Goodnight Irene.

Cyclone.  Typhoon.  Hurricane.  Each of these words conjure up an image of destruction and despair.  Rarely if ever, do you find the words Hurricane and New York in the same sentence.  However, just like our wacky weather of late, anything is possible and Irene came to visit us. 

Growing up in New York State, you are used to extreme climate changes.  We're weather obsessed some might say.  We can have days that are in the 80s (27C) to below freezing within 24 hours.  We are resilient and nothing stops us.  Snow up to our knees is a regular occurrence, but when you tell me a Tropical Storm is coming... it gets me a tiny bit worried (or interested, rather).

The funny thing about these storms is the hype that the media loves to instill into the American public--FEAR EVERYTHING!  The rapture is never more than a day or two away, and it sells newspapers!  So being an American citizen, at times, I am as gullible as the rest of the people (on rare occasions).  So therefore, my expectations were raised to a higher level and I like most, became interested in the rapture. 

The storm itself was very rough, in all fairness to Irene.  The flooding, high winds, and damage that I witnessed are to be respected.  Mother Nature was pissed and she lashed out at us, big time.  At the time I am writing this, it is expected that Schenectady, NY (a city west of Albany) will experience it's greatest flood on record, not an issue to be taken lightly!  The Catskills down in Southern NY State had over a foot of rain fall in some spots.  Each of these towns were virtually washed away.   To add to the fear, the area around the Schoharie Reservoir (A NYC water source) was evacuated due to fear that the 120 foot dam would collapse (and it still could at the time I am writing this), as the water was coming over the top of the dam.  Damn!  :)

Thankfully, aside from a broken gutter and some fallen trees, we're fine here.  However, the folks along the coast will be picking up the pieces for a week or two.  That being said, NYC seemed to be hard nosed as ever and show the true spirit of New York.  Some hate our breed, others like our honesty/in-you-face attitude.  Either way, I don't care.  :)  We will carry on.  I believe that we won't really know how we all got through this until after tomorrow.

What I've learned from this experience:

For one, don't underestimate nature.  We are tiny, weak creatures which can be crushed at the drop of a dime.  Secondly, when you are being warned by authorities, LISTEN!  Being a sheep at times is just as good as being a shepherd at others...we need to look out for one another.  As bad as Irene was, Irene didn't force us to be without power for five days.  So, I'll let you decide as the reader.  Winter Storm v. Tropical Storm.  Who's the winner?  I know who I'm voting for and it's not that Caribbean Bitch.

Next time, back to some food reviews.  :) Take care folks!

TT/FF






* The picture above is taken of the Mohawk River in Cohoes, NY. 













 

The Century House- Latham, NY (an Albany suburb)

On one recent Sunday after the Saratoga Race Course, a friend and I decided to visit our friend (who works there) and more importantly, check the place out.  The Century House has long been a standard for fine(ish) dining in the Albany area.  After all, it's been there for over sixty years!

Upon walking in, we were greeted.  The dining room is pleasant, very colonial in decor.  What you might expect for a place that tries to be The Red Lion Inn (see my earlier blog post).  However, there are no crooked floorboards or short ceilings here.  It's done tastefully and not over the top.  The one thing that needs to change is the ceiling.  We're talking 1980s era drop-ceilings that need to go.  On the comment card, I suggested a tin, or mock-tin ceiling.  That would really change the whole feel of the restaurant... and make it look as good as it should!

My companion and I decided that the bar area was more suited to our needs (and mindset).  This being five o'clock, we ordered some beers and were stunned when the bartender never even suggested to look at a menu!  We were eventually given a light fare bar menu (burgers and such) and the proper menu.  In addition, his shirt didn't fit him correctly and was not ironed.  If you want to present yourself as a top-notch place, you need to start with the small items and work your way up!

Okay, enough nit-picking.  Let's get to why we came here.  The food.  The food is typically American mixed with cues from the Old World... mainly England.  Pot pies, duck, lamb, steaks and a large seafood selection is what this place is all about!

In lieu of an appetizer, both of us decided to go with soup.  I chose the Lobster Chowder and my partner in crime-- French Onion.  The lobster chowder was bisque like in flavor.  You can sense/taste that sherry is an ingredient... but unlike a bisque, there are some serious chunks of meat in here.  I had a whole non-dominant claw in my bowl (and the price was dead on, $9.99).  The onion soup was also very good.  Cheese on top, in a crock pot.  You could tell that this broth was made in house, due to the lack of salt content, which is a dead giveaway that it's a shortcut version.  I would recommend either during you visit.

For our mains, I was going to order the duck breast, however I decided against it (I was coaxed into my other choice).  Was I glad that I reconsidered the duck, because the Lamb Chops were incredible.  I will not order foreign lamb (or buy it in the market).  This lamb was from Colorado and damn, was it tasty!  It came with root veggies (parsnips and carrots), whipped potatoes, and a little bit of homemade mint sauce (unlike the English version, this had no vinegar in it).  The lamb, which I ordered medium-rare was cook perfectly.  The chops were basically the thickness of two ribs (which I had two of).  No shortage on portions here.  The veg, was okay.  I am a firm believer that I roast them best (in duck fat).  The whipped spuds were basically a 50/50 mix of butter and potato.... yummy!

My Companion opted for the Surf and Turf.  He had an option of upgrading him meal with a filet mignon.  Total for his meal?  $34.95... a steal!  The lobster was baked, but correctly.  The meat wasn't dry at all, very moist and delectable.  His steak was also very tasty, cooked rare-- like it should be!

For desert, we opted to share a dish (and get two shots of Sambuca).  We chose Baked Alaska.  I have never eaten this old time dish, but I enjoyed it.  The only regret was eating too much before it!  We fell miserably short on finishing it (you have been warned).

A couple issues to address here.  We asked for the bill and had to wait for it for ten minutes.  I know that the bartender probably didn't want to rush us, but if we ask, we shall receive!  Again, the service let us down.  Saying that, the food wasn't held up at all and came to us promptly, yet at a nice pace so you could enjoy it.

All issues aside, if you haven't been and you're reading this-- it means that you're young.  This I believe is the biggest challenge for this restaurant.  The dining room was busy, but filled and I mean filled... with grey hairs!  We were without a doubt the youngest people in the joint (by 20 years!).  I fear without some real marketing towards the younger generations, that this place is going to die with it's clientele!  This would be a shame, because with food like this place is offering, you can't go wrong!  I highly recommend that you check out this local gem.  It's worth the prices and everything on the menu is quality.  Check it out for a date spot.  I wouldn't go there to drink and watch the game-- save that for Hooters.

'Til next time....
FF

The Century House

The Iron Hill Brewery- Maple Shade, NJ (Philly suburb)

Hey folks,
On a recent trip to escape my life's problems (most of you know what they were). I once again found myself down in the Philadelphia region-- at the request of some good friends.  Thankfully, the trip was worthwhile, yet incredibly hot.  The heat was turned on at 99F the night I arrived (with about an 80% humidity) and it was 6pm!  Damn.  The following two days, the mercury hovered at a brutal 103F and a cool 97F, respectably.  Whew!  Is that hot or what?

Because of this excessive heat, there really wasn't too much to do in town (do you want to sit and watch a baseball game when the seats read 140F?).  Nah, me neither.  How about the beach?  Can you imagine how hot that sand was?  Scratch that!  What else?  Oh, let's eat and drink in the air con!  :)

My friends Matt and Nicole suggested the Iron Hill Brewery for lunch.  The Iron Hill is a small chain of brewpubs that are located between Philadelphia and Wilmington, DE to the south (and out to the Western Suburbs).  All are located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.  The one we ate at was just east of Philly in Maple Shade, NJ. 

After a warm, okay HOT car ride to the pub, we got in.  The temp was icy.  I loved it.  Nothing like a blast of cold air on a hot day.  We were promptly dealt with by the hostess that informed us that if we wanted to sit in the bar area, that we could choose any of the twenty or so tables (or get up to the bar).  We chose the high tables, which allowed us to see the TVs with golf (of all sports) on.  The restaurant itself, is very large and in total, I would say that there are about 50-60 tables in this place.  However, the dining area is much more intimate and quieter than where we sat.   
 
Upon sitting down, our waitress gave us our menus which we perused and felt really indecisive about!  The selection is very nice for a brewpub and all over the shop with variety.  Of course the regulars are present (wings, burgers, etc.).  Before we get into the food, let's remember why this place was suggested to me.... the beer!

The beers range from a light beer to the diesel fuel "Second Rising" a double IPA using strictly Japanese hops @ 8.5% ABV (all are made in-house).  As most of you know, you can tell which I preferred.  They also have many different beers such as a couple Belgian-styled ales, amber ales, porters, etc.  This pub has more beers on offer than I have ever seen in a brewpub.  Top notch drinks and they're affordable as well.  I opted for the Seasonal Sampler tray, which is roughly two pints broken up into eight glasses.  You can also do the Traditional Sampler (which consists of the beers which are always available).  Matty got the traditional and Nicole was into the light beer (after all, she was driving!).

Now, when drinking diesel fuel and other beers it's usually wise to put something something down to line that stomach!  We opted for a unique starter that I hadn't seen before.  A fusion cooking of sorts.  Everyone knows egg rolls, you know the free things that come with Chinese food?  Well, these ones are like none other.  The three types that they have on the menu are:  Oktoberfest Egg Rolls (which have bits of bratwurst, sauerkraut, cheddar, monterey jack, green onion and are served with a stone ground mustard sauce), Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls (Monterey jack, grated carrot, celery served with buffalo sauce and bleu cheese dressing), and finally Cheesteak Egg Rolls (fried onion, American cheese, matchstick potatoes served with ketchup and a cream horseradish dipping sauce).  Because Nicole didn't like the Oktoberfest, I didn't try the Cheesesteak one.  However, that was due to Matt and I bargaining over the last Buffalo Chicken one (that was left over).  I liked the rolls, the Oktoberfest one was really good.  The mustard was an excellent touch and out of the two I tried, the best.  The Buffalo one needed something more.  I think that the sauce should have been present inside the roll-- or adding real bleu cheese instead of jack would have given it more "pop."  Nonetheless, I wouldn't refuse either if offered again.  Next time, I would just get the Cheesesteak one (which I will fairly soon-- when I get "Down the shore," like they say).

Their mains are salmon, tuna, steaks, meatloaf and pot pies.  Burgers and Pizzas are also present as they should be.  They also have a large selection of huge salads.  Iron Hill even offers a gluten free menu for those that cannot eat wheat.  All the main courses (not pizzas or burgers) hover around the $15 range.  Not bad for an establishment like this, and their price point is dead on.  The pizzas range from $10-15 and the burgers are all around ten bucks.

If memory serves correctly, Nicole ordered a salad, which was nicely presented and was very fresh looking.  Matty and I needed something with more "teeth" and something that would stick to our guts.  Both of us opted for burgers.  The burgers are a manly, half pound of Angus beef.  Lovely!  I ordered mine rare (which is a good sign-- only places that are confident you won't get sick will do this) with sharp cheddar.  I loved it.  Matty didn't enjoy his as much, but he didn't specify how he wanted it cooked.  Mine was juice with meat-- meaning that my roll was almost soaked through with that bloody goodness (sorry, didn't mean to freak any of you out by using that analogy).  Frankly, it was the best burger that I've had in quite some time-- actually since the diner in North Vale (an earlier post).

After roughly two hours and four beers, it was time to move on and back into the inferno.  If you're in the Philly, Newark or Wilmington areas and like beer, I recommend this place highly.  It's would also be a great spot to catch a game-- although leave your Mets hats at home (unless you go to one of the Delaware locations).  Don't fret if some of your friends dislike beer, they alo have a fully stocked top-shelf bar and I am sure they know how to use it.

Total for three of us and drinks came out to be in the $80 range.  Not bad.  Next installment will touch on an "Irish" pub, also in Southern New Jersey.  Happy chomping!

 Iron Hill Brewery- Maple Shade, NJ





 

Palanga, Lithuania. One of the two famous beach towns in the country.

Most people that I know, hardly know what Lithuania is or more importantly, where it is.  Well, I have to write this entry to do the country justice.  Lithuania has been run over more times than a dead squirrel on the New York State Thruway.  It's been a constant battleground dating back over 1000 years.  The Teutonic Knights were the first to invade, but were crushed and left the country (and therefore Lithuania was the last European country to adopt Christianity).  Ironically, nowadays the Lithuania people are very religious, devout Catholics.

In the 1500s, Lithuania was the largest country in Eastern Europe, consisting of Belarus,. Ukraine, and parts of Poland and Russia (now it's about the size of New Jersey).  About a couple hundred years later,  the Lublin Union was created, which in reality was a Commonwealth including Poland.  This lasted for over 200 years.

After the Union was dismantled, it left Lithuania prone to attack and it was promptly invaded (the first time) by Russia.  This lasted until 1918, in which after WWI, Lithuania once again declared itself independent.  However, this didn't last long.  During WWII, the Russians came, yet again.  Oh, and then the Germans.  But by 1944, the Soviets came back for a third time! They stuck around after the war, thrusting the country into unwanted dictatorship by Joseph Stalin (during which this author's family were sent to Siberia, to the gulags).  The Soviets shifted people from country to country to created confusion.  If the people spoke different languages, how could they organize an uprising?  They also took priests, the wealthy and educated away.  Very effective and very cruel, it tore families apart.

Shift to forty more years into the future.  Lithuania was at the forefront of the Soviet dismantling.  In 1990, they were the first SSR (or satellite) to declare their independence.  The final stance was when peaceful demonstrators at the Vilnius (the capital city) TV tower were killed (they were unarmed).  However, this time... the World was watching.  This prompted Mikhail Gorbachev to cut his losses and dominoes started falling.

The next and surely not last part of this little country's history is when they joined the European Union in 2004.  They were admitted with the other two Baltic Nations, Latvia to the north and Estonian above Latvia.

Well, now that you know a bit of history, let's get to the fun stuff.  The seaside!  Palanga is a town that sits on the Baltic Sea, roughly an hour and half north of Kaliningrad (a broken-off part of Russia which doesn't connect to the main country).  It's east of Belarus, Poland is to the extreme south, and Latvia, as you know to the north.

Palanga is famous for a few things, the beach and what washes on the beach during large storms-- amber.  The semi-precious material is in abundance here and can be bought at much better prices than you could buy it in the USA/UK.

Palanga is an amazing town, with "scrub pines" (Paul, my friend coined this) dotting the half mile or so, to the beach from town.  These trees are all thirty feet or so high, and don't get any bigger because of the constant sea breeze and brutal winters.  It's a really amazing sight, walking down the paths that lead to the beach.  If you didn't know that the sea was there, you'd think you were walking through a forest!

The beach itself is your typical sandy beach, bespeckled with changing cubicles, bars and cafes (that line the path to the beach).  There's no open container laws here, which is nice, if you're used to Long Island where it's strictly prohibited.  The water is usually cold... remember, you're really far north here!  The air temps typically hover in the mid-seventies Fahrenheit (or low twenties in Centigrade).  Sometimes it gets warmer, but rarely does it get to 85 or 90.

There is also a large pier here that stretches out almost a mile into the sea.  This is a popular spot to hang out, ride a bike, walk, or try your luck catching some fish (which a local specialty is smoked fish).  I am not a fan of smoked fish, so I gave it a miss.  Okay, so far it's not like the Jersey Shore, right?  Wrong.

There is a more lively side that resembles a boardwalk, but is just a pedestrianized street (which leads from town to the sea) called J. Basanavičius.  This street was named after a national hero, Jonas Basanavičius, who is accredited with preserving the Lithuanian culture, which ultimately led to their independence in 1918).

Cafes, bars, kiosks selling everything from amber to trinkets and clothing are everywhere on this street.  Also present here are your usual carnival games and rides.  I tested my endurance on a spinning ride that promised 4Gs.  Trust me, I am seasoned ride junkie, (I am telling you this thing was serious).  The one thing that's noticeably different than Wildwood, NJ is the presence of families and a real lack of riff-raff that you'd find in Seaside Heights or Atlantic City.  This makes it a very safe place for all to enjoy.  It's typically frequented by Latvians, Estonians, Russians, Poles, and Lithuanians.  I did not see many, if any, English speaking people.  However, most of the younger generation are fluent in English (learning English is now compulsory in school).  Perhaps these tourist habits will change?

The prices:
My family and I rented out a large flat that slept six for roughly $200 for two nights.  A steal.  Try to find a bargain like that in the USA (one without roaches, I mean).  Food is very inexpensive too.  Their diet consists of mostly cabbage, potatoes, pork and chicken dishes.  All are incredibly tasty.  Try a cepelinai (or zeppelin, which is mashed potatoes, stuffed then fried with meat or cheese in the inside).  Your typical main course at a local nice-ish restaurant will run you in the neighborhood of $10.  Not bad at all.  However, eating here, like in most European countries is an unhurried time to relax, take in the scenery and enjoy the company you're with.  If you want fast food, get a Turkish kebab at any of the many kiosks in town, or perhaps a hot dog?  Beers are also strong, good and cheap.  Your average beer is roughly $2 (for 50cl) or if you're brave, get a full litre for $3.50-4.00.

Pizza crazy nation?  Yes.  Unbelievably pizza is very popular with Lithuanians, and it's actually of very good quality.  It's along the lines of an Italian pie and nothing like Pizza Hut, Uno, or a NY slice (my favorite).  The oddity is what they do to the pizza once it arrives at their table.  Ketchup, yes ketchup is a popular topping that they drown the pies in (after it's cooked).  The also like to blend the ketchup with Heinz's Garlic Sauce.  Heinz makes all sorts of sauces for different markets.  Chances are, you have never seen it.  They also have Mexican Ketchup (Heinz, too).  I admit, I tried the ketchup thing.  However, I only thought it was bearable once the slice had gone cold.  The best chains that I have eaten at are either Pizza Jazz or Čili Pica (Chili Pizza).  I would recommend either to anyone.  They are both national chains, so you can find them in any of the larger cities or towns.

We ate at a restaurant called de Cuba, which was amazingly decorated.  The pizza was good, and I will not go into a full review because I cannot review a place just on a pizza.  However, the grounds and the restaurant itself are worthy of any high-class place, anywhere!  Day beds (the wicker ones) and a ton of outdoor seating are present here.  The fountain that is choreographed to music is a sight as well.  The inside is a Latin motif, however the menu isn't (oddly).  I was kind of hoping to chow on some authentic Cuban food, but was sorely let down.

If you want to go to Lithuania, it's a bit of a hassle to get to from the United States.  You will typically have to fly through the UK, Poland, Czech Republic or Finland to get there (and this can be expensive).  However, four-star properties in Vilnius (which I won't review due to it being reviewed everywhere else) can be had for $150-200.  Not bad for a top-notch hotel.  In London or Paris it would triple that.  If you're thinking of visiting, skip Kaunas (the second largest city), which is nice, but a little shabby and run down.  Center in on Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Palanga (and/or Nida--the other sea town, which is more sleepy than Palanga).  If any of you are interested in visiting, I'd be happy to fill you in on more information about this subject, just write me.

One final point to make about Lithuanians and one of their passions (or second religion as they call it).  When you think of basketball, I am sure for most of you, the NBA comes to mind.  Well, in this little country, they're basketball crazy.  No matter where you travel throughout the country, from countryside to urban jungle you see hoops everywhere.  This is all due to Pranas Lubinas (Frank Lubin).  Frank was a guy born in Los Angeles, who's parents came from Lithuania.  He eventually returned to the country and helped represent them in the '36 Berlin Games.  They also won two European titles after in '37 and '39 which solidified their love for the sport.  He is called "The Grandfather of Lithuanian Basketball."

Today, the sport is widely played by young and old alike.  It is also played professionally with the country having two teams in the European Professional League,  BC Žalgiris (from Kaunas) is the team with the best record throughout history, and secondly the Vilnius based team, BC „Lietuvos Rytas“ who are their bitter rivals.

In addition to the pro teams, their National Team is also widely respected.  They've won several medals and are frequently in the top three in international tournaments.  Not bad for a country of three million people, eh?  Grateful Dead fans, take note of this fact.  Leading up to the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, the team had funding issues (seeing as the country just broke away from the Soviet Union two year before).  They almost couldn't afford to make the trip!  Step in Jerry Garcia, who pledged money to help the team get there, and it culminated with the team winning a Bronze Medal!  The Dead sold tie-dyed shirts with "Lithuania" on the front and all of the proceeds (or profits) went to the team.  I wish I still had mine, as they're worth a pretty penny now.  Oh well, you can't save everything!  The country is hosting the Eurobasket 2011 competition this fall, which will be held in arenas throughout the country. 

Well, that's it for now.  It is my hope that your learned a little bit about this tiny country.  Next post will be about a couple South Jersey watering holes/casual restaurants!  Take care folks.  

Lithuanian National Tourism Office

Palanga Tourist Guide

de Cuba restaurant/bar/cafe