Grappa '72 (Albany)

[financialdistrictresident]

We finally found our way to Grappa '72 (in the former Carmine's location). After recent meals at
The Ripe Tomato (popular, family restaurant) and Pennell's (Italian, family restaurant) I appreciated Grappa '72 even more . . . Now on to the food:

APPETIZERS

salmon carpaccio - grappa and lemon cured in house with salsa cruda - delicious

Finoccio e Arancia - fennel and oranges with pomegranate and pecorino cheese - simple and delicious.

ENTREES

anatra arrostito - crisp roasted duck with raisin and Lambrusco reduction, wild rice and carrots. Cooked perfectly. Carrots tasted local, just picked, fresh.

Forgot what SO had . . .fish . . .

SIDES

gorgonzola polenta - simply addictive.

DESSERT & ESPRESSO

It has been awhile . . .forgot what we had for dessert . . .

Service was excellent. Did I mention the live jazz? Looks like I have a new favorite . . .can't wait to go back.

http://www.grappa72.com/

[financialdistrictresident]

We went back to Grappa'72 recently.

Reasonably priced wine list. Had the salmon carpaccio and fennel salad again. Tried the hot grilled peppers (and we were very happy they were HOT). I had the duck. SO had a pasta dish. We had espresso and cannoli for dessert. The filling was fine. The shell was crispy but didn't taste right (old or rancid oil?).

One of our favorites in Albany.

[gerchak198]

Mr. Colose departed a while ago; not sure who is in the kitchen now.

[financialdistrictresident]

Where is Chef Colose now?

[gerchak198]

Catering and pondering his next move.

[financialdistrictresident]

Chef Colose is now at The Wine Bar (Saratoga Springs):

http://blog.timesunion.com/tablehoppi...

Stopped by Grappa '72 for cocktails recently. Needed a nice lounge not far from the Double Happiness Bus with easier parking than Lark Street area.

Patio is still open. Location can be challenging to find (near Hannaford ACROSS from Westgate Shopping Center), but worth it.

[eclecticsynergy]

Yes, it can be hard to find because one can't see it from the street. Best landmark, I think, is to say that it's behind Friendly's, at the far end of the little strip mall.

Have been back about half a dozen times this year, and have never been disappointed..

[financialdistrictresident]

A recent post about Grappa '72. Looks like it's Pamela S's first post:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/641480

Anyone else been recently?

[financialdistrictresident]

We went recently. Had dinner on the patio. Excellent service (thanks, Wendy).

Now on to the food:

Fresh bread and a tapenade. I had a taste of the tapenade, not my thing. SO liked it.

We ordered our appetizers, the wine came and then we ordered our main courses. I like the relaxed, European style dining here. Some restaurants you MUST order everything all at once. We appreciate the chef's flexibility. Especially since they were so busy.

For apps we had a special - escargot with portabello, roasted red pepper, artichoke and a creamy sambuca (?) sauce. Very good.

We also shared the grilled shrimp with white beans and mint. A healthy drizzle of olive oil. Shrimp were cooked perfectly. Very good.

SO had a veal special with a cream sauce for his main course.

I had risotto with peas and grilled scallops. Very good. Couldn't finish the risotto.

We finished with tartufo and espresso.

Even better than our last dinner at Grapa '72.

[feelinpeckish]

I think you've found a real prize... I used to enjoy Carmine's but this sounds even more enticing. (all viewers should log on to the listed website)

[eclecticsynergy]

Definitely my new favorite. As I posted elsewhere, I intend to become a regular.

[gerchak]

Chef Dominic Colose used to be in Saratoga, and is a terrific cook.