New food options at Empire State Plaza
The state Office of General Services announced a new lineup of food options at the Empire State Plaza. The new options include an outlet for Pho Yum, the casual Vietnamese restaurant in Colonie, and Capital Q, the barbecue place in Albany's Pine Hills neighborhood. The new vendors start serving Monday, November 25.
The new vendor lineup was prompted by a switch from Sodexo, the current food service provider. Local restaurant empire Mazzone Hospitality is taking over the ESP's cafeteria and will have catering rights in the Albany Room. OGS says Mazzone will start December 9. [TU CapCon]
Also: "An announcement regarding the former Capitol Deli is forthcoming."
A full list of the new -- as well as still present -- food options is post jump.
All descriptions from OGS.
Main Concourse
Pho Yum
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Pho Yum is scaled down version of Albany's My Linh Vietnamese restaurant that has been a fixture in the Capital Region for 20 years. Pho Yum will feature a hearty, savory Vietnamese noodle soup called Pho and a variety of My Linh summer rolls, Banh Mi sandwiches and Bun vermicelli noodles. A sampling of their menu items can be found at www.pho-yum.com.
'Merican Band Wagon
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
With its freshly prepared foods and fabulous hand-cut fries, The 'Merican Band Wagon was one of the most popular at the Empire State Plaza this summer. The menu includes house roasted angus beef, roasted chicken sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks with meat delivered directly from Philadelphia, and a variety of homemade sauces and sides. You can find 'Merican Band Wagon on Facebook

Capital Q Smokehouse
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
The Albany-based Capital Q Smokehouse truck has been a fixture at the Empire State Plaza for a few years and now visitors will be able to enjoy this favorite year-round. Nothing can beat the taste of slow- smoked specialties including pulled pork, Texas-style beef brisket and pork ribs, along with original sauces and an ever-changing plethora of side dishes. Visit Capital Q online at www.eatmypork.com.
Phil's Kitchen
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Hailing from Jamaica, Phil's Kitchen has been serving up amazing food from its Morton Avenue location in Albany as well as on the Plaza. Phil's is ready to share its delicious authentic Caribbean food that is bursting with flavor with state employees and visitors. Dishes will include jerk chicken, curry chicken and goat, stewed chicken and beef, oxtails, meat and veggie patties, specialty soups and more. Phil's Kitchen can be found on Facebook.
Au Bon Pain
Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
Recognized by Health magazine as one of America's Top 5 healthiest restaurant chains, Au Bon Pain offers a wide selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and fresh baked goods. A full menu, along with seasonal specials and a list of soups are available at www.aubonpain.com
McDonald's
Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
McDonald's will provide a breakfast and lunch featuring their most popular meal items from breakfast sandwiches to burgers, shakes, fries, and salads. A full menu and nutritional information can be found at www.mcdonalds.com.
Southwest Concourse
Au Bon Pain
Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
A full size version of the Au Bon Pain located in the main cafeteria, this location features extended hours and lots of booths and table space to enjoy a meal. There is also a convenient kiosk location at the base of Corning Tower during the morning and early afternoon to grab a quick coffee and snack.
Plaza Pavilion
Phil's Kitchen
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 10:00 am; Friday - 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm; 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday and Sunday
Breakfast at the Pavilion will feature cooked to order eggs and sides along with oatmeal and cold cereal. Lunch and skating rink fare will include traditional snack bar items including burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and cocoa along with Caribbean sandwiches. Healthy snacks including fruit will also be available.
Swan Street Building
Subway
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
The food at Subway offers quick, fresh, nutritious meals that the whole family can enjoy. From Fresh Fit choices certified by the American Heart Association to salads, subs and breakfast sandwiches. A full menu and nutritional information can be found at www.subway.com.
Euro Delicacies
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Offering a wide range of Mediterranean and Eastern European foods, from salads and pasta to vegetarian specials and chicken dishes. Among the most popular items are spanakopita, eggplant parmigiana, moussaka, and stuffed peppers, as well as baklava. Visit www.euro-delicacies.com.
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
Wow, lucky state workers! What a huge step up from Sodexo (I was forced to eat their college-student-grade gruel for a few years)
... said Paul on Nov 21, 2013 at 4:54 PM | link
No Wandering Dago?
... said Harold on Nov 22, 2013 at 8:27 AM | link
Why did they have to be so secretive about it?
... said Ron on Nov 22, 2013 at 8:34 AM | link
Sweet! finally something different and unique!
I bet they're prices will be better than Sodexo $8 for a sandwich got old really fast
... said karnerblu on Nov 22, 2013 at 9:56 AM | link
Sodexo catered an excellent buffett memorial at Sienna for the late great Bill Edwardsen. I hope all the food workers can get jobs with the new venues. The state workers are SO LUCKY to have close proximity to Euro Delicasies. They are the best cooks! love their stuffed cabbage, eggplant parm, and spanalopita!
... said mg on Dec 6, 2013 at 1:28 AM | link