Introducing: The Saratoga Grand Slam
The Spa City's ultimate eating challenge, just in time for the World Series. PLUS: AIM Services' Vin Le Soir, gyros return to Ballston Spa and more.
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As the Phillies and Astros duke it out on baseball’s biggest stage, SLAH would like to officially inaugurate a challenge in America’s other favorite pastime: eating. Introducing The Saratoga Grand Slam, a four-course food tour that will take the hungriest foodies to some of the most notable Spa City establishments for their most iconic dishes. Whether you’re a born-and-raised Saratogian looking to prove you can put down carbs like the best of them, or a tourist looking to get the full Toga experience in a day or less, the Saratoga Grand Slam is for you.
1st Course: Druthers Mac and Cheese
While the new Clifton Park Druthers has been all the rage this month, you’ll need to return to the famed brewpub’s OG location for this meal. On the menu? mac and cheese, of course, but we’ll allow you to pick your poison: The current menu offers the classic Druthers Mac, BBQ Mac, Buffalo Mac, Loaded Mac and Three Little Pigs Mac. Just a hint—maybe you want to take it easy on your first dish and go with the classic seven-cheese, chip-and-panko-topped Druthers Mac. But that Loaded Mac, made with bacon, pulled chicken, ranch and Carolina barbecue sauce is tough to resist.
2nd Course: Hattie’s Fried Chicken
You knew this one was coming, Saratoga. After you’ve downed a full skillet of Druthers Mac, it’s time to move to the big leagues (this is a grand slam, after all). Course numero dos is Hattie’s Famous Fried Chicken, which comes with a breast, wing, thigh and leg, plus your choice of two sides. Collard greens and rice and beans, perhaps? We’ll leave the sides up to you to decide, but one thing is non-negotiable: Order the full size. None of this “small plate” nonsense. If you’re feeling spicy, get your bird Nashville Hot for an extra buck.
3rd Course: Stewart’s Shops Hot Fudge Sunday
Assuming courses one and two were lunch and dinner (or if you ate them in direct succession, more power to you), it’s time for dessert. And while there are plenty of spots in Saratoga to grab a sweet treat, nothing screams “upstate New York” like a hot fudge sundae from Stewart’s. First step: Pick your ice cream (maybe the award-winning Peanut Butter Pandemonium or Mint Cookie Crumble), and let your server slather on the hot fudge and top with whipped cream, nuts and a cherry.
4th Course: Esperanto Oboy
Thought dessert was the final course? Then you clearly haven’t spent much time on Caroline Street! Every bar-hopping Saratogian knows the night cap to end all night caps is Esperanto, where the infamous Oboy reigns supreme. A savory pizza dough pouch of chicken breast, cheese, scallions and a super-secret herb blend, the Oboy is the ultimate Saratoga snack, and serves as the well-deserved send-off to a day well spent.
Rules, Regulations & Recognition
Saratoga Grand Slam must be completed in one day.
You must eat everything by yourself (bonus points if you lick the hot fudge sundae dish).
No substitutions (sorry, vegetarians).
Submit your Saratoga Grand Slam by sending in photos of you eating all four courses to editorial@saratogaliving.com. The first foodie to complete the challenge will receive a free, one-year SLAH subscription, and those who follow will be recognized at the bottom of future Saturday posts.
Quote of the Week
“Sometimes when I drive by McDonald’s I have to take my hands off the steering wheel so I don’t pull in.”
—One local crispy chicken sandwich addict
Wine & Dine
On Wednesday, Saratogians embarked on a “journey to Florence” as they tasted fine Italian wines and chef-inspired dishes at AIM Services’ annual Vin Le Soir event at Longfellows. In between sipping and snacking, guests listened to live music, participated in a silent auction and watched a heartfelt video made by the AIM Services staff that shows the important work the organization does for people with disabilities in the community.
Bring on the Boo(ze)
Yeah, we know we just included 550 Waterfront’s drink menu in our fall cocktail roundup, but the Saratoga Lake restaurant just upped the spooky stakes. This weekend, skip the tricks and try one of these boo-zy treats: the Witches Brew (made with Empress Indigo Gin, melon liqueur and lime) or Monster Mash (peach vodka, pomegranate liqueur and orange juice). Eerie-sistible.
Shirt of the Week
In keeping with the boo-zy theme, here’s a shirt we came across at Northway Brewing’s 2nd annual Oktoberfest, where attendees could sample all the beer and spirits they wanted from local and regional brewers. Maybe the shirt’s right, or maybe it’s time to consider a no-drinking November…
Back in Action
About two years after Nurghul Ziya closed Ballston Spa’s Alaturco Mediterranean Grill during Covid, the restaurateur is back with a new location and a pared-down menu. Located at 142 Milton Ave right in downtown Ballston Spa, Alaturco Gyro officially opened its doors October 18 and has been serving up gyros, platters, salads and appetizers since. “Many of our former customers found us immediately and expressed their happiness for our return,” Ziya says. “The support and kind words of our guests are worth more than a million dollars.” As for what to order, we can only speak to the satisfying falafel sandwich—a screamin’ deal at only $8.99 (fries included)—but customers in the store earlier this week told us everything—everything—is delicious.
Witt Large
After what felt like a full month of Saratoga Showcase of Homes festivities—what with the realtor tour, two showcase weekends and last week’s awards dinner—the votes are in. The winners of the People’s Choice Awards are (drumroll) Kodiak Construction in the executive homes category and Witt construction in the luxury homes category. (Both builders also went home from the awards dinner with several other plaques as well.) Missed this year’s showcase? You can check out the gorgeous Witt home here.
This Week in Saratoga Living After Hours
On Monday, we asked readers to crack a very-Saratoga cryptoquote’s code (and ID the person the quote is about!).
Then, on Tuesday, we recapped the event of the weekend (or the year?!): the crowning of Stillwater resident Scott Salvadore as this year’s USA Mullet Champion.