still searching...

It's taken over 3 months, but I've finally come to terms with the fact that I will not find a sandwich as good as Roma's here in Rochester. I don't know what I was thinking. I clearly overestimated Rochester, and after 11 years of weekly Roma's I think I was lulled into a false sense of security. Sigh. Here's where Rochesterians, their palates apparently destroyed by Genny Cream Ale, will tell you to go get a sub. (For an accurate assessment, for my first experience at each place I tried to order my typical choice at Romas- turkey, fresh mozz, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo).

1. DiBella's: This was the first recommendation I received from everyone I asked. I was skeptical because they're a local chain. I was also turned off by their strong branding, a gimmicky claim that they make "Olde Fashioned Submarine Sandwiches". Whatever. The "olde fashoined" old timey looking photos look stupid next to the giant fridge stuffed with bottles of Vitamin Water. Long story short, my typical Roma's order was not possible because they don't have fresh mozzarella (nobody does here). So I got swiss instead. Basically, it was maybe a step above subway. Decent bread, but pressed watery turkey and giant hunks of white onion instead of thinly sliced red onion. I have returned to DiBella's, to try their hot roast beef that comes with a side of auj ju. Not bad, but nothing to jump up and down about.

2. Rubino's: I really had high hopes for this place, as it's an old school Italian import store with a full on deli and butcher shop. Once again, I attempted to get my Roma's usual. Almost worse than not even offering fresh mozz: giving me an attitude when I ask for it. Although it wasn't listed on the menu, I thought they might have it given the large cheese section they had. The sandwich making lady, who had a fugly cold sore on her lip, stated, "Well, I have to go to the deli to get it" so I said, "Nevermind" and silently hoped that she would soon suffer from diarrhea. It wouldn't have mattered anyways because 1) they use pressed watery turkey, sliced buddha knows how long ago and 2) they don't make the genius meat/cheese tube roll method employed by our Roma's boys. My Rubino's experience was, once again, Subway with better bread.

3. Wegmans: The best I've found, but I can't really describe what differentiates Wegmans from the others I've described. Ingredient wise they're comparable- pre sliced turkey, decent bread, limited cheese choices. Maybe convenience makes it taste better. I think for now, this will be my sub place of choice.

So, Roma's is still the best. I should mention that during my trip to Saratoga last week, they were out of fresh mozz, which was total bullshit. I was told, however, that the day before my arrival the bread truck couldn't get through due to snow, and thus they were only selling wraps. WRAPS. That would have been a problem....

I'm not a dough boy addict, I just need it.

Or...a quick post script on Saratoga.

Just sayin' a dough boy fell off the plate onto the sidewalk and someone ate it.
I will say it was totally within the 15 second rule and because none of us can kick the habit - we weren't grossed out at all!

Sorry - this is a bit random but it was too good of a story to not share.

Garbage Plate- the real deal

Welcome to western New York. Many people say "pop" instead of soda, we apparently have an accent (evidenced by, for example, Rochester being shortened to 2 syllables by natives), and there are hot dog places everywhere. Living outside of the Roc for as many years as I did, I developed hot dog related guilt. After all, the concept is kind of gross if you think about it. But being back in my city of origin, I am embracing what I'm sure will be a life long relationship with this salty meat.

For you non-natives, I have to explain that you can't just order a hot dog. You have to specify white or red. A red or Texas hot is what most people think of when hot dog is mentioned. We also have white hots, which I personally have never really liked. White meat (not like as in chicken or pork, more literally white) doesn't really look good to me and they are a little spicier and sausagier.

Another thing all Rochestarians know is Nick Tahou's. This place is a lovable downtown dive. Although the major part of the cleintele consists of college students, law enforcement officers, and various colorful blue collar characters, it is a Rochester institution and those Rochesterians who do not have an exaggerated idea of downtown crime will make the occasional trip. Opened in 1918, and not redecorated since probably 1968, they serve awesome hot dogs, hamburgers, breakfasts, and other foods you might find listed on an average kid's menu or served out of a cart. Their most famous creation is the garbage plate. The only ones allowed to use the name "garbage plate"; the many imitators must resort to "trash platter" or other variations. First you choose your meat: the original options were hot dog (red or white) or hamburger. They have since added lots of others- chicken fingers, fish, etc. Next, you choose your foundation from two of the following: french fries, home fries, macaroni salad, and some others. If you get it "with everything", you get onions, mustard, and hot sauce on top. The hot sauce most resembles chili- very finely ground beef and not really any other chunks of anything, but hot (it reminded me of indian food...hmmm...maybe I can figure out the secret!).

Also, you should know that it doesn't say "Garbage Plate" on the plastic backlit menu hanging on the wall. There are many stories of somebody ordering a "Hamburger Plate" and getting something quite different from what they expected. This is also not a dish intended for those who can't handle their foods touching on the plate. Me, having studied, ordered my first garbage plate just like a pro: "red hot plate, fries & mac salad with everything". I figure you have to go with everything as the chef intended when you sample a house special for the first time. Here's what I got: half a plate of wicked good mayo based macaroni salad, half a plate of crinkle cut fries (from frozen but totally good), two red hots split down the middle and grilled on the flat fry/grill thing, topped off with spicy mustard, onions, and hot sauce. My favorite thing was how the hot sauce leaked into the macaroni....it's like they wanted to be together. I think I would have liked less hot sauce, and only one hot dog. I couldn't finish my plate and was embarassed. Maybe next time I would get no onions and mustard- not really needed in my opinion as the sauce adds plenty of flavor and texture. I would not, however, change my main ingredient or bottom items.

I have many hot dog places, and perhaps counterfiet "trash plates" to try..it's almost overwhelming. But I'm glad I went to the mecca first, and look forward to perfecting my own garbage plate experience.

http://www.garbageplate.com

Saratoga, Part Deux

I am embarrassed that it has taken me this long to post Saratoga, Day II. However, stuff happens. As I lay as here unable to sleep (grrr) I decided it may be a good time to blog.

Day 2 in Saratoga was our Track Day. Most of us had been to the Saratoga Racetrack (horses for you that don't know) at some point during our Saratoga lives - except Rose. So this year we decided the track was a priority for our reunion wknd. But before you can bet, you need eats.

We started our morning at The Bread Basket. Rose had never been there either. I hadn't been there since I lived in Saratoga during the summer of 1998. Since this was the trip of "mixing it up" we canceled out Country Corner and went for the Basket. The Basket is a cute little bakery near Congress Park that provides various baked goods. It expanded since I was last there (11 years ago) but everything looked and smelled delicious. I got a sausage, egg and cheese. Very simple - but very good. I was extremely happy with my choice - as I love breakfast meats.

We then went to the track and were finally joined by DJB our Saturday-working friend. I will not discuss track food - except to say that I had a pretzel and a beer and they were both great considering it was 100 degrees. Oh and Meggers looked awesome in her hat.

That night we also met one of our long held goals - we ate dinner at Hattie's Chicken Shack. Now again, I loved Hattie's when I lived in Saratoga but it was not a place I frequented. It was a real restaurant. I didn't really eat at a lot of real restaurants when I was in Saratoga.

Hattie's Chicken Shack is a bit of an institution. Opened, I can't even say how long ago, by a woman from Louisiana it serves southern food. It's fried chicken is famous. We were able to secure a table after about 20 minutes - amazing during racing season. We started in the back garden with our drinks. The drinks, though a fun menu, were not that amazing. I don't blame Hattie's, I blame a probably new and overwhelmed bartender.

Since I have problems making choices, Rose and I got two different entrees and shared. Ribs and Fried Chicken. My sides were corn on the cob and mashed potatoes. This is where Hattie's was great. The ribs were good but the fried chicken was just what I wanted. Enough breading to get what you really want - the fried stuff - and moist (yes, I used THAT word) chicken.

I think we got dessert but I don't remember. Our night ended at 9 Maple...again with yummy drinks and the perfect atmosphere.

DJB somehow turned on her "dough boy" stomach and ate a dough boy on the way home to make sure she got one in before she left town. I've never been more proud of her.

The next day we did our usual departure meal. Bagels and coffee at Uncommon Grounds on Broadway. The bagel was yummy. I can see how Schmat may not LOVE the bagels - they are really big so can be overwhelming but there is still something perfect about them. I had an everything with plain cream cheese and a slice of tomato (stole that order from Meggers). I love everything bagels because of the little hint of salt.

So that was Saratoga! Wrapped up with a loop around the campus, a wave to town, and a final good bye to Schmat's apartment which has been our Saratoga Vacation Home for many years.

We'll have to see the next time we get back..Schmat moved further west to the Roch and now .there's rumor of us trying to mix things up even more -- choosing different destinations for our little reunion trips every year. Can you even imagine?! New cities = New food.

Rochester so far

Well, I've now been a Rochester resident (again) for about 20 days. Stricken with the worst sore throat ever that left me unable to drink, much less eat, anything for over a week, I feel behind on the culinary exploration of the new region. Nevertheless, I do have some random thoughts I'd like to share with the sporadic food bloggers dear to me.

1. Today I ate a great bagel. This may be blasphemy, but I have never been a fan of Uncommon bagels. There are about 15 bagel places in the neighborhood I grew up in, so I feel like I'm not totally uneducated. I returned to said 'hood, to the place I frequented most back in the day. Good size bagel- not too big. Shiny and firm outside; perfectly dense, moist, chewy center.
2. Wegmans. I will probably write a lot about Wegmans later because it is so amazing. I could probably exist soley on their prepared foods, and may indeed try to do so since one cabinet in my kitchen has a very weird smell and I don't like to open it to get out pots & pans (which I only got around to unpacking today anyways.) I will refrain at the moment from describing the wonderful stuff I've had already. Let me just tell you that every time I go in there I think of taking photos on my phone to text you, but I don't do so for fear that they'll think I'm some type of corporate spy. Let me paint a word picture: Seafood counter probably 20+ feet long. Among every other thing that swims in the ocean, 5 or so kinds of shrimp behind the glass- raw, different sizes, some cooked & flavored. Each variety in a single layer on a tray. Each shrimp facing the same way...I am both afraid and utterly respectful of the person who's job it is to do this daily.
3. Public Market. I went with my mother yesterday. I didn't buy anything (pots & pans still boxed up at that point). But she goes weekly (and has done so for as long as I can remember) and she's got a fish guy, a cheese guy, some surprisingly hot tomato guys, and really knows the whole dealio at this Rochester institution. I found it inspiring that so many people still take time to argue the price of tomatoes and get super fresh ingredients. As many hick farmers as there were in Toga, I'd never heard the word "localvore" used as much as it is here. There's also food stands where you can get a snack, and I got an amazing totally fresh bacon, egg, & cheese sandwich for $2.
4. Chains. I feel like a phony putting this right after my Public Market section, but Rochester pretty much has every chain ever. Both a blessing and a curse. But I have never been to Red Lobster and I'm sorry to say that currently, going there is more important to me than finding a job.

Beyond Red Lobster, other pressing food goals include eating a Garbage Plate at Nick Tahou's and finding decent pizza. Sad state of pizza affairs here in The Roc. And I've already given up hope on finding a sub that doesn't make me yearn for Roma's, but I went to an absolutely huge/amazing/Wegmans owned liquor store today, so at least I can drink away my sorrows on that front until my next trip east.....and I still have a photo of the Roma's guys on my fridge!

The Grossest

In the spirit of keeping the blog active, and inspired by the fact that I'm leaving my job, I am now going to briefly discuss the grossest food items I've encountered. Thankfully, the list is not long, and hopefully it will help us appreciate those delicious bites all the more.

1. Tuna Boats: This is a sentimental job listing, and keep in mind that as I write this I am very near my last day, having resigned after 8 years.
Prolly my first week at the group home for adults with mental illness, I was assigned to cook with a woman whom I'll call "Laundry Lady". She was assigned to my caseload. About 5 feet tall, crazy grey white lady 'fro, and a permanent wardrobe of sweatpants- you'd be able to identify this woman as "a little offsky" even if you didn't have any type of training in psychology or psychiatry. Our assignment was to prepare "Tuna Boats" for the 13 residents of the house. Recipe was basic tuna salad in New England style hot dog rolls. Except we didn't have a recipe for tuna salad, and I had no creativity in this regard at this time. So it was pretty much just tuna, mayo, and maybe some pepper. Laundry Lady didn't have her dentures in, so she drooled a long piece of drool as she was stirring the gross tuna (she slurped it back in before it reached the big plastic orange bowl). And finally, this was not Chicken of the Sea we're talkin' about. It is giant cans of dark-meat-off-brand-food-bank tuna. I think we served it with ripple chips. Let's just say it's a miracle I can still eat tuna salad. (Also, the menus at the house have become more sophisticated.)
Also, and I'm not even kidding and intend no disrespect, but Laundry Lady has since passed away. The tuna boats is not even my worst memory of her (ask about the "Poo Gloves") but she had many good qualities and I'm sure she'd love the blog.

2. One time I made dip and I didn't have chips. I had sour cream, salsa, and some shredded cheddar. I mixed it all together, knowing full well that I had no chips or other dipping materials. I tried to eat it with a spoon, thinking that the chips weren't that important. The chips are important, people. Although I did eat one spoonful, I then felt very bad about myself and threw the rest of the pathetic dip away. I have to say it was a low point in my life.

3. Another work related moment- Salmon patties. Before I worked in mental health, I didn't know that salmon came in a can. I didn't know that you could make "patties" or "casserole" out of canned salmon. I don't recommend it.

4. One time, this person I know dropped a Doughboy on the sidewalk of Caroline Street in Saratoga, and then ate it anyways. Oh...wait.....that was me. And it was delicious.

See ya later Saratoga

I only have about a week and a half left in this great town, and am reflecting on foods and beverages that I will miss most. I will refrain from listing chains (Panera!!) and you may be surprised at what has been included and excluded. In no particular order....

1. Ravenous Pomme Fritte. I have only been to Ravenous a handful of times, but these have to be the best french fries ever made anywhere on earth. Freshly made, perfect size & shape. Perfect balance of crisp and soft. My favorite thing is the entire menu of dipping sauces. A menu of dipping sauces!! Pesto mayo is my favorite, but there are 9 choices, I think. Brilliant.

2. Springwater Bistro. Gone for good, Springwater left town before me. I've blogged about this place before so won't rehash all my favorite bites, but I think this place is where I matured as an eater. I learned to just trust the chef and was never disappointed. I remember feeling like quite the sophisticated foodie when seated next to an elderly lady and her young teen granddaughter: "Can I get just a chicken breast? Plain?" Go to Burger King lady, where they'll make it your way.

3. Augie's. Technically in Ballston Spa, I really wish I had discovered this place earlier. Believe I already posted on this place as well.

4. Humpty Dumpty's. Best soft serve. There's loads of soft serve in Rochester, and frozen custard which is better than soft ice cream. I hate that they take the name of the store quite literally, and decorate it will all sorts of tacky/creepy Humpty Dumpty egg men. Menu offerings include soft serve coated in the waxy goodness that is Dip, a great chocolate shake for $2, or my favorite- The Romeo. Layered as follows in a plastic cup: vanilla, hot fudge, chocolate, hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts. I think it costs $2.25, fits in the cup holder of your car, and on many summer nights has been a useful and soothing stress reliever on the way home from work.

5. Saratoga Water. I know that they sell this at Wegmans (where they also sell Stewart's soda...Donk! That shit don't need to be exported) and I'm sure I'll reach for the blue bottle out of nostalgia many times post move. It's also the best water I've ever tasted. Plastic bottle is certainly fine, sparkling is great, but the still water in the blue glass bottle is a wonderful treat.

6. Quesadillas from Spring Street Deli. I've done a lot of research on quesadillas during my time in Saratoga. This is consistently the best. Others are too greasy, overly cheesy, or not flat enough due to inappropriately sized pieces of chicken. Spring Street has none of these flaws. Well proportioned and well seasoned (they give hot sauce automatically now), I would be suprised if I found it's equal.

Jury Duty Thoughts on Food

Since I have nothing but time to kill while sitting here waiting to be called (and rejected) for jury duty, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on a few of my food thoughts. First of all, kudos to Julie McCoy for jumping in and blogging about the Saratoga weekend. It certainly was a great weekend full of good food, friends, and fun. The only bad thing about our weekends away is the need to detox afterward. So, for the last 36 hours, I have eaten more field greens, cucumber salads, roasted vegetables than any carnivore should eat. I also have been to the gym 3 times since my return. I'm starting to wonder if all that delicious food is worth the detox period, as I hate exercise and I certainly wouldn't choose to eat vegetables at every meal. Something to ponder...

I also am intrigued by a few of the blogs. I hate to always be the one to rebut (see my blog against lobster rolls), but I have to disagree with Meggers on her thoughts on the nicoisse salad. The look, smell, and texture of the egg and tuna alone is enough to make me vomit. I don't think anyone can convince me that the nicoisse is a brilliant cullinary creation.

Finally, I am now going to spend the rest of my time waiting in the jury pool to write in my tastebook. I've been working on my own cookbook this summer, and hope to "publish" it before school begins in September. Wish me luch.

Eating in Saratoga - where it all began...

This wknd the Birch D Gang (minus 1) reunited in the great town of Saratoga Springs for a little reunion complete with a visit to the track, drinks, the reading of magazines and of course eating.

Just to prepare you - this will have to be covered in more than one post and I expect that the entire gang may weigh in with their own posts.

Let's start at the very beginning (b/c it's a very good place to start).

Lunch - We arrive in Saratoga after a long drive stuck in traffic and some kitty drama (don't worry, Burger The Cat is okay!). This means we arrive hungry and crabby. We run immediately to Roma's for the most amazing subs of all time. Roma's sandwiches began this whole madness of us discussing our food - what we ordered and why just over a year ago in Schmat's apt.

Roma's provided us with the greatest sandwich and the solution to all things crabby. Their delicious bread makes the sandwich - that as well as the love and care of the slicing by the great guys who work there. (And especially the one who remembers us even after 11 years). The bread is a nice italian sub roll - a little crunchy on the outside and perfectly soft in the middle. I ordered turkey with fresh mozz, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, italian dressing and pickle on the side. The key to the Roma's sandwich - besides the bread- I think is that they slice the meat and cheese and then roll it together and then place that roll of meat and cheese in the bread. This means the order is meat, cheese, meat, cheese in every bite. It's perfect. The italian seasoning is nice too - the oregano gives it just a little bite.

Later in the evening we went to Nine Maple to start our evening with some proper cocktails. Nine Maps is one of my all time favorite bars. Dark, good drinks and a nice atmosphere. I ordered a Tom Collins. I was not disappointed.

On our way we had to stop for the Saratoga staple bar food - the Dough Boy. The Dough Boy takes a small pizza crust and rolls it up and stuffs it with a blend of spices, chicken, scallions, sour cream and cheese. Sounds disgusting? It's the greatest thing in the entire world. Do not doubt.

I cannot tell you exactly what is in it - because we don't know. (Rose, perhaps you can discuss your experiment a few years back.) It's served hot like a mini calzone but it is not pizza saucy in any ways. It is also the perfect hand held food - good for transport on the way home from the bar or to eat while walking to another bar. My first Dough Boy was good - but to be honest there was a bit too much air between the "dough" and the "boy" (filling). I prefer a compact dough boy oozing of chicken/cheese/spice goodness. However, since I only get these once a year, I will not complain.

This was not my only dough boy -- do not worry. I returned later that night to order 2 more for me and Rose as well as get a slice of pizza. The pizza was good - your average fare. I was pleased. Esperanto's (home of the Dough Boy) pizza is good but to be honest does not require a special description - it's just really good pizza. Now D'Andreas at the other end of Caroline Street is a bit different - the sauce is a little sweet and the crust must have sugar in it or something. Try it and compare for yourselves.

My second dough boy was a bit better - seemed to have more stuff in it. And well it was after several vodka and cranberries (really, vodka with a splash of cranberry) so that may have made it even better.

Overall Night One did not disappoint food or drink wise.

More postings about Day 2 and 3 to come - including a visit to the Bread Basket, Hattie's Chicken Shack and Uncommon Grounds.

Nicoise

It's been a long ass time since we blogged but I have something that is worth saying.

In honor of Bastille Day, I want to ask you folks... who doesn't LOVE a Nicoise salad? potatos + green beans + egg + olives + tuna = yummy goodness. I had one on Sunday night at Sandrine's Bistro while watching an Afro-Brazilian group at a Bastille Day celebration in Harvard Square. I was confused by the Afro-Brazilian music in honor of Bastille Day (being that Bastille Day is for the French and Brazilian is, well, from Brazil), but *shrug* it is Cambridge afterall. It was also quite amuzing to watch the white, lanky, Bostonians in beret and flip-flops shake it to the dance music. But I digress...

There is nothing more satisfying to me than a Nicoise salad. Especially on a summer evening. And especially when you might be tired of large portions, fried foods, sandwiches, garden salads, etc. I honestly wish more restaurants had a Nicoise salad on their regular menu. My thinking is that if they are able to sear a tuna steak, they can server this salad. The main issue, I find, is when a restaurant has a Nicoise salad on the menu, does it come with tuna fish or seared tuna steak? BIG diff. I was once in Quebec of all places and I ASSumed the latter but it came with a big wad of stinky ass, watery tuna fish. I don't mind tuna fish, per se, but what makes a Nicoise salad so great is the freshness factor. If I wanted tuna fish, I would get a tuna salad sandwich or tuna melt or go to the salad bar at Shaw's. Tuna fish is also something I eat in a pinch, not necessarily something I would get on vacation or when dining out unless I am at a deli or diner.

The other big concern I have for my salad is tomatos. I can't deal with a tomato that tastes like a fridge. Yack. Tomatos can be a very shady fruit. If they are not fresh, just leave it out. That simple. My point here is that a Nicoise salad can be ruined very easily if it's made with tuna fish and gross tomatos. And yet it is fairly easy to make. So either do it right (which Sandrine's Bistro most definitely did) or don't do it at all. The end.

Truffle Oil....yum.

First let me just say: Truffle oil is one of the greatest things EVER. I will eat anything that has truffle oil on it. One of my most favorite meals involves truffle oil and threes cheeses and bread. I will lick the plate to get the last drop of truffle oil.

So tonight I thought I would liven up our blog about a certain kind of food we don't discuss much - frozen food. I have found my new favorite Friday Night dinner (which I eat while watching the best show on television - Friday Night Lights. No, I don't feel bad about my social life. Have you seen FNL? Have you see Tim Riggins? Roar.)

Anyyways. Trader Joe's Frozen Mushroom Truffle Oil Flat Bread is delicious.
It's basically a frozen pizza with a slightly thinner and lighter crust than normal frozen pizza. It then has chopped up mushrooms, truffle oil and cheese. The truffle oil just drips a bit off the pizza enough that you get enough in every bite.
It's a perfect quick dinner/snack. Cook it in the oven for about 6 minutes and one of the world's best treats is before you. I encourage you all to run out Trader Joe's right now and put one in your freezer for your own comfy night at home.

Buon appetito!