The Amazon of it all. NFL, Yaddo news.
But first: Our yummy edible gift guide, local edition (Including Hanukkah!)
We’ve all heard and repeated the mantra “buy local” 1,000 times, earnestly resisting the siren song of Amazon’s “Finds under $5.”
Because Saratogians know that the payoff (high quality and feeling good) is worth it.
But sometimes...we simply don’t know where to look for something both local and new. So bookmark this guy, and get ready to hit the streets of Saratoga with a newfound gift-gifting pep in your holiday-weary step.
Local entrepreneur: Jessica Schwartzman
Local business: TogaNola
What to gift: Sampler pack wrapped in a beautiful box for easy gifting, including a seasonal blend of granola clusters, granola bars and granola bombs.
Where to buy: Online and the Spa City Farmers’ Market on Sunday.
Why you’ll feel good: “We’re a 1% for the Planet member and a portion of all sales goes back to Saratoga region nonprofits,” Schwartzman says. “My main goal with this business is to give back to the community, so I’ll be focusing on additional give back programs and events in 2026.”
Top non-TogaNola rec: Saratoga Tea & Honey Co.
“Saratoga Tea & Honey is great for a gift that creates a soothing ritual to get us through the dark months,” she says. “Plus, it pairs well with granola!”
Local entrepreneur: Shannon Onstot
Local business: Tyromance Fine Snacks
What to gift: Tyromance is offering a gift pack of gluten-free goodies that taste carb-tactic. Just $40 will get you an array of granola, crackers, gingerbread, breadsticks and nuts.
Where to buy: They’re shippable, but also available at the Saratoga Farmer’s Market on Saturday.
Top non-Tyromance top rec: Wild Hogs Sugar Shack
“They have maple candies,” she says, “a special holiday maple block that comes with a mini grater, and Bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup!”
Kathleen Willcox writes about food and wine on her acclaimed newsletter Good + Tasty. Subscribe today!
ICYMI…(and a chance to really tell me what you think)
Why farmers’ markets (Saratoga has two) are a must this time of year
We’ve all gotten confused at one time or another. Yup, Tyromance will be at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market Saturday (click on the above embed and swipe for a list of vendors) starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Wilton Mall; head to the Spa City one at 10 a.m. at the Lincoln Baths Sunday for TogaNola.
Some other yummy local treats that caught my eye for Saturday: Albany Distilling, Katie Bakes GF and Teeny Bite bakeries, Muddy Trail Jerky Co and Euro Delicacies, among many others.
Sunday? Try Ballston Lake Apiaries, Sugar Plum Hearth, Vashtis Kitchen Delights, and — yup — so many more.
Other new edible goodies around town
If you haven’t been to the newly-expanded Saratoga Chocolate Co. with its larger and jam-packed retail space (after all, you’ve had half a year), now’s the time. In addition to the Hanukkah treats (click on the above embed for the full mouth-watering array), the home team chocolate brand rolled out advent calendars for the first time this year, as well as new truffle flavors such as Chambord and Cherry Kirsch. And that’s just the beginning…
A direct link to the pig (because, Amazon)
This Instagram post, by Saratoga Candy Co., is why we’re doing the Dispatch. Nothing beats local, people. It’s in reference to Saratogians on Facebook being caught telling others to buy their yearly Peppermint Pigs — a staple, signature item of our own homegrown candy company — on Amazon. If you can’t make it to Broadway, the store delivers! Here’s the direct link: Peppermint Pigs.
IN BRIEF
Saratogian garners ‘serious looks’ as potential NFL head coach
The Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator, Saratogian Anthony Weaver, is a major candidate for an NFL head coaching gig, according to Dianna Russini of the New York Times’ The Athletic. Pushing her list of top 11 assistant coaches currently in “prove-it time,” she predicted “these assistant coaches to garner serious looks in the upcoming coaching cycle.” On the list with Weaver: Colts DC Lou Anarumo. The Colts’ owner, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, is a Skidmore grad. Her major? Religious studies with a minor in geoscience. (No shade. I majored in political science, and here we are.)
ChatGPT, define “big shoes to fill”
One heck of a job opening has become available in Saratoga Springs — albeit one that has historically and by design kept said employee both in and very much away from the local Saratoga community. Yaddo’s president for the past 25 years, Elaina Richardson, is stepping down, and the insular artists’ community is on the nationwide hunt for her replacement. The esteemed Richardson shepherded the nation’s top residency program through the pandemic, growing its endowment by a million dollars along the way — among many other achievements.
IN PICTURES, DOWNTOWN’S ON FIRE EDITION
518 Barber Club
Congrats to 518 Barber Club on the success of its new location at 48 Henry St. Get ‘em, guys!
Keep reading!
Pint Sized
Local bar Pint Sized celebrates the grand opening of its new location at 33 Phila St. See you there!
Keep reading!
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TGIF, Saratoga! It’s the end of the week — catch up on anything you missed:
On the market: ‘special oasis’ (meet Allison Bradley)
Seen by Seen in Saratoga? (Friday at Bocage)
Back-to-back SPAC and one very long and cold night: Oh, what a (2) night(s) in Saratoga
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