'Glorious' crusty rolls with 'pillowy interior'?
Here's where to get 'em! And other Sunday "weekend vibes' fare curated just for you.
Welcome to a special edition of Dish Saratoga, the lighter “weekend vibes” version of the Saratoga Dispatch. Usually, we pub on Saturdays — thanks for being flexible this weekend and next. Dig in!
🍰 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.”
LOOKING BACK
I’m a sucker for vintage pics and news clippings, and this week was a double whammy. Enjoy! —Abby
🏇 Post-war horse racing
The Journal and Press of Upstate New York has archives going back 180 years — what a dream. In this week’s “Through the Decades” column, this gem popped up from Jan. 9, 1946, carrying the news from Gov. Thomas E. Dewey that “Horse racing will return to Saratoga Springs next August after a four-year hiatus due to the war.” The post-World War II racing season would be four weeks (Aug. 5 to Aug. 31), one week less than normal — plus two weeks in Jamaica “to build up a bank roll in order to offer more stake races in larger purses during its regular spa season.” Their goal? $1 million in purses by the next year.
Take a look at this and other stories (and a hilarious car wreck photo courtesy of an Evil Knievel wannbe!): Through the Decades.
Keep reading!
Time Warp: Saratoga Springs through the eyes of a journalist in 1926
IN PICS
🐱 Bob, Pasha, Pasha, maybe another Pasha and…Sasha
This photo was posted to Facebook by Caffè Lena earlier this week with a shout-out to the Dispatch. (Swoon.) So I reached out and asked about this epic pic of Bob Dylan. [Click on the embed above to open it up and see the full photo in all its glory.] As it turns out, this snapshot was taken by Jim Marshall at the Lion’s Head coffee shop in Manhattan in 1963. “Lena always had a cat named Pasha, until the last cat she had, which she named Sasha,” my favorite Caffè Lena insider told me. “Bob loved them!”
💙 Tune in tonight
The WNBA’s Skylar Diggins will walk the Golden Globes red carpet tonight as ambassador for Saratoga Water, the official water of the glitzy awards show. These new photos were just released, and I love them. [Click on the embed above to open it up and see the full gallery of five pics — the last one is my fave.]
🥐 Bear’s Cup Bakehouse
Bear’s Cup Bakehouse celebrated its grand opening (543 Broadway) on Jan. 6. The new downtown eatery (we’re still dreaming of their coffee — and croissants) is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tues. to Sun.
Keep reading!
BITES
🍳 Standard Fare
Now offering brunch! Feast on spicy avocado toast, the “ultimate breakfast sammie,” and corn muffins Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
🍳 Three Daughters
Saratoga Arms has announced that its Three Daughters restaurant is now open to the public for a locally-sourced breakfast that’s good for the soul, your health, and the environment. (Think local farm fresh brown eggs, fresh fruit, Farmers’ Market veggies — including vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free selections.) Hours: Mon. through Fri. 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. and Sat. and Sun. 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
ICYMI…
Forecast: Jan. 17 Snow Day of all-ages fun (no matter the weater)
(EXCLUSIVE): Saratogian author’s NYC takeover
Got a business to promote, story to tell or event to share? Respond to this email or reach Abby at abby@saratogadispatch.com.
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Yum!