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Category:
Published: December 2006
Our afternoon began with a stroll through downtown Albany. We were looking for that path less traveled, the restaurant that is sometimes overlooked but never forgotten. We found our destination at V & R Restaurant at 136 Madison Ave, Albany.
The ambiance is old world Italy with the fine smell of garlic and tomato sauce cooking through the kitchen doors. We were greeted by the owner Sasha and we were seated in their simple but elegant dining area. The dark wood walls, tables and chairs reminded me of my visit to Italy and the country cafes.
Our lunch began with a wonderful green salad with house balsamic vinaigrette dressing. We then shared a fried calamari appetizer that was delightfully light with a wonderful side of marinara sauce. We then enjoyed a variety of well prepared dinners. And I say dinners although we were having a lunch because the ample serving rivaled what most restaurants serve in the evening. I had the Shrimp ala Vanessa which was superb, jumbo shrimp served with a light marinara sauce that just melted in your mouth. There is something very different in Sasha's V & R recipe that I have not found in other Italian restaurants in the region, the flavor resonates in your mouth and I could taste the delicate sauce for hours after I enjoyed our lunch there. My guest had the Shrimp di Capri which was fresh jumbo shrimp, broccoli, and plum tomatoes sauted lightly in fresh garlic and olive oil. The portions were large and delightful.
We relaxed with a cup of cappuccino and visited Sasha's beautiful remodeled catering dining room upstairs. The room is large enough to seat 120 people for weddings, corporate events and Christmas and New Year parties. We highly recommend your visit to this enchanting and little known trattoria.
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