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Category:
Published: October 2007
Jack's Oyster House
42-44 State St.
Albany, NY
518.465.8854
In the Capital District, the reputation of Jack's Oyster House is legendary for its outstanding cuisine. Jack's is a popular spot for local politicians and notables, as well as folks who want to enjoy a dependably wonderful time dining out. Jack's has been family owned and operated since 1913, and is America's second-oldest family run restaurant. Through the years, Jack's Oyster House has received many accolades and awards. Jack's was inducted into to the Dining Hall Of Fame in 2005, and was the recipient of the 2007 coveted Ivy Award for being America's most prestigious food service authority.
Now that we've established that Jack's has quite an impressive resume, let me tell you a bit about their dcor. Simply put, the ambiance is both classic and serene. The restaurant is dimly lit with dark, paneled walls that are gracefully adorned with gilded framed pictures of Albany's historical and proud past. Antique black iron chandeliers throughout the dining room offer a rustic yet elegant complement to the black and white tile floor. As you dine your eyes cannot help but focus on the beautiful, large floral arrangement perched over the front door. The classical music playing in the background fits perfectly with the lovely surroundings.
Jack's can also boast of having a Certified Master Chef. Chef Dale Miller is only one of 60 chefs in the U.S. to have earned that distinction. No one has to convince me of Chef Dale's considerable talent after the phenomenal meal my dinner companion and I enjoyed. We started our dining experience with a jumbo lump crabmeat cocktail with a Cajun remoulade .The crabmeat was extremely fresh, sweet, and delicious. The Cajun remoulade was an ideal complement to the succulent crabmeat; it was not a bit overpowering. Our entrees came with a house salad, which were fresh and delightful. They included bleu cheese, which I am not usually fond of, but I enjoyed it and found the house dressing to be quite good.
For our entrees, we both decided on seafood. I ordered the wild salmon in a basil and pine nut crust, and my dinner companion had a seafood medley (a special that evening). It consisted of salmon, grilled shrimp and sea bass with mixed tropical fruits. My salmon was excellent - extremely fresh and flavorful. The pine nut basil crust was a marvelous touch. I loved the texture of the pine nuts with the salmon. My companion's seafood medley was equally as good. Again, the seafood was very fresh and the pineapple, honeydew and cantaloupe were delightful on a hot summer's night. Our entrees also came with whipped potatoes, baby green beans and candied baby carrots. For dessert, we indulged in their New Orleans-style bread pudding with a pecan praline sauce, served warm with whipped cream. Sublime, heavenly, divine, you name it; the dessert was almost too good to be true.
Jack's Oyster House is open every day of the year! The food and service are exemplary. If you have never been there, you need to go. If you haven't been in a while, it's time to go back. You will always enjoy exceptionally fine dining at Jack's Oyster House.
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