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
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