Double-take: the guy who stopped the Yankees. Oktoberfest.
PLUS: A BTS peek on Putnam Street. Journalism has a win!
TGIF! As luck would have it, 100% of the Dispatch team is out of town today and tomorrow. So you’re getting Saturday’s Dish early. And tomorrow? Stay tuned for a special treat. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming Monday morning.
Thank you for reading the Dispatch!
Cap Region in the news: the guy who stopped the Yankees
This Sunday, when the Blue Jays take on the winner of tonight’s Tigers vs Mariners matchup, look out for a familiar face: closer Jeff Hoffman, 32, the man who threw the pitch that ended the Yankees’ season. Hoffman, a Shaker grad, struck out Cody Bellinger to complete the four-out save that cinched the Toronto team’s 5-2 triumph — and eliminated the Yankees from the playoffs.
During Hoffman’s junior year at Shaker High, he pitched a 7-0 win-loss record — and led the team to its first Section II Class AA title game since 2002.
Field trip: Lake George goes all-in on Munich-worthy Oktoberfest
Beer lovers, Adirondack Pub & Brewery (ADK Brewery) is throwing an all-out Lake George Oktoberfest starting today that’s bigger than ever, has longer hours than ever — and is free and family friendly.
Between vendors and downtown shops, more than 100 businesses will welcome visitors today through Sunday. Think German food such as gluten-free sausages from Troy’s Helmbold’s (one fave: moist Weissworst white sausage made with veal and pork), Wiener schnitzel with mushroom gravy and traditionally seasoned sauerkraut, traditional German potato salad made with bacon and caraway seeds, and potato pancakes with applesauce.
Pro tip: ADK Brewery owner John Carr eats his sausages sans bun: “That way I can eat more of them.”
“With the street closed off, tents set up, and artisans and vendors lining the way, it feels very much like a local German celebration,” Carr says. “Canada Street is closed from Amherst to Montcalm. There is continuous live music and a big tent in the street with artisan and craft vendors and shops and restaurants.” Tonight’s highlight? Fritz Polka Band.
And yes, there will be beer. “We’ll have a traditional Oktoberfest beer, similar to what you’d find in Munich,” he says. “There will be a lighter fest-style beer — like a pilsner — and a darker, richer Oktoberfest. The darker beer has a touch more alcohol and uses malts such as caramel and Caramunich malt, which give it a slightly toasted flavor. It’s clean and smooth thanks to the lagering process — a true taste of Germany right here in Lake George.”
Adds ADK Brewery Manager James McReynolds, “Something we are very proud of is the fact that we encourage guests to dine at local restaurants on Canada Street and shop at the local shops. This event draws guests not only to the Otoberfest celebration — more importantly to the heart of Lake George Village.”
There will also be IPAs, hard ciders and homemade root beer for the kids — plus, Italian, Mexican and Irish food; sweet treats such as homemade fudge, cider donuts from Mosall’s Grove, Hog Wild’s kettle corn, caramel apples, and edible dough from Rob & Traci’s All Things Delicious; plus classics such as burgers and dogs.
After you’ve had your fill — or are on a pause— try some carnival rides or axe throwing when not in the live music tent, and shop. You’ll also be able to take home everything from fresh fruit boxes from Apple Blossom Farms to kids’ clothes from Bohemian Roots and Lupita’s.
The 14th Annual Lake George Village Oktoberfest on Canada Street runs 12-10 p.m. today (food starts at 5); Saturday 12-10 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m.
Cutting-edge wine: for those who like bragging rights
After you’ve had your fill of beer, stay home on Sunday and switch to wine. Not home as in your house, silly — I’m talking Saratoga, where Bocage is bringing in wines from Eastern Europe, Lebanon, Syria…places that so far have kept most of their amazing fine wines for themselves. (I remember when Spain hadn’t started exporting much — look at them now!) Megan Anderson of Pendenza Wine has sourced the very best and is bringing them to Saratoga so we get to be some of the first in the country to taste these exquisite, unique vinos. “There’s so much to talk about, since each wine will be new to everyone — but we’re going to have our whole portfolio there so the challenge is there,” Anderson says of the party/slash tasting. “Can you taste 15 wines?” (There will be food to soak it all up!) I’ll be there at 5 p.m.; there are also tastings at 1 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Word on the street
Yesterday’s gorgeous fall day meant that the workers at the new potential hotspot on Putnam Street (in the former Adirondack Cigar Shoppe) had the doors thrown open — and nosy people like me got a glimpse. It’s farther along than I thought! Downtown chatter says it’s the brainchild of Corey Melancon, owner of Taquero (across the street). His brother, Derek, is a cannabis guy, so maybe there’s a collab idea for the future? Corey didn’t respond to a request for comment in time for this deadline, but stay tuned.
On a more serious note
I wouldn’t be a local journalist pledging to cover Saratoga stories for a year if I didn’t believe — with my whole heart — that independent, local journalism is a keystone to American community and a crucial social tie that brings us all together. If you’re here, I’m preaching to the choir, and I thank you so much for supporting this endeavor.
So…I was thrilled to read that WAMC Northeast Public Radio successfully achieved its goal of raising $1.25 million (from 7,000 pledges) in just three and a half days.
“This is a resounding vote for free speech, fair and transparent reporting, and independent journalism,” said President & CEO Sarah Gilbert in a statement.
Swoon.