Brandon's Ritz Terrace

Entering Brandon's through their wide vestibule with a 20 foot line of hangers on the right side brought one back 40 years. You could feel the ghosts of Schenectady versions of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra imatators who may have passed this way decades before. The dark walls, lines of linen covered tables, low hung ceiling tiles and old pictures harks to a bygone era. When I arrived a mexican mix with nachos was set next to pepperonni and cheese with ritz crackers as free appetizers in the bar. My vodka rocks was served in a stemmed glass rather than my preferred solid based rocks glass but maybe that was how it was done the last time this restaurant was updated.


I enjoyed the vintage music and the retro furnishings as long as the food could pull it all together. It did not. My escargot appetizer was loaded with butter that overwhlemed everything else on the plate. The little snails were served in mushroom tops that were also too heavy for the dish. A tasty cracker or snail shell would have been an improvement.

Next up, a salad that was so wilted and overdressed it may have been more appropriate at a Dean Martin roast. Dom Delouise was still famous when this lettuce was ready.

My entree choice of pesto scallops over linguini must have been prepared by one of the Buttertons. The pesto was drowned and helpless in a sloughing sea of buttery sause. The linguini was over cooked and soggy. An unappetizing mess.

Companions also gave their dishes a resounding no vote. Since co-reviewer, The Conisour, was also on hand, I'm looking forward to his unbiased review.

Overall, though I enjoyed the Schenectady hey day atmosphere, I can give this eatery no more than two stars.