Saratoga Thoughts January 11, 2012

God I can't believe I'm writing "2012".  While we all wonder what happened to our youth, here is what I'm thinking in the Spa City:

• I've noticed that the winery owner that bought the Kimberly Inn has been doing some work there.  I saw a full dumpster outside the building at Lincoln and Broadway a few weeks ago, and it seems like the place is getting some interior work done to it.  That's good news. 
• Say goodbye to another promising young reporter at the Saratogian.   Suzanna Lourie, who in my book established herself as a very capable business reporter, has moved on to Central America. She will be teaching in Costa Rica, and the In the Biz blog indicates she may be blogging from there.  Good luck Suzanna!
• Max London's sure does a great job on brunch, especially with their Belgian waffle creations. 

 

• How long is it going to take the State DOT to lower the speed limits along the death stretch of Rt 9?  Sure, a lot of those now deceased pedestrians reportedly had alcohol in their system, but that's not an excuse for DOT to do nothing.  I drove up Route 9 from Exit 13 over the weekend and I saw 3 pedestrians walking close to the driving lane.  It's just dangerous. Not only should they lower the speed limit, but would it be too much to ask to add a wide pedestrian and bicycle path off the roadway?  You can read more on the Times Union's Saratoga Seen blog here.
• The You Idiot blog had some information on Saratoga's newest Beer Garden coming soon!
• This winter's welcome mild weather is allowing Dango's to work quickly on an all-season addition to the back of their restaurant, as seen below.

• Speaking of Dango's, the bar's Tuesday night wing specials sure seem to affect other establishments downtown.  The Funsaratoga field agent and I had a tough time finding open places last night (Tuesday) to get a beer and wings.  Dango's itself was packed and we didn't feel like waiting for a table.  The Parting Glass was as dead as a mortuary, but the beer was cold so we stayed.  We tried stopping out to The Irish Times and Bailey's, but they were both closed when we tried them about 9:15pm.  I think the Seven Horse may have been closed as well.  We finally stopped at Peabody's, where there were just a few customers.  Well, if fewer hours mean that these places survive the winter I guess that's OK with me. 
• I wrote a while back about the laundromat on Phila Street closing and a jewelry shop opening in its place.  Sometime since then the jewelry shop closed and a place called The Saratoga Traveler opened there, selling backpacks and the like.  I haven't had a chance to stop in yet but if anyone has please comments on how it is.   

 

• Well I'll end here with a smattering of links of recent newsletters and other communications from Saratoga Springs businesses and organizations: Universal Preservation Hall,  Saratoga Peanut Butter, Saratoga Olive Oil Co., Saratoga YMCA, DZ Restaurants, Saratoga Coffee Traders,  Saratoga Arts, and Wild Birds Unlimited.

Enjoy the mild winter so far everybody.  Have a great week. 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Rob]

I can't stand Dango's and I'm pissed that their presence is hurting other establishments. Granted it's a Tuesday in January, but you still hate to see other places take a hit because of cheap wings and slutty waitresses.

[SaraT]

Dango's music is deafening when the outside is open. Also they cut off the alley from Caroline St. thereby blocking the walkway to the library/parking lot from the north!