Cheesecake, prime rib, 'glorious' crusty rolls with 'pillowy interior': the dish on Elody
Elody's off to a bangin' start on Phila Street.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — Most of us (it’s not just me, right?) have a bit of a toddler mindset when it comes to great food: change is bad.
See: New Coke’s epic failure, the $700 million Cracker Barrel facelift-gone-wrong, Crystal Pepsi (RIP).
But sometimes, change isn’t just not bad, it’s very, very good.
Enter Elody (54 Phila Street, formerly occupied by Phila Fusion), which welcomed its first, eager diners on Jan. 2. Owners Patti and Larry Weaver, who previously ran 13 North in Malta to great critical and popular acclaim, closed that chapter of their life and career in August in order to move to Phila, the downtown stretch that’s absolutely popping with new eatery hotspots.
“We’ve had a lot of support and positive feedback from our family, friends and regulars — and new guests,” says Patti, who credits in part that they kept their same kitchen staff from 13 North. “Our most popular dishes seem to be our turkey dinner, pork schnitzel, chicken parm and lazy lobster.”
Patti is looking forward to the new Thursday special: prime rib dinner.
“The menu is a mix of American fare with something for everyone, including a couple of vegan options,” she says.
Bonus: Elody is one of the few places in town where you still get glorious, warm dinner rolls — crusty exterior, pillowy interior, idyllic crumb — included with dinner, free of charge. Double bonus: Patti makes them herself, and serves them alongside flavored butters.
The space at 54 Phila Street is elegant, but comfortable, with the kind of relaxed and welcoming vibe you expect from an upscale American comfort (with Italian blood running in its veins) family operation.
“Everyone is treated like family,” says Patti. So even if you weren’t part of the 13 North crew, you’ll feel at home. But don’t delay. “Reservations are filling up fast on weekends,” she says, “and during peak dinner hours.”
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