When I started planning a trip up to Vermont to see my family, I quickly had to figure out whether to rent a car or take the train. While renting a car gives me the flexibility to leave New York at any time and independence, the rental prices seem to be outrageous these days. In addition, at times New York City traffic can add an extra hour to the trip, just trying to exit the city. Therefore, I did some research and found out that for $80 round trip I could take Amtrak up to Albany, only an hour away from my family’s home in Vermont.
Two and a half hours later I arrived in Albany relaxed and ready for the weekend. I spent the trip enjoying the beautiful Hudson River scenery and reading. Not bad for a stress free commute. I can’t say enough wonderful things about my Amtrak experience yesterday and am already dreaming of a trip along the Hudson during peak foliage season this Fall!
Once I arrived in Albany my parents picked me up and we enjoyed an hour of uninterrupted catch up time together in the car while we drove up to Manchester Center.
They were sweet enough to make dinner plans for us since they knew I’d be starving by the time we arrived. Graze is an adorable restaurant which opened on Thanksgiving Day this year. New to the Manchester restaurant scene, Graze is a popular deli during the day for sit down or takeout lunch and in the evening it turns into a fine dining experience, run Connie and Michael a son and mother team from Colorado.
As soon as we sat down we were graced with their bread basket, an assortment of lavash. Part of the fun was definitely figuring out how to politely break the lavash without having it crumble. There were two flavors, one which had a hint of anise and another which reminded me of a pretzel thin. Both were delicious!
Menus like Graze’s make me smile and so happy. After a long week of making decisions, I want my dinner decision to be as simple as possible. Therefore I love menus that offer 3-4 appetizers, entrees and desserts.
Since we were starving, we each ordered appetizers. My mom and I split a bowl of the gazpacho, which they waiter was kind enough to serve in two separate bowls. The gazpacho was a perfect cool, refreshing appetizer and I loved that it was full of flavor without being spicy. Unlike some gazpacho this one was well blended which was a new touch.
Dad went with their open face lobster ravioli which reminded me of lobster roll meets ravioli.
The entrees were the true winners of the evening, delivering more than I expected. I, like many, normally avoid ordering chicken when dining out, instead opting for something more creative. But, knowing that I had a long run on tap this morning I was craving some pasta and therefore the gnocchi side sold me on the chicken immediately.
The dish was prepared perfectly. Bo would have loved the crispy skin and tender meat while the red pepper flavor and roasted tomatoes were a perfect compliment to the gnocchi.
My dad, always the meat lover, ordered their steak which was served with mustard greens and mashed potatoes. I can’t attest to the flavor since he loved it so much that it was gone before he remembered to offer us a taste. But, the meat looked like it was cooked right as requested.
As a new restaurant in Manchester I really hope Graze makes it as both a dinner and lunch destination. The owners are very friendly and the space is perfect for a comfortable meal. My only recommendation would be that they launch a website so tourists can see a sample of their menus and gain a flavor for the restaurant.
Dinner looks awesome!!
Mmmmmmmm gnocchi!