Halloween snark, partying on, Restaurant Week 1st-timers and other Dish
PLUS: Where to grab the best deals at lunch
Welcome to the November 1 issue of Dish Saratoga, lighter fare with weekend vibes.
Conjuring Halloween vibes, and snark
Halloween night was definitely Halloween-ing last night. “Trick or treating is wild,” one mom reported in from the west side around 7 p.m. “No one has power, and the wind is whipping. It’s so dark and cold and spooky.” Greenfield was also out amid the frigid 36 mph gusts, causing heat-less shivers. But on Congress, the adults in the room took it surprisingly (for Facebookers) in stride. “Why is there no power?” asked someone on the What’s Going on Saratoga Facebook group. “I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it’s from the wind…” one neighbor quipped in response. “Careful on the limb,” cracked another. “Might get blown out the tree.”
Still chilled from last night? Keep reading!
Best autumnal coffees, tea for escaping the mess going down on FB
Saturday night fever
When Halloween falls on a Friday, it means that the spooky holiday fun bleeds right into November. It’s Saturday night on Caroline Street, and party-goers aren’t going to let a silly month turnover get in the way of themed partying. Head downtown — it’ll be on fire. In addition to the above party at The Misfit, The Icehouse is doing a 💀Dia de los Muertos Celebration tonight with DJ Wave, and Night Owl’s “Alice in Underland” continues with Sed & Friends (live), and DJs Biz and Chizzzik.
Staying in? Our (bone-chilling) rec:
Wind got you down? Stay in and watch this Upstate ‘Haunting’ instead — if you dare.
Today’s Dish is brought to you by Opera Saratoga’s production of La bohème. See you at UPH on December 5?
ICYMI, weekend vibes edition:
99-year-old Saratoga article unearths Belmont rivalry, more
World-famous rock star disses Saratoga Springs in his new memoir
High stakes, high emotion: How one dance can change the game.
Hostess stand’s ‘weird’ horse art fast becoming downtown status symbol
Saratoga podcast gets dark with a local author named…Saratoga
Everything you need to know about next week’s Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week starts Monday! Make your reservations now —Discover Saratoga’s seven days (Nov. 3-9) of one-time-only deals is always uber-popular. The way it works: Participating restaurants in Saratoga County will feature a variety of prix fixe menus, including three-course dinners priced at $25 or $35 and lunch specials for just $15 bucks. Prices do not include tax or gratuity.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate 20 years of Saratoga Restaurant Week—an event that continues to highlight the incredible culinary talent and creativity found throughout our county,” said Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga, in a statement. “This week not only showcases our restaurants but also drives visitation and supports the many local businesses that make Saratoga County such a special place to dine, stay and explore.”
Saratoga Restaurant Week is presented by Chef’s Warehouse and sponsored by Toast, Saratoga Today, Saratoga.com, iHeartRadio, Albany Broadcasting and Prime.
For a full list of participating restaurants and menus, visit discoversaratoga.org.
2 or 3 courses for just $15 bucks? Where to snag those lunch-time deals
Finding a good spot for lunch is sometimes tricky in Saratoga. These five spots are going all in mid-day for Restaurant Week lunch. Check them out!
Country Corner Café is doing decadent cheese blintzes with strawberry jam and sour cream to start, plus a Saratoga Grill sammy.
Mixed Breed Brewing at Van Patten Golf Club will serve New England Clam Chowda (or the soup of the day) and a choice of four salads and sandwiches.
Head to Shirley’s Diner for an all-out three-course special: chili, soup or Caesar salad; a choice of four sandwiches (had me at grilled cheese); and dessert (apple or cherry pie or GF brownie).
Warm up at The Mill on Round Lake, with a cup of soup and choice of hearty entrée: open-faced hot turkey sandwich, French dip, fish ‘n’ chips or a cranberry apple salad.
Thirsty Owl is serving up three courses: soup (apple pumpkin bisque or crab and corn chowder) or salad; burger, chicken or veggie flatbread; plus apple crisp, flourless chocolate torte or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Biggest bang for your buck come dinnertime
Dinner options for Restaurant Week are split into two categories: $25 and $35.
For a $25 deal, check out Dizzy Chicken, Shirley’s, The Mill on Round Lake, The Ripe Tomato and Tinney’s Tavern in Middle Grove.
The main event: 36 choices for 3-course, $35 dinners
If only there were enough dinners to try them all…Alas, with 36 restaurants offering three-course, $35 deals of a lifetime next week, we can’t cover them all. See the full list for details.
Boca Bistro’s dessert alone might be worth $35: think churros with cinnamon and chocolate, or chocolate mousse with graham cracker crumble.
The Wild Horse has a whopping five options for the apps course: brisket potato, loaded nachos, pretzel bites, or two salad options.
Wishing Well’s entrée options are slow-braised pork, pan-seared swordfish and butternut squash. Yum.
Standard Fare, which just opened in August, is throwing its hat in the ring for the first time — and going all out. (Optional wine pairings can be added for $25.) Dig into tomato bisque or petit Caesar for the first course,Beef Bourguignon, (vegan and gluten-free) zucchini “lasagna,” or Looziana gumbo with chicken and andouille sausage for the second; and a scoop of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry ice cream for dessert.
Insider tips
Restaurant Week is hectic — everybody wants those deals! Here’s how to keep it an exciting and fun time for everyone.
Make a reservation
Be patient; restaurant staff might not be used to the mass of people
Be polite
Generously tip
Restaurant Week news is brought to you by…
Thanks for the summary