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Barbara Jean's Round Two: Collard Greens

I stopped back into Barbara Jean's on Hurlbut Street in Albany to sample lunch this time. I am going hold off on a lot of comments so that I can officially review them when they've been open a little longer. But let me just say this: Best collard greens in the area. No contest.

The greens are made with smoked turkey instead of pork. They are beautifully soft without losing their form. But it is the seasoning that sets them apart. Deep flavor from the greens and meat, just a touch of vinegar tang and a balancing hit of seasoning and salt. I haven't tasted greens like this since I was in Georgia.

OK, one other thing, and then I’m really going to stop. Try the cake. It is a $1 a slice, which is ridiculous, but there you go. Serious soul food cakes -- dense and moist and delicious. Pecan and coconut and red velvet were the choices when I was there. I got one of each, research, ya know.

One more picture for you. Did I mention the fried chicken....

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posted November 11, 2009 | link | comments (8)

filed under: Places, Albany, collard greens, NY, soul food

AllOverAlbany.com

Comments

Dang! I knew I should have gone there after lunch yesterday... Everything looks great!

No cake pics?

- by Albany Jane on Nov 12, 2009 at 1:19 PM | link

Opps....I guess I'll just have to go back and get some more.

- by celinabean on Nov 12, 2009 at 1:23 PM | link

I tried to stop by there on my way home from work around 3:30-4 and they were not open, the sign said open, but the door was locked and the lights were off even though the sign says they are open until 7. I'll give it a shot for lunch sometime.

- by C on Nov 13, 2009 at 8:36 AM | link

Well this place is DUNZO. Drove by at lunch and now all the signs are gone and it is just an empty storefront. :-(

- by C on Nov 13, 2009 at 1:02 PM | link

Oh wow! I just drove by and everything is gone! I'm so bummed. This is just what we were missing here. Now I wish I'd bought the whole damn cake.

- by celinabean on Nov 13, 2009 at 3:39 PM | link

Whoa C, really? It was just there Wednesday. That is bizarre.

- by jess on Nov 13, 2009 at 3:45 PM | link

NOOOOOOO!

That's it. If anything this just tells me that I should always try out a new and awesome looking place, regardless of satety levels or what's in my wallet. I am so sick of missing out trying new places just because I think "Eh, I'll go there later."

- by Albany Jane on Nov 13, 2009 at 4:19 PM | link

I can't believe that it is gone so quickly.
I never got the chance to eat here.
I want it back.

Make it come back.

I promise to come, and brave the Delaware Ave. construction, and eat, and bring friends.

Please?

- by Daniel B. on Nov 16, 2009 at 9:42 PM | link

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