Saratoga Springs - '08, '09 Racing Seasons

[ELA]

So, I hope I am not the only one interested in the Saratoga Springs happenings. I got up there a few times over the fall/winter/spring -- and was very busy so I didn't have to to "check things out" as much as I do during the racing season.

So what's new? Is Brindisi's back open, up and running? What about Chianti's new location? I've heard there are a few new spots worth going to? Any new night spots? Did Saratoga lose any places?

Anyone else getting ready?

Thanks.

Eric

[docsconz]

So, I hope I am not the only one interested in the Saratoga Springs happenings. I got up there a few times over the fall/winter/spring -- and was very busy so I didn't have to to "check things out" as much as I do during the racing season.

So what's new? Is Brindisi's back open, up and running? What about Chianti's new location? I've heard there are a few new spots worth going to? Any new night spots? Did Saratoga lose any places?

Anyone else getting ready?

Thanks.

Eric

←

Eric, if being a winter hot-spot is any indication, Max London's Restaurant on Broadway will continue to be the place to dine and deservedly so. The food is well done Mediterranean featuring tapas style small plates from Spain, pastas and wonderful wood-fired pizze from Italy and a number of French inspired dishes as well. The wine list is interesting and reasonable. In addition, they probably have the most serious and possibly the best cocktail program currently in Saratoga. The space is lovely. The normally very good service will likely be stretched thin like everywhere else in Saratoga in the summer.

Beekman Street Bistro, Chez Sophie and Springwater Bistro continue as tried and true. Chianti is in a new location (ho-hum), though the restaurant never really appealed to me. I always saw t as more glitz thn substance. I'm suspicious when they take expensive wine bottles from the wine racks within the warm dining room.

Mouzon House has a wonderful space. It is a restaurant that I really, really want to love, but I have been disappointed the last few times that I have been.

Perhaps this will be the summer that I finally make it to Ciro's, however, living in the area, their season coincides with the time I try to avoid dining in Saratoga.

I have heard good things about Lanci's though I haven't been. Saratoga National Golf Course has a new restaurant, Prime, that surprise, features steaks. It replaces Sargo's and is related to Angelo's 677 Prime in Albany that I have heard positive comments about.

Speaking of golf courses, my favorite summer restaurant in the region is Farmhouse at Top of the World, overlooking beautiful Lake George. It is worth the trip for well prepared seasonal and local ingredients, much of which is grown on site. No restaurant in the area does more or better with local food.

[ELA]

Eric, if being a winter hot-spot is any indication, Max London's Restaurant on Broadway will continue to be the place to dine and deservedly so. The food is well done Mediterranean featuring tapas style small plates from Spain, pastas and wonderful wood-fired pizze from Italy and a number of French inspired dishes as well. The wine list is interesting and reasonable. In addition, they probably have the most serious and possibly the best cocktail program currently in Saratoga. The space is lovely. The normally very good service will likely be stretched thin like everywhere else in Saratoga in the summer.

Beekman Street Bistro, Chez Sophie and Springwater Bistro continue as tried and true. Chianti is in a new location (ho-hum), though the restaurant never really appealed to me. I always saw t as more glitz thn substance. I'm suspicious when they take expensive wine bottles from the wine racks within the warm dining room.

Mouzon House has a wonderful space. It is a restaurant that I really, really want to love, but I have been disappointed the last few times that I have been.

Perhaps this will be the summer that I finally make it to Ciro's, however, living in the area, their season coincides with the time I try to avoid dining in Saratoga.

I have heard good things about Lanci's though I haven't been. Saratoga National Golf Course has a new restaurant, Prime, that surprise, features steaks. It replaces Sargo's and is related to Angelo's 677 Prime in Albany that I have heard positive comments about.

Speaking of golf courses, my favorite summer restaurant in the region is Farmhouse at Top of the World, overlooking beautiful Lake George. It is worth the trip for well prepared seasonal and local ingredients, much of which is grown on site. No restaurant in the area does more or better with local food.

←

Good to hear on Max London's. It wasn't open last year for the racing season, right? I kind of remember looking forward to it. Sounds very nice. Beekman Street Bistro is very good IMO. I enjoyed it each time I went last year -- and the Scotish Egg, which I haven't seen on another menu since then. Springwater Bistro is absolutely excellent. I would rank it as my # 1 restaurant. If I wasn't looking for fine dining per se, One Caroline is one of my favorites. I am interested to see Chianti in the new location, which is practically in my backyard (it's in the new building behind me). I think part of the appeal was that they could turn it into something new -- like Chianti on steroids, LOL. Maybe, since Mare was sold, a place that is also a nightspot was desired. I don't know. The place has always had it's followers, but parking was a problem and a small bar area as well. I would think the new spot solves both of those issues.

I've heard mixed reviews on Mouzon House. I actually didn't get there last summer, but a friend of mine did. I was scheduled to go and was looking forward to it, but after the report I got (and it was on a weekend), I passed and went elsewhere.

More to come, but I've got to run.

Happy Father's Day to all.

Eric

[ELA]

Eric, if being a winter hot-spot is any indication, Max London's Restaurant on Broadway will continue to be the place to dine and deservedly so. The food is well done Mediterranean featuring tapas style small plates from Spain, pastas and wonderful wood-fired pizze from Italy and a number of French inspired dishes as well. The wine list is interesting and reasonable. In addition, they probably have the most serious and possibly the best cocktail program currently in Saratoga. The space is lovely. The normally very good service will likely be stretched thin like everywhere else in Saratoga in the summer.

Beekman Street Bistro, Chez Sophie and Springwater Bistro continue as tried and true. Chianti is in a new location (ho-hum), though the restaurant never really appealed to me. I always saw t as more glitz thn substance. I'm suspicious when they take expensive wine bottles from the wine racks within the warm dining room.

Mouzon House has a wonderful space. It is a restaurant that I really, really want to love, but I have been disappointed the last few times that I have been.

Perhaps this will be the summer that I finally make it to Ciro's, however, living in the area, their season coincides with the time I try to avoid dining in Saratoga.

I have heard good things about Lanci's though I haven't been. Saratoga National Golf Course has a new restaurant, Prime, that surprise, features steaks. It replaces Sargo's and is related to Angelo's 677 Prime in Albany that I have heard positive comments about.

Speaking of golf courses, my favorite summer restaurant in the region is Farmhouse at Top of the World, overlooking beautiful Lake George. It is worth the trip for well prepared seasonal and local ingredients, much of which is grown on site. No restaurant in the area does more or better with local food.

←

OK, Part 2 -- I will tell you that Lanci's is excellent. I've eaten there many times and each and every time it's been great. Very small place, maybe 8 to 10 table depending on how they are arranged, family owned and operated -- excellent service, excellent food, excellent flavor. Go. Try it!

I am looking forward to trying Prime. I don't know about the one in Albany, but postive comments are a very good place to start. I was kind of hoping that Shula's would be opened, but that won't be until the end of 2008.

Questions -- will Paradiso be opened this year, or will it be Villa Balsamo? Has a new restaurant opened in any of the hotels? There was talk of the Courtyard Marriott getting a place, and/or the hotel at the end of Excelsior. Did Mare get sold? They were either going to sell or look for a "strategic partner" who would be the "management partner". I read this story in one of the local papers.

Siro's of course is a zoo during racing season -- every day. However, I think they might be opened now. I remember reading that this year they were going to open during the non-racing season. Check it out. I think my usual staple "dont' feel like really going out places" will be the same -- OBI, Winslow's, Stadium, and a few others.

Thanks.

Eric

[markabauman]

I believe Mare has been sold twice; not sure of its present incarnation. Unlikely Paradiso will open but Villa Balsamo probably will. Definitely Max London's. Today's Saratogian has an article stating that a "popular restaurant" will be opening in the condominium portion of the new Hampton Inn hotel on lower Lake Ave. Who knows? Probably a chain. Don't forget Hattie's. They are working furiously on a rebirth of Limoncello in the old KFC/Indian restaurant location on Route 50. Never went to the old Broadway location, so I can't comment on it.

[markabauman]

The "major announcement" turns out to be Bellini's, from Clifton Park and elsewhere:

Bellini's announcement

[robert40]

I'm trying Max London's tonight for the first time. Any recommendations?

[markabauman]

The menu can be a little confusing at first, but is well-organized. There are small plates like tapas, pizza, pasta, salads that are regular menu items. There will be a separate menu of daily specials including small plate, pizza, sometimes salad and large plate specials. This is where I usually look for seasonal specials. The other night I had a wonderful morel bruschetta and keeping in that theme, a plate of duck confit with morel risotto. Great wine list, well-priced and organized. They have a number of excellent wines by the quartino (about a glass and a half), although I often dine there alone and order a bottle and take home the rest. What I like about Max's is that you can have many different styles of dining experiences depending on your mood and taste that evening. Enjoy!

[docsconz]

The "major announcement" turns out to be Bellini's, from Clifton Park and elsewhere:

Bellini's announcement

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Matthew J. Bette, principal of construction group Bette and Cring, announced that Bellini’s, a small, Capital Region-owned Italian chain that touts itself as “an authentic Italian eatery that boasts a serious wine collection,” will open at 38 High Rock in late spring or early summer of 2009.

The restaurant’s four other locations — including one in Slingerlands and another in Clifton Park — offer entrees that cost about $10 to $20, and feature a variety of plates including pizza, pasta and seafood.

Yawn. Great, another chain Italian restaurant, albeit a small chain.

[robert40]

The menu can be a little confusing at first, but is well-organized. There are small plates like tapas, pizza, pasta, salads that are regular menu items. There will be a separate menu of daily specials including small plate, pizza, sometimes salad and large plate specials. This is where I usually look for seasonal specials. The other night I had a wonderful morel bruschetta and keeping in that theme, a plate of duck confit with morel risotto. Great wine list, well-priced and organized. They have a number of excellent wines by the quartino (about a glass and a half), although I often dine there alone and order a bottle and take home the rest. What I like about Max's is that you can have many different styles of dining experiences depending on your mood and taste that evening. Enjoy!

←

Thanks Mark, Duck and morels! I'm sold without question.

[robert40]

From someone who has been pretty discouraged with restaurants in the area lately tonight changed my mind.

Max London's exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to return. Will give more details on it's own thread soon.

Mark, I agree totally with you on the different styles of dining comment. Small plates for a quick bite, to pizza with the kids, or a full blown dinner can be had.

[ELA]

I believe Mare has been sold twice; not sure of its present incarnation. Unlikely Paradiso will open but Villa Balsamo probably will. Definitely Max London's. Today's Saratogian has an article stating that a "popular restaurant" will be opening in the condominium portion of the new Hampton Inn hotel on lower Lake Ave. Who knows? Probably a chain. Don't forget Hattie's. They are working furiously on a rebirth of Limoncello in the old KFC/Indian restaurant location on Route 50. Never went to the old Broadway location, so I can't comment on it.

←

Twice? Hmmm. Too bad about Paradiso. I am looking forward to Max London's. I like Hattie's as well -- I also stop by once and a while to see what's going on out back. Occasionally, during the meet, there's a lively crowd of "racetrackers".

I wasn't a huge fan of Limoncello. The food was so so, nothing special in my mind. There were 4 of us and everyone tried each others, and not one of us were thrilled. Aside from that -- the sound and accoustics were not very good, and several times, people almost slipped on the "tile" type floor. I got similar comments from other people as well.

Thanks.

Eric

[iHEARTalbany]

I must say, without question, that if Im back up that way this summer (and i hope to be), im headed straight to trillium at The Sag...The renovations have come full circle and this year they are trying a newer small plate concept I guess (in lieu of an actual tasting menu format)...That kid, Joe Greco, is really good, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it...its too far under the radar...

[ELA]

I must say, without question, that if Im back up that way this summer (and i hope to be), im headed straight to trillium at The Sag...The renovations have come full circle and this year they are trying a newer small plate concept I guess (in lieu of an actual tasting menu format)...That kid, Joe Greco, is really good, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it...its too far under the radar...

←

I haven't been to the Trillium in years, since pre-closure/renovation. However, each and every time I've been there -- TOP NOTCH in every single respect.

The new concept is interesting although I am not familiar with it at all.

Regardless, I will make reservations there for sometime during the meet.

Another one to consider -- Friends Lake Inn.

Eric

[docsconz]

Friends Lake Inn is probably still pretty good, though I have only been back once since the Taylors sold it. It just hasn't been the same for me.

[ELA]

Friends Lake Inn is probably still pretty good, though I have only been back once since the Taylors sold it. It just hasn't been the same for me.

←

I wasn't intimately familiar with the ownership/management.

When was the place sold? Were there are major, noticable changes? I wasn't immersed in the B&B aspect so I wasn't sure of the impact, changes, etc.

Thanks for the info.

Eric

[docsconz]

Friends Lake Inn is probably still pretty good, though I have only been back once since the Taylors sold it. It just hasn't been the same for me.

←

I wasn't intimately familiar with the ownership/management.

When was the place sold? Were there are major, noticable changes? I wasn't immersed in the B&B aspect so I wasn't sure of the impact, changes, etc.

Thanks for the info.

Eric

←

The Inn was sold about three years ago. The owners are nice enough, but don't live on the premises so far as I understand. I particularly meshed with the style of the Taylors such that they became and still are good friends. Chefs have continued to come and go. I'm sure that it is still good, but it lost that element that made it personal and special for me. My tastes have also changed a little bit over time. Back in the heydey of FLI in the 90's I was more into wine (their particular forte) than food. My interests have reversed since then. Of course, both are important, just their relative importance has changed for me. Then I would get food to go with my wine. Now I get wine to go with my food.

[docsconz]

For those who go to the Saratoga Saturday morning Farmers market (and I suggest that you do), keep an eye out for Rocco Verrigni, who is making food for sale on the patio of the Mouzon House restaurant. Rocco, the Vice President of our Slow Food convivium, happens to be a friend of mine, is a chef instructor in culinary services at Schenectady Community College and a very talented cook. This past Saturday he was selling amazing porchetta sandwiches. I bought one. At $8 with cole slaw it was a bargain. He used pork shoulder from Lewis-Waite Farm. This was the best sandwich that I have had in some time. He will also be running a food service at the racetrack this summer. I will post more details as I know them.

[ELA]

Friends Lake Inn is probably still pretty good, though I have only been back once since the Taylors sold it. It just hasn't been the same for me.

←

I wasn't intimately familiar with the ownership/management.

When was the place sold? Were there are major, noticable changes? I wasn't immersed in the B&B aspect so I wasn't sure of the impact, changes, etc.

Thanks for the info.

Eric

←

The Inn was sold about three years ago. The owners are nice enough, but don't live on the premises so far as I understand. I particularly meshed with the style of the Taylors such that they became and still are good friends. Chefs have continued to come and go. I'm sure that it is still good, but it lost that element that made it personal and special for me. My tastes have also changed a little bit over time. Back in the heydey of FLI in the 90's I was more into wine (their particular forte) than food. My interests have reversed since then. Of course, both are important, just their relative importance has changed for me. Then I would get food to go with my wine. Now I get wine to go with my food.

←

Got it. Thank you for the background info.

Eric

[ELA]

For those who go to the Saratoga Saturday morning Farmers market (and I suggest that you do), keep an eye out for Rocco Verrigni, who is making food for sale on the patio of the Mouzon House restaurant. Rocco, the Vice President of our Slow Food convivium, happens to be a friend of mine, is a chef instructor in culinary services at Schenectady Community College and a very talented cook. This past Saturday he was selling amazing porchetta sandwiches. I bought one. At $8 with cole slaw it was a bargain. He used pork shoulder from Lewis-Waite Farm. This was the best sandwich that I have had in some time. He will also be running a food service at the racetrack this summer. I will post more details as I know them.

←

Very interesting. A friend of mine had a bad experience at Mouzon House. I was surprised as were several mutual friends.

I've never gone to the Farmers Market. DO they have the market every Saturday, and during the entire racing season?

So, will your friend will have a concession stand at the track this year? Does he know how this will play out? I've heard about this. NYRA has a press conference every year to announce some of the new and exciting things that will take place during the upcoming meet. One of the announcements this year was that some of the local top restaurants would have signature dishes available at the track. I have a list somewhere and I'll try to find it. Thanks again.

Eric

[ELA]

An excerpt from The Blood Horse

http://www.bloodhorse.com/article/45848/ne...-things-spa.htm

"... among the new perks awaiting fans is the participation of six local restaurants--Hattie’s, Brindisi’s, Grey Gelding, Panza’s, 1 Caroline Street Bistro, and Mouzon House—each of which will serve specialty house items at the track throughout the meet."

Sound great.

Eric

[docsconz]

For those who go to the Saratoga Saturday morning Farmers market (and I suggest that you do), keep an eye out for Rocco Verrigni, who is making food for sale on the patio of the Mouzon House restaurant. Rocco, the Vice President of our Slow Food convivium, happens to be a friend of mine, is a chef instructor in culinary services at Schenectady Community College and a very talented cook. This past Saturday he was selling amazing porchetta sandwiches. I bought one. At $8 with cole slaw it was a bargain. He used pork shoulder from Lewis-Waite Farm. This was the best sandwich that I have had in some time. He will also be running a food service at the racetrack this summer. I will post more details as I know them.

←

Very interesting. A friend of mine had a bad experience at Mouzon House. I was surprised as were several mutual friends.

I've never gone to the Farmers Market. DO they have the market every Saturday, and during the entire racing season?

So, will your friend will have a concession stand at the track this year? Does he know how this will play out? I've heard about this. NYRA has a press conference every year to announce some of the new and exciting things that will take place during the upcoming meet. One of the announcements this year was that some of the local top restaurants would have signature dishes available at the track. I have a list somewhere and I'll try to find it. Thanks again.

Eric

←

He is independent of Mouzon House, but located there. His food at the farmers Market is his own. He will, however, be cooking at the Track for one of the restaurants mentioned above, running their show at the track. I think its One Caroline, but am not positive.

The FM is every Saturday from 9AM to about 1PM. Of course the best selection is early, but you can find good quality food well into it. That market along with the Troy FM is the best in the region with some truly excellent produce, dairy and meat. It extends into the fall and also takes place on Wednesday afternoons at 3PM. Many of the vendors are the same though not all.

[ELA]

For those who go to the Saratoga Saturday morning Farmers market (and I suggest that you do), keep an eye out for Rocco Verrigni, who is making food for sale on the patio of the Mouzon House restaurant. Rocco, the Vice President of our Slow Food convivium, happens to be a friend of mine, is a chef instructor in culinary services at Schenectady Community College and a very talented cook. This past Saturday he was selling amazing porchetta sandwiches. I bought one. At $8 with cole slaw it was a bargain. He used pork shoulder from Lewis-Waite Farm. This was the best sandwich that I have had in some time. He will also be running a food service at the racetrack this summer. I will post more details as I know them.

←

Very interesting. A friend of mine had a bad experience at Mouzon House. I was surprised as were several mutual friends.

I've never gone to the Farmers Market. DO they have the market every Saturday, and during the entire racing season?

So, will your friend will have a concession stand at the track this year? Does he know how this will play out? I've heard about this. NYRA has a press conference every year to announce some of the new and exciting things that will take place during the upcoming meet. One of the announcements this year was that some of the local top restaurants would have signature dishes available at the track. I have a list somewhere and I'll try to find it. Thanks again.

Eric

←

He is independent of Mouzon House, but located there. His food at the farmers Market is his own. He will, however, be cooking at the Track for one of the restaurants mentioned above, running their show at the track. I think its One Caroline, but am not positive.

The FM is every Saturday from 9AM to about 1PM. Of course the best selection is early, but you can find good quality food well into it. That market along with the Troy FM is the best in the region with some truly excellent produce, dairy and meat. It extends into the fall and also takes place on Wednesday afternoons at 3PM. Many of the vendors are the same though not all.

←

Sounds great. I don't have a lot of experience with Farmers Markets, but I'll definetly go.

The new racetrack deal sounds great too -- I posted the info I found and I am looking forward to trying some of the food. With the exception of Mouzon House, I've been (many times) to all of the other places and I like them all. One Caroline is one of my favorites -- top notch all the time. Brindisi's seems to get mixed reviews, but I've always liked it. Hattie's is a classic Saratoga place, and I like the bar outside in the back. Panza's is good too, although I don't get there a lot -- Lanci's has been my go-to Italian place in the last few years. Grey Gelding is good too, although one time I ordered a peppercorn (crusted maybe) steak and it was almost inedible -- the peppercorn was so overwhelming. It was an one time, isolated incident. Every other time, everything else -- always good, and I go back often.

Yeah, I am so looking forward to this year at "The Spa"

Eric

[docsconz]

Fans of Lanci's should make a point of getting there as much as possible this summer s they will be closing after the season.

[ELA]

Fans of Lanci's should make a point of getting there as much as possible this summer s they will be closing after the season.

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Why? What's the story? Thanks.

Eric