How Long is a Century?

The Century House is a restaurant in Latham NY where I ate recently. And yes, I know, I know, a century is a hundred years. The restaurant is actually only 60 years old. Hmmm. Their history, though, traces back much further than a hundred years -- to 1790 purchse of the land by Stephen van Rensselear. Despite being recommended to it l;ate at night after a long drive and expecting it to be only adequate, it was very good. I would definitely return.

What did I eat while reading my book (and the wait staff graciously increasing the lighting without being asked)? I was tempted by all sorts of possibilities, including a trio of three local cheeses, but actually had two other appetizers. I had the pan fried gnocchi, which comes with a nice gorgonzola cream sauce. They were very good -- a bit browned in teh clarified butter. (Cost: $8) I followed this with jumbo lump crab cakes, which were absolutely swell. ($15) To drink? A bottle of flat Saratoga water ($3); i just LOVE the blue bottle and so am always tempted. I also had two glasses (okay, one too many) of a nice Rex Goliath Pinot Noir, totaling $17.50. So, the meal was reasonably priced. The ambience was a sort of cozy, dark, business-y -- and I really liked it. It was a cell-free zone, too, which was nice for a change. 

I am, of course, a fan of gnocchi. These were light, and pretty evenly browned and very potato tasting. Unlike my former (and, ok, I still rate them highest), these did not come with pancetta or any other meat. But they were darn good and the gorgonzola might (just might) have trumped the Parmesan. Plus, my fave Henry B's in Seneca Falls is closed while they work out their new place in Rochester. Alas. (For a tiny bit of news on the new place, see here.)

All in all, I liked it a lot. I wish I had not been so tired and had dessert! Maybe next time.

Location: 997 New Loudon Road, Route 9, Latham, NY 12110

Phone: 518-785-0834

Website: www.thecenturyhouse.com