A Jewel in the Captial District
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Let me begin by saying that my wife and I are very experienced with most of the resterants in the capital district, the good, the bad and the ugly. We eaten in some of the finest establishments in the world. We also know a lot of resterantours and are well aware of how hard it is to be a chef/owner. We both consider the River Street Cafe one of the finest places around. The menu ranges from the simple to the sublime and is always imaginative. The chef changes the offerings regularly, always relying on the freshest of ingrediants, especially the fish selections. If you see the Buffalo Calamari on the menu, it is a MUST order. Another favorite of ours is any fish selection in the brown butter sauce. Any of the sauces are wonderful. The wine list is interesting and well paired with the entrees, consisting of mostly medium priced selections.
George, the chef/owner is a very outgoing, enjoyable conversationalist (when he is not "slammed"), always offering little tidbits he has come across in his travels. Ask him about those hot pepper infused garlics! The rest of the wait staff is attentive and of a good caliber, always friendly. One of the real plusses here is this is THE place to bring guests or clientelle, because you are not rushed through like a herd of cattle. This is the place to enjoy a sunset along the Hudson while sipping an interesting new world wine and catching up with old friends while enjoying a great meal. It's called lesiurly dining folks! Very European.
The fact that you enter through the kitchen, puts one right in the foray and high energy that always accompanies finer eating establishments and bistros. I could just stand and watch a master chef at his craft, flames everywhere, pushing the staff the get the food to the tables. Just one flight up the stairs is a peaceful, simply decorated, quiet dining area that just seems another world for the action below.
We both consider George a good friend and excellent host.
Pros: convenient parking, beautiful view of the Hudson, great food