I headed to Valente's in Watervliet recently to take advantage of a
gift certificate and treat myself to a dinner prepared by someone other
than myself. The place was unexpectedly busy, seemed like for the staff
as well as for me. After a couple of moments, I was greeted and seated,
comfortably in a booth. I kind of knew what I wanted when I arrived
thanks to a lengthy study of the menu online: an order of steamed clams ($8.25),
a Caesar salad ($8.95), and their award winning Perfect Storm Mac and Cheese ($23.95), with lobster and crab. I saw the "table talker" promoting Cupcake wine and decided to
jump in with two feet - one moscato, please!
The clams were good, maybe 14 or so on the order. I had one or two that would have benefited from a rinse off, but basically, and in a perfectly basic way, they were exactly what I wanted. Plump, tender and accompanied by a puddle of butter. Served simultaneously with the clams was my Caesar salad. Although I had asked for some additional anchovies, they were forgotten. Because they were busy and there was a decent fish flavor in the dressing, I didn't bother to request them again. No worries. Nothing special either, but I've had worse.
I watched virtually everyone depart with a box of leftovers. And they looked heavy. I knew I was going to have a similar future since I had over-ordered to be able to use the restaurant.com gift certificate that required a $40 check. Oh, don't you worry. I can eat. The Mac and Cheese was huge, easily enough to feed 3. It was creamy, piping hot and sharp in a really pleasing way. While there certainly wasn't sufficient shellfish present to enjoy some in each bite, in no way did I feel denied. I only ate about a quarter of the portion and I was staying on my game plan - which was maintain room for dessert.
Despite the fact that none of the evening's dessert offerings were made in house, I went with the carrot cake. It was a fair representation of carrot cake - moist, iced with cream cheese frosting and a size that was shareable. Except, I was dining solo so I ate the whole damn thing myself leaving the inferior whipped cream on the plate as a testament to my willpower.
Overall impression? A pleasant dining experience that doesn't blaze any culinary trails, yet provides a comforting repast. I'd go back - especially since I noted that Mac's Drive-In is right on the way and I've been meaning to get there for some ice cream.
The clams were good, maybe 14 or so on the order. I had one or two that would have benefited from a rinse off, but basically, and in a perfectly basic way, they were exactly what I wanted. Plump, tender and accompanied by a puddle of butter. Served simultaneously with the clams was my Caesar salad. Although I had asked for some additional anchovies, they were forgotten. Because they were busy and there was a decent fish flavor in the dressing, I didn't bother to request them again. No worries. Nothing special either, but I've had worse.
I watched virtually everyone depart with a box of leftovers. And they looked heavy. I knew I was going to have a similar future since I had over-ordered to be able to use the restaurant.com gift certificate that required a $40 check. Oh, don't you worry. I can eat. The Mac and Cheese was huge, easily enough to feed 3. It was creamy, piping hot and sharp in a really pleasing way. While there certainly wasn't sufficient shellfish present to enjoy some in each bite, in no way did I feel denied. I only ate about a quarter of the portion and I was staying on my game plan - which was maintain room for dessert.
Despite the fact that none of the evening's dessert offerings were made in house, I went with the carrot cake. It was a fair representation of carrot cake - moist, iced with cream cheese frosting and a size that was shareable. Except, I was dining solo so I ate the whole damn thing myself leaving the inferior whipped cream on the plate as a testament to my willpower.
Overall impression? A pleasant dining experience that doesn't blaze any culinary trails, yet provides a comforting repast. I'd go back - especially since I noted that Mac's Drive-In is right on the way and I've been meaning to get there for some ice cream.
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