Fun in Saratoga

Jacob and Anthony's announces planned opening in May and is accepting applications on line

ADDED December 2010: Click here to read about my impressions of Jacob and Anthony's after I had dinner there.

Jacob & Anthony's American Grille, which was previously set to open in 2009, has a web site up and running which announces a May 2010 opening and also has a link for on line employment applications.  The restaurant, which will be run by the Marrello family of Bellini's Restaurants and the Houlihan's chain restaurant location in Crossgates Mall, will be located at 38 High Rock in the Hampton Inn & Suites.  The web site also has what could be described as draft menu with both restaurant and catering options.  Their Facebook page projects a degree of confidence by proclaiming "J&A's will be rooted in American and family traditions. With a look that is pure Americana and dishes featuring classic recipes with a modern presentation, we hold this truth to be self-evident: not all menus are created equal."  Joe Marrello, in an article in the Spotlight News, said a grand opening of the Saratoga restaurant will likely benefit the Epilepsy Foundation and Saratoga Bridges. 

Good economy or bad, the Saratoga Springs restaurant scene is always on the move and never dull!  I will be happy to see this restaurant open and hopefully it will be a sign of good things to come for the Saratoga Springs business community. 

Confirmed: Shanghai Grill moving to former Doc's location

I wrote earlier today (see below) linking a post from the You Idiot Blog about information that the Shanghai Grill was moving from its South Broadway location to the former Doc's Steakhouse building located at 63 Putnam Street.  It was apparently also mentioned in a comment by Dennis Yusko on the Saratoga Seen blog on an old post about the Shanghai Grill.  I called the Shanghai Grill and the employee that answered the phone confirmed the report and further stated the move would be completed "in a month or two".  As much as I hate to see another vacant restaurant on South Broadway, it is good to see the former Doc's location, right in the heart of downtown within steps of many other restaurants, occupied.

 

Photo from Ahren D off Flickr

Shanghai Grill moving to former Doc's location?

The You Idiot Blog is reporting that, according to "sources on the street", the Shanghai Grill is moving from its South Broadway location to the former Doc's Steakhouse building on Putnam Street.  That would put it just around the corner from Sushi Thai Garden, perhaps making for some intense competition.  I ate at the Shanghai Grill almost a year ago and didn't have a great experience. A friend of mine, on the other hand, loves the place and the Latham location has a good following, so perhaps I was there during some startup bugs and they may have since found their groove. 

  

Above: Shanghai Grill on South Broadway

If the You Idiot blog is correct, and it's apparently just a rumor at this point but nonetheless YI seems to have his ear to the ground, then that would leave yet another vacant restaurant building on South Broadway.  Here are the restaurant locations that are currently empty on South Broadway:

• The Big Apple - You can read more about that building here.
• The former Weathervane Seafood Restaurant
• Paradiso

I get the feeling I'm missing a place, but can't think of it.  Anyway, I guess it would be good to see the Doc's location, in a key spot downtown, filled.  Whether or not the Shanghai Grill is moving into it, there has been no movement from Maestro's and there have been reports that they are not moving there. 

Supporters push state for VLT deal that would bring badly needed cash to Saratoga horse track -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY

Supporters push state for VLT deal that would bring badly needed cash to Saratoga horse track -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY.

Aqueduct racino started out way behind, then won Why? -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY

Aqueduct racino started out way behind, then won Why? -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY.

Wine Tasting tonight at the Grey Gelding

The Grey Gelding is having a "wine 101"tasting tonight, Wednesday March 31st at 7:00 pm at the Broadway restaurant. $25/pp ($20 if you are a Grey Gelding jockey club member) lets you sample and learn about many wines. They will also have appetizers to pair with the wine. RSVP to Jamie at 518.584.0957 or [email protected].

Click here to go to the Grey Gelding Facebook page.

ESPN article on New York State's negligence on racing

The information is nothing new, but I liked the directness of this piece on ESPN site strongly criticizing New York politicians so I thought I'd post it on here.

Panzas to take over Delmar restaurant

In Brief -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY.

Country Corner Cafe on High Rock Ave for sale

I've mentioned before that the Saratogian's In the Biz blog is their best one, and reporter Mareesa Nicosia is often breaking little pieces of business news on there.  She posted an entry yesterday which outlined plans by the Country Corner Cafe owner to sell her High Rock Avenue location and focus her efforts on the Church Street restaurant.  I have written on here before how Country Corner Cafe is one of the better breakfast places in town so I hope this works out for proprietors and customers alike.  BTW, The Country Corner Cafe will be open on Easter Sunday and they are running a special this Friday - mention "Peter Cottontail" (I'm not kidding) and get a breakfast sandwich and homefries for $5.00. 

Wheatfield's open for Easter as well NCAA final four

Check out Wheatfield's Facebook page for information on their Easter Day offerings and their late closings during the NCAA final four games.