Our first meal at The Standard
The 50's style worked for us.
The Standard, the new restaurant at Crossgates, opened this week. And after hearing about the company behind it, we were kind of curious. We figured you would be, too.
So we had dinner there last night.
One note before we go any further: this is not a formal review. We're not awarding any stars or anything like that. Our dinner didn't span the entire the menu. And, hey, the place just opened -- so there are bound to be some things that need straightening out.
OK, all that said, here's what our party of four ate:
Appetizers
We tried the "Coconut Shrimp Lollipops" ($10.95 -- pictured above) and brie with roasted vegetables and "candied roasted garlic" ($9.95).
The coconut shrimp (meat as a "lollipop" is still weird to us) app included four sizable shrimp, coated in a crunchy coconut batter, on a stick that had been stuck in a wedge of pineapple. The shrimp were cooked nicely, but the batter was kind of bland. They definitely need the sweet and spicy sauce that came along in the bottom of the serving "boat." Alas, there wasn't enough sauce. If you get this, definitely ask for extra on the side.
The brie, which was warmed, was fine. The roasted vegetables it came with -- eggplant and red bell pepper -- were lacking. The eggplant was bitter and the red pepper was just kind of plain. And that "candied roasted garlic" tasted like regular roasted garlic to us.
(By the way, the bread first brought out to the table was really good -- dense and a little chewy.)
Entrees
We got the meat loaf "stack" ($14.95 -- pictured above), the sesame crusted tuna ($20.95), the "filet mignon stroganoff" ($17.95) and the crabcake BLT ($11.95).
We figured the meat loaf at this place had to be good, what with its 50s-throwback style. But it was just OK. There was nothing really wrong with it -- it just kind of all tasted of one meat flavor (some other notes -- herbs, veggies, something -- would have been nice.) The cheese on the stack of meat loaf slices didn't help a whole lot. We didn't really taste the caramelized onions that were in there. And there wasn't much crust on the loaf. Again this wasn't bad, it was just... OK.
The sesame crusted tuna came out looking great. It was nicely seared on the outside, still raw in the middle. And it was accompanied by kicky papaya mango salsa, white rice, bok choy and fried plantains. On the whole, this was fine. It was exactly what you would expect.
The "stroganoff" was kind of interesting. We never would have thought to put tenderloin (OK, fine, filet mignon) tips in a dish like this, and really, it didn't seem to make much of a difference. It wasn't tough by any means, but not super tender, either. The sauce of shitake mushrooms, onions and red wine sour cream sauce was nicely peppery. The pappardelle noodles were inconsistent -- some were a little mushy, other still had some body. The noodles with a little body were good.
The crabcake BLT was OK. As it happens, bacon does go well with crab. We would have liked a little more crab and a bit less "cake," though.
Dessert
We got two: a sort of fancied up moon pie ($5.95) and cake donuts with vanilla ice cream accompanied by bananas foster ($6.50).
The moon pie didn't go over well -- this interpretation of the Southern snack included a layer of cake, a layer of cream filling, another layer of cake and then whipped cream and chocolate shavings. The table consensus: eh.
The donuts were better. Of course, it's hard to go wrong with donuts and ice cream and bananas smothered in brown sugar sauce. It wasn't outstanding, but it was good.
Ambiance
We were big fans of the decor and feel of the space. The modern take on 50's style is cool with a bit of nostalgia. There are plenty of cozy leather booths. And the lighting is warm and a little low. It was very relaxing.
On the whole
We found ourselves wanting over and over during the meal for a little more... something. A little more spice. A little more flavor. Something a little different. But we're guessing that's by design. The Standard's menu has a little something for everyone and it's probably intended to appeal to a wide range of people. Heck, it's at a mall, what else would you expect?
If we were looking to get something to eat at Crossgates, we'd definitely eat here. Still, if given a choice of other restaurants at this price point and type of food around the Crossgates/Stuyvesant/Wolf Rd area, we'd rather eat at Creo or -- gasp -- the Cheesecake Factory.
Total tab (without tax and tip) for the aforementioned food along with two glasses of wine, one beer and one soda: $122.90.
The Bottom Line
The food at the Standard was OK -- not bad, but not great, either (it'd be good for a group of people with divergent tastes). The service was friendly and attentive. The ambiance was great. Would we go back? Sure. But we'd most likely go back to soak in the ambiance a little bit with a drink and an appetizer.
Find It
The Standard
Crossgates Mall
Albany, NY 12203
It's located on the Western Ave side of the mall, below the food court.
(518) 452-7007
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Comments
I'd like some feedback from folks who order cocktails there because I've heard this place is also supposed to function as a retro cocktail lounge.
... said chrisck on Dec 10, 2008 at 11:50 AM | link
That meatloaf looks delicious…
Now I’m hungry.
... said Steven on Dec 10, 2008 at 4:53 PM | link
went for dinner tonight.......very comfortable.....I thought the food was excelent..I had the meatloaf...Wife had the seabass, she also loved it.
... said Thomas Keller on Dec 11, 2008 at 12:12 AM | link
this is for chrisck.... i work at the standard and we have many cool drinks for you. we have a cool cucumber martini that is great.. a buz aldrin martini that is made with tang...who doesnt love tang...its kinda like a throwback tou your childhood..just all grown up!!! we also have many drinks many non alcoholic drinks made with berries and stuff... so come on in and have a cocktail and an appetizer...theres many cool ones to choose from.. i am not a manager there just a server who thinks it pretty good...
... said servergirl on Dec 11, 2008 at 6:48 PM | link
Thanks, Servergirl for that info. I have to admit I'd never order a drink made with Tang. ("I'll have that with the Spam garnish.") Hope the Standard can also do the classic cocktails, if it wants to live up to its retro reputation. (Retro as in Rob Roy, not Tang.) When I come over, my friends and I will be giving your Sidecars a test drive so get out your Old Mr. Boston recipe books.
... said chrisck on Dec 12, 2008 at 9:05 AM | link
We visited The Standard on Saturday afternoon and had a great experience! The decor was awesome and was way more than we had expected from a mall location. We started with the appetizer trio- different types of eggrolls (buffalo, tex/mex, and potato) served with an order of spinach dip and chips. The appetizer was huge and way too much for the 2 of us. We tried our best and took the rest home.
I had the turkey club while my wife ordered the parmesan chicken. The turkey club was excellent with real turkey and fries and had to take half home. My wifes chicken was also delicious with 2 huge breaded chicken breasts with a side of pasta. The only down side was the pasta had no sauce.
Our server (who had previously worked for the family) was extremely professional and knowledgeable as he helped us navigate the menu and narrow down our choices. He checked back several times and our sodas never ran dry. Like the decor, the level of service was a nice surprise as well.
Overall it was a great lunch ($39 with tip) and we can't wait to go back!
... said Matthew Walsh on Dec 15, 2008 at 11:51 AM | link
Oops-without tip. Didn't want to be labeled as cheap! lol
... said Matthew Walsh on Dec 15, 2008 at 1:23 PM | link
Wait, the turkey club has real turkey? That's it, I'm sick and tried of all the other restaurants around here sticking a fancy toothpick in some amalgam of grease trap drippings, toothpaste, MSG, and melted "burnt umber" crayons and calling it a turkey club. I'm ready to step up to some real turkey, which is definitely worth $9.95 if it comes with fries.
... said B on Dec 15, 2008 at 2:04 PM | link
Yes B--Real Turkey!! I too hate the turkey roll, turkey loaf, slimey turkey that is offered locally. The Standard turkey club had real turkey derived from a.....real turkey-Shocker!
Fries too, a generous side of hot fries--though no pre packaged cole slaw in a sealed plastic cup.
... said Matthew Walsh on Dec 15, 2008 at 2:36 PM | link
this place is awesome!! great place to have drinks....surf or die!!!
... said surfer dude on Dec 17, 2008 at 7:18 PM | link
We went on Sunday evening. The potato egg rolls sound a bit odd (and heavy) but are really pretty tasty. I had the Kobe burger and was disappointed, but their Lime Rickey is delicious.
... said Amanda on Dec 17, 2008 at 11:29 PM | link
I just tried "The Standard" today with my wife. Excellent. Superb. Brilliant. We had a terrific garden salad, pulled pork sandwich, Filet Mignon Stroganoff, Tiramisu and coffee. I have eaten in fine restaurants all over the world, Italy, Germany, Bermuda, Brasil, Canada. This is one of the best I've experienced here in the United States. I disagree with the haughty, dismissive style of review. Four stars. Thank you.
... said Kenneth Deitz on Dec 23, 2008 at 10:31 PM | link
I've had lunch, then a happy hour get together before the holidays and also dinner twice at the Standard. I love the decor, the ambience (including the music) is perfect, and the food - and drinks! - so far have been excellent! One or two hiccups with service, which is to be anticipated with a new restaurant (especially at the busy holidays), but all the staff have been friendly and prompt in addressing any concerns.
I noticed in some comments at other websites that some people are upset about the mall location. I can't imagine why! Once you walk in, you are in the restuarant, with all its charming retro decor. In that way, it just like walking into any other restaurant in the capital district - and there is plenty of parking, unlike some other locations in our area. Just try it, and enjoy!!
... said Denise on Jan 2, 2009 at 1:01 PM | link
I disagree with the AOA review of the Standard. I went this Saturday with my boyfriend. The wait was about an hour, but well worth it. The Standard's cocktail list was impressive and I had one of the best tasting margaritas I have had in the capital region. (They use grand marnier and no sour mix!)
We started with an asparagus and crabmeat bisque that was excellent. I had the shrimp in a spicy coconut curry over noodles and steamed veggies and he had the chicken madeira. I was pleasantly surprised that both dishes were very tasty and were pleasing to the eye as well.
Service was great. I would definitely return.
... said MissCeeBee on Jan 5, 2009 at 9:48 AM | link
Had a nice family lunch at The Standard during holiday week. I think I liked the crab BLT more than you guyz. The rest of the fam enjoyed their lunch, too. Chicken strips for the daughter, a burger for her friend and a really yummy sandwich for the lovely Mrs. B. A bit pricey, but that's to be expected. And they serve Landshark beer...so they get bonus points just for that!
... said bb on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:36 AM | link
I too have had an excellent experience at The Standard! We started off with the clam chowder soup, which could have served 2 people, it was a huge portion. The i had the horseradish crusted filet..OMG.. It was perfection, really job well done! My husband had the the lamb chops and really liked them. For dessert we had a chocolate cake the size of my head! I really liked this place and will absolutely go back again and again!
... said jenny on Jan 5, 2009 at 6:02 PM | link
We've had several good meals here, and the service has really picked up since the first week they were open. Two of the best features, which are hard to find in a mall restaurant:
you can substitute a vegetable for the starch without additional charge and you can make a reservation (so you can actually eat and see a movie). Nice addition to the local options.
... said Deborah on Jan 30, 2009 at 3:24 PM | link
I ate at The Standard for the first time last Sunday. It had it's good points but it had it's downfalls too.
I called to make a reservation for 4pm on Sunday and when I called I asked for a booth. I was told this would be no problem. When we got there we were asked to wait (there was no line and it was not even close to crowded). About 5 minutes later we were escorted to our booth by the server which when we got there, was dirty. So she took us to a table...a long table with about 12 seats. When we asked why there were so many seats she said it's kind of like a counter...more people would be seated there. Sorry...not ok with us. So she took us to a real table (next to a clean booth) by the kitchen. The chairs are comfy and I just wanted to eat so it was fine.
I ordered a salad which was very good but could have fed a small country. My friend ordered a steak which had way too much fat and was overcooked. We shared the cheesecake which was very good but nothing too special. The restaurants best quality...the martinis...that come WITH the shaker. Freakin' fantastic!
So...the conclusion is that I would go there for drinks any time. I wouldn't really go there for dinner. We love Houlihan's...the food is good, they know us there, and you can people watch when you sit by the windows.
... said Emma on Jan 30, 2009 at 3:52 PM | link
I went there last night...ordered steak med. wel got med extra rare! i had them return it, got it back extrawell done....i had to order something else, so i ended up with the kobe beef sliders (mini burgers) i got them the meat was so bland like they literalry just fried the meat it had a lil dab of ketchup and a lil tiny piece of chesse and the bread tasted so cheap it broke of and with the juice of the meat turned to mush the only thing eatable was the picles on the side....i ended up eating only one burger but just the meat! i ordered the french onoin soup it was extremly salty and wasn't eatable at all.....I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN HORRIBLE FOOD!!!!! BUT THE STAFF WAS GREAT....
... said E on Apr 19, 2009 at 12:27 PM | link
I ate @ The Standard on Saturday - awesome food. Also, I noticed that you can ORDER ONLINE through www.mealeo.com --- it's like the 20th sticker I've seen for Mealeo.com in the Capita Region. I have ordered online through mealeo.com, but have not yet ordered from the Standard through the website. I suggest to all of you, if you're looking for a convenient way to order, visit www.mealeo.com. You PRE-PAY for your order, so you don't have to run any type of transaction at the restaurant when you pick up your food. They have some delivery places too, but obviously not a huge selection of delivery options. Try it out, I was really impressed with the process.
... said Ryan on Sep 21, 2009 at 2:49 PM | link
Hm, anyone know if the Standard has any spam on their menu? Because right now, I'm really hungry for spam, and I have no idea why.
... said B on Sep 21, 2009 at 4:03 PM | link