A trip to Williamstown, MA and dinner at The Red Lion Inn-- Stockbridge, MA

Hi folks,
If you are reading this, I'll take it that you haven't gotten bored of my writing yet, which brings me great enjoyment.  I also hope that you have learned some stuff along the way so far... so, a new lesson is in order!

Yesterday we went (A lovely companion and I) to The Williamstown Theatre Festival which takes place at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts.  This is a famous little troupe that has seen some major Hollywood talent over it's 57 year run.  "A Streetcar Named Desire" was playing, written by Tennessee Williams.  I won't get into the play, other than to say that it was outstanding the actors were top-notch.  They could be doing shows on Broadway, which I am sure they would also shine in!  If you are interested in theatre, I highly recommend checking out one of their plays.  It's reasonably priced at $35/ticket and close to Albany!  The plays run through August 28th, but be warned!  If you are interested, you must book in advance as the venue is tiny and therefore cannot seat a ton of people (and that rules out walk-up tickets).


Anyway, onto the trip to The Red Lion....  We drove to "The Lion" as I dubbed it in the car ride to Stockbridge, which is a straight shot South on US Rt. 7.  You pass through some pretty terrain along the way, including Mt. Greylock (the tallest mountain in The Berkshire range).  Upon entering Stockbridge, you cannot help but feel like you're in New England.  The wide streets, with huge homes on both sides of the road are from a forgotten era (it reminded me a little bit of Woodstock, VT).
Everywhere you look, the properties are manicured very beautifully.  A nice town, if you can afford a $4 million home.  :)

The Inn itself, has a large porch on the front is has a very striking presence.  This place opened before America was a country, which in American terms means, "IT'S REALLY OLD!"  Although it's old, none of the property looks like it needs help.

Walking up the stairs and through the main door, you can see how special this place is.  It has antiques everywhere and the staff are all very friendly.  The waiters even take drink orders for the people lounging on the porch (in the various chairs/tables that they have set up).

There were three different options available for dining.  Being that it was nice out, there is a wonderful little courtyard around the left side of the property to eat, as well as a proper dining room, and a pub (which is super authentic in it's own right!).  We opted for the dining room because frankly, I will have my fill this week with authentic English Pub-grub (in London).

The menu is a mix of American and English staples, such as prime rib, turkey, duck, cod, etc.  But, saying that, each dish has a bit of a modern spin on it.  Each of us started off with a glass of pinot noir.  The only problem with ordering the wine is that no "by the glass" list was given to us... so I am unable to tell you the vineyard that it came from-- however, it was nice nonetheless.  Rolls and homemade crackers were served.  The rolls were delectable, made from potato and rosemary which gave them a soft texture with a nice floral bite on the nose/tongue.  The crackers I likened to an everything bagel-- onion, poppy, sesame and salt.  Both were delicious served with in-house whipped butter. 

We decided to split up our meals by sharing a starter and a dessert, with each of us ordering our own main course.  To start, we both agreed that the "Bacon and Eggs" was our choice.  It's very uncommon to find pork belly on menus in America.  I'm not certain why, but it's a delicious guilty pleasure (in all it's fatty goodness).  The egg, was a deviled egg, served with caviar on the top, which added a pleasant change to the old regular egg.  This was served on a bed of roquette with mango pieces and a vinaigrette dressing.  The sweet and bite from the vinegar balanced perfectly.  Although, the deviled egg wasn't as good as the ones from Dinosaur Barbecue.  Oh well, you can't win on every item!  It is also important to note that the restaurant likes to source as many ingredients as it can from local farms.  In this case, the pork and egg.

My partner ordered the sea scallops (the diver type) which were served on a puree of carrot and coriander and topped with a red onion confit.  The dish was beautifully presented and the carrot and coriander added a nice depth to the dish, as did the red onion.  She enjoyed it thoroughly, but it's not my cup of tea-- I liked it, but I spotted something else on the menu that made my mouth water.

My dish, An English cut prime rib of beef was served thinner than the usual American counterpart.  There were three slices as opposed to the one we are all used to.  I asked for the meat "rare as you can go, but not blue."  They nailed it.  It was so tender, I could have cut it with my spoon.  In addition to th meat, there was a baked potato, courgette mixed with summer squash in a tomato sauce (almost like a marinara-- but very light), and a pop over?  Okay, I didn't know what that was, but when it came-- it's a Yorkshire pudding!  I was delighted to see this on my plate and it actually made me smile.  The entire meal, besides the potato was good.  Not the at the potato was bad, but I think with the Yorkie and veggies, it was already plenty!  I had to ask for horseradish on the side, which goes brilliantly with prime rib (I would hope you know that already if you're reading this blog).  It is also important to note that I switched to a heavier wine with the mean-- a Malbec, which was typical-- high alcohol and in-you-face flavour.

For dessert, we shared a chocolate pudding made from imported French chocolate, served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.  This was a nice decadent treat, but not a belly-buster.  It was nice and light on the tummy after a big meal!  There were a lot of other desserts there that wouldn't have been as kind to the waistline!  The special was three types of homemade ice-cream served on a banana crust (their take on a banana split).  Sounded good, perhaps next time?

See as my wonderful date offered to pay, I cannot tell you how much the bill actually came to.  However, I can give you some guidelines of what to expect.

Starters:  $10-15, up to $20 in some cases.

Mains:  $30 range, maybe a bit higher for some.

Desserts:  $7-10.

Wine: $6-10, but all the way up to multiple-hundreds if you do bottles.  

Would I return, hell yes.  Although, maybe next time it will be when I'm longing for England.  In that case, I will be belly-up to the bar in the pub.  One final note, in England, "The Red Lion" is the most commonly used name for pubs in the whole country.  This Red Lion is anything but common.


Williamstown Theatre Festival


The Red Lion Inn

Albany drivers.... trying to kill each other, all day, every day!

Hi folks,
It's time to write about something that's constantly annoying me everyday living in the Capital District.  The driving habits of the inhabitants in this city.  Admittedly, I am what people would call an aggressive driver and don't give anyone and inch.  However, even though I do drive with some gusto, I try to remain safe whilst doing so.  A little courtesy goes a long way, and when I don't see it-- I wish I had a twelve gauge shotgun for some "Street Justice."  Let's delve into some of the issues we see on our roads.

Before we get started, I think it's important to compare the driving habits of Albany vs. a few other cities.  I am no stranger to driving in major metropolitan areas and I can tell you-- Albany drivers suck!  I constantly see people taking a much better level of care in NYC, Boston (cringe), Philly, and Chicago.  These folks understand driving is a chore, but can be enjoyed as well.  If you've ever been on the Skyway in Chicago or Thruway once you get past the toll barriers to the South, you know what I'm talking about.  Speed isn't an issue if people abide to some simple rules!  God forbid if you change lanes without signalling.  This is inherently dangerous and brings me to my first beef with Smalbanians.

SIGNAL WHEN YOU ARE CHANGING LANES OR TURNING! 

 I know that you are quite sure that you intend to pull into that artery-clogging fast food joint, or to pick up Auntie Rita from the doctor's office.  Well, I don't!  Can you at least give me the courtesy of letting me know this?  I mean really, it's not hard-- and it's the law!  If you look closely when you cross the state line into New York (on any major road), it is clearly posted that you MUST signal when changing lanes.  Oh wait, and did I forget to mention to can kill me??  Let's be frank, we can die if we have an impact at these speeds!  Therefore, it is extremely important that we take a little extra care when undertaking a ride on the Expressway. Seriously folks, this is simple, so do it.

Off the highway subject but in relation to the signal subject are Traffic Signals.  These can be traffic lights, signs, or even the paint on the road.  These signals were/are put up by trained traffic engineers that have undertaken long university courses.  No matter how much you think your pea-sized brain can do better, don't!

Albanians, I think we need to include a color eye test to see if you lot can identify Red, Amber and Green.  It seems from the frequency I see people testing their limits at these junctions, you can't see at all.  We are all guilty of squeezing an amber light, but I see tons of folks ripping through blatant reds.  This can be frustrating when you're trying to turn left into traffic and are stuck in the middle of the intersection!  It is because of this, I, Albert J. Anderson fully advocate implementing cameras on each and every light in the Capital District.  It's working fine in NYC and five other areas in New York, why not here?  Hit the jerks where it hurts 'em... their wallets!

Now, for the paint.  We are all familiar with the turning lanes in the middle of our roads.  This is a turning lane.... NOT A FREAKIN' FIFTH LANE!  Don't drive down the damn thing for a quarter of a mile!  It's meant to let you merge in and to disrupt the traffic around you in the least way possible.  Also, please notice the damn hatch marks in these areas--- let's go back to traffic school.  This means YOU CANNOT DRIVE IN THIS AREA!  When has a hatch mark ever signified something else?  In life or driving.  Test my theory pulling onto E. Highland Drive across from Stuyvesant Plaza.  I constantly swerve into the path of Lexus', Range Rovers, etc. on a daily basis.  If they hit me, it's their fault... and I am willing to ruin their day.  This is all because they fail to see the paint (or don't even give a shit) and just drive down the center from Schoolhouse Road.  BASTARDS!

I am not going to get into any other signals aside from the "No Right Turn on Red" signs.  Please just be patient.  It's there to protect you dummy!  Don't try to zip out of these areas like you own the place.

The next topic I am really adamant about is a very important one (and also goes along with the paint).  Traffic Circles/Rotaries/Roundabouts are becoming an increasingly important part of our life, in the Northeastern U.S. and nationally as well.  I am not so sure if I ever had any training in my drivers education courses, but I think they need to be driven into kids' heads these days.

Rule one, if there's no car coming on your left hand side, don't stop!  You can plainly see if something is coming.  This is why the damn thing was invented in the first place-- to move you around better.  Also, for God sake, LOOK AT THE SIGNS BEFORE ENTERING INTO THE ROUNDABOUT!  This will tell you which lane to be in and for which road(s).  If you just took a couple seconds to see these signs, you'd have a lot less close calls in them.

Rule two, follow the damn paint!  If it says you need to turn to the left, don't zip in front of me at the last minute and cut me off!  You realize you are in a circle, right?  If you miss the turn, just go around again!  The road you were trying to reach will still be there.  Test my theory at the SUNY Albany roundabout next to the Nano School (coming from Washington Ave and towards Western on Fuller).  Watch and see how many people in the right lane don't realize that they HAVE to turn right (even though it's clearly posted).  They even put barrels in the road to guide you...  people have no clue.  I have to admit, I am getting increasingly animated whilst typing this... wish I could check my blood pressure!  :)

Okay, now onto what might be my biggest goddam problem with Albany drivers.  GET OFF THE PHONE FOLKS!  How many times have you witnessed a car driving erratically and wonder what the hell is going on in that car?  Me, a lot... and nine times out of ten, it's due to some idiot on their phone.  When you bought that device, chances are there was a hands-free set enclosed with it.  USE IT!  This is one difference I see from Metro NYC to Albany.  The cops down there don't tolerate that shit at all.  I think it should be enforced better and the penalty should be, "the arm that is holding the phone shall be cut off by saber."  :)  I think that would scare people out of doing it.  It's bad enough that talking while driving is equally as bad as driving drunk... really.  People aren't paying attention to the actual act of driving.  Please, put down the phone guys (or pull off in a safe area).

Okay, last topic.  We live in Upstate NY.  Arguably one of the harshest climates in the United States.  We drive through sleet, snow and freezing rain.... going 85 and reading the paper.  So, why... oh, why... can't we drive when it rains or it gets really sunny out??  How many times do you get upset when it's starting to rain and people revert to their "fetal instinct" and tense up because they see a bit of precipitation of their windshield.  Get over it... it's rain.

Same goes for the sun.  It's sunny... get a pair of shades and get on with it.  Or would you prefer that snow that we love so much?? Maybe just take a bit more care and act like it's snowing.... that would solve a lot of problems.  Don't think just because it's nice out that those two-ton metal objects are any less dangerous... try and see!  Albany Med needs some new cadavers for medical research!

Well folks... I think I have just got out about two years worth of road rage in just over one hour's time (the length of time it took me to write this).  The moral of this story is: PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU ARE DOING BEHIND THE WHEEL!  If you do that, at the very least, all of us are a little safer out there!  Happy road raging!

Mac's Tavern-- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

If you have ever seen the TV show, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" you probably know "Mac."  Well, a friend of a friend and two actors from the show decided to open a bar that could capitalize on the show's likeability.  What was born is a fantastic bar that you always feel welcome in.

This author has visited this bar several times over the past six months.  Each time, it's always a great time.  The last visit, on Friday was outstanding.  Let's go over the food.

Each menu item is carefully chosen by Ben (a friend of a friend).  What makes it different from any other pub or bar is the extra touches and primarily unique foods that work!  For a starter, my friend Matty and I shared a deep fried bacon/fried pickles/chips all served in a sundae dish-- with the bacon sticking out!  One bite and I was forever hooked!  Wasn't a fan of the chips, but the pickles were nice as well! 

Any good bar needs great drinks!  Mac's doesn't let you down in this respect.  There are loads of taps and roughly 50 bottled beers waiting for your lips!  The bar has all the call brands you expect to see, with none that you don't!  On our trip, it was Philly Beer week, so there were The Flying Fish Brewery reps present.  Also, Long Trail Brewery from Vermont had four beers on tap!  Impressive!

Now, the main course.  We wanted to eat semi-light due to the mercury being up/around 90F.  So, that ruled out the chili then!  This menu mostly consists of finger food apps to sandwiches and the like.  Very simply done.  I had the cold roasted beef sandwich with provolone and horseradish sauce (all served on a pretzel roll!).  The pretzel roll added a nice change to the ordinary sandwich-- and made it more durable with the toppings!  My buddy had the chicken cutlet sandwich (apparently a Philly regional specialty).  I tasted it and it was seasoned perfectly!  Even the fries on side were noteworthy!

Our bill came to roughly $50, including tip.  Not a bad bargain.  We even returned later in the evening to sit on the patio out front.  So, if you're looking for a nice place to waste a couple hours, with decent food (in Philly).  Choose Mac's!

Mac's Tavern Website

Sick and tired of shitty cab service in Albany?? Me too!

For too long, Albany has suffered with what quite possibly are, the worst taxi services in New York State.  The reason that this upsets me is because it seems the City of Albany doesn't even care about the shady business practices that most firms employ.  Not only is this a dark side of life for us residents, it surely reflects negatively on our city to out-of-towners who are visiting.  What impression does it give them, if they receive the same service that I normally do?  I can tell you, it's not a good thing. 

Firstly, it's really annoying when you get told that the cab will be there in a certain time period.  I have literally waited over an hour for a cab to arrive, only to give up and call another company!  This is ridiculous and unfair.  Just say that you cannot make it!  Period!  Giving people false hope when all they want to do is go home is seriously wrong!  Strike one!

Another issue that I have is, every time that I get into a taxi, every single warning light in the dashboard is lit up.  Now I know that if you have a check engine light on, it's in violation of our emissions law.  Also, if the lights are all on, isn't that saying that you might never arrive?  These cabs seem to be bandaged together with duct tape.  Also, it's time to install credit card machines in the cars.  We are in the Twenty-First Century now... let's act like it.  NYC has had the machines for years.  Strike two!

The next problem I have with the firms is their pricing.  I can take the same ride three different times and get three different prices!  Can we have some consistency here?  Also, it's really unfair how they charge per person when I am heading in the same direction as the other passenger who is splitting the ride with me!  I was once charged $25 to come from the rail station.  I have no issue with that, but they also charged a female going to SUNY $25 as well!  I live right next to the campus.  This practice of doubling up fairs is wrong and also reflects Albany in a poor light.  METERS!  I don't care if they say they won't work.  Yes they will.  Springfield, MA has them.  Springfield is very similar in size to Albany.  If it works there, it will work here.  But the firms' argument is we have Zone Pricing.  Okay, that might be fair, however in 9/10 cabs that I travel in-- the sign is missing from the partition where it should be.  Strike three!  Yer out!

The final issue I have with the companies are the actual drivers.  Most are, and let's be honest, less that desirable folks.  I mean they openly smoke when the sign says that it's prohibited and disobey traffic laws regularly.  I even question some of the drivers mental health (I have had some constantly talk to themselves!  Wow, scary!).  Have you been pulled over in a cab?  I have!   Have you witnessed drivers going down One Way streets backwards?  I have (and when I spoke up to yell at them, I was told some less than pleasant words).  This is ridiculous.  We need reform and we need it now.  It all starts with the little things.  If we aren't going to repair this failing sector, can we at least talk about light rail or night buses?  We need them if things don't improve.  I am tired of dealing with sub-par service.

The Rockland Bakery

Just off the Spring Valley/Nanuet exit from the New York State Thruway sits the most amazing bakery that I have ever feasted my eyes on.  What sets this place apart, is everything!  It's a real mindfuck on the senses (sorry for that analogy-- but it is!).

The parking lot can be a war zone at busy times (read: weekends or just after work).  I have seen full combat parking here complete with parking lot rage.  Come on folks... it's only baked goods!  There will be plenty for all, rest assured. 

Most folks upon entering the bakery need a little tutorial from a seasoned vet.  I am your vet.  When you walk through the front door, bear left and head down the hallway.  You will see brown paper bags of assorted sizes.  You will also notice that there are plastic disposable gloves.  Take what you need here, gloves are mandatory for where you're heading!

At the end of the hallway you walk through the doors.  This is where the fun begins!  Directly to your right is the "bagel shooter" as I call it.  A machine that is literally shooting out hundreds of bagels.  I usually grab at least one of the freshest ones and then mix them up with the others that are on cooling racks.  The racks are plentiful and frankly can be overwhelming.  Every type of bread imaginable is here.  Rye, Challah, Semolina, baguettes, soda bread.... shall I carry on??  You understand...  You will also notice that there are HUGE loaves available for sale here.  See, Rockland does the majority of their business on the commercial end.  So it is highly possible that that roll in your NYC restaurant is baked here.  They also do food service supplies to the Times Union Center in Albany (hot dogs/hamburg rolls).

After you can get your head around what it was that you originally came in for... which you probably have forgotten in all the excitement, it's time to get that bread cut!  This is also the time to get some sinful delights.  When you bring the bread, make sure that you keep only one person helping you at once.  The heavily Hispanic staff can get a bit confusing for people that have a hard time understanding folks with thick accents.  Be warned.  They are for the most part, very friendly people who are happy to help you!

After you recover from your second assault on your senses, choose the pastries that fit your fancy.  I can personally vouch for all them.  This place doesn't let you down.  The rugalach is probably the best that I have ever eaten as are the sfogliatelle.  But the best part of all these yummy bread/cookies/goodies is that the prices are SUPER AFFORDABLE!  A dozen bagels is between $5-6.  Eat that sh*thole Brueggers!  A normal sized loaf of bread is $1.75.

 In addition to the pastries and production floor, there is also a deli.  While I haven't eaten there personally, I am sure it's more that fine.  I have spotted the Boar's Head logo on their deli counter, so it's gotta be of good quality.  Hey, the bread's fresh!  :)

The production never stops at this place, they bake seven days a week, 24 hours per day.  However, the retail shop isn't open round the clock.  As per usual I have included their website, so check the hours before going.  Happy bread hunting!


*- In the hallway that I spoke about there are usually specials on racks.  Sometimes it's hot dog rolls, sometimes garlic bread.  It's usually overstock that they are trying to shift quickly, so keep your eyes peeled.

Rockland Bakery Website  

The Northvale Diner and pork detour through Northern New Jersey.

The luxury of driving to the city allows for some detours that are usually food related on the way back Upstate from the urban jungle.  This trip had me searching for Taylor Pork Roll or Taylor Ham.  I remember that this odd meat product used to be sold locally in the Albany area, but I am unsure of who sells it nowadays around here.  If you have never had it, I suggest that you try some.  It's not sausage, and not bacon.  It's a nice, tender, and salty round meat product, which is browned up in a frying pan.  The best thing to come out of Trenton since.... well, ever!

So my little detour in Northvale was just to grab this succulent evil, that is Taylor Ham.  Big mistake.  Northvale is just across the State Line from NY (right near the Palisades Interstate Park).  Alpine is also right near there, which is one of the wealthiest ZIP codes in the United States... think TV stars, rap artists, pro sports stars.  So it's only natural that the grocers near here stock some amazing stuff.  Shop Rite is no different.

Wandering around the market, I quickly realized that they carried not only what I was looking for, but Black and White Puddings as well as Irish Rashers (back bacon-- which is more like ham to Americans).  After filling my hand basket with meats, I packed it all in ice to make the long journey home.  If you are on your way home from the city, there are several Shop Rite stores along the way.  The easiest would be the one right next to the Palisades Center Mall (easy on/off Thruway!).

$70 in pork, done.

Okay, now the diner.  It's everything a great diner should be.  It is clean, cheery, nicely appointed.  It's a nice place in general.  You wouldn't bring a first date here, but would be comfortable after a few.  The menu is huge, like it should be.  Breakfast is also served all day.   I had been here many years ago with my buddy James Mouquin who grew up just over the line in Sparkill, NY.

I ordered a cheeseburger deluxe with onion rings.  To drink, water and a chocolate egg cream... something that all Albany diners fail miserably in making.  It's not hard dummies!  Burger was done exactly how I asked for it-- rare.  I hate burnt meat and the cook here knows his meat!  The burger was so juicy.... a thing of perfection.  The rings were so-so.  Typical frozen, pre-made rings either from US Foods or Sysco.  In addition, another thing is lost in the Albany diner scene.  Everywhere in NJ and Downstate NY, they bring pickled gherkins and coleslaw to the table (free of charge).

 Service was also very quick and attentive.  Total with tip-- $16.  And to think, I almost stopped at White Castle instead... but that's a story for a different time.  :)

Northvale Diner


Shop Rite

Pulino's Pizzeria-- LES Manhattan. Corners- Bowery and E. Houston

Walked for a few blocks aimlessly trying to find somewhere to eat before a gig at The Bowery Ballroom.  In this seemingly, run down area we saw Pulino's as a ray of hope.  We took a shot.  Service was quite prompt and professional.  They have a carefully thought out list of beers and wines.  Spirits are also nicely chosen.  It is clear that the owners of this place mean business. 

Another great touch is the decor.  This place screams European Bistro.  Even the toilets have been custom fitted to go with this theme-- having communal sinks amount to a lot of wide eyes when people approach the toilet, and a member of the opposite sex is inside (and the sign is posted "WC"). 

Their pizzas are all in the $15-20 region, which gets you a twelve inch pie.  The pizza is not the usual NY Style pizza, but the more authentic Italian variety (think thin, brick oven cooked).  The specials sounded quite nice, but we opted for the quicker/lighter meal because of the heat that day.  There is a large patio that can accommodate roughly twelve tables.

We shared a starter and a pizza, which was just enough food.  The waiter tried to up sell us into buying pizza for each of us, but we declined.  The roasted octopus was outstanding.  It came served with potatoes, celery and crushed olives.  The fish was cooked perfectly, and the dressing on the salad was some type of vinaigrette.  Definitely recommended... even if you're a bit squeamish!

The pizza was "Funghi" which most of you have already figured out, means with mushrooms.  In this case, pancetta was also used.  The pie was also cooked to perfection.  Another European touch which was quite nice, was the waiter bringing chili oil and well as flakes to table.  Sometimes the oil is nuclear hot, in this case, it had just the right amount of heat.

We finished off with a shot of sambuca to help digest our food and put and extra spring in our step.  :)  Total with tip was $100.  We tipped a bit generously, but it was quite worth it... as the service was very Non-European.
Pulino's website

I have arrived in the Blog scene!

Well, I have decided to start writing this weblog because I was encouraged to do so by some friends.  The majority of my posts will be either restaurant reviews or some tidbits that I thought were worthy to include on here...  Ultimately, it is my goal for you, the reader to take a bit of sound advice from each post.  I am extremely honest with reviews, and there will be no mincing words... period.  Happy reading folks!  Also, feel free to leave me feedback if you find yourself in some of the same places that I have been... I'd like to hear how you all made out, as well.