What 31 Dollars Got Me at Picnic Garden

The plan originally was to just order some fried rice. Because it was on my mind and I didn't really feel like cooking. Okay, maybe order some white rice too (because you mix them together and have more rice... duh). And maybe soup. But that's it.

This was on Monday. And I forgot that my go-to Chinese take out place is closed on Mondays.

Sure, I could have just went home and rummaged though the fridge for something. But no... stubborn me needed fried rice. So I hit up Picnic Garden. It was okay the last time I was there. And I wanted the most basic of food items - fried rice. Fried freakin rice.

But then I looked at the menu. And my eyes glazed over. And the next thing I knew, the lady walked out of the kitchen and handed me my order. A $31 dinner for just me.

Here's the breakdown - 

Thai fried rice with pork - $9.95

Quart white rice - $3.25 

Quart hot & sour soup - $3.95

Quart wonton soup - $3.95

Fried squid - $7.95

Fried rice was pretty good, with even bigger cuts of pork than usually found in pork fried rice. The squid was tough and tasted more like the oil it was fried in, and just a bit of pepper. Wonton soup broth was good, the wontons tasted pasty. The hot & sour soup was no good. I could barely get though half of it.

Lesson learned - should have gone to Lucky Corner. Not saying I'm going to swear off Picnic Garden, I decide on that after I try the hot pot.

Never Enough Sauce

So I ended up having to stay late at work tonight. I was planning on cooking dinner, but by the time I walked out of the hospital I lost all motivation.

Chinese takeout to the rescue!

Had my usual - chicken wings with pork fried rice, hot & sour soup, egg roll. Also got an order of pork because I wasn't piggish enough. And no to worry, I ordered M's usual as well - vegetable lo mein and vegetable egg roll. 

As with any Chinese takeout, you get the sauce packets. I really don't need them and I usually tell them not to give me any. We used up all of these, but they skimped out on the duck sauce. Four is not enough for the two of us.

Notes From the Desktop

There has been some cleaning going on here in our two-of-a-kind stone house. The grass has been trimmed, garden beds weeded, and slowly but surely the things we no longer need are being boxed up for a future yard sale or donation. Our computers, also need some cleaning. They are slow as heck and filled to the brim of my daily picture taking.

I have three external hard drives full of photos. And I bet many are duplicates. Triplicates. Videos I meant to edit or delete but never go around to. If we lived in a country that actually cared about their workforce, I would have the time necessary to go through all of those things and you know… streamline.

Tangent. I do that.

Anyways, I’m cleaning up the computer and here’s something I wrote up that has been open for… who knows. Back when I thought it would be clever to write about everything I ate. Everything. Even take out. There will be no editing, no spellcheck. Screw grammar. It’s going up as I wrote it. Greasy fingered, fatty eating stream of consciousness.

So here you go, my lazy foray back into the food blogging realm. Notes on Hao Wei (Troy, NY)

hao wei
hot & sour
dark, thick. fresh mushrooms, not canned. and not thinly sliced either. carrots, celery. tofu is silken i think. tastes a ltitle funny. hot temperature, but not hot taste. and not very sour. almost a slight sweetness. crackers help. they aren't stale. got two for a large soup. bamboo.

egg roll
typical greasiness. not too pronounced cabbage taste. decent amout of pork. wrapper not too thick. avg size.

pork fried rice and chicken wings
nice coating. curry in it? hot temp. ok size. rice good. not dry. not much filler. onion sprouts. pork. some chives.

not going to get chinese all the time,  but i will keep this in mind. 11 bucks for all this.

Basil City Has Closed

 

 

I was driving past Basil City on Sunday when I noticed a sign on the door. I figured it was going to mention that the store was closed for a summer vacation.

 

Turns out that vacation is permanent.

 

Now, I have no idea how long that sign has been on the door. But in the note, the "economy + hard times" were the main reasons why they had shut down. They may have also mentioned thanking their customers for their patronage, I can't recall.

 

Basil City was always on my list of places to check out, as it was on my way home from work. But it seemed every time I drove past, the place was empty. Other than the write up done by All Over Albany (and maybe a spattering of food bloggers), I really haven't heard much about the place. You would think the location (near RPI and by a hospital) would have been great for business. But looking at Yelp reviews, they perhaps needed to focus more on their food and service.  

 

Tack that onto the list of "places that didn't cut it." I hear a few places over at City Station made the list as well.

 

 

 

An Eggy, Wonton Thing

Is it normal to mix two soups together? Regardless, it was bright yellow and I’m guessing it was pretty good. I’m pretty congested and everything tastes weird.

Sneaky, Sneaky

As I’ve briefly mentioned before, the Lenten season lasts for forty-six days, with only forty counting. I never really cared about the days before, because Lent was Lent and you waited until you could have what you gave up. But then a priest (of all people!) told me that Sundays don’t count. Gimme days, so to speak. Not that I’ve used them.
Until today.
I had finished my volunteer gig and I was on my way home. I wasn’t planning on it, but I went to the Asian Supermarket to take a quick look around to see if there might be something I might need to pick up for dinner. And then I saw they had the steamed pork buns. Chicken buns. And they looked really good. And of course I was starving, so I ordered a few. And as we all know, it’s a ten dollar minimum in order to use plastic, so I went with roast pork fried rice. And at $7.55 I was thinking it had better be good.
And it was. Pricey, but good. The steamed buns were amazing, as usual – but the pork ones were maybe slightly more fatty than normal. Fatty but delicious… and so very naughty.
I’ll admit I was feeling guilty about it. But it’s Sunday! It’s my gimme day! Rest assured, it was all gone before midnight.

Less Mess, More Work?

Holy cow... it's March already! And admittedly, I was hoping to write more on this, but that just isn't happening. Oh well. Try again I suppose.

The other day I stopped over at Wendy's while out on errands. Something light, but of course with french fries. They've switched over to the sea salt, but I don't really see a difference. What is new are the packets of ketchup. Normally I just don't get one... and once in a blue moon they'll ask if I want any. But this night was special. As I was blindly reaching in for the fry container, I felt a small container next to it. Thinking they had put a sauce in by mistake, I was surprised by this. Not like your usual packets, it has a solid container. But it was made for dipping. Which I would have done, were I not eating while driving.

Cute though.

Hot Off the Presses: Dinosaur BBQ Delivery and Super Bowl Specials

So from time to time I receive press releases about goings on in the area. I don’t get them often, but when I do I try and post it up so the masses can check these things out. And since they are press releases, I figured I’d use some catchy phrase to designate it as such.

Hot off the presses? Eh… I could do better.

If you’ve ever wanted to eat at Dinosaur BBQ but didn’t because it was too busy, well no worries… in addition to their take out service, they are now delivering. It just started this week – 15 dollar minimum and a 10% delivery charge for your order. Perfect if you’re planning to throw a Super Bowl party, which they have specials for.

The details are below.

NEWS RELEASE
DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE INTRODUCES DELIVERY AND
OFFERS SUPER BOWL SUNDAY SPECIALS

(Troy, N.Y.)  Just in time for the big game, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is introducing delivery services as well as offering two Super Bowl Sunday specials. Both meals are available for delivery or pick-up from the Troy location.

Dinosaur’s delivery service launched this week all specials (including the Super Bowl Sunday specials) and regular meal orders are available from 12 noon – 9 p.m. for customers in a 10 mile radius.  There is a $15 minimum order and a 10% delivery charge (for the driver).  To place an order, simply call (518) 308-0400.

To kick off the delivery program and to celebrate America’s largest unofficial eating holiday, Dinosaur is offering two Super Bowl specials (for both delivery or pick-up):

The Pig & Wings Tailgate Special (feeds 20 guests) includes special cut ribs with jumbo smoked chicken wings. Three homemade sides and cornbread are included. Possible sides include Bar-B-Que Beans, fresh cut fries, mac & cheese, maple whipped sweet potatoes, collard and mustard greens, chopped salad and/or Harlem potato salad.  The Pig & Wings Tailgate Special is available for $229.00.

The Touchdown Special (feeds 8 to 12 guests) includes special cut ribs with bone in chicken (1/2 white, ½ dark). Two homemade sides and cornbread are included. Possible sides include Bar-B-Que Beans, fresh cut fries, mac & cheese, maple whipped sweet potatoes, collard and mustard greens, chopped salad and/or Harlem potato salad.  The Touchdown Special is available for $12.95 per person

Each order comes with disposable pans, paper plates and serving utensils. Call 518-308-0400 or email patti.nealon@dinosaurbarbque.com to place an order.

# # #

About Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Founder John Stage began Dinosaur Bar-B-Que with two partners as a mobile concession unit doing motorcycle shows, fairs, and festivals throughout the Northeast. After establishing a quick service lunch/dinner bar-b-que joint in Syracuse in 1988, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que opened its doors in Rochester, Harlem and Troy, NY.  Dinosaur Bar-B-Que opened its first out-of-state location in Newark, NJ, followed by a Stamford, CT location, both in 2012. In addition to lip-smacking restaurant and catering experiences, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s offers a full line of products including specialty sauces and rubs, apparel, merchandise, books and gift cards. For additional information, visit  www.dinosaurbarbque.com.

Working Meal - Holiday Edition

Saving lives people... I'm saving lives here. Not time to make a meal from scratch. And then there was the thing about me trying to make it to ShopRite before they closed. But Merry Christmas!

By the time I got there, they had closed. It was 6:30.

The sign on their door said they were open until 7.

I may have yelled in frustration has the staff yelled to me through the doors they were closed. And I may have angrily told me walking toward the store to not even bother... they decided to close early.

Let it slide, girl. Let it slide.

(deep cleansing breath)

Anyways, that drive to Albany ate up what little break I had between cases so I made a pit stop at the golden arches just so I wouldn't pass out. Cheeseburgers, fries, chocolate chip cookies, and a coffee. Not the most nutritious, but it was quick and easy to eat while driving back to work.

Did I regret it? Absolutely. I'm still burping up that onion smell, and just thinking about what I wolfed down this evening makes me feel sick to my stomach.

But you do what you gotta do. And try your best to remember to bring some healthy foodstuffs with you the next time you're on call.

There ya go... got a resolution for the new year. BOOM.

Popeyes: An Impulse Purchase

I get all sorts of crazy thoughts in this noggin of mine. Today it was fried chicken. I don't know why... maybe I was out somewhere and I could smell it... and I didn't really eat so it made the want for chicken through the roof. 

Could I have made some myself? Of course... I got hands, I've got a fryer. It's doable. But that means cooking it, which means time and getting my hands dirty. Flying Chicken was also an option, but out of the way a bit and I'd have to wait. And I really don't like waiting. Drive-thru is horrible, and slightly expensive, but quick. So I went to Popeyes. Three piece dinner with cajun fries and a side of rice and beans for another 99 cents.

I was able to finish 2/3ds of this meal before I was full. Pretty greasy, but that's to be expected from fried chicken. I will say the chicken wasn't dry, which is a plus. I ordered it spicy and there was no spiciness at all. Fries were on the limp side and slightly cold by the time I started eating them. Biscuit was decent for fast food biscuits. KFC's tend to be pretty tough.

I'm pretty sure I won't be going back there again. Or if I do, it'll be a long time from now. I don't know... I just felt really guilty buying from there. It's as if I'm being a traitor to my hood's Kennedy Fried Chicken.

The Brown Bag **UPDATE**

It has been a little over a week since we were here last, and I’ve noticed some things:

1. More staff. The first time we were there it was just two people and a whole lot of customers. Tonight, there were two more guys – one manning the stove, the other at the grill. Perhaps they just work the weekends to help with the high volume.
2. More seating. When we walked in, the place was empty, save for one guy at the counter. Because it wasn’t full, I got a better look at the sitting situation. There’s a couch, which I don’t remember from before. But it could have been there all along, and the people from before could have moved it to accommodate their group. I’m not sure how much more you can add to it before it starts getting crowded.
3. Game selection. Not that you can see all of them there, but you have your choice of: Connect 4, Checkers, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Whatzit?, and a couple others I can’t remember.
4. Christmas tree. I am really slacking on putting ours up.
5. Regulars. It looks like there are some now. Good sign.
6. How I take my burger. No cheese. Sautéed onions, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup. So good. As I’ve gotten older, my ability to inhale food has diminished, but not tonight. M had a grilled cheese again, but this time he added tomato. Thumbs up from him.
7. Location. This may be premature thinking, but this couldn’t be in a more perfect location. There are the bars down the street, and the new dorms (er, student housing) a couple of blocks up. It’s right on a bus line, and so far no problems with finding parking.

The Brown Bag (Troy, NY)

 Before I had to go across the river for some late night/night out eating. Now it looks like I won’t have to.

New Shalimar Take Out Restaurant (Nanuet, NY)

Now that I no longer live in the area, my mom likes to let me know about the new restaurants opening up.

“Oh… you have to go to the new Indian restaurant. It’s a grocery store too, but they have a buffet! Your dad went there and got all this food for 6.99! Go buy lunch there today and get another so you have lunch for tomorrow…”

Seafood Fest

You would think after that fish fry madness I’d want to take a break from seafood… right? Well, I gave myself a couple of hours before I went back for more. Lots more.

Dinner For One

Really. I’ve been very hungry lately.

Kennedy Fried Chicken

Oh yeah down staters… you know it. It’s not actually called Kennedy Fried Chicken, but Kennedy Chicken & Pizza, but still…it’s Kennedy Chicken.

Friday I had my usual drinks with co-workers after work and had a serious craving for something greasy (see? drinking and greasy food go hand in hand).

Six pieces of chicken, with two rolls and two sides (FYI- they’re tiny) came out to about seven bucks.

En Lai Chinese Kitchen (Albany, NY)

This take out joint will always hold a special place in my heart.

Lunch Visit

Aunt and family stopped by check up on my dad. Brought with them Red Ribbon and Max's food. Can't wait to chow down!

Max’s Chicken Take Out

Max’s Chicken is finally open! I still haven’t checked out the restaurant, but one of my aunts stopped by this weekend and was nice enough to bring some over. Like Red Ribbon and Jolibee’s that came before it, Max’s is the newest restaurant transplant from the Philippines. I’ve had it over there, and well… chicken was scrawnier and saltier than what I’m used to back here. But that was the Philippines and chain food in general tasted off to me (except for Chow King).

Take Out Rice

Being of the "Asian Persuasion", I think cooking rice is genetic. Not only is it something we seem to be born knowing, but the process of cooking rice is quite therapeutic. The quiet crash as cupful after cupful of uncooked rice is poured into the pot... the swishing of rice and water as you wash off the excess starch... the graceful precision as you measure the water level with your fingers... and the soft click when the rice cooker lets you know it's ready.

Who needs meditation? Bring out the rice pot and I've found inner peace.

Recently, my dad stopped by our local Chinese restaurant. He placed his usual order, and an additional pint of white rice. He's really been on a kick about their white rice. Not too sticky, and just a touch of sweetness. So he asked them how they cook it. And wouldn't you know it, they told him. They even showed him what type of rice they use.

The secret?

3:1 ratio - 3 cups long grain to 1 cup short grain. Try Jasmine and Japanese sweet rice.

Now go find your rice nirvana.