Pour Decisions: Zac Denham Answers Saratogians' Burning Questions
Is a long commute worth living in Saratoga, how to handle a Caroline Street crush, and the most cringe thing the bar owner has seen on the streets of the Spa City.
Is Bocage Champagne Bar co-owner Zac Denham the most qualified person to give advice? Probably not. Do we still want his opinion on everything from dating in the 21st century to driving in Saratoga? Abso-freakin-lutely. Last week, we asked our Instagram followers to send in questions for the local entrepreneur, who, after opening Bocage in 2022, is gearing up to open a new restaurant on Phila Street this spring. Have a question for Zac of your own? Send it to editorial@saratogaliving.com for a chance to be featured in a future column.
—Natalie
Welcome to Pour Decisions, where we fry the small fish, sip the good stuff, and keep it real.
I’m Zac Denham—a former NYC-dweller turned full-time Saratogian, who’s settling into this charming town one glass at a time. Consider this my way of connecting with the community—keeping it fun, lively, and just the right amount of sassy.
So, whether you’re here for advice, entertainment, or you accidentally found me while doom-scrolling, you’re in the right place. Let’s make some pour decisions together!
I'm interested in a bartender in town…How do I make her notice me?
Babe, a good bartender will notice everything—but if she hasn’t noticed you yet, it’s time to up your game. Here’s a few suggestions:
Step one: Tip well, but not weirdly well.
Step two: Be charming, not clingy—no one falls for the person camped out at the end of the bar all night, could raise some “red flags.”
Step three: Confidence is key—ask her about the cocktail she’s making, not when she’s getting off work.
And if all else fails? Honestly, order something interesting, leave a great tip, and play the long game. Mystery is sexy, my friend.
Do I keep living in Saratoga with my long commute, or do I move to Albany and cut it in half?
If it were me, it’s a simple equation involving time, money, and happiness.
If your commute eats up 20+ hours a month, that’s time you could spend with friends, getting stuff done, or actually enjoying life. Also factor in gas, car wear, and stress—would moving save you cash and sanity?
But here’s the real question: Where do you love being? If Saratoga feels like home, the drive might be worth it. If Albany gets you closer to work and a life you enjoy, make the move. A short commute only wins if you still love where you land.
What is something cringe you’ve seen since moving to Saratoga?
Oh, that’s easy—grown adults out here in the streets wearing Crocs like it’s acceptable footwear. Comfort is not an excuse. Comfort is GREAT, but so is dignity. Let’s keep the rubber clogs where they belong—on toddlers.
How much should I spend on a bottle of wine for a hostess gift? And what kind should I get? I have no idea what they drink!
You don’t have to spend a fortune to gift a great bottle. Bubbles are always a win—look for a quality crémant (plenty under $30!). Skip the predictable big reds and basic commercial wines and bubbles—they scream zero effort. When in doubt, ask for help at the wine shop! Bonus points if you pick a bottle from a place tied to a special memory—thoughtfulness always beats price.
Where is the best downtown parking?
Parking in Saratoga is all about proximity—there are great parking decks all over downtown, so use them! Yes, it’s a commuter town, and yes, parking can be annoying, but if you have to park a little farther than you’d like, embrace it—get out there and walk!
And for the love of everything holy, if you’re going to street park, learn how to parallel park correctly. Nobody likes an asshole.
My ex is always out on the weekends in Saratoga, and I often run into him. I hate seeing him, but I love going out in Saratoga. What should I do?
I get it—running into an ex is not ideal, but unless you’re planning a dramatic relocation, it’s bound to happen, boo. So, make peace with it. No need to be petty or rude—just be effortlessly unbothered. And most importantly, always leave the house looking 💯 so they can see, without a doubt, that you’re thriving.
—Zac
Quote of the Week
“The car wash is my yoga.”
—Overheard during the snowiest winter in recent memory
Live Nation Strikes Again
If Live Nation is trying to make the people of Saratoga angry, it’s doing a pretty good job. Last November, the event promoter announced that concert-goers would no longer be able to bring their own chairs into concerts at SPAC, and instead would have to pay $15 to rent a chair. Now, it has discontinued the Lawnie Pass, which for the last several years has given live music fans lawn access to most concerts in a given summer. (Last year’s Lawnie Pass was $239.) Like they were in November, local social media users are once again claiming that they’re boycotting Live Nation. I’d be on board, except for the fact that this week, Live Nation also announced that Vampire Weekend was coming to SPAC on June 4 for the first time ever…
Open for Biz
After literal months of waiting on permitting and two nights of soft openings, Bibulous, Henry Street’s new dessert bar, is officially open to the public, starting tonight. I missed the first soft opening, but made it to Bibulous last night, where I ran into Justin LaViolette talking about Familiar Creature (who isn’t?) and Mallory Willsea at the bar drinking a pink concoction. “It’s called the Pink Pony Club, and it’s gin,” she said. “So I had to get it.” I opted for the Mystery Mule (this week’s flavor is hibiscus) and the “No-jito” mocktail (but with liquor), as well as the mushroom pâté, which comes with crackers, pickled onions and Cornichons. (There’s also a chicken liver option for you meat eaters.) While I was there just for drinks and apps, owner Jen Chessare was looking out for me. “Are you going to order the vegan olive oil cake?” she asked. “Because we only have two left.”
Bibulous will be open from 5pm-midnight every day but Wednesday.
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