Al's Saratoga Blog

[OTM Al]

Two more days and a wake up and I will be making my first trip up north for the season. Going to be there for open house day this year and while I won't be around for opening weekend, that's only one of 2 weekends I won't be up there this year plus the PA week, which this year I won't have to go home in the middle. Wish I could stay all season but my employer probably wouldn't appreciate it.

So I plan to write an ongoing thread through the meet. Let you all know about the things going on around Saratoga that I'll have a chance to go to, the restaurants, and yes even the racing.

So if anyone has questions, looking for recommendations or otherwise, ask away here. I'll do my best to get you answers if the more knowledgible people on the board don't beat me to it.

Saratoga is a celebration of racing, so I'd like to keep this ongoing dialogue positive. If you feel the need to rip on something like other tracks, certain horses, certain posters, take it elsewhere, or better yet just don't.

Two more days and a wakeup. As I understand it dinner that night will be at the Circus Cafe. Haven't been there yet, so I'll let you know.

[PaceAdvantage]

Sounds great Al...as always, looking forward to your musings!

[Vinman]

Originally Posted by OTM Al

Two more days and a wake up and I will be making my first trip up north for the season. Going to be there for open house day this year and while I won't be around for opening weekend, that's only one of 2 weekends I won't be up there this year plus the PA week, which this year I won't have to go home in the middle. Wish I could stay all season but my employer probably wouldn't appreciate it.

So I plan to write an ongoing thread through the meet. Let you all know about the things going on around Saratoga that I'll have a chance to go to, the restaurants, and yes even the racing.

So if anyone has questions, looking for recommendations or otherwise, ask away here. I'll do my best to get you answers if the more knowledgible people on the board don't beat me to it.

Saratoga is a celebration of racing, so I'd like to keep this ongoing dialogue positive. If you feel the need to rip on something like other tracks, certain horses, certain posters, take it elsewhere, or better yet just don't.

Two more days and a wakeup. As I understand it dinner that night will be at the Circus Cafe. Haven't been there yet, so I'll let you know.

Al.....I think you'll like Circus Cafe, located on Broadway right in the thick of things.....relaxed, informal atmosphere and a huge menu. I believe they're known for their excellent Burgers, which I've had....thumbs up.

[OTM Al]

Originally Posted by Vinman

Al.....I think you'll like Circus Cafe, located on Broadway right in the thick of things.....relaxed, informal atmosphere and a huge menu. I believe they're known for their excellent Burgers, which I've had....thumbs up.

Yes, I have been in search of the best burger in town and have heard that these were very good. We had heard that Stadium had the best. I have not been to the downtown one, but only to the West Side version and was unimpressed. Ok sports bar but not a hamburger place.

[Rookies]

Really liked your 'stuff' @ the Preakness, Al.

Restaurant recs are always welcome and of course anything about the ongoing track conditions, hot jocks, trainers, etc.

Can't wait meeself, as it'll be my 9th straight year, I believe. A fair ride for the TO boys, but worth every mile/km.

I went to a corporate charity event last night held at a brewery, cheek to jowl with the Rogers Centre ( ex SkyDome). Steamwhistle it's called- very good and I'll be bringing some when we meet up.

[KingChas]

I personally thought the best burger I ever had at Saratoga was at the Irish Pub down by the old Canfeild Casino.
Got to order it with everything on it though.
Of the 4 dinner guest, I was the only one that ordered it ,but from the looks in their eyes I won't be alone this year.

[Mike at A+]

If you're willing to drive a bit north of Saratoga, I know two places that serve excellent burgers. Since we stay in Glens Falls, the drive isn't that far for us and the exits on I-87 go pretty quickly.

1.) In Glens Falls downtown on Route 9 (exit 18 on the Northway), there is a little brew pub called Davidson's. They brew several varieties of excellent beers and ales and we always make them a stop for a casual lunch or dinner. Their burgers are what you'd expect at the typical brew pub, big, lean and tasty. Their onion rings are among the best I've ever had. Great sandwiches and wraps, salads and many dishes that are cooked with their ales. They have some outdoor tables and on some evenings there is entertainment. Unrelated to burgers, there is an excellent Thai restaurant right up the block from them where we also try to hit each year. $--

2.) Just south of Lake George Village also on Route 9 (exit 21 on the Northway), there's another brew pub called The Adirondack Brew Pub. Again, excellent burgers, very good fries and a few very good ales on tap. $--

If steak is your desire, there's a great place called George's Steakhouse on Route 9L in Lake George (exit 21 on the Northway). The Delmonico smothered in mushrooms and onions is one of the best steaks you'll ever have. They also do a fantastic Prime Rib as well as all the other popular steak cuts. One of the best salad bars you'll ever experience too. They also have an "Earlybird" menu where you can get about a dozen items from their regular menu at reduced costs. My son tells me that their baby back ribs are the best he's ever had and my wife raves over their seafood but when I go to a steakhouse, it's all about the cow for me. I've never had a burger there but everyone I know who has told me that they are top shelf. It is a good idea to call ahead for reservations during racing season as this place is always hopping. $$-

[OTM Al]

Originally Posted by Rookies

Really liked your 'stuff' @ the Preakness, Al.

Restaurant recs are always welcome and of course anything about the ongoing track conditions, hot jocks, trainers, etc.

Can't wait meeself, as it'll be my 9th straight year, I believe. A fair ride for the TO boys, but worth every mile/km.

I went to a corporate charity event last night held at a brewery, cheek to jowl with the Rogers Centre ( ex SkyDome). Steamwhistle it's called- very good and I'll be bringing some when we meet up.

There's a little brewery in Saratoga that I've heard is quite good

http://www.oldesaratogabrew.com/

Kinda want to check it out this year.

[OTM Al]

Originally Posted by KingChas

I personally thought the best burger I ever had at Saratoga was at the Irish Pub down by the old Canfeild Casino.
Got to order it with everything on it though.
Of the 4 dinner guest, I was the only one that ordered it ,but from the looks in their eyes I won't be alone this year.

I should know that place but it's not coming to mind. Don't think it will be too hard for me to give it a look. To be honest I have mostly been a meat and cheese man when it comes to sandwiches but of late I've taken a liking to sauteed onions on the burger. It is indeed a worthy task to find the king of burgers however.

[OTM Al]

Originally Posted by Mike at A+

If steak is your desire, there's a great place called George's Steakhouse on Route 9L in Lake George (exit 21 on the Northway). The Delmonico smothered in mushrooms and onions is one of the best steaks you'll ever have. They also do a fantastic Prime Rib as well as all the other popular steak cuts. One of the best salad bars you'll ever experience too. They also have an "Earlybird" menu where you can get about a dozen items from their regular menu at reduced costs. My son tells me that their baby back ribs are the best he's ever had and my wife raves over their seafood but when I go to a steakhouse, it's all about the cow for me. I've never had a burger there but everyone I know who has told me that they are top shelf. It is a good idea to call ahead for reservations during racing season as this place is always hopping. $$-

Now this is one thing I absolutely wanted to have while I was up there. Don't have steak that often, but have had a mind for one for some time now.

[bigmack]

Wouldn't it be easier to dial into a comprehensive listing of joints here:
http://www.saratoga.org/visitors/whe...rant-guide.asp

And then simply park ones rump here:
http://www.gaffneysrestaurant.com/

[OTM Al]

Originally Posted by bigmack

Wouldn't it be easier to dial into a comprehensive listing of joints here:
http://www.saratoga.org/visitors/whe...rant-guide.asp

And then simply park ones rump here:
http://www.gaffneysrestaurant.com/

Interesting, but have never heard of it. I'll see what I can find out.

[OTM Al]

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go....Well not just yet, but it won't take long.

The wife always takes our Conure with her to keep her company. Go figure she's the one that gets the full 7 weeks vacation in Saratoga. Her name is Jacinto Vazquez. Like the famous jockey, her people hail from Central/South America, she is fairly short and is always seen in colorful clothing. Her favorite activity at the Spa is to scream back at all those bluejays every morning. I don't think out other birds miss her much while she is gone...

So time to get moving. Hear it's hot and humid up there right now too, but should get a break in the weather tomorrow or Monday.

[OTM Al]

Just back from town. We got in around 3, got everything unpacked and headed downtown. Weren't meeting up at Circus Cafe until 6:30 so we stopped by Stadiumto have a couple beers and watch the ball game. Threw down a couple appetzers while we were there including the spinach and artichoke dip. Guys, if you don't know of this, drop the buffalo wings and order this stuff wherever you are the next time you take your favorite gal out. This stuff is like crack to women and it is pretty tasty. They serve a good one at the downtown Stadium. Place is good to watch a game and have a few beers but it is pub grub. If that's what you are into though, it will serve.

Stopped by the Borders bookstore before heading to dinner. Pretty good selection of stuff there and they always have a good sale on something. Didn't find anything I wanted but did pick up a form to look at for tomorrow.

Circus wasn't bad. Had an American cheeseburger medium with sauteed onions. A solid burger with a nice charbroiled taste. It was really good, but not sure I'm ready to give it top prize. The wife had the mozzarella sandwich which she said was very good. Got to say I couldn't argue about the price as the four of us there each had a sandwich and a couple drinks were bought and the bill was only $60. So for the price the food was well worth it. The decor was a bit weak, though I may be biased as I've never cared for the circus. Fortunately the staff does not have to go full theme and only wears black shirts with circus jobs written on them. We were served by "juggler". So good price, decent food, and fair decor.

Looks like some weather rolling in now. Flash flood warnings are out, so likey will have some heavy rains tonight. It was hot up here but much more comfortable than the city. Hopefully will have a good day for the open house tomorrow. We'll be there early as much still to do with the track opening in less than a week.

[PaceAdvantage]

I envy you already Al...and you're right...those Sun Conures are LOUD...I should know...