Top Ten This Week: Great Comfort Eats

From the hottest campus trends to most bizarre things to buy in the Skid shop, there’s always ten that deserve our extra attention. Check back weekly as the topics get even more exciting and find out the ten that land a spot at the top of our list. 

Personally, I don’t think that dhall is the best place to turn to when you’re looking for a dose of that always-reliable comfort food. And with dhall out of the picture, the business of cooking for yourself most likely isn’t at the top of your list when you’re already in a mood that requires a comfort food remedy. So, what’s a girl to do? Downtown Saratoga is full of delicious deals and there are some great comfort foods waiting to be eaten. Here’s ten of the finest comfort foods that our beloved college town has to offer (in no specific order).

1. Uncommon Grounds: Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Nope, it’s not just any oatmeal raisin cookie. Ask them to warm it up for you so it’s a little soft and warm to the touch and the fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe will have you feeling right at home. Ask for a glass of milk on the side and relive your childhood by dipping a few bites, if you’re so inclined. 

2. Bread Basket Bakery: Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Swirl bread toasted with a smear of butter
Dhall’s raisin bread doesn’t even begin to compare to the bread basket’s little homemade slice of heaven. That’s all. 

3. The Cupcake Lab: Grilled cheese with tomato
Grilled as a panini on honey wheat, ciabatta or five seed bread (you even have the option to throw bacon in the mix)
Most people don’t even know this place exists, so simply make a point of checking it out. I promise you the experience of an unreal grilled cheese.  

4. Virgils House: Apple Chicken Salad Wrap
Herbed chicken breast with diced celery, granny smith apples, lettuce, tomato, mayo & a touch of honey
I’ve watched some people flinch at the mention of ‘chicken salad,’ probably because they’re picturing a over-mayonnaised cafeteria type version that comes from some unknown and unsanitary place, but I’m happy to say this far from the truth at Virgil’s House. This sandwich will help you see the bright side of chicken salad and may even forever change your misguided perception. Go ahead, I dare you.

5. Beverly’s: Breakfast Bowl of Homemade Granola (Added fruit or raisins optional)
One bowl will leaving you wanting about six more. This homemade granola is perfectly granola-y…huh? It’s not too sweet and is definitely not one of those imitation granolas chalk full of sugar that we often encounter.  Literally, I love it. I want a bowl right now.

6. Plum Dandy: … anything
My personal favorite, and the only flavor I get, is the classic Eurotart. But, even if that’s not your style, anything from Plum Dandy, froyo or a smoothie, is bound to bring some comfort to your taste buds. Plus, Plum Dandy now has imported Dutch Hot Chocolate… can you say YUM?!

7. Mrs. London’s: Creamy Tomato Soup (with cheddar cheese if desired!)
Rain or shine, tomato soups is an ultimate comfort of mine and I must say that Mrs. London’s is doing everything right when it comes to serving up a cup.

8. Hatties: Jasper’s Mac & Cheese
Crisp & Creamy! Made with sharp chedder and a crisp biscuit crust (if you want you can add sausage or chicken too) – available October-April 
You’d be crazy not to call this comfort food. I do love my Annie’s mac, but Jasper’s Mac at Hatties is possibly too good to be true.

9. The Local: Flatbread Pizza 
The Local switches up it’s flatbread every day (ask for the pizza flavor of the day) and it’s always delicious. I know we love to see that little Domino’s one person pizza delivery car zooming through campus, but try going out for pizza instead…and not just any kinda pizza, flatbread pizza! 

10. Esperantos: The Dough Boy (or Dough Girl)
It seems fitting to include Skidmore’s favorite ‘late night’ comfort… and, although I myself am not a fan, Esperantos’ Dough Boy seems to reign on campus as the most popular and raved about ‘late night’ comfort food in Saratoga.
…For those of you who, somehow, haven’t heard of this infamous concoction, the one and only Dough Boy consists of sautéed chicken breast diced and spiced, blended with cheeses and scallions and baked in fresh pizza dough until golden brown. Grab one on your way home from Peabs next Saturday morning.

 
A girl’s gotta eat. So get up and go comfort yourself with one (or more!) of these hidden gems.