper and onion and scallions and celery, a rich yellow with just a hit of rice - what's not to love on a frosty day?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oyster crackers (:</td></tr>
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She followed up with a Hudson Salad ($11.99) - lettuce, pecans, cranberries, apple slices, lettuce, and grilled chicken on top, more of that house Italian instead of a honey mustard viniagrette. A lovely combination, all things good. Great salads in a diner??? We were impressed. More love.<br />
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Surprise! I went for the Chicken Souvlaki Pita ($9.99) - comes with fries (crispy, hot), slaw (grated, sweet, crisp), a hunk of pickle (love). I started with a Greek Salad for an extra $2.00 - pepperoncini, feta, stuffed grape leaves, balanced, fresh and delicious. The dressing was also that house stuff - I would have preferred something greekier instead, but it was still good.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greek salad with Italian Dressing </td></tr>
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I've been eating my way (as does any god or goddess or superhero, of course) through diners in Upstate for quite a while now, and eating a lot of these chicken souvlaki because, most of the time, they are delicious. Sorry to say that this one was on the low end of the scale - the meat was dry, so was the pita, the tzaziki was mild (needed garlic), the sandwich needed veg (more tomatoes and onions). I ordered extra sauce ($0.50) and dug my way through, but it needed some krytonite or something, I don't know, just dull.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chicken Souvlaki needed garlic or kryponite</td></tr>
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Overall, Eveready is a gem, a piece of Americana. Don't miss it.<br />
<br />
From there it was off to Val-Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt's "cottage", all decked out for the holidays. She was an amazing woman - smart, compassionate, tireless, a brilliant writer and statesman, the first real first lady lady, amazing, with a conscience, working her whole adult life to make the world a better place for all people. She gave hope to many during her days. And still she brings hope to mine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eleanor's living room decked out for the holidays</td></tr>
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Happy holidays to the U.S.A. May yours and my god or goddess protect the weak and forgive the mighty in these difficult times. Wishing you health, money (why not!?), and love.<br />
<br />
Zena, Goddess of FireZena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-6263484978763297342017-11-27T12:20:00.000-05:002017-11-27T16:08:50.358-05:00Thanksgiving: Eating Out, With ReservationsMortal life has been shit lately, but Thanksgiving has reminded me that I have much to be thankful for.<br />
<br />
Like cats. And dogs. And good friends. Actually anything kind and fuzzy. Oh, don't forget about the joys of eating out.<br />
<br />
Eating out means you have some cash to spare, with treats you wouldn't normally get at home, laughter and conversation and celebration, and no dishes to wash afterwards.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fixed price meals on Thanksgiving day starting a noon with the last seating at 500 p.m.</td></tr>
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About a week before the holiday The Mistress of the Hounds and I decided to get together and treat ourselves to a restaurant meal - something I've never done before on Thanksgiving Day. My pissy side says eating out on a holiday (Mothers Day, Valentines Day, etc.) is usually awful - way too busy, overpriced, disappointing. But this year, with a sick cat who died just days before, and a dying Mom, and a crazy Dad, and stress at work, and just plain feeling like a bitch ready to explode, I was up to having someone else do the cooking.<br />
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There were no reservations available at Normanside. None at the Desmond. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. I was left asking myself "Who eats out on Thanksgiving?". Apparently lots of folks (and I expect the trend to continue, based on my extreme powers of strength and foresight). I surfed the web looking for options but finding a holiday special wasn't all that easy. There were buffets and take out available from many local establishments - just sides or the whole enchilada. I finally managed to get a table for two at Innovo Kitchen, located on Route 7 in Latham. Fixed price meals at $38/person - comparable to the area buffets, with a selection of starters (soups, crab cakes, salad), turkey or beef or salmon as a main, and three types of pie or creme brulee or cookies for dessert. I thought the selection was varied and offered something for everyone - there was even a kids menu.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take out pickups started at 1100 a.m. Over 300 covers expected in the dining room</td></tr>
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The front of the restaurant was busy with folks picking up packaged meals to go. I sat at the bar with a cold class of Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc ($10) - a good pour, watching a dog show on the telly because the help in front weren't exactly chatty. No Mistress. She called me, misdirected, late, apologetic, so I told the (owner) at the hostess point that we were needing to be seated a bit late. While totally our fault, I expected to hear a gracious "No worries, all is well, we'll figure something out, it's the holidays after all". Instead I got "That's a problem, we may not be able to seat you," followed by "You'll have to be done by 2:00 because we will need to re-set the table for the next party."<br />
<br />
Pissy side rises to the surface, superpowers in check. No one wants to be told their holiday meal is a bust. I stopped myself from looking into her soul and instead just smiled and thanked. You would have been impressed with my restraint, trust me.<br />
<br />
Seated at 12:30. Our waitress was very nice. She asked if we'd decided on our meals without any description of what they were (e.g., farm raised versus a sustainable salmon? local turkey or beef?) - no work at all to sell what the kitchen had in store for us. And no suggestions for wine pairings. Less than classy, especially for a special meal. OK, no matter. Mistress went for the turkey and I ordered the beef. Their usual white bean dip and seedy crackers arrived at the table (still boring), followed shortly by a small wrapper of breads, including a nice sourdough that was perfectly soft and yeasty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKYc9J7xIKyHuvp0hN5heN4JmVCTVBgegq5QRsOUKnMZOQNDRnwWoTJvDnECfKLEpsVrbRnEMBkz-Rj87KRl3jSn8lQUiGrc-_mNbcUcGT8gSZBDfOZktKRMqXKmZR6b-RyOPTI8mYRHZ/s1600/20171123_123424_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKYc9J7xIKyHuvp0hN5heN4JmVCTVBgegq5QRsOUKnMZOQNDRnwWoTJvDnECfKLEpsVrbRnEMBkz-Rj87KRl3jSn8lQUiGrc-_mNbcUcGT8gSZBDfOZktKRMqXKmZR6b-RyOPTI8mYRHZ/s320/20171123_123424_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HhqUywHeQfIwDInQwSTAY-UzLmMgW2IamRvIIVANLe3kvb45doXW9fvUDGDsNaVTebSyF5Hg1xsLMqyJLrFIua6gGzs-0eBE7wg59C1452egRcN3nyfl5Byju6aUNpWdwSrMvSOidXYd/s1600/20171123_124439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HhqUywHeQfIwDInQwSTAY-UzLmMgW2IamRvIIVANLe3kvb45doXW9fvUDGDsNaVTebSyF5Hg1xsLMqyJLrFIua6gGzs-0eBE7wg59C1452egRcN3nyfl5Byju6aUNpWdwSrMvSOidXYd/s320/20171123_124439.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gratis crackers with their white bean dip and a few slices of bread were the usual at IK</td></tr>
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Round One. Mistress' Roast Pumpkin Bisque was rich, not too sweet, tasting like pumpkin and scented with ginger. I loved the Great Greens salad, topped with roasted beets, goats milk cheese and walnuts with a slightly sweet mustard vinaigrette.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrCuXsUCYfbbQnFH7QrhZOFqRBjY-5WLT-jISbnEmDHyOlLpE_4kcX-JQFuzi5sdXcvkRHzsKgRjv0ulIFlcpD4DMZgjTfvxPGub9zg-aI3Lq3MVRI8XpUHqWu15Z7QTV51KwDFxuJGy_/s1600/20171123_124323_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrCuXsUCYfbbQnFH7QrhZOFqRBjY-5WLT-jISbnEmDHyOlLpE_4kcX-JQFuzi5sdXcvkRHzsKgRjv0ulIFlcpD4DMZgjTfvxPGub9zg-aI3Lq3MVRI8XpUHqWu15Z7QTV51KwDFxuJGy_/s320/20171123_124323_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice pumpkin bisque...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XNI5UP9cOWQ-bnWfktgb4dvFrW3bbjM6Xky7rUvnQsS2Q-IUlgArd_ILwyG4PDxyif8fGexDYSPxPA3J14EKzRPh9Gc-qRZuyjkx6ky2A7_lO0ZLiMfIfTLDtzd3MuCHZlwoMCy_iXcc/s1600/20171123_124333_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XNI5UP9cOWQ-bnWfktgb4dvFrW3bbjM6Xky7rUvnQsS2Q-IUlgArd_ILwyG4PDxyif8fGexDYSPxPA3J14EKzRPh9Gc-qRZuyjkx6ky2A7_lO0ZLiMfIfTLDtzd3MuCHZlwoMCy_iXcc/s320/20171123_124333_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">but I'm betting my salad was better!</td></tr>
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Main Course: Mistress got a mound of food, looking like mine would if it was a buffet. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, white and dark meat Roast Tom Turkey, a bit of roasted sweet potato and gravy, piled high, with cranberries on the side. Not a pretty plate, but the food was good. She ALSO got a threesome of green beans, creamed onions and roasted brussels sprouts. The onions were amazing - rich, briney, delicate little bites of sweetness. A well considered, well executed and delicious holiday meal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgV7oci9UJDqyXSTsn8b4RHH2AQ7kbjAFWB76MMBEeKXvTSEc2mxZOhT1HimdNnFblhLFb6YprqHD9ux5yiGtuMuUHabxlD7SJmqthXQ0enQ9h0UiySNTrjcT0igG6E-XmEAtWeXgrnWH/s1600/20171123_125347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgV7oci9UJDqyXSTsn8b4RHH2AQ7kbjAFWB76MMBEeKXvTSEc2mxZOhT1HimdNnFblhLFb6YprqHD9ux5yiGtuMuUHabxlD7SJmqthXQ0enQ9h0UiySNTrjcT0igG6E-XmEAtWeXgrnWH/s320/20171123_125347.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Turkey? How do they know it was a boy???</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjZQvYQNcG1CcQ3Ih6OM2JlwtCDrggvMBgb9vysQf-_ui1NA6fvku6O6EGdEkEitaHiplQYT6Ksk2lctXDdxlIl-gBDC5geOw4-Vx8wDQJgNEpvAcsJ4j73RSfb7ziDQI9fwwbRJX6nHM/s1600/20171123_125405_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjZQvYQNcG1CcQ3Ih6OM2JlwtCDrggvMBgb9vysQf-_ui1NA6fvku6O6EGdEkEitaHiplQYT6Ksk2lctXDdxlIl-gBDC5geOw4-Vx8wDQJgNEpvAcsJ4j73RSfb7ziDQI9fwwbRJX6nHM/s320/20171123_125405_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why didn't I get sides too???? Mistress doesn't like green beans, so I got em!</td></tr>
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The Grilled Beef Tenderloin was amazing - tender, a bit salty, juicy, topped with a delicious demi glace. But the plate was NOT my idea of generous or extraordinary. About 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes (creamy, wonderful), and three! brussels (really!!!??) - chintzy almost. No roasted carrot or squash slice or sauteed shrooms or even a sprig of parsley or an offer or horseradish. I asked for more potatoes (which I didn't finish), and at least that came gratis. I really felt they could have done more to make the meal feel special. The fare was excellent, but I was underwhelmed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RM9wQnG-7W9ITNzcnrsroRncRJH4DYFgx20SZBQiu-8WOMIi1ZWRMAgsLskd6n6sftgR2M9QSlecqfZkQBMAMNLKjOJmgTBLiRaLtcWUZ8sC2Nek3y52aySoegT27kSxtU0TvixhOCA8/s1600/20171123_125357_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RM9wQnG-7W9ITNzcnrsroRncRJH4DYFgx20SZBQiu-8WOMIi1ZWRMAgsLskd6n6sftgR2M9QSlecqfZkQBMAMNLKjOJmgTBLiRaLtcWUZ8sC2Nek3y52aySoegT27kSxtU0TvixhOCA8/s320/20171123_125357_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was screaming "Add some color!!! She needs more vegetables! Where's the horseradish?"</td></tr>
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Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, coffee. All wonderful. The pecan pie in particular was rich and sweet and dark and gooey. If this were a buffet I would have gone back for seconds. (:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTZzAxB1O7kzBfwmsENNfHpJ1X0euPva5Jnkr1EVZeQoSEndV38i6Blj0tUo1M8CbOfxbRmiu1wnAJ18rfRad7HqYHXpdCSbCcsWK3OoFEfsM003sGIjm4C2LYImO6smrE2CPVGzpOHou/s1600/20171123_132356_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTZzAxB1O7kzBfwmsENNfHpJ1X0euPva5Jnkr1EVZeQoSEndV38i6Blj0tUo1M8CbOfxbRmiu1wnAJ18rfRad7HqYHXpdCSbCcsWK3OoFEfsM003sGIjm4C2LYImO6smrE2CPVGzpOHou/s320/20171123_132356_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGlLNkF3f7x_51ZJ9zkYJ7DqKbNrF8eZQz16DGWjdoGDTH9q7Ab9UPX2naPe8iI-7ACq0X573wIDt-YUW6Ptr_lxatzPupruWBh62C0MQ1NmVRbCit3sMzp2HLnuhGeDFnVDOK3MzEwaa/s1600/20171123_132406_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGlLNkF3f7x_51ZJ9zkYJ7DqKbNrF8eZQz16DGWjdoGDTH9q7Ab9UPX2naPe8iI-7ACq0X573wIDt-YUW6Ptr_lxatzPupruWBh62C0MQ1NmVRbCit3sMzp2HLnuhGeDFnVDOK3MzEwaa/s320/20171123_132406_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin pie was a classic (above). See the pecan pie isn't all gummy and stuck up like me. </td></tr>
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Dinner for two, including three glasses of wine and the tax came to $121.77. Not a bad value, and I do prefer good food over quantity as a rule. However, while I'm not an "all you can eat" kind of goddess, which is the pleasure of the buffet, the palty leftovers of the fixed price meal were a disappointment. Somehow the generosity, that elaborate touch, and a bit of creativity wasn't let loose at Innovo Kitchen this Thanksgiving. But the food was excellent.<br />
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Happy holidays to you and yours.<br />
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Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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<br />Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-69766326238551280872017-09-12T16:40:00.000-04:002017-09-12T16:40:24.937-04:00Wat??? Wot? Enjoyed the Injera at Umana"What" is a question, as is "huh what" or "aye, pardon". Wat (or wot) is a stew.<br />
<br />
OK I'll say that again.<br />
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Wat, a spicy meat or vegetable stew, is served on injera, a spongy sourdough bread, in this case about 12" square, made from naturally gluten free teff flour. It soaks up the juices and serves as a vehicle to help you gobble up every delicious bite without losing a drop.<br />
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<a href="http://www.umanarestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Umana Restaurant and Wine Bar</a> is boasting street food from around the world - and the menu is eclectic - Thai Satay and Jerk Lamb and Fried Chicken and Samosa - and the place smells wonderful, redolant with exotic spice. <i>Umana </i>means "the meeting place of all people". And those that know order the Injera ($27).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRr5V_Cj21f8jMnI9-vDnhlfQ56NCSz53WDwMXmqdCV3eIdUyOFdeIX_PxdAyLXz6dXrp_2t92vku2XdMGM3aNasxYm7Ur33qJi3-TXhOi1Yq22meD1Uq2TV6o4MXAjR8NoHiMXSDNFf6/s1600/20170908_172427_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRr5V_Cj21f8jMnI9-vDnhlfQ56NCSz53WDwMXmqdCV3eIdUyOFdeIX_PxdAyLXz6dXrp_2t92vku2XdMGM3aNasxYm7Ur33qJi3-TXhOi1Yq22meD1Uq2TV6o4MXAjR8NoHiMXSDNFf6/s320/20170908_172427_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the intersection of Central and Washington Ave in downtown Albany</td></tr>
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Served nightly, this is definitely a dish to share (burp), and it is not for the faint of heart. We had a total of nine, (9), toppings - colorful, creative, flavorful and kickbutt spicy (just like me). The injera is bland, and the texture is a bit weird at first, but it's mesmerizing the way it holds up to the moisture. Berbere is the spice base (think hot chilies, cardamon, ginger, fenugreek, nutmeg, cloves, etc.), a well loved and distinctive Ethiopian spice, but there's much much more happening in that kitchen.<br />
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COUNTERCLOCKWISE from left:A fork tender serving of very spicy lamb - too delicious to snarf down fast. The cucumber, tomato and ginger salad with mint was a nice foil. Turmeric cabbage and potato wat was soft and searing at the same time. The beans, with a touch of sweet potato, were pan sauteed with a sneaky spice. Cardamom scented beets were lovely and cooling. The chicken wat was a hot scoop of heaven. The lentils, one of my favorite tastes on the plate, were squishy and tasty. The butternut squash was rich with the flavors of curry, followed by a spicy spinach mix laced with onion and red pepper. Optional, at center, was a perfect fried egg that oozes into it all. Decadent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1pwyGjbLfl9Jx2s5lO0aXPbP6CLYedUD7yqf300Ftp_WX9oY4w_F-_9dKjP6bWsebmE19BKfcANxpbxnHf-Ei5u-iIJGYUYBmEa84hY7f6i_5X2en1AAjrHAwu0f6dvlTXWQtl5pG_Uc/s1600/20170908_181128_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1pwyGjbLfl9Jx2s5lO0aXPbP6CLYedUD7yqf300Ftp_WX9oY4w_F-_9dKjP6bWsebmE19BKfcANxpbxnHf-Ei5u-iIJGYUYBmEa84hY7f6i_5X2en1AAjrHAwu0f6dvlTXWQtl5pG_Uc/s320/20170908_181128_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Injera is AMAZING!</td></tr>
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<br />
A beautiful presentation. We made a mess of it because we don't have any experience with this stuff, which is meant to be eaten out of hand, but "all people" as well as fire goddesses are welcome to use utensils, which we did. I asked for more injera ($3.00) to cut the heat as the spice pushed me over into pre-meltdown. My superpowers did not keep me from being a chili-weenie.<br />
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The wines were lovely - we did a flight ($10) of South African wines that included a Fairvalley Chenin Blanc ($9/glass) that we both loved (fruity, crisp, clean, and cold), and a Pinotage that was much like a pinot noir only richer and deeper in flavor. Cedarburg Bukettraube was sweet and creamy and just a bit lemony, different and, in hindsight, may have been good with the fiery food.<br />
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The decor is funky and open, dark and woody, as festive as it is casual. The staff to a one were knowledgeable, friendly, neighborly even. I was with all the people, even if I am a goddess, and it was good.<br />
<br />
Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrMVdMXs83JzyFy9PeROc7pN-UXZrl54fnM1yrOnaQQrtqVnlcSrcNDDJzbMzPHlPhtmYbgEsdPWXDtGu1Eljkti2Lm6terdkyOQaRZ_1mm9FdjD2073isW6DDZxQPDCNytvlWH6JQs3d/s1600/20170908_172454_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrMVdMXs83JzyFy9PeROc7pN-UXZrl54fnM1yrOnaQQrtqVnlcSrcNDDJzbMzPHlPhtmYbgEsdPWXDtGu1Eljkti2Lm6terdkyOQaRZ_1mm9FdjD2073isW6DDZxQPDCNytvlWH6JQs3d/s320/20170908_172454_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly bar, friendly place</td></tr>
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Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-13061735895315500562017-08-29T11:17:00.000-04:002017-08-29T11:41:27.327-04:00The Time Machine Takes You Back to Vischer Ferry General StoreIt's NOT a 2004 Honda Civic EX with 111000 miles on it. It's a horse and carriage. Some days it really is, trust me on that.<br />
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Shitbox 4 cylinder.<br />
<br />
Anyway, no cape and tights for me today!!! I've donned my best bonnet and my nice high-necked dress that goes down to my ankles and I spit polished by high boots. Puppy giggled she wasn't wearing a corset but honestly she doesn't need it. Oh, and of course, parasols........... We look HOT.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQBSybbkmn47Hu1zX4O_6V8Gmq8af57InlRPEiRpxPHK5bMGMXWHlUClr-M-sKJXrO4lUfz2V03cNJIQSx8nht6c3s7CaBqyVHFW1fNkEOqK_EzxPGpdeLyyd3GFUkSnGtrVGC86C5aQd/s1600/20170827_114336_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQBSybbkmn47Hu1zX4O_6V8Gmq8af57InlRPEiRpxPHK5bMGMXWHlUClr-M-sKJXrO4lUfz2V03cNJIQSx8nht6c3s7CaBqyVHFW1fNkEOqK_EzxPGpdeLyyd3GFUkSnGtrVGC86C5aQd/s320/20170827_114336_resized.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner - a simple menu</td></tr>
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We crossed the canal by ferry and passed the VanVrankens with a polite wave before pulling into the <a href="http://vischerferrygeneralstore.com/" target="_blank">Vischer Ferry General Store</a>, in Rexford NY. At this point reality set in as I crashed my bumper into the parking spot. Anyway, this quaint little getaway is only 15 miles from Albany, straight up the Northway, but it felt far away and like we'd gone back in time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Eaaes06TR6MFqk0h9xhbt7o4rKhJ3fnoG9EyXMEWRS2QosmCv5cMVI34rkupO_bEdHsuaHxx6UMwDuwYiZ5bnm8wIpjFTiH_KoQ245wCDDR0xBO0NWJF4jAMA4M4aH0haSNSgP4qXRu0/s1600/20170827_114157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Eaaes06TR6MFqk0h9xhbt7o4rKhJ3fnoG9EyXMEWRS2QosmCv5cMVI34rkupO_bEdHsuaHxx6UMwDuwYiZ5bnm8wIpjFTiH_KoQ245wCDDR0xBO0NWJF4jAMA4M4aH0haSNSgP4qXRu0/s320/20170827_114157.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front entrance with porch seating</td></tr>
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Located at the intersection of Vischer Ferry and Riverview Roads, this recently renovated historic structure (damaged by fire in 2013) was carefully and lovingly restored, preserving historic details where possible but installing all new mechanical systems, new windows, etc.. The new owners detail a nice <a href="http://vischerferrygeneralstore.com/history/" target="_blank">history</a> of the building and neighborhood on their website - very interesting. They really do sell wares - soaps and lotions and mugs and jewelry and cookbooks and stationary and old-fashioned toys, fun to explore while you wait for your order. The floorboards and shelves and lighting and finishes are rustic and serviceable and very cool and relaxing. Nice job.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeDV7-56znk-8AqY_84hPH5Q4zxk7RJfC3PDhyphenhyphenftbUbSTi5gjgVfCW9JFJPkVhyqhM44LUZ2WyI9WVfgM97AYoqvleWZaZD7dlt3v8kfUdwObXdq7zFAIZj3X1TrB7KdL81stdxENylHd/s1600/20170827_115058_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeDV7-56znk-8AqY_84hPH5Q4zxk7RJfC3PDhyphenhyphenftbUbSTi5gjgVfCW9JFJPkVhyqhM44LUZ2WyI9WVfgM97AYoqvleWZaZD7dlt3v8kfUdwObXdq7zFAIZj3X1TrB7KdL81stdxENylHd/s320/20170827_115058_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knick knacks that smell good</td></tr>
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Puppy ordered the Enchilada ($8.99), served straight up with a dollop of sour cream on the side. Loaded with chicken and beans, tortilla (of course), corn, cheese and something green, it was delicious, but it could really have used a side of fresh greens, and maybe it was a bit pricey for what it was.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLe1egUOkR7s1ylcV1pY8MBD7bA160IuYU5Otv-a51egtB9PkTnMQ-8jjBa977jMXe7Y_vXIMF0N36UwHRFmXUIA1x-4fVwILRgvUAfSqLR25bw8siHAe_DX7fwuMGP2PNHItupG_Wcb-V/s1600/20170827_120230_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLe1egUOkR7s1ylcV1pY8MBD7bA160IuYU5Otv-a51egtB9PkTnMQ-8jjBa977jMXe7Y_vXIMF0N36UwHRFmXUIA1x-4fVwILRgvUAfSqLR25bw8siHAe_DX7fwuMGP2PNHItupG_Wcb-V/s320/20170827_120230_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enchilada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I enjoyed a Ham, Brie and Fig Sandwich ($6.99), warm and melty on a toasted baguette. Sweet and salty, rich and delicious, though the bread was just a bit too hard and crunchy. I added a bit of that sour cream and a touch of grease was a good thing. I like chips for breakfast. This made me happy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vkmU2kQCSFGfwkpACndgb_ACkhpZWiKlIEbuCbLeUn3in7XZj0Joa7-kUNT7pBFuVK0VUPJSyOUbNR5ZzxBCwRp-sCWyKLIghZ3lkoRyWC0HXVTmE7yhij8yNqUOiIP0_SdPxv9y8X9Y/s1600/20170827_120236_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vkmU2kQCSFGfwkpACndgb_ACkhpZWiKlIEbuCbLeUn3in7XZj0Joa7-kUNT7pBFuVK0VUPJSyOUbNR5ZzxBCwRp-sCWyKLIghZ3lkoRyWC0HXVTmE7yhij8yNqUOiIP0_SdPxv9y8X9Y/s320/20170827_120236_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast chips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The menu is a bit spartan and simple, but suited to the space. Plenty of staff on hand and everyone was superhero friendly. The environment is funky, family friendly, and casual - it feels like a place for the community to gather. The grounds are lovely, and when the weather is nice you can sit outside or on the porches and take it all in. Close your eyes and go back in time. Then you won't hear me when I try to start my car.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zm_9D7Rp9VDNMxVVZtn0orp90WCVVJJqg8jOhbQTo15I-9StpLSTUgHUQ6PMSUDW-7eT4quKzpGm6gXW64b3aDcglmrR6u7DiI5DcSvq_6IlUJqZ0s-VfrHr_rl4B3i9CXstFLkLWcXr/s1600/20170827_114257_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zm_9D7Rp9VDNMxVVZtn0orp90WCVVJJqg8jOhbQTo15I-9StpLSTUgHUQ6PMSUDW-7eT4quKzpGm6gXW64b3aDcglmrR6u7DiI5DcSvq_6IlUJqZ0s-VfrHr_rl4B3i9CXstFLkLWcXr/s320/20170827_114257_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enclosed back porch seating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBOlsBJcW5QtPEW1ap85LWdPhanvyU0tRZh7bC50fz4ObDhzrmUWMVnQEFZgVMLp9UH2bq_h48HBi_tF0WBWM-yAUAMtkOm_yEU3AXkJ8FLufJ7wlgipJCga6jGcZdRqPOICL5se4JGRi/s1600/20170827_114819_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBOlsBJcW5QtPEW1ap85LWdPhanvyU0tRZh7bC50fz4ObDhzrmUWMVnQEFZgVMLp9UH2bq_h48HBi_tF0WBWM-yAUAMtkOm_yEU3AXkJ8FLufJ7wlgipJCga6jGcZdRqPOICL5se4JGRi/s320/20170827_114819_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfortable relaxed environment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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<br />Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-2860694731019706432017-07-05T11:10:00.001-04:002017-07-05T14:20:06.036-04:00Doing the Numbers at D'RaymondsI love numbers. I love that they can be so precise and yet make absolutely no sense whatsoever. Welcome to 2017 - believe whatever you want as long as it fits into your world view.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-EXrt1OhRv2qTlkelSw6Mf_pNdUwP4jeLec0Nn_72a6z6_oszEw7Gi7jClTAF6kgSiUeoitbm4b7tbVR8rOJDRNgSyo7330UZydyBev_fkXqlZ1V4xlB6x4AnV5vmRYp1dyQ-HkQ_tWZ/s1600/20170630_115420_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-EXrt1OhRv2qTlkelSw6Mf_pNdUwP4jeLec0Nn_72a6z6_oszEw7Gi7jClTAF6kgSiUeoitbm4b7tbVR8rOJDRNgSyo7330UZydyBev_fkXqlZ1V4xlB6x4AnV5vmRYp1dyQ-HkQ_tWZ/s320/20170630_115420_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute exterior - D'Raymonds is not a big place, so reservations are a must</td></tr>
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For example, according to Yelp there are 563 Italian restaurants in Albany, only a couple boast Star #5, <a href="http://www.draymonds.com/" target="_blank">D'Raymonds</a> pops up #8 when you filter "Highest Rated", with 111 reviews to date, (11 by my friends). Trip Advisor gave me 60 Italian places within 25 miles, 4 dots out of five is typical, no D'Raymonds, with NY Pizza listed as #1??? Gayot gave us 37 with D'Raymonds having 3 1/2 stars. Fodor's lists 9. There are NO Italian restaurants in Albany listed in Zagat. Actually Albany doesn't exist according to Zagat. The local Times Union had 28 listed in their <a href="http://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/article/Best-of-the-Capital-Region-2017-Italian-11194896.php#photo-10325605" target="_blank">Best Of</a> for 2017 with D'Raymonds on top, and it's been there for 8 years straight!<br />
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OK that last stat, if you stayed with me, was compelling. I hadn't been to D'Raymonds in years. I've had a few good, and a few not so good experiences there and, heck, if All Things Yelp are worthy, that left me 562 other options for Italian food (including pizza, which, Yelp, I'd like to filter out from Italian, but I digress), so I've been in no rush to go back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI-TUyBviwCMJ1t3vHMaKigFJjswRNw7VHk8Vn2fQMCfiY9OhcI5n5_pV0LxKsmgghNfaGuKqpgh19ZjDtiQsaoPoHcVdihCjuokuT8MJ7Xy6c7Qbb7H-Y_X-eGnMTTWbAYHsIfknRUBO/s1600/20170630_122402_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSI-TUyBviwCMJ1t3vHMaKigFJjswRNw7VHk8Vn2fQMCfiY9OhcI5n5_pV0LxKsmgghNfaGuKqpgh19ZjDtiQsaoPoHcVdihCjuokuT8MJ7Xy6c7Qbb7H-Y_X-eGnMTTWbAYHsIfknRUBO/s320/20170630_122402_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crusty bread that I only ate for because of this blog. (:</td></tr>
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But when DD (Double Donut) was leaving the department we decided to go for lunch and D'Rays was one of his all time favorites. Five point six miles to Osborne Road from SUNY Albany, the menu has 7 apps and soups, 6 salads, 10 grilled sandwiches ("<a href="http://www.draymonds.com/menus" target="_blank">bananas</a>" - ???), 11 Italian specialties, 8 pasta specialties, and 7 fish dishes. And a couple of specials that we were not told of but I used my superpowers to hear the list read to a neighboring table. Everything is under $15, which, in my books, for a sit-down meal is exceptional value.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnaLCM32x24kqY7dC0ct4hfeJ6WOpXcaRwOnNRIwv2iNcwIYuPcLRX-BreSU9DPKJRP_-yEYJPxuyBAGvxGgiD4cTQxlhZyNryq3wvPGyxnW-j2aBKTAYVvySF0s-lJMtv4G2COVztvTu/s1600/20170630_122337_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnaLCM32x24kqY7dC0ct4hfeJ6WOpXcaRwOnNRIwv2iNcwIYuPcLRX-BreSU9DPKJRP_-yEYJPxuyBAGvxGgiD4cTQxlhZyNryq3wvPGyxnW-j2aBKTAYVvySF0s-lJMtv4G2COVztvTu/s320/20170630_122337_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excellent salads!!! </td></tr>
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Especially for what ended up being a wonderful meal. The pasta and Italian dishes all started with perfect side salads of baby spinach topped with unique ingredients (compared to Albany Italian mainstream) - ricotta salata, dried cranberries, chickpeas, marinated artichoke hearts, pitted black kalamata olives, red onion, pale tomato with a light, flavorful dressing - terrific. The bread was a bit lackluster but fresh, served with whipped butter. We then shared a Bruschetta - toasted garlic bread loaded with pale tomato and mozz and topped with fresh basil - decadent, delicious, served with a side of red sauce for dipping that made it even that much better. Mighty good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8g8I62dlLY8JdFME960Mi0If53nTFS-KSh8QLWYPtpwWZzfnYHFTZ988dV_tmgzWfo7WyyTMy9EYf0NS2UunES1XorH5UpuszFoba6hXD_EZA68x-Eaiyry_9U4-g6wrujjFltS8lbBlw/s1600/20170630_122607_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8g8I62dlLY8JdFME960Mi0If53nTFS-KSh8QLWYPtpwWZzfnYHFTZ988dV_tmgzWfo7WyyTMy9EYf0NS2UunES1XorH5UpuszFoba6hXD_EZA68x-Eaiyry_9U4-g6wrujjFltS8lbBlw/s320/20170630_122607_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruschetta. Four pieces was plenty as an app for four people</td></tr>
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DD had the Rigatoni Ala D'Raymond, served with crumbled hot sausage and a pink vodka sauce ($12.95) - good, nice and creamy, generous meat that wasn't too spicy, but a bit salty. Red had the Chicken Piccata ($12.95 - she subbed that salad for the pasta) - OK, sitting in butter so it was soft, more butter than wine, missing capers, but very tender. Pony had a ginormous serving of Orecciette Carbonara ($11.95) - a winner - best ever - super creamy, so delicious she couldn't stop eating.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1etoe1DgN0P1GumQwYqyVG-pM3jbz2GCQHvdTuze2Y25VRSjxSptQspsrqGksysTJS9y8B4-SAr3nnQWbjzDwVnusngWotsCn7CRffLtFoccFy0TyQ_OD8ZF_snn2OljoyijTYbcxGBRN/s1600/20170630_123638_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1etoe1DgN0P1GumQwYqyVG-pM3jbz2GCQHvdTuze2Y25VRSjxSptQspsrqGksysTJS9y8B4-SAr3nnQWbjzDwVnusngWotsCn7CRffLtFoccFy0TyQ_OD8ZF_snn2OljoyijTYbcxGBRN/s320/20170630_123638_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rigatoni Ala D'Raymond - pink sauce???</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPn4TPiJqWuh-K3NUQukK5pAW0ckBJWHqM7jaI5kM7fM5AUjoMKgqT5Jqcb0M5Lh35D-DcL4cYTzGZODc0SC22mxoDQBmuF8Qq7BxpLBehqFNWg5YT1_2_1PrbibUhQRM3KUXC0yH4gwx/s1600/20170630_123652_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPn4TPiJqWuh-K3NUQukK5pAW0ckBJWHqM7jaI5kM7fM5AUjoMKgqT5Jqcb0M5Lh35D-DcL4cYTzGZODc0SC22mxoDQBmuF8Qq7BxpLBehqFNWg5YT1_2_1PrbibUhQRM3KUXC0yH4gwx/s320/20170630_123652_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a pretty dish but the best of them all - Orecciette Carbonara rocked the numbers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt3ANkLrBUwImhABvWI5YXyvyBF8ymd3P_BZJRweSi6hOsHKPfcGz-YuyihCg_wdOi6Tjqi40BIeAlKu4WeutwE8PqWdNOIcMWvjD7Q3ctTS-qqcmxJAdCApyAIHhZBtJTXTvkcA463d7/s1600/20170630_123658_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt3ANkLrBUwImhABvWI5YXyvyBF8ymd3P_BZJRweSi6hOsHKPfcGz-YuyihCg_wdOi6Tjqi40BIeAlKu4WeutwE8PqWdNOIcMWvjD7Q3ctTS-qqcmxJAdCApyAIHhZBtJTXTvkcA463d7/s320/20170630_123658_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Piccata needed a bit more wine and capers to round out the sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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No I did not order the Chicken Parm. I went for the straight Italian American classic, Spaghetti Con Polpette ($9.95) - spaghetti and meatball, singular. The red sauce was the same that came with the bruschetta - thick, rich, simple but herbal, not bitter, not at all sweet. The pasta was a perfect al dente, though I wasn't crazy about the meatball - very garlicky garlic powdery, fine ground everything and a bit dense. A generous serving and a classic in all respects, and I DID eat my leftovers for breakfast the next day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMwv78_78Ur1il2viIs_6jseDzmqhQR3IP9-Qg_UpolmGZgqQ8YmS-3DfgJz6LLo-dJQTcTrs86vozBhRn-gR7S3lKrvgVskLkTmi9AKN3qT9hehy7p1bX8MN5Qqdd0S_KfiyrBYskfH-/s1600/20170630_123643_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMwv78_78Ur1il2viIs_6jseDzmqhQR3IP9-Qg_UpolmGZgqQ8YmS-3DfgJz6LLo-dJQTcTrs86vozBhRn-gR7S3lKrvgVskLkTmi9AKN3qT9hehy7p1bX8MN5Qqdd0S_KfiyrBYskfH-/s320/20170630_123643_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9047MrKtKRgRRbmlEZXZN3skqWxaMgDxEYNQqL53NYAeIgagw-BzHcI-rywCZ1gUsFRRIEnyYNZ1hzMMxFlQYdi7TLRks65tur3rAz-apt3A-akNJ8tttW7F6NG0WjODOs0ohvTfQCwZx/s1600/20170630_124451_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9047MrKtKRgRRbmlEZXZN3skqWxaMgDxEYNQqL53NYAeIgagw-BzHcI-rywCZ1gUsFRRIEnyYNZ1hzMMxFlQYdi7TLRks65tur3rAz-apt3A-akNJ8tttW7F6NG0WjODOs0ohvTfQCwZx/s320/20170630_124451_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaghette con Polpette</td></tr>
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D'Raymonds is a classy joint but still casual, with good service, ample parking, and it's usually busy, so make a reservation unless you like a long wait counting the minutes before you finally get to eat.<br />
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Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNpn6fv2fzP4HjkrtDMGXRYrgZSwb4gr9rEAwXwIdtSp9zxH3I5DXB6RN6hYxGl3Pk7-F8wevQje6IQ-K-KYfUgPM15P9frt9lrUIMctGbR951yXclCk-cULXWxXPeNCrD3b_Y11fraVW/s1600/20170630_115721_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNpn6fv2fzP4HjkrtDMGXRYrgZSwb4gr9rEAwXwIdtSp9zxH3I5DXB6RN6hYxGl3Pk7-F8wevQje6IQ-K-KYfUgPM15P9frt9lrUIMctGbR951yXclCk-cULXWxXPeNCrD3b_Y11fraVW/s320/20170630_115721_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D'Raymonds main dining room at the start of service</td></tr>
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Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-33220016524247058492017-06-06T14:09:00.000-04:002017-06-06T14:09:28.964-04:00PizzaZzipEveryone should have a creative outlet. Art, song, acting, balloon animals, bird house making, playing the spoons, teasing your sister, knitting, fly fishing, <a href="https://www.yelp.com/albany" target="_blank">Yelping</a>, fighting the forces of evil - the list is endless.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTM7x55fJGkodIcPNoWievVdYnp8kkyKmEluGbx4zErCG1WBRgdpxcmfxLpjBM9CKvCUPmwV_b_7xOhjcRyWag2uXBERPbroTnFaXTPcRmxyDu3cSgVHIB3iH1dKQ02iXof3L-gq12k_PK/s1600/3014d31901fb73024ae81f75e9466f0b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="650" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTM7x55fJGkodIcPNoWievVdYnp8kkyKmEluGbx4zErCG1WBRgdpxcmfxLpjBM9CKvCUPmwV_b_7xOhjcRyWag2uXBERPbroTnFaXTPcRmxyDu3cSgVHIB3iH1dKQ02iXof3L-gq12k_PK/s320/3014d31901fb73024ae81f75e9466f0b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always liked this comic</td></tr>
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Lately I will lay there, up all night, fretting about zombies who just kicked my butt and a sick mom and deadlines at work and the stupid x and all the yard work waiting for a dry spell and money money money what I ate yesterday and today and what I might eat tomorrow and what I would like to eat right now and what I should eat more of or less of.<br />
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Yes, I'm thinking about food at three in the morning. It actually relaxes me, don't ask why.<br />
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And I'm not dreaming about a Blizzard. As a rule I don't do frozen prepared and take out and take away or dinner in a box - it's a waste of both time and money, and often it's worse than awful. I want to know where my ingredients came from and what they are exactly and I want the best I can afford and I want variety in taste and color and flavor and texture, and I want to have fun in the kitchen and be a better cook, exploring new ingredients and combinations and testing my skills while I drink a bottle of wine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDliYqxIkVofJvu7GYX_RADDusqUZFUk4Hp-yMgJvaWWBzDq5pUM93-KFjFnfs4GYUrzgZKax2vAr5DtnjU90ZyVih10-xoSg6X0a335TZTZLlvcsXtCeyIudckjT4TW_DEEH4pywN_qVR/s1600/dq-treats-blizzards-M_M.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDliYqxIkVofJvu7GYX_RADDusqUZFUk4Hp-yMgJvaWWBzDq5pUM93-KFjFnfs4GYUrzgZKax2vAr5DtnjU90ZyVih10-xoSg6X0a335TZTZLlvcsXtCeyIudckjT4TW_DEEH4pywN_qVR/s1600/dq-treats-blizzards-M_M.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it's upside down...</td></tr>
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Sometimes there's dribs and drabs of stuff that stack up or I buy something and forget to use it and weird food combinations threaten and it's none of it is getting any fresher sitting around, just like me. No matter what you have at home, you can ALWAYS make a good meal for yourself - it doesn't need to be anything fancy (the cats especially like anything with canned tuna, but I digress) - without resorting to processed junk. I say BE CREATIVE - relax, and (note to self) - use what you have before you start buying more stuff that could end up in landfill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6iRnjkKOtjsyqDSqSERBxGlwz-1Rv8T90qiIwlGyKqFNKcQEX0nEz7WD6y3ZG9XTkoHF9cudpJGmvr-FTspTxhknp-h3HXdMdk3ITCwH800vVtouYo5AX3Zh63C1YYlN36SC5SGVAPGa/s1600/20170606_071030_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6iRnjkKOtjsyqDSqSERBxGlwz-1Rv8T90qiIwlGyKqFNKcQEX0nEz7WD6y3ZG9XTkoHF9cudpJGmvr-FTspTxhknp-h3HXdMdk3ITCwH800vVtouYo5AX3Zh63C1YYlN36SC5SGVAPGa/s320/20170606_071030_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two jars of sun dried tomatoes started me thinking</td></tr>
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Okay, so what's in the fridge? the pantry??? When was the last time you cleaned the freezer(s) out, all the way to the back?<br />
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The inspiration for dinner on Sunday night was the discovery of TWO opened jars of sun-dried tomatoes in the refrigerator, because I'm an idiot.<br />
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Did someone say "PIZZA"???<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyeRF_3cEZ_aTqGvFyZDr4H6nwCw0olaGaWzQXb7HiUBahHPBeLiQKarjWUSNRJ3B0EVmQOVmjzQJkgRwDnI4gi0sKgTqPekhE362wEQmZ7yOtR5Iqr7mgumvUd49-0wAvSwpOKZi6XDS/s1600/20170604_102338_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyeRF_3cEZ_aTqGvFyZDr4H6nwCw0olaGaWzQXb7HiUBahHPBeLiQKarjWUSNRJ3B0EVmQOVmjzQJkgRwDnI4gi0sKgTqPekhE362wEQmZ7yOtR5Iqr7mgumvUd49-0wAvSwpOKZi6XDS/s320/20170604_102338_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tomatoes are in back, herb garden out front, all loving the rain, including vampires and their smaller cousin, the mosquito</td></tr>
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I had homemade pesto in the freezer from last year (yes, you can be jealous), AND frozen homemade sourdough wheat pizza dough (actually, several more in store that I still need to use up), basil in the garden already needing to be pinched back, even had the <a href="http://www.cappiellofoods.com/" target="_blank">Cappiello</a> Fresh Mozzarella (on sale at PChopper last week, BOGOF - local and delicious), toasted pine nuts on the door of the fridge, and no veggies worthy of a savory pizza pie except onions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6xvscGZNr-dlZTM64amkfGRKn1lY8xuxp9diGVMYAD9ZksrovMKXLu-IqdvUSOfOn-er9GBczNEJ7nftGZ_QC3KRXoClTlZibc1GguUcU-vOdJeyoBwbJUiKiXxJk3D64fTm6ISczcrE/s1600/20170604_142238_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6xvscGZNr-dlZTM64amkfGRKn1lY8xuxp9diGVMYAD9ZksrovMKXLu-IqdvUSOfOn-er9GBczNEJ7nftGZ_QC3KRXoClTlZibc1GguUcU-vOdJeyoBwbJUiKiXxJk3D64fTm6ISczcrE/s320/20170604_142238_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't go heavy handed with your ingredients</td></tr>
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No recipe: roll the dough out once it's at room temperature, top with a thin layer of pesto and thinly sliced onions, sprinkle around chopped sun dried tomatoes and top with mozz then an handful of pine nuts, bake in a hot oven (450 F) about 20 minutes until the crust is a nice deep golden brown, and finish with fresh basil. I ate half. It was good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7KF30Kto7q0kA7G3MhiskEDVlcnin9QeCX2O7bhV_y2Y4Y8u0F0jzzVrtoxGv6AMTh2T5jHFEYhhNLWiCXBlEBZENg6ODAmqutv7Y0HKsECVifKIlUZXZ_-0_LDMgdk9UeOBfuHHXspV/s1600/20170604_144638_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7KF30Kto7q0kA7G3MhiskEDVlcnin9QeCX2O7bhV_y2Y4Y8u0F0jzzVrtoxGv6AMTh2T5jHFEYhhNLWiCXBlEBZENg6ODAmqutv7Y0HKsECVifKIlUZXZ_-0_LDMgdk9UeOBfuHHXspV/s320/20170604_144638_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful!!! </td></tr>
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Cooking has become my creative outlet. So has working out, just by necessity, but that's another blog.<br />
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Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-24296841438340150172017-05-23T12:14:00.001-04:002017-05-23T12:14:25.555-04:00"Dinner in Rome" with Chef GioDear Chef Gio:<br />
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Thank you for your cooking school, <a href="https://www.gioculinarystudio.com/" target="_blank">Gio Culinary Studio</a> in Voorheesville, NY. You are offering lots of evening classes that appear to be aimed at us home cooks that want ideas and inspiration to make our Italian dishes rise above the ordinary. From the outside the building is quite plain, but inside it's simple and lovely; the layout is well considered. The large open kitchen is brightly lit, clean and modern, and I appreciated the cameras and large screens positioned above the work area so participants can watch what you are doing without having to hover.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfzLm1ga3pFcawO0A-a1-ir-_J7l_Ty7SqcLCmhyzCd1KvNBEq5jbTNJiOYptsdCaKlMPzOBwC9JSq5MZOPAaw1CTnIMdhInRV88fm8_8xY5jz5BaX2f0tv-gkoJKNdfHAU5tTUD612bA/s1600/20170509_180924_resized_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfzLm1ga3pFcawO0A-a1-ir-_J7l_Ty7SqcLCmhyzCd1KvNBEq5jbTNJiOYptsdCaKlMPzOBwC9JSq5MZOPAaw1CTnIMdhInRV88fm8_8xY5jz5BaX2f0tv-gkoJKNdfHAU5tTUD612bA/s320/20170509_180924_resized_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small town Voorheesville has a surprise in store for you...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSL6X8yYjlErARSNvr7DshoF0eBsnz4Hnoz6LKgno46S5uGpfFoECdTNY1vW7qJW7Ju7zs8Bxcseo6VrZp7D1QFyF44tOxuSWpluFXI4JO5qvI7uCvx2fa9D481Zpjss7sEoH8ApIyI7n/s1600/20170509_183251_resized_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSL6X8yYjlErARSNvr7DshoF0eBsnz4Hnoz6LKgno46S5uGpfFoECdTNY1vW7qJW7Ju7zs8Bxcseo6VrZp7D1QFyF44tOxuSWpluFXI4JO5qvI7uCvx2fa9D481Zpjss7sEoH8ApIyI7n/s320/20170509_183251_resized_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Gio and his sidekick Robin - lovely space for workshops</td></tr>
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That didn't keep us, I mean me, from asking lots of questions, but you are charming, answering easily with the "why" so it would be easier to remember, and you didn't give us recipes, just ingredients, and made us take notes, which is savvy teaching on your part. Anyway, I apologize for being so annoying, what with my flash going off, giggling over my wine, fooling with the KitchenAid even when you told me not to - honestly, there's one in every crowd, and I'm an effortless troublemaker in all respects. Your sidekick Robin was aware of my superhero status and I could sense her wanting to "POW!" "BLAM"! "BIF"! and "SOK!" me, but she was very nice. I've met other Robins in my day and they can kick butt, but I digress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJgh4sRuc23C5bMI6TGhOdt3Hcqp15ELa1i2C6zHdClb4BH9XfFTSCDRQUMdwLGMKoE9sCYVn2YSKW9SMTY36Cn43eNaj3-2OQ6YM53xfqWyh_hgr620frcFQGN1juGjMhsWquaPT_t2J/s1600/20170509_185536_resized_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJgh4sRuc23C5bMI6TGhOdt3Hcqp15ELa1i2C6zHdClb4BH9XfFTSCDRQUMdwLGMKoE9sCYVn2YSKW9SMTY36Cn43eNaj3-2OQ6YM53xfqWyh_hgr620frcFQGN1juGjMhsWquaPT_t2J/s320/20170509_185536_resized_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruschetta</td></tr>
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In three hours you demonstrated how to make several relatively simple regional dishes from Rome. I loved the bruschetta, toast scraped with cut garlic and topped with sliced grape tomatoes laced with fresh basil and best quality olive oil. Messy and crunchy, like me. Strawberry liked it too!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making pasta with the troublemaker (me, not Strawberry)</td></tr>
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You made handmade pasta seem effortless, but I will likely continue to make mine in the food processor. Thanks for the hot tip about 50:50 semolina (for elasticity) and no-purpose flour (for workability) - I'll try that the next time. I have one of those analog hand crank kneader/cutters and they are a fine substitute for those of us that mess around with appliances or that don't have any counter space, or both. The Carbonara that you tossed with the spaghetti was unctous, rich, salty and amazing. Again, seemingly easy but you stressed the importance of good quality ingredients (and yes, everyone should know about the <a href="https://thecheesetraveler.com/" target="_blank">Cheese Traveler</a>!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RETYwnhPwsBABFXZoHOgCoFXMnAoCAPZldLyIvz_HqbpQ6nV6a3uetlhkSsvyO095VXl9VfsFDc6jQCKwQvSEuLb8yOqsefyxB6M1WxofT9C7bc25snaliqYiC2hEcUTN0hFWFXhFZlK/s1600/20170509_203155_resized_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RETYwnhPwsBABFXZoHOgCoFXMnAoCAPZldLyIvz_HqbpQ6nV6a3uetlhkSsvyO095VXl9VfsFDc6jQCKwQvSEuLb8yOqsefyxB6M1WxofT9C7bc25snaliqYiC2hEcUTN0hFWFXhFZlK/s320/20170509_203155_resized_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carbonara with a big hit of real Pecorino Romano</td></tr>
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Next was the Saltimbocca al Forno - boned skin-on chicken thighs, prosciutto, sage - very traditional - braised in chicken stock and wine, topped with garlic, in a large pan making it easy to prepare for a crowd. Tender and dreamy. And the class was full, it was a good crowd, friendly and happy to gather and talk about food.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Gio demonstrates boning chicken thighs - the finished dish is below</td></tr>
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We finished up with a demo on Zeppole, a cooked pate chou with only eggs for leavening, these were light and just slightly sweet, topped with a bit of sugar and cinnamon. I had two.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Zeppole</td></tr>
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Dinner in Rome was a lovely event, and I see that you are offering this again in July. I didn't understand that we weren't actually getting dinner for our $65, just sample tastes, and that made the class seem a bit expensive, so maybe you just need to make this all clear on your website so your students don't leave feeling disappointed. I hate to complain because I really enjoyed the evening in your studio and I learned a lot, so thank you again for bringing your enterprise to the Capital Region.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rightfully proud of their work!!! Thanks, Chef!</td></tr>
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I'll probably sneak back into one of your pizza classes (if I promise to behave)!!!<br />
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Yours truly,<br />
Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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<br />Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-36455034545413363312017-05-09T15:08:00.000-04:002017-05-09T15:08:02.624-04:00What's the BEST Restaurant in Albany??? Possibly Peck's...Soft Serve is sweet, fun, familiar with the area but still new in her return, after many years away, to her Alma Mater city of Albany, where she belongs.<br />
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Excited and exploring, Soft Serve asked a bunch of us "What is the best restaurant in Albany?", to which I replied "What do you like?" - but that was not her question, the question was, what is the BEST??? Not your favorite, not your regular spot, not the recommended sushi joint or diner or happy hour specials or cheap eats or brunch joints or romantic or seasonal or perfect burgers or Italian or Greek or Thai or TexMex or BBQ or where you can eat outside with the flies or a pub where you can spill your beer and dance with abandon.<br />
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And I answered "Peck's". <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_ob6zgcb6XsdvCRQeGUIDSfAqLTsqYHFfqTsMsylHgFAHKoPlQ7SbDPaZ1bHhKwHsmoGi9e4aVPrO2pgJtAZHXn3z-S3CGz0JgR7xbE8cxspw66t0_IXUtfyU3IeKlIVEoiSvwpNjqK-/s1600/20170503_171709_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_ob6zgcb6XsdvCRQeGUIDSfAqLTsqYHFfqTsMsylHgFAHKoPlQ7SbDPaZ1bHhKwHsmoGi9e4aVPrO2pgJtAZHXn3z-S3CGz0JgR7xbE8cxspw66t0_IXUtfyU3IeKlIVEoiSvwpNjqK-/s320/20170503_171709_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street parking only for Peck's Arcade in downtown Troy</td></tr>
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It's not that big, we know that. The open kitchen is small, too. The space is kind of dark and the guts of the ventilation and heating and the structure itself are exposed like an inside-out umbrella, connecting to Lucas Confectionery (wine bar and small bites) and The Grocery, all windy like, and there's even a bar upstairs. I'll call it chic, trendy, divey, and very very cool. I felt cool, even though I'm not, I'm actually a Fire Goddess, not at all cool, especially since I hit 50, but I digress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF13xlB4SJ2Xrd2J5Y4zsauAT2UFKifaC8ATZPvanENEhVwx4XeoI18nrRWyj6lI3DKPPzdoYlfJNYFELtm-EZosq3KBoTJh2aThDkCrOUMjGZUDtigbAeJkUaQXIBuTC1CB-36Rmx2Fpd/s1600/20170503_171731_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF13xlB4SJ2Xrd2J5Y4zsauAT2UFKifaC8ATZPvanENEhVwx4XeoI18nrRWyj6lI3DKPPzdoYlfJNYFELtm-EZosq3KBoTJh2aThDkCrOUMjGZUDtigbAeJkUaQXIBuTC1CB-36Rmx2Fpd/s320/20170503_171731_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open concept, noisy and it got noisier as it got busier, but very chic</td></tr>
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We sat at the Chef's Counter so we could watch - three chefs/cooks, each with their specialties, whipped together small plates and mains with astonishing speed and grace. They made it look easy, but it's not, neither is fighting the forces of evil but we try not to sweat: each dish was graced with home prepared everything, thoughtful and seasonal additions, sauces and sides, all done well in advance of service. Not cheating: brilliant. OK they answered our questions but they had to focus on their cooking, so they didn't actually engage with those sitting close by (but then again, sometimes it's weirdos like me that won't shut up that's the problem).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrqvHA-DlW2CTfJ23DCjLdZ9d7pWWsrf-njCjWG3WG8BCggWLlb7-KPdTEsTXkYbzMqsCg4R9safAnyCd_Pf4X-DtLh4K4x6Goa3IRgIRNmmOMdQSNVsQOz8WvZeV9SQdGGV2Jtb7ZIxe/s1600/20170503_171923_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrqvHA-DlW2CTfJ23DCjLdZ9d7pWWsrf-njCjWG3WG8BCggWLlb7-KPdTEsTXkYbzMqsCg4R9safAnyCd_Pf4X-DtLh4K4x6Goa3IRgIRNmmOMdQSNVsQOz8WvZeV9SQdGGV2Jtb7ZIxe/s320/20170503_171923_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef's Counter - be sure to make a reservation!</td></tr>
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We started with the Mustard Green Salad ($10), baby leaves topped with a few thin strips of celery, a sprinkle of whole spicy sweet walnuts, and a few generous shaves of Pecorino Romano all tossed with a delicate egg vinaigrette that pulled everything together nicely, balancing the bitterness of the greens and giving the whole a lovely mouth feel. A generous serving, this was a great plate to share.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9tbuXc-moXS_rYXLpDZO6fZ7AEtoMmzI0LDhirlM1JuZYVTW8c6AG67vukQ1BKaq32c6ybiszgHxVhiNUilPQlcjtWY6j3tng7BZMK7XkKtV3hdHMORuw2My-xYwQfKRFfpchFnhu8Cn/s1600/20170503_173829_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9tbuXc-moXS_rYXLpDZO6fZ7AEtoMmzI0LDhirlM1JuZYVTW8c6AG67vukQ1BKaq32c6ybiszgHxVhiNUilPQlcjtWY6j3tng7BZMK7XkKtV3hdHMORuw2My-xYwQfKRFfpchFnhu8Cn/s320/20170503_173829_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mustard Green Salad was probably my favorite part of the meal - fresh and lively and seasonal</td></tr>
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Charred Fava Beans ($8) were offered gratis (something they are known to do) - spicy and oily and salty. I was told that the entire fuzzy pod with the slippery beans inside are edible, so I took a bite. Woof!!! The flavorings were so heavy that what you get on your fingers is enough to satisfy as you suck out the beans. OK this dish was messy, both fingers and detritus, but delicious, a great snack. I do NOT recommend this one if it's a hot date. Oh, it's served at room temp, FYI.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PzzSh7tzz0ycYTmKIJj2gS6vNPfdFTb6ZQPUWxpLUrMVMsxB_x_ylnPOik1O9AjxVYEVlDDyPcCtb7UOxBB9s248r7cPJMV7HJk2um_wQj7UXm0FWXcJNlzLB5h-bJ_CKk1I9bAR0hnt/s1600/20170503_174107_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PzzSh7tzz0ycYTmKIJj2gS6vNPfdFTb6ZQPUWxpLUrMVMsxB_x_ylnPOik1O9AjxVYEVlDDyPcCtb7UOxBB9s248r7cPJMV7HJk2um_wQj7UXm0FWXcJNlzLB5h-bJ_CKk1I9bAR0hnt/s320/20170503_174107_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuzzy, ugly little things can be conquered by sucking out the fava beans inside</td></tr>
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Moving on to the Grilled Cauliflower ($14) - heavily charred, also just barely above RT, topped with nuts and seeds and a "salsa verde" of sorts (bitter), on a pile of whipped feta cheese (OMG!) and a large spoonful of heady tomato jam. I loved that jam with bits and bites of everything on the plate - great combos, very creative.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYgrXzMAGOFFD_HFTrT7rqhDZe146k87YmIjmdnmE4EEBdtYCFnvxm91CmF4dZc7j0SIvL1irhyphenhyphenI14KmJD3wZNwBROzaLDoieJY8mOJs1DFIDVv4_fmFKvIAuZuG0wMTvGFDcc4Goe_yu/s1600/20170503_174329_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYgrXzMAGOFFD_HFTrT7rqhDZe146k87YmIjmdnmE4EEBdtYCFnvxm91CmF4dZc7j0SIvL1irhyphenhyphenI14KmJD3wZNwBROzaLDoieJY8mOJs1DFIDVv4_fmFKvIAuZuG0wMTvGFDcc4Goe_yu/s320/20170503_174329_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled Cauliflower was pre-cooked then finished on the grill</td></tr>
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Yes, Octopus ($17). Large thick pieces like serpents tongues, simply floured, deep fried, salted, these supertender temptations were served up with a thick oily emulsion laced with pickled peppers and paprika, a couple of slices of charred onion, and a few slices of creamy roasted and tender new potato. O is hard to do well - Peck's nailed it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbOH5L8e7mf5w3g3hIWkukuZPkttMoRIVAm-M4_xaMHNV7BusQWDRJejYDNDQQisL_Ai9OOjE4M3wsIBDrEA3DGjNCcMNXrdaBWLkIou6kor3WRSKekvft6M78AAQxMgYXyj0z_PWqEcx/s1600/20170503_175917_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbOH5L8e7mf5w3g3hIWkukuZPkttMoRIVAm-M4_xaMHNV7BusQWDRJejYDNDQQisL_Ai9OOjE4M3wsIBDrEA3DGjNCcMNXrdaBWLkIou6kor3WRSKekvft6M78AAQxMgYXyj0z_PWqEcx/s320/20170503_175917_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large pieces of perfectly tender deep fried octopus </td></tr>
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And what is dinner without bread!??? The House Bread ($5) was light and airy, super crispy crust, a huge half a boule with a side of salted butter and garlic confit (roasted whole garlic cloves and pickled mustard seeds) finished with a sprinkle of rosemary. Were we stuffed by this point? Yes. This Soft Serve has real potential when it comes to eating ME under the table, and we enjoyed every single bite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJj6YpUXbtsFj9rrg3eI5dRSO570sxC2XoT5yhqvO64Mtp_q0XiLac1nbB0A9aNFZXdPid2XxccTwvXO625YlnhnW3WrUlFOku3kQIgTlWXFFPJF31ecJ7ynd83IpynkpGeTeLbNg3yB5I/s1600/20170503_181032_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJj6YpUXbtsFj9rrg3eI5dRSO570sxC2XoT5yhqvO64Mtp_q0XiLac1nbB0A9aNFZXdPid2XxccTwvXO625YlnhnW3WrUlFOku3kQIgTlWXFFPJF31ecJ7ynd83IpynkpGeTeLbNg3yB5I/s320/20170503_181032_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bread was amazing!!!</td></tr>
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Oh, yeah!!! Softee enjoyed a "craft ale" - Alesmith (a California IPA, $5) - cold out of the can and into her glass. The Idlewild Wine "The Flower" rose ($13/glass/Sonoma CA, a bit steep) was bone dry, crisp and light and lovely and simple against those competing flavors of our feast. What??? Of course, I had two. And a free little chocolate chip cookie at the end, courtesy of the kitchen.<br />
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Great food, gracious service, chic but still laid back, Peck's Arcade is an adventure in eating. Don't miss it next time you go exploring.<br />
<br />
Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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PS: They forgot the bread and comped us on this with an apology, quickly I might add. Man, you can't beat that kind of hospitality and service.<br />
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<br />Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-48407800072387123272017-04-25T13:48:00.002-04:002017-04-25T13:48:49.756-04:00What's the Buzz? Albany Craft Beer Festival 2017A: The buzz is me and hundreds of other beer nerds on a recent Saturday afternoon at the Washington Avenue Armory attending the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlbanyCraftBeerFestival/" target="_blank">2017 Albany Craft Beer Festival</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr83yHkjm-3mEJmFm-XGG9zmCxOqS8yJe_WNCVGkcIOtguc6-XCj9IhQNvDVzU2PBEPHTIamS9KavXoZObS83sXXZ0Xm_vyRc9xR0VqdcBSW_YMmbZbHzBS8c-R69d4ZdEGNV9ZbUWBZrq/s1600/20170422_125737_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr83yHkjm-3mEJmFm-XGG9zmCxOqS8yJe_WNCVGkcIOtguc6-XCj9IhQNvDVzU2PBEPHTIamS9KavXoZObS83sXXZ0Xm_vyRc9xR0VqdcBSW_YMmbZbHzBS8c-R69d4ZdEGNV9ZbUWBZrq/s320/20170422_125737_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once you're in you're in</td></tr>
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So much beer, so little time. The Festival was only running from 100 to 400 pm on April 22, so CBM and I showed up on time ready to explore. And drink. She knows everything about beer, a real superhero in her own right, with almost 600 beers tasted on <a href="https://untappd.com/" target="_blank">Untappd</a>. I love my beer buddies, more with every beer, but I digress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhY9C35Y1gyJ0sRv_dPBhR4krkq6I6kz0qyZncD-0yUtt41Bbqo6d3gAjOZzJIOr1e9MlN_xf_Ss7ytmywBfno1FITs35wOnOUj_qrleJeeET7TDseoSWdsjJN86BJf-5EWjZopqoa9uq/s1600/20170422_130504_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhY9C35Y1gyJ0sRv_dPBhR4krkq6I6kz0qyZncD-0yUtt41Bbqo6d3gAjOZzJIOr1e9MlN_xf_Ss7ytmywBfno1FITs35wOnOUj_qrleJeeET7TDseoSWdsjJN86BJf-5EWjZopqoa9uq/s320/20170422_130504_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not overcrowded, a casual hairy crowd of beer lovers</td></tr>
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I wish we had planned ahead - I didn't know where to start - a few breweries we recognized but many we did not. A few ciders, lots of IPAs and double IPAs and bourbon aged beers, as well as sours, gose, scotch ales, and other delights, though not too many stouts. Many of the offerings are unavailable. Period. Except if you go to the festival or line up at the beverage store when there's a new release. And since there seemed to be no rhyme or reason for the arrangement of the space it was hard to find anything anyway. Drinking beer didn't help.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVuelAKL3lFMZvQYkeWHvUVUQMTFM9o3PpV-xz83I4cuLEGCP83vDZIXOJoF1THh3RqYUCioPw5D9R01LAqemU6MZYVXfmDCe4XNFV5jgUCvT0PeBSFa0iKgIBPwPGf16SLsY9YbeU80V/s1600/20170422_130549_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVuelAKL3lFMZvQYkeWHvUVUQMTFM9o3PpV-xz83I4cuLEGCP83vDZIXOJoF1THh3RqYUCioPw5D9R01LAqemU6MZYVXfmDCe4XNFV5jgUCvT0PeBSFa0iKgIBPwPGf16SLsY9YbeU80V/s320/20170422_130549_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DD's get to drink excellent coffee from Stacks</td></tr>
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And the offerings were not only heady, profound, unusual and intoxicating, they were a made for mindful consumption because, in addition, they were mostly highly alcoholic. We started with the Gogo's Shiso from <a href="http://www.ninepincider.com/" target="_blank">Nine Pin</a>, a light, dry cider developed in collaboration with <a href="http://thecitybeerhall.com/" target="_blank">City Beer Hall</a>, laced with Asian mandarin, fresh shiso, and Matcha Tea from <a href="http://www.shortandstouttea.com/" target="_blank">Short and Stout</a>. That was lunch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gogo Shiso translates into "delicious"</td></tr>
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<div>
The names were a hoot. Of course, being on the dating shit list for too long now, I had to try the <a href="http://www.evansale.com/" target="_blank">C.H. Evans</a> Handsome GuyPA (7.4% alkeehall). It was handsome, hoppy, and shiny like some frog I may have to kiss to get my prince. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd50nK45UCixSM27M8UrSjbktl3Ujc1_I_lASADyBm0JhvSwla1KnOV4BfpEOo9rftY_9LNu6soPJuxDJ3DxaLHyiUXJtvB1Naln0VtZNPXDXnXkyaRxJ8l5jd6pEdr6IZuPceWZiHGbXv/s1600/20170422_131036_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd50nK45UCixSM27M8UrSjbktl3Ujc1_I_lASADyBm0JhvSwla1KnOV4BfpEOo9rftY_9LNu6soPJuxDJ3DxaLHyiUXJtvB1Naln0VtZNPXDXnXkyaRxJ8l5jd6pEdr6IZuPceWZiHGbXv/s320/20170422_131036_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someday my prince will come</td></tr>
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<div>
<a href="http://www.finbackbrewery.com/hom" target="_blank">Finback</a> (Ridgewood, NY) had Between the Sheets Dead Stout (9.5%) - it was a revelation, like tasting something amazing for the very first time, aged in bourbon barrels, it made my eyes open up and my brain say howdy, like the walking dead anyway, and I'm usually busy taking those guys out so it was interesting to feel for a moment what they feel like for a change, but again, I digress. This was a beautiful American double/imperial stout. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5JerSipJSpzmM-Jbl3XgeCJ4fuDq08VtOAJvbSuFqaXdxy14dcHNrdB4t37J2bkVCbekSaNkq4Q7P4BModcN2uPa7McvCaWm11f_iGqp2VF879Nwtyp6Id9xf4UYmPqOnCgIQN-UKZDj/s1600/20170422_133100_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5JerSipJSpzmM-Jbl3XgeCJ4fuDq08VtOAJvbSuFqaXdxy14dcHNrdB4t37J2bkVCbekSaNkq4Q7P4BModcN2uPa7McvCaWm11f_iGqp2VF879Nwtyp6Id9xf4UYmPqOnCgIQN-UKZDj/s320/20170422_133100_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The music was loud so I didn't feel like the walking dead for long</td></tr>
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<div>
<a href="https://www.gunhillbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Gun Hill (Bronx, NY)</a> was in on the barrel-aged thing as well, and their Void of Light (8.1%) was a stout for the stout at heart - cocoa, coconut, marshmallows, thick, and a subtle smokiness that always makes me happy. </div>
<br />
My favorite: the <a href="http://shmaltzbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Schmaltz Brewing Company</a>'s Jewbelation '13, aged four years, 17 hops, 17 malts, and 17% alcohol. That little 3-oz glass suddenly made me feel all silly inside. Time to quit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX_s1yknElXDzfwI3hUo4kveM45A0qsyI7PRk1KFQN2uCIcRENx8vCJP84F165ea_e6uLRzGPTG_CFgZHJrQZ51cxMGmzQV1hqIMlwvgLoAAx4xG3iA91wsCWpKNwk9E-z3vhXVAsFeCu/s1600/20170422_133543_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX_s1yknElXDzfwI3hUo4kveM45A0qsyI7PRk1KFQN2uCIcRENx8vCJP84F165ea_e6uLRzGPTG_CFgZHJrQZ51cxMGmzQV1hqIMlwvgLoAAx4xG3iA91wsCWpKNwk9E-z3vhXVAsFeCu/s320/20170422_133543_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly, knowledgeable brewers abound</td></tr>
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Wait one more. Red Ale from <a href="https://artisanalbrewworks.com/" target="_blank">Artisinal Brew Works</a> (Saratoga Springs, NY). Always wonderful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYzLPofK3Hf4q795lNgNvsYTHBtnNElfRMNSDkmftwFWLhYi2U1SeKafENYNfcUR-NbqqTm29UN8N3miVJm0FnbJB32WUCvfGDT4PbYy5nDty37haBPLyxl2WvTB_P5c9_AJbfJx4MvSN/s1600/20170422_134801_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYzLPofK3Hf4q795lNgNvsYTHBtnNElfRMNSDkmftwFWLhYi2U1SeKafENYNfcUR-NbqqTm29UN8N3miVJm0FnbJB32WUCvfGDT4PbYy5nDty37haBPLyxl2WvTB_P5c9_AJbfJx4MvSN/s320/20170422_134801_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud of their work!</td></tr>
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OK yeah yeah it was a $65 ticket to get in, but worth every nickel and then some. It kept the crowd serious, and kept the cheap zombies and even cheaper vampires away. It was, bar none (pun intended) the BEST beer event I've ever attended.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly5lA1ArZnk9hzI5IVxGiH1OvH20HbWbRX3tQW8L2wwaQsgxmwxOPqIp77CLGahFrRFG6r8ZqfN-21lyztLRAI0R36woXKHYsc2sov5jYN7_IlobiFOETCC2FXZL_9lTcKZJhK7_7Lu4y/s1600/20170422_144507_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly5lA1ArZnk9hzI5IVxGiH1OvH20HbWbRX3tQW8L2wwaQsgxmwxOPqIp77CLGahFrRFG6r8ZqfN-21lyztLRAI0R36woXKHYsc2sov5jYN7_IlobiFOETCC2FXZL_9lTcKZJhK7_7Lu4y/s320/20170422_144507_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CBM and her little beer glass</td></tr>
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And Zena, Goddess of Fire, was in need of quenching.Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-17487776939447154832017-04-10T15:24:00.001-04:002017-04-10T15:24:46.318-04:00Charmed, I'm Sure: Scarboroughs Restaurant<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Yep, another Friday, another tavern. A long busy week at work, head down, in bed late, up early, everything's good until someone ticks you off, you put on your cape and tights and run around trying to save the world then it's back to the mundane of cat litter and deer eating your tulips and really, how long has it been 3:00 o'clock??????????? Grrrrrrrrrrrr. Traffic isn't moving, then someone cuts me off. Why is it that spring brings out the worst in drivers???</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0Y3vgpwCwPPpk5r4iRuGVYXtnRnKEhtmcH40kOzZT6xFqC4gesh5ZKwUTHqqwtJPWwsgr2Z2fGFZz90_-wKVm3O8E6erz4_bgV9oO1cGCNzSZQKHbkYmg5GSXU3SDztvI_pjA9J1sEcv/s1600/20170407_171909_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0Y3vgpwCwPPpk5r4iRuGVYXtnRnKEhtmcH40kOzZT6xFqC4gesh5ZKwUTHqqwtJPWwsgr2Z2fGFZz90_-wKVm3O8E6erz4_bgV9oO1cGCNzSZQKHbkYmg5GSXU3SDztvI_pjA9J1sEcv/s320/20170407_171909_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large front patio </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Finally I arrive and find me a nice hard bar stool to set my bony arse and it's time to hang and chill with my good friend Stretch. Scarborough's Restaurant and Tavern, located just off Route 7 in Latham on the north side of the Albany International Airport, is almost charming, a word I don't use very often because it can sound snarky, but honestly, it's charming. T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">here's a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">large patio out front with a view of the parking lot but you are actually surrounded by trees - very nice. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Half of this large, wood frame building is a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">renovated home with</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> party rooms you can reserve for free, and just inside </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">there's a small bar area with a modest sized dining room off to the right with lots of booths. Business picks up as evening approaches, so be warned. The decor is homey, woodsy, dark, intimate and relatively quiet.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP4qg2lK8l36MVKbeIvEuNjR-UmLp20rVgiFJI9-hcWjkulyrkanl5XXzX8EQpW0J0JAbKfByXm4P_f6rZUnry-O7I6VE48G5VlNeeLMAmACQI9yb5rnxxi7v2fy0ZB0me6KNwkgbMSRg/s1600/20170407_190819_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP4qg2lK8l36MVKbeIvEuNjR-UmLp20rVgiFJI9-hcWjkulyrkanl5XXzX8EQpW0J0JAbKfByXm4P_f6rZUnry-O7I6VE48G5VlNeeLMAmACQI9yb5rnxxi7v2fy0ZB0me6KNwkgbMSRg/s320/20170407_190819_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party rooms available - very homey</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">But for now, it's happy hour (4-7 p.m., weekdays). I got me a Brown's Brewery Vienna Lager for just $3/pint - sweet, clean, not too bubbly, just like me. The house chardonnay ($4/happy hour), Nathanson Creek, was a bit off, so instead Stretch went for the Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc ($7). The wine menu isn't much to rave about but there are a few good beers on tap, nothing fancy, as well as a appetizer specials ($5/each) - very budget friendly.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsINpWAax-pRxZVVO22IQ8vhSBp0dnlOtSfoq-_ArTbKlADikkxG503YIcO39bk_N-XlwAgVePXrummHVsNNJfO_IE26dBKlrd0QwtOJjRv7kz91Cix-soGGKtlpnFrjksJ-2pBxMRs0l/s1600/20170407_190914_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsINpWAax-pRxZVVO22IQ8vhSBp0dnlOtSfoq-_ArTbKlADikkxG503YIcO39bk_N-XlwAgVePXrummHVsNNJfO_IE26dBKlrd0QwtOJjRv7kz91Cix-soGGKtlpnFrjksJ-2pBxMRs0l/s320/20170407_190914_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attractive bar </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">And the food hardly needs to be described if you think "tavern": predictable, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">nothing terribly creative, dynamic, exotic, themed, experimental, or high-end, but there are a few tasty spins and reaches worth exploring, and the food is pretty darn good. Fried mozz sticks, spinach salad, tasty burgers, some specialty sandwiches, and a few dinners - something for everyone, including gluten free pasta on request. Last week we just ordered apps. I had the wings (half order $6) - these were very tender, not crispy at all, nice sauce - lightly spicy, rich blue cheese dipping sauce, fresh celery sticks and totally carrot free (harumph). </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good wings, could be crispier, carrot free</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Stretch had the Mango Pork Nachos ($11) - light crispy fresh corn chips buried in smoky pulled pork and topped with melted real cheddar, a few diced veg like corn and red onions, and chunks of cold mango. It was NOT attractive, but tasty, though impossible to eat and be dainty. The corn chips couldn't handle the load on top, they just broke off onto the plate off the fork and onto the counter and my lap and the floor. Shoveling it into my mouth worked. There was enough here to feed two hungry girls for sure, even with drinkie poos. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mango Pork Nachos were not attractive, but it was very tasty and there was plenty to share</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">An older crowd with money to spend, I think Scarboroughs can up the ante as far as the menu is concerned, but I'm not complaining - reliable, affordable, properly prepared. As always, the venue and good service go a long way toward ending the work week right. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Zena, Goddess of Fire</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Charmed, I'm sure</span>Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-1770582004966843682017-03-28T16:43:00.000-04:002017-03-28T16:43:33.509-04:00My Worthless Opinion: Wine and Chocolate Festival at the Desmond March 18, 2017Jammed into the hallways, lining up before the first session opened at 1:00, $25 tickets plus fee in hand - ah, the smell of humanity. The waiting crowd snaked through the corridors for what seemed miles. We were a polite crowd so at least we didn't moo when it started to move.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely venue</td></tr>
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OK I'm not 29 again but they were checking everyone's IDs at the door as we burst into the central courtyards at the Desmond Hotel, not far from the airport on Albany Shaker Road. The area was very warm and sunny on one of our first mild days of the impending spring, with balloons and vendors all around. Of course we went right for the wine, all of which, I think, were from NYS. However, of the 80 plus vendors only about 25 were wineries, including a few that were, well, just OK. The chocolate tastings were few and far between, although the homemade chocolates from G&A Sweet Treats that I bought for my colleagues I ended up eating all by myself - try the peanut butter patties if you ever get a chance. Otherwise alot of jerky and scarves and jewelry and sauces and body tonics - not why I was there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly vendors</td></tr>
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The best thing I had was a gingery <a href="http://sundogcider.com/" target="_blank">Sundog Cider</a>, but the Adirondack Wildfire cinnamon whisky from <a href="http://www.lakegeorgedistillingcompany.com/" target="_blank">Lake George Distilling Company</a> was also amazing. I guess I like that spikey stuff. <a href="http://www.easthillcreamery.com/" target="_blank">East Hill Creamery</a> Underhill Pass Reserve cheese was a revelation, tart, creamy, inspired. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the ginger cider from Sundog (Chatham, NY)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJDBwnd4ETdCszutjAUr8ead0vApj5KRHKWKisPx2zT3RzNaNE3iMrdLOD_Wb3tHI1Kjfa5D1CHjF1-duIZG46yXLowwPfStfw-QPLTNpwGpI5iwdVmdR9dyie30LwizPOGKeM2s7vZlH/s1600/20170318_142434_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJDBwnd4ETdCszutjAUr8ead0vApj5KRHKWKisPx2zT3RzNaNE3iMrdLOD_Wb3tHI1Kjfa5D1CHjF1-duIZG46yXLowwPfStfw-QPLTNpwGpI5iwdVmdR9dyie30LwizPOGKeM2s7vZlH/s320/20170318_142434_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adirondack Wildfire shots. Nuff said. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSjsJsZb92F3FE6ZrjN0n-Cji4yhrRD-2h2W5_bHVbEWbHJWPdj_47WAvgpLu3fuU21Bs9K8OvLz71Yc9_5ONcAN_iYkdKLA5g5DzkG4kShO77NTIHTvQjk6gl7rEPD4hdnmHPEc8jxbu/s1600/20170318_140213_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSjsJsZb92F3FE6ZrjN0n-Cji4yhrRD-2h2W5_bHVbEWbHJWPdj_47WAvgpLu3fuU21Bs9K8OvLz71Yc9_5ONcAN_iYkdKLA5g5DzkG4kShO77NTIHTvQjk6gl7rEPD4hdnmHPEc8jxbu/s320/20170318_140213_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely cheese from East Hill Creamery (Perry NY)</td></tr>
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After about an hour and a half of fighting crowds to get to the vendors to taste the wine and nibble on stuff we were hot and tired and buzzless. Time for a REAL glass of wine, so we went into <a href="http://www.desmondhotelsalbany.com/restaurants/the-tavern/" target="_blank">The Tavern </a>and loved a couple of cold glasses of sauvignon blanc, great service, laughter and conversation, and that we had a DD. I'd never been before but it was a wonderful bar, and only a few miles from home....<br />
<br />
OK these things are always hit and miss - some are more crowded than others, the price can be high, the takeaway limited, some are a genuine hoot and I learn alot. I liked trying the NY wines but none impressed - too bad. Mostly I hope that next year the organizers focus on WINE AND CHOCOLATE and maybe a few ciders and let the rest go - it dilutes the event, one with so much potential. <br />
<br />
Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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PS: I'd link you to the event but 2017 is down and 2018 is already up. Sheesh.Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-83465381936653101102017-03-14T10:59:00.000-04:002017-03-14T11:03:11.407-04:00Happy Pi Day!!! My Trip to "At Home"I don't decorate. The cats are just too good at knocking things over for that to ever happen.<br />
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Still, I was curious about the new "At Home" store, located in Crossgates Commons. Wear your sneakers - it's big.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3Sia6N5gGlBf3YRJa8e47jkeKc8buYxJzrBmvYFIjOPgP13yXGEInlOppKeKJULHYogDRpqmGRsiR-pStrgud07vrlyAtAW2UBKaZo6pYequLzcDX9Dxsq9GsaQaR2rbfc4Rm8QQSFek/s1600/534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3Sia6N5gGlBf3YRJa8e47jkeKc8buYxJzrBmvYFIjOPgP13yXGEInlOppKeKJULHYogDRpqmGRsiR-pStrgud07vrlyAtAW2UBKaZo6pYequLzcDX9Dxsq9GsaQaR2rbfc4Rm8QQSFek/s320/534.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least fake plants don't got bugs</td></tr>
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Stretch and I set out to explore. Right now there are miles and miles of outdoor furniture with every color and pattern of polyester cushioning you can imagine. Man that would be a GREAT place to fight the forces of evil!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWjTAXYXXsny7FM_rAyejXw5267jaCpM-2gg2AN-Qa2nl2JsEu6Fjbvfi7gkTK0b4Ybu-3CPsn0-n7RNsPgAMP4lUxUqyy71HS10Ww8wb3oEbnBrtcvOATl3EtpOBExduyB6eqrXLaN9N/s1600/535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWjTAXYXXsny7FM_rAyejXw5267jaCpM-2gg2AN-Qa2nl2JsEu6Fjbvfi7gkTK0b4Ybu-3CPsn0-n7RNsPgAMP4lUxUqyy71HS10Ww8wb3oEbnBrtcvOATl3EtpOBExduyB6eqrXLaN9N/s320/535.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad Art</td></tr>
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Chairs and stools and tables and mattresses and couches and bad art, lots of bad art, kitchenwares and towels and rugs and vases and "bowl fillers" (sheesh) and clocks and frames and a garden of fake plants. Maybe a bit pricey compared to Tuesday Morning or Walmart but a great place to get ideas if nothing else, like "I don't decorate" because I have no idea how to separate the good stuff from the crap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwHsGVbaM3gVls114tzCSomGLkm6fh2Kf10UGabSp9oXu78ri6vpdSaBnNfxA0u5NokgnElwJD4RIBEAX07gBO9YSaVAhOAD7GbNuOHsUTW6ATz9024IrFV8mzoCDsA9bQ6Dv46MJhfWB/s1600/533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwHsGVbaM3gVls114tzCSomGLkm6fh2Kf10UGabSp9oXu78ri6vpdSaBnNfxA0u5NokgnElwJD4RIBEAX07gBO9YSaVAhOAD7GbNuOHsUTW6ATz9024IrFV8mzoCDsA9bQ6Dv46MJhfWB/s320/533.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Likin' the love seat</td></tr>
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Anyway, naturally I spent most of my time pouring over kitchen stuff, because that's what I do. I came away with two 6" glass pie pans.<br />
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So now it's 3.14, Pi Day, and I'm "at home", watching a snowstorm bear down on the region. So what did I do??? OF COURSE!!! I made pies!!!<br />
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A classic <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2007/11/cooks-illustrated-foolproof-pie-dough-recipe.html" target="_blank">butter crust</a> from Cook's Illustrated, using all butter because if you know me I don't eat anything with the word "short" in it (half the recipe).<br />
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Quiche (recipe follows) - made with beautiful farm eggs from <a href="http://kruzinskifarm.wixsite.com/kruzinskifarm" target="_blank">Kruzinski Farm</a>, whole organic milk, emmentaler cheese, coarse sea salt, fresh ground pepper, topped with roasted cherry tomatoes. Two perfect little pies just the right size for one goddess ignoring the fact that she isn't working out today except for shoveling snow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's my pepper grinder on the left, FYI...</td></tr>
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Oh right, and with the leftover crust I made a little blueberry pie, just homemade blueberry jam mixed with a bunch of frozen ones, topped and buttered and sprinkled with sugar and baked until gooey. It better snow ALOT to burn this baby off. I ate the whole thing.<br />
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So with me everything in the end comes back to food. HAPPY PI DAY!!!<br />
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<b>QUICHE</b><br />
18 cherry tomatoes, pierced once with a fork, tossed with salt and pepper and a bit of olive oil and baked in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Allow to cool.<br />
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1 2" yellow onion (about 2/3 cup), chopped fine, sauteed in 1 T butter with 1 teaspoon of salt until lightly browned. Allow to cool.<br />
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Whisk together 4 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 cup whole milk.<br />
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Fill two 6" uncooked pie crusts with 1 cup each shredded emmetaler cheese (about 1/2 lb. total). Divide the onions on top and then add the egg mixture, divided. Top with cherry tomatoes.<br />
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Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes until set.<br />
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You can also do this in a 9" pan just don't divide anything.<br />
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Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of swiss</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2" onion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauteed with salt to help them soften. Medium heat, please.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous yellow yolk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roast those winter tomatoes if you have any sense whatsoever</td></tr>
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<br />Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-80354054767642232402017-02-28T12:56:00.000-05:002017-02-28T12:56:14.535-05:00Here's Johnny!!! The Time Warp That Is/Was Smith's of CohoesI'm NOT kidding. When you walk through that narrow front door into <a href="http://www.smithsofcohoes.com/Index.htm" target="_blank">Smith's of Cohoes</a> and see that loooooooooooong bar on your right, a few regulars sipping beers watching you as you drift inside, it really IS Jack Nicholson behind the bar wiping down a glass. Very creepy.<br />
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I felt like I was on the stage set of a 1935 Hollywood classic. I think I took pictures but there's nothing on my camera. Man zombies I can handle but not ghosts - worse than spiders, really.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The exterior is cute - parking lots next door and across the street</td></tr>
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Red leather, dark wood, huge mirror behind the bottles, original tiled floors, tin ceiling. A couple of urns look like they could hold many many ashes. So I put up my force field, double tied my sneakers, and calmly walked through the lounge area to the dining room in the back where I was finally greeted by one of the servers. Two large spaces dressed with simple table linens, dim, Frankie musak, no stand out styling. It was an older crowd mostly, couples, low key, and easy. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could not resist the bread and chive butter</td></tr>
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We had to ask for a wine list, but with the first glass I was ready to let my guard down. Hess Shirtail Creek Chardonnay, un-oaked ($7) - buttery, smooth, a bit sweet. Salads came with our entrees - happily surprised to find out that all the dressings are homemade, but their house champagne dressing was really sweet, thickened with something, not that tasty really, but the veg was fresh and the serving was a nice starter size. Bread, served with a chive butter, was hard to resist, so I didn't - crispy outside and a nice light chew inside - delicious. Vintage fare.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade dressings but this one was a bit sweet</td></tr>
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Red took down an entire plate of Chicken Piccata ($17) - super tender chicken, loads of perfectly cooked linguine, lemony almost to the point of tart, capers heaped on top - perfectly delicious. I liked that the sauce wasn't too thick, just natural and shining. Did I just say "shining"????<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pasta dish was a winner</td></tr>
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For a change I ordered the Twin Sirloins ($19), expecting to see those little twin girls hovering by the kitchen doorway. I didn't. Instead, I was served two 3-ounce "medallions": these were not medium rare, more like medium well, a bit mealy, not really juicy but tender. The caramelized onions and chipotle hollandaise squiqqles on top were lost to me, lookin' fancy but not that tasty, so next time if I order a steak I'll skip the toppings. The green beans were simple, squeaky and fresh, and the mashed were actually so good I had to wrestle with myself to put the fork down, almost like there was a force saying "eat more, sweetie, eat more.............."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BanqfkcrOgzKe-4E6N822lam68dnCxqQlR_-emIdvg4Bmh8FZUZiLxsOy2aNgQZVsFWVa1U_qBTrURUXOj88AKBSRMfYmlYzMyGJKFnHrbzwQqUI92Hs3uccaLUS1M_1uNzN5Jx4_26z/s1600/20170221_180609_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BanqfkcrOgzKe-4E6N822lam68dnCxqQlR_-emIdvg4Bmh8FZUZiLxsOy2aNgQZVsFWVa1U_qBTrURUXOj88AKBSRMfYmlYzMyGJKFnHrbzwQqUI92Hs3uccaLUS1M_1uNzN5Jx4_26z/s320/20170221_180609_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Sirloins</td></tr>
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But in the end there were no surprises, hearty fare, a goodly amount of variety on the menu, genuinely kind, attentive service. HOWEVER, I understand things are changing: there are promises of a new menu sometime in the next few weeks. The clientele now are loyal to their old favorites, as you might have guessed, so it will be interesting to see how Smith's balances that with choices that are not so traditional Italian-American. Then I will definitely be back, since I'm sure it will then be MUCH less likely that I get sucked into one of those old photos with Johnny.<br />
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Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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P,S, AND NO I'm not "afraid" of ghosts!!! Just wary, that's all...........<br />
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<br />Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-372973113988981512017-02-20T12:04:00.000-05:002017-02-20T12:04:01.840-05:00WingnutsYes, I'm a wingnut, but you know that.<br />
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I have friends who are also wingnuts. Others are just nuts. I love them all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Druther's are good - mild, nice cheese sauce, could be cripsier</td></tr>
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The first time I had wings was in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the rooftop patio of a pub on Spring Garden Row. It was 1984. Wing night meant 10-cent wings. I don't remember much about them except they were delicious - greasy, fried, and great with beer. The idea, back then, was to offer up a cheap snack to get us to drink more beer, which we were happy to do. For just a few loonies those were short but perfect summer evenings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McGeary's Pub - these were excellent but others were disappointed when they were there earlier in the day</td></tr>
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Fast forward 15 years. Since that summer I swear as Zeus is my witness I hadn't eaten another wing. They were not ubiquitous pub food, at least not in Canada. Or it could be I just skipped ordering them, sticking to "healthier" options like fish and chips and pizza and burgers. So anyway, I'm visiting Buffalo and someone insisted we go to Anchor Bar and eat wings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max Lager's Smoked Firecracker Wings in Atlanta, GA were crisp and tender but firecracker not</td></tr>
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Did I ever - the entire order, the blue cheese dip, carrots and celery, a couple of pints. Did it again the next time I was in Buffalo, 2014, back at Anchor Bar in that windswept downtown. Yes, my superpowers with respect to eating wings can be pretty amazing, even at five-foot-f#*k-all 100 lbs soaking wet. This is where wings with hot sauce (Frank's) got their start, and trust me, they are still some of the best you could ever wish for: tender, slide off the bones, crispy, saucy - like all over your hands and face and clothes and in your hair. Not pretty, but wonderful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albany Pump Station - big and tender, a bit flabby. Carrot stumps and lettuce didn't cut it. </td></tr>
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Superbowl and wings??? Suburban myth has it that from 1990 to 1993 when the Buffalo Bills played the superbowl four years in a row that there was a connection, and now with an estimated 1.25 billion wings being eaten on game day alone. <a href="https://vimeo.com/52958333" target="_blank">Sunrise even has a video</a> so we can see how they keep up with the demand. It's not gory, FYI. So, what used to be the throw away, what was once a very unloved chicken part is now a booming business. Almost every fast food chain across the U.S. has dipped into selling wings, including "fake" boneless wings, which are really just breast meat (lower in fat, I guess, and easier to eat). Garlic parm and sriracha and maple chipotle and bbq and teriyaki and all kinds of other sauces and spices abound.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYrPZPEJY484IVdLQLRx4FDQWgCIQzpqpS70klo6zCdgwu2282GZ0froOyZFILec6q_WqM2pSZdOUHZa6Wqpfklqae6Q6WmIYkNUXpxOWEc62_bTs9KGxxTcW9zfX48o4t6pfffhXjF1X/s1600/20170218_123047_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYrPZPEJY484IVdLQLRx4FDQWgCIQzpqpS70klo6zCdgwu2282GZ0froOyZFILec6q_WqM2pSZdOUHZa6Wqpfklqae6Q6WmIYkNUXpxOWEc62_bTs9KGxxTcW9zfX48o4t6pfffhXjF1X/s320/20170218_123047_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hill Street Cafe - excellent: ask for extra sauce</td></tr>
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But I still prefer the basics: crispy, hot, buttery, spicy Buffalo wings. No breading, bright orange, messy and zesty. And there better be fresh carrot AND celery sticks, and thick blue cheese dressing to cool things off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSd230TSJKodEk_NJ-YLiNv8ApflpSquAWxRRgr-sKQoKe34bdnlDOfEbfMeZYpuQ_fORVrNfdwMzPf3MpULGMS4-SqB6kwq4UyVcN7OoYXBk7yWZATKQ2QBjKyNPSl8Xg_hkY_BTHtoY/s1600/20170218_152042_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSd230TSJKodEk_NJ-YLiNv8ApflpSquAWxRRgr-sKQoKe34bdnlDOfEbfMeZYpuQ_fORVrNfdwMzPf3MpULGMS4-SqB6kwq4UyVcN7OoYXBk7yWZATKQ2QBjKyNPSl8Xg_hkY_BTHtoY/s320/20170218_152042_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graney's Stout on North Pearl has great wings - homemade dressing, a lick of parm in the sauce, perfect!!!</td></tr>
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<br />
I went with a couple of my favorite wingnuts to eat wings over the weekend. I was impressed at how HUGE the wings were, everywhere we went. Restaurants must have a corner on the market because I can't find those at the grocery store. I ate until I was about ready to pop but I didn't impress anyone with my superpowers this time... (:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQCa5Zh9lxJf4f5vRwWQsNGhNUX84Bylz0gVPokaDD1I2uVJfAamXOnuVWqS0coUGjhlTcYTznjF7ldOZsBb6Ya3pReDsZWc9tts3OoQs66OTnNzuFbDC97B5lCmV7pjsiRgHFMHWq3dq/s1600/20170216_30North.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQCa5Zh9lxJf4f5vRwWQsNGhNUX84Bylz0gVPokaDD1I2uVJfAamXOnuVWqS0coUGjhlTcYTznjF7ldOZsBb6Ya3pReDsZWc9tts3OoQs66OTnNzuFbDC97B5lCmV7pjsiRgHFMHWq3dq/s320/20170216_30North.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 North Broadway in Schenectady still has the BEST wings in the area - crispy, crispy, crispy, tender and saucy (like me!)</td></tr>
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And the price of wings has skyrocketed. Wings were for making stock. They were cheap!!! Now, during football season I think it's cheaper to buy super-natural boneless skinless chicken breasts than it is to buy wings. Go figure.Yes, I make wings at home. I never met a fried food I wouldn't eat. Next time I indulge I'll take some pics and send you the recipe. Or better yet, bring the beer and we'll make them together!!!<br />
<br />
xxx<br />
<br />
Zena, Winged Goddess of Fire<br />
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<br />Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-85088818964193030332017-02-08T09:40:00.000-05:002017-02-08T09:40:32.291-05:00Smoldering at Jacob and Anthony'sThe heat is on - one more Italian restaurant in the Capital Region is either a predictable win or will quietly fizzle against the competition.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpPjx0nttcptGOKfgtsi36EAUJBHiyjH0ok8NcCYe_CYVojdqsAM-E5eepHVr5TuB0HUMrYFXntmkFvMCp5IGKBLCv9l_gFVjA29wRJKiO3brSFeUzdYzk4kHFZlELjth7t9XB0THTFc1/s1600/20170202_171536_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpPjx0nttcptGOKfgtsi36EAUJBHiyjH0ok8NcCYe_CYVojdqsAM-E5eepHVr5TuB0HUMrYFXntmkFvMCp5IGKBLCv9l_gFVjA29wRJKiO3brSFeUzdYzk4kHFZlELjth7t9XB0THTFc1/s320/20170202_171536_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main entrance is from the parking lot at Stuyvesant Plaza</td></tr>
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The latest is Jacob and Anthony's Italian, located in Stuyvesant Plaza at the corner of Fuller and Western in Guilderland. Added to the growing list of Marrello Management's establishments, J&A Italian is on track to build on their successes elsewhere (Bellini's, J&A American Grille in Saratoga). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5QqAKRfL0WkeChly2CjHZycrVMxZC7C1M4M00ZlNA_OBZWgfLBBlJ6kaP1ILzNUFEtyYCDfY-GiIByvITntvZbx0rAVasOIOR9s7Um89fR1-Qw95yJ5r6kBqQN_DpRhfuP6J-at71sXM/s1600/20170202_174123_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5QqAKRfL0WkeChly2CjHZycrVMxZC7C1M4M00ZlNA_OBZWgfLBBlJ6kaP1ILzNUFEtyYCDfY-GiIByvITntvZbx0rAVasOIOR9s7Um89fR1-Qw95yJ5r6kBqQN_DpRhfuP6J-at71sXM/s320/20170202_174123_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trippy lighting...</td></tr>
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The newly renovated space is lovely and even makes ME look good - dark, with spotlights shining down, but the glare was a bit much and made taking photos of friends and food a bit difficult. There's a few changes since Creo vacated the space last year. Now there's an expanded bar area full of high tops barely separated from a smaller dining area, and the view of the kitchen and its blazing wood-fired ovens has been blocked off (kissie noises to the ovens - I will have to love you from afar). A Bellini's Counter is located at the right of the main entrance (wraps, pasta, salads) and connected to the restaurant inside. It, too, is sure to do good business in this upscale mall full of University folks and office types and rich people, but I felt that the proximity to J&A was a bit less than classy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlmdleO0yxngISaCj7czdJzqaFkUIL0viFFnZFjPc0s2Sl4BwrLHL_uy_l5TR9ObJdedE_dZ6yWnFO51mFa1DNAOi17HrmOhnA7Xg5oaEDJ7SAvVe880ztPzUnwSeR-5C75OuvL_mppMe/s1600/20170202_172733_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlmdleO0yxngISaCj7czdJzqaFkUIL0viFFnZFjPc0s2Sl4BwrLHL_uy_l5TR9ObJdedE_dZ6yWnFO51mFa1DNAOi17HrmOhnA7Xg5oaEDJ7SAvVe880ztPzUnwSeR-5C75OuvL_mppMe/s320/20170202_172733_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take away is a contrast to the classier restaurant next door</td></tr>
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The menu covers both lunch and dinner, with choices that can appeal to kids (pizza, meatball subs) and luminaries alike (veal marsala). Service on a busy Thursday night only a month or so after opening started with glasses of Pinot Grigio (Villa Pozzi/$8, and Chloe/$10) - simple wines, clean and light. Our very wonderful server brought us warm Italian bread with basil pesto oil to go with it, and this was a good thing because the loaf was lackluster. The dip was, in contrast, sunshine in a bowl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7cKu8jDw-mrU6KNYAlL1ycivSxNGrUOJyXkJzbIg4g5TixFZIfyfPOGqRWhH6pvvdDoFnLKq2ReWV-M_Z6HzleoSKXZvSccaydrSHniIFdqd5Rwv-Bgl7rhm9e0C0lEG4EsnT6MjTEyA/s1600/20170202_174923_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7cKu8jDw-mrU6KNYAlL1ycivSxNGrUOJyXkJzbIg4g5TixFZIfyfPOGqRWhH6pvvdDoFnLKq2ReWV-M_Z6HzleoSKXZvSccaydrSHniIFdqd5Rwv-Bgl7rhm9e0C0lEG4EsnT6MjTEyA/s320/20170202_174923_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bread was dead...</td></tr>
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Jaguar and I both enjoyed a Market Salad ($7), with their house balsamic vinaigrette on the side. Mixed greens, super fresh, with cuke and cherry tomatoes, a few shavings of parm on top. The house made dressing was bright, not too sweet, just like me. Fantastic!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3kqY-G0VubIgvqz2ZO_xFZv0sGcH-GVhuXw7HymdF0vWV3I3UuJtoSJNIhEFlfid8GoC8MbVa_Z8OsKT9yc6xT35lMl27di8kjKOwwR0SJjVawT1_UbhwULjYs5MXktmvEI9-CQlB_NZ/s1600/20170202_175905_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3kqY-G0VubIgvqz2ZO_xFZv0sGcH-GVhuXw7HymdF0vWV3I3UuJtoSJNIhEFlfid8GoC8MbVa_Z8OsKT9yc6xT35lMl27di8kjKOwwR0SJjVawT1_UbhwULjYs5MXktmvEI9-CQlB_NZ/s320/20170202_175905_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great salads!!! </td></tr>
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The daily lasagna special ($17) was a classic, with beef and veal, served in its own crock and loaded with melty, stringy mozzarella. The noodles were perfect, the meat mixture was tasty, but the red sauce definitely needs some kindling - herbs and garlic? It tasted like a basic universal that could be used in anything. I guess we both expected with a daily lasagna special offered at "MP" that this would be the best way to see what the kitchen can do, but we were disappointed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYiCH0QSlEBBF8j_wM0UQRKXdJs_p3E8TI29JU2Fqo24SwwGWyeACVE5zikE9rkylMgHfIfhqe_MoJqwqzJ9DnFqU4o2EWRvjjHBHHw-osJ5ruvXVMP6L4lQ7dSZVGyc7iGxFaG28GrJF/s1600/20170202_182039_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYiCH0QSlEBBF8j_wM0UQRKXdJs_p3E8TI29JU2Fqo24SwwGWyeACVE5zikE9rkylMgHfIfhqe_MoJqwqzJ9DnFqU4o2EWRvjjHBHHw-osJ5ruvXVMP6L4lQ7dSZVGyc7iGxFaG28GrJF/s320/20170202_182039_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely lasagna needs herbs and garlic....</td></tr>
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I had the Chicken Parm ($19) - did that surprise you??? Two nicely prepared cutlets, tender, with a great crust, lightly breaded, not too much sauce or salt - delicious - don't change a thing! The side of capellini, on the other hand, was topped with some kind of cream sauce, and it got gluey as it sat - kind of weird, but better on the reheat the next day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC45yJ8-ScDZ8gQVY1AjriOBrBVa5ZblQnn9YWZ2qNU9Ez-FWXue1JBYXv-t0kHZZXLtvLcPzo3dsaveqhILxL02poTXi63kGux37JiC4dqXxGOQlyJR6kVUnzlXmphHYhOILYjo559i6A/s1600/20170202_182046_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC45yJ8-ScDZ8gQVY1AjriOBrBVa5ZblQnn9YWZ2qNU9Ez-FWXue1JBYXv-t0kHZZXLtvLcPzo3dsaveqhILxL02poTXi63kGux37JiC4dqXxGOQlyJR6kVUnzlXmphHYhOILYjo559i6A/s320/20170202_182046_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise!!! I had the Chicken Parm - delicious!</td></tr>
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Jacob and Anthony's Italian is a bit noisy and totally socially delightful - the location is a charmer for bringing in that hipster crowd. The food we had was good, but it's still smoldering. I know there's potential so I hope they continue to push their customers for honest input, which I didn't give them onsite, and for that I apologize, because you were all so nice. Thanks for the excellent service and attention during our first visit!!!<br />
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Zena, Goddess of FireZena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-44441357589320738352017-01-30T16:32:00.000-05:002017-01-31T11:14:44.755-05:00Drinking at Druthers OR How I Got LostCheese and crackers, where am I??? I'm at the far end of Broadway in Albany, NY, just before it goes under the Interstate, in the warehouse district where the trains cut through and the trucks are big and it's disturbingly dark and quiet after business hours and the wind and rain can really howl and forces of evil and dirt devils lurk behind every overflowing bin of trash. Then I burst into the light that is <a href="http://www.druthersbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Druthers Brewing Company</a>, and I know that all is well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brewery at Druthers</td></tr>
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It's really a brewery - really really - you can see that through the glass walls on the other side of the bar. Very bright and clean and industrial looking. Contrast that to the rustic exposed beam and brick open concept low light bar and restaurant. Both are spacious, and I liked that the dining areas and bar spaces were broken up into smaller, intimate spaces. It was fun to explore, crowded, noisy (but not from loud music, thankfully), cozy and very exciting, especially when I saw the wood fired oven. Working hard to keep my identity a mystery, I sent a few soft kisses to the kitchen and finally took a seat. Everyone was safe now and it was time to get serious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqoixet9jAIt4-SjWu8OPPtSPPGNahNOfJivQGATmX8pPSVH84S8MNuOU9U1yW3cld9wwUWtwgESn4ipMVjKNLAJ-Jke3dEx9l6agJXbJ1vEaheK2PJnQrafZ1LM0rrnt-966u2ONx-cU/s1600/20170112_181303_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqoixet9jAIt4-SjWu8OPPtSPPGNahNOfJivQGATmX8pPSVH84S8MNuOU9U1yW3cld9wwUWtwgESn4ipMVjKNLAJ-Jke3dEx9l6agJXbJ1vEaheK2PJnQrafZ1LM0rrnt-966u2ONx-cU/s320/20170112_181303_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cozy dining with open kitchen/wood fired oven in the back</td></tr>
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Beer. CBM enjoyed a pint of their 80 Shilling- malty and smokey and amber colored, a deliciously smooth Scottish style ale, while I downed a Druthers Golden Ale, light, loaded with hoppy goodness, clean and refreshing ($6/pint, $2 off during happy hour!). First rate - obviously alot has gone into their development - bravo!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghh3LeVrIYKOnFPIecF689LSltJYf5eKlOSJsoO53Nx6kxY5CMJNAXsa7kexSpsg2QchdeLlfdqOmztMMyZC7tDfAmDnO_QDmX4ZWKZb3RzbP2vxpuWVc9htC9DGpHlFuym8_Lh-jcRKht/s1600/20170112_183339_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghh3LeVrIYKOnFPIecF689LSltJYf5eKlOSJsoO53Nx6kxY5CMJNAXsa7kexSpsg2QchdeLlfdqOmztMMyZC7tDfAmDnO_QDmX4ZWKZb3RzbP2vxpuWVc9htC9DGpHlFuym8_Lh-jcRKht/s320/20170112_183339_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Druther's Golden Ale - $6/pint and $2 for a 5-oz sample</td></tr>
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Looking over the menu it was very much pub classics - burgers, sandwiches, pizza, wings. We shared an order of Confit Chicken Wings - jumbos, cooked in animal fat, super tender, definitely mild, even a bit sweet. The blue cheese dressing was great - chunks of cheese in a smooth creamy base, with the requisite side of celery/carrots that were decidedly fresh and crispy. OK, good, not great, I would have liked it a bit more kick cause I like it hot, but good with beer. Maybe two.... (:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMefj4XY43hkdFJpPkMve287NZzEG-ch7lxCC6faZzca3nyiTQEzsSy3VnXyJgBHnfbFPABzHcnGB45VcSPus3We_H5VhqzvStqiuen7IIuILYODUgbLsbLn_gHkg21rFDS46W2BmeMwC6/s1600/20170112_181414_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMefj4XY43hkdFJpPkMve287NZzEG-ch7lxCC6faZzca3nyiTQEzsSy3VnXyJgBHnfbFPABzHcnGB45VcSPus3We_H5VhqzvStqiuen7IIuILYODUgbLsbLn_gHkg21rFDS46W2BmeMwC6/s320/20170112_181414_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confit Chicken Wings</td></tr>
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The Autumn Veggie Pizza ($14) was lovely to behold, creative even, laced with sweet apples, shaved brussels sprouts, and pumpkin seeds, cheddar???, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Good, with a nice char and a chewy crust, hot and drippy, a bit too sweet for me, but it was still a real treat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y3Mql2-E4vrNIluMQcpv5tfikbl4pSRuIVq9QTvkzarPvtCeWFJ_KT-drrtQ644f7f5fcDSiGKJNo2jqZWiF1NwYr7CuMhbraCbD7A2rbyDeRmgS7akTSSFUhLEoSRV57HYevMBNgtH_/s1600/20170112_183826_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y3Mql2-E4vrNIluMQcpv5tfikbl4pSRuIVq9QTvkzarPvtCeWFJ_KT-drrtQ644f7f5fcDSiGKJNo2jqZWiF1NwYr7CuMhbraCbD7A2rbyDeRmgS7akTSSFUhLEoSRV57HYevMBNgtH_/s320/20170112_183826_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn Veggie Pizza - seasonal, creative, sweet</td></tr>
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By 630 pm the place was pretty much mobbed with families and mostly 30+ somethings talking and laughing; the service continued to be first-rate despite the crowds. Druthers is certainly a bright spot in a part of town that by contrast ain't so inviting, so if you make a left when you should have made a right and find yourself thinking "Where's a Goddess of Fire when I need one to protect me?" and "Would she like a beer?" find a parking spot and step inside, and call me anytime!!!<br />
<br />
Druthers is so hot it's cool.<br />
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Zena, Goddess of FireZena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-59161637204254288802017-01-09T16:01:00.001-05:002017-01-09T16:01:46.362-05:00The Paradise that is ParivarThe holidays are behind us, and we are left with the dregs - a few extra pounds, little presents that still need a place to get put away, Christmas socks. There are several months to come when it will be dark, cold, snowy, bleak, windy, stormy, slippery, and icy. Most mortals that do not possess that rectangular gold thing they call currency and leave for warmer climes or that "ski" will hunker down to their routines: feed cat or die make bed empty dishrack clean catbox pack car gym shower work work work fight traffic and lousy roads home to warm socks and sweatpants heavy bowls of pasta one more glass TV toothpaste bed. Like the dog, who is highly intelligent, even gods and goddesses and superheroes won't go out.<br />
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<br />Now that you are feeling totally depressed, maybe even like a loser, lonely with your Ragu, I am here to help.<br />
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Enter paradise: <a href="http://www.parivarfoods.com/" target="_blank">Parivar Grocery and Cafe</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxnDR1Ta3MoWN5JyxdYATPl39w44rR2NWlnhinaRSS9UX2wIDtk3eLGhtrSh0v9-QjFe1Hn34TuveJQY4XZFNj_zNrE_7j-GSDQGmodvqYsSMP8zu4ACIf-zeVJYg6SCQGpSKnPsqKju0/s1600/20161230_134542_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxnDR1Ta3MoWN5JyxdYATPl39w44rR2NWlnhinaRSS9UX2wIDtk3eLGhtrSh0v9-QjFe1Hn34TuveJQY4XZFNj_zNrE_7j-GSDQGmodvqYsSMP8zu4ACIf-zeVJYg6SCQGpSKnPsqKju0/s320/20161230_134542_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPC-BKHSLiMzad4COMo_FApcJ9utS0Iz03Fvbf_kBvpWWblBdmAw2soqHglqaW7EzYhyphenhyphenDrMCcpUyzM-tldYhQwrVp2IHTAKVkxNKrDAVw4oGXPWqc4R-2KUTs5b7UZCN9EjwWh_WZsMyH/s1600/20161230_134504_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPC-BKHSLiMzad4COMo_FApcJ9utS0Iz03Fvbf_kBvpWWblBdmAw2soqHglqaW7EzYhyphenhyphenDrMCcpUyzM-tldYhQwrVp2IHTAKVkxNKrDAVw4oGXPWqc4R-2KUTs5b7UZCN9EjwWh_WZsMyH/s320/20161230_134504_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ample parking in paradise, as well as shopping carts<br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /></td></tr>
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Fresh vegetables, some weird, totally fascinating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WfJDC12RvjdmTWXIBDVqqHtXve-MrPeh9V9lyipGqTAOEahud74Rq0RGnzZTbiWDX1tWqiQcpLB13MCjUwgslts5i9y81Wrd0SRtdKa2usj2kwofIncM4LOLns9BgsPm9tLu3lDQwo4w/s1600/20161230_122231_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WfJDC12RvjdmTWXIBDVqqHtXve-MrPeh9V9lyipGqTAOEahud74Rq0RGnzZTbiWDX1tWqiQcpLB13MCjUwgslts5i9y81Wrd0SRtdKa2usj2kwofIncM4LOLns9BgsPm9tLu3lDQwo4w/s320/20161230_122231_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QyRQRmPsAykM3eXTwL8ZOKGA3yT534LKHIsQMTdnNAazEtoCnE36jRjozvRzBIfq2FEb4spaHkr1N-A5aaxdFIH2ZdOVCb1r5ohLwLFa5eKooUzLJw-dLiNnfR-VQklOhqOMZ742nh7M/s1600/20161230_122313_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QyRQRmPsAykM3eXTwL8ZOKGA3yT534LKHIsQMTdnNAazEtoCnE36jRjozvRzBIfq2FEb4spaHkr1N-A5aaxdFIH2ZdOVCb1r5ohLwLFa5eKooUzLJw-dLiNnfR-VQklOhqOMZ742nh7M/s320/20161230_122313_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've never heard of "snake gourd"</td></tr>
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Lots of spices and sauces and mixes, exciting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS3X0p0bTLAQNMqt6ku3oXkYnSHIzfoE_4gHAbyaVRJ0i4-ZL7XurQiBmBoFIQmiW4fa7x275bPp0TjLqz9vMhwctBqlF8keMdThMPW26H8JIk9dVh8NhkAy5VNPEFn16YRlfl3Zi51Bu/s1600/20161230_123824_1483981425277_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS3X0p0bTLAQNMqt6ku3oXkYnSHIzfoE_4gHAbyaVRJ0i4-ZL7XurQiBmBoFIQmiW4fa7x275bPp0TjLqz9vMhwctBqlF8keMdThMPW26H8JIk9dVh8NhkAy5VNPEFn16YRlfl3Zi51Bu/s320/20161230_123824_1483981425277_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of mixes and sauces and jars of stuff and spices everywhere</td></tr>
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More types of flour of more types of grain than I've ever seen anywhere - enticing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEYeX3rThYyBmIOPD1TBYyr9kyu8vn8qgwuJrg8sejLmBCraMfU6XEjJJcRL5_KVq-2dJE4brMAaS-IA1Eb0m2U3LKvfZoUEvRBX4YPUI0PfL1rsK34PCC1X4hKHCrlmNfeIarlrOE59Y/s1600/20161230_122227_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEYeX3rThYyBmIOPD1TBYyr9kyu8vn8qgwuJrg8sejLmBCraMfU6XEjJJcRL5_KVq-2dJE4brMAaS-IA1Eb0m2U3LKvfZoUEvRBX4YPUI0PfL1rsK34PCC1X4hKHCrlmNfeIarlrOE59Y/s320/20161230_122227_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They also had a whole display of organic flours, which is cool</td></tr>
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Frozed prepared foods and breads and veg - definitely not Stouffer's - who said eating Indian had to be complicated???.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uRH1aPWEupkmeQrqunTxgS-b9TqeiMVVKdLryysAgIYQfEwg6EEyV8UCj_9OPIOQ_psBkzfrdItULziMB4t2-tplOfUeJckaZFmkeTvYhKdGC2x0pqbgS3CwQ8GKlyL3y9AfqXNtESy1/s1600/20161230_122925_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uRH1aPWEupkmeQrqunTxgS-b9TqeiMVVKdLryysAgIYQfEwg6EEyV8UCj_9OPIOQ_psBkzfrdItULziMB4t2-tplOfUeJckaZFmkeTvYhKdGC2x0pqbgS3CwQ8GKlyL3y9AfqXNtESy1/s320/20161230_122925_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen goes on forever, much of it unusual, which made the visit FUN</td></tr>
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As well as staples and basics - beans and beans and peas and lentils - such bounty!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKLxC27zjHx4lHGHCCKB6V9zigOCZKz3ssuXtr6yThSLMslS1h2M-gcZWaM12XcZNW6gKmxmWXpBjvjoMRpUI3EUr4CqPywSZ75QP3L2fDSrcgJCJDtnBw1s5KqZ77QN39ibj1F6Curgo/s1600/20161230_124145_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKLxC27zjHx4lHGHCCKB6V9zigOCZKz3ssuXtr6yThSLMslS1h2M-gcZWaM12XcZNW6gKmxmWXpBjvjoMRpUI3EUr4CqPywSZ75QP3L2fDSrcgJCJDtnBw1s5KqZ77QN39ibj1F6Curgo/s320/20161230_124145_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market32 did not have split peas. Sheesh.</td></tr>
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And, if that wasn't overwhelming enough - I ate at the Cafe in the back. After buying Black Eye Peas and frozen unsweetened coconut and tamarind concentrate and really fresh garlic and a few other goodies, I still ate out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlGe8MLaPFHLchawmP6uo2BNfssRHuIC52Cg6S_Vp18zCfUQ6nAcximwzskvhRXJHXZM-7FZwQOjAXDLskwVX8RChOUFrLMbFYA9acd27GMM48AJuW7g0uyf2kD4uhluWe87zht0gofym/s1600/20161230_125416_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlGe8MLaPFHLchawmP6uo2BNfssRHuIC52Cg6S_Vp18zCfUQ6nAcximwzskvhRXJHXZM-7FZwQOjAXDLskwVX8RChOUFrLMbFYA9acd27GMM48AJuW7g0uyf2kD4uhluWe87zht0gofym/s320/20161230_125416_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menu items include yogurt drinks</td></tr>
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The menu isn't extensive, and so I trust it all - Chat (small plates of "street food"), and South Indian specialties (Uttapam, Vada), as well as full dinner options. The kitchen is open and rudimentary but fully staffed with talented cooks turning out what had to be the best Dosa I've ever had.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic19pZ33sCkOJahJ6xDhLT_MWITlSlvsv-95ZDcDLDnPQ8jiE4pXcueY-I-Kn6gwDacy38TbufIlRz6irB3Iv_Hd7nLN9D1NfggGxG1zw9-K5BMifsFZSXzbWvLMorq_qhh6FOvwd6zTXj/s1600/20161230_130547_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic19pZ33sCkOJahJ6xDhLT_MWITlSlvsv-95ZDcDLDnPQ8jiE4pXcueY-I-Kn6gwDacy38TbufIlRz6irB3Iv_Hd7nLN9D1NfggGxG1zw9-K5BMifsFZSXzbWvLMorq_qhh6FOvwd6zTXj/s320/20161230_130547_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Dosa</td></tr>
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Mistress of the Hounds enjoyed the Spring Dosa ($9.99), rice crepe filled with veggies like potato, onion, carrots and cabbage - beautiful (albeit unusual that it was cut to serve) and super spicy, lots to eat, especially fun with the fresh ginger & coconut chutney, hot sauce and sambar on the side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepZ4mPgPg6PCfGOgHIpMW5X8Bxc-HQw2YDlBbBn4o7g1gv-8cO_d0lldQ8kMSpaNAnASf7CM9pIDzaz9HkxlVGswwWEoy0kCc3lAjIQc0zp2in7NlWmD8iN1lnPfjowvkaen3w-QHWxRW/s1600/20161230_130553_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepZ4mPgPg6PCfGOgHIpMW5X8Bxc-HQw2YDlBbBn4o7g1gv-8cO_d0lldQ8kMSpaNAnASf7CM9pIDzaz9HkxlVGswwWEoy0kCc3lAjIQc0zp2in7NlWmD8iN1lnPfjowvkaen3w-QHWxRW/s320/20161230_130553_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masala Dosa (triangle, not rolled - all the filling in the corner leaving lots of fresh bread to pull out and clean the palette</td></tr>
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My Masala Dosa ($7.99) made my eyes water because I was so happy and it was so spicy and then it was gone. Fresh crispy dosa that we could watch being made - pure artistry. Simple and humble, absolute paradise in a bite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWPJtXOuGBQscceFRdJM8IAkVsJFlxsdjEshVGsiqkkfgFCscfWSTuRQ6BBi7FdrsoiLBkeVZgrZF8OQdbCihWMm-YR2mhRsDMqLxB3dFeZfJgdUA0nlEaumBuiojyDRcsYDaRZOzTR3n/s1600/20161230_125408_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWPJtXOuGBQscceFRdJM8IAkVsJFlxsdjEshVGsiqkkfgFCscfWSTuRQ6BBi7FdrsoiLBkeVZgrZF8OQdbCihWMm-YR2mhRsDMqLxB3dFeZfJgdUA0nlEaumBuiojyDRcsYDaRZOzTR3n/s320/20161230_125408_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Order at the counter and take a seat and bus your own. Very casual. Parivar means "family". Lovely.... </td></tr>
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Yes, it's still winter. The mornings smell like after shave and car exhaust, cats will sleep, birds will flock to bird feeders, and pigeons perch on the power lines to keep their toes warm. But you will be full and safe and warm and happy with just one visit to Parivar.<br />
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Only 70 days until spring. Just sayin'.<br />
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Zena, Goddess of FireZena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-31529419089834878662016-12-29T09:54:00.000-05:002016-12-29T09:54:29.702-05:00Trying to be Perty at Slidin' DirtyI love a good gushburger. The kind that demands that mortals and superpowers alike have to fight the bun and grease and toppings into your mouth without allowing it to take control and dribble all over your face and hands. Please pass the napkins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPVAYmrM4wT8I3XmYONPLQ_vHjAVG7AxEVCygBEmY-hcFp9qmXAgpcMx4HRccGB2u8M4jEv70CmM6L3OKZk5xOE-vfBEV1-LbutwWUcFUZveAmLYnwVAhkO23xB4i61sF_Pyc9owlQYz2/s1600/20161221_121322_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPVAYmrM4wT8I3XmYONPLQ_vHjAVG7AxEVCygBEmY-hcFp9qmXAgpcMx4HRccGB2u8M4jEv70CmM6L3OKZk5xOE-vfBEV1-LbutwWUcFUZveAmLYnwVAhkO23xB4i61sF_Pyc9owlQYz2/s320/20161221_121322_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7gD8JJfJ9ompzwIgDFLAr81XaWjfpgM2ZI3Abafl6EAE-_wlqAPGVc-dgMU3Rek9rqVvJgikahxygHVdeHKOteFSa7o0_Wbr37EnypsTBc98DY_qstVzhFR9K4bl6hpX-5FNtc01abJ2/s1600/20161221_121412_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7gD8JJfJ9ompzwIgDFLAr81XaWjfpgM2ZI3Abafl6EAE-_wlqAPGVc-dgMU3Rek9rqVvJgikahxygHVdeHKOteFSa7o0_Wbr37EnypsTBc98DY_qstVzhFR9K4bl6hpX-5FNtc01abJ2/s320/20161221_121412_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street parking. Casual crowd, with men at the bar watching sports on TV and doin' the daytime drinks.</td></tr>
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<br />
The food is at <a href="http://slidindirty.com/" target="_blank">Slidin' Dirty</a> in downtown Troy is amazing. We started with a full order of Fravos ($10) - panko encrusted avocado fries with a spicy smokey creamy chipotle dipping sauce - hot, with a gentle burn, crispy on the outside, squishy on the inside. The battle over the last few was intense, as we licked our fingers, loving the decadence of fried fatty food. Delicious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9WQ9jRNLrW1MN-DC8wvNRFGlu_CC-Vij6FOdGZLbaPs8vkYt6WtqtMbsDZTKX6KTwftAe5YIcxj-h3-y6SNWEfSnWu8r488FthEqoCHbzTnYM001ZxxpOqiw51UE3jvE7tlKj5FRye7F/s1600/20161221_123457_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9WQ9jRNLrW1MN-DC8wvNRFGlu_CC-Vij6FOdGZLbaPs8vkYt6WtqtMbsDZTKX6KTwftAe5YIcxj-h3-y6SNWEfSnWu8r488FthEqoCHbzTnYM001ZxxpOqiw51UE3jvE7tlKj5FRye7F/s320/20161221_123457_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fravos - cripsy fried avocado, potentially healthy</td></tr>
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<br />
Pony went for a "dirty duo" with a Buffalo Chicken and a Pig Roast Taco ($9) - a generous serving, pretty before she crunched into it, loving the fresh crispy corn wrap and the tender meat. Standard "buffalo sauce" but very good. The Pig was even better, topped with black beans and corn and salsa with a crunch of red cabbage. She will totally come back and get this one again....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUeaxZUnUXH5ac3Lnrhbsx0cvcABtOQBFUsCqpxojVhHjZdOY9NiR4Xtcv_QEU7yn81m5IQYfZ7A0jHFmy3hT-4tt9z-QwUZ28JiI2CrfOboBx0cDsqxHmcAw70cHNNI7GAU1lLB4A-om/s1600/20161221_124017_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUeaxZUnUXH5ac3Lnrhbsx0cvcABtOQBFUsCqpxojVhHjZdOY9NiR4Xtcv_QEU7yn81m5IQYfZ7A0jHFmy3hT-4tt9z-QwUZ28JiI2CrfOboBx0cDsqxHmcAw70cHNNI7GAU1lLB4A-om/s320/20161221_124017_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pig on the left, Buffalo Chicken to the right</td></tr>
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<br />
Red had one beautiful little Crab Cake Slider, a spicy combo, the cake boasting loads of lump crab meat topped with avocado, tomatoes, arugula and horseradish sauce. Again, perfect in all respects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLbQgrYkO0fTvQRThs1XAnTMfSU62N52Nryw9rswMODIpT_CgkwMBKjoWG1bQUyJJja5Rv7aHWZmZc-xH2aTiAvS7lrYkoOfU3wzt9s2gd8J2TLHsjmZQLjpKmpnNNp0EkGD68pcQTW_z/s1600/20161221_124045_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLbQgrYkO0fTvQRThs1XAnTMfSU62N52Nryw9rswMODIpT_CgkwMBKjoWG1bQUyJJja5Rv7aHWZmZc-xH2aTiAvS7lrYkoOfU3wzt9s2gd8J2TLHsjmZQLjpKmpnNNp0EkGD68pcQTW_z/s320/20161221_124045_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pretty, perfectly constructed and delicious Crab Cake Slider</td></tr>
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<br />
The Divine Ms. M went for a pair of sliders. The Dirty Yankee ($5, with the burger - chicken breast or black bean burgers also available) - perfectly cooked little patty drenched in fried onions and sauerkraut, kicked up a notch with pastrami and provolone. Um FIVE STARS for sure. The Dirty Po Boy ($6) had some heat in the sauce, tempered by a fresh slaw and tomato with delicious little fried shrimps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sXBi1uXJZ0evJpRvsXEhJwxLYJBwGbyEW_Juq7xhW7Y1vhYuwpuvA7-7YY_0dBW4QLyMQ7dj-wG-dgMfOYSmA8JIeSQW5QZdpkTThLjfP_WN0TWqCbnD63Ed8H-z9e7l56reszxTzmD4/s1600/20161221_123955_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sXBi1uXJZ0evJpRvsXEhJwxLYJBwGbyEW_Juq7xhW7Y1vhYuwpuvA7-7YY_0dBW4QLyMQ7dj-wG-dgMfOYSmA8JIeSQW5QZdpkTThLjfP_WN0TWqCbnD63Ed8H-z9e7l56reszxTzmD4/s320/20161221_123955_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two potentially gushy sliders, Dirty Yankee left and a Dirty Po Boy</td></tr>
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<br />
We all shared a Classic Mac & Cheese ($4) - a deal for the size of the serving - good, no surprises, peppery - it wasn't baked but it didn't get gluey as it cooled. We ate it all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGlEq7ji5NXzxD0F7eyCYfCJo-f3NVgmXKsL16SB-EHhD5K3-P0AV8kxFi7GpgLPY5xIesem2b-B3qlkoTfCJXLUNYj-1SKnShjRDYCHipGRJlNrD3oIoxhxCZyHJ8E1KhyphenhyphenOvk-IIQBhx/s1600/20161221_124022_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGlEq7ji5NXzxD0F7eyCYfCJo-f3NVgmXKsL16SB-EHhD5K3-P0AV8kxFi7GpgLPY5xIesem2b-B3qlkoTfCJXLUNYj-1SKnShjRDYCHipGRJlNrD3oIoxhxCZyHJ8E1KhyphenhyphenOvk-IIQBhx/s320/20161221_124022_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK Mac & Cheese, this was a good dish to share</td></tr>
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<br />
I had an Arugula Side Salad ($4) - sort of a Caesar, lemony, with tender bitter leaves, lots of parm, and light crunchy croutons. Next to that I took on The Hangover Slider ($5), topped with cheddar and bacon and their signature chipotle cream sauce, and a fried egg. The brioche bun, slightly sweet and toasty, lost the battle, and so did I, with egg dripping all over, the sandwich disintegrated as I daintily did my best to chow down without wearing it back to work, but OMG it was good. Slippery, salty, and totally tasty, no doubt even better if you've had a few too many the night before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3S2KVF9Ffz3zkEPT2RxuvMBNpBdywix-tTMBOXhU2YeaBbZcxK3eRPn0dZjU7khE-iPGKLdUaF0cumujg7PsZvAZy9AP3ZHtoS2pCwN9r1IK16Q7hsnoGLSN74E-w2TSkF-vYqBpUKh1/s1600/20161221_124116_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3S2KVF9Ffz3zkEPT2RxuvMBNpBdywix-tTMBOXhU2YeaBbZcxK3eRPn0dZjU7khE-iPGKLdUaF0cumujg7PsZvAZy9AP3ZHtoS2pCwN9r1IK16Q7hsnoGLSN74E-w2TSkF-vYqBpUKh1/s320/20161221_124116_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hangover Slider and an Arugula Side Salad</td></tr>
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<br />
Slidin' Dirty is noisy, the music is funky, and the vibe is friendly and hip. Ten beers on tap, five from good ol' NYS. Next time I will wear my jeans, plan on a brewski, and ask for extra napkins, AFTER work, so I don't have to try so hard to be perty at Slidin' Dirty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B7VzAg-5hdHTWsCVBe8BPR4O-kscrKFjVboui7kebDNs4URv1epiagdQk9E4faZ0w6Vl6VEuYeX0aQ0zQe22Uv9ZP_Kg-BKqFELJYye7jgUCKOyeArpW8bp84d82g46KFwPZFCbL4_gt/s1600/20161221_125126_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5B7VzAg-5hdHTWsCVBe8BPR4O-kscrKFjVboui7kebDNs4URv1epiagdQk9E4faZ0w6Vl6VEuYeX0aQ0zQe22Uv9ZP_Kg-BKqFELJYye7jgUCKOyeArpW8bp84d82g46KFwPZFCbL4_gt/s320/20161221_125126_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tryin' to be perty at Slidin' Dirty</td></tr>
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<br />
Zena, Goddess of FireZena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-4430923286294274802016-12-12T15:29:00.000-05:002016-12-12T15:41:27.791-05:00The Magic of Manicotti: Tesoro RestaurantI love this time of year. Magic is in the air.<br />
<br />
So is the smell of roast pork and wood smoke, and little white fluffy things that fall from the sky. After a cold afternoon in Altamont, exploring the charming downtown during the <a href="http://albany.kidsoutandabout.com/content/annual-victorian-holiday-celebration-altamont-ny-albany-co" target="_blank">Annual Victorian Holiday Celebration</a>, eating all the free cookies I could find, begging for roast pork samples at <a href="http://www.miovino186.com/" target="_blank">Mio Vino</a>, buying a raffle ticket at the <a href="http://www.altamontfreelibrary.org/" target="_blank">Altamont Free Library</a>, and doing a little shopping, Cookie and I buzzed back towards town and an early dinner at <a href="http://tesoroitalianrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Tesoro Italian Restaurant</a> (located in another attractive strip mall in Guilderland, NY). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZNttN67P1qmpen-PDxm5eryxKjMXmxml7PPWnSXwxICeCfBRVnAsbJ6R_Wlq4AiOOh9-Dbx_t6e-LTXVedgKT8fT2WKvh6l6Vpfl8Lez4y8zaZC8Fo_UzojQHJy_weqL4YaUAXNU8-F5/s1600/20161211_164927_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZNttN67P1qmpen-PDxm5eryxKjMXmxml7PPWnSXwxICeCfBRVnAsbJ6R_Wlq4AiOOh9-Dbx_t6e-LTXVedgKT8fT2WKvh6l6Vpfl8Lez4y8zaZC8Fo_UzojQHJy_weqL4YaUAXNU8-F5/s320/20161211_164927_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brightly lit, attractive exterior in 20 Western Mall</td></tr>
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The restaurant is actually quite lovely, and the staff gracious. We sat at the bar and each enjoyed a glass of wine - Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc for me ($9.50/glass, overpriced, but it also has magic), and Kendall Jackson Chardonnay for my friend ($9.00/glass, ditto). Okay, we had more than one, but that's another story...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bx9-P_O8KH5lzgfUSlFti0r4l3g2ZH4nfHPxLGIGe-jSSLbrq3_et-COFrHL7ix3bypekEW7Re9zGKEHnTYPHCqtU32-ya2D7jsu0tXeY24lj2XcLja2knvT8nX5Xe_6hSBsNs9RWxww/s1600/20161211_165220_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bx9-P_O8KH5lzgfUSlFti0r4l3g2ZH4nfHPxLGIGe-jSSLbrq3_et-COFrHL7ix3bypekEW7Re9zGKEHnTYPHCqtU32-ya2D7jsu0tXeY24lj2XcLja2knvT8nX5Xe_6hSBsNs9RWxww/s320/20161211_165220_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early on it was quiet except for a party in the back room full of lively jokesters</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRoQvx59XixqayoSzKHS9G38He1i6knTo5CsZoQDv935r51Emse3Yndl1AGJD9SS8xYPM4mch2sjD5h0puk_uTJBYbdGZrp9B8hxTG4ckdIB1x1-HN1d4D_Yt2QtoAtVB4PeayCTW9ONE/s1600/20161211_165228_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRoQvx59XixqayoSzKHS9G38He1i6knTo5CsZoQDv935r51Emse3Yndl1AGJD9SS8xYPM4mch2sjD5h0puk_uTJBYbdGZrp9B8hxTG4ckdIB1x1-HN1d4D_Yt2QtoAtVB4PeayCTW9ONE/s320/20161211_165228_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfortable bar - they do a brisk takeout business</td></tr>
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Cookie went for the Calamari Fritti app ($9.50) - a generous serving of tender battered squid served with a boatload of delicious marinara. It needed a bit of salt, but that was easily remedied. I've never met anything fritti that wasn't a magic moment and a guilty pleasure at the same time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5PGtH0HpkNUogstlv03S9cvWSmP7xL1Y64Y9VLR5oOo_S-qLckaBIV2sIqjXghGYiBYmceS78RC3YRft7ht4uqdW-vxwac7q6EJuCNhYmWQchDF9YXaSI3-2xCqQ0bwcmSD5vOyhT9lI/s1600/20161211_172514_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5PGtH0HpkNUogstlv03S9cvWSmP7xL1Y64Y9VLR5oOo_S-qLckaBIV2sIqjXghGYiBYmceS78RC3YRft7ht4uqdW-vxwac7q6EJuCNhYmWQchDF9YXaSI3-2xCqQ0bwcmSD5vOyhT9lI/s320/20161211_172514_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calamari Fritti - lots of crispy fried bites</td></tr>
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<br />
A simple salad with house Italian started my meal off right. I forgot to take a picture - one cherry tomato, one slice of cuke, shredded carrot, canned black olive slices, and really fresh chopped Romaine - it was just the right size, nice dressing, predictable but still enchanting.<br />
<br />
I went for the Manicotti with Marinara ($15.95). Perfect al dente pasta sheets wrapped around sweet creamy fresh ricotta filling, with a delicious bright marinara on top. It wasn't baked, no mozz on top, no parm at the table, merely combined on the plate and served simple and hot. I watched the wine disappear, again, and my dinner. EXCELLENT ENTREE. I ate the whole thing...........<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLk5krXWeehmxK4Fg8Ain_A3WyvojPxfc8-vfJRlx31VUhDJ5Lh4C9THOOnnLRk-ycSBG1dP5gqBqEzuf_w3FkG6Zw8YrhGKhfuuq7NojcPwqR_xmsQk4QWSNA_17i5AcEvyapJcayIzd/s1600/20161211_172522_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLk5krXWeehmxK4Fg8Ain_A3WyvojPxfc8-vfJRlx31VUhDJ5Lh4C9THOOnnLRk-ycSBG1dP5gqBqEzuf_w3FkG6Zw8YrhGKhfuuq7NojcPwqR_xmsQk4QWSNA_17i5AcEvyapJcayIzd/s320/20161211_172522_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIknoAbVULt5zCofZBwdkDhimYvreDdNjauIgJ-7bO-2tRacGdy0ZLGB1MbYTHJtlLD0oUf575DVVlqPek4OeGGDzZLJruNtz-mulMJ34A2jOYRTb4DXo6s8Ew9fSinXVvJpZASp2oiUO/s1600/20161211_174017_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIknoAbVULt5zCofZBwdkDhimYvreDdNjauIgJ-7bO-2tRacGdy0ZLGB1MbYTHJtlLD0oUf575DVVlqPek4OeGGDzZLJruNtz-mulMJ34A2jOYRTb4DXo6s8Ew9fSinXVvJpZASp2oiUO/s320/20161211_174017_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After, just like magic!!!</td></tr>
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Manicotti, like Christmas, is magic and has superpowers. It's also warm and comforting and rich, but at the same time zesty.<br />
<br />
Just like me.<br />
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Happy Holidays!!! xxx Zena, Goddess of FireZena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-79673236512166304592016-12-06T14:44:00.000-05:002016-12-06T14:45:42.315-05:00The Royal Treatment at The Palace - Phoenicians of Albany <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I put on my crown, grabbed my sword and my scepter, and entered the Palace along with my knave Onion. All were at my service with grace and smiles, welcoming me inside. I looked around and I approved. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHKhZwT9JCGxcOEjd24bJvfXC3heSskwtE8aBSbC99rO1cP1aqFRIQClku8fjxQ_M9y13n2IKMfBCevlbeULCsmjRuBRJZRn_aRbA1AcVUUtZy3hgJ211833BN7_8GfytzsRSSIsymOHX/s1600/20161201_124449_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHKhZwT9JCGxcOEjd24bJvfXC3heSskwtE8aBSbC99rO1cP1aqFRIQClku8fjxQ_M9y13n2IKMfBCevlbeULCsmjRuBRJZRn_aRbA1AcVUUtZy3hgJ211833BN7_8GfytzsRSSIsymOHX/s320/20161201_124449_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign is small and hard to see - The Palace is in another scenic strip mall on Fuller Rd. between Railroad Ave. and Warehouse Row</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Then I ate.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.phoeniciansofalbany.com/" target="_blank">"The Palace"</a> has plenty of promise - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Phoenicians (formerly on Central Avenue in Colonie) is just one part, still </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">offering their wonderful Lebanese fare. The space i</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">s enormous - still under construction but open - it will soon include a banquet space for 300! Casual, colorful, yet cavernous - with partitioning it could become much more intimate as this newly combined Mediterranean marketplace unfolds. There are promises of a baklava bar, an Italian deli and a Kosher deli coming soon. And a wine bar??? Oh, and did I mention the jewelry store (also once on Central) is in there too? You can buy me something pretty while you wait for your meal. It's just a suggestion, anyway.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgRpSDeH_cGwmDyXtZO_D2kUZ02SODne_Hkvki2Aq4d5F_fBv1vw0Cw6eKkslz4LxW8Zt9fbNUggWVJNzwf914pjkL88Et_Qh-DacHiNxkB2I_ixQP4TNxXvtjH7bvGJuZ8YoUASG4VMS/s1600/20161201_124857_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgRpSDeH_cGwmDyXtZO_D2kUZ02SODne_Hkvki2Aq4d5F_fBv1vw0Cw6eKkslz4LxW8Zt9fbNUggWVJNzwf914pjkL88Et_Qh-DacHiNxkB2I_ixQP4TNxXvtjH7bvGJuZ8YoUASG4VMS/s320/20161201_124857_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main dining area - there is table service</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBnbhhz-GseglQmttJ4sOrzUYz7MDj1EvyAhOq45TSdK9QWolbTr3iv01tfOjZ1NWg74OjKSHFATaov4sADqbV5WZGdjmV9CSZ3CnFs2y4AgSJ6YP3dKJg79lT1CZC1NJEpEmTdmxuoO_/s1600/20161201_125344_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBnbhhz-GseglQmttJ4sOrzUYz7MDj1EvyAhOq45TSdK9QWolbTr3iv01tfOjZ1NWg74OjKSHFATaov4sADqbV5WZGdjmV9CSZ3CnFs2y4AgSJ6YP3dKJg79lT1CZC1NJEpEmTdmxuoO_/s320/20161201_125344_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now a coffee bar until they get their license - soon to be the Wine Bar</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I love the cozy room in front - a great place to relax and enjoy your morning joe and watch the peasants </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">through the large plate glass windows </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">commute to work down Fuller Road. It's kind of a Starbucks room full of comfy chairs - throw in some good coffee and free WiFi and we're all set. They are offering what looks like standard breakfast fare from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m., which is interesting - that Med theme is lost there, but who knows. With so many possibilities I'm pretty sure what works stays and what doesn't will get dumped the moat where it belongs.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9NtqdFzNRPOm-cZ92z_8D_npPbWZAuzoUhRl15pVNYK1aqfPTs5EWrdDj6GEK4HIiHlt4PbNV_YSDg9gCXaS9xKom6UtJYrMi6Znz35wV0diq-gYK6PaxTgQlHvkhJbh4YOd5ijIJ-uh/s1600/20161201_125726_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9NtqdFzNRPOm-cZ92z_8D_npPbWZAuzoUhRl15pVNYK1aqfPTs5EWrdDj6GEK4HIiHlt4PbNV_YSDg9gCXaS9xKom6UtJYrMi6Znz35wV0diq-gYK6PaxTgQlHvkhJbh4YOd5ijIJ-uh/s320/20161201_125726_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee lounge </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Knave Onion and I did take-out for the Goddess' Ladies. I went for a Meza Sampler, which wasn't quite on the menu </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">but was on the old one, and they were happy to put it together for me. I love their hummus (best in the city!): smooth, creamy, just the right hit of salt and garlic with lovely slightly sweet homemade pita. The pita alone is the most amazing pita I've ever had - what a wonderful addition to their offerings. The baba ghanouj w</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">as also fab - fresh eggplant and a hit of lemon, royally delicious. The tabouleh salad was sans bulgur and oniony and lettucey, but very fresh with a hit of vinegar. Even the stuffed grape leaf</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> was amazing, with a nice mush factor. Finally a surprise of moujadara - lentils and rice, savory and satisfying. En garde - an excellent foil to the rest of the plate!!! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye9Y8luuHBQfqQXy-Qva_CMvPupbJfc0tDPoXNfOdsQL6lChfaKobZD22AVC9onIJBLH_0aziwMM6VAe19c73x0NQi982B7wTyjR_vklO9ED1Nf8hsapwnJpQzH3mGM4fdBCBJ_m6AXia/s1600/20161201_132933_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye9Y8luuHBQfqQXy-Qva_CMvPupbJfc0tDPoXNfOdsQL6lChfaKobZD22AVC9onIJBLH_0aziwMM6VAe19c73x0NQi982B7wTyjR_vklO9ED1Nf8hsapwnJpQzH3mGM4fdBCBJ_m6AXia/s320/20161201_132933_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current menu is all wraps as the space is still under development but there are goodies to be had, like this Meza Sampler ($12.99)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6atQR3j1SY_RNTR4BEg4BD-4arrxFKbwy_RvM6UEpCWlriqYGYyk-XjLInO8NQF8JEpLUQtDiNjlzlCzdHYJmLCtLXjYEEfr1aLDi_dIOogJGR-QK7Mp63FpH5cNaSOCm_1X5WWyIqPf/s1600/20161201_132909_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6atQR3j1SY_RNTR4BEg4BD-4arrxFKbwy_RvM6UEpCWlriqYGYyk-XjLInO8NQF8JEpLUQtDiNjlzlCzdHYJmLCtLXjYEEfr1aLDi_dIOogJGR-QK7Mp63FpH5cNaSOCm_1X5WWyIqPf/s320/20161201_132909_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummus to go, $5.99</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">And do try the falafal - a bit salty but the texture is perfect, mildly spiced, crunchy on the outside, smooth inside, like me. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-LhHmnZdmB_3u6c3RpgSzvE1_APyVtfZ-Hppz8B29-Ge1UUneuun2lXw2XI0nij0eOzX0dpcLq_ajX-NIAXBXMWuoYED6aqB3hS8_cCoSrGnQrZiP8unkBE0y-ILpDgpuaGP99oxMhIs/s1600/20161201_132838_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-LhHmnZdmB_3u6c3RpgSzvE1_APyVtfZ-Hppz8B29-Ge1UUneuun2lXw2XI0nij0eOzX0dpcLq_ajX-NIAXBXMWuoYED6aqB3hS8_cCoSrGnQrZiP8unkBE0y-ILpDgpuaGP99oxMhIs/s320/20161201_132838_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falafel Appetizer, $5.99</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvKJA7PkYY64oEYOuRyDBYiZvYKXLJZNy1JbWLfK8kBCtYUMSuZbWAG6SpOUHH-6SqtrBp3e2sS1lKJNLf_yc0EteqmQy9ylCmrKq26D4nSGuLACmEl4lvIiKBpOM0zMSLLR1-SUPvk6Z/s1600/20161201_132832_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvKJA7PkYY64oEYOuRyDBYiZvYKXLJZNy1JbWLfK8kBCtYUMSuZbWAG6SpOUHH-6SqtrBp3e2sS1lKJNLf_yc0EteqmQy9ylCmrKq26D4nSGuLACmEl4lvIiKBpOM0zMSLLR1-SUPvk6Z/s320/20161201_132832_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falafel Wrap, $7.99 - this was a deal!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Zena, Goddess of Fire</span>Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-39719068826230979972016-11-21T11:57:00.002-05:002016-11-21T12:55:46.910-05:00Zena Gets Spicey at Dharani Southern Indian RestaurantI like hot spicy food, and hot spicy men, but when they are too hot and spicy and I risk farting fireballs life quickly gets dangerous for mortals and zombies alike.<br />
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That's why the gods created Mango Lasse, FYI.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fy7Zi1DK-cWr3ovCObu7W3cSzBT9iier6tdRbL3z0BR8628ssTm-u1I6cg-WWEls7T8Bjbyhd4_L1h_LYX4u2aQaNx91CXgF0o29a66b8Hp2w_NcMIVG30PuxKx4VlX-EaR2bf83dRAk/s1600/20161117_172713_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fy7Zi1DK-cWr3ovCObu7W3cSzBT9iier6tdRbL3z0BR8628ssTm-u1I6cg-WWEls7T8Bjbyhd4_L1h_LYX4u2aQaNx91CXgF0o29a66b8Hp2w_NcMIVG30PuxKx4VlX-EaR2bf83dRAk/s320/20161117_172713_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dharani, in another scenic strip mall in Guilderland, NY</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.dharanius.com/" target="_blank">Dharani</a> South Indian Restaurant is one of many that are part of the Altamount Restaurant Group - a small chain - with locations across the U.S., including another future site planned in Latham. The menu clearly sets apart the vegetarian from the non-veg - which is wonderful, with plenty of appetizers, snacks and breads, curries, biryani, tandoori, and Indo-Chinese dishes to choose from.<br />
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I can't say much good about the decor: I like the linen and it's spacious but stark, with all the dining space dedicated to simple seating and tables - no plants or barriers or booths or art on the walls or decorations or flowers or candles - to me feels a bit too wide open and less than intimate, but that too might shift with time. </div>
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Linen is lovely but the space is very utilitarian otherwise</div>
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We started with the Samosa (3/$6.99), stuffed with peas and potatoes and spice - wow! these were <i>very </i>peppery, with a shatteringly crispy crust, sprinkled with salt. It was a lovely plate, and I appreciated the cabbage to help cut the heat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big crispy peppery samosa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilli Chicken Appetizer made my lips tingle</td></tr>
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The Chilli Chicken appetizer ($11.99) was a large plate of small battered bites blanketed with a serious fire, a touch of sweet, red onions and peppers. Both dishes left me blowing hot air, lips tingling. I'm no candyass, but I needed a bit of yogurt or something to cut through the heat at this point, so I ordered that Mango Lasse ($2.49), then dipped into the curries.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiVsCEYRW53e31mMw98-j9wtZFVAjJur259I3oFBibU88bKSfqpsG8u8nxIi2EUXyh6NnaROwwUSoXo940Mr3UGq7XXi2GvMB7zZArfn95kpx-eO-Re5qbrwp3rurW3GzvgBhpQzbDug8/s1600/20161117_182637_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiVsCEYRW53e31mMw98-j9wtZFVAjJur259I3oFBibU88bKSfqpsG8u8nxIi2EUXyh6NnaROwwUSoXo940Mr3UGq7XXi2GvMB7zZArfn95kpx-eO-Re5qbrwp3rurW3GzvgBhpQzbDug8/s320/20161117_182637_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lasse saved the mortals and zombies from fireballs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCz6di7mlEshJhVS0Z3BH4qp9Kyw4dmyl1-0GggLmlilnOjLzWfuvEkaafcSwTrxT967lJzJ8tyOdTlEztyN0liKZUmXw0suV7cjoCckxAKz2NUPFdkHSthLAY1et3ORLSMYTCa1P4sSB/s1600/20161117_182650_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCz6di7mlEshJhVS0Z3BH4qp9Kyw4dmyl1-0GggLmlilnOjLzWfuvEkaafcSwTrxT967lJzJ8tyOdTlEztyN0liKZUmXw0suV7cjoCckxAKz2NUPFdkHSthLAY1et3ORLSMYTCa1P4sSB/s320/20161117_182650_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peshawari Naan ($4.99)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Shrimp Varutha ($15.99) boasted lime juice and onion and coconut cream (very southern), but all we tasted was fiery hot spice (chili!!!), and the shrimps were small and not exactly plentiful. The Lamb Vindaloo ($15.99) was excellent, more of a ragu than I'm used to, with a few potatoes, boneless meat (mostly tender). At this point I had to blow my nose: my tongue was numb and on fire. Moreso than usual, anyway, for a Fire Goddess. Next time I'll plan to order Mild, not Medium - Medium was SO spicy we all had to cut the food with rice and naan - but the food was still delicious. A little color to the rice would also have been nice.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will need the rice if you order Medium..... Lamb Vindaloo (above) and Shrimp Varutha Curry</td></tr>
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The prices seem a bit high, so next time I'll watch for that promise of a buffet. They have this huge area set aside and as yet no information except "Mega Sunday Buffet Second Sunday of Every Month". I understand a lunch buffet ($10.99) is coming. Personally, I love buffets - I get to try lots of things in small amounts and balance the spicy with other (milder) flavors and find out what I like.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2H5fTnG_rCEkG_myCiYy9CrvOSh-biiC4z_61p5T2sMYahUOYkN9nAZ0oen4weCNjTnj9Ewd0u2CzxGMkGIqPnGBM6KXHoWjfUixYNJ-J52yDUZQIyjVw6PEB86XN8XOfrf9pGooG-iz0/s1600/20161117_172918_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2H5fTnG_rCEkG_myCiYy9CrvOSh-biiC4z_61p5T2sMYahUOYkN9nAZ0oen4weCNjTnj9Ewd0u2CzxGMkGIqPnGBM6KXHoWjfUixYNJ-J52yDUZQIyjVw6PEB86XN8XOfrf9pGooG-iz0/s320/20161117_172918_resized.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
The buffet is HUGE and holds much promise. </div>
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Being the patient, cool, all-knowing all-seeing Goddess of Fire that I am I know that they will just get better. And busier.<br />
<br />
Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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P.S. At this point, our Guilderland location has only been open for a week or two, so though they have a liquor license the bar is still under construction (though water will be your friend), and the grill isn't working yet. FYI. Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-80341744135131294872016-11-15T12:26:00.000-05:002016-11-15T12:31:18.506-05:00Heaven is as hot as hell: Restaurant NavonaI found heaven on earth, and it's located on New Scotland Avenue in Albany, NY. And it's as hot as hell. Hot, like in baby, this place is HOT!!! Smoke. Flames. Fire. Ash. Heat. Pizza. Beer. I looked around when I came in and I didn't see any other gods, but it was still early.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxVUCue5BaQj8x9P9b2OcdHBepmAvKusa8D9O9iLs3tNZUydgAC1m9lnVMVHcGBnnkCvY5Vp0AL1NwfOgkqZ_Vie3uCDc-1Yq7nKumfWNOY6ll0ajJ1otHR27iF3K-y7zJp670IgEB1k0/s1600/20161110_172817_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxVUCue5BaQj8x9P9b2OcdHBepmAvKusa8D9O9iLs3tNZUydgAC1m9lnVMVHcGBnnkCvY5Vp0AL1NwfOgkqZ_Vie3uCDc-1Yq7nKumfWNOY6ll0ajJ1otHR27iF3K-y7zJp670IgEB1k0/s320/20161110_172817_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pearly gates</td></tr>
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The menu is limited but has real depth, much of which is taken to new heights by a sexy wood fired oven. Roasted bone marrow, charred eggplant, roasted veg, fire blistered tomatoes, and fire-kissed kale. Fire-kissed kale??? Baby, that's smokin'.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1bQchITm-d7ZhHyTdyYAKPL1Cs7pd2QghC0ibfUscnBSs8S4kgtQ3BUC0DUy7kF4ta0bx2DYtY1sFeEskVjhatMZ_2xe_X8sSa8Rgh6s-lO2w9XzjuQhecj3zKP4Y-TjnTJE-HOBIG0F/s1600/20161110_172945_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1bQchITm-d7ZhHyTdyYAKPL1Cs7pd2QghC0ibfUscnBSs8S4kgtQ3BUC0DUy7kF4ta0bx2DYtY1sFeEskVjhatMZ_2xe_X8sSa8Rgh6s-lO2w9XzjuQhecj3zKP4Y-TjnTJE-HOBIG0F/s320/20161110_172945_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back gets busy on weekends </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3UclBgJXOxTeuJwLCkLlD7F8o5MBxbVtbMrQJjeCVOK70rYIAd32ftmIwyx9oPjuYBcFv9Ub8OFvyXxDbnNzc5cdMnd5eJzBQ9OvA1P4gmXF1lSjNFz1HXme4iiTkQc2qWXA1bDxIODF/s1600/20161110_173058_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3UclBgJXOxTeuJwLCkLlD7F8o5MBxbVtbMrQJjeCVOK70rYIAd32ftmIwyx9oPjuYBcFv9Ub8OFvyXxDbnNzc5cdMnd5eJzBQ9OvA1P4gmXF1lSjNFz1HXme4iiTkQc2qWXA1bDxIODF/s320/20161110_173058_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heaven is where the god/s hang out, but it was still early</td></tr>
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Our server brought us some charred, warm crusty bread flavored with olive oil and pepper and plated with fresh ricotta, liberally sprinkled with <span style="background-color: white;">salt crunchies - too salty perhaps, but it was, all in all, feverishly good.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kRWV0qPq8KBO5_DK0jshMcnk8Sg8nLhL4W8xFlt6DnbDbGj7jEZT9fNS5hNMgatiRgBz2nF-ifz20oCobmKwmcusO4LWSOlmijQEHFTrHO1no5O7fmIVnpJeRCqemymN7jV68zThAzmj/s1600/20161110_174902_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kRWV0qPq8KBO5_DK0jshMcnk8Sg8nLhL4W8xFlt6DnbDbGj7jEZT9fNS5hNMgatiRgBz2nF-ifz20oCobmKwmcusO4LWSOlmijQEHFTrHO1no5O7fmIVnpJeRCqemymN7jV68zThAzmj/s320/20161110_174902_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crusty bread with ricotta</td></tr>
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So let's cool it off just a bit. I went for a pint of Flower Power IPA ($7.50) out of Ithaca, NY. OK, yes, I had two by the end of the meal. Slightly cloudy, very hoppy and fresh, a nice pairing with their classic Spicy Sausage and Fennel Pizza ($13). Not too spicy (actually I would have liked it a bit spicier), with the perfect amount of toppings, cheese with real pull, and tender chewy yeasty pillowy crust charred to perfection on the bottom. It was a generous pizza for one, so I saved back half for later. Red hot delicious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUXsLWDILmaXq2hshlRMcRWW1QoRtM2L-limudSiaMmvG7la0KpqV26xG7dGqs4Khd17cjvkWDkQM2XQKWt9DhKKJ_2OhSCUkviVwz70kXLZLy-ciXL9xDymfAv-XPtmMF7TEv-MoI4N6/s1600/20161110_180945_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUXsLWDILmaXq2hshlRMcRWW1QoRtM2L-limudSiaMmvG7la0KpqV26xG7dGqs4Khd17cjvkWDkQM2XQKWt9DhKKJ_2OhSCUkviVwz70kXLZLy-ciXL9xDymfAv-XPtmMF7TEv-MoI4N6/s320/20161110_180945_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy Sausage and Fennel Pizza - love those bubbly black bits!</td></tr>
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Mistress of the Hounds also started cool, with the Autumn Salad ($12), loving the slightly bitter, incredibly fresh baby arugula with bits of gorgonzola, crunchy toasted almonds and crispy apples, tossed with a slightly sweet cider vinaigrette, plated with cranberry jam. We decided someone in the kitchen loves salad. Anyway, from there she tucked into a modest serving of Sea Scallops ($24), one of many daily specials, with roasted slices of sweet fingerling potatoes and brussels sprouts. A glass of Malbec (Bodega Sottano, Argentina, 2013, $9) was a rich treat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdI5PuvB3-4KKtQtu_C7ENgJL1rSZVlnOHOE0-yf9OQr_uRCUxl-blqcT32krkKz3-uYky0Kcpv6xyTjVe0dxEk4fiwPbSW64lLiMsx4wHAouK952zx8mJX5qBo8AGENNLpwptH0iimOm/s1600/20161110_182102_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdI5PuvB3-4KKtQtu_C7ENgJL1rSZVlnOHOE0-yf9OQr_uRCUxl-blqcT32krkKz3-uYky0Kcpv6xyTjVe0dxEk4fiwPbSW64lLiMsx4wHAouK952zx8mJX5qBo8AGENNLpwptH0iimOm/s320/20161110_182102_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Fifteen craft beers on tap, 8 from NY, plus Nine Pin cider - supreme bliss - as well as a thoughtful wine selection all available by the glass (except the bubblies) - all under $32/bottle so very reasonably priced as well.<br />
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A few service problems were followed up with heartfelt apologies and a bit of gratis on the bill. Excellent customer service all the way around, lovely decor - classy, light woods, comfortable lighting, clean - and excellent food licked with fire and creativity. What's not to love???<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
REALLY GREAT PIZZA. GREAT BEER SELECTION. THE END. </div>
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Love, Zena, Goddess of FireZena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-81020145475102228552016-11-08T16:19:00.001-05:002016-11-10T13:49:34.297-05:00Tomo Asian Bistro: Putting the "zen" back in ZenaPatience and Zena: officially now in the same sentence, but only this once.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEleQOyopDpmU7c1XcpocgiBVi1D7mlg5Ftf8MKgdq1Hfttg2KOFne2qzBjv-YbvMFy0JiXxZN92r4e094igvJbMp7LVgH8lw6nTIGgmI4RZENQUIj5vaGtnhaVaGq4n-iw7MUSThdsmU/s1600/20161101_172727_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEleQOyopDpmU7c1XcpocgiBVi1D7mlg5Ftf8MKgdq1Hfttg2KOFne2qzBjv-YbvMFy0JiXxZN92r4e094igvJbMp7LVgH8lw6nTIGgmI4RZENQUIj5vaGtnhaVaGq4n-iw7MUSThdsmU/s320/20161101_172727_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Deep breath as I entered Tomo, located in another attractive strip mall in Slingerlands. It smelled good. The place was busy, and got busier, a surprise early on a Tuesday night. Once seated I gingerly turned over a few grungy menus and ordered hot tea, which came quickly but not with the sugar and a spoon I had asked for. I waited to see our server again, and I asked again, and waited, and asked again, and finally got what I wanted but by now the tea was lukewarm, but then again, so was the next refill. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr...............<br />
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Close your eyes. Center your ch'i.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy sushi chefs</td></tr>
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The Hot and Sour Soup ($2.50) was rich and delicious, with lots of variety (mushrooms, tofu, scallions, etc.) and a gentle hit of heat - it a generous serving at that. It thought it needed more sour so I asked for extra vinegar (eventually) when I got the server's attention. I'm sure by this time she must have found me quite annoying (she was busy working the whole dining room solo) - most people do, but I digress. Two deep breaths. Focus on the soup.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHz7Znk2uR66KvHFfSoJADG1t-UuJC5vQr7yiWsJm-Uxv9SdPlAlprY0bW3HJoYNSRon1XUseLjpo87tRePkhiqA4DEefUXqdy-5S0CSrCIt4gKVF2WbFKz-OfrYhGgREzPVzxchn0XzSh/s1600/20161101_175547_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHz7Znk2uR66KvHFfSoJADG1t-UuJC5vQr7yiWsJm-Uxv9SdPlAlprY0bW3HJoYNSRon1XUseLjpo87tRePkhiqA4DEefUXqdy-5S0CSrCIt4gKVF2WbFKz-OfrYhGgREzPVzxchn0XzSh/s320/20161101_175547_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regular Rolls special with miniature wasabi</td></tr>
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Now where was I. Right - food. On Tuesday you get (3) rolls for $10 - a real deal. The Spicy Salmon, California and Tuna rolls ended up being a lot of food, and mostly very tasty. True to form, I took three deep breaths, impatient to eat more, and had to ask for more wasabi, once I had someone's attention, but it came quickly. Zena loves heat, FYI.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsANQghBFdaLnIVcIeCHxYRxFJ4xeE6TLucd8KSsqEdKp8JI1RqAoHTuX3TNFtOpWxhZR_62YR2WXNuAwgTihrOj1ICXVKXC9588fi4gHyq4WwL20daAxRBo2AC6jWRydYXzhBJGluBE2/s1600/20161101_175458_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsANQghBFdaLnIVcIeCHxYRxFJ4xeE6TLucd8KSsqEdKp8JI1RqAoHTuX3TNFtOpWxhZR_62YR2WXNuAwgTihrOj1ICXVKXC9588fi4gHyq4WwL20daAxRBo2AC6jWRydYXzhBJGluBE2/s320/20161101_175458_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Curry with Beef - colorful!</td></tr>
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<br />
FF loved her Thai Curry with Beef ($11) - baby corn, mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, water chestnuts - nice variety, nice sauce - nice balance of heat and sweet and salty. Jaguar enjoyed her Panang Curry with Beef ($12), a different curry, lots of broccoli, peppers, and coconut. Both were presented in large bowls - very attractive. So we recommend the curries - brown rice is available for an extra $1, which we appreciated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWf4y3JwNz0ZbqaiX9Dkd1CCtO69q36e_BTPJ7ZqsVVwLp3SBo7jPSlOFRgfPXGhd3eQy7sqMq-68GUmymTUEOlOiMa3-HD5YSQWmnofDsNXLl6E6PGoxG4pMGLr76qJPXSHI_ZEMcpXC/s1600/20161101_175511_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWf4y3JwNz0ZbqaiX9Dkd1CCtO69q36e_BTPJ7ZqsVVwLp3SBo7jPSlOFRgfPXGhd3eQy7sqMq-68GUmymTUEOlOiMa3-HD5YSQWmnofDsNXLl6E6PGoxG4pMGLr76qJPXSHI_ZEMcpXC/s320/20161101_175511_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panang Curry with Beef - lots o' broccoli</td></tr>
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Tomo seems popular with the locals, and is very affordable. I think the food is really good. Sigh - (three deep breaths) - the waitress was lovely and patient, unlike yours truly, but she could definitely have used a hand. That is NOT enough, though, to keep me away next time I'm in the food desert known as Slingerlands. (:<br />
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Zena, Goddess of Fire<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVOcfnjwwV-NzP1zkxZUtIEgdWfnZMtHQC0FaMPy9u6MHxd6iLL0DphX8MCjfHF7O4Q6Ni2HRCAFOdK3inNZuFPMa0oX9EZRVUCddtQyPdTs9QeymK_OmQD7lt9BVIeDGYrffGNmMCss4/s1600/20161101_182730_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVOcfnjwwV-NzP1zkxZUtIEgdWfnZMtHQC0FaMPy9u6MHxd6iLL0DphX8MCjfHF7O4Q6Ni2HRCAFOdK3inNZuFPMa0oX9EZRVUCddtQyPdTs9QeymK_OmQD7lt9BVIeDGYrffGNmMCss4/s320/20161101_182730_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gratis pineapple chunks finish the meal </td></tr>
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<br />Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-36151679432983453642016-10-31T15:14:00.000-04:002016-10-31T15:23:18.813-04:00Who needs a hug??? - Dinner at Il Faro<div class="MsoNormal">
Eating great food and writing good reviews about really nice restaurants where you have absolutely no complaints is so sickly sweet I'm still reeling from this sugar high of good will and happiness and I'm now SO ready to hug everyone and genuinely love them too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrG8MzryR1hyphenhyphennLo6MUqfTJUkFHZC-Oa0klhVOgiCd2AsrT6gYV37wJoCf_yyVyHNsljR5Ico69l3h6H5Ydvv_3DT8NALT_rUwnU9GR-luAl4xMeH5Xnbw3SKtVQ0Pq39aXadFteJ9WHXM/s1600/20161026_172750_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrG8MzryR1hyphenhyphennLo6MUqfTJUkFHZC-Oa0klhVOgiCd2AsrT6gYV37wJoCf_yyVyHNsljR5Ico69l3h6H5Ydvv_3DT8NALT_rUwnU9GR-luAl4xMeH5Xnbw3SKtVQ0Pq39aXadFteJ9WHXM/s320/20161026_172750_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor dining in better weather - parking lot on the right</td></tr>
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<o:p> </o:p>Yes, this is really Zena. Now back off.</div>
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OK where was I. Oh, right - Il Faro, located just a couple of miles from downtown Albany in Menands, is small and family run, with experienced NYC Chef and Co-owner Christian LoFaro working side by side with General Manager and Co-owner Jennifer Lamoreaux, who is running the house. The space is open, dark, romantic and softly lit, a contrast to the artless exterior. Coming inside is like being enveloped in warmth - a perfect spot on a cold October night.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6qkLsORvtF4ZJ_asThU72aLq1bGJe5ngKIpEAV5I1PsS0Mfxv22qwKOw1kBJMb2CzsVO_WKqsKbvrXbXbPWAB6DR7DzBj68EFwSbswBj84RJ1S9oY1_OJvy4tWiw_6BmsBzMzs7UgExs/s1600/20161026_173559_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6qkLsORvtF4ZJ_asThU72aLq1bGJe5ngKIpEAV5I1PsS0Mfxv22qwKOw1kBJMb2CzsVO_WKqsKbvrXbXbPWAB6DR7DzBj68EFwSbswBj84RJ1S9oY1_OJvy4tWiw_6BmsBzMzs7UgExs/s320/20161026_173559_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romantic setting</td></tr>
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The menu is traditional, appealing to most of what the locals find good about Italian food - better yet, it's in the neighborhood. But be prepared to enjoy your dinner just a bit more than you expect - no bottled dressings and cheap wine and rollatini still cold in the middle. The food is stepped up a notch - or I'd say two. Think veal and pasta and calamari and lasagna, but with fresh pasta and really good bread and thoughtful ingredients and careful preparation, there to embrace your palate and your soul. The house white, Stella Pinot Grigio is only $5 at happy hour, even in the dining room. The hugs get longer with glass number 2. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxkHo9BfLTnfRAqbBQyG-hfm6VoLJyn5USZe50TYIbScBH2fN3q6dd4IiZ-nG_JrDWjynr0lnFh4wyGov0muh5f4sfb8uffKwVLHYVqQtw5zroY2naEIOKZD-XyAqrfoHBmni3OBEIQGk/s1600/20161026_174928_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxkHo9BfLTnfRAqbBQyG-hfm6VoLJyn5USZe50TYIbScBH2fN3q6dd4IiZ-nG_JrDWjynr0lnFh4wyGov0muh5f4sfb8uffKwVLHYVqQtw5zroY2naEIOKZD-XyAqrfoHBmni3OBEIQGk/s320/20161026_174928_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A simple salad to start</td></tr>
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Red and I started with a House Salad that could have fed three ($8) - soft greens, red onion, tomatoes and olives tossed with a light vinaigrette - I could do without the canned black olives but it was simple and tasty. This, along with fresh warm rolls that were salty and sweet and yeasty with just a bit of chew was a lovely beginning. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5BmmL1P56v0CnkXuw8XbYCzKFKB43vqCpWXJK7m52s1qNU8SowdlEE66Bh04cPL0CkJGYzynPrszD7qQu6jjU7RQkAhFZCNs1ujEYfqWhB316y36rVqreH8M-U-2JJbKWgukcNLIyb2U/s1600/20161026_174528_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5BmmL1P56v0CnkXuw8XbYCzKFKB43vqCpWXJK7m52s1qNU8SowdlEE66Bh04cPL0CkJGYzynPrszD7qQu6jjU7RQkAhFZCNs1ujEYfqWhB316y36rVqreH8M-U-2JJbKWgukcNLIyb2U/s320/20161026_174528_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh, warm yeasty rolls</td></tr>
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Red almost polished off a generous serving of Penne Vodka ($14) - a dish I can almost always hate - but this one was smooth and rich and light on the tomato. Others can be harsh, or underseasoned - this offering was like the perfect cuddle - love in every bite. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGflnf4KkmSzFVvhiDICvo9SXCT_FYc7PDwJvcQ4jDFwofBfn45pwpCUQqjFrJCU3SOKXILGki8g9vtlYvPJzfmt1naL_aNLa6j-2-jKRN_Y54UbEfF_W8weOzvhgOO56IyVDmZdkl2l7/s1600/20161026_180703_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGflnf4KkmSzFVvhiDICvo9SXCT_FYc7PDwJvcQ4jDFwofBfn45pwpCUQqjFrJCU3SOKXILGki8g9vtlYvPJzfmt1naL_aNLa6j-2-jKRN_Y54UbEfF_W8weOzvhgOO56IyVDmZdkl2l7/s320/20161026_180703_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penne Vodka - servers brought grated parm to the table</td></tr>
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</o:p></div>
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Yes, I had the Chicken Parm ($17) (now you KNOW it's really me!). A bit heavy on the sauce, but the taste of the breading came through with its parmy saltiness, lovely crisp edges, just the right amount of cheese on top - excellent. The red sauce was clingy but not thick, the tomato was bright but mellowed with cooking. The side of house-made capellini was amazing (with just a bit of water on the plate). I almost destroyed it as I clasped it to my bosom, slurping up every bite - delicious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUYFItBSqT-kWfi3hlKgSha90SG037pq1FQLmCazz79hQ6-eDZtIqzFagIB7e43NRXw_F_108Vk291AqDo01AvhmO02LksO5IxWolRK2M9kqF-LrV3pb6pNzjdJJ0FOL0n1q5qmYMefw3/s1600/20161026_180722_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUYFItBSqT-kWfi3hlKgSha90SG037pq1FQLmCazz79hQ6-eDZtIqzFagIB7e43NRXw_F_108Vk291AqDo01AvhmO02LksO5IxWolRK2M9kqF-LrV3pb6pNzjdJJ0FOL0n1q5qmYMefw3/s320/20161026_180722_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Parm. Yep, that's Zena alright!</td></tr>
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</o:p></div>
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A lovely dining area, Sinatra on low, attentive service, lots of promise - it wasn't busy on a Wednesday. Zena says Get out to Menands, eat more Italian, and getta hug! </div>
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Oh, and congrats on one year in business - wishing you many, many more.</div>
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Love, Zena, Goddess of Fire<o:p></o:p></div>
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P.S. Yes, I have my soft side. Mostly it's inside but it's there, trust me. </div>
Zena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641139566632411952.post-60295846199420094282016-10-24T11:28:00.001-04:002016-10-25T09:36:34.364-04:00The Battle of the Buffet Continues: Spicy MintNormally I am the picture of restraint as anyone that knows me could tell you - a Fire Goddess, strong and proud, totally cool, not easily tempted into a fight, courageous. Oh, yes, tall and blond, young, 20s even, FYI.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WY7hhb7clza2yBK74NoqXxDE67IwvyW8El1qpsD0gldEUWLTaENabdfYdtvNeIhxZwNYfSx3bee_-co_YrO0nGYVq3rLqlIfD71Wkjpv7u04VPSUIUIxEZn_itaYAQIsnRQC9ySdW_9L/s1600/20161012_130233_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WY7hhb7clza2yBK74NoqXxDE67IwvyW8El1qpsD0gldEUWLTaENabdfYdtvNeIhxZwNYfSx3bee_-co_YrO0nGYVq3rLqlIfD71Wkjpv7u04VPSUIUIxEZn_itaYAQIsnRQC9ySdW_9L/s320/20161012_130233_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of parking, conveniently located near a head shop and a chapel in Colonie</td></tr>
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And then I went to Spicy Mint and I totally lost it. The food was THAT GOOD. Tucked in the back of just another scenic strip mall on Wolf Road (Wolf Road Shoppers Park), the decor is simple with a touch of class. Staff paid attention throughout our meal to make sure that dirty plates were whisked away and water glasses topped. The manager (I think) graciously took the time to explain what some of the dishes were, which was very helpful.<br />
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We're off!!! Oh, the glorious promise of a great buffet lunch. Who would pop first????<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWx_dy4ysXXk3xNpYQEMBweNzimw469S0uyBMvhWereXYnqZ7ZNnFeDvRQX-qXovgxidW3FTTUqSl2Pdf-o5TCZlNm4sKHLMihbmIEFJGK9MmTF0clUuGtd3RxH0D5NpDTaqxDwGIJE-W/s1600/20161012_115438_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWx_dy4ysXXk3xNpYQEMBweNzimw469S0uyBMvhWereXYnqZ7ZNnFeDvRQX-qXovgxidW3FTTUqSl2Pdf-o5TCZlNm4sKHLMihbmIEFJGK9MmTF0clUuGtd3RxH0D5NpDTaqxDwGIJE-W/s320/20161012_115438_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the start of service, the buffet area is clean and well organized</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKcGzGdOEz8S3cnOf7Two1cxgDEHGbke6IFhclb_NCY3ZMWHvweH8_PG0kcbw_BhGE-vYvcH_I5j5SIH6B0MwfW-SnE-5OJC08hyF4dloZdJTrN28VQ1_VVYiNpP7UWffYAM4QEV6lFXI/s1600/20161012_115527_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKcGzGdOEz8S3cnOf7Two1cxgDEHGbke6IFhclb_NCY3ZMWHvweH8_PG0kcbw_BhGE-vYvcH_I5j5SIH6B0MwfW-SnE-5OJC08hyF4dloZdJTrN28VQ1_VVYiNpP7UWffYAM4QEV6lFXI/s320/20161012_115527_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The decor is simple with a touch of class</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We all started with a bit of fresh salad (oniony). In addition, I piled on some Vegetable Upma, cooked semolina spiked with spice, including curry leaf, with a bit of tomato and coconut curry sauces on the side, a piece of Tandoor Chicken, the Vegetable Biryani, and a Spinach Pakora (fritter). Every bite was a sensation. That was Plate #1/5.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnXQmlreigdWujr6SQMEw86fKCi9QKxvbN3DQW3mzuf47E5EjCF0gzhywpTuMu07qfk-JG-7qFPnm0ZXQM4kwqEQc-7Y1QDOMPk_Q3bSJrbHxXzRZh9coUMXqX3MRy95o1Cq1UIdQWxMX/s1600/20161012_120023_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnXQmlreigdWujr6SQMEw86fKCi9QKxvbN3DQW3mzuf47E5EjCF0gzhywpTuMu07qfk-JG-7qFPnm0ZXQM4kwqEQc-7Y1QDOMPk_Q3bSJrbHxXzRZh9coUMXqX3MRy95o1Cq1UIdQWxMX/s320/20161012_120023_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From top going clockwise - spinach pakora, salad, tandoor chicken, tomato curry, upma, coconut curry, veg biryani with raita</td></tr>
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Red polished off plate #1 before you could blink, but I went back five times, sure I would win.<br />
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Pony dared the Curd Rice (mostly yogurt and rice with spice) - kind of odd - hers was a heroic tasting. This little palate cleanser is a savory but it had some hard bits in it that I didn't really like (seeds? dal? - not sure......).<br />
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Library Lady smiled quietly and cleaned her plate, seemingly effortlessly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgnF0RjfqqfL-B35KJ4_URxo7GdvWyOmxlsqSBW1zkdtj6dP9-VbWgB2Z-VvTnyTQFtAdmvpYCdIjL4p7_kN2QEqtbhi6s7sPva5xmGK1b4tI3RV1Xis9xdb6H4djGnvDRhxyHP08BIE7/s1600/20161012_115446_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgnF0RjfqqfL-B35KJ4_URxo7GdvWyOmxlsqSBW1zkdtj6dP9-VbWgB2Z-VvTnyTQFtAdmvpYCdIjL4p7_kN2QEqtbhi6s7sPva5xmGK1b4tI3RV1Xis9xdb6H4djGnvDRhxyHP08BIE7/s320/20161012_115446_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masala chai tea (not sweetened), condiments, salad and rice</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvy4T07jiSFrTFPogGmBqTqCGZj0bk4mHzwqL6Iugli3wD-IUdbGpjIoh2h56SygmE51pHnctYl19zPtsf18xcWAtPz1ngqzT35SH_kGsfF61fWer5uO6ZjNcBx8KKDHrkNsJhz_1m4bm/s1600/20161012_115506_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvy4T07jiSFrTFPogGmBqTqCGZj0bk4mHzwqL6Iugli3wD-IUdbGpjIoh2h56SygmE51pHnctYl19zPtsf18xcWAtPz1ngqzT35SH_kGsfF61fWer5uO6ZjNcBx8KKDHrkNsJhz_1m4bm/s320/20161012_115506_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken dishes, vegetable options, and dal - lots to choose from</td></tr>
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Spicy Mint gave us her best - great food, lots of variety, attentive service, and a good price ($9.98/person for lunch). The colors were bright and varied, as were the spices - complex, not too much heat but always there in the background. There were plenty of vegetarian offerings and dal, which is good, and nothing, absolutely nothing greasy or bland. The labeling was a bit inconsistent (some were labeled, some were not), and the post-it note look has got to go back to the refrigerator door where it belongs, but the manager was almost excited to answer all my annoying questions so it wasn't a problem.<br />
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The Spinach Pakoras (deep fried fritters with chickpea flour) were the biggest hit - Red ate four or five and just about knocked me out - crunchy, spicy, powerful, almost addictive. The Chicken Tikka Masala was a head shot - creamy sauce, super tender chicken. I want to go back and just eat myself silly on this dish alone, but they do change their offerings, so don't be disappointed - embrace change!!! I liked that they brought a big basket of buttered naan to the table (delicious!), and that the chai tea was gratis.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2V0QfmoDZ3DrPc_ASLpRl0EfYbvoqTbM7sy3I_uyZJHK0rL_u3qIXvHrktKMlWhtd-AeH7_DDnfMojime4Y5IAKNIb8PTv1k7RbhwFlo8xtuw2o5QTc8dckiFQuGb5mZtCWUy3tDkT1q/s1600/20161012_115524_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2V0QfmoDZ3DrPc_ASLpRl0EfYbvoqTbM7sy3I_uyZJHK0rL_u3qIXvHrktKMlWhtd-AeH7_DDnfMojime4Y5IAKNIb8PTv1k7RbhwFlo8xtuw2o5QTc8dckiFQuGb5mZtCWUy3tDkT1q/s320/20161012_115524_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two desserts - mango custard and carrot halvah</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2TWudGFJd9lmP4p45DxFbZwwMThwqLVlf4qQAZlZ-Pl6lU2I82KM9JRkC8dLeN0nJ9j0eyhxC3OAiOW7fJ6KhUi_wTmfaCHeNLtUl6U3N1XCZTXkGkLbRDrg61MDUkp7Ofz4_CZP8z2i/s1600/20161012_123002_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2TWudGFJd9lmP4p45DxFbZwwMThwqLVlf4qQAZlZ-Pl6lU2I82KM9JRkC8dLeN0nJ9j0eyhxC3OAiOW7fJ6KhUi_wTmfaCHeNLtUl6U3N1XCZTXkGkLbRDrg61MDUkp7Ofz4_CZP8z2i/s320/20161012_123002_resized.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrot halvah is almost good for you........</td></tr>
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Carrot halvah??? Very very sweet, scented with cardamom - this took my breath away with its simplicity - a lovely finish. The mango custard was a bit gluey, and very mild, but a smooth finish to a spicy meal isn't a bad thing.<br />
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Red definitely ate me under the table this time, but I fought back with gusto. I'm sure the next time I will demonstrate immense self-control, now that I know what I'm up against.<br />
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Sure. <br />
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Zena, Goddess of FireZena G.O.F. http://www.blogger.com/profile/14878530709330466244noreply@blogger.com0