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Southern Charm Seasons Saratoga Springs By Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Feed Me 518™
Jasper was in the kitchen when I got to the restaurant at noon, already cooking as usual. He came out in a white apron and warmly greeted me as if he were inviting me into his home. Jasper Alexander has been the Head Chef of Hattie’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs, New York since 2011 when he and his wife Elizabeth purchased this restaurant and the original recipes created by founder, Hattie Austen Mosley herself.
Chef Jasper has truly mastered the art of fine Southern & Louisiana cuisine that has been served at Hattie's for over 80 years. This is the first time in my life that I can say I've had whole liver and enjoyed it. Without getting into all the details, my grandmother fed me liver as a child, and I haven’t eaten solid liver since. However...the delicious chunks of chicken livers with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, and
If you ever meet Jasper and Beth in person, they are the kind of people who instantly make you feel like you've been friends for years. They love their community and customers, and it shows in how they give so much of themselves in everything they do. Hattie's is a staple of Saratoga, NY, where Hattie's fried chicken recipe has never changed since 1938. "We had to stay true to Hattie's original menu. We kept her fried chicken the same and added new items like the fried chicken sandwich, chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese," said Elizabeth.
BBQ Spare Ribs and Fried Chicken
Hattie’s Classic Gumbo Chicken is a flavorful rich stew-like dish with andouille sausage, peppers, onions, garlic, celery, and thickened with a dark roux, served with rice. It was delicious. I had the leftovers for breakfast the next morning and could have eaten it for lunch later that day too. Their Jambalaya is a generously and deliciously seasoned tomato and rice dish with tasty Andouille sausage, shrimp, and very tender pieces of chicken. I'll be going back for this dish.
Jambalaya
I love waffles. This was one thing I couldn't wait to try! This was wonderful for so many reasons but what really made this dish stand out compared to many other "chicken and waffles" besides the delicious Fried Chicken & fresh Belgian Waffle, was the spicy honey maple drizzle that is poured over the entire dish. It's like the nectar of the fried chicken goddesses. Each order comes with two pieces of Hattie’s Fried Chicken, one white and one dark piece. If you like your ribs falling off the bones, then you have to order their slowcooked tender pork BBQ Spare Ribs with Hattie's own dry rub and awesome BBQ sauce. Yes, I did lick the sauce off my fingers during and after eating them.
When I asked what made Hattie's work so well for so long, Elizabeth unselfishly credited her team, "We are truly one Cobb Salad Gumbo Chicken big family at Hattie's. We have employees who've This is a wonderful small been with us for 20 years, now their kids are fresh herbs at Hattie's has totally changed my family-owned and operated restaurant that you working for us! Everyone knows Zoe, Sal, Llona, world view of liver forever. I'm finally a fan of liver. must experience for its southern charm and Maryann, and our brunch staff who have always delicious food. been a welcome sight to our regulars. Mike has Blue Cheese lovers, you'll love their homemade been in the kitchen 20 years, Zach and Steve 11 buttermilk pecan blue cheese dressing that Hattie's Restaurant is located at 45 Phila St, years, Chris and Scott about 3 years. Andres has accompanies their delicious Cobb Salad made of Saratoga Springs, NY been with us 56 years... he NEVER stops working. mixed greens, fried chicken, green tomatoes, We are blessed to have a staff that stays with avocado, candied bacon, and topped with a freshHappy Eating! us and cares about the product they put out. We made deviled egg. are so lucky to have had the same core group of Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Feed Me 518™ chefs for many years and that is what helps The Peel and Eat Shrimp is fresh, wild Gulf Instagram: @FeedMe518 keep our food so consistent. We could never do it shrimp quick-boiled in a blend of outstanding FB: www.facebook.com/FeedMe518 without them." Creole spices. Website: www.FeedMe518.com
