Saratoga Living Fall 2023

Full

bitters cold Hamlet & Ghost Bar Manager Gerry Akins is responsible for creative cocktails like this Antique Manhattan, made with 50-year-old Punt e Mes vermouth, barrel-aged Dovetail Whiskey and barrel bitters.

FIRST TURN

OFF TRACK

62 saratoga living’ s THE RACES! WITH ACACIA CLEMENT

64 saratoga living’ s SINGLE IN SARATOGA: OPERA EDITION plus 5 more Saratoga events

HOME STRETCH

69 FASHION: Back to School

70 FOOD & DRINK

70 open for biz: MILTON TAVERN

71 change of command: SARATOGA WINERY

72 on the go: LITTLE LUCY’S

74 DESIGN: PDT Market

76 HAUTE PROPERTY:

30 Old Stone Ridge Road

saratoga living AFTER HOURS

82 The Anti AI

518.587.7890 luciaboutique.com

454 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

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8 Butler Place Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.294.4390

Volume 25, No. 5

Fall 2023

Copyright © 2023

Empire Media Network, Inc.

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Abby Tegnelia CEO

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kathleen Gates

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Natalie Moore

SENIOR DESIGNER Linda Gates

SPORTS EDITOR Brien Bouyea

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Francesco D’Amico Dori Fitzpatrick

EDITOR AT LARGE Susan Gates

EDITORIAL INTERN Natalie St. Denis

WRITERS

Vanessa Geneva Ahern, Natalli Amato, Lisa Arcella, Karen Bjornland Claire Burnett, Chris Carola, Tony Case, Dan De Federicis, Jeff Dingler, Elissa Garay Benjamin Lerner, Daniel Nester, Tom Pedulla, Kathleen Willcox

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Morgan Campbell, Samantha Decker, Elizabeth Haynes

Hannah Kuznia, Dustin Lanterman, Shawn LaChapelle, Rachel Lanzi, Konrad Odhiambo, Alyssa Salerno, Nate Seitelman, Alex Zhang

Annette Quarrier

DIRECTOR OF SALES

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

PUBLISHER, CAPITAL REGION LIVING

SALES DIRECTOR, CAPITAL REGION LIVING

ART DIRECTOR, MARKETING

STRATEGIC SPONSORSHIPS

CONTENT STRATEGIST

SALES ASSISTANT

Tina Galante

Teresa Frazer

Tara Buffa

Steve Teabout

Terese Russell

Zach Skowronek

Tracy Momrow

SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Rachael Rieck

Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIR

Abby Tegnelia

PRESIDENT/CEO

Tina Galante

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

ON THE COVER Hamlet & Ghost Executive Chef Alex Lempka, photographed by Shawn LaChapelle exclusively for saratoga living. Shot on location at Hamlet & Ghost.

Savor and Sip

s we wrap up track season and locals again get to take over Saratoga’s thriving food scene...we welcome you to saratoga living’s first annual food and drink issue.

I can’t believe it took us so long. Walking around downtown is an embarrassment of foodie riches: craft cocktail bars, gourmet coffeeshops, fine

dining restaurants, traditional Italian joints my grandparents would have loved. And then there’s Hamlet & Ghost. Watching it flourish as it sculpts a distinct space that is all its own has been such a pleasure, and we finally found a platform in which to dig into what makes its executive chef, Alex Lempka, and bar manager, Gerry Akins, tick (p. 34). And the food and cocktails! Shawn LaChapelle’s photos will have you drooling in no time. We also capture the zeitgeist of the current food scene as a whole (p. 32), ask five restaurant owners for their most-ordered dishes (p. 48), celebrate the 10th birthday of the beloved Sweet Mimi’s (p. 17), and sit down during daylight hours with the brave man who works the late shift at Caroline Street’s Esperanto (p. 18). And finally, we scoured Saratoga’s hottest restaurants and bars (hey, somebody’s gotta do it!) for all the odds and ends that stand out from the pack (p. 40). We give our hot takes on topics such as espresso martinis, side dishes, vegan finds and budgetfriendly lunches. I’m getting hungry again just thinking about it!

At press time, we aren’t quite ready to announce anything just yet, but keep your eye on our social media, website and Substack (p. 82) for announcements of a slew of upcoming food-and-drink-centric events. There’s a lot of delicious fun ahead, and we’d love for you to join us!

Mangia!

ABBY TEGNELIA CEO @abbytegnelia

(Hamlet) SHAWN LACHAPELLE; (winner's circle, 1863 Club) NATE SEITELMAN

ghost and writers (from top) CEO Abby Tegnelia (right) with Director of Content Natalie Moore and Hamlet & Ghost’s Alex Lempka and Gerry Akins; the Empire Media Network team in the winner’s circle; a selfie with Acacia Clement; Tegnelia with Strategic Sponsorships Manager Terese Russell, Empire Media Network Chair Anthony Ianniello, Moore and friend Erica Ziskin at the 1863 Club; Tegnelia with TV personality Carson Kressley and photographer Morgan Campbell at Racing & Rosé.

Discover Waite Meadows

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Just a short drive from downtown Clifton Park, Waite Meadow’s quiet, picturesque setting is just minutes away from great shopping, dining and the Northway. Large wooded lots, extensive green space and a dedicated community walking trail make Waite Meadows the perfect spot for both young families wanting to move into the Shenendehowa School District and mature families looking to downsize or“right size.”

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Sweet Success

THE BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE THE 10TH BIRTHDAY OF SWEET MIMI’S CAFE & BAKERY ? BY DIGGING INTO CHEF/OWNER JEANNETTE LIEBERS’ FAMOUSLY DECADENT PANCAKES, OF COURSE. n BY

LISA ARCELLA

Chef/owner Jeannette Liebers and her team at Sweet Mimi’s are celebrating their 10th anniversary with yummy favorites like lemon ricotta and cinnamon roll pancakes, and the Sweet Mimi’s Affogato (dark roast coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream drizzled with chocolate).

“I love Inviting our guests into our cozy dining room,” Liebers says. “It is a place where they feel pampered, and impressed with what they’re being served. I have a passion for taking care of my customers.”

The New York native first developed her love of cooking by working with her grandmother in her tiny Queens kitchen. Culinary school followed, and she even hosted

her own cooking show in the ’90s. After she opened SweetMimi's in 2013, it quickly became so popular that hefty wait times became expected, and then a 2021 appearance on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay brought Liebers’ business into the national spotlight.

“We now welcome guests who drive hours or even fly in to sample our food,” says the mother of three. “It is fun to arrive to work to see a line that wrapped around the building long before we opened. My life was sweet before that recognition, but it certainly has added an extra layer!”

beat it Jeannette Liebers’ lemon ricotta pancakes landed her on an episode of Beat Bobby Flay.

A Different Kind of Banker

RENSSELAER NATIVE TOM NARDACCI HAS GONE FROM WORKING AT HIS GRANDPARENTS’ CORNER STORE TO BEING TAPPED THE NEW CEO OF THE REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK.

BY JEFF DINGLER

photography by DORI FITZPATRICK

Tom Nardacci still remembers stocking the shelves and sweeping the floor at his grandparents’ corner store in Rensselaer where he grew up. “My grandfather was a butcher, and he and my grandmother owned Nardacci’s Broadway Food Mart,” he says. “There weren’t mega-stores—we were the market. But there also wasn’t a developed food pantry system back then. So my grandparents really became the pantry to the neighborhood. They didn’t turn anyone away.”

That emphasis on community never left Nardacci. This past August, the Capital Region native was named the new CEO of the Regional Food Bank

of Northeastern New York, a Lathambased nonprofit that provides free food to those in need in 23 counties stretching from the Canadian border down to Rockland County and as far west as Oswego County. Founded in 1982, the food bank does a LOT— redistributing 50 million pounds of food each year (including 2.5 million pounds to Saratoga County alone). That breaks down to 350,000 people served each month, including 100,000 children. And the bank does this with 120 regular employees and a small army of volunteers that number around 18,000 annually.

“Every day, we have three shifts of volunteers who come in and sort, and I recently did my first volunteer shift as

CEO,” says Nardacci, who worked with the varsity football team from La Salle Institute of Troy to sort three tons of produce in a single shift.

Here’s how the bank works: Expired or overstocked food is donated from local partners, grocers and large distribution centers. Food Bank workers and volunteers sort and repackage the food for redistribution, and everything unsuitable for human tables goes to farmers to feed livestock.

“It’s super sustainable—all these fruits and vegetables that would typically go to a landfill go to either people or farms,” Nardacci says.

“Like I told the kids from La Salle, this produce that we’re putting on our dock right now, it’s going to be in people’s houses today or tomorrow.”

Nardacci’s new role is a far cry from how he made his fortune in his 30s—most notably by founding the Troy-based public relations and marketing firm Gramercy. But despite his success, Nardacci felt unfulfilled. So he sold Gramercy in 2021 and did some serious soul-searching. “The pandemic changed my priorities,” he says. “I've always been a volunteer—always been philanthropic and on boards. I thought, ‘What if I took all my energies and focused them in one area?’”

Nardacci had previously volunteered at the food bank, and when he saw the CEO position posted online, he immediately thought of his grandparents. “When I got my license, my grandfather was like, ‘I need you to pick up these boxes of groceries and deliver them to these seniors,’” Nardacci says. “I delivered them and never collected a check from anyone. Over my desk for my whole career, I’ve had a picture of my grandfather sitting on the stoop of his store. Now it’s on my desk at the food bank.”

bank role Nardacci inherited from predecessor Molly Nicol a five-year strategic plan for the Food Bank to meet the meal gap throughout the entire area.

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phila claim

Local Legend

WHILE HATTIE’S FOUNDER HATTIE MOSELEY AUSTIN DIDN'T HAVE CHILDREN OF HER OWN, SHE TREATED HER COMMUNITY LIKE FAMILY.

BY NATALIE MOORE

You can’t talk about Saratoga’s food scene without talking about Hattie Moseley Austin, a Louisiana native who found her way to the Spa City and opened up a chicken shack on Federal Street in 1938. “Saratoga was fast, man; it was fast,” Miss Hattie once said of the era. “It was up all night long.”

Through the years, Hattie’s Chicken Shack became known not only for its famous fried chicken but also for its proprietor’s dedication to the Spa City community. “It’s not just legend, how giving she was,” says Kirsten Dart, whose family has been going to Hattie’s for generations. “My dad’s younger brother was killed in a tragic car accident the same year that my dad’s middle sister was graduating from high school. Miss Hattie catered the full graduation party for them for free because my grandmother wasn’t up to hosting.”

Though Dart’s family wasn’t related to Miss Hattie, that didn’t stop the restaurateur from treating them—and the rest of Saratoga—like they were. “It always felt like a family atmosphere when we were at the restaurant,” Dart says. “There were always lots of hugs—lots of joy.”

Hattie Moseley Austin at her chicken shack on Phila Street; the restaurant moved there from its original Federal Street location in the late 1960s.

MICHAEL NOONAN

The LateShift Hero

ESPERANTO EMPLOYEE

RJ BURTT HAS BEEN PATIENTLY AND POLITELY FEEDING SARATOGA’S AFTER-HOURS PARTY CROWD FOR 17 YEARS.

BY NATALIE MOORE

photography by FRANCESCO D’AMICO

If you’ve ever been hungry in Saratoga at 1am on a Saturday night (technically Sunday morning), you’ve likely found your way into Esperanto, which has been a late-night mecca for Caroline Street patrons for more than a quarter century. And while owner Will Pouch

is surely deserving of our collective gratitude for opening a grab-and-go restaurant in the middle of the city’s drunkest street, it’s the man on the ground—honestly, in the trenches whom we’ve named this issue’s MVP.

“I prefer the late nights because I’m a mover,” says RJ Burtt, who has

counter culture

“The staff is a bunch of friends listening to the music we love listening to,” says RJ Burtt of the Esperanto team. “It’s like the party is on both sides of the counter.”

been working at Esperanto since he was 16—some 17 years. “I like having five things to do.”

For those who’ve never experienced Esperanto after midnight on a weekend, picture dozens of food-deprived, alcohol-soaked 20-somethings clamoring for a slice of pizza, burrito or

MVP

a chicken-and-cheese-filled Oboy—the restaurant’s claim to fame. The only thing standing in their way? Burtt.

“I’ve seen dozens of fights,” Burtt says of the unfortunate side effect of having swarms of drunk people in a confined space. “We have a secret highlight reel of security camera footage.” One recent magazine-appropriate encounter involved a customer accusing Burtt of stealing his wallet…while he was holding said wallet. “He goes, ‘Yo, give my wallet back,’” Burtt says. “I was like, ‘Oh, my man, it’s in your hand.’ And he wouldn’t drop it. He was like, ‘Stop trying to rob me.’ And I was like, ‘I’m not robbing you— your wallet’s in your hand.’” Next thing Burtt knew, the man was on the phone.

“He’s like, ‘Yeah, is this the Department of the Treasury? I want to report a financial crime.’ And the woman on the other end goes, ‘Sir, what is your emergency?!’ And I was like, ‘Oh, man. Did you just call the cops on yourself, dude?’”

It takes a special person to work in any restaurant, but this particular posting requires next-level customer service. So how does Burtt do it? “I’m able to turn on disassociation,” he says. “Just like tunnel vision—I listen to whatever song I put on and just try to be polite.” Indeed, talking to Burtt in the middle of the afternoon (he does work the day shift, too), he’s much more animated than the stoic, unflappable Saturday night version of himself many of us have come to know.

So, after everything he’s seen, is Burtt himself still able to let loose every once in a while? “Working around drunk people for a long time will put you off booze, and if you spend enough time on this block it just becomes the office,” he says, before pausing and then admitting, “But I still went out last weekend.”

“I prefer the late nights because I’m a mover. I like having five things to do.”

Libby Adams

1. Shrimp tempura roll, spicy tuna roll and kani salad from Wasabi

2. Cantina, because it’s such a big part of the downtown experience

3. A cocktail bar that offers mixology classes

Ask the Audience

NOTHING BEATS THE WORD OF A LOCAL WHEN LOOKING FOR RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS, SO WE ASKED FIVE SPA CITY FOODIES TO WEIGH IN ON SARATOGA’S MUST-HAVES.

Carol Godette

1. I have Augie’s To-Go on speed dial for their Friday eggplant parm special.

2. Pennell’s—it’s off the beaten path but it’s been around for more than 100 years with good reason.

3. A good Vietnamese restaurant

Scott Morganstein

1. Family meals at Wheatfields with the eggplant stack add-on

2. The Carnegie Deli stand at the track during racing season

3. More modern ethnic offerings like Greek, Thai or Middle Eastern; and a private chef’s table dining experience or omakase

1. GO-TO TAKEOUT MEAL

2. CAN’T-MISS FOR OUT-OF-TOWNERS

3. WHAT YOU WISH SARATOGA HAD

Paul Boni

1. Burrito bowl from Taquero

2. Solevo Kitchen—do yourself a favor and order two plates of the mozzarella app.

3. I want Broadway Kettle Korn to make a return! IKYKY.

Tiina Loite

1. Pizza from Forno Bistro— especially the white truffle

2. Seneca has a contemporary vibe and Bocage is so elegant.

3. A très French brasserie/bistro—something that transports you to Paris

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TRACK STAR

Girl Boss

WHEN THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SARATOGA RACE COURSE DIED IN 1940, HIS WIFE STEPPED UP. MORE THAN 80 YEARS LATER, ANNE CLARE REMAINS THE ONLY WOMAN TO HAVE HELD THE TITLE. n BY BRIEN

From an early age, Anne Clare was used to being the only girl in a man’s world. Born in New York City in 1892, she was the only daughter among six children in her family. She studied at the private Ursuline Academy before marrying her husband, Saratoga Race Course superintendent Thomas Clare. Since the role had been held by a member of the Clare family since the late 19th century, following Thomas’ death in 1940, Anne was the one who stepped up and assumed the mantle. In doing so, she made history.

“It’s a unique position she holds, and as far as could be ascertained, the only job of its kind the world over that is held down by a woman,” wrote Dick Boyle in Racing Digest. “There

BOUYEA

are women executives in racing, just as in many other business, civic, political and other enterprises. But the task of being a man in one place and the sweet essence of femininity in another is the very thing Hollywood biographers try to create because of the scarcity of such a combination.”

Indeed, Anne Clare was approached by scriptwriters and biographers interested in her story as a woman in a position that had been traditionally held by men, to which she said, “I’m not a career woman but simply trying to do a good job and justify the confidence my superiors have placed in me. Yes, I’ve been sounded out by California friends

who’d like me to work out a biographical story with all the thrills and pathos of a ‘Who Dun It’ or ‘Lost Weekend’ drama. However, that will have to come later—if at all.”

As Saratoga’s superintendent, a post she held through 1960, Clare’s duties included managing some 150 employees, oversight of the track grounds, and care of the main track and training courses.* She assumed the role during a period of change: In 1940, the track introduced parimutuel wagering, necessitating the transition from bookmaking rings to mutuel stalls. The Saratogian said Clare “was more than equal to the challenge. When racing returned to Saratoga that August, Aunty Clare had the plant ready for the impending increase in patronage.”

Almost half a century after her death in 1976, Clare remains the lone woman in the history of Saratoga Race Course to have served as its superintendent of facilities. Our question: Who’s next?

clare favorite Thoroughbred trainer, owner and breeder Preston M. Burch; owner and breeder Isabel Dodge Sloane; and Superintendent Anne Clare at Saratoga in 1959.

Did you know the Oklahoma isn’t the only training track at Saratoga? There’s also Clare Court, an active training track on the backside of the main track, and Horse Haven, a part of the Oklahoma area that was the site of the first meet in 1863. These days, Horse Haven is more of a barn and walking area than an actual training area.

The Capital Region’s Ultimate Golf Guide

BROOKHAVEN GOLF COURSE

333 ALPINE MEADOWS ROAD, PORTER CORNERS

Located in the beautiful foothills of the Adirondacks, Brookhaven Golf Course is “not your ordinary walk in the woods.” The course itself has its own distinct personality and challenges, making it fun for golfers of all abilities, and the onsite restaurant, The View at Brookhaven, serves up affordable favorites such as chicken parmesan and shepherd’s pie with, you guessed it, a view.

518.893.7458 | brookhavengolfcourse.com

COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB

44 GOLF COURSE ROAD, CRARYVILLE

“Public Golf, Private Quality” is the motto of Copake Country Club, a 160-acre, 18-hole golf course nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire and Catskill mountains. Having celebrated its 100th anniversary last summer, Copake features pure greens and meticulously maintained terrain, more than 15 different membership rates, weekday specials for local service workers, discounted twilight packages, and a rustic-chic restaurant overlooking the fairways.

518.325.0019 | copakecountryclub.com

CRAIG WOOD GOLF COURSE

141 COUNTRY CLUB WAY, LAKE PLACID

Craig Wood Golf Course offers a challenging round of golf in a spectacular setting. Designed by Seymour Dunn in 1925, this carefully maintained municipal course was strategically carved into the Adirondack countryside. The back nine is narrow, tree lined, and an excellent challenge! With quick, true greens, Craig Wood offers the perfect opportunity for a great round, plus a pro shop and restaurant with impressive views.

518.523.9811 | craigwoodgolfclub.com

CRONIN’S GOLF RESORT

GOLF COURSE ROAD, WARRENSBURG

Cronin’s Golf Resort has proudly been serving New York’s North Country for more than 75 years. Five generations of Cronins have operated the resort, which, located on the Hudson River, is known for its breathtaking views of the Adirondacks. Spend an afternoon playing the 18-hole, par 70 course, or stay for the whole weekend in one of the resort’s motel units or cottages.

518.623.9336 | croninsgolfresort.com

HIGH PEAKS GOLF COURSE SANTANONI DRIVE, OFF ROUTE 28N, NEWCOMB

Snuggled up to sweeping views of the highest mountains in the state, High Peaks Golf Course offers golfers exceptional scenery that will make keeping your eye on the ball a challenge. Located in Newcomb, the heart of the Adirondacks, this 9-hole, par 33 course is ideally situated for days full of golf and other outdoor adventures including hiking, paddling and birding.

518.582.2300 | newcombny.gov/high-peaks-golf-course

The Capital Region’s Ultimate Golf Guide

INLET GOLF CLUB 300 STATE ROUTE 28, INLET

Challenging yet serene is the name of the game at Inlet Golf Club, an 18-hole, 6,131-yard, par 70 championship course that offers beautifully manicured greens and an impressive layout. The course boasts well-maintained fairways and greens, and golfers who’ve played can’t stop talking about the tough sixth. Stop by the fully-stocked pro shop, and enjoy the scenery at Double Eagle Bar and Grill.

315.357.3503 | inletgolfclub.com

LAKE PLACID CLUB GOLF COURSES 88 MORNINGSIDE DRIVE, LAKE PLACID

The Lake Placid Club offers 45 holes of spectacular golf in the Olympic Village. Award-winning courses offer a unique variety of golf for players of all abilities. Choose from a Seymour Dunn–designed classic Scottish links course laden with bunkers; the straight, tree-lined mountain course; or the short iron–friendly “Pristine Nine.” Discover why presidents and legends golf at the Lake Placid Club!

518.523.4460 | thelakeplacidclub.com/golf

LAKE PLEASANT GOLF COURSE 2537 STATE ROUTE 8, LAKE PLEASANT

Fans of Donald Ross courses adore his design for this tree-lined, 9-hole, par 35 course in the scenic small town of Lake Pleasant. Overlooking Sacandaga Lake, the course, with four back nine tees and five black tees for longer play, is a hidden gem in Adirondack golf. The challenges on this course are plentiful, packing a lot of play into nine holes.

518.548.7071 | lakepleasantgc.wixsite.com/lpgc

SARANAC INN GOLF CLUB 125 COUNTY ROUTE 46, SARANAC LAKE

The Saranac Inn Golf Club is one of the Adirondacks’ most stunning courses, challenging golfers since 1901. Legendary course architect Seymour Dunn called it his masterpiece! Noted for its lightning-fast and true greens, the classic Scottish design has a great mix of long, medium and short par threes, fours and fives, and is fun for a range of skill levels.

518.891.1402 | saranacinn.com

SARATOGA LAKE GOLF CLUB 35 GRACE MOORE ROAD, SARATOGA SPRINGS

Saratoga Lake Golf Club is a par 72 public golf course located in the heart of a lush forest just outside of downtown Saratoga Springs. It’s one of the most relaxing courses in upstate New York; every round takes players past sparkling ponds, beautiful wetlands and views of Saratoga Lake. Post-round, golfers can enjoy drinks, snacks or dinner on the spacious deck of The Hideaway, the club’s onsite restaurant.

518.581.6616 | saratogalakegolf.com

The Capital Region’s Ultimate Golf Guide

SCHROON LAKE GOLF COURSE 36 CLUBHOUSE DRIVE, SCHROON LAKE

The Schroon Lake Golf Course is a 9-hole, par 36 course close to the amenities of the classic Adirondack vacation town for which it’s named. Make your way through rolling hills and over a picturesque landscape as you glimpse Pharaoh Mountain in the distance. This public course has been in action for nearly a century, but its fun holes surrounded by natural beauty never lose their appeal.

518.582.2300 | schroon.net/golf%20course.htm

TICONDEROGA GOLF COURSE 609 STATE ROUTE 9N, TICONDEROGA

Friend to beginners and seasoned golfers alike, Ticonderoga Golf Course is built into the rugged Adirondack landscape. Scenic panoramic views, babbling brooks and tree-lined fairways make for a truly memorable round. A par 71 with 18 holes, the course is ideal for those looking to fine-tune their game in a historic, legendary town. Exceptional dining at Seymour’s Restaurant caps off an ideal day.

518.585.2801 | ticonderogagolfcourse.com

TUPPER LAKE GOLF CLUB

141 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD, TUPPER LAKE

With stunning views of lakes and the Adirondacks, the Donald Ross–designed Tupper Lake Golf Club is a “must play.” Established in 1932, this mountain course provides the perfect balance of challenge and beauty. Rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways and undulating greens offer a rewarding round of golf to both the low and high handicapper. After your game, unwind at the course-side Lookout Bar & Grill.

518.359.3701 | tupperlakegolf.com

WHITEFACE CLUB & RESORT

373 WHITEFACE INN LANE, LAKE PLACID

Luxury awaits at this historic course, perched on the shores of Lake Placid (it’s the only course on the lake). Tight, rolling fairways pair with challenging greens that keep golfers exhilarated and on their toes. Opened as a 9-hole course in 1895 and later expanded to a full 18 holes by architect John Van Kleek, the Whiteface Club is known for excellent play and rewarding post-round celebrations.

whitefaceclubresort.com/amenities/golf

misfit check While newer bars and restaurants like The Misfit, pictured here, are transforming Saratoga, the old favorites aren’t going anywhere. “Legacy restaurants are legacy restaurants because of what they represent,” says Bob Lee, owner of The Brook Tavern and Wishing Well. “There’s a familiarity and comfort with a place that holds a certain sense of history. And I don’t think that’s going away.”

The 2023 Saratoga racing season passed by in much the same fashion as track seasons of the last 150 years. Popular restaurants (*cough* Panza’s) were booked out for weeks on end, and popular bars (*ahem* Dango’s) ushered in hundreds of late-night revelers who were willing to stand in line down the block just to get in. The main difference between 2023 and, say, 1993? This year, with the pandemic mostly in the rearview and food industry workers enjoying fairer wages as a result of Covid-caused staffing shortages, the madness didn’t end come Labor Day.

“For a relatively small city,” says Steve Barnes, a writer who has been covering the Capital Region’s food scene for the Times Union since the late ’90s—when the town still fully revolved around track season—“Saratoga’s got an extraordinary amount of quality restaurants.”

here realize that when they go somewhere else, they can’t get good Italian. And we’re overrun with it.”

As for the fact that Saratoga is lacking in other areas—most notably Vietnamese (can we get a pho place, please?!), Greek, dim sum, traditional Spanish, French bistro and African—Barnes says it’s not that unusual. “Albany didn’t get its first sub-Saharan African restaurant until a couple of years ago when Keobi opened,” he says. “There are plenty of things that we don’t have, and I think it’s a matter of somebody risking it and finding success with it.” One example of a restaurateur who took that risk? DZ Restaurants President David Zecchini, who had success with his two Italian joints but decided to open the tapas-style restaurant Boca Bistro after returning from a trip to Spain. Spoiler alert: It’s been a success.

THE STATE  SARATOGA’S FOOD SCENE

Sure, the entire city sees a dip in business post–racing season, and some bars and restaurants may shut down for a week in September to give their staff a break. But, come fall, it’s business as usual for virtually every Saratoga establishment (Siro’s being the obvious exception). These days, there are a heck of a lot more restaurants than back in the day, when Panza’s, The Wishing Well and a handful of now-closed eateries were track-goers’ only dinner options. And today’s resaurants offer a lot more variety, despite what critics of Saratoga’s current food scene may say.

BY NATALIE MOORE

Another spoiler: Saratoga’s nightlife scene is enjoying similar levels of off-season business and diversification— we’ve got dive bars, cocktail bars, clubs, you name it—all while the bar industry folks become closer-knit than ever in the wake of several safety scares last year. That’s thanks to regular meetings and a new app that allows bar owners to communicate about problem customers in real time. “There’s a lot more communication between the managers, the bar owners, the staff, the bartenders,” says Jay Fitch, who co-owns Saratoga City Tavern and Kings Tavern with his brothers. “Everyone cares. Everyone has the same MO: Make money for their families, but then also get home safely.”

“It’s a lot more diverse in number and in style,” says Kim Klopstock, who got her start in the food scene working at Mrs. London’s, The Adelphi Hotel and Rock Hill Bakehouse in the late ’70s and early ’80s before starting boutique catering company Lily and the Rose. “I mean, we never had a Champagne bar.”

Indeed, in Saratoga you can now get white sturgeon caviar (Bocage), fried chicken (Hattie’s), Fra diavolo (Solevo), Irish nachos (Harvey’s), and spicy octopus (Sushi Thai Garden)— and even ride a mechanical bull (Nashville)—all on one street. Yes, the aforementioned Solevo is one of no less than a dozen upscale Italian restaurants in town but, according to Barnes, that’s both fairly typical of an upstate New York city and, actually, an underappreciated facet of this area’s food scene. “We don’t actually realize what a blessing we have in terms of Italian abundance,” he says. “People who leave

On a lighter note, Fitch adds that as far as trends go, he’s noticing a shift away from beer and toward seltzers, High Noon and mocktails. And he recognizes that his bars may not be able to provide everything this generation of partygoers are looking for. “I have no issue saying, ‘You want a cool cocktail? Go to Misfit. You want a great trivia night? Go to Tap & Barrel,’” he says. “There were 15 heartbeats, and now we’re starting to get back to one heartbeat.”

And one last trend? Well, that one has to do with us, the customers. “Covid changed our whole mindset,” says Klopstock. “Rather than just going out for dinner, now we want the community. We want to see our chefs and our mixologists. We want to be recognized when we walk in a restaurant. We want everyone to know who we are.”

So forget about Saratoga’s “food and drink scene.” Welcome to Saratoga’s food and drink community. Pull up a chair.

Digging in to a delicious new F&B landscape, where more diversity and a closer-knit industry are just the beginning.

DYNAMIC  DUO 

Hamlet & Ghost has carved out a unique niche in the Saratoga food and drink scene, and now Alex Lempka and Gerry Akins have taken over the reins to serve up the hotspot’s delicious next chapter.

BY NATALLI AMATO

photography by SHAWN L a CHAPELLE

hen Alex Lempka took over as executive chef of Hamlet & Ghost in 2021, the legacy of his predecessor loomed like a lingering spirit: celebrated chef Michele Hunter had transformed Hamlet & Ghost’s food menu from a cocktail hotspot’s sideshow to a crowddrawing, main event. She’d even won Chopped on national TV along the way.

“That first season I took over, there was certainly a lot of trepidation,” says Lempka, who worked as Hunter’s sous

chef for four years before she stepped down to create the food menu for Unified Beerworks. “That’s a big role to fill.” Fortunately for Lempka, whatever fear he felt at the beginning has since eased into well-earned confidence.

“I can rely on what Michele and a few other mentors I’ve had have taught me,” he says. “And now it’s like everything is starting to come together.”

This is, of course, Lempka’s exercise in modesty. The cocktail connoisseurs and foodies who keep Hamlet perpetually bustling know that to sip your way through the restaurant’s exquisite drinks or taste your way through its adventurous-yet-accessible dishes is to experience harmony itself: Libations are crafted with an emphasis on balance and skill, while meals are dictated by local harvest cycles. At Hamlet, there is synchronicity and balance behind all things. Most of all, it’s witnessed in the relationships of the people who are making it all happen.

At Lempka’s right-hand side is Bar Manager Gerry Akins, the mastermind behind Hamlet’s renowned cocktails. The two have worked alongside each other for five years, during which time they forged a tight bond that’s reflected in the menus.

“We spend more time with each other than we do with our actual families,” Akins says. “So Alex is like a big brother to me.” For the two men, this brotherly connection results in being one another’s fiercest—yet most reliable—critics.

“I like to give him a hard time,” Akins says with a laugh, the pair’s ability to joke and jest bubbling up from a mutual trust in one another’s expertise. “We always, in a healthy way, critique one another.”

“This way,” adds Lempka, “we get to rely on each other’s strengths.”

These advantages have helped carve out Hamlet’s niche in the local Saratoga

ghost’s kitchen

(from top) Alex Lempka is known for his inventive dishes such as Chioggia beets from Edible Uprising dressed with pistachio vinaigrette and garnished with pickled blackberries and Chevre d'Argental Espuma; roasted La Belle Farm duck breast, cipollini onions, Swiss chard, maple gastrique and sherry jus; and roasted pork belly with pesto rossa, mustard greens and crispy fennel.

“I can rely on what Michele and a few other mentors I’ve had have taught me. And now it’s like everything is starting to come together.”

“We spend more time with each other than we do with our actual families.”

bottom’s up Some of Gerry Akins’ concoctions are almost too pretty to drink, such as the Antique Manhattan made with 50-year-old Punt e Mes vermouth, barrel-aged Dovetail Whiskey and barrel bitters; the Fall Cobbler, made with Cocchi Rosa, Cappelletti Bitters, Fino sherry, lemon and rhubarb bitters; and the Tomcat Gin Sidecar, made with Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin, lemon, dry curaçao and simple syrup; (right) Lempka and Akins often give one another constructive criticism on dishes and drinks.

food scene—marrying metropolitan influences with the local integrity of upstate New York.

In Lempka’s kitchen, ingredients that were grown right here in local soil get treated with techniques that have origins across the globe, with signature dishes including pork belly with fennel and pesto rosso, and beets marinated in reduced red wine and sourdough miso and served with pickled carrots and sheep’s milk yogurt. The same ethos applies to what goes on behind the bar, where your cocktail might be garnished with citrus oil to enhance its aroma.

While Akins perpetually has his eye attuned to what’s going on in the wider scene—be it in Seoul, Dubai, New Orleans or New York City, he’s always thinking about how innovation can translate locally: “I’m just trying to bring cool stuff to upstate New York.”

This ethos is shared by Hamlet’s owners, Brendan Dillon and Dennis Kiingati. Dillon says the goal has always been to create a restaurant that could feel at home in both places.

“We’ve always tried to cater to people who enjoy what we’re doing,” he says. “And that doesn’t matter if you’re 15 years old or 80 years old. We’ve got customers at both ends of the spectrum. If you like that we’re doing some creative stuff and trying to be a little different, anybody is welcome.”

Recently, that included welcoming chef Alex Napolitano of the esteemed Maker Hotel in foodie mecca Hudson to Saratoga for a collaborative dinner with Lempka.

“At a lot of the restaurants in the area, you don’t really see these collaborative dinners or menus—at least not very often,” says Lempka. “But in the major food scenes, that’s pretty common. You’ll see chefs traveling across the country and making dinner with other chefs of equal talent.”

Such dinners are can’t-miss events for local foodies. Plus, they provide space for chefs to get creative and take risks.

“It was really great, because the team got to see a lot of stuff that they don’t typically see,” Lempka says. “That’s what I was most excited about—I got to learn something.”

Fortunately for us, Lempka’s curiosity and appetite for mastering new skills is insatiable. From the brand-new fall menu to upcoming collaborations, Hamlet & Ghost offers a beacon of food and beverage creativity for the Saratoga locals who are hungry for the new and exciting.

THE GUIDE 

From buzzy nightcaps and yummy vegan dishes to the inside dirt on each of Saratoga’s coffee shops, no local food or drink was left un-tasted in the making of this everything guide to Saratoga’s food and drink scene.

plate to the party

New kid on the block Kindred, from the owners of Henry Street Taproom, serves a variety of inventive small plates.

RAISE THE BAR

SOMETIMES YOU GO TO THE BAR FOR A DRINK—OTHER TIMES YOU GO TO HANG OUT WITH THE PERSON WHO’S MAKING THE DRINKS. HERE ARE THREE LOCAL BARTENDERS WORTH STOPPING IN TO SEE, ACCORDING TO SARATOGIANS.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KONRAD ODHIAMBO

THE 3 BEST VEGAN DISHES IN SARATOGA

Saratoga was a little slow to hop on the vegan train (hey, herbivores need to eat, too!). But recently, vegan dishes— and an all-vegan smoothie joint— have been sprouting up around town. Here are three of the best.

• Cantina’s Veggie Burrito (with salsa verde instead of crema and ranchero)

• BARE Blends’ Coffee Crunch Smoothie Bowl (above)

• Kraverie’s Jap Chae Noodles

THE 3 BEST DISHES UNDER $15 IN SARATOGA

While the Spa City is known for its highend, three-dollar-sign restaurants, it has a fair deal of affordable options, too. Looking for lunch on a budget? Here’s where to find it.

Sal Mafunsalo

WHERE HE WORKS: Hattie’s for 18 years |

WHERE HE’S WORKED: Siro’s for 8 years

BARTENDING PHILOSOPHY: “Make people happy.”

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “He’s always in a good mood. He’s always smiling. He’s a legend in this town.” – Derek Lott

RAISE THE BAR continues on page 45 ☞

• Duo Japanese’s Lunch Special

• Olde Bryan Inn’s French Onion Soup (above)

• Putnam Market’s Cold Bar

THE 3 BEST SIDE DISHES IN SARATOGA

If you love to order a side of veggies for your table to split with dinner, Saratoga isn’t really the place for you. Honestly— where are all the healthy side dishes, people?! While we wait, we’ve IDed three worthy shareable sides among the Spa City's sea of entrées and apps.

• The Merc’s Smothered Green Beans

• Salt & Char’s Local Asparagus

• Morton’s cheat day Creamed Spinach (above) or Sautéed Spinach with Button Mushrooms

THE 3 BEST DESSERTS IN SARATOGA

Did you save room? Indulge yourself in one of life’s sweeter things—like these three Saratoga Springs desserts

RAISE THE BAR continued

Miles Merton

WHERE HE WORKS: Kindred Saratoga, as wine director, since June

WHERE HE’S WORKED: Bocage Champagne Bar for one year and Harvey’s also for one year

BARTENDING PHILOSOPHY: “When I go to restaurants or bars, it’s a little escape; I want everyone who sits down at my bar to feel the same way.”

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “Besides being amiable, Miles has sommelier bona fides. I can have a back and forth with him, and I know he will point me towards something I hadn’t considered.” – Tiina Loite

RAISE THE BAR continues on page 46 ☞

• 15 Church’s Zeppoles

• Mrs. London’s Almond Croissant (above)

• 13 North’s Cheesecake

DRINK UP

Saratoga’s a restaurant town, but it’s, undoubtedly, also a drinking town. Whether you’re on the hunt for the craftiest craft beers, the finest wines or the best bourbons, the Spa City delivers.

BEST BEER SELECTION: HENRY STREET TAVERN

BEST WHISKEY SELECTION : THE BOURBON ROOM

BEST WINE SELECTION : BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR

WHERE SHE WORKS: Trotter’s for one year

WHERE SHE’S WORKED: Cantina for 12 years

BARTENDING PHILOSOPHY: “I don’t really have one. You just need to really be able to read the room.”

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: “She’s always on her game, she’s super approachable, and you never have to wait.” – Steve Bouchard

RAISE THE BAR continued

Ashley Freeman

OUR FAVORITE NIGHTCAP

ESPRESSO MARTINIS ARE THE UNOFFICIAL COCKTAIL OF SARATOGA, AND EVERY BAR HAS ITS OWN UNIQUE TAKE ON IT. HERE’S HOW TO TELL THEM APART.

9 MAPLE AVENUE

Everything we know about the secret recipe? It’s vegan, and it nixes real espresso for less-bitter, double-strength coffee.

CAROLINE STREET PUB

No long waits for a handmade ’tini! CSP’s Ketel One machine churns out a chilled one in just 20 seconds.

BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR

Nocello walnut liquor adds body and complexity, while creamy oat milk creates viscosity perfection.

MORRISSEY’S

No tummy aches here: There’s no cream of any kind. Instead, enjoy a lighter, airier consistency and sweet vanilla finish.

THE MISFIT

Decisions, decisions. Do you want your caffeine-packed nightcap black, creamy, or peanut butter flavored?

LUCY’S BAR

This frothy goodness has a secret weapon: It’s topped with a drizzle of sweet, house-made chocolate bitters.

COAT ROOM

Vanilla vodka and a pinch of salt make for a bitter-free, fragrant coffee concoction.

SECRET’S OUT

Earlier this year, we published an article on SARATOGA LIVING AFTER HOURS entitled “Saratoga’s Best Kept (Culinary) Secrets.” Missed it? We revisit the three dishes with cult followings—scan the QR code below to read the full story (and be sure to subscribe to never miss another SLAH story).

TURKEY CLUB FROM TROTTERS

Trotters isn’t necessarily known for its food, but word of its legendary turkey club (made with turkey smoked in house) has spread through Saratoga’s restaurant industry workers and beyond like wildfire.

MUFFINS FROM HANNAFORD

Local moms can’t stop buying Hannaford muffins—chocolate chip, pumpkin and corn—and the grocery store even landed a CAPITAL REGION LIVING Bestie award for its four-packs.

STEAK FROM PENNELL’S

Forget what you think you know about Italian restaurants. News anchor Mark Mulholland and construction magnate Sonny Bonacio are just two of the many locals who know to order the New York strip at Pennell’s.

WORTH THE DRIVE

Saratogians have a reputation for never leaving the town’s confines. But we’re here to tell you that if you’re foodie, it’s high time to get over that. Here are our favorite outside-theSpa-City eateries, and how many miles they are from downtown.

Park & Elm

 17 MILES

Glens Falls’ food scene is sizzling hot right now, so it was tough to choose just one. But Park & Elm, from the Doc’s team, is the newest can’t-miss stop, where fine dining (think housemade cacio e pepe and sinful seafood risotto) is seamlessly fused with gourmet food shopping, starting at 7am five days a week.

Scarlet knife

 23 MILES

A robust lunch menu, nightly live music and a beautiful dessert room give Latham’s Scarlet Knife an immediate edge—and then there’s the food. Favorite dishes include a chorizo

and shrimp concoction served in a mouth-watering paprika garlic broth, mushroom thyme gnocchi, and a harissa-roasted rack of lamb marinaded in yogurt and served with toasted coriander tzatziki.

The Gem

 33 MILES

This Bolton Landing “gem” not only serves up juicy, decadent BBQ—we’re talking St. Louis ribs and Baltimore black angus pit beef—but The Gem gets a fine dining nod by pairing it all with the craftiest of craft cocktails. Think mules made with any top-shelf spirit of your choice, and gin and tonics concocted with house-made tonic syrup.

Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill

 24 MILES

From the five-star 677 Prime/Toro team led by Jaime Ortiz, Green Island’s Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill pulls out all the stops. Get dressed up and head to the stunning dining room or sprawling patio to dig into signature dishes such as housemade lobster ravioli or anything from the extensive vegetarian/vegan menu.

tower supply Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill’s popular seafood tower.

THIS IS A  POPULARITY  CONTEST

The most popular dish at a restaurant is the most popular dish for a reason: People like it, and they keep coming back for more. So, we tasked Saratogian Shawn LaChapelle with photographing the most in-demand dishes at five of Saratoga’s trendiest restaurants. We’ll stop there—the pictures speak for themselves. Bon appetit!

photography by SHAWN L a CHAPELLE

OSTERIA DANNY Coconut Crème Pie ☜

The recipe for Osteria Danny’s impossibly fluffy coconut cream pie originally appeared in the 1962 edition of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary cookbook and was passed down from Chef Danny Petrosino’s grandmother Alice. The recipe has been tweaked through the years and has become a famous dish on the Italian restaurant’s dessert menu.

Boca Bistro Stuffed Dates ☞

A staple tapa in the Basque Country, these dried dates are stuffed with Marcona almonds and Valdeón blue cheese sourced from the Spanish city of León, wrapped in applewood smoked bacon, and drizzled with housemade apple cider glaze. They’ve been a menu favorite since Boca Bistro opened in 2012.

Seneca Pierogis ☜

The pierogis at Seneca are a family recipe, passed down from owner Shelley Spain’s babcia (grandmother). Made with a filling of farmer cheese and potato and served with caramelized onions, sour cream and fried leeks, they became an instant hit on the menu, even inspiring a Pierogi Shoppe ghost kitchen that operated during the pandemic.

Karavalli Jackfruit Kofta

Kofta, a meatball-like dish that originated in Persia, is traditionally made with a mixture of ground beef and lamb. At Karavalli, the meat is subbed for potatoes and jackfruit, a fleshy fruit that’s a staple of a plant-based diet. The balls are served in a coconut-pineapple sauce to create a favorite gluten-free and vegan menu option.

Henry Street Taproom Taproom Burger

Henry Street Taproom’s burger is a classic done right. The 100 percent all-natural beef is a custom blend of chuck and cuts of strip, ribeye and filet. Two patties are topped with American cheese, house special sauce, lettuce and chopped onions on a brioche bun, and served with a side of crispy, hand-cut fries. Like everything else, it’s even better with bacon.

Putting Homeowners First

From foundations to furnishings, Interior Designs Atelier is uniquely poised to help you achieve your dream home.

Anyone who has ever undertaken a home remodel or a renovation project on their own can tell you that even with the best of intentions, this can easily turn into an exercise in chaos, frustration and unforeseen expenses. And yet, homeowners are still sometimes wary of hiring a designer to bring to life the ideas they have for their home. Luckily for Saratogians, that’s exactly where Interior Designs Atelier excels.

With their years of expertise, the women of Interior Designs Atelier have honed their signature collaborative process to put their clients at ease. “The first thing we do is listen, and then we keep listening,” says Linda GeraceSkinner, Atelier’s owner. “Each project begins with a comprehensive discussion to identify our client’s needs, establish scope, and understand how they want their home to feel and function. After exploring their preferences, we create a visual concept of their home that will guide the overall design direction of their home.”

Interior Designs Atelier takes the lead to keep the project on time and on budget, thus minimizing the impact on you while maintaining your style and vision. Gerace-Skinner says, “We honor what matters most to our clients by celebrating their own unique aesthetic— not ours—by supporting our clients’ visions and articulating their personal passions into a thoughtful and authentic space.”

During gut remodels and renovations, specialists strip down the interior of a home to address any issues and optimize it for the

owners’ current needs. This process is a major undertaking and often includes changing the layout, adding or removing rooms, updating plumbing or electrical systems, and so much more.

“Full-service design and expert project management is what our clients love from us,” GeraceSkinner says. “It is everything from the initial meeting and design concept to the selection of materials, collaborating with builders and architects, engaging all trades and scheduling their time, and placing the orders and managing the logistics of deliveries, as well as managing the timeline and budget of the whole project.”

The award-winning design firm located in downtown Saratoga caters to both residential and commercial clients both locally and far beyond the Capital Region. “Whether you are building a new custom home or tackling a minor addition or renovation, we can manage your project from start to finish,” Gerace-Skinner says. She recommends that anyone considering a renovation should schedule a consultation with a professional to discuss all the possibilities and ways to optimally achieve the renovation of your dreams.

“If we do our job right,” she says, “we are right there with the client through every phase of their project with the result being a lasting relationship and a dream home that reflects their lifestyle.” ■ For more information about their design process go to interiordesignsatelier.com, and to see the breadth of their work follow @interiordesignsatelier on Instagram.

Linda Gerace-Skinner, owner and Interior Designer Allied ASID; Gina Voris, assistant designer; and Diane Meyer, Interior Designer Allied ASID.

In providing bespoke design services, Interior Designs Atelier believes in taking a collaborative approach with the sole ambition to work closely with each client and design different types of spaces for different types of clients.

Upstate New York’s only equestrian owned and focused sitework company

COMPLETE HORSE FACILITY

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

ARENA CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

RACING/TRAINING TRACK CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

FOOTING SPECIALIST

ESS PROPRIETARY BLENDED FOOTING WE ALSO WORK WITH GGT, PREMIER EQUESTRIAN, AND IGK PRODUCTS ALL ASPECTS OF HORSE FACILITY CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

We know horses, we know what works.

We are an established construction company specializing in Home Construction, Renovations, Additions

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

EXCAVATION AND SITE WORK

SITE DEVELOPMENT

SEPTIC/LEACH FIELD

DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

ROUGH AND FINISH

GRADING

LOT CLEARING

DRIVEWAYS

TRUCKING

ESS and ACC work together to offer you a complete line of services to meet the needs of horses, people, and facilities.

EQUINE SITE SOLUTIONS

660 Coy Rd., Greenfield Center, New York

518.290.7602

equinesitesolutions.com

ADIRONDAC CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION

Porter Corners, New York

518.290.7604

adirondacconstruction@gmail.com

Forest Grove is Growing

Belmonte Builders opens new phase adding 54 home sites to this unique Saratoga community.

Anew type of neighborhood is springing up in the Spa City. Just five miles north of downtown Saratoga lies Forest Grove, a fast-growing, one-of-a-kind home community where nature, easy country living and modern convenience have all come together.

“Forest Grove is unique,” says Peter Belmonte, president of Belmonte Builders, the Saratogabased, family-owned and -operated homebuilder that dreamed up Forest Grove. “People really love all the green space, the variety of home types and strong focus on community with sidewalks, streetlamps and amenities typical of southern HOAs.”

Belmonte opened “Phase 1A” last September and has almost sold out of that initial combination of 22 single-family homes and 40 twin homes. They opened “Phase 1B” in August, which includes 36 new single-family lots and 18 new twin home lots, nearly doubling the size of the current neighborhood. Once complete, Forest Grove will include a combination of more than 300 single family and twin homes and will feature a breadth of amenities with more than seven miles of walking trails. “Personally, I love all the green space,” says Mike Lust, director of sales for Belmonte Builders. “The official trails are not in yet, but the green space is there, ready to be explored.”

To get started, Belmonte donated more than 300 acres to the Town of Wilton. “The land donation was part of our negotiation with Wilton and enabled us to build Forest Grove the way we envisioned it while preserving a lot of green space,” says Lindsey Belmonte, vice president of customer service for Belmonte Builders. “We needed that space to create what is truly a unique and picturesque setting for the community—a country feel only five minutes from downtown Saratoga.”

This innovative, nature-focused design encourages residents to get outdoors and come together to build a strong community. How so? Through those aforementioned miles of trails (some paved and some natural forest floor); a fully furnished 5,000-square-foot community building with a large fitness center, event space and kitchen; a beautiful pool with an outdoor pavilion; two pickleball courts and a dog park.

“We're looking forward to showing off our new model home during this year’s Showcase of Homes,” says Lust. “It’s located at 2 Daintree Drive and is a charming cottage/bungalow ranch that’s perfect for downsizers and one of our top-selling floor plans.” ■ For more information go to belmontebuilders.com

(from top) Belmonte Builders’ 2019 Saratoga Showcase of Homes house; a rendering of the roundabout that will lead into Forest Grove.

Zobel & Co. Kitchens

Tailgate and Party

Experience the perfect intersection between what you need and what you’d love for your new kitchen. Zobel & Co. Kitchens is an award-winning design firm with over 45 years of expertise in creating custom kitchens that are uniquely crafted to fit clients’ personalities and lifestyles. Whether your kitchen is a new build or a remodel, Zobel & Co. Kitchens offers a broad range of cabinet styles, finishes, countertops, and designs to inspire you. Look for one of their latest kitchens in the Whitbeck house in the Showcase of Homes.

11 BROAD STREET, GLENS FALLS

518.588.1034 ● zobelandco.com

The Scott Varley Team

THE SCOTT VARLEY TEAM, which has been serving the Capital Region’s real estate needs since 1989, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary in its new, centrally located office at 382 Broadway. In 2022, the group sold more than $100 million on 295 units, and is on pace to exceed that this year. If you are looking for the best real estate agents in Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County or anywhere in the Capital Region, turn to The Scott Varley Team, which is comprised of experienced agents who are ready to guide you through the buying and selling process the Scott Varley way—the right way.

382 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS

518.281.6808 scottvarley.com

With fall comes change, and the owner of TAILGATE AND PARTY will be retiring—again, but this time for real! Her experience in Saratoga has been nothing but exciting, fun and successful, but it’s time to move on to greener pastures. Keep your eyes out for spectacular fall sales by following Tailgate and Party on Instagram and Facebook (@Tailgateandparty). Sales will begin immediately after Labor Day and continue until the store has been cleared out. Grab your stocking stuffers and favorite Tailgate items before they’re gone for good!

33 PHILA STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS

518.886.9015 ● tailgateandparty.com

New 2 You Fine Consignment Boutique

At NEW 2 YOU, it’s all about you. Located just outside Saratoga in Ballston Spa, New 2 You Fine Consignment Boutique is a shopping destination boasting 3,000 square feet of gently used, name-brand designer clothing and accessories, from dresses for any occasion to shoes, jewelry and handbags. Brands include Gucci, Burberry, Prada, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and many more. And don’t forget about the designer departments for men and juniors! New 2 You also accepts consignments of gently worn or never-worn clothing and accessories by appointment.

2100 DOUBLEDAY AVENUE, BALLSTON SPA 518.885.4040 ● new2youfineconsignment.com

saratoga living Fall in Love with Local

30-Minute Hit

Created just for women, 30 MINUTE HIT is a fresh, bright and vibrant place where you can leave the stresses of your day behind while training like a champ! With specifically designed equipment, guided instruction and inspiring soundtracks, you’ll never dread working out again. Each two-minute round based on boxing, kickboxing, general self-defense and core stability training will challenge you to improve your fitness and reward you with amazing results. All in just 30 minutes! You’ve got nothing to lose except pounds, inches and stress, so book your absolutely FREE trial today!

3 HAMPSTEAD PLACE, SUITE 104A, SARATOGA SPRINGS

518.450.1154

30minutehit.com/ saratogasprings

Alpine Sport Shop

For the last 82 years, ALPINE SPORT SHOP has been Saratoga’s go-to store for all things winter. Shop skis, ski boots, snowboards, cross-country gear, snowshoes, helmets, goggles, hats, gloves and accessories, or get your ski gear tuned up by the experts at this full service shop. There’s plenty for those who prefer to spend the coldweather months strolling up and down Broadway, too— top-of-the-line fall and winter clothing and accessories await in Alpine Sport Shop’s beautiful ski chalet–style building!

321 CLINTON STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS

518.584.6290 ● alpinesportshop.com

Bellatas Medical Aesthetics

The best skincare treatment is one that has been individualized for each patient. That’s what you can expect at BELLATAS MEDICAL AESTHETICS, where nurse practitioner and master injector Laura Newey, FNP-C, takes pride in guiding patients through minimally invasive aesthetic procedures. Laura herself has dealt with her own skincare issues and desire for a smoother complexion and radiant, youthful appearance, so she has made it her mission to help others have an enjoyable skincare treatment experience and achieve successful results. Since opening in 2019, Laura’s business has expanded rapidly to offer services beyond traditional injectables like Botox and fillers. Bellatas is now the area’s exclusive provider of the widely popular Morpheus RF Microneedling and IPL laser platforms, and also offers the state-of-theart SaltFacial by SaltMed, a three-step treatment for ultimate skin rejuvenation anywhere on the body. In addition, Bellatas recently launched IV infusion therapy, to aid recovery, support your anti-aging skincare regimen, and improve energy and immunity. In Latin, the name “Bellatas” means “the state of being, beautiful.” It represents a mindset, an attitude and an holistic approach to one’s state of being as a whole.

28 CLINTON STREET, SUITE 1B, SARATOGA SPRINGS

518.306.6197 ● bellatasmedspa.com

off track

SARATOGA’S HOTTEST TICKETS

saratoga living’s “The Races!” With Acacia Clement

JULY 25 • PANZA’S RESTAURANT

photography by NATE SEITELMAN

This past July, saratoga living celebrated the return of racing season at one of Saratoga’s most beloved establishments—Panza’s Restaurant—with one of Saratoga’s most beloved racing analysts. Guests mixed and mingled with NYRA’s Acacia Clement and her family, including parents Sherrie and Brian Courtney, who work for her Racing for Home nonprofit, and husband Miguel, a horse trainer. To top off the festive evening, attendees were treated to an impressive Italian spread by Panza’s, wine by Mionetto and Freixenet, and live music in the Panza’s Starlight Lounge.

Miguel Clement, Acacia Clement, Sherrie Courtney, Kim Boocher, Brian Courtney

JULY 7 • UNIVERSAL PRESERVATION HALL

photography by ZACH SKOWRONEK

saratoga living Day at the Track

AUGUST 11 • 1863 CLUB

photography by NATE SEITELMAN

Center for Disability Services’ Siro’s Cup

FALLINLOVE

Saratoga

Automobile Museum’s 21st Anniversary Celebration

JULY 21 • SARATOGA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM

Racing & Rosé

JULY 29 • NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING AND HALL OF FAME

photography by TODD BAILEY

photography by MORGAN CAMPBELL

home stretch:

FALL FASHION ISN’T JUST FOR ADULTS—GET YOUR LITTLE ONES READY TO SLAY THE SCHOOL DAY WITH THESE FINDS FROM GAPKIDS.

photography by DORI FITZPATRICK

saratoga summer was fun while it lasted, but now it’s time to get down to business and back to school. Set your kiddos up for success with a few versatile pieces from GapKids, like this adorable faux-leather leather jacket modeled by fourth-grader Jane. There are plenty of ways to wear it, but we chose to pair it with a rhinestone-bedazzled flare jean (wide-leg is back, baby!) and a Johnny Cash graphic tee for a rock-solid look with a rock-on attitude. Accessorize with a flashy bookbag, and math class won’t know what hit it. Third-grader Will, meanwhile, will be the coolest kid on the bus in a layered look that’s as cozy as it is stylish. On the coldest of fall days, the plaid button-down, jean jacket and puffer vest will all be in play, but he can always lose a layer after building up a sweat at recess. Will knows he looks good, too—during his photoshoot, he asked if he’d be on the cover of the magazine. With this amount of swag, we can’t blame him.

—NATALIE MOORE

home stretch:

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

launching any business in the middle of track season in and around Saratoga Springs can be a sink-orswim situation. For Milton Tavern on Geyser Road in Milton, the experience was “amazing,” says co-owner Micah Henzel, who wanted a homey, goto spot where regulars can dig into delicious, budget-friendly dishes— over a pint and with the littles.

Milton Tavern’s bar and restaurant is open seven days a week as it vies for position as the area’s homeaway-from-home neighborhood joint. It serves a range of comfort food classics with a New England twist, and offers 13 beers plus one Prosecco— yes, Prosecco—on draft, as well as wine and, says Henzel, “pretty much any kind of liquor you can think of.”

But what’s turning new customers into regulars is its relaxed atmosphere that’s comfy for the whole fam.

“We really just wanted to be that neighborhood place that families could come to not just a few times a month, but a few times a week,” Henzel says.

“We’re welcoming to everyone, the food is great, and the prices are as low as we can make them.”

Henzel says the tavern's been packed since opening day, and since the business was a long time coming, they were prepared.

“I’ve been sitting with Joey [co-owner Joseph Muia III] at the Horseshoe Inn for three years planning this,” Henzel says. “We were just waiting for the right space to open up.”

When Milton’s Jay’s Bar and Grill closed, the pair swooped in. They both have restaurant and bar experience: Henzel worked as a sous chef at Longfellows, Nanola and Henry’s Tavern, while Muia pulled taps and mixed drinks for a decade at Dozer’s Bar and Grill. Henzel also owns MJG Construction Group, which helped facilitate the gutjob renovation the pair wanted.

“We took out and replaced absolutely everything except the bar and the stage,” Henzel says. “It would have been a $150,000 job without my company, but we were able to save money that way”—and pass those savings on to diners.

“We really want families to just come here, have a good time and enjoy,” he says, “and be able to afford the food.”

The prices are fair, and the food is stellar. Best-sellers include the New England Bar Pizza (try the Utica Style, with a white garlic base, sausage, Italian long hots and Italian cheese for $14) and the Tavern Grill sandwich (roast beef, white cheddar, caramelized onions, bacon and garlic-pepper aioli for $15, with a choice of side). And there are plenty of tasty options for your return trip, as this is one tavern where familiarity is what’s on tap.

one in a milton Milton Tavern took over the space that was formerly Jay’s Bar and Grill just outside Saratoga’s city limits; (inset) BBQ chicken nachos.

THE BRAND-NEW MILTON TAVERN SAYS “CHEERS” TO ITS RELAXED VIBE THAT’S TURNING THE CURIOUS INTO REGULARS. n BY KATHLEEN WILCOX

A Fresh Pour

SIP, SAVOR AND CELEBRATE THE NEW OWNERS OF SARATOGA WINERY, WHO ARE GETTING THE WORD OUT ABOUT FALL FAVES AND BRUNCH GOALS.

BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX

annie and andrew brill fell in love with each other—and Saratoga Springs—as Skidmore College undergrads. Then came 10 years in Chicago and a return to the Spa City, with Annie landing at Saratoga Winery as its general manager. And when the owners, Tara and Rich Nimno, approached her with the opportunity to take over completely? She cheers-ed to that.

“They really wanted to downsize, and Andrew and I loved the idea of taking on the ownership,” Annie says, adding that Andrew will retain his sales manager role at Mazzone Hospitality. “The first thing we did was expand the liquor license, so we can serve a variety of spirits.”

Aside from that cocktail flex, the winery’s fans should be at ease: This fall, expect all of the usual fun events you know and love, from September’s Hillbilly Bash to the Hallo-Wine Shakedown in October.

“And we’re trying to get the word out that we’re a full-service restaurant Thursday through Sunday,” Annie says, “with a fantastic all-day brunch Saturday and Sunday.”

Consider this a weekend brunch PSA: Mimosa flights, house-made wine from Finger Lakes–sourced grapes, backyard games for kids of all ages (cornhole is calling), wood-fired pizzas and hangoverzapping burgers await.

“The people who know love it,” Annie says. “But not enough people know!”

brill ride Andrew and Annie Brill acquired The Saratoga Winery this past summer.

home stretch:

“We frequently get inquiries to book Lucy’s for private events, but the biggest concern is our capacity,” says co-owner Lucy Rivas. “So we thought, ‘Why not bring Lucy’s to the customer instead?’”

While attending a friend’s wedding, Rivas and her fiancé, Lucy’s co-owner Zach VanEarden, saw an opportunity to bring the charm of their beloved bar on the road. After falling in love with mobile bars while traveling overseas, they saw what the right mobile bar can do when, at the wedding reception, a tiny but attention-grabbing one sat in the middle of the ballroom, with beer, Champagne and wine taps for guests to enjoy. The cart was a hit and had everyone posing for photos all night. “Seeing it in action at a wedding sealed the deal,” Rivas says. “We were sold.”

Small Bar, Big Reach

ON THE

GO

THE TINY CAROLINE STREET WATERING HOLE LUCY’S HAS A NEW MOBILE BAR THAT CAN SERVE COCKTAILS AT THE LARGEST EVENTS AND PARTIES.

BY NATALIE ST. DENIS

lucy’s bar, with its bounteous décor, has been a recognizable Caroline Street fixture since it opened in the fall of 2021. But as word spread, the tiny bar developed what can only be described as a great “problem” to have: More people wanted Lucy’s than could fit inside the cozy premises.

Fast forward a year and the Little Lucy’s Mobile Bar was ready to roll. Sporting a mahogany wooden backing and antique brass touches—adding to what Rivas calls its “elegant Titanic feel”—its first gigs were a wedding and baby shower. At colder-weather outdoor events—Chowderfest, perhaps?!—the bar can even serve hot beverages such as coffee and hot cocoa. (The bar’s four taps can serve beer, wine, seltzer, cocktails and mocktails.)

Since the seasonal covered ceiling and stand-out entrance décor are part of the DNA at Lucy’s Bar, the look of Little Lucy’s was hugely important. “Zach personally customized it, and [co-owner] Kelsey [Whalen] and I hand-picked every feature to make it both photogenic and iconic, which is something we obviously take pride in at Lucy’s,” Rivas says. “This is a mobile bar that will elevate any event!”

décor strength Just like at the brick-and-mortar Lucy’s, Little Lucy’s Mobile Bar is decked out with flowers and distinctive finishing touches.

home stretch:

Designed to Shop

PDT MARKET ’S INNOVATIVE DESIGN ELEMENTS BRING ITS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE TO LIFE WITH A SARATOGA-ESQUE, HORSE-COUNTRY FLAIR. n BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX

photography by ELIZABETH HAYNES

when pdt market opened on Railroad Place this past spring, it instantly became a buzzed-about hotspot—not only did it feature an upscale bar for grabbing a cocktail (the Champagne vending machine and free, freshly-batched cotton candy for kids would arrive soon after), but the sophisticated design was unlike anything else in Saratoga.

In true market form, PDT was designed as a sprawling gathering space made up of a collection of distinct “vignettes” for shopping grocery list items such as flowers, cheese and

deli selections. And those delineations required an innovative design.

“The different spaces were designed to have their own identity but still harmonize with the rest of the store,” says AnnBritt Newey, founder of ABN Design Inc, who before the PDT Market project was the designer behind Rhea and Putnam Place. “The layout and circulation in a space this large is always key.”

Newey and the market’s founder, Adam Foti, put their heads together to figure out how to incorporate Foti’s already-established Pomme de Terre

geometry class “The bar’s geometry is based on the cheese cases and incorporates an extensive patisserie case and back bar,” says PDT Market designer AnnBritt Newey. “Combining all of these different functions and elements into a custom, floating bar required a lot of finesse”; (left) the pop-of-pink portico that

“PDT” brand identity with the vibe they envisioned—think Provence, France crossed with Saratoga Springs’ horse country. They threw in what Newey calls “a sprinkling of unexpected color and flair,” such as a pink sofa and chairs set that Foti sourced himself, and “played up the rustic vibe with antique carts and reclaimed millwork in the produce, floral and fromage areas.”

Throughout the store, shoppers will find antique and vintage pieces, including the 19th century portico around which the store’s flowers and artisanal cheeses bloom, and gorgeous Art Nouveau tables that still have their original cabriole legs.

One place Newey would recommend a shopper stops gazing and grazing and stays awhile?

“It is hard to choose, but I think I like the bar area the best,” she says. “I love the unique bar shape and how it interacts with the rest of the market.

At presstime, Adam Foti had left PDT Market, but no changes to the design or name were planned.

separates the floral and fromage departments.

home stretch:

Redefining Home Entertainment

WITT CONSTRUCTION’S OLD STONE RIDGE ROAD STUNNER IS A SARATOGA SHOWCASE OF HOMES STANDOUT, THANKS TO ITS MODERN TAKE ON HOSPITALITY.

BY JEFF DINGLER

photography by ELIZABETH HAYNES

why go out when the entertainment’s already at home? That’s what Saratogians will find at 30 Old Stone Ridge Road, a new idyllic, hilltop estate in Greenfield.

“This home was designed for a couple with a large family, so entertaining was the biggest priority,” says Kennedy Taylor of Studio K., a luxury boutique architectural design company that worked on the project with Witt Construction. “We included a living space on all three levels so the party can follow you wherever you are.”

Speaking of those ultra-fun living levels, the main floor is all swagger with a sunken, curved bar in the living room and extra-comfy leather seating for those large gatherings. A theater room and golf simulator dominate the lower level while the top floor boasts a loft with an enormous L-shaped sectional and custom swivel chairs in cozy teddybouclé fabric. And did we mention a hot tub on the balcony with a sweeping view of Vermont’s Green Mountains? Of course, fun is just one part of the package. This 4-bedroom/5.5bathroom home also looks absolutely stunning. Taylor and John Witt, president of Witt Construction, took inspiration from architectural innovators like Jeffrey Dungan and Tony Frazier, whose styles blend traditional European elements with sturdy, classic American designs. This masterful blend is evident in the house’s sharp rooflines, decorative elements on the exterior

and an art deco influence on the inside.

vanity flair (clockwise, from top left) A lilac marble vanity set against a fluted lilac marble wall in the powder bath; the contemporary kitchen features quartz countertops; the dining room boasts views of the Green Mountains; custom leather chairs imported from Italy in the dining room; the family entry from the side porch; a cascading brass chandelier in the staircase; the view from the office; (opposite, from top) the kitchen with passthrough area beyond; Studio K mascot Boston in front of the floating white oak and steel staircase that spans all three levels of the home.

“John has a really incredible vision for capturing a piece of property and understanding clients and their needs,” says Taylor. “This home is completely custom from the ground up, and our goal alongside the clients’ was to create a property that was unlike anything else being done in the area.” Spanning more than 7,000 square feet, the sprawling home layout is filled with so many cozy pockets and unique living spaces that Taylor described it as a “dream home to design.”

Sneak a peek during this year’s Saratoga Showcase of Homes, and pay attention to how the visit makes you feel “When you walk into a well designed home it’s so much more than what paint colors are on the walls or what pillows are on the sofa,” Taylor says. “It’s how the home feels, what moods it brings when you move from room to room.” And most importantly…how big is that balcony hot tub?

osteria danny

Run by chef Danny Petrosino and his wife, Patti, osteria danny specializes in Italian-American cuisine with an emphasis on simplicity and creative development. As such, the menu is updated frequently to encompass new culinary concepts and locally sourced ingredients whenever they are available. Although the menu is continuously evolving via Danny’s creative will, the original recipes remain a pivotal influence on the dishes that osteria danny produces.

Open at 5pm seven days a week.

26 HENRY STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS

osteriadanny.com

518.423.7022

Henry Street Taproom

Good food, lots of beer and an atmosphere that’s the perfect mix of relaxed, cozy and chic? That’s what you can expect at Henry Street Taproom, which has been serving local craft beers and ciders, classic cocktails and locally sourced, made-from-scratch food since 2012. Ten years in, Henry Street is still a go-to spot for locals who never tire of cozying up to the fire or settling in on the patio during the summer months. Open 4-10pm Tuesday-Friday; 2-10pm Saturday; 2-9pm Sunday.

86 HENRY STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS

henrystreettaproom.com

• 518.886.8938

Dunning Street Station

Located less than 10 minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs just off Exit 13S, Dunning Street Station is known for its laid-back environment and front-of-mind customer service. Chef Bruce Jacobsen, formerly of sister restaurant Lake Ridge, has curated an impressive menu that features many Italian-inspired classics with a twist, which are available for dine-in or takeout. Add in plenty of parking and ample space at the bar, and Dunning Street Station, which this year was voted best restaurant for family dining, is a winning option for a night out. Open 3–9pm Tuesday–Saturday. 2853 STATE ROUTE 9, MALTA dunningstreetstation.com 518.587.2000

Cantina

Broadway dining hotspot Cantina has been serving up fresh Mexican dishes and signature margaritas in the heart of downtown Saratoga for the last 16 years. Guests flock to the restaurant for its festive vibe, creative fare, craft cocktails (happy hour, anyone?!), and open-air dining— in addition to its patio and rooftop bar, Cantina’s ground level boasts floor-to-ceiling doors. When the weather gets cold, belly up to the bar or find a table for all your south-of-the-border favorites. Open noon-9pm Sunday–Thursday; noon-10pm Friday and Saturday. See website for seasonal hours.

408 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS cantinasaratoga.com • 518.587.5577

Panza’s Restaurant

While Panza’s Restaurant could certainly get by on tradition—the classic Italian restaurant is one of Saratoga’s oldest and most beloved— that hasn’t stopped ownership from continuing to push the limits of what’s possible when it comes to hospitality.

In addition to the authentic Italian cuisine (the Greens & Beans are to die for and the Chicken Piccata is a classic done right), creative cocktails and an expertly curated wine list, Panza’s has become known for its live entertainment. Sinatra & Friends is a popular live show featuring classics from The Great American Songbook that this summer became a regular installment in Panza’s acclaimed Starlight Lounge. Catch Michael

Panza and a rotating cast of performers every Sunday evening from 6-9pm.

And that’s not all. Earlier this year, Panza’s unveiled a new-to-Saratoga concept that stays true to the term “piano bar.” While you may think a piano bar is just a bar with a piano in it, this experience allows guests to sit around a custom-built bar that actually surrounds the piano, providing guests an opportunity to watch and interact with the pianist up close. Come ready with song requests! For a complete entertainment schedule, fall hours and to peruse the menu visit panzasrestaurant.com

129 SOUTH BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS panzasrestaurant.com • 518.584.6882

Putnam’s Restaurant Bourbon Room

The Gideon Putnam’s signature dining experience, Putnam’s Restaurant, offers historic charm, firstclass service and seasonally changing menus. But the restaurant isn’t just open to guests of the historic hotel—the public is welcome to stop by for breakfast and dinner. Locally sourced and seasonal ingredients are used whenever possible in dishes such as shrimp and lobster risotto, grilled portobello burger and baconwrapped pork tenderloin, all of which are served by highly trained staff who provide personalized service to each and every customer. Putnam’s is open year round, so stop by for a meal to remember today.

See website for hours of operation.

24 GIDEON PUTNAM R OAD , SARATOGA SPRINGS

gideonputnam.com • 866.890.1171

You don’t have to make the trek down to Manhattan to get this classic cocktail with a twist! The Bourbon Room’s Manhattan is a concoction made with Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey stirred and strained with Carpano Antic Sweet Vermouth and just the right about of famed Bogart Bitters. Stop by the home of Caroline Street’s largest whiskey selection to try the Manhattan and plenty of other craft cocktails this fall! Open 4pm-close daily.

8 CAROLINE STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS

bourbonroomsaratoga.com • 518.791.6199

Named after its convenient location just off the highway, 13 North is a familyowned restaurant that serves quality food in a casual environment. The diverse menu is highlighted by house-made desserts and bread, plus specials to please everyone. Wash it all down with a drink from the bar, which boasts a fine selection of wines and bourbons. Make the short drive from downtown Saratoga on a Thursday for their prime rib special or Friday for Fresh Fish Friday. Open 4-10pm Wednesday–Saturday.

2955 ROUTE 9, MALTA

13northrestaurant.com

• 518.400.1746

Kindred

From the creators of Henry Street Taproom, Kindred is a new wine bar focused on organic wine, good food and fun. The owners’ goal is a simple one: Make wine fun again. On the food side, Kindred’s menu focuses on small plates cooked in wood-fired ovens, as well as select entrées. Comfortable and chic, Kindred is the perfect place to make memories with friends and family this fall.

Open 5pm–midnight Thursday–Monday

84 HENRY STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS

@kindred_saratoga • 518.886.1198

ITALIAN

osteria danny

osteriadanny.com

 518.423.7022

26 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs

Panza’s panzasrestaurant.com

 518.584.6882

129 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs

AMERICAN

13 North

13northrestaurant.com

 518.400.1746

2955 State Route 9, Malta

30 Lake

30lake.com

 518.539.3474

30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs

The Brook Tavern

thebrooktavern.com

 518.871.1473

139 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs

Dunning Street Station

dunningstreetstation.com

 518.587.2000

2853 State Route 9, Malta

Henry Street Taproom

 henrystreettaproom.com

518.886.8938

86 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs

Sweet Mimi’s Cafe

sweetmimiscafe.com

 518.871.1780

RECTORY

Park & Elm

parkandelm.com

 518.480.3220

19 Park Street, Glens Falls

Prime at Sartoga National

primeatsaratoganational.com

 518.583.4653

458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs

Putnam’s Restaurant

gideonputnam.com

 866.890.1171

24 Gideon Putnam Road, Saratoga Springs

The Wishing

Well

wishingwellrestaurant.com

 518.584.7640

745 Saratoga Road, Wilton

Cantina

cantinasaratoga.com

 518.587.5577

408 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs

Gideon Putnam

(cooler in lobby)

gideonputnam.com

 866.890.1171

24 Gideon Putnam Road, Saratoga Springs

West Ave Pizzeria

westavenuepizzeria.com

 518.886.3788

99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs

BREWERIES

Artisanal Brew Works

abw.beer

 518.306.4344

617 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs

Bourbon Room

bourbonroomsaratoga.com

 518.791.6199

8 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs

Kindred

@kindred_saratoga

 518.886.1198

84 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs

MEXICAN

GRAB & GO

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

COCKTAIL BARS

The Anti AI

OUR SUBSTACK NEWSLETTER IS BETTER THAN CHATGPT. HERE’S WHY.

a few months ago, my much techier friend thought of an idea for a SARATOGA LIVING AFTER HOURS post: Ask ChatGPT to create an itinerary for a day of summer fun in the Spa City, and then review it. The resulting post turned out to be the quickest and easiest story to write in SLAH history—the AI bot churned out an 11-activity schedule in about, oh, three seconds. While there is no humanly possible way to complete all 11 activities in one day’s time, ChatGPT did hit on many of the major Saratoga summer attractions—the track, SPAC, the Spa State Park, Saratoga Casino Hotel, and dining in downtown restaurants. But that was it. ChatGPT listed activities, with next to no additional information.

“Visit the Saratoga Automobile Museum, located within the park,” it wrote. “Explore the fascinating collection of classic cars and learn about the evolution of the automobile industry.” No mention of the uber-popular James Bond exhibit, which we reviewed for SLAH after attending the members and media preview last fall. “Take a refreshing dip in the Peerless Pool, a large public swimming pool,” it wrote. No mention of the Victoria Pool, the park’s historic, secluded pool whose unwritten rules we put in writing in a SLAH post last summer. “Explore the Saratoga Race Course, known as ‘The Spa,’” it continued. “Even if you’re not into horse racing, the historical charm of this venue is worth experiencing.” No mention of any of those charms, such as the track’s resident shoeshiner, its BYO cooler policy, or the after-hours soirées that come with racing season—and the shenanigans that happen at them. Yes, you can read about those charms and more by scanning the QR code below; then sign up for a SLAH subscription so you never miss another one.

ChatGPT did include a disclaimer that it only has access to information from September 2021 and before, and it did indeed include recommendations for restaurants that have since closed. (No mention of The Coat Room, Saratoga’s new speakeasy—obviously.) But even the up-to-date information is barely information, because while AI has made incredible strides, especially in recent years, the one thing it can’t do is be here. The SLAH team, on the other hand? We’re here, there and, honestly, kind of everywhere. And you’re invited along for the ride.

–NATALIE MOORE

Not a bot

editorial@saratogaliving.com

super siro (from top)

Natalie Moore at Siro’s after the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale; walking in the Tribute to Transforming Lives fashion show; at Siro’s Cup with Andrea Gorgen (left) and Maddy Halverson; (inset) with track shoeshiner Bobby Wilson. (Siro’s Cup) KONRAD ODHIAMBO; (shoeshiner, fashion show) ZACH SKOWRONEK

rock rock rock n n n soul soul soul

S A TURDAYS 11P-12M

FIRST FRIDAYS 6-9P