Monticello Raceway/Casino - The Terrace - a pleasant surprise.

I've been to the Monticello Racino a few times in the past but the funny thing is I have been there the last 2 Friday nights in a row.  No, I am not developing a habit.  We went as a family of 5 the first week and then my Mommy asked if I wanted to meet here this past Friday and so, I went with my younger son.  Since we had the buffet the first week, I wanted to try the restaurant this past week.  World of difference.  Still not 5 star dining, but if I have reason to visit again, I will skip the buffet.

I know, buffets have their purpose and I'm not putting this one down, but if all I want is soup and a little something, why pay for the full line of items I am not likely to eat.

Funny, now when I see "soup du jour" on a menu I can't help thinking of the clip from Dumb and Dumber. In the scene Jim Carrey asks the waitress, "What's the soup du jour?"  She responds, "It's the soup of the day." He then says, "That sounds good. I'll have that."  Ah the sophisticated humor of Jim Carrey.

The soup of the day at The Terrace happened to be one of my favorites - New England Clam Chowder. But, do I dare try it at the racino?  Yes!

Packed with potatoes, clams, veggies and with a broth that was perfect even for Goldilocks - not too thick, not too thin.  The temperature of every bite was steamy hot!  I ate the entire crock and loved it.

Soup for my son as well, but he instead shares a passion for his father's favorite soup, the French Onion. They both favor this soup in it's most classic form and do not want any modern twists.  This version was no disappointment.

Main courses.  For my Mommy, a steak sandwich which she enjoyed:

We watched the line for the buffet grow and grow.  Some had coupons for a free dinner and while no one can argue with the value of a free meal, I equally support the right to choose and have what you want!

My son and I order quesadillas that were listed as appetizers but we thought in combination with our soup they would be more than enough food.  See what you think of the serving size:

It was about the size of a pizza folded in half.  I ate one section and was completely stuffed!

As far as cost, it was a little bit more than the buffet, but not enough to worry about spending.

We returned to our games and an announcement came over the speakers, "Will the following two people please report to the Player's Club for Turkey Bowling..." and guess who was called.  Yes, this gal.

I was nervously excited and hopeful.  I was handed a hollow turkey of undetermined material to slide down a bowling lane and had 2 chances to knock down all the pins and win a coupon voucher for slots.  What do you think happened?

I needed both tries, but yes, I won!

The winning did not influence my opinion of the meal, but it is altogether a great memory. Try The Terrace and if nothing else, maybe you'll just have a good time and feel Fed Well.

http://www.monticellocasinoandraceway.com/pdf/The_Terrace_Menu.pdf

Sunday Morning at the Cup and Saucer in Pine Bush, NY

A good meal to catch up over is breakfast and so I summoned available family members and headed out to the Cup and Saucer Diner in Pine Bush.  For me, it is almost like going to a friend's house; it is in a family friendly neighborhood, comfortable and casual.

After all, the food is important, but if the atmosphere is all wrong, I would never return.  I am always happy to see my friend, Marlene and am sure to run into others I know and care about. 

We talk about current events.  Our town has received some recent negative press and since we have lived in the area for 3 generations now, we try to envision the place that was written about compared to the hometown we see day after day.  The stories don't quite match and we wonder if we simply are not aware, if something was blown out of proportion, or if maybe the conspiracy theories are true and the horror stories were brought to light to portray the citizens in a bad light.

Breakfast.  The reason, or the excuse, for our gathering.  Here's a look at the food:

Fruit Cup

Though I'm not a grapefruit fan, the rest of the fruit is sweet and refreshing.  A great start to the meal.

2 poached eggs with wheat toast and potatoes

My breakfast.  I love eggs and have yet to meet a way to prepare them that doesn't make me happy.  The poached egg yields to gentle pressure from the toast and my taste buds smile at the warm gooey yolk.

Sunny Side Up with Bacon*

Silver Dollar Pancakes with Chocolate Chips

I enjoy watching Catherine as she dips each forkful of pancake very carefully into the container of syrup.

French Toast with Bacon

My Mommy knew exactly what she wanted without a menu and was happy with her choice.

*The photo of the eggs and bacon includes an extra side of bacon that came with the silver dollar pancakes. Serving size not typical :)

We talk.  We talk about family, aging, work and holidays.  Venting. Yes, that happens.  After all, if you can't talk it over with your family, who can you talk to?

The check is quietly place on the table and we continue to talk. The time passes quickly and people have come and gone. The day is dreary, rainy and cool, but I'm feeling Fed Well for having spent some time with my Mommy, and part of my little family. Before leaving, I run into a friend that is fairly new to my life but it feels like she has always been there. Cup and Saucer (though my mother-in-law has taken to calling it the Tea Cup) is simply one of my favorites. Time to part ways, but with a craving for something warm and sweet, I make a quick stop at the drive through for a pick me up.

An after breakfast treat - hot French Vanilla Latte!

Though the Fed Well blog may not have a particular rhythm, neither does life as it ebbs and flows, sometimes gently or with pounding fury. The grey rainy days serve their purpose as well, for without them, the continuous sun would make life a desert.