Fun in Saratoga

Saratoga Snippets

These "snippets" posts are hard for me to write b/c they often take 2+ hours to create and edit.  With a three-month old at home I'm lucky I have time to shower.  Well I'll try writing this over a few days and see if I can fit it in here and there.

• Margarita and I were out Greenwich way a while back and we stopped in to the Ice Cream Man for a sandwich.  The staff there tells me to look for the new Saratoga South Broadway location to open in May or June of next year. 

 

• While heading out Rt 29, we noticed that the former Mango 29 Deli, near Schuylerville, is now "Joe's Deli".
• CORRECTED:  I haven't had a chance to go into the new TC Paris Sweet Mimi's Bakery in the former Beverly's location.  That place sat empty for almost two years, so it's good to see it filled.  TC Paris is on Henry Street where Inferno Pizza used to be - I would like to check that out to.  Thank you Alexandra for alerting me to my error.
• Speaking of closed Saratoga eateries, I miss the Saratoga Diner and Restaurant.  All those empty restaurants on South Broadway and nobody wants to open a good diner.
• Purdy's has been the big dog of Saratoga liquor stores, but now that they expanded into the neighboring former Hallmark store, it's even a bigger dog.  Look out little dogs.
• Friday, November 29th is the last day to receive your early registrant discount and save $5 for this year's First Night Saratoga 5k Run. So don't wait another day - register today at www.saratoga-arts.org/firstnight/5krun to be a part of a great Saratoga tradition!
• If you thought this year's July 19th track opening was early, you were right.  But if they open on their usual opening Friday, the 2014 opening date will be an even earlier July 18th.  Let's hope NYRA has since squashed any dumb ideas to open earlier. 
• I sure miss Andrew McGuire, the former Saratogian Sports reporter.  Our hometown daily's thoroughbred horse racing coverage has plummeted since he left.  AP Wire stories just don't do it for me.
• Continuing on that subject, I wrote a long posting about how the Saratogian's Breeder's Cup coverage showed how some of their weekend sports deadlines were around 7pm.  Trouble is, I was never able to finish it and it quickly became old news.  Nonetheless I put a lot of work into it and again it pinpointed just how early the Saratogian's weekend publishing deadlines are, so I'll link it on a back page here if you care to read it in it's incomplete form.
• Hate to pile on our hometown daily, but they got scooped on their own story about paywalls going up on their web site.  Both Saratoga Wire and All Over Albany were days ahead of the Saratogian's announcement of it.  There never seems to be a sense of pride, ownership, or timeliness of news items at the Saratogian - items they should own and/or be the best at. You'd think they'd at least want to be first to report important news items about their own publication.
• I see Gaffney's new addition came out looking nice.  I don't get downtown as often as I used to - and I get to downtown bars even less these days - so some of these snippets are reporting months' old news.  Gaffneys will be holding a South American wine pairing on December 7th.  Click here for more info.

• Not too far away from Gaffneys, I see there is a new cigar shop on Putnam Street on the other side of Izumi Restaurant.  Check out Adirondack cigar shoppe's web site for info.
• Sometime when I wasn't looking, 13 Caroline became the Caroline Street Pub.  Heck for all I know that's been the case for years.
• Also when I wasn't looking, the Crown Grill became "The Crown Grill at the Circus Cafe".  Back in April, when the Crown Grill first opened, owner Colin McLean told the Saratogian "The Crown Grill will be upscale-casual and will offer guests a separate and distinct dining experience from Circus Café,".  I guess that "separate and distinct" part is out the window.
• Also when I wasn't looking, someone plowed down the old house and motel cottages on Ballston Ave near those white condos abutting the Saratoga Spa Park.  I wonder what the plans for that now open lot are.

• What's going on with that building immediately adjacent to the Best Western on South Broadway?  It's seems like it's been half built - or half rehabbed - for 3 years now.  It looks terrible.  Did somebody run out of money?

• I don't want to put this last because I'd hate to end on a sad note.  I just wanted to say I knew Kyle York a little and I thought he was a very interesting, nice, and intelligent guy. I was very sad to hear about his untimely death. RIP Kyle. 
• Finally, did you catch this opinion piece in the Times Union this past weekend about Las Vegas style casino gambling in Saratoga Springs?  Interesting.  I have mixed feelings on the issue, but I think it's important to point out that someone voting "NO" for a constitutional amendment for Vegas-style casinos in the state, might not necessarily vote "NO" to Vegas-style casinos in their municipality once the electorate of the state has already approved the amendment.  In other words, some could have been against the amendment, but after it passed they might think that since it's going somewhere, it should go to Saratoga.   Just a thought.

Hey everybody have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!  I am a blessed person so I have a lot to be thankful for. 

You will soon have to pay to get Saratogian articles on line

The All Over Albany blog has the story here how both The Saratogian and The Record will soon have paywalls on them - which means you'll have to pay to get articles.   It is part of a national strategy by the papers' parent company Digitial First Media. 

 

St. John Neumann residence listed for $1.5 million

As I predicted a while back, the St. John Neumann residence, next to St. Clements Church on Lake Avenue, has been listed for sale for $1.5 million.  John Hart of Remax has the listing, which you can read here.   It's a beautiful building with a lot of beautiful large trees in a park like setting.  Let's hope the city has some protections in place to protect those trees should  a developer wish to remove them.

 

 

Steve Miller Band and Journey coming to SPAC in 2014

Steve Miller played at SPAC a number of times in the 80s and 90s, but he hasn't been seen in these parts for a long time. The legendary guitarist will bring his band to Saratoga Springs on June 14, 2014 in a double bill with Journey. I have friends that have seen Steve Miller's shows years ago and they said he's not that great in concert - and seeing the rocker turned 70 last month (!) that's not going to change. Nonetheless, he has a fantastic catalog of music (We'll forgive you Stevie for "Abracadabra") and I am looking forward to this show.  Go to Steve Miller's web site for more info.

Get your Holiday Ham from PJ's BBQSA

Order a delicious Smithfield® Spiral Sliced Glazed Ham today! All hams prepared in our smokers, cooked with PJ's BAR-B-QSA signature ham glaze. Average size 9-10 lbs... Serves approximately 15 Enjoy as the centerpiece of your holiday celebration or with any of our side dishes!

OPTION 1 Serves approximately 15 HAM ONLY - $59.00   OPTION 2 Serves approximately 15 HAM and 4-32 oz. Sides, 15 Cornbread - $99.00   OPTION 3 Serves approximately 15 HAM and 6-32 oz. Sides, 15 Cornbread and 2 Pies 129.00   SIDES: Coleslaw, Macaroni Salad, Potato Salad, BBQ Beans, Mac & Cheese, Cream Corn   PREMIUM SIDES: add $2.00 per 32 oz. side Collard Greens, Sweet Potato Mash PIES: Sweet Potato or Pecan

ORDERS REQUESTED ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE

★ Please call ahead for delivery information, minimums and charges ★ ★ Credit Cards Accepted ★ BARBEQUE - IT'S NOT WHAT WE DO... IT'S WHO WE ARE. ® 1 Kaydeross Ave West Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518)583★CHIK (2445)       (518)583★RIBS (7427) www★pjsbarbqsa★com

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Latest e-newsletter from Healthy Living New York

 I am copying the latest newsletter from Healthy Living New York:

It's once again that all-too-magical time of year... Thanksgiving at Healthy Living! Our staff will be here with bells on to lead you where you need to go and help make sure your Thanksgiving table shines. THANKSGIVING: SENSATIONAL SIDES Friday, November 15th · 5:30–8:00pm · $45 Put away the boxed stuffing, ditch the canned cranberry, and chuck the frozen veggies; this class is all about from-scratch Thanksgiving goodness! Chef-Instructor Shannon Beckwith has tips-and-tricks galore to cut down on your time in the kitchen. These recipes are so easy, you'll think you were still cooking from a package! We'll be making simple stuffing, zesty cranberry sauce, a warm farro salad, and caramelized brussels sprouts. The dishes are as delicious as they are easy to prepare! Reserve your spot now. PRE-ORDER YOUR LOCAL TURKEYS—$3.19 /lb THROUGH NOVEMBER 22nd Think local this Thanksgiving and discover just how juicy and delicious your bird can be! We're offering fantastic local birds from three fabulous local farms — Buckley, Stonewood, and Misty Knoll — at an unbeatable pre-order price of $3.19 a pound ($4.49 a pound after November  22nd). Click to pre-order. PIE PERFECTION: PRE-ORDER THANKSGIVING PIES  If it's ease and elegance you want this Thanksgiving, our bake shop has you covered. Order your perfect pie today and rest assured that your guests—from vegans to the gluten-free and, of course, omnivores—will love the dessert you serve. Click to pre-order. MAPLE-ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH WITH GARAM MASALA This wonderfully warming, spectacularly simple side will have your Thanksgiving guests wanting more. The best part? It's vegan AND gluten-free, so all your guests can easily enjoy the delicata deliciousness. 3 lbs. delicata squash 1 TB + 2 tsp. Olive Oil 1/2 tsp. coarse salt 1/4 c. maple syrup 1 (or more) tsp. garam masala 1 TB apple cider vinegar Pre-heat the oven to 425. Cut each squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and strings, then slice into 1/2 inch thick half moons. Toss with about 1 TB olive oil and salt. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and place in oven. Roast for about 20 minutes, turning once, until easily pierced with a fork. While squash is roasting, whisk together the maple syrup, vinegar, the garam masala and 2 tsp of olive oil in a small pot and heat until bubbly. Don't overheat, or your syrup will start to caramelize and get too thick. Brush or drizzle maple glaze over squash and return to oven for about 10 minutes to caramelize. Season with salt and pepper if desired; serve. PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT: BUCKLEY FARM Ballston Spa, NY The William H. Buckley farm in Ballston Lake is proud to offer organically fed, free-range Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys for your Thanksgiving meal! No hormones or antibiotics are given to these beautiful birds—just food, water, and a whole lotta love. You can really taste the difference!  NEW PRODUCT: OMMEGANG'S GAME OF THRONES "TAKE THE BLACK STOUT" This one's for beer lovers AND Game of Thrones aficionados! This deep, dark stout tastes of chocolate and caramel with an earthy, woody character and just a hint of spice. Winter is coming, so it's the perfect time to buy a big, warming stout like this one! Hurry in, it won't last long. CREATIVE CATERING Tired of doing all the cooking? You're in luck—our creative catering team specializes in custom holiday meals you and your family will LOVE! We have a long list of spectacular sides that can be custom-ordered for your big family fete. Most everything's available gluten-free, vegan, or both. For mashed potatoes, roasted yams, sage stuffing, and anything else your heart might desire, give our catering coordinators a call and let them take care of holiday meal planning. Stress-free and full of flavor... what's not to love? HOLIDAY PIE TASTING Friday, November 22nd · 12:00am–3:00pm · FREE! Planning on pre-ordering one of our Thanksgiving pies but don't know which one fits your fancy? Join us as we sample our phenomenal pies and get a good idea of what you like. Demo Coordinator Chris Davis will be there to answer questions and help guide you through the pre-order process. BELL'S BREWERY DEMO Friday, November 15th · 3:30–6:30pm · FREE! Kalamazoo, Michigan's Bell's Brewery is known far and wide for its fabulous beer. Join us and see what all the fuss is about! We'll be pouring Bell's Two Hearted Ale and Kalamazoo Stout. You MUST be 21+ and bring a valid photo ID to participate. OUR SALES We know you have holiday shopping in mind, so we've made it easy to save big on Thanksgiving necessities.  Farmers Market Organic Pumpkin $1.59 /15 oz regular price $3.39 ends December 3 Farmers Market Organic Pumpkin Pie Mix $1.99 /15 oz regular price $3.79 ends December 3 Glutino Gluten-free Cornbread Stuffing $4.79 /8 oz regular price $6.79 ends December 3 Arrowhead Mills Organic Savory Stuffing Mix $2.00 /10 oz regular price $4.29 ends December 3 Tofurky Feast $23.99 /3.5 lb regular price $29.99 ends December 3 Tofurky Roast $9.49 /26 oz regular price $14.99 ends December 3

Healthy Living Market and Café 3065 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.306.4900 Hours: 8am-9pm every day www.healthylivingmarket.com Copyright © 2013 Healthy Living Market & Cafe, All rights reserved. forward to a friend | unsubscribe from this list | update profile

Sign up for one of eight Northshire Bookstore Reading Groups

I am copying an email below from Northshire Bookstore:

We are getting ready to launch eight reading groups in the new year!
Register now!

"Northshire Cookbook Reading Group" We will meet on the third Tuesday of every month beginning on January 16th at 6pm in the evening at Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring Street.  If you love to cook, collect cookbooks, nosh on home prepared foods and talk of food and the kitchen, don't miss out on this irresistible group! Email Maureen Sager, [email protected] for more details.   "Truth and Tales Reading Group" Approaching each topic from a factual and then fictional perspective, the group will explore a myriad of topics from art, history, mythology, women's studies and religion by reading one book from an historical/biographical account, followed the next month by a fictional version of the same or similar topic. Email Maeve Noonan, [email protected] if you are interested in joining this group.   "Northshire Poetry Reading Group" Whether an anthology or work by an individual poet, each month, our poetry reading group will enjoy a new volume of poetry from which group members will choose a poem to be read aloud and then discuss. Contact Carol Graser at [email protected] to join.   "The Armchair Explorer's Reading Group" Travel the world with a selection of novels set throughout time and around the globe. Each month we'll explore a new country and discuss the characters and themes that make up the culture, giving each novel its unique atmosphere.Please contact Amelia Stymacks, [email protected], for more information.   "The End of the World Reading Group" Is the end really near?  Explore a genre that may be predicting the future without even knowing it.  Prepare for post-apocalyptic worlds, the thrill of hostile takeovers, dangerous dystopias, and more. Consider the end of the world with Tara and Jess E as your knowledgeable guides! To register, contact Jess at [email protected] or Tara at [email protected]. "'WeAreNotTooOldForThis' Reading Group" Are "adult" books just not cutting it for you? Do you love reading about early life struggles, first loves, angst and dreams? Whether it be contemporary fiction, paranormal romance, or sci-fi adventure, booksellers Tara and Paige invite you to join like minded adult readers of YA fiction. Contact Tara at [email protected] or Paige at [email protected] for more info. "Knit Wits Reading Group" Knit Wits, Northshire's new reading group for knitters is here to save you from cold lonely winter nights - or at least one of them every month! Designed for knitters of every level, we will try new patterns and read new books!  We will explore books of all different genres, and new knitting projects each month. Leah suggests listening to the audio-book while working on your yarn project - improve your mind and your wardrobe at the same time! Please contact Leah, [email protected] for more information about this fun monthly group. "Reading Salinger Reading Group" Starting with the new biography, Salinger, by David Shields, this reading  group will then move on to explore the remainder of Salinger's fiction.  The initial meeting will take place on Monday, February 3rd,  at 7pm in "the Library"  of the Crown Grill in downtown Saratoga Springs, with future meetings on the first Monday of every month thereafter. Registration will be limited to 15. Please email Pat Friesen, [email protected] to enroll or receive additional information

Tickets are on sale now for three great upcoming events!

Friday, November 15, 7:30 pm, Holiday Inn Saratoga:  Mitch Albom, The First Phone Call From Heaven             Friday, December 6, 7 pm, Saratoga City Center:  Doris Kearns Goodwin, The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and the Golden Age of Journalism            Wednesday, December 11, 7 pm, The Saratoga Ballroom of the Saratoga Hilton:  Ann Patchett, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage

The best in digital reading, here at your independent bookstore: Kobo

The Kobo Glo or the Kobo Mini are a great gift to give to the digital reader, while supporting your local indie bookstore. Kobo offers over 3 million eBook titles - including best sellers, hidden gems, Indie Next List great reads, and other recommendations - that can be downloaded instantly over Wi Fi, making it the ultimate in convenience. How to get started? Easy - one, two, three: Set up your Kobo account at kobobooks.com through a link on our website, or via your Kobo Mini or Glo eReader bought from our store. Login to kobobooks.com with your new account to browse, search for, and buy eBooks. Start reading! Download a free Kobo reading App here to read on your smartphone, computer, or tablet. (You can also purchase eBooks through the app. Sign into the app with your new Kobo account and continue to support this store. We sure do appreciate it!)

20% off Indiebound Hardcover Bestsellers!  Don't forget to check out the latest books on the Indiebound Bestseller List. Each of the top ten hardcover books on the Indiebound bestseller list is discounted 20% at the Northshire Bookstore. To see the latest bestsellers, visit us online or stop by the store.

Thank you for supporting independent bookselling!

Bon Ton Fish Market is kaput; new Albany-based owner will reopen under different name soon

I stopped out to the small strip mall on Rt 50 in Wilton Sunday night only to see this sign below on the door of the former Bon Ton Fish Market. 

 

Employees at neighboring establishments advised me that the Greenwich, CT based Bon Ton, which opened in August of 2012, closed about a week and a half ago.  They further advised that an Albany-based person, whom they didn't know but apparently already sold seafood in some capacity, will reopen a fish market in another name at the same location within about a week.  Meanwhile, Moby Rick's seafood on Lake Avenue seems to be going well, at least based on my recent visit over the weekend.

 

Check out new restaurant 15 Church's new web site and Facebook page

This restaurant, which has been in the works since earlier this year, will make great use of a historic building behind the post office.  The owners and the chef have a great following and I believe this place is going to be special and am in eager anticipation.  You can link 15 Church's web site here and its Facebook page here.

 

Saratoga Springs Farmers' Market First Day at the Lincoln Baths on Saturday

Vendors will be on the lawn and inside the Lincoln Baths on Saturday Come explore at Saratoga Spa State Park! Farm & Vendor News DUCK AND LAMB: Elihu Farm kicks off the Winter Market with a cooler full of fresh duck. They'll also have a special on very small lamb shanks, $5.00/lb as well as large mutton shanks, $5.00/lb. (Pick up their recipe for osso bucco.) For stock or for small dogs, they have bags of lamb bones. CRACKERS: Try Saratoga Cracker's newest wheat-free flavor: Tater Crackers, an amazing cracker made with potato flour. All the homemade crackers are free of  preservatives, additives, soy, trans fats, anything artificial. Stop by for a sample. ABSENT: Anna Mae's Jams and The Chocolate Spoon will return to the market on Saturday, November 9. Saturday Highlights New Location: The Lincoln Baths building is located at 65 South Broadway, near the park's main entrance on Route 9. You can enter the driveways/parking lots from South Broadway/Route 9 or from Avenue of the Pines. There is plenty of parking in lots surrounding the handicap-accessible building. Once inside, there are staircases as well as an elevator to get to the second floor.  Photo Contest: To celebrate the new location, we invite you to take photos and enter them in the contest by November 17th. Images should capture both an element of the new location (building, architectural detail, park element) and something of the market. Complete details are here or pick up a handout at the market this weekend.  Giveaway Drawings: Enter to win market merchandise on both the main floor and the upper level. Entry boxes will be towards the back of each floor. Winners will be notified after the market closes, and can pick up prizes next week or thereafter.  Music: Running the River is a 4-piece acoustic band consisting of guitar, bass, fiddle and mandolin, who play an eclectic brand of music influenced by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead to the Kingston Trio, Hank Williams, Muddy Waters and Johnny Cash. They perform regularly to enthusiastic audiences throughout the Capital District, the Lake George region and beyond. Produce in Season Pears, apples; many types of greens including head and leaf lettuces, micro-greens, escarole, Swiss chard, collards, kale, spinach, arugula, bok choi; assorted fresh herbs; beans, beets, broccoli, broccoli raab, cabbage (red and green, Napa, Savoy), Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, cucumbers, eggplant, fennel, garlic, kohlrabi, leeks, shiitake and oyster mushrooms (Saturdays only), peppers (sweet and hot), potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, rutabaga, salad turnips, onions, scallions, sweet potatoes, tomatillos, tomatoes, winter squash (buttercup, butternut, delicata, acorn, hubbard). Great White Pumpkin Winner Congratulations to Linda Whittle, who was last weekend's winner of the large white pumpkin at Fall Festival. Linda correctly guessed 57 pounds as the pumpkin's weight.    Market Recipe Peanut Butter Crumb Apple Pie Take home some Saratoga Peanut Butter and some fresh apples from the market and try out this recipe. All of our most recent recipes are on our website.