FeedMe518

Loudonville Landmark a Long Time Community Favorite

Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Feed Me 518™

If you've ever heard the question, "What's a great restaurant to eat at in Colonie?" you will almost always hear, "Lanie's! as one of the answers, since it is often suggested by many people at the same time.

Lanie's Cafe is not just a Capital Region favorite, but it's one of mine too. It's just good food, consistently. I've never had a bad meal or a bad experience here.

In fact, Lanie’s owners, Joshua and Kelly Gallacchi had the best experience here. This is where, introduced by a friend, they met in 2015, and a few years later would get engaged and in August of 2017 buy Lanie's Cafe.

Founded in 2001 by Lanie and Dan Lansing, Lanie retired, selling the restaurant to her General Manager, Kelly and to her fiancé, Joshua. Kelly has now been at Lanie's for 14 years, and much of what she knows about the restaurant industry was learned here. Joshua, whose family has been in the industry since he was in college, started as a busser at Albany restaurant 677 Prime in 2009. He worked his way up to the banquet captain/manager at 677 until such time as he bought Lanie's.

With taking over Lanie's Joshua shared, "Our goal is to maintain the values and reputation that Lanie had built. This restaurant has become a staple in the community, and our biggest goal was ensuring it stayed that way while also evolving with the times. While everything continues to change in the world, Lanie’s strives to be the rock of our community, providing exceptional service and quality food daily."

Lanie's is a family restaurant, and the Gallacchi family understands that "Most families have members who like to eat different things. Our menu is designed to accommodate the entire family. That is why we have a little bit of everything, and why we make sure the portions are Lanie’s Size...HUGE!" Their meals really are generous-sized portions, and I've always had to get a to-go container for my leftovers when I dine here.

The Salads at Lanie's are definitely large, and they don't hold back on the toppings. Whether you're coming for the Chopped Salad, Teriyaki Chicken Salad or Italian Antipasto served with their delicious house-made dressings, come hungry. Additionally, Lanie's also offers a Salad Bar.

My favorite Coconut shrimp in the 518 can be found at Lanie's. Jumbo coconut encrusted shrimp, lightly fried, accompanied with a piña colada dipping sauce, and dusted with toasted coconut. I could eat this sauce by the spoonful, it's so good.

The Kicked Up Bruschetta is a creative spin on a classic starter. This is a dish the whole family would enjoy with its "deep dish pizza" feel made with fresh mozzarella, spicy soppressata, and prosciutto stuffed in a tomato basil focaccia, topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until golden brown, finished with garlic and fresh basil tomato bruschetta, shaved Parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

The 10oz Black and Bleu Filet Mignon is a Cajun-spiced tender filet mignon smothered with a gorgonzola bacon sherry cream sauce finished with scallions and crispy onion straws.

I can't get enough of their Tuscan Chicken and Eggplant Panini made with sliced Italian marinated grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, fried eggplant, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella with a garlic aioli served on garlic toasted Italian bread accompanied with house marinara sauce for dipping. The Chicken Riggis is a customer favorite, and I know why. It's delicious. I don't know what they do to their sauce, but it's all done right. Tender boneless chicken sautéed in a rosemary tomato cream sauce tossed with fresh broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms, diced cherry peppers, and penne.

The Mediterranean Haddock is broiled fresh and topped with sautéed spinach, tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms in a white wine lemon butter sauce finished with crumbled feta.

The Prime Rib Dip is a thinly sliced tender prime rib with melted provolone, nestled in a garlic toasted hoagie roll and served with piping hot au jus for dipping.

I know that you will enjoy each visit you experience at Lanie's Cafe with friends or with family.

This special dining adventure is located at 471 Albany Shaker Rd, Loudonville, NY

Happy Eating!

10oz Black and Bleu Filet Mignon Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Feed Me 518™ Instagram: @FeedMe518 FB: www.facebook.com/FeedMe518 Website: www.FeedMe518.com

Chicken Riggis