Now More Than Ever
SARATOGA SPRINGS WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN
Walking downtown seems so different now. Retail shops and favorite restaurants are shuttered, with signs about the Governor’s mandate posted on doors and windows every which way you turn. No one expected this pandemic. And no one could have predicted the havoc it would play on lives, businesses, everyday joys in life – now on pause for the foreseeable future. No one ever would have guessed we’d have to wear masks out in public, staying six feet away from others. At first, we thought it would be a week or two of inconveniences – we were sure things would return to normal quickly, and we could get on with our lives. Of course, that, and more, proved untrue. People lost jobs; businesses closed, folks of all ages passed away from Covid-19 alone in hospitals, away from family and friends. Only essential jobs with essential workers remained. Travel ceased, seemingly overnight. State borders closed – or discouraged visitors for the time being. All of us wondered how long this could go on – when would we re-open – what would we do in the meantime? If we weren’t in The Twilight Zone, it sure felt like it. It still does.
18 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | MAY/JUNE 2020
Saratoga has always been a strong community. One of the things I love most about living here is that we’re a city full of people who rally together to help in times of need. So, the moment restaurants began to think outside the box, determined to do everything they could to stay afloat-we were open to the idea-excited to help out. Though some might have wondered if buying one or two meals curbside could even make a difference, there were more of us that said, “Our favorite place has a to-go menu, let’s order dinner.” And the act of patronizing local places ignited hope for recovery – in me, at least. Below are a few of my favorite places to eat in Saratoga. I’ve always loved the restaurant staff, the building’s atmosphere, the freshest food, and imaginative recipes out there. Besides that, I’m a hugger – a big fan of greeting with a warm smile and handshake, leaving with a doggy bag and tight embrace. I’ve made friends in these places. I care about their livelihood. And they care about me. Hugs will have to wait, for sure. But I can still smile behind my mask, ask how everyone’s holding up during this pandemic, offer a warm greeting, and say thanks as I leave.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
