My wife and I recently had the pleasure of discovering the best hamburger place (at least since the Hippo in San Francisco closed 35 years ago.) This is Burger Centric on Delaware Avenue in Albany, where Dave Khan, who hails from Pakistan, presides as the owner, maitre d', waitstaff, chef, and genial host. He uses only the freshest ingredients, grinds his own beef (whenever possible), cuts the potatoes for fries only when there is an order. Burgers are cooked to order (my wife had the gorgonzola burger, cooked well done and still juicy and flavorful -- unlike all too many well done burgers. Dave also experiments with spices -- his Chef's Special (which I had on a Kobe Beef burger @ 10.95) is made with onions, ginger, and other spices -- it was exquisite.

I also invite others to the following review on Yelp, which I heartily second:

http://www.yelp.com/user_details?user...

The only points of caution are that Dave took over space that had been occupied by a failing Chinese restaurant -- The decor is serviceable (but then, with such food, accompanied by Jonathan Schwartz on the radio, who can complain?) and the fact that the location is at the end of the Delaware Avenue business district -- I might not go there after dark. Dave assured us that, when his lease is up, he will find a better location.

Note: No alcohol, but they take credit cards and do take out.l

My wife and I will be going to the West Hartford, Connecticut area in several weeks with my in-laws (who are in their 80s and not terribly adventurous). I am looking for some place close to St. Joseph's College where we can take them for an interesting lunch or brunch on a Sunday -- no Indian or Thai or seafood (my wife is deathly allergic). Good, basic, interesting food (and by that, I do not mean cheap) in an atmosphere that would please. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks, Corky. I guess we will just consider our experience to have been an off night (though I have heard at least one disappointing comment from another friend about recent experience).

Please give me an update after you go.

M&D has been one of our favorite places since we discovered it about three years ago, not least because it is about 20 minutes from our home. We usually go 2-3 times a year.

Last night, however, our experience was nothing less than disastrous. My wife's chicken arrived in a sauce that was thick and pasty -- obviously, the kitchen used a thickener rather than making a reduction. It was, in addition, so salty, that she sent it back. My salmon was pedestrian at best, and salty to boot. The fritters were soft, not crispy. Only the salad was appealing. We woke up this morning with queasy stomachs.

With a short menu (only 3 items) and only two sittings, I see no reason for this level of incompetence. Before making a judgment, however, I would appreciate knowing if anyone else has had a similar experience in the past 3 months. Simply put, is McKinney and Doyle slipping?

Thanks to all. As it turned out, the Division Street Grill was closed -- I am not sure if it is permanent, but it certainly appeared that way.

We ended up @ Susan's. The meal was most pleasant, my crabcakes and pasta fagioli were quite good, as was the pumpkin cheesecake. Was it the best meal I ever had? No, but certainly a very enjoyable evening, followed by Todd Rundgren.

Going to a concert in Peekskill on Sunday evening. I am looking for an interesting (not necessarily fancy or gourmet) place within walking distance of the Paramount.