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“Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.”
Dave Berry
I know the commercials have been haunting you as they were me, but last week I gave in, I went to CiCi’s Pizza (145 Wolf Road, Albany- inside the plaza with Guitar Center). I like pizza just as much as the next person but something about a pizza buffet for only $5 made me want to shy away from it but I couldn’t help but want to try it out. I gave in.
You walk in to a register, $4.99 for an adult (add an extra charge if you want unlimited drinks) and you get a tray and you’re open to unlimited everything. The buffet starts with salad without dressing and an already dressed salad with vegetables to add and other dressing options. 
The plus side of this place being so busy is that I felt like the salad was replaced quite frequently instead of just sitting there; everything was crisp and tasted fresh. Next to the salad was pasta which I tried a bit of and I wasn’t impressed, it was pretty tasteless. Though I was at a pizza buffet, I tried my best to eat as healthy as I could (nutrition facts available on their website) and that pasta needed a lot of salt to taste better that I didn’t want to add.
As for the pizza, there were so many options of different types of pizza and since this was my first time, I took a piece of all the ones I wanted to try. Luckily all the pieces were small enough so you could do that to find your favorite. Something I learned was that if there is a pizza you’re looking for or may have tried a time before and it’s not there, you can ask for a specialty pizza and they’ll make it for you ASAP. For example, my cousin wanted a plain cheese pizza that they didn’t offer. They gave her a sign so when it was ready, they brought her over two pieces. In my personal opinion, I didn’t really like any of the white pizzas. I felt that they needed more of a flavor, either garlic or salt, that it just didn’t have. The BBQ pork pizza was very flavorful and probably my favorite out of the kinds I tried. The plus side of this buffet though is that you can try any pizza that may sound appetizing, you don’t really need my opinion!
As for dessert, they have two kinds of dessert pizza, the apple pie pizza and a sweet cream based pizza who’s taste I equated to cake batter, sweet but fantastic! 
They also have cinnamon rolls and brownies if those are more your speed, both of which were great. I think the dessert was my favorite part of the whole experience. If there’s a line and you just want a dessert pizza, feel free to walk up and bypass the line JUST for dessert, though!
If you want to take food home, either prepare yourself by bringing tupperware or sneak brownies home in a napkin like we did. They also have take-away pizzas in case you already know your favorite and don’t want to wait in the buffet line or just feel more comfortable at home.
Though it looked packed from the outside, the line moves really quickly and there’s a lot of room for seating especially in back. Even if you’re not a fan of this type of “fast-food” I’d give CiCi’s a try if anything for the experience. Where else can you have a plethora of flavors of pizza in one meal? Or request flavors you came up with? Or have a Mac&Cheese pizza? Or dessert pizza? For only $5, it’s definitely worth a try!
“The perfect lover is one who turns into a pizza at 4:00 a.m.”
Charles Pierce
I’ve been eating pizza from Homestyle since I could remember, it was always our go-to pizza place in Schenectady. Even after it moved I have ordered food to-go as mentioned in a previous blog entry but never eaten in the actual restaurant. This past weekend I decided to give it a try with my boyfriend. I figured that I liked their food so what can be so different between sitting down and taking it to go. The menu was huge, there was a lot to choose from. 
The prices were all pretty reasonable so don’t look to that for a way to narrow it down. I ended up deciding on getting an individual pizza with peppers, olives, mushrooms and white cheese. I love onions so I figured I’d add those but they came at a pretty steep price of $1.00 for a dusting of onion on my pizza.
We first got rolls which were fantastic. They came to the table warm and with melted butter- I could’ve eaten that for dinner! The food came out really fast which was good because I was starving but after that we didn’t see much from our waitress. Both Jim and my waters were empty and she never came back to refill them. The only times she checked on us was right after our food came out and I didn’t have a chance to take a bite yet. This doesn’t go for all waitresses there but it seemed that since we went at a less busy time (around 5:00PM) that the waitresses didn’t want to hound us which I did appreciate.
The pizza was really tasty. Nothing stayed on the pizza, almost all of it fell off with each bite but isn’t food more fun when it’s messy? I ate half of it and saved the other half for the next day and it still tasted just as good. My personal taste buds wouldn’t have minded if it had garlic of some kind on it but it was good. I was eyeing a salmon burger when I was making my decision and I think that may be my choice next time. The pizza was great but it wasn’t anything spectacular, just pizza. Next time I want to try another type of Italian food they offer to compare that to other places in the area. The pizza was good but if I want pizza, I’m going to I Love NY Pizza across the street. Sorry, Homestyle but no worries, I’ll be back for your sandwiches and paninis because they’re VERY good.
“Although I cannot lay an egg, I am a very good judge of omelettes”
George Bernard Shaw
I love Perreca’s pizza. 
Love may be an understatement, but you get the point (read my previous blog entry on their fantastic pizza).When I heard that they were opening up a restaurant next door, More Perrecas, I was excited to try it out.
Sunday is a busy day in Downtown Schenectady. On Jay St by City Hall is the Farmer’s Market (10am-2pm) and it is packed with people as well as fresh fruit and vegetables to the sounds of local music. After riding my bike down to check out the market, I rode over to Perrecas to have some breakfast. Luckily all they serve on Saturday and Sunday is breakfast so I was in luck regardless of what time I showed up!
I ordered an egg and cheese panini. 
I wanted freshly squeezed orange juice but they didn’t have any oranges when I was there but the squeezing machine looked intense so when they do have oranges, the juice is going to be delicious. So instead I grabbed a can of pineapples juice. My total was about $5, not bad for a filling breakfast, right?
The bread was thick, crusty Italian bread- fantastic! The egg was cooked perfectly but my taste buds were more focused on the tasty bread surrounding the egg and cheese.
When you show up to the restaurant, go to the counter and order what you want and they’ll give you a number and then you go sit down and a waitress will bring you your food. I wanted to sit outside so I let the cashier know that so she took down my number so they’d know where to find me.
Everyone was sweet and the food was great! Perrecas bakery isn’t open on Sundays so if you were craving one of their tasty cupcakes, don’t worry! More Perrecas sells them too!
“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!!
“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”
George Bernard Shaw
Those of us who have lived in the Schenectady area for any amount of time, know the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia. 
To me, it’s where I had both my Junior and Senior proms in High School. To others, maybe a wedding, a great tasting meal or a satisfying night of sleep. On May 18th, I attended an Italian Cooking Show hosted by guest chefs Angelo Mazzone, who owns the Mansion as well as Angelo’s 677 Prime in Albany and Aperitivo in Downtown Schenectady, and Joe Viscusi who owns Casa Visco pizza sauces.
Cavatelli is one of my favorite pastas. To me, it has the right heaviness for a substantial meal but not too heavy where I couldn’t finish the bowl. I never usually put olives in my pasta, in all honesty I never usually put olives in much of anything. Therefore, getting such a strong added flavor in something I’m so used to was a nice change- I didn’t even need cheese (but I put a little on for good measure!). After that, we waited for the next course.
Mom's Head in the Way
What I liked the most about this event (other than the food, of course) was the placement of everything. I was sat at a table with a group of people who I had never met before. As we drank more and more wine and ate more and more delicious food, we left Glen Sanders like we had all been old friends. I was very surprised by the number of people who attended. The food was obviously worth the experience but I had no idea that they did these types of events, and this was the last one for a bit. I can’t wait for them to start-up again! Nothing beats being cooked for by a great chef, even if I have to share the experience.
Next, we ate the Panzanella Salad. I was looking forward to this, I love salad and his choice to use either mesclun or arugula was a perfect match for my appetite. 
There’s not much to dislike about salad, toss in a bit of lettuce, some veggies, dressing and call it salad. My only issue with this salad was that I would have preferred it with smaller piece of bread. I love Italian bread, it has the perfect amount of soft and hard if you get a good loaf. When I’m eating salad, though, I prefer to not have to chew so many large pieces of crusty bread. After pushing some of those pieces to the side, it was a fresh and beautifully prepared salad.
In my opinion, pizza without a dash of garlic can automatically be improved upon. Besides my personal flavor scheme, it was a little squishy. That can be attributed to the fact that these pieces were previously prepared and had some time to soak up their own juices but I like my pizza with a crunchy crust and a soft melted cheese on top. The sauce of this pizza was fantastic, Casa Visco of course, but the flavor and pizza-like consistency was lacking.
I can’t really equate the taste exactly to a donut, just the consistency. If Dunkin Donuts ever served anything remotely similar to something like this, it wouldn’t be long before the employees had my order memorized. The pastry itself was soft and warm, not flaky but a solid cake-like outside. The pastry on the inside was similar to Boston Cream, but they have nothing on the smoothness of this cream, almost pudding-like. Now for those who don’t like donuts and have already written off this delectable dessert as not for you, I would give it another shot. My mother, for example, hates donuts but I couldn’t keep her away from these pastries. We were given containers to take some of the food home and the entire room was fighting over the nicely stacked pastries at each table. I kept my pastry refrigerated and reheated it in the microwave the next day and it tasted almost as good as the night before. My mouth is watering just thinking about these pastries again, anyone who came to visit took a bite therefore, they didn’t last more than a few days.
