Milano’s: When a Restaurant Does the Right Thing

Milano’s:  A Perennial Favorite in the Albany/Troy/Schenectady New York area

After posting my list of Restaurant Pet Peeves a couple of weeks ago (and commiserating with many people that wrote to me about their pile of peeves), I’m more than happy to sing the praises of a restaurant that “gets it right.” I love recognizing anybody and any place that goes above and beyond “the norm” to make up for any shortcomings. (No one can be perfect 100% of the time.)

So when Nate Watt, the general manager of Milano Restaurant in Latham, New York, graciously removed the cost of our entrées from our bill, I was most impressed. (And he didn’t even know that he was dealing with a travel writer.) My parents and I dined at this favorite capital district area restaurant last Saturday night, a busy night in most locales, but even more so in this establishment that has enjoyed a superior reputation for more than two decades.

Mom and I sipped our margs and chowders while dad feasted on a spinach salad big enough to make a meal. Then it took seemingly forever for our main courses to arrive. I think it was about forty-five minutes in all and we felt starved. The server and the GM came by our table to apologize for the delay and then shortly thereafter, our entrées were served. Apparently there had been a problem with a new person on the line. Before the meal ended and without us asking, the GM offered to make the adjustment to our bill.

One of Many of Milano’s Fine Dishes

Kudos for Milano’s and especially to Nate for taking the sting out of an unfortunate experience. There was a time when my dad would lunch at this fine restaurant almost once a week during his businessman days in the Troy/Albany area. Memories of their Ahi Tuna (which they now primarily serve at lunch) still make his mouth water. His fondness for Milano’s was properly restored. And mom and I have become more of a fan, too. We will all return again with pleasure.

Milano, 594 New Loudon Road, Latham, New York, 518-783-3334