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Joe’s Restaurant, Utica, NY

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I’d have to say even though Utica, NY has been named the worst of the worst cities in New York, as of the past two years it has made some drastic changes for the better. A new hospital has been approved to be built in the downtown Utica area. The Utica auditorium also has a new renovation underway and some of the major roads have been under construction. It definitely is looking a lot better.

I am not one to talk politics or go to my towns monthly board meetings. That’s just not me. But when I see our surrounding areas doing better I’m relieved for my kids. Changes are great but there is a lot to be said about the existing establishments that have been around for decades.

You walk into certain places like old bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores that take you back in time and stir up old memories. How do we hold on to that if those types of places are going extinct? Some businesses are passed on from generation to generation but eventually begin to be phased out due to lack of interest or monetary funds to keep a place going.

I’m just happy that there are still places around like Joe’s Restaurant so that new generations realize that life isn’t about glitz and glamour, that simplicity is what creates values and appreciation for the little things such as good food and time spent with family and friends.

The food served here is a totally different subject all in its own. First and only rule at Joe’s is DO NOT ASK FOR BUTTER or you will be thrown out lol. Another key factor you need to know about Joe’s are the hours of operation. Tuesday’s 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Yup that’s right only two days of blessing you with their home cooked meals, patina decor, and an at home type of feel atmosphere. Just expect to wait for a table if you don’t get there before 11:00.  Even though it is small it definitely gives you a welcoming feel.

Joe’s Restaurant in Utica, NY located on Jay Street,  are one of those places that leave memories etched in your mind forever.

 

 

 

Never Feel Guilty(1 min read)

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First and foremost, life is too short to not do the things you want to do in life. Even the simple things that make us happy shouldn’t be discounted like, resting, watching tv, writing, snuggling, listening to the rain, indulging in our favorite foods once in a while, taking a nap, letting the laundry go for a day or two, reading, and just thinking.

You’d be surprised how replenished you can feel just by doing those simple things that do not cost a cent.

Don’t feel guilty about living the life that you want and what makes you feel good. 13133103_10209372301970528_7273809905913075704_n

 

Lunch in upstate NY, Casa Too Mucha

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For a Wednesday a.k.a. hump day, I must say it turned out to be a great day. My kids had a snow day, the office was slow, and I didn’t have to substitute teach either. Woo hoo! So we went to lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant called Casa Too Mucha. The title is very deceiving because its far from expensive.

The menu ranges from Mexican food to anything and everything else. Everything on the menu is homemade and delicious! My favorite is the chicken chimichanga. Oi!  And yes they still have their Christmas tree up but that makes the place even more special. The owners are so welcoming and the place is cozy as heck.

Since we had a little time to kill after lunch we did a little shopping at Marshall’s in Rome, NY. If once or twice a month I can go in there just to catch some deals I am more than a happy camper. Seriously, you can’t beat their prices on some of their stuff. Good quality leggings for $5.99 really??? And a sweet little tunic for $9.99. How can you go wrong??

I love finding good buys. Two recommendations if you’re ever in the upstate NY area. Casa Too Mucha for a great meal and Marshall’s for great deals on household items, clothing, etc. You can’t go wrong.

The weekend is almost here and we are suppose to be going to the movies and out to eat. I’ll be doing a movie critic review as well as dining review again this weekend! Enjoy your day everyone!

Chicken Cordon Bye Bye Blue

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Okay so I made chicken cordon blue today but had to prepare it ahead of time because of our busy schedule and it came out delish. I had made it before but this time I did it a little different just to give it a little zip.

The problem is that we ate it so fast I forgot to take a “pretty” blog pic to post with the recipe. So the pic I posted was of my sons next to last piece before it disappeared.

My whole philosophy on cooking is that it isn’t an exact science. Yes, to some degree you have to follow the amount of ingredients and preparation but there is room for adding a little pizzazz here and there. One mistake I’ve made in the past is don’t over due it on the salt. Use your other salt free spices and be creative!

Here are the ingredients and the prep which took me about 10 to 15 minutes total.

Chicken Cordon Bye Bye Blue

~ 2 lbs. chicken breast (de-fatted, sliced thin and long)

~ Virginia Baked Ham, 1 slice per piece of chicken

~ Swiss cheese, any kind 1 slice per piece of chicken

1/2 cup of seasoned bread crumbs

salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder about 4 shakes of each on top of the rolled chicken cordon blue pieces

Cream Sauce

3/4 quarter stick of butter

1/3 cup of flour

1 cup of 2% milk

1/4 parmesan cheese

2 tsp. spicy brown mustard

1/3 cup of Honey Mustard dipping sauce/dressing

salt, pepper, onion powder to taste

Roll pieces of chicken with one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese. Hold each piece with a tooth pick or two if needed. Put a few shakes of salt, pepper, and onion powder on each piece.

Drizzle bread crumbs on top of each piece to coat lightly.

Sauce/Gravy Preparation

Melt butter and then add flour to make a roux. Add milk slowly and stir until you see a smooth consistency.

Add mustard and honey mustard.

Add salt, pepper, onion powder.

Preheat oven to 350

Cover chicken pieces with gravy. Cook 45 minutes on 350. Voila!