Grappa '72 (Albany)

We went recently. Had dinner on the patio. Excellent service (thanks, Wendy).

Now on to the food:

Fresh bread and a tapenade. I had a taste of the tapenade, not my thing. SO liked it.

We ordered our appetizers, the wine came and then we ordered our main courses. I like the relaxed, European style dining here. Some restaurants you MUST order everything all at once. We appreciate the chef's flexibility. Especially since they were so busy.

For apps we had a special - escargot with portabello, roasted red pepper, artichoke and a creamy sambuca (?) sauce. Very good.

We also shared the grilled shrimp with white beans and mint. A healthy drizzle of olive oil. Shrimp were cooked perfectly. Very good.

SO had a veal special with a cream sauce for his main course.

I had risotto with peas and grilled scallops. Very good. Couldn't finish the risotto.

We finished with tartufo and espresso.

Even better than our last dinner at Grapa '72.

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

The Jonesville Store (Clifton Park)

Village Bakery is now Wheats & Sweets. I bought a baguette there the other day. Their muffins looked really good. A few tables outside.

http://blog.timesunion.com/ballstonspa/wheats-sweets-hometown-bakery/493/

Another breakfast possibility in B. Spa :)

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Basement Bistro - Earlton NY

Less than Per Se's $295 (includes service). . .

http://www.perseny.com/

I need to call and see if we're still on that long list :)

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Prime Bar and Grill (Clifton Park)

Went back recently and had the duck in a jar and some grilled asparagus. The grilled asparagus was perfect. Just like we grill it at home. The duck in a jar was better this time. The glass jar was shallower and without a lid. The nuts were more finely chopped and didn't seem like peanuts. The bread is still buttery and greasy with parsley on top. The dish is rich enough without buttered bread. The simple grilled bread that originally accompanied this dish was perfect.

Also learned they have a new chef. . . .

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Elizabeth's Table (Saratoga Springs)

Nothing on Yelp. . .

Anyone been? Suggestions or avoids?

Thanks . . .

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Basement Bistro - Earlton NY

davmar77, still waiting?

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Jacob & Anthony's (S. Springs)

Finally got to Jacob & Anthony's for dinner.

We shared the eggplant stack (main) as an app. Very good and enough for several people.

I had the Mesa Shrimp (Cold Plate) - grilled shrimp, mixed greens, roasted corn, black beans and goat cheese with honey lime dressing. Shrimp was cooked perfectly. Very good. Would definitely get this again.

Fish taco (Classic Sandwich) - Flour tortilla, chipotle mayo, broiled tilapia, napa cabbage slaw, pico. Very good.

Someone else had the Signature 3 course $20 dinner. Salad, I think they had the filet tips and dessert. She said Prep Kitchen in Crossgates Mall is also very good.

SO had the Cuban sandwich and a side of gnocchi.

Service was excellent. I was surprised they also own Bellini's. Jacob & Anthony's is much better.
Will definitely go back.

http://www.marrellorc.com/page/jacob--anthonys-12.html

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Whole Foods coming to Albany

I just heard about the agreement for the first time the other day. Also learned that DiBella's (Latham and Albany) is from Rochester as well.

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Schenectady's Little Italy

Was at Civitello's for some gelato and learned they plan to start grilling on their little patio this summer.

Has anyone been? Is the grill in action yet?

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

The Jonesville Store (Clifton Park)

Went to FAMILY TRADITIONS at the Jonesville Store recently.

The re-branding has begun. The building actually has 2 signs on it. One side has The Jonesville Store sign (and the smaller under new management sign). The other side of the building has FAMILY TRADITIONS at the Jonesville Store. I also visited the marketplace upstairs. Bought some Barkeater Chocolates . . . white chocolate with coconut. Love their tagline "Life without GOOD chocolate. What's the point?"

I got some fried chicken (boneless) and white bean salad with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to go. Very good. The chicken had an herb that I like but not in fried chicken batter. Maybe rosemary?

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Iron Roost (Ballston Spa) . . .anyone been?

More from Yelp:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/iron-roost-ballston-spa

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Is there a top barbecue in the Capital Region?

I might have to change my if it quacks, clucks or swims I'll eat it . . . to "doodle."

I wonder if there are plans for an oinkadoodlemoo in the Capital District?

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

The Wine Bar and Bistro on lark (Albany)

We went to The Wine Bar again recently. Had the tasting menu with wine. Highlights:

poached crawfish
Anise Hyssop

snapper
local ramps, mujol caviar, pork fu

Pork Belly
Apples, ginger, cinnamon

Wild board crepinette
chimchurri, English peas, crab

Sous vide prime NY strip
local fiddleheads, black trumpet mushrooms, sunchokes

Babarone

The presentation, vegetables (local fiddleheads, micro radishes, the freshest sweet peas, sunchokes, etc.) and wines were the most memorable part of the meal for me. One fish course we did not care for, I think it was the texture. The dessert with the cheese and chocolate, etc. (my description doesn't do it justice) was delicious. Will post more when I get some time . . .

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Is there a top barbecue in the Capital Region?

Interesting . . .I don't usually think of barbecue and franchising together . . .

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Is there a top barbecue in the Capital Region?

Thanks, Roger K.

Is PJ's open? I need to drive by and see how their reno for opening year round is going . . .

Also need to do a taste test. Someone posted they have salmon. I've tried their chicken and it was just okay.

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

A light in suburgatory - Pasta Pane (Clifton Park)

davmar77, Boca Bistro ETA is later this month:

http://www.bocabistro.com/

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

A light in suburgatory - Pasta Pane (Clifton Park)

Went to Pasta Pane for an early dinner recently.

Started with a half dinner, some kind of special they have during Happy Hour. I had shrimp with eggplant (more like a caponata on top of the shrimp), zucchini and roasted potatoes on the side. The zucchini was cooked perfectly. I passed on the roasted potatoes and only had one slice of their warm baked bread.

I also had their pasta fagioli with kale and hot pepper flakes. Very healthy. A few bites were a little salty for me. The polenta with rosemary and fontina side was enough for 4. Very good.

My favorite dinner place in CP. Great service (thanks, Chris), good value. Fresh & delicious.

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Cafe Capriccio (Albany)

davmar77, so sorry your experience was not a good one . . .

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Iron Roost (Ballston Spa) . . .anyone been?

Went to the Iron Roost recently. Reminds me of a place that could be on historic Front Street in the city (Jack's Stir Brew Coffee or Barbarini Alimentari) . . .light and airy, hardwood floors, brick walls, two cozy seating areas with couches. A low table with crayons and stools with cushions for the mini wafflers and little Wafflettes. Books, candles and plants. A fresh flower on your table. A Community bulletin board. The space and decor makes you feel comfortable. It has a good energy about it. Like The Jonesville Store used to feel.

Now on to the food . . .

I started with a Savory. The bruschetta - open faced waffle with classic tomato topping, chiffonade spinach, fresh basil and balsamic drizzle. The tomatoes were not-quite-summer tomatoes. The balsamic drizzle added sweetness. Very fresh. I will try something different next time. Maybe the grilled cheese.

I had some Sweets.

Tasted the PBJ - warm peanut butter flavored waffle sticks with strawberry preserves for spreading. Menu says they're for mini wafflers and wafflettes. Yes, they let grown-ups order them also. Lucky me :) Very good. Couldn't finish it all. A good value at $4.

The waffles are very fresh. Warm and soft. If you like your waffles crispy maybe they'll bake them longer if you ask.

Also tried the Waffle Sticks. Got the classic version with caramel dipping sauce. Now if they were salted waffles with caramel I would have been in heaven! will definitely try this again but with a different sauce.

Have to go back and taste the Double Blueberry Doozy next. Double stacked blueberry Belgian waffles with berries and cream in and on each layer. Yum!

Will definitely go back . . .for coffee, a casual meeting, breakfast, lunch . . .

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Iron Roost (Ballston Spa) . . .anyone been?

Walked by Iron Roost, just down the street from The Whistling Kettle . . .in the former Satsumi, Chickory location.

Anyone been?

Gourmet waffles, cafe atmosphere, sweet & savory:

http://www.theballstonjournal.com/2012/04/sweet-and-savory-makes-downtown-debut/

http://www.ironroost.com/

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Cafe Capriccio (Albany)

Mangia!

If you like duck and they have it on the menu their duck ragu with tagliatelle is a favorite :)

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Groggery (Saratoga Springs)?

Thanks . . .

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Russo's Restaurant (Saratoga Springs) . . .anyone been yet?

Another thread on Russo's:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/830455

The Yelp perspective:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/russos-reastaurant-and-bar-saratoga-springs

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Elizabeth's Table (Saratoga Springs)

I walked by on Thursday. . .

Thanks, gerchak198. Have you been yet?

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Groggery (Saratoga Springs)?

Really missing Gotchya's lately. Have not been to the Groggery yet . . .Anyone been?

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Best Restaurants in Saratoga Springs

Our current favorites for dinner are Sperry's, Mio Posto, Maestro's, Saratoga National.
Capriccio Saratoga, Harvest and Hearth for more casual dining. The Local is also very good but seating is limited, pub atmosphere.
Ravenous (crepes), Mrs. London's (French pastry shop), Sperry's and Max London's for brunch.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/719566

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845124

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/785591
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/641993

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/795633

A LONG thread on pizza including Harvest & Hearth and just outside S. Springs, Villa Pizzeria (Galway):

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/622265

I have not been to the Wine Bar since Chef Colose arrived last July. SO went recently. I hope to get there soon and check out their new Spring menu:

http://blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping/30092/saratoga-wine-bar-launches-spring-menu/

Only 3 months until Track season starts on 7/20 and we shift our dining out to Albany, etc.

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Top Pizza in Capital Region?

Perreca's squares are better than Civitello's. My recent square at Civitello's was a bit thinner and a little dry. So get your square at Perreca's and your Gelato at Civitello's :)

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Elizabeth's Table (Saratoga Springs)

Looks like they're almost ready to open . . .ETA was 3/15 in Table Hopping:

http://blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping/29265/elizabeths-table-debut-set-for-march-15-in-saratoga/

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)

Russo's Restaurant (Saratoga Springs) . . .anyone been yet?

Russo's is open . . .anyone been yet?

http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2012/04/16/news/doc4f8cccfac39b3340498965.txt

financialdistrictresident in New York State (exc. New York City)