Oliver's Cafe

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Written by Brian

Category: Restaurant Reviews

I had heard mixed reviews (though most of them positive) about Oliver's Cafe in Schenectady/Scotia, so we ventured out to give them a try.

Oliver's is a smaller place with about a dozen bar seats and around 9 tables.  It can get pretty busy so there may be a bit of a wait.  We lucked out on our timing, and there were only a few people there when we arrived (but packed as we left)

We were greeted and sat immediately, and given a sheet with the day's specials along with the days waffles (they had their own page).  I opted for the Cinnabun waffle, while Josie ordered the Cornbread french toast - both dishes were specials for the day.

The cinnabun waffle was just as sweet as it sounds, but I was in the mood for sweet.  It had a very strong cinnamon flavor with an icing that you would expect on a proper cinnamon bun.  It had Whipped cream on top, and exactly three walnuts.  The waffle tasted a bit eggy, which was strange because eggs aren't normally in a waffle batter (although they can be in some recipes).  I wasn't the biggest fan of the waffle itself, but all the flavors and sugar on top of it definitely made up for it.  I could have also used a few more walnuts - or leave them off completely - putting three on just looks stingy.

Josie ordered the cornbread french toast which came with bacon and a side of hash browns, she opted to add sausage gravy to her potatoes based on our waitress's recommendation.  She enjoyed her meal, her biggest complaint is that the syrup and the sausage gravy mixed, and the flavors didn't pair well.  Ideally, she would like them on separate plates.  Her potatoes were cooked perfectly, nice and soft but still brown and crispy on the outside.  They did however lack seasoning.  If not for the gravy on it, they would have been tasteless.  The cornbread was soft and still moist with a bit of sweetness to it.  She would order the dish again.

Service was friendly, our waitress offered suggestions, and was always ready for a refill of coffee (which comes in a nice big mug).  If we are in the area again, we'd definitely stop by for breakfast.  Their constantly updating specials keep it interesting.

Cinnabun Waffle	Cornbread French Toast

Oasis Mediterranean Cafe

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Written by Kent

Category: Restaurant Reviews

 Oasis is relatively new in Albany and is located at 4 Deleware ave right near Lark Street and Madison Ave.   Oasis is small but clean, but is at times- very slow and a bit inconsistent.   I've visited many times.   The food always taste great, but the selection varies and sometimes the wait time for preparation seems like it takes longer than it should.  

During non-peak times, it appears that one person runs the entire show - taking phone calls and orders, ringing register, and cooking and prepping the meals.   If there is a crowd or a line, it could cause delays for you to get your food or to even place your order.

Seating is very limited, as there are two counters with a few high chairs and two small tables to sit at, so this is more of a stop-and-go or take out place, but is at a good location for that, especially near the lark street scene.

The menu is here http://www.oasisalbany.com/ and I would've probably given more forks for a rating if the review was based solely on food quality, portion, and flavor alone, but I have to factor in service, atmosphere, and rate the overall expierence which brings me to 3 forks. However, if you like mediterranean food, it is worth a trial visit.  

Falafel Platter	Mixed Grill Platter

Sally's Streetside Cafe

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Category: Restaurant Reviews

Sally's Streetside Cafe is located in a small strip mall, 158 Sacandaga Road, in Schenectady. Depending on when you arrive, don't be surprised if you pass by Sally herself taking a small break outside. When you walk in be prepared for a very eclectic decor. Everything below the waist is decorated in wood, while everything above is painted maroon, and the juke box against the wall cranks out everything from pop music to soft rock.

What makes the biggest impression, more than anything else, is the warmth, friendlyness, and attentiveness of the staff. You really feel as if you've stepped into the warm, inviting kitchen of a close friend who was just waiting for you to stop by like you always do.

Brian and I went for breakfast (which they serve all day). We were greeted immediately, which is huge for us, and told to sit anywhere we wanted. Seconds later coffee was served and we were briefed on specials. Our waitress was a little shy in answering the age old question "what's good here," but she quickly warmed up and told us of their huge portions and homemade hash.

Brian ordered the Homemade Corned Beef Hash & Eggs. I ordered the Short Stack of Italian French Toast with a side of Bacon. I was asked if I wanted my bacon "limpy or crisp." No one, ever, in any breakfast dining experience we've had, has asked that question. We give two thumbs up for that alone. I ordered my bacon "limpy."

Food was fast. Brian's hash had a great crisp to it, was a huge portion, and had great texture. Our one critique was that it needed seasoning. Salt & pepper did the trick, and took the dish to the territory of amazing. My Italian french toast was also a huge portion (especially for being a short stack) but the batter lacked flavor. I loved that it was soaked all the way through, but it needed cinnamon and vanilla. All I could taste was the egg. The bacon wasn't limpy, which was a disappointment. However, I was able to look past that given the flavor.

Brian and I would definitely return to Sally's. Friendly service, and scratch made food goodness makes tthis place worth going to.

Short Stack of Italian French Toast w/ Bacon	Hash & Eggs

Caffe Italia

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Written by Kent

Category: Restaurant Reviews

After several recommendations from friends and co-workers, I finally had the opportunity to dine at Caffe Italia.   In short, it was quite possibly the best Italian meal I've ever had and certainly the best in Albany and without a doubt in my top 3 in the Capital District.

Service was top notch and nearly flawless and very accommodating, as they were willing to modify two of our entree orders, to our liking.

I ordered the special of the night Asparagus Appetizer, which was roasted asparagus wrapped with prosciutto, and finished with a butter garlic wine sauce. Very flavorful and cooked perfectly with the proper portion size. A dining companion of mine ordered the special-of-the-night soup, which was roasted red pepper puree with croutons and allowed me to taste.  I wish I had ordered it as it was one of the best soups I've had this wintertime.   I failed to get pictures for either of the starters, but would personally order both again when I return.

Each entree comes with a house salad which was served on a chilled plate.  A nice touch and the salad was very fresh and dressed well, with the choice of gorgonzola dressing with gorgonzola shavings for an additional charge.

The entrees got smiles and thumbs up from all four of us.  One ordered the Mussels special which came with an unbeatable pile of mussels, served prepared with your choice of red or white sauce.  Another ordered the Veal Rollatini which was executed perfectly and tasted heavenly.  Still another ordered the Chicken Sorrento, which had a portion size so big it was 3 meals and tasted great and cooked just right.  Lastly, I opted for Veal Mateo.  This isn't on the menu, but the Chicken Mateo was the special of the night, so I asked if I could have them make the switch.  A "certainly and a smile" was the answer for that request.  Our server also let me know that meal could always be ordered.

Parking is a breeze and free. The atmosphere is a small dining room size, making the meal and atmosphere feel cozy, along with nice table linens.  However, due to the number of tables in the dining room and the popularity, I recommend reservations, as all tables were filled the night I dined there. 

Caffe Italia is located at 662 Central Ave, Albany, NY and their phone number is (518) 459-8029, for reservations.

Menu Here: http://www.allmenus.com/ny/albany/29986-caffe-italia/menu/   See you there!

Veal Rollatini	Chicken Sorrento

Veal Mateo