derryX Dines

Being that I live ridiculously close to Troy, I figured it was time to seek out a relatively new place in Troy to try. Being that there has been a significant buzz on the Times Union Troy blog about the re-opening of The Illium Cafe under new management, I decided to try it. Bear in mind, I have no prior knowledge as to the business before I entered. In a nutshell, I would classify Illium Cafe as a good coffee/sandwich shop. The menu is not particularly overwhelming. I went for dinner, so my eyes went right for the Sandwich portion of the menu. All of the selections reflect things that I would order either as is or with minor substitutions.Read More

derryX gives Wine-N-Diner an unprecedented second chance…

See if derryX thought that Cheesecake Machismo was oozing machismo…

Read all about this epic sushi dining experience!

Read about derryX’s public opinion on Evans Public House.

How did “The Dean” grade “The Judge?”

Not as an actual puppy, but because I was at the guy who runs that blog’s restaurant on my birthday. See for yourself: LINK Maybe this will jog your memory… (see last picture) Thanks to Kriskaten for spotting me!

UPDATED!!!!! How do you think I liked it?

In brainstorming ideas for a small place to have dinner and catch up, Theresa recommended Garden Bistro 24 to me and Cassie. Theresa also sent along a link to Steve Barnes’s Table Hopping blog post introducing the restaurant. After seeing this and browsing the menu online, I was sold. I was also immediately sold on the same exact entrée that Steve had: “An 8-ounce hanger steak frites,…, with a small salad, mound of fresh-cut fries seasoned with sea salt and a blue cheese-shallot glaze.” Upon entering the establishment, which is in the same shopping plaza as Pizza Mare & Deli and a place ominously named Hot Dealz, you get the feeling of a casual, no frills dining experience. The waiters areRead More