Fun in Saratoga

Check out Gaffneys web site

I wrote a few weeks ago how I liked The Grey Gelding's web site, and I noted the following:

It seems like most restauraunts and other retail establishments have essentially abandoned their rather stale web sites and instead almost exclusively rely on Facebook, perhaps supplemented with Twitter and email alerts, to disseminate current information. The Grey Gelding in Saratoga Springs, to its credit, is bucking the trend with a web site that is excellent in many ways....

Another web site that is excellent in similar ways is Gaffneys Restaurant's - I could be wrong but I believe the site is at least somewhat new.  It takes more than snazzy features and sharp photography to make a web site functional - Gaffney's site has those things, but equally important is the fact that it is updated regularly, mostly via it's live music calendar.  Too many other restaurant sites are stagnant, or to use web site jargon, static, in that they don't change for months or even years.  That is often a result of an onerous process to update some of these sites, which in some cases are relics. The business owner is forced to call, and pay, the webmaster that originally created the site to update it.  That is why they choose to utilize the easily updated Facebook and Twitter instead, or blast out an email.

 

I've mentioned on here before how I feel Gaffney's is an underrated restaurant, and that their back patio in the summer is one of Saratoga's best dining locations.  Owner John Baker should also get credit for bringing in quality musicians that don't just play the same 80s cheesy covers over and over.  These musicians, both local and national, have kids to feed and bills to pay (some of them are my friends) and I appreciate places like Gaffneys and One Caroline, to mention just two, spreading the wealth around and giving them gigs year round. 

There are other local web sites, from not just restaurants but other businesses and organizations, that deserve mention on here, so it is my intention to periodically feature them on here and write why I feel they are noteworthy.   For now check out Gaffneys and Grey Gelding's site and you'll see what I mean. 

 

McDonalds reconstruction and Batchellerville Bridge replacement reported on by Times-Union

I am linking a story from the Times Union regarding two very different Saratoga County construction projects - the South Broadway McDonalds reconstruction and the replacement of the Batchellerville Bridge up on Sacandaga Lake.

Downtown building listed for $5 million

The Saratogian's In the Biz blog has the details here:  http://inthebizsaratoga.blogspot.com/2011/02/downtown-landmark-listed-for-5-million.html

Surprise! Your city taxes are due March 1, 2011.

Just a quick reminder to city property owners that your first quarter city and county tax payment must be delivered or postmarked by Tuesday, March 1, 2011.  You can drop off your payments at City Hall or mail them to:

• Commissioner of Finance, PO Box 328, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-0328

If a receipt is required, include a self addressed stamped envelope with your bill.  The number for the finance department is 518-587-3550.

The tax office is located on the first floor of City Hall, first door on the left when entering from Broadway. The office hours are Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All checks should be made payable to COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE.

Five Dollar entrees return at Maestro's for the entire month of March, 2011

I am copying an email below from Maestro's, which announces their last $5 entree offering in their current (soon to be old) location inside the Adelphi Hotel building.

March Madness  $5 Five O'Clock Entree For the last time in our current space  Win a $100 Gift Card     Maestros 371 Broadway Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 518.580.0312 Greetings!   Our $5 five o'clock entrees are back for the entire month of March. Your entire party must be here to be seated and be here by 5pm. Each week the menu will change. Join us at least once per week and you will entered into a drawing for $100 gift card.  Upcoming Events $5 Five O'clock Entrees   March 1st thru March 6th   Pan Seared Salmon Smoked Chicken Pasta Bison Meatloaf Pumpkin Ravioli Calves liver    A few rules  Cannot be combined with any other discounts One check and one credit card per table No gift certificates of any type Your entire party must be present to be seated You must habe the number of guests reserved for

Remember we are open in our current location for lunch and dinner 7 days per week. Click on the the link below to see Maestros like you have never seen it before!

Friday night specials at Max London's

I am copying an email below from Max London's:

HAPPY HOUR at the Bar Tuesday-Saturday 3pm-7pm 2 for 1 House Cocktails Draft Beers Wines by the Glass PBR cans   TWO NEW BEERS ON TAP TODAY   O'Hara's Irish Red  +  Ommegang Belgian Pale Ale     Friday, February 25    Tonight's Specials   Codfish Potato Fritters Mortadella Bruschetta with ricotta + pistachio pesto Meatball Pizza Locally raised Sea Bream Strip Steak Seafood Cazuela with mussels, squid + shrimp Stop in to see our full menu or call 587-3535 for any questions!

Max London's Restaurant + Bar / 466 Broadway / Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 / 518-587-3535

$8 pizza and beer or wine tonight at Forno Bistro - winter storms bring out the best in restaurant deals!

From Forno Bistro's Facebook page:

Pizza E Birra on a Friday? Thank the snowstorm! Pizza E Birra for $8 at Forno Bistro TONIGHT. Get a wood-fired oven baked pizza and a cold draft beer or house wine for only $8! Dig out then dig in at Forno Tonight.

NY Times critic Sam Sifton to speak at Skidmore

NY Times critic Sam Sifton to speak at Skidmore.

Snow emergency parking

Snow emergency parking.

Real Housewives of New Jersey at VAPOR

I am copying below an email from Vapor nightclub: