currently snacking on...

... Harissa and Thai Sweet Chili wings.
An off the cuff flavor combo creation that is #@$! delicious. Give it a try.

Marisa's Place

We had our first bite of Marisa's Place pizza at All Over Albany's 2014 Tournament of Pizza semi-finals. The 2012 Tournament of Pizza winner didn't move onto the finals but there was something about the classic margherita pizza that both John and I really enjoyed. We decided to stop by the shop itself for a taste of our own.

The shop is located in an unassuming strip mall in Guilderland. We saw more take-out orders than diners but decided to stay at the few tabletops for a full pizza experience. The menu is a mix of standard favorites but also Italian classics that piqued our interest including greens and beans but we were particularly eyeing the arancinis. Deep fried cheesy balls? Yes please. These were indulgent crispy bites of creamy arborio rice with ground meat and melty mix of mozzarella and romano. A side of sweet and tangy marinara complemented the flavors and textures very well. It's definitely a new favorite comfort food. Arancinis also come in a seafood version with salmon, shrimp, and green peas which is next on the to eat list. 

We came for the margherita pizza, also known as the Marisa, but our love of prosciutto gravitated us toward the Rusticana pie with asparagus, roasted red peppers, fresh garlic and basil, mozzarella, and normally portabello mushrooms but because J is anti-mushrooms, ours was fungus free. Both pizzas had an amazingly thin and crispy crust. Despite all the ingredients, the pies held together very well with a flavorful balanced pairing of ingredients. The sauce was right up my alley; bright and sweet and lightly applied. The classic fresh tomatoes (albeit off season and not as ripe), basil, and mozzarella on the Marisa was very reminiscent of Pasquale's, from what I could remember, and remains a top favorite pizza combo.

The difference between a hot and fresh and delivered pie is night and day. I can see how the mozzarella might not have traveled well to TOP and got a bit tough with cooling. Because when served fresh, a cheesy slice pulls away beautifully with that stringy and melty stretch that we all love. Our particular neighborhood here in Albany is a pizza dead zone so t's nice to know a great pizza shop isn't too far away. Thanks to AOA for introducing us to one of our new favorite pizzas. 

Comfort Kitchen

C'mon. Give me some of your tots. These crispy, golden nuggets of deep fried potato bits can be found at Comfort Kitchen in Saratoga Springs. But these aren't just any ordinary tater tots; they're house-made and worth every delicious greasy bite. The interior is moist and fluffy while the outside has the perfect crunch. Talk about comfort eats. Ask for a side of "Awesome Sauce"--a creamy slightly spicy mystery dip--to complete the tater tot experience. Good luck sharing.

Comfort Kitchen prides itself in using local and seasonal produce, house made ingredients, and sources from local farms. This means quality meats like this slow-roasted pork with house-smoked ham and house-made pickles for a delectable Cuban sandwich. It wasn't exactly an authentic Cuban with Gruyere cheese, but it was a mighty tasty pork sandwich. The bread was pressed perfectly creating a crispy and compact vehicle for all the filling. 

Avocados aren't local but how can you turn down fried avocado?! My favorite local food truck staple are transformed by Comfort Kitchen into these veggie tacos. It's chockfull of textures and flavors--the creaminess of sweet roasted butternut squash, black bean salsa, and of course avocados are mixed with the crunch of the fried breadcrumbs, crisp peppery radish, fresh lettuce, and corn tortillas (albeit a bit stale). A squeeze of lime and the zesty chipotle mayo added that extra zip of flavor. If fried things and pork products are your vices, rest assured, Comfort Kitchen can make your dreams come true. We're eyeing the pork belly tacos and pulled pork mac 'n cheese next. 

currently snacking on...

..more like currently sipping on...

a warm cup of mulled "wine" from Short and Stout—black and blue tea
(mix of various berries and hibiscus) with cinnamon, star anise,
cardamom and slices of oranges.

Perfect for this fall weather. 

Texas de Brazil

Eversince the demise of Carmen's Brazilian Grill, we've been hankering for churrasco-style BBQ. J and I have even contemplated having swords of meat at our wedding, no lie. We've since taken another approach on catering for our upcoming nuptials but the lure of all-you-can-eat meat was ignited again with the opening of Texas de Brazil.

Yes it's a chain, and yes it's in Crossgates Mall but the experience was surprisingly pleasant. It's unique and there's nothing like it around here. At $42.99 per person, it's more of a special occasion treat for us but it's AYCE meat plus side salads and appetizers. Stop by before 7pm and treat yourself to a $5 Happy Hour Caipirinha. Say it with me---ky-pee-ree-nyah. It's a deliciously addicting and refreshing cocktail made with lime and Brazilian cachaca, a sugar cane spirit. 

You can easily make a meal out of the salad bar but all you can eat is about balance right? You'll find a full spread of sides and salads: various charcuterie, marinated artichokes, olives, cheeses, and vegetables and even poached salmon and spicy crab sushi rolls. Why sushi? I have no idea.

currently snacking on...

...FUSSYlittleBLOG's Fifth's Annual Tour de Cider Donut.

(From L to R): A warm welcome from Schuyler Bakery, Cider Belly,

Schuyler Bakery, Bella Napoli, Yonder Farms, and Kristy's Barn.

Drumroll....the Best Cider Donut title goes to: http://bit.ly/1yV3mVl

Full photos: http://bit.ly/10ib4we