Saratoga thoughts

OK it's been a few weeks since I last threw out some random thoughts.  Here we go:

• It's great that both the Oklahoma Track and PJ's Barbecue are open.  I've been to the former already, but not the latter.  I need my PJ's Barbecue and the soonest I can get there is Friday.  Hmmmm good Catholic or PJ's Barbecue...decisions...decisons. 
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• Getting back to the Oklahoma Track - I have heard that NYRA is considering ways to give the public more access there - and that would be a great thing.  It's such a gem and seeing all of those horses train in the morning is such a wonderful experience, but there are so few of us, namely horse owners,  that have that privilege.  I would like to see them open up the Oklahoma Track, not charge anything, and watch how that increases both springtime and early summer visits to Saratoga and attendance at the track in July and August.  With all the kids that will be there, they will be creating new fans for decades.
• If I thought that seeing the signs announcing Borders' closing sales were depressing, then seeing that building now sitting there all dark and empty is downright morbid.  Let's hope the predictions that it will be filled soon are true - Broadway and downtown needs such a prominent location filled. 
• Hot Dog Charlie's has bacon cheese fries????  Why didn't anyone tell me that?

 
 

• Speaking of fries, the new McDonalds is sure taking shape.  It's two stories and situated very close to the road (South Broadway).  As far as McDonalds buildings go, it seems like it will certainly be a noticeable improvement from the old one.

 

• I had a sandwich recently at the new Sangwych on Putnam Street.  It was good, but the problem is that I'm trying to eat healthier and eating a pile of meat on a soft processed flour bun is not exactly my idea of healthy (please conveniently ignore what I previously said about PJ's and my love for bacon cheese fries). My idea of a good sandwich is the Angelina's Apples turkey sandwich from The Bread Basket.  It's filling, but the on-site baked fresh bread and the apples give it a healthy feel.  I do hope Sangwych does well and I will be back, but at reasonable intervals.
• Speaking of that stretch of Putnam Street, I was walking past The Putnam Den with my wife about 7:30 last night and the bar had an outdoor tent party going with several bands and a large crowd.  A check of Putnam Den's web site told me the the band Rusted Root was playing at 9PM.  From the looks of the crowd, sound of the music, the "hemp oil organic pizza crust" being offered, and finally, the Saratoga Springs Police arrest I witnessed nearby of a few attendees, I'd say that location had more pot last night than the entire rest of the county.  People were having fun dancing and several other pedestrians joined us along the alley watching the band and listening to the very good music. Good for Putnam Den for bringing in a national act with a loyal following.
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• It's time for Congress Park Center to fix their clock.  The one facing Broadway is about 12 minutes off from the one facing Congress Avenue.  This is a hard hitting blog folks, reporting on the stories that really matter. 60 Minutes has got nothing on me. 

 

• Some restaurant snippets:  I had good meals recently at Cantina and Limoncello. I walked by Dine last night and was surprised it was still open, considering the owners of the Abany Restaurant Cafe Capriccio plan to open up in that location in May.  Both Forno Bistro and Chianti will be closed for Easter.  Is it just me, or does Primo's, in the Inn at Saratoga, seem like it's well below the local radar.  I have heard good things about it, it's just that I easily forget it is there.  Well maybe we'll give it a try sometime soon. 
• Continuing on with local food establishments, I got an email a while back that said "how about showing johnny's some love! The best ice cream shop in saratoga!!!" Well there you go - I gave Johnny's some love.  Have a great day folks.

Comments

[Rob]

I think the town has to wait for John Breyo's property tax check to clear before they have sufficient funds to fix the clock.

[SaraT]

I love your pix of the new McDonalds's going up. The architecture on South Broadway is certainly improving.
I wonder how many other places have a Greek Revival Dunkin Donuts! LOL

[Angelina T]

Dan- I get "my" sandwich on fresh 5 seed whole grain bread... it becomes a balanced meal :)

[Dan De Federicis]

Thanks Angelina - Now I'll have a reason to go back to get one! My wife also loves your sandwich. The question I have is are you going to make wedding cakes again anytime soon?

[Angelina T]

My full time job is raising 2 kids now. I leave the cakes to Leah at the bakery. She is fantastic! I'm sure some pictures will start to pop up on Facebook soon.