Salads in Albany! Jackbit and Joltz Finally Opens (and another door closes)

I haven't written anything about Albany in quite a while, but I think I've got some Albany commentary in me over the next couple of weeks...

Back in May, I wrote about the then-upcoming opening of Jackbit and Joltz, an Australian-themed cafe in Center Square on Lark. It was supposed to have opened on June 30th, then in August, then October, but today, January 25th, was the day.

I've been ridiculing the whole Australian theme, and I still find it a little silly, but it's turned out that the place is just what Lark Street needs. It's basically an Australian-themed equivalent of a Europe Cafe or Pax, like you'd find in NYC or DC. There are probably three dozen different sandwich selections (what the Australians apparently call "sangers" or "jaffles"), and you can walk in and get a salad with fresh greens with whatever toppings you'd like. I got a salad with fresh mozzerella, feta, tomatoes, peas, and chickpeas, for less than seven bucks.

They also offer "Joltz," which are made-to-order energy drinks, smoothies, and a lot of other salads and side. I think it's going to do well; it's two blocks from my apartment and a perfect place to do take-out.

In other Albany restaurant news, Ballinger's is closed, at least for now. I've been told that Doug Ballinger actually walked into the restaurant a week or two ago while it was open and just sent everyone, both customers and employees, home. Ballinger's website says it's going to reopen in the spring, but I've heard otherwise... fairly sketchy.

Anyway, there's another nice, upscale place to be in the area. Antica Enoteca, the wine bar I spend way too much time at on Lark Street, was purchased by Kevin Everleth a few weeks ago and has reopened as The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark. During the last couple of months under the old regime, the place was pretty empty, but over the last couple of weeks, it's come to life.

How did that happen? Well, Kevin's a Culinary Institute-trained chef, and he's not only expanded the once-sparse menu, but made the food both wonderful and reasonably-priced... there's not an entree over $19, and the menu changes regularly. Over the last week, I've had escargot, filet mignon, penne in pesto cream sauce (like three times!) and duck breast. All delicious. The wine list is much larger, too -- at least triple the old one and growing every day. And the place is still as cozy as ever. It's very, very worth a visit (or like five visits a week!).

Labels: Albany, Restaurants

posted by jbrzoska @ 5:54 PM Trackback Link