Happy weekend, Dispatchers!
As usual, I was in the mood for some weekend lighter fare this slushy Saturday.
Tomorrow, you’re in for a treat: a bonus spring “getaway.”
Back to the newsier news on Monday.
Let’s get to it.
— Abby
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Top 6 Saratoga dining deals
Now that Restaurant Week has come and gone, here are a few other fun ways to save a buck when dining out at our favorite local restaurants.
Whether you crave your mussels in the a.m. or after dinner, Morrissey’s has you covered. Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., “Flex Your Mussels” with your choice of rotating weekly mussel selections, plus brasserie-worthy fries and a draft beer or glass of white wine for just $25 bucks.
Double your (Double Preferred Guest) rewards on select Thursdays (keep your eye on their social media) at Boca Bistro, while you dine on your fave tapas, paella and vino. It’s all part of the DZ app, which allows frequent diners to rack up perks and even gifts $20 bucks on your birthday or wedding anniversary.
Standard Fare is lining up the weekday deals. Stop by on Tuesdays for $1 oysters. And on Wednesdays, if you squint and look at the menu real hard, you’ll find the fun Ladies’ Night deal: $30 will get you a Crunchy Caesar salad, truffle fries and a tiny ‘tini.
Speaking of tiny ‘tinis, Familiar Creature’s popular happy hour has ‘em — plus a delicious (and pretty hefty) snack-sized charcuterie deal. (Tuesday through Thursday, 4 to 5:30 p.m.)
We can’t put every happy hour on the menu. But Kindred’s diverse $5-$10 small plates (everything from olives to roe served on kettle chips) earns its spot on our Dining Deals list. (Tuesday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.)
Salt & Char’s classic Carnivore Experience is still popping on Thursday evenings. Big enough for two people, this classic tray includes 18 ($160) or 24 ($210) ounces of steak, two signature sides and one choice of sauce.
🎸 I’m with the band
“Bruce Streets?” Glee star and Broadway baby Matthew Morrison didn’t know what his guitarist, Beth Callen, was saying Thursday night after telling the crowd at UPH that she was a grad of Saratoga High School. “Blue Streaks!” she repeated into her mic, while the crowd cheered and echoed her hometown pride.
🍺 Time flies
Tree House Brewing is celebrating its one-year anniversary with an all-day party today. Rich Ortiz is playing from 1 to 4 p.m., and Matt Evans from 5 to 10 p.m. — but the special pizza (pepperoni with house chipotle-lime sauce) starts serving at 11 a.m.
😋 Still hungry?
SPAC’s “Braided Heritage” foodie event tonight at The Pines has been sold out for months. (It was a free ticket — for those who grabbed a spot.)
But there are one and a half more chances to be a part of the popular Culinary Arts series this season: April 23 (Heartland Masala) and May 21 (A Kitchen on Goose Cove). The latter is sold out, too, but they are accepting names for a wait list.
🍷 Still thirsty?
Crowd favorite Megan Anderson of Pendenza Wine is making an appearance at Bocage Champagne Bar for a special happy hour on Thursday, March 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Guests will taste wines from exotic wine regions in Slovenia, Serbia, Lebanon, Italy and beyond — and select wines will be available for purchase. To make a reservation (encouraged but not required), visit resy.com.
Pitch me
Are you a local restaurant/bar owner with a story to share or event to promote? Simply reply to this email or reach Abby directly at [email protected].
🎤 Taking a joke
On Wednesday, I introduced you to the great — the infamous — “evil hat boy” Rande Jackson, who unbeknownst to him was gaining fame around the country thanks to Chris Fleming’s touring stand-up comedy show. (It’s a whole thing involving Jackson’s working at Hatsational as a teenager — if you love Saratoga, flip it on this weekend.)
But I glossed over the fact that Skidmore president Marc C. Conner also gets roasted.
If you haven’t watched yet, Chris Fleming: Live at the Palace is now streaming on HBO Max, and Saratoga enters the chat starting at about minute 48 — and dominates the last 20 minutes or so.
🎬 See you at…the Metro?
Last year’s Hello! My Name Is Blotto: The Movie — a documentary about “laugh-rock” band Blotto — has announced its Saratoga screening date. The band started at the Metro (now Night Owl) before hitting it big with “I Wanna Be A Lifeguard.” Join the band members and director Rob Lichter (Bert Blotto) at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. Bowtie Blotto’s trio Lost Radio Rounders will warm up the crowd during a “Mix-Meet-Mingle Hour.” Tickets are $20 at the door; to cut the price in half, buy in advance at putnamplace.com.
📸 IN PICTURES
Keuka Spring Vineyards recently celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 15 Spring St. Rooted in the Finger Lakes, the company originally expanded to the Spa City in 2024. For more info, visit keukaspringvineyards.com.
Audiologic Solutions celebrates the grand opening of its new hearing center at 125 High Rock Ave. (Think personalized hearing and healthcare services paired with a comforting beside manner.) For more info, visit audiologicsolutions.net.
📌 ICYMI…