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“Approach the game with no preset agendas and you’ll probably come away surprised at your overall efforts.”
Phil Jackson
With the baseball season just starting (my personal favorite sport) I miss being able to go into sports bars in the city and watching it with a group of fellow fans. 
Luckily for me, sports bars are becoming quite popular upstate also. I’ve already written about Wolfs 1-11 but my new favorite sports bar is the Recovery Sports Grill which locations all over the 518. My recent trip was to the newest location in Rotterdam (Corner of Altamont & Curry Rd).
My cousin works at the bar so I went originally to visit her at work but stayed for the food (and the eventually postponed Yankee game). To start, my mother and I ordered calamari because it’s something we both agree on. If you’ve had calamari in the past, you’re probably used to the rings but Recovery Sports Grill offers calamari fries. They were really good. I hate when calamari are too chewy and I found these to be really good. The portion size wasn’t a lot to share between two people but since my Mother and I were both planning on eating dinner, it was perfect.
For dinner I ordered the chicken tenders and when they showed up, boy was I surprised! I ordered 7 and they were huge, the option to order 4 would’ve been more than sufficient for me. I ordered them with not only honey mustard which was fantastic but their “Cheerleader” sauce that comes on wings. It was sweet but spicy, a great mix and went really well with the chicken. I assume they last well as leftovers but once I got home, my boyfriend polished off the 6 tenders that I had left.
I really enjoyed the environment. 
The food was bar type food and though you can order at the bar, there are tables and waitresses as well. There are TVs tuned to various sports networks (ESPN, YES, SNY, etc) but though it may be loud, don’t worry you can ask for a box so that you can tune it to the channel of your choice and listen to the games and control your own volume.
This restaurant has a great feel and good vibe. If the game you decided to watch is going a bit slow for you, you can also play one of the 4 arcade games including basketball. This is just the vibe and food you want for a game, so next time you’re looking to watch the game with some friends, try one of these restaurants!
“You do not sew with a fork, and I see no reason why you should eat with knitting needles.”
Miss. Piggy
I have eaten at Golden House (1707 Union Street, Schenectady) many times since my boyfriend tends to crave Chinese food after he works all day in a warehouse. Usually I order vegetable lo mein and he orders chicken and mushrooms with oyster sauce. Every time we’ve gotten food from there I’ve been satisfied with each thing we order. This past time though, sadly, I was not happy with my order.
I ordered vegetable dumplings, I usually order pork, and I was very unimpressed. 
The dumpling insides were very plain, no taste at all. I’ve gotten steamed vegetable dumplings before from other Chinese restaurants but enjoyed them more. I felt as if the only thing they put in it was cabbage.
I also ordered Moo Shu Chicken which also wasn’t very satisfying. I found that in my Moo Shu Chicken wasn’t very much chicken and again, mostly cabbage with not very many vegetables. The pancakes were more like spongy crepe than what I expected the pancakes to me. Also, you can usually depend on Chinese food for great leftovers but these pancakes after one night were hard and crunchy and unable to eat the next day. 
Without the pancakes, the cabbage mixture was tasteless and needed the hoisin sauce to taste like anything but it just ended up tasting like hoisin sauce.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve eaten at Golden House more times than I can count on one hand and have enjoyed it every time. I just wanted to recommend that these two items were not the best on their menu but don’t let that keep you from ordering from this Chinese restaurant (just don’t order the Moo Shu Chicken or Veggie Dumplings). Pick something else off the menu, found HERE. *Note: the Chicken and Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce IS very good, as is the Lo Mein so try those out!
“There’s no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap.”
Kevin James
Yet again my loyal readers, another Italian restaurant. I lived in NYC for 4 years and all I can say is that the atmosphere of all the Italian restaurants I’ve been to there can’t compare at all to what you feel when you walk into most of the Italian restaurants in the 518. There’s that family feeling that can’t be duplicated. It may either come from the fact that Schenectady is a lot smaller than NYC therefore when you walk into an Italian restaurant you’re more likely to run into people you know or even family but that to me makes an Italian restaurant special.
This time, I’m talking about Marino’s Pizza & Restaurant (1301 State St, Schenectady). 
*NOTE: this restaurant is cash only so make sure to stop by the bank on the way there!* The restaurant is small enough that you’re close enough to the family next to you as if they’re sitting with you. I don’t know the history behind this restaurant nor do I know if there’s a reason for the set-up but it seems to help the ambiance either way. There hasn’t been a time that I’ve been there where someone hasn’t come in and I’ve heard a giant up-roar of a “Heeeeeyyy!” followed by kisses on the cheek. Everyone who walks through the door is family, even if you’ve never seen them before.
When I think of Marino’s Pizza, I think of antipasta. Antipasta is a mix of vegetables and Italian meats, very tasty. 
Though I didn’t get a chance to take a picture of it, I ordered pizza. I was sharing this pizza with my Mother and my cousins, all very hungry, so half of the pizza was gone before I could even realize it was there. You can ask for anything on it, even if only on a half or a quarter of the pizza. It’s warm and fresh and if you’re craving pizza as I was, fills that pizza void. I recommend this place even if you just order a slice and go to experience the family atmosphere, who knows, maybe you’ll run into someone you know!
“Life is too short to stuff a mushroom.”
Shirley Conran
Homestyle Pizza (1720 Union Street, Schenectady) is a hop skip and a jump from where I live and when I was younger it used to be the only delivery pizza place in the area worth getting pizza from. Now that Pizza Hut and I Love NY Pizza have established themselves as worthy competition, Homestyle had to step up their menu and now offer more than ever. Now offering paninis, salads, ciabattas, subs, wraps, gelatto and they still offer the pizza that made them so well-known around the Union St area.
This past time that I went to Homestyle Pizza for dinner, I steered away from my normal meal of pizza and a garlic knot and decided to have a panini. 
For the bread, they offer many options and I decided on the whole grain bread and for the panini I ordered the Portabello & Fresh Mozzarella which is Portabello mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, onions and fresh basil ($7.99).
The sandwich was a bit runny but very good! What I love about portabello mushrooms is that it tastes like a burger but healthier. The bread was great, strong enough to hold in all of that goodness long enough to make it into your mouth. I’ve never had a sandwich from Homestyle before and though it took them a rather long time to make it (we waited there, standing, for about a half hour) it was worth it. Next time, if I’m ordering something other than pizza I think I’ll stay there so I at least can sit down while waiting for my food.
“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore”
Jack Brooks
I have had pizza from places all over the 518 and I would have to say that my favorite is Perreca’s pizza in downtown Schenectady, Schenectady’s Little Italy (33 North Jay Street, Schenectady). 
To become a fan on Facebook- CLICK HERE. This pizza isn’t your normal home delivery pizza as you can see by the picture. Perreca’s pizza is less like East Coast thin crust pizza and more like the best Italian bread you’ve ever had transformed into a saucy piece of heaven with sprinkled cheese you from then on will find yourself addicted to.
*Note* This pizza is best eaten at room temperature, no need to put in the oven and if you do put it in your fridge to save for later, make sure you give it time to come back to room temperature, but fresh is when it’s at it’s best!
In addition to this delicious pizza, Perreca’s also offers a few sandwich choices such as my favorite, Roasted Red Pepper and Cheese on thick Italian bread. 
Though it looks like a not very intimidating half a sandwich, it’s heavy bread so before you order that and two pieces of pizza, make sure you know just how much your stomach can hold.
Thought Perreca’s only offers a small selection of sandwiches and things other than pizza, be sure to check out More Perrecas for more appetizing Italian foods made by this fantastic bakery. To become a fan on Facebook, CLICK HERE.
A new option at Perreca’s bakery is their cupcakes. Each sold for $2.50 and enough cupcake to share with AT LEAST one other person. They offer vanilla, chocolate and almost everyone’s favorite red velvet. This past time I went to Perreca’s I got a vanilla cupcake and it was delicious.
As I’ve mentioned before when I talked about Coccadott’s cupcakes in a previous entry I’m not a fan of cupcakes that tend to have an overly sugary, sickening sweet taste and I do have to say that I found these cupcakes to fit that description. 
No worries though, the cupcake is very delicious, just not in one mouthful! Unless you enjoy cupcakes where the sugar amount is in the forefront I recommend sharing this cupcake or eating it over a period of days as I had. The cupcake itself was tasty, a little heavy because of the amount of sugar, but still very very very good but watch the sugar!
I hope when you visit that you enjoy this bakery as much as I do. Even if you’re not hungry at the moment, Perreca’s sells Casa Visco sauces, cheese, meats as well as Italian cookies and pastries (yes, that means canolis). So give them a try and I’ll guarantee you will not be disappointed!!
“Life is too short, and I’m Italian. I’d much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0.”
Sophia Bush
I’ve found throughout writing this blog just how much Italian food I eat. If you haven’t noticed, I tend to make the titles of my blog entries a quote that has something to do with what I’m writing about with the person who said the quote written in italics below. Each time I write about an Italian restaurant, I type in “Italian food quotes” into Google to find a quote and I’ve almost used all the good ones. I don’t know if it has anything to do with the restaurants which the 518 offers us or the restaurants I tend to find myself, regardless, Italian food is great so I’m happy to offer you many options to fill that Italian food void.
One of my favorite Italian restaurants in the 518, in Schenectady is Pettas (134 Duane Avenue
Schenectady, NY 12307). I’ve been going to this restaurant since I was really little, it’s always been a favorite restaurant of my whole family and the food has always been fantastic. This isn’t your normal Italian restaurant. Many restaurants claim to have that family feel, such as Olive Garden where their tagline is “When you’re here, you’re family.” When was the last time you walked into an Olive Garden or a restaurant like that and felt like you were eating among family? The difference with Petta’s is that when you walk in, you genuinely are part of the family. The waiters as well as the atmosphere help in giving this restaurant a personal dining room feel. This family owned restaurant opened in 1951 has never lost that family style feel (Find the very interesting complete story of the restaurant on their website HERE).
To start off the meal, my Mom, her friend Pete and I got Fried Calamari ($7.95). 
The calamari were very good but the sauce they gave us was a cocktail sauce where I would have preferred to have had a marinara sauce. This was a perfect amount to be shared between the three of us since we had dinner on the way. Sometimes I’ve found that calamari sometimes has too much fried and not enough calamari but I love Petta’s calamari. An Italian classic done beautifully.
For dinner I decided to be a little healthy. As I mentioned, I eat quite a bit of Italian food and sometimes you just have to eat something a little healthy to balance out the pasta. This time, I ordered a Blackened Wild Alaskan Keta Salmon Fillet ($17.95) with a side of Italian Greens and Roasted Potatoes.
I love Salmon but I’ve never had blackened salmon before and it tasted very good. 
There’s a slight taste difference between blackened and what I would expect smoked to taste like in my opinion. This blackened salmon wasn’t very smoky but I liked it that way. This way I had more of an opportunity to focus on the real flavor of the salmon and the seasonings on it instead of it being hidden by the char-grilled flavor.
Paired with it is the option of pasta or Italian greens and various options of ways to have a potato and a salad. I chose the Italian greens and roasted potatoes. With all the food I ate that night, I had to hold off on the sides for the next night. Thankfully, all kept well and though it obviously wasn’t exactly the same the next night it still tasted pretty good!
The Italian greens, as my Mom told me, were supposed to taste like garlic but my taste buds need a lot of garlic to taste garlic and I didn’t really taste anything except for spinach. 
The potatoes were a little dry but ample amounts of butter and salt helped. Though it wasn’t an option, I think I would’ve asked if they could have made a baked potato or mashed potatoes because I don’t like twice baked potatoes (the only other option).
I think next time, even though I was trying to be healthy, I would get the pasta only because I assume it would end up as a left over and if I was to make dinner the next night I’d rather leftover pasta then leftover greens. For the side, think about what you want for dinner the next night because chances are that’s when you’re going to eat it. Make sure you take home the Italian bread too!!!
Petta’s offers difference specials every night, each one fantastic and anything they make “Parmesan” (Eggplant, Chicken, Veal, etc.) is worth a try. Also, while eating you can play Quick Draw and maybe win enough money to pay for your dinner! Good Luck!
“Red meat is not bad for you. Now blue-green meat, that’s bad for you!”
Tommy Smothers
Those of us who grew up in the 518 have at least been to the Great Escape once (I should hope). What’s summer without some hours spent in Splashwater Kingdom, riding the comet over and over again and trying to tell yourself that you don’t NEED those Dippin’ Dots? I became a season pass holder this year after years of not going because of college and getting lost in my seemingly short summer vacations. I went to the Great Escape for the first time in a few years a few weeks ago and I figured prices were going to be higher but goodness, have they increased!
I didn’t want to spend all of my money eating at Great Escape. Those Dippin’ Dots that I eventually gave in to cost about $5.50 and the food was even more ridiculous. What most people visiting the Great Escape don’t realize is that there is great food surrounding the area that are reasonably priced! Though I’m only going to focus on two (for now, at least) I recommend exploring the area for great food at a lower price so you can focus your money in the park playing games (and falling victim to those tasty Dippin’ Dots).
First, a memory of my childhood, is Mr B’s Best Roast Beef (833 State Route 9 Queensbury, NY 12804) just a 5 min drive from the Great Escape. 
They offer a large menu of roast beef sandwiches, various subs, soups but if there is one thing you CAN’T walk away from Mr. B’s without trying are the Potato Nuggets.
Those of you who tend to shy away from roast beef in your diet, don’t fret and try their chicken, veggie subs, turkey subs and I can’t mention enough, potato nuggets. Also, if you’re on the run after a long day at the Great Escape they have a drive-thru so no need to have the kids pile in and out of the car after a long tiring day!
The last time I went to Mr B’s I ordered a regular Best Beef hot sandwich. 
The difference between the Best Beef and the Beef Supreme is the lettuce and tomato. That, even with a small potato nuggets left me still hungry. The beef is fantastic. The perfect mixture of dry beef with a bit of moisture. I had no need to add condiments to the sandwich itself but I do wish I had ordered the Beef Supreme. The other sandwich in the picture is my boyfriend’s Italian Mixed sub with a few types of meat and veggies.
The potato nuggets have a perfect mixture of seasoning that made me order another one since I hadn’t been there in a while and they’re hard to resist. They also have mini wooden forks to eat the nuggets with so your fingers don’t get oily. 
These aren’t like the potato nuggets you’re used to eating from school lunches or any other restaurant, these are something special.
After a meal of roast beef and potato nuggets, what’s next? Ice Cream, not just any ice cream but Martha’s Dandee Creme (1133 State Route 9
Queensbury, NY 12804) which is closer to Great Escape than Mr B’s but why not eat your ice cream before your dinner just this once! To become a fan on Facebook of Martha’s to see their daily specials CLICK HERE.
I love the various flavors that Martha’s has to offer and I’ve never had a flavor I didn’t enjoy. This ice cream is “the real deal.” 
To find it, look out for the rooster on the sign and the smiling faces of people looking for a treat. *Due to how much I was looking forward to this ice cream, I ate it before I was able to take a picture but trust me, it’s as beautiful in appearance as is the flavor. A small ice cream should be enough for one person to eat, unless you’re really craving ice cream- be forewarned, sizes are larger than your stomach makes them seem! Some of my favorite flavors are Mint Chocolate Chip, Black Raspberry and the classic Chocolate-Vanilla Twist. This ice cream is just the creamiest I’ve ever had and it’s impossible at this point, after having experienced it, to drive past and not stop by for a cone.
“Anything that walks, swims, crawls, or flies with its back to heaven is edible.”
Cantonese Saying
The first thing I think of when I hear PF Changs is Lettuce Wraps. Tofu or Chicken, they’re both fantastic. Don’t leave PF Changs without giving those a try with some of the sauce you just made. You get served a plate of lettuce and another plate with the filling that comes with white crispy noodles that you can eat (I do) or leave as a garnish. It’s hard for me to explain the wonderful taste of the lettuce wraps. They’re not spicy at all, other than that you’re just going to have to try them.
I ordered the Asian Grilled Salmon and this may have been the best salmon I’ve ever had. They left the woody part on the asparagus so I just cut that off but the taste of the salmon was fantastic. What I loved about the salmon was that it wasn’t just a fishy taste but I tasted the seasonings when it was grilled. Just enough of the grill taste and just enough seasoning paired with the taste of the salmon itself with a squirt of lemon and I’d go back any day and order that. It was a bit on the pricey side but completely worth it.
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
I found that quote to be quite appropriate, Shake Shack does have the ability to ‘shake’ the world. Last Wednesday (April 7th for those so curious) I went to Shake Shack in Madison Square Park with Julie, a fellow redheaded friend of mine. We had discussed previously that my fellow foodie has never experienced the Shack of the Shakes, decision was made, we must go.
Photo Credit: Julie Chabot
We waited in line for maybe 20-30 minutes but in the beautiful weather and the various choices of shakes to decide over (along with the company of a good friend) made for a quick line experience. Shake Shack offers two lines: “A line”–to the right– for those getting what pretty much everyone decides to order at Shake Shack, Shakes, Burgers, Ice Cream, Fries. “B Line” –to the left—is for those who want something less time consuming such as lemonade, iced tea (Arnold Palmer, also if you so choose), wine, beer ( yes, both, though you must stay in the designated seating area, I believe), etc. –note the difference in size.
Oddly enough, the two foodies were interviewed by representatives of The Cooking Channel (Food Networks new soon-to-be sister channel premiering on May 31st, hopefully to our faces http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/19/business/media/19adco.html ). We were asked why we went to Shake Shack, what we got, if we enjoyed it, etc. As well as being filmed awkwardly walking to the table, eating, drinking & talking.
Photo Credit: Julie Chabot
Julie got the Shack Burger, aka your basic cheeseburger made to taste amazing. I had been a few times and wanted to try something new so I went with the Portobello Mushroom Burger, the “vegetarian” option, which I enjoyed immensely. Instead of meat, the burger is fried Portobello mushroom surrounded by cheese. I will admit, though tasty, I wouldn’t have minded the mushroom concoction with a little less cheese but that could be because I’m lactose-intolerant. I definitely recommend trying it for yourself, you honestly can’t go wrong with their choices.
Julie bought a Peanut Butter shake and I had a Strawberry shake (both our faves and tasted fantastic together). I’m biased toward the Strawberry, I honestly don’t see how the flavor could be done wrong, it was fantastic. I had a sip of Julie’s shake, a flavor that I’m usually not too keen on, and was pleasantly surprised. The overpowering of PB that I usually find in PB flavored objects wasn’t there, it was a smooth flavor with a splash of real PB at the end. It felt like I just took a spoonful out of the jar and got that strong taste as I swallowed. I have a month left as an NYU student and I have yet to try their “concretes” (a Shake Shack shake with “mix-ins”)..for another day. The burgers plus the shakes put each of us back about $13-$15 but Shake Shack isn’t just an eatery, it’s a NYC experience.
Photo Credit: Julie Chabot
Photo Credit: Google
