I don't know if this post is last week's thoughts or this week's, but here we go anyway:
- Well Chowderfest sure had some decent weather - no snow, a little sun, and some cold air to enjoy the chowder in. My top pick: The Inn at Saratoga - which had a robust and thick chowder that I would definitely go back for. The lines were sure long, but I guess that simply means a successful event. Hopefully next year the city will put out some more garbage cans, so we don't have a repeat of this sight on Broadway shown in the picture below.
- While walking downtown during Chowderfest, I noticed a few things - the papered over windows at the old Pizza on Broadway and Raina's, the sign announcing Russo's Restaurant coming at the old Brindisi's location, another sign announcing something related to Saratoga National Golf coming into the old Shoe Depot building (Tom Newkirk of Saratoga National bought that building), and finally the shocking view of the empty Beverly's - I knew it was closed but it was nonetheless still a shock to see it empty.
- Speaking of closed diners, it was sure a shocker to see the Saratoga Restaurant suddenly lock the doors for good. Didn't see that one coming.
- I'm probably one of the few people in town that is familiar with Spot Coffee, the Canadian coffee chain store coming to Bonacio's new Price Chopper building. Spot Coffee has been in my hometown Buffalo since the 1990s and I have been to
two of their locations on a several occasions. Here's my take: Spot Coffee is a great Coffee place and the newcomer won't drive out Uncommon Grounds, but it will take a significant portion of their business. Let's hope the local consumers (me & you) benefit from the new competition. The Rochester location is pictured to the right.
- Don't forget the Dance Flurry is coming. Feb 17-19th. Even if you're not a dancer it's a shot for the local economy so that's a good thing.
- Wish I had a pick for tonight's game. I hate both teams, but I'll be leaning the Giants way, just because they are the underdog and I love to see Belichick lose.
- Speaking of Sunday TV events, I had some comments on HBO's new horse racing themed show "Luck" last week, and I finally saw the first episode. I felt it was very, very good, and I will keep watching. I'm just not sure if it can capture enough of an audience to make it past the first season. HBO audiences can generally handle intelligent and complicated plots and stories, but this show has separate stories that so far barely overlap. Think the movie Pulp Fiction. I hope it lasts, because I do like it. I just hope it's not another "The Comeback". OK Guy, there's your answer.
- OK here's the roundup of business and organization updates: The Wishing Well has Valentines Day and other information available here. Longfellow's has some Valentines Day information here. Need an intelligent gift for a kid? G. Willikers has a special sale going (it ends today) if you bring in a can of soup for donation to the Franklin Community Center. Nothing says I love you like....a bunch of Peanut Butter - so you can check out Saratoga Peanut Butter's Valentines Day gift pack here. Have a great week folks and enjoy the Superbowl.
Comments