I've read all the background, and I'm not sure. Do I go to Dinosaur Bar-b-que in Syracuse while I'm there? It'll only be for a day, and I'll probably have to go by myself. Is it worth all the accolades?
To be honest, I haven't had many decent meals on my drives between Chicago and Albany over the last few years, and I'd like to change that. I have taken note of JimInLoganSquare's Egg-Plant experience in Syracuse, and I think I'll try it, and cheerfully share my experiences.
I would love recommendations for anything chowish not far off 90. Especially nice would be something open all night, as we are leaving Chicago at 6 pm to arrive in Syracuse by 6 am. And by all means, if you have anything in Albany (we'll have a few days there), I would be eternally grateful. Because my mother in law doesn't keep salt in the house, and pepper is too exotic a spice for her. She boils anything that she doesn't microwave. Not only can I not eat her cooking, I cannot trust any place she might point me.