There’s something for everyone at Troy Kitchen
Richard Decker
Staff Writer
Troy Kitchen is home to possibly the most unique restaurant set-up the Capital District has to offer, acting as a food court-style eatery by day and a sultry lounge by night.
The revolutionary restaurant can be found at 77 Congress St. in the heart of downtown Troy. As soon as you enter the door, you’re transported to a modern, luxurious food court that has the world’s palate represented. Food vendors such as Halal Palace, M&K Island Hut and Mex Cocina take their stab at success from their respective food stalls.
One of the hot spots at Troy Kitchen, M&K Island Hut, may very well serve the best Caribbean food to have ever blessed my plate. The Jamaican jerk chicken fell right off the bone and packed so much spice and flavor that I practically licked my bowl clean.
The jerk sauce drizzled overtop of the fried rice and sweet plantains adds just enough spice to give a little run to your nose and lingers lightly on your taste buds without being overwhelming.
The endless choices presented by the many vendors, combined with the beautiful interior design, might make it easy to walk in, order, eat and leave without taking a minute to glance to the left.
Located along the black void of cement wall, a giant sign reads “Save Water, Drink Champagne!”, a nod to the minimalist beer and wine bar, where prosecco is the drink of choice. Opposite the bar, the food court has a sizable stage for live music.
Troy Kitchen also features ambitiously broad hours, with vendors open 12-11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. They also host evening events like Monday poetry, Wednesday comedy nights and live music on Fridays.
For those looking for somewhere new to unwind after a long week, the bar is open until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Arrive during lunch and you may find yourself sitting next to office workers in suits grabbing a bite during their lunch breaks. Arrive at 6p.m. on a weekday and you will be met with the relentless dinner hour rush by equally relentless and hungry RPI students. Stay for another two hours and you can find yourself sipping a nice glass of rose and enjoying some live jazz.
Troy Kitchen was conceived as a stepping stone for culinary entrepreneurs wanting to test out their business before striking out on their own. The vendors stay for a year to get themselves started, and are then swapped out for the next round of new restaurants.
K-plate, a korean barbecue joint, was one of the first restaurants at Troy Kitchen when it opened last year, and has since opened its new full-sized restaurant at 75 Fourth St. in downtown Troy.
Whether you’re an international food connoisseur or just looking for a quick bite and a cup of coffee, the Troy Kitchen has something to soothe your taste buds, ears and soul.