Whenever I’m up for going out to eat (which is pretty much all the time), I’m constantly thinking of heading west into the Latham and Albany areas. To those who know me, I’m renowned for being extremely impulsive, especially when it comes to when and where I eat. So for no other apparent reason then to search out completely new and exciting dining destinations I made an unwavering decision to travel east till the first decent looking restaurant.
Accompanying me on this week’s adventure is PIC (Partner In Crime) once again. Having had over a few weeks to recover from the previous diner, we traveled up Route 7 past Lee Tang, past Plum Blossom, and into uncharted territory, where we stumbled upon Country View Diner (a diner, much to his chagrin).
Living up to the name, Country View Diner is located next to a very attractive pond as well as a respectable view of a forest behind the diner. Unfortunately, the parking lot off to the side mars the view of the pond and the back of the diner completely hides the rest of the scenery. Undaunted, the two of us strode in with whetted appetites and high spirits.
What immediately struck me were the use of hot pink neon lights found on the ceiling of the diner. Quite vibrant, they gave the interior a pinkish hue that was quite different from anywhere else I have ever been. The diner, however, did have a full bar which definitely raised my respect for it at least three notches.
After being escorted to our table and giving the bartender the opportunity to pop a pair of Heinekens, we were presented with menus that were absolutely enormous and as one former patron put it “a hallucinatory Day-Glo extravaganza.” I have always loved the diverse range of foods found in diners and found this one to be no different. Typical fare such as club sandwiches and burgers all had a place of honor with more unexpected dishes such as steaks made from buffalo and lamb chops with mint jelly. Even more unanticipated was the special Easter menu offering a hefty 12 oz. Prime rib.
After agonizing over whether the buffalo steak was worth trying, I decided to chicken out quite literally and go with what our waitress had suggested, Chicken Souvlaki with some kind of dressing that I’m guessing is made of yogurt, sour cream, and dill. Souvlaki is quite similar to a gyro; almost identical in fact except for the fact that souvlaki is traditionally made with feta cheese and chunks of meat while gyro is more typically meat (usually lamb) shaved into thin slices. (Am I a food nerd or what?) Along with my meal came a greek salad comprised of iceberg lettuce, onions, crumbled feta cheese and a single unpitted olive of which I nearly lost a molar to. And, of course, to make it diner material, a large amount of golden french fries. PIC settled for a twin cheeseburger deluxe and just to make sure the burger wasn’t mooing, had the patties cooked ’til they resembled a hockey puck.
After what seemed like only a few minutes, our food arrived smelling great and looking even better. Unfortunately, the chicken in my souvlaki was quite dry and flavorless but the addition of salt, pepper, and the dill dressing made it edible. The fries were quite good, not dripping with grease, and quite crispy. PIC, however, had a great time inhaling his dual charcoal briquette with fervor and gusto. He did mumble something about the “patties might be hand-made” between handfuls of fries and mouthfuls of “burger.”
In the end, Country View Diner is exactly what we were expecting from any decent diner. Low fares, simple yet good food, and quick service. Come to think of it, our waitress definitely made a great impression in being friendly, honest enough to ask for help in describing a souvlaki, and most importantly, having the patience too deal with two guys whom have spent far too much time playing poker against each other. Dinner for two including two beers, tax, and tip came out to be $24.
The Poly welcomes restaurant suggestions and other comments; send them to features@poly.rpi.edu.
