We had a delicious lunch at The Standard in Albany, NY the other weekend. It was like stepping back in time. I felt like I was in an episode of Mad Men. Visit the website and check out the gallery to see what I mean.

For such an exquisitely decked out ambiance you’d think you might pay an arm and a leg for the actual food. Not so. There were some items on the menu that we pretty pricey, but there were lunch portions that were less expensive, and a whole soup, salad and sandwich section that was quite reasonably priced.

I ordered the lunch portion of the Rigatoni Marsala, which was quite yummy with chicken, mushrooms, marsala cream sauce on rigatoni. (Picture below)

The star of the show was the Polynesian Salad. Three layers of chicken, greens, mango, papaya, pineapple, oinions, peppers, green beans, won tons, macadamia nuts tossed in plum dressing. The presentation was out of this world and the taste was yum.

The wait staff was great, the seating comfortable and the food was delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant! Rating: 5/5

10:28 pm  •  3 December 2010

This afternoon I went to the Gateway Diner in Albany, NY for lunch. (Pic above stolen from their facebook.) I had seen this diner a few days ago while I was traveling about town, and it looked like a nice place to experiment with. I really love the outside decor - very retro 50’s looking. The inside is charming too. I understand it was recently redone, coming under new ownership.

I ordered the Pilgrim sandwich, which was turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce on a hard roll. I didn’t realize until after I had taken the last bite that I had forgotten to take a picture of it… d’oh! It came with homefries, a pickle and some cole slaw. Overall a nice dish, but nothing to write home about.

The atmosphere was nice. We sat in a corner booth that was nice and cozy. Our waitress was excellent and very attentive.

Prices were a little on the high side but the food and ambiance were very nice. Rating: 3/5

PS. I must have written the word “nice” about 50 times in this entry.

9:02 pm  •  6 November 2010

I almost forgot to write this! A few weeks ago I went with my family to Joe’s Pizza Place and Restaurant in Rotterdam, NY. It is a cozy, family run establishment, and there were pictures all over of the family members when they were young.

We were immediately seated and continued to sit for at least a half hour before we were waited on (only after one of our party signaled a waitress over). The waitress apologized profusely, saying each waitress thought the other has already taken our order. She apologized a few more times and was very accommodating thereafter.

Our food was good, nothing spectacular but pleasant enough. I ordered ravioli. The portions are extremely generous and the atmosphere is relaxed. Only one refill allowed on sodas, which annoys me. Lots of refillable bread baskets for each table, though.

Prices were very good. Rating: 3/5

8:50 pm  •  11 October 2010

I have always wanted to go to a Japanese restaurant, and sit at a hibachi table. I think I did once when I was very little, but that doesn’t count, I decided. I met a friend at
Hana Japanese Steak House in Albany for dinner and we both had the sirloin steak hibachi dinner. We were both starving so we finished our entrées down to the very last bite. At one point while preparing the food the hibachi chef asked if anyone wanted to catch a broccoli in their mouth. I wasn’t sure what he said, all I heard was “do you want” and “broccoli” so I said yes. I did my best to try to catch 2 pieces but struck out both times :)

I even exercised my newfound “like” of Corona beer by ordering a bottle at the bar while I waited for my friend to arrive.

It was a very nice night, and I am excited to go back and try their sushi. Another seafood experience!

1:36 pm  •  20 June 2010