September 2004 -
Lombardo's dt
5.25 - 6.5, 6, 5.5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4
A fifty minute trip, made longer by five to ten minutes from
traffic lights switching between cars, drew us toward Albany. By
Feura Bush, the rear car was guessing Jacks or
Lombardos. Either by deceptive planning or erratic
directions, we were thrown in front of Jacks, but then
circled to the real destination Lombardos.
Whereupon, carboys whisked us out of the cars and we entered into
one of Albany s best known names.
Upside: Well, the car ride, if you
hadnt noticed, especially in downtown Albany was a bit of
adventure with Ken having to wait for Tim, which later instigated
a discussion of a Plan B in case we ever get separated. Even
earlier, Kens choice up to Rt 32 was a scenic tour of
countryside most of us dont see.
And, even earlier than that were hors
doeuvres at the Monteverds (their pick), with Kriss making
sure that if we had not gone out, any hunger would have been
satiated with all the choices. But, even better, well, in
addition, Deb had finished Volume 2 of the dinner reviews, and
Don read a half dozen, provoking commentary about some of the
details we may have forgotten about. It was a nice way of
recalling July 2003 to August 2004, which marked 22 consecutive
months of DP8. Thanks, Deb (and Tom), for providing the keepsake.
Back to Lombardos. A classic
Italian-aura experience awaits the diner. A long and narrow
interior, lined with booths, with temperate lighting and a dozen
or so wall paintings made for a classic interior. We sat by the
street door, so depending on your point of view, it was either
busy or interesting.
Shrimp, veal, pasta, in red sauce, or the ravioli in
the cream sauce, along with a brace of Tiziana Chianti bottles,
along with glasses of Pinot Grigio or White Zinfandel defined our
main course.
The service was, well, satisfactory. It was terse,
at times, with a hint of humor, but not as outstanding as
weve seen in a few of our other visits.
The meal was preceded by oil laden with garlic
bits with bread to start, and then a salad. For dessert, we tried
profiterole or peach sorbet or something lemony or black Sambuca
or Frangelica.
The way home started with our customary
switching of back seat passengers, and ended with a driveway
conversation.
The risqué side almost never surfaced....
Aside from that, we were almost good, with discussions of past
trips to Lombardos (the Monteverds a few times, and the
Adamses several or more times, the rest were rookie visits).
Downside. Damn, it was cold. We must have sat
under the air conditioning compressor. Even after the air
conditioning was mostly shunted aside, we still were barely on
the low comfort side of cool. A few trips to the bathroom warmed
a couple patrons.
And, Tim was not funny. A energy-sapping cold
enervated him, probably the same cold Tom was getting, or had,
and both were soon to pass on to their wives. It was tough to
have a cold and be cold.
The other factor (maybe it was just me) was I had my
expectations set very high. And, the entrees were good, the
sauces mostly ordinary, and the service was satisfactory, but I
had built an expectation higher than Lombardos was
delivering. If I hadnt known I was at Lombardos, I
would have declared the restaurant a good visit. Still, Im
glad I went to Lombardos and would be tempted to try again.