“Early September 2026. Al Comal, a Salvadorian restaurant, recently opened. It's on State Street, a main thoroughfare in Schenectady. Since it has a liquor license, I decided to have a beer, Modelo, while I waited for my take out food. Is it just me or do beers go down easier the older you get? Chicharron y queso pupusa and carne asada. One bite of the pupusa is all it took to convince me the cooks know what they're doing here. Pupusas are made to order and this one was still hot from the flat top with just the right combo of melty cheese and salty bits of deep fried pork fat. The dough was substantial and filling but also felt puffy (not light) but really well done. Carne asada - grill marks on the steak. Sure, the meat wasn't top tier but the cooking was. My best guess - the steak was seared over a high heat grill. It was tender for an inexpensive cut but had the char that is a hallmark of grilled goodness. I'm definitely going back not only because it's just a stone's throw from my apartment but is also good food.“
“Early September 2026. Al Comal, a Salvadorian restaurant, recently opened. It's on State Street, a main thoroughfare in Schenectady. Since it has a liquor license, I decided to have a beer, Modelo, while I waited for my take out food. Is it just me or do beers go down easier the older you get? Chicharron y queso pupusa and carne asada. One bite of the pupusa is all it took to convince me the cooks know what they're doing here. Pupusas are made to order and this one was still hot from the flat top with just the right combo of melty cheese and salty bits of deep fried pork fat. The dough was substantial and filling but also felt puffy (not light) but really well done. Carne asada - grill marks on the steak. Sure, the meat wasn't top tier but the cooking was. My best guess - the steak was seared over a high heat grill. It was tender for an inexpensive cut but had the char that is a hallmark of grilled goodness. I'm definitely going back not only because it's just a stone's throw from my apartment but is also good food.“