Saratoga Living 2022 Best of Everything Issue

BY ABBY PHOTOGRAPHYTEGNELIABYMORGAN CAMPBELL

“Every time I go to Saratoga, it gets better—magical, special, old-fashioned and wonderful.”

Saratoga Serendipity: A World War II Story 65 years in the making *{coffee and tattoos? we’ve got you covered} THE CITY. THETHECULTURE.LIFE.2022FALL saratogaliving.com | @saratogaliving ➛ F L I P ➛ ➛FLIP➛ announcing the winners of our 5th annual ultimate best of everything SARATOGA A2Z GUIDE plus SUBSTANCESTYLEKRESSLEYCARSON& THE CELEBRITY FASHION GURU OPENS UP ABOUT HORSES, SARATOGA, AND WHY HE ALWAYS ROOTS FOR THE UNDERDOG.

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startinggate 25 BYCarson!Here’sABBYTEGNELIA photography by MORGAN CAMPBELL 32 THE 2022 ultimate A2ZSARATOGAGUIDE the best everything!of

BY Natalie moore

42 BYstorytheTellingtojoCHRISCAROLA 46 SPa Days A OFANDTHECAPTURINGPORTFOLIOMAGICBEAUTYTHE 2022 TRACK SEASON photography by SAMANTHA DECKER and ALE x Zhang exclusively for saratoga living earl jam Horse inEarl,meetingCarsonenthusiastKressleyhishorse,atafriend’sfarmMassachusetts. photography by MORGAN CAMPBELL contents | fall 2022

When you’re in business, sometimes you have to move quickly to make things happen. Your business banker should be just as quick. That means being smart enough to create solutions, and local enough to act on them right away. At Adirondack Trust Company, we take your success personally. We’re prepared for whatever comes your way. And we’re right here when you need us. SS ve t sm way. At Adirondack or whatever yo ppen. to mpany,createwe y. we’re solutions,YourWhenbus a su OU s, shouldsometimebejust a nough to the prep wh

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8 FROM THE CEO First turn 15 State of the Art: Death Wish tattoos 17 Power Player: Dan Urkevich 18 #TBT: School 2 19 Happening: Saratoga Book Festival 20 Horse for the Course: Los Angeles startinggatecontents | fall 2022 17 56 off track 56 saratoga living’s “THE RACES!” WITH JOHNNY V 58 saratoga living’s RACING AND ROSÉ BRUNCH PARTY 60 10 MORE SARATOGA EVENTS Home stretch 67 Fashion: Miss Scarlett’s MO 68 Food & Drink 68 road trip: TATU TACOS & TEQUILA 69 breakfast club: COMFORT KITCHEN 70 on deck: PDT MARKET 70 up grade: BAILEY’S 72 home made: @SLICE.OF.SARATOGA 74 Book Nook 76 Haute Property 83 Horseplay Crossword: Fall for You Overheard saratoga living After Hours 84 Embedded 15 FITZPATRICKDORI(67)(58);(17)FRANCESCOD’AMICOMORGANCAMPBELL20 67 58 park patrol Saratoga Spa State Park gardeners Dan Urkevich and Gail Riecke.

INVESTMENTFEE-ONLYMANAGEMENT FINANCIAL PLANNING PERSONAL CFO SERVICES Great personal success has always been achieved through listening, collaboration and leadership. Since 1990, Steven Bouchey has been advising clients and in 1995 formed Bouchey Financial Group. As an independent, SEC Registered Investment Advisor, Bouchey Financial Group acts as a fiduciary for our clients in order to limit any conflicts of interest. It is through our successful stewardship of our client’s financial situation that we are approaching $1 Billion in assets under management. Our team consists of 16 professionals, 4 CFP®s and 4 CPAs. www.bouchey.com Offices in Historic Downtown Troy and Saratoga Springs — 518.720.3333 We view your unique financial planning needs the same way. Bouchey-SaratogaLiving-FullPg.indd 1 6/29/17 10:58 AM $550 million

SPORTS EDITOR Brien Bouyea

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Francesco D’Amico Dori HannahFitzpatrickKuznia

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kathleen Gates

Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIR

EDITORIAL INTERN Helena Bartlett

Abby Tegnelia CEO

FASHION EDITOR Heather Thompson

Volume 24, No. 5 Fall

All editorial queries should be directed to editorial@saratogaliving.com; or sent to 6 Butler Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 20226 ⁄

Vanessa G. Ahern, Lisa Arcella, Karen Bjornland Chris Carola, Tony Case, Christine Graf

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

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ON THE COVER Carson Kressley, photographed by Morgan Campbell exclusively for saratoga living. Shot on location at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs.

SENIOR DESIGNER Linda Gates

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Tina Galante

Field Horne, Benjamin Lerner, Daniel Nester

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Natalie Moore

details see your sales representative

to pay HOA dues For

For more information, contac t Spencer Lewis 518 512 9646 or spencer@belmontebuilders.com

In neighborhoods with a Homeowner's Association, Homeowners will be subject to all covenants and design guidelines and will be required complete

• Shenendehowa Schools

To learn more about Belmonte Builders’ Communities and Floor Plans, visit: w w w.belmontebuilders.com

• Homes in all sizes with many options to choose from

• A beautiful community with amenities for all ages

Designed to encourage residents to get outdoors, Forest Grove features sidewalks, street lamps, a dog park and several miles of walking trails, some paved for strollers, bic ycles and easy walking and others that are natural forest ﬂoors Over 300 acres of open space, donated by Belmonte Builders to the Town of Wilton, makes these trails possible

Conveniently located just oﬀ of Route 146 in Clifton Park, Waite Meadows is an exclusive new 34 home community happily situated in the countr y Located just a shor t drive from downtown and the Nor thway, Waite Meadow ’s quiet, pic turesque setting is minutes away from great shopping and dining

HOA

• Saratoga Springs address, low Wilton taxes

• Community walking trail & green space

A welcoming boulevard and three large estate lots greet you as you enter Waite Meadows. Large lots, public water and sewer, extensive green space, a dedicated walking trail, street lights and access to the renown Shenendehowa school distric t make this beautiful community the per fec t place to call home

• Great location, close to downtown Clifton Park

• Homes star ting in the $500’s

• Variety of ﬂoor plans in our Por tfolio and Prestige series of homes

• Homes star ting in the $600’s

New single family homes & twin homes

• Saratoga Schools

For more information, contac t Sharon Byrne 518 527 4914 or sharon@belmontebuilders.com

This amazing new home community has something for everyone with homes ranging from luxury, twin homes to a variety of single family homes, all located on heavily wooded lots When completed, Forest Grove will oﬀer more than 300 homes and a breadth of amenities, such as a fully furnished clubhouse, a massive ﬁtness center, a beautiful outdoor pool, pickle ball, and more

• Five minute drive to downtown Saratoga Springs

Discover Forest Grove & Waite Meadows

FROM THE CEO

This fall issue also boasts a beautiful photo gallery of this track season’s best moments (page 46) and a first-hand account of one journalist’s 18-year quest to interview a Saratogian war hero (page 42). Last, but certainly not least, we also have the unveiling of this year’s A2Z Best of Saratoga winners (page 32), voted on by you, our readers. A huge “congrats” to all of the winners! Cheers to your hard work and dedication—and to another year of supporting local businesses.

best in show (clockwise from left) Tegnelia presenting a BEST Turned Out award with NY Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association’s Kristen Mason and Director of Content Natalie Moore; Tegnelia with Carson Kressley during this issue’s cover shoot; Tegnelia at the Clubhouse with NYRA’s Anthony Jones; Tegnelia toasting jockey John Velazquez at The Horseshoe with the bar’s GM, Shane Foley; in saratoga living’s track box with Charlie Tighe, Ashlee Rose Hartley and Paul Hennessey; (inset) Tegnelia taking a selfie on the track’s rooftop with Kathleen McGrath and Sheriza Serravento of Backstretch Employee Service Team.

@abbytegnelia

As we reminisce about this nonstop summer, one of the highlights was most definitely a Racing & Rosé brunch party that saratoga living threw with Miss Scarlett boutique and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. (To relive the fun and fashion, turn to page 56.) Bringing his A game? Our party’s celebrity host, Carson Kressley, whose sincere love of horses—and Saratoga—landed him on this issue’s cover. He talked to us about his rise in the fashion world, his 20 years of showbiz that kicked off with the original (overnight sensation) Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and of course his love affair with all things horses (page 25).

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 20228 ⁄

A Welcome Change of Seasons A

nyone else experiencing a touch of whiplash from this incredibly busy summer? By the time you read this, Labor Day Weekend will have come and gone, and like so many other Saratogians I will have hopefully caught up on sleep and maybe even have found a few hours alone to do nothing but watch TV or read a book. SPAC, track, a dizzying number of events and parties—it was a wild ride. And now, at long last, the temps (and our social calendars) are cooling down.

ABBY TEGNELIA CEO

At Balzer & Tuck Architecture, we guide you through a proven process grounded in partnership. We work with homeowners, designers and builders to craft timeless architecture. p 518.580.8818 w balzertuck.com FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE

518.523.9811 | craigwoodgolfclub.com

“Public Golf, Private Quality” is the motto of Copake Country Club, a 160acre, 18-hole golf course nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire and Catskill mountains. Having celebrated its 100th anniversary last summer, Copake features pure greens and meticulously maintained terrain, more than 15 different membership rates, weekday specials for local service workers, discounted twilight packages and a rustic-chic restaurant overlooking the fairways.

CRONIN’S GOLF RESORT Golf Course Road, Warrensburg

141 Country Club Way, Lake Placid

518.623.9336 | croninsgolfresort.com

Cronin’s Golf Resort has proudly been serving New York’s North Country for more than 75 years. Five generations of Cronins have operated the resort, which, located on the Hudson River, is known for its breathtaking views of the Adirondacks. Spend an afternoon playing the Cronin’s 18-hole, par 70 course, or stay for the whole weekend in one of the resort’s motel units or cottages.

Located in the beautiful foothills of the Adirondacks, Brookhaven Golf Course is “not your ordinary walk in the woods.” The course itself has its own distinct personality and challenges, making it fun for golfers of all abilities, and the onsite restaurant, The View at Brookhaven, serves up affordable favorites such as chicken parmesan and shepherd’s pie with, you guessed it, a view. 518.893.7458 | brookhavengolfcourse.com

COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB 44 Golf Course Road, Craryville

518.325.0019 | copakecountryclub.com

CRAIG WOOD GOLF COURSE

518.582.2300 | newcombny.gov/high-peaks-golf-course

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Snuggled up to big views of the highest mountains in the state, the High Peaks Golf Course offers golfers exceptional scenery that will make keeping your eye on the ball a challenge. Located in Newcomb, the heart of the Adirondacks, this 9-hole, par 33 course is ideally situated for days full of golf and other outdoor adventures including hiking, paddling and birding.

HIGH PEAKS GOLF COURSE

BROOKHAVEN GOLF COURSE

The Capital Region’s Ultimate Golf Guide

333 Alpine Meadows Road, Porter Corners

Santanoni Drive, off Route 28N, Newcomb

⁄ 11 SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Craig Wood Golf Course offers a challenging round of golf in a spectacular setting. Designed by Seymour Dunn in 1925, this carefully maintained municipal course was strategically carved into the Adirondack countryside. The back nine is narrow, tree-lined, and an excellent challenge! With quick, true greens, Craig Wood offers the perfect opportunity for a great round, plus a pro shop and restaurant with impressive views!

Challenging yet serene is the name of the game at Inlet Golf Club, an 18-hole, 6,131-yard, par 70 championship course offering beautifully manicured greens and an impressive layout. The course boasts well-maintained fairways and greens, and golfers who’ve played can’t stop talking about the tough sixth. Stop by the fully-stocked pro shop, and enjoy the scenery at Double Eagle Bar and Grill.

88 Morningside Drive, Lake Placid

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202212 ⁄

125 County Route 46, Saranac Lake

35 Grace Moore Road, Saratoga Springs

The Lake Placid Club offers 45 holes of spectacular golf in the Olympic village. Award-winning courses offer a unique variety of golf for players of all abilities. Choose from a Seymour Dunn–designed classic Scottish links course laden with bunkers, the straight, tree-lined mountain course, or the short iron–friendly “Pristine Nine.” Discover why presidents and legends golf here!

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

518.523.4460 | thelakeplacidclub.com/golf

Saratoga Lake Golf Club is a par 72 public golf course located in the heart of a lush forest just outside of downtown Saratoga Springs. It’s one of the most relaxing courses in Upstate New York; every round takes players past sparkling ponds, beautiful wetlands and views of Saratoga Lake. Post-round, golfers can enjoy drinks, snacks or dinner on the spacious patio or deck of The Hideaway, the club’s onsite restaurant. 518.581.6616 | saratogalakegolf.com

The Capital Region’s Ultimate Golf Guide

315.357.3503 | inletgolfclub.com

Fans of Donald Ross courses adore his design for this tree-lined, 9-hole, par 35 course in the scenic small town of Lake Pleasant. Overlooking Sacandaga Lake, the course, with four back nine tees and five black tees for longer play, is a hidden gem in Adirondack golf. The challenges on this course are plentiful, packing a lot of play into 9 holes. 518.548.7071 | lakepleasantgc.wixsite.com/lpgc

INLET GOLF CLUB

LAKE PLEASANT GOLF COURSE

The Saranac Inn Golf Club is one of the Adirondacks’ most stunning courses, challenging golfers since 1901. Legendary course architect Seymour Dunn called it his masterpiece! Noted for its lightning-fast and true greens, the classic Scottish design has a great mix of long, medium and short par threes, fours and fives and is fun for a range of skill levels. 518.891.1402 | saranacinn.com

SARATOGA LAKE GOLF CLUB

LAKE PLACID CLUB GOLF COURSES

300 State Route 28, Inlet

2537 State Route 8, Lake Pleasant

SARANAC INN GOLF CLUB

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

The Capital Region’s Ultimate Golf Guide

TICONDEROGA GOLF COURSE

609 State Route 9N, Ticonderoga

WHITEFACE CLUB & RESORT

36 Clubhouse Drive, Schroon Lake

373 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid

The Schroon Lake Golf Course is a 9-hole, par 36 course close to the amenities of this classic Adirondack vacation town. Make your way through rolling hills and over a picturesque landscape as you glimpse Pharaoh Mountain in the distance. This public course has been in action for nearly a century, but never loses its appeal or fun holes surrounded by natural beauty. 518.582.2300 | schroon.net/golf%20course.htm

Friend to beginners and seasoned golfers alike, Ticonderoga Golf Course is built into the Historic Adirondack Lord Howe Valley. Scenic panoramic views, babbling brooks and tree-lined fairways make for a truly memorable round. A par 71 with 18 holes, the course is ideal for those looking to fine-tune their game in a historic, legendary town. Exceptional dining at Seymour’s Restaurant caps off an ideal day. 518.585.2801 | ticonderogagolfcourse.com

TUPPER LAKE GOLF CLUB 141 Country Club Road, Tupper Lake

With stunning views of lakes and the Adirondacks, the Donald Ross-designed Tupper Lake Golf Club is a “must play.” Established in 1932, this mountain course provides the perfect balance of challenge and beauty. Rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and undulating greens offer a rewarding round of golf to both the low and high handicapper. After your game, unwind at the courseside Lookout Bar & Grill. 518.359.3701 | tupperlakegolf.com

Luxury awaits at this historical course, perched on the shores of Lake Placid, the only course on the lake. Tight, rolling fairways pair with challenging greens that keep golfers exhilarated and on their toes. Opened as a 9-hole course in 1895 and later expanded to a full 18-hole by architect John Van Kleek, the Whiteface Club is known for excellent play and rewarding post-round celebrations. whitefaceclubresort.com/amenities/golf

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 13

SCHROON LAKE GOLF COURSE

Saratoga - Home of Legends Beechwood - Legendary Homes The complete offering terms for the association are in CPS-7 documents available from Sponsor. HO-04-0060. Equal housing opportunity. *Prices, taxes, renderings and availability subject to change without notice. Actual onsite photos shown. 518-245-6099OakRidgeBeechwood.com 27 Oak Ridge Blvd, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 A collection of 50 signature homes sitting on 150 acres of pristine land in Saratoga Springs. Build one of our plans or bring your own. Designed speciﬁcally for the way you want to live, year-round or seasonal. SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! Pricing from $1,200,000* 5 Minutes from the Track beechwoodhomes.com Winner of 1 platinum and 2 gold awards SARATOGA SPRINGS

You can shop the tattoo series collection online at deathwishcoffee.com, or go all in for something more permanent—say, a design that won national acclaim via a popular coffee brand. “Death’s-head moths are a pretty common and always-cool design in the tattoo world,” Harrigan says. “So I wouldn’t be surprised if a coffeelover asked me to tattoo it on them eventually.” turn

ove tattoos, but not ready to commit to getting one inked on your skin? Opt for a mug or T-shirt from Saratoga-born Death Wish Coffee’s tattoo series instead. The brand’s 2022 initiative tasked nine tattoo artists from across the country with creating coffeeinspired designs to feature on merchandise. While the series highlighted the work of artists from as far away as California, it culminated in the home of the now national coffee brand: Saratoga Springs, featuring local tattoo artist Billy Harrigan.

tats so raven Death Wish Columbus,EmmanuelRavenSaratogabyCA;ofHeart(merchandiseCoffeefeaturingfromtop)SacredbyDerickMontezSanFrancisco,TheDeathMothBillyHarriganofSprings;and+ScythebyMendozaofOH.

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“The pairing of Death Wish and tattoo-ers absolutely makes sense,” says Harrigan, whose design for the series is a death’s-head moth with coffee plant wings and the Death Wish skull on its back. “It’s a company that puts itself where the once-fringe weirdos—comic book know-it-alls, cosplayers, metal-heads and tattoo artists—are. And let’s be honest: Everyone in those groups loves how a black T-shirt with a skull on it brings out the color in their eyes.”

—NATALIE MOORE { first

L

STATE OF THE ART

Coffee Couture

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 15

BY VANESSA G. AHERN photography by FRANCESCO D’AMICO

gardens from persistent wildlife, Urkevich works tirelessly to keep everything beautiful and fresh. “We have bugs, rabbits, squirrels and moles,” he says.

POWER

I

power planter Gardener Dan Urkevich is technically retired; he became a seasonal worker six years ago, maintaining the Spa Park’s gardens from April through November.

t takes weeks of grueling physical and mental work to prep the autumn-themed flower arrangement at the Route 9 entrance to the Saratoga Spa State Park. And Dan Urkevich is the man for the job. Born and raised in Mechanicville, Urkevich started gardening in the park while in his 20s, planting flowers at different areas on the golf course when it was run by the state. Impressed with his gardening skills, park management asked him to take charge of the flower designs when they decided to create the fall display in 1999, and he’s been responsible for Saratoga’s most Instagrammable autumnal photo-op since.

“You have to work with them because they’re not going to give up! It’s very hard work, but people really appreciate it. They go out of their way to thank us. You work hard, but you get to look back on it and say it was worth it.”

With the help of assistant gardener Gail Riecke, Urkevich creates gardens that showcase destinations all over the park: the Victoria Pool, the administration building, the Spa Little Theater and the toll booths. Beaming with pride and tan from the calling of outdoor work, when the gardening duo talk about their vision for the park’s gardens, it’s clear they have enviably satisfyingBetweenwork.obsessing over the weather, hoping for that perfect balance of sunshine and rain, and protecting the

LOCAL SELFIE-TAKERS HAVE LONGTIME SPA PARK GARDENER DAN URKEVICH TO THANK FOR SARATOGA’S ULTIMATE FALL BACKDROP.

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year,” working closely with Sunnysidefamily-ownedGardens in Saratoga Springs. This year, fall flower-admirers can expect to see mums, asters, ornamental cabbage, sunflowers and fountain grasses in addition to the existing annuals.

“It’s a destination spot in the fall,” says Urkevich of the display he finishes constructing mid-October and is in full pumpkin glory by Halloween. ‘It’s all about impact from the road. It’s an eye-catcher.” He “changes it up every

The humble, self-taught gardener is not concerned with titles. “Horticulture Specialist!” suggests Riecke, who says Urkevich has earned his knowledge through years of hard work, trial and error, reading books and magazines, and sheer determination. “There is no one who does what he does,” she says. “People ask him questions all the time and show him photos of their gardens. They beg him to come to their home!

PLAYER

Garden Master

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schoolhouse block

I

Saratoga schoolchildren, including those in this 1942 photograph from School 2 on Van Dam, were able to help with the war effort by purchasing defense stamps for as little as 10 cents and pasting them into a booklet. Once the booklet was filled with stamps totaling $18.75, it could be turned in for a war bond, which would be worth $25 years later. “Everybody had a book,” Eichman says. “I think most kids did it.” Most adults did it, too—some 85 million Americans purchased bonds totaling $185 billion between February 1942 and December 1945. “The whole attitude of the country was different,” says Eichman. “It was a different era, to say the least.”

n the early 1940s, World War II was on everyone’s minds, including those of elementary school students in Saratoga. “All the guys were just waiting to get old enough to go into the service,” says Paul Eichman, who attended School 3 on Catherine Street from 1937-1945 and now lives in Tennessee. “You had a coupon book that would get you sugar and gasoline and a few other things. What you wanted to eat, you grew in your backyard.”

In 1903, a new brick school on Van Dam between Clinton and Lawrence streets replaced the former School 2 on Matilda Street. The building was used as a school through 1974 and is now a condo building; (above) Two young boys at the school during World War II.

—NATALIE MOORE

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202218 ⁄ COLLECTION/SSPL)PLATEGLASS(GRANDEschoolhouseCOLLECTION);BOLSTERS.GEORGE(THEchalkboard { first turn }

School Days

#TBT

such as crime fiction, historical fiction and suspense/thrillers. Our nonfiction categories include history, cookbooks and current events.”

The festival (saratogabookfestival.org) is free to attend, save for the two $20 keynote speakers: Gregory Maguire, the multimillion-copy bestselling author of Wicked (the basis for the blockbuster Broadway musical), and Meg Wolitzer, the New York Times bestselling author of The Interestings, The Wife and The Female Persuasion

The Write Stuff

ookmark this one, bibliophiles: The second annual Saratoga Book Festival is hitting downtown October 21 and 22, with engaging keynotes, panel discussions, readings, interviews, workshops, youth programs, a literary marketplace, and an emphasis on local media.

Fawcett, author of the new thriller Beneath the Stairs; golf pro and television golf broadcaster Dottie Pepper, who will talk about her Letters to a Future Champion: My Time with Mr. Pulver; young adult authors Steve Sheinkin, Emma Kress, Meredith Ireland and Jennifer Dugan; and Nicolas DiDomizio, who recently released his debut novel, Burn it All Down

Thank you for voting us inDESIGNERINTERIORSaratogaSprings!DESIGNER

“So many of us, myself included, can get caught endlessly scrolling our phones,” Beal says. “But there is something fundamentally different about reading book-length works. We want to shine a spotlight on that!”

JenniferSkidmore’sincludinglocalbyrepresentedwillSaratogabeahostofauthors

“The festival is a walkable literary event designed to encourage more people to read,” says Ellen Beal, president and founder of the festival, which recently became part of the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. “We have everything from literary fiction to popular genres

BEST

—ABBY TEGNELIA

breath of fresh eyre The walkable Saratoga Book Festival features events at various venues around downtown.

HAPPENING

saratogaliving.com Fine www.interiordesignsatelier.com@interiordesignsatelier&ResidentialforDesignCommercialInteriors518.886.1204

THE SECOND ANNUAL SARATOGA BOOK FESTIVAL BRINGS TOP SCRIBES AND LITERARY VIBES TO DOWNTOWN THIS OCTOBER.

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B

A step slower in general as a 6year-old in 1891, Los Angeles lost two of her first three starts at the Spa before conjuring up her old form and turning the clock back her third Congress Hall victory, a walkover in the Morrissey Stakes, and an easy victory in the important—and fittingly named—Saratoga Cup.

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saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202220 ⁄

As a 2-year-old in Saratoga, Los Angeles won the historic Spinaway Stakes against fillies and the open Equity Stakes. The following year, after several disappointing efforts in the spring and early summer, she acquitted herself well once again at the Spa, with a strong second in both the Travers and Alabama, followed by consecutive wins in the Foxhall, Kenner and Pocahontas.

In 1889, the Elias “Lucky” Baldwin–bred mare won the Excelsior at Saratoga, defeating future Hall of Famer Hanover, before traveling to New Jersey to defeat another future Hall of Famer—

lucky’s charm Champion mare Los Angeles was bred by Elias “Lucky” Baldwin, who had considerable success—or luck?—whenever he brought his stable to Saratoga.

here are several iconic sports records that will likely never be broken—or even approached: Baseball legend Cal Ripken’s 2,632 consecutive games played, hockey GOAT Wayne Gretzky’s 2,857 career points, and boxer Archie Moore’s 131 knockouts, to name a few. In horse racing? Secretariat’s records in the three Triple Crown races have stood for almost 50 years, but there’s another lesser known record holder who’s been holding onto a Saratoga-specific title for more than 130 years.

HORSE FOR THE COURSE

MORE THAN 130 YEARS AFTER THE IMPRESSIVE CAREER THAT MADE HER A LOCAL CELEB, THE APTLY NAMED LOS ANGELES IS STILL A STAR, HOLDING THE RECORD FOR THE MOST STAKES WINS AT SARATOGA

Spa. It was here that she won 16 stakes races, a number no horse has beaten since. It gets better: Los Angeles won 18 of 25 total starts at Saratoga, never finishing worse than third. And she did it largely in open company, meaning she regularly faced male competition.

T

BY BRIEN BOUYEA

Sweet Sixteen

Firenze—in the Champion Stakes. Back at Saratoga, she closed out her summer with the first of her three consecutive victories in the Congress Hall Stakes, an event specific to its era that demanded its winner prevail in two of three heats at six furlongs. Los Angeles never lost a single heat in her three consecutive Congress Hall victories.

A chestnut daughter of 1869 Travers winner Glenelg, Los Angeles began her super-star career in the spring of 1887. By the time she was retired in 1891, she had compiled a career record of 48-23-13 from a whopping 110 starts with purse earnings of $98,295. But her ultimate claim to fame came at the

Our horse for the course struggled early in 1890 but once again found her form at Saratoga by winning six of her seven stakes appearances. Her performance in the Excelsior was among her career-best efforts, as she defeated Hall of Famer Kingston (who won a record 89 career races) by a length; she also won the Beverwyck, California, Congress Hall, Kearney and Merchants’ at Saratoga that summer.

PARTICIPATING BUILDERS Visit 8 homes from this year’s SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES.COM PROCEEDS Benefit:Benefit Adirondack Trust Curtis SaratogaRoohanLumberRealtyNational Bank & Trust ONLINE orsaratogashowcaseofhomes.comAT:atanyShowcaseHome $25 AT THESE LOCATIONS: OCTOBER 8-9 & OCTOBER 15-16 FROM 10 AM-4 PM TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE AREA’S PREMIERE NEW HOME TOUR! SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES REBUILDING HABITATSARATOGATOGETHERCOUNTYFORHUMANITYNORTHERNSARATOGA, WARREN & WASHINGTON COUNTIES OCTOBER 8-9 and OCTOBER 15-16 2022 PROCEEDS BENEFIT: For directions to the 2022 Showcase Homes scan the QR code ADMIT ONE EVENT TICKET OFSHOWCASESARATOGAHOMES REBUILDING HABITATSARATOGATOGETHERCOUNTYFORHUMANITYNORTHERNSARATOGA,WARREN & WASHINGTON COUNTIES OCTOBER 8-9 andOCTOBER 15-16 2022 PROCEEDS BENEFIT: For directions to the2022 Showcase Homesscan the QR code ADMIT ONE EVENT TICKET ExceptionalCelebrating26YearsofHomes! ONE FREE tote/shoe bag at the first home you *whilevisitsupplies last

Skinnovative Solutions

1373 US 9, FORT EDWARD ● 518.793.7484 glensfallshabitat.org/restore

off Exit 17 of the Northway. ReStore receives donations of new to slightly used sofas, cabinets and other home goods daily, resulting in a wide selection to fit every style and budget. When you shop ReStore, not only will you be getting the best price around, but you’ll also be giving back to the community, as all the shop’s proceeds go to the building of affordable homes in the area.

385 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS ● 518.584.8712 facebook.com/frivolousboutique

BACK! After being closed during the renovations made at 385 timereopenedboutiqueSaratoga’sBroadway,premierrecently(justintobecome

the hot spot for track dress shopping) with a wide selection of stylish clothing, unique gifts and on-trend jewelry and accessories. Located on the first floor of downtown’s beautiful new apartment complex, Frivolous is a must-shop stop as you put together your fall wardrobe.

FRIVOLOUS IS

15-17 PHILA ST., SARATOGA 518.583.2488SPRINGS

the next time you need a piece of furniture or home décor for your home, make the short drive up to Habitat ReStore,Humanity’sforlocated

Frivolous Boutique

in health care. Her goal is to enhance her clients’ natural beauty and facial structure to achieve their desired look. Make an appointment online at skinnovativesolutions.com or stop by the Spring Street shop for a free consultation.

LOCATED WITHIN KATE SKINCAREO’GRADY in downtown yearswithnurseGodfreyOwnerandBotox,servicescosmeticSolutionsSkinnovativeSaratoga,offersinjectableincludingdermalfillerschemicalpeels.Allisonisafamilypractitionermorethan10ofexperience

JUST STEPS FROM BROADWAY in downtown Saratoga, The Magic Moon has been Saratoga’s go-to spot for all things metaphysical for 28 years. The shop carries a large array of hand-picked crystals and gemstones, essential and anointing oils, incense, spell candles, books, tarot, divination tools, clothing, jewelry, accessories and so much more. Stop by to browse the store or get a reading from one of Magic Moon’s talented and authentic quality readers.

saratoga living Fall in Love with Local Southern Adirondack ReStore

RATHER STOREATSHOPPINGTHANABIGBOX

The Magic Moon

5 SPRING ST., SARATOGA SPRINGS skinnovativesolutions.com

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202222 ⁄ SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

THE SCOTT VARLEY TEAM, which has been serving the Capital Region’s real estate needs since 1989, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary in its new, centrally located office at 382 Broadway. In 2021, the group sold more than $113 million on 326 units and is on pace to exceed that this year. If you are looking for the best real estate agents in Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County or anywhere in the Capital Region, turn to The Scott Varley Team, which is comprised of experienced agents who are ready to guide you through the buying and selling process the Scott Varley way—the right way. 382 scottvarley.com518.281.6808SARATOGABROADWAY,SPRINGS

LAURA NEWEY, FOUNDER OF BELLATAS MEDICAL AESTHETICS, has opened a new location in Saratoga Springs. Located at 28 Clinton Street in the Blackmer Building, Bellatas offers advanced medspa treatments including injection and filler treatments for wrinkle reduction, post-care medical grade skincare products, minimally invasive RF Microneedling treatments via the extremely popular Morpheus8 platform, as well as IPL laser treatments optimized to treat skin pigmentation, superficial vessels, skin texture, and/or photodamage.

Bellatas Medical Aesthetics

Lafayette 148 New York

28 CLINTON ST., SARATOGA ● 518.893.6120 bellatasmedspa.com

FALL AND HOLIDAY/RESORT FASHION HAS ARRIVED! And the chic Lafayette 148 New York line, named after the SoHo address where it was founded, brings NYC fashion straight to you—no Manhattan shopping trip needed. Simply make an appointment for a private showing of the modern, luxurious brand’s Holiday/ Resort Show October 24–November 3. Lafayette 148 is a global lifestyle brand led by women for women. “My vision,” says Kristin Grosso, the brand’s Capital Region Atelier Direct Stylist, “is to inspire every woman in our community to feel empowered, appreciated and proud of who she is.”

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 23 SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION saratoga living Fall in Love with Local

The Scott Varley Team

KRISTIN GROSSO ● 518.339.3690 lafayette148ny.com facebook.com/StyleByKristinGrosso

Newey is trained and certified in medical aesthetics and skilled at guiding patients through minimally invasive aesthetic procedures. Her mission is to bring patient-focused care and advanced medical knowledge together to guide patients through individualized aesthetic treatments, provide an enjoyable experience and achieve amazing results.

Here’s Carson! saratogaliving.com ⁄ 25

BY ABBY TEGNELIA

STYLED

markthomasmensapparel.comAPPAREL cover story saratoga living SITS DOWN WITH LIFETIME HORSE LOVER AND TV MAKEOVER ICON CARSON KRESSLEY , AS HE BRINGS HIS UNIQUE BRAND OF APPROACHABLE HIGH FASHION TO SARATOGA.

style points “I just love the history and style of Saratoga,” says Carson Kressley, seen here at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

JACKET BY CANALI SHIRT BY STENSTROMS PANTS BY BRAX BY MARK THOMAS MEN’S

photography by Morgan Campbell

And at the center of it all, in a dapper white seersucker suit for the blisteringly hot summer day, was fashion icon Carson Kressley. “I just love the history and style of Saratoga,” he says. “Everyone looks so great.”

or the track fashion set, it was the event of the season. Both the well-heeled locals and the A-list out-of-towner racing world crowd filled the (where else?) National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, a meticulously accessorized sea of dresses, fascinators and hats vying for a good seat for the much-anticipated Miss Scarlett fashion show. All were in good spirits thanks to the morning’s less-than-stingy pours of rosé and sparkling wine.

F

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202226 ⁄

It was, frankly, about time Kressley hosted a big event during Saratoga’s meet. A life-long horse enthusiast who loves telling the story of “conning” his parents into taking him to Saratoga Race Course as a teenager (when looking at colleges, he told them he had to visit Skidmore—in August), he’s judged the Longines Prize for Elegance fashion competition at the Breeders’ Cup and made the rounds to Preakness, the Kentucky Derby and other huge horse events. “Every time I go to Saratoga, it gets better,” he says. His first full day at the track without his parents was back in 2005. “It was just as magical, special, unique, old-fashioned and wonderful as I’d remembered it.”

Kressley grew up on his family’s farm outside of rural Allentown, PA but gracefully made his way to the bright lights of NYC to forge a career in high fashion. “Where I grew up was not a particularly glamorous area, but the ’70s were a glamorous era where people were having parties at home,” he says. “I would watch my mom dress for them; my love affair with clothes started with her.” Always “captivated” by his mother’s glamorous hostess skirts and Bob Mackie–esque, Carol Burnett–worthy dresses, he developed a knack for fashion and as a young adult started to work his way up at Ralph Lauren, eventually landing in the label’s legendary advertising department. But he was soon to discover that his destiny wasn’t nestled solely among the upper crust—he was born to bring fashion to the masses. After an on-a-whim audition won him a role on TV’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, it was a rapid rise from behind-the-scenes work with supermodels to being thrust in the limelight himself. “We shot

“Every time I go to Saratoga, it gets better. It’s just as Iandold-fashionedspecial,magical,unique,wonderfulasrememberit.”

jesse’s boy Kressley, shown here circa 1977 with his horse Jesse, always felt at home around horses. “Growing up in the country and being the gay kid and feeling a little bit excluded and different... I never felt that in the horse world.”

cover story

The rise of the “metrosexual” male had created a boom of men’s grooming products and more refined fashion pieces, but there was little out there to help them navigate it all. And the workplace wasn’t the only area demanding a man level up his look—women were more than ready to kiss the era of flannels and baggy jeans good-bye. Magazines such as GQ and the now-defunct Details helped, but Queer Eye helped more. And Kressley, the fashion guru of the show’s “Fab Five,” became the main spokesman. He navigated his way effortlessly from the super-serious fashion shoots of his past to getting sloppy men to laugh at themselves and be open to a cleaner new look. “We’re not here to change you,” he’d assure them. “We’re here to make you better.”

Those five red-hot seasons of doing makeovers on Queer Eye set the stage for his illustrious career. He’s been a judge on eight of the 14 seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race (and its spin-

cover story

“Horses have always been my escape. I tell this story that there’s nothing more relaxing than being on top of a horse when you’re trying not to die. You must be in that moment. You’re only thinking about you and the horse and that partnership. It is a fantastic way to disconnect and have a little mental health break.”

Indeed—and with good reason.

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202228 ⁄

the pilot in Austin in 2002, and it first aired in July of 2003,” he says. “The next week we were on Ellen and The Tonight Show It was a bit of an overnight sensation.”

private eyin’ After Saratoga, Kressley went to Rodney Hicks Stable in Pittsfield, MA to meet his newest horse, Earl, for the first time. Earl was preparing for the World’s Championship in Louisville, KY, under his show name, Flying Private.

OUTFIT BY STEVEN VALENTI CLOTHING FOR StevenValenticlothing.comMEN

“That’s even more evident in Saratoga, with the picnic areas and the paddock being an area with everyone seated around,” he says. “It’s really one of those places where you can mix and mingle with everybody and just be there for the party. You can just be a fan of it and travel to great places, wear cute outfits, drink mint juleps, and enjoy the camaraderie and community. I don’t think that happens with football.”

offs), an Emmy-winning juggernaut that has reached millions of viewers since being picked up by VH1 (it was originally on the Logo channel) in 2017. The reality competition series is currently airing in various versions all over the world.

brain break When it comes to his serious passion for fashion and horses, Kressley always looks for moments of comedy; (opposite) a quiet moment in the museum’s private library.

special and very sad, but it was actually such a wonderful way to grow up. It’s always something that makes me feel at home and at ease. I tell this story that there’s nothing more relaxing than being on top of a horse when you’re trying not to die. You must be in that moment and paying attention to them. You can’t be thinking about your mortgage payment or drama at work or a speeding ticket you just got. You’re only thinking about you and the horse and that partnership. It is a fantastic way to disconnect and have a little mental health break.”

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202230 ⁄

carpet, and lives and breathes the fastpaced and glam lifestyle that comes with 20 years in the TV biz. To keep him grounded, Kressley credits his lifelong love of horses. His grandparents, who lived next door to him growing up, were respected breeders of “all the rage” Shetland ponies, and before he knew it, he was a teenager showing Saddlebreds with his big sister.

After hosting his inaugural big fashion event in Saratoga, Kressley headed to nearby Pittsfield, MA to meet for the first time his newest horse, Earl, whom he bought via video (on Live with Kelly and Ryan the next day, he joked that he’d been thinking, “What if he’s catfishing me?” after raving about how much fun he’d had at the track in Saratoga). At press time, he was a week out from showing Earl at the World’s Championship in Louisville under his horse’s show name, Flying Private. Kressley’s true love for and comfort around his horses is a sight to see, but he also loves the joy and inclusivity at big events such as horseracing meets, where the affluent horse owners are right there with the grooms, and when the race is on no one cares if you’re there with a day pass or are a trainer at the highest level.

Kressley jets all over the world for his work, knows his way around a red

cover story

“Horses have always been my escape,” Kressley says. “Growing up in the country and being the gay kid and feeling a little bit excluded and different...I never felt that in the horse world. And that’s whether I was showing horses or if I was hanging out at the barn, or just literally, as a 10-year-old, after dinner sitting out there with them munching hay all around you, like 20 or 30 ponies. It sounds like an after-school

“It’s a show about sparkles and heels and beauty, but it’s also got a lot of comedy, a lot of heart,” Kressley says. “And you’re rooting for people who have been marginalized, or may have been the underdog. I’ve been so lucky to have worked on two shows that were made by queer people about mostly queer stories. Both really celebrate people in our community and show people out there, especially young people, that there’s a place for you, and you can be successful, loved and celebrated.”

Historic Photographs of Saratoga Springs The George S. BolsterThousandsCollectionofhistoricimages of Saratoga Springs are available for purchase Custom sizes and finishes available Fast turnaround on special orders The Canfield Casino in Congress Park www.saratogahistory.org518.584.6920 saratogaliving.com ⁄ 31

After 20 years of mostly makeover work on TV, Kressley is excited about passing the baton to the next generation and branching out in his own career. The super-successful Queer Eye remake is currently streaming six seasons on Netflix, with fashion designer Tan France in the role that Kressley made famous. “They’ve done an extraordinary job,” Kressley says. “Tan is delightful and so lovely. The thing about him is that he’s always finding the best in people, really embracing the person, and is veryKressley’spositive.”biggest piece of advice for the new Fab Five? “Document everything! Back when we were doing it, we didn’t even have social media to chronicle everything. So I told all those guys to take lots of pictures, keep a journal and enjoy the amazing ride.”

With that behind him, Kressley says he’ll be on Drag Race “for as long as they’ll have me,” and has his eye on landing his own talk show. “I’ve been dabbling with that and doing some guest hosting,” he says. “So hopefully that will be in my future.” Also in his future? “Showing horses, of course. It’s one of the best sports, because you could be 9 or 90 and still do it.”

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202232 ⁄ thebestofeverything FROM ARCHITECTURE FIRMS TO ZEN SPAS, ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF OUR 5th annual ULTIMATE SARATOGA A2Z GUIDE. drum roll please...

CLOTHING STORE

GOLD: AdirondackCompanyTrust

While Phinney Design Group offers both interior design and construction management services, it’s best known throughout Upstate NY for its stunning, modernmeets-classic architectural design. Maybe you’ve seen some of the firm’s work: Recent projects include 550 Waterfront, Common Roots Brewing and Walt & Whitman, as well as countless, timeless Adirondack residences.

Recognizable by its stunning physical locations (fellow Best Of winner Phinney Design is responsible for the Wilton branch building), Adirondack Trust Company has been serving the Saratoga region’s residents, businesses and the community at large for more than a century. In everything from investments and insurance to mortgages and money management, Adirondack Trust leads the way.

BANK/CREDIT UNION

SILVER: THE LA GROUP

A

GOLD: Phinney Design Group

GOLD: Lifestyles of Saratoga

ARCHITECTURE FIRM

SILVER: SARATOGA NATIONAL BANK BRONZE: SEFCU

BRONZE: SD ATELIER ARCHITECTURE

CB

A consciously curated collection of women’s apparel, jewelry and accessories: That’s what womenswear boutique Lifestyles of Saratoga has been selling for more than 30 years. Find the shop and its longtime purveyor, Heidi Owen West, conveniently located on the corner of Broadway and Caroline Street.

SILVER: GRATEFUL THREADS BRONZE: VIOLET’S OF SARATOGA

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 33

SILVER: BRONZE:13N15

EXIT (OF THE NORTHWAY)GOLD:14

SILVER: DEHN’S FLOWERS

GOLD:FLORISTThe Posie Peddler

GOLD:DEALERSHIPSaratoga Honda

BRONZE: SARATOGA SUBARU

SILVER: NEW COUNTRY TOYOTA

D

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202234 ⁄ BARTLETTHELENA14)(Exit

EF

The Posie Peddler specializes in sympathy arrangements, tropical and unique florals, and weddings, but the West Ave shop really does have flowers for any occasion. Order arrangements of all sorts—the Saratoga Rose Garden, Prim and Poetic, and Victorian Garden, to name a few—online, over the phone or in store.

For nearly four decades, Saratoga Honda has strived to provide its loyal customers with a simple, streamlined car-buying experience. Whether you’re buying new or used, the Route 9 dealership guarantees competitive prices, and its state-of-the-art service center works on all makes and models.

Yaddo, Saratoga Lake, Longfellows, Saratoga Race Course…all that and more is found just off Exit 14 of the Northway. While there are a few ways to drive into the city of Saratoga Springs, none is more scenic or historic than hopping off Exit 14. It’s like Red Smith said: “Turn left on Union Avenue and go back 100 years.”

BRONZE: SAMANTHA NASS FLORAL DESIGN

SILVER: A E THOMAS DESIGN

I

INTERIOR DESIGN

GOLD: Interior Designs Atelier

Specializing in fine design for both residential and commercial spaces, Interior Designs Atelier CEO Linda Gerace-Skinner prides herself on creating interiors that are a reflection of what’s important to her clients. Because of that, the firm’s portfolio (which includes iconic spaces such as fellow Best Of winner 15 Church) spans all style disciplines, from traditional to contemporary and everything in between.

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 35 MUMFORDMEGANAtelier)Designs(Interior

G H

SaratogaGYM Regional YMCA

SILVER: 15 CHURCH

BRONZE: JENNA BURGER DESIGN

When it comes to happy hour, it’s hard to beat two-for-one margaritas. That’s what you’ll find every Monday through Friday from 3 to 6pm at the bar of Broadway hot spot Cantina…if you’re lucky enough to get a seat. The Mexican restaurant also serves up two-for-one sangrias, $4 draft beers, $5 wines by the glass and a menu of $5 bar snacks, not to mention bottomless chips and salsa.

HAPPY HOUR

BRONZE: PURE BARRE

SILVER: MAX LEVEL FITNESS & ATHLETICS

The Y’s win in the gym category couldn’t come at a more fitting time. While the Saratoga Regional YMCA boasts five locations across Saratoga County, construction is underway on an addition to the Saratoga branch that will increase the facility’s space by 25,000 square feet and house the new Saratoga Springs Senior Center.

BRONZE: HAMLET & GHOST

GOLD: Cantina

LANDSCAPER

GOLD: The LA Group

SILVER: SILVERADO JEWELRY GALLERY BRONZE: DEJONGHE ORIGINAL JEWELRY

J K L M

The LA Group is a local landscape architecture and engineering firm with a state-wide presence; you’ve seen its sustainable work at the US Military Academy at West Point, Niagara Falls State Park, Olana State Historic Site, The Sagamore Resort and Saratoga’s own Skidmore College, among other notable New York locales.

SILVER: GRASSHOPPER GARDENS

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Don’t worry about calling a babysitter the next time you want to experience 550 Waterfront’s beachy-chic vibe— bring the kids along! In addition to its elevated casual fare (such as the swordfish BLT and burrata flatbread) Saratoga Lake’s hottest establishment also boasts a rockin’ kids menu of all the classics (chicken tenders, grilled cheese, etc.) served with fries, chips or fresh fruit.

MARKET

GOLD: n. Fox Jewelers

BRONZE: STUDIO A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

GOLD: The Fresh Market

SILVER: PRICE CHOPPER/MARKET 32 BRONZE: HANNAFORD

Originally inspired by European-style food markets, The Fresh Market is the place to stock up on hand-picked produce, custom-cut meats, fresh-cut flowers, freshly-roasted coffee, premium baked goods and quality prepared meals in Saratoga Springs. Shopping there isn’t a chore— it’s an adventure.

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202236 ⁄ @MARSELA.MDWaterfront)(550

JEWELER

GOLD: 550 Waterfront

SILVER: FLATBREAD SOCIAL BRONZE: MAMA MIA’S

Seventy-five years ago, Norman and Eva Fox opened a jewelry store on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Today, their shop lives on as n. Fox Jewelers, a full-service retail jewelry store known for its wide selection, high-quality service and unparalleled value. Whether you’re shopping for a watch, earrings or the perfect engagement ring, n. Fox is a sure bet.

SILVER: KATHLEEN MAEVE BRONZE: RHEA

Since opening on Phila Street this spring, Bocage has become Saratoga’s go-to spot for a curated selection of bubbly (think Champagne, cava, crémant and more) and light fare ($10 caviar “bumps,” please!) in an uber-elegant environment. Bocage’s knowledgeable staff can help you pick out the perfect bottle or glass, whether you’re a bona fide connoisseur or if you’ve previously only had your sparkling wine mixed heavily with OJ.

While double-winner 9 Miles East has come to be known for its Saratoga restaurant and meal delivery subscriptions, its pizza is what helped put the Northumberland farm and food service on the map. Sourdough crust, sauce made with locally grown tomatoes, and toppings from around the world combine to create the Spa City’s favorite pizza pie.

SILVER: MAMA MIA’S BRONZE: MARINO’S

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 37 MELENDEZBETHANY(Bocage)

PIZZA

OUTDOOR DINING

GOLD: 9 Miles East

GOLD: 550 Waterfront

SILVER: 15 CHURCH BRONZE: SOLEVO KITCHEN & SOCIAL

When it comes to outdoor dining in Saratoga, it’s hard to beat the views of Saratoga Lake on display at double-winner 550 Waterfront. Arrive early for dinner to enjoy a specialty cocktail on the restaurant’s expansive patio, or belly up to the outdoor bar; nearby heaters keep it nice and toasty throughout the fall season.

O P

NEW

BocageBUSINESSChampagne Bar

N

While Stewart’s is known for its consistent service, product and quality across all of its 350-plus shops, Saratogians prefer the locally owned convenience store’s 521 Broadway location. Conveniently located across from the Saratoga City Center, the shop has six gas pumps, plus all the coffee, prepared food and on-thego necessities tourists and locals alike may need.

GOLD: City Center Shop

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

SILVER: JULIE & CO. REALTY

GOLD: Kayak Shak

In Saratoga, if you don’t own a boat, the best way to get out on the water is by renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Kayak Shak. Located on Fish Creek, the rental shop offers rentals, SUP yoga classes, summer camp and parties, and even added a Hammocraft—a floating vessel retrofitted with four hammocks—to its sea-worthy fleet.

GOLD: Roohan Realty

When it comes time to buy or sell a house, Saratogians continue to turn to Roohan Realty, a family-owned and -operated real estate firm established in the Spa City in 1969. Roohan boasts more than 50 knowledgeable real estate associates and is No. 1 in market share in the city of Saratoga Springs.

SILVER: WEIBEL AVE (LAKE & GILBERT)

QUALITY TIME ACTIVITY

Q S R

SILVER: THE VICTORIA POOL BRONZE: THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA

BRONZE: THE SCOTT VARLEY TEAM AT KELLER WILLIAMS

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202238 ⁄ BARTLETTHELENA(Stewart’s)

BRONZE: JONES ROAD, WILTON

STEWART’S SHOPS

Dairy Häus has been delighting Saratogians with its homemade hard and soft ice cream (and signature ice cream cakes!) at its walk-up Maple Ave counter since 1985. Can’t decide on a flavor? Get a flight, which comes with four small dishes of the flavors of your choice. (We’ll take Peanut Butter Overload, Coconut Pistachio, Coffee Oreo and Cherry Chocolate Chunk, please!)

9 Miles East strives to provide healthy food for busy people with its GO Boxes, ready-to-eat meals made with local ingredients. Many of them are vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan for Saratoga’s most hardcore plant-based eaters. Plus, double-winner 9 Miles East offers a vegan pizza, made with a white bean purée instead of cheese.

UPSCALE DINING

SILVER: MRS. LONDON’S BRONZE: DARLING DOUGHNUTS

Located in a beautifully restored historic building just steps from Broadway, 15 Church is the epitome of Spa City fine dining. On the menu: fresh seafood (flown in daily), USDA prime aged beef, and other locally sourced and inventive dishes that bridge the gap between classic and exotic. Opt for dinner in the exquisite dining room, or sit on the restaurant’s swanky, sceney enclosed patio until the cool weather hits.

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 39

GOLD: 15 Church

GOLD: Dairy Häus

TREAT SHOP

SILVER: SOLEVO KITCHEN & SOCIAL BRONZE: OSTERIA DANNY

VEGAN FOOD

GOLD: 9 Miles East

T V U

SILVER: BARE BLENDS BRONZE: SCALLIONS

SILVER: MAX LONDON’S BRONZE: THE ADELPHI HOTEL

ZEN SPA

GOLD: Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness

When it comes to brunch, do you go sweet or savory? At Sweet Mimi’s, you don’t have to choose! Opt for the savory Huevos Rancheros and a cinnamon bun to go, or go all in on all things sweet with a Belgian Waffle topped with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream. Get there by 7:45am to avoid a wait, or get in line virtually on the NoWait app.

YOGA STUDIO

Classic sophistication, rich history and effortless luxury: These are the terms The Adelphi Hotel uses to describe the elegant weddings it holds. A broad collection of event spaces—from the lavish ballroom to the glassed-in atrium—allow couples to create a signature experience for their special day.

SILVER: THE HOT YOGA SPOT BRONZE: NAMASTE YOGA / JOY OF YOGA (TIE)

SILVER: PRIME AT SARATOGA NATIONAL BRONZE: LONGFELLOWS

Located right on Broadway, Yoga Mandali is a Bhakti Yoga center rooted in the ancient traditions of love and devotion. Experienced teachers provide a space for everybody (and every body), offering a range of daily classes, from Yin and Vinyasa to pre- and post-natal, for yogis of all abilities. Want to try it out? Your first class is on the house.

GOLD: The Adelphi Hotel

X-TRA SPECIAL OCCASION SPOT

W X Y Z

GOLD: Yoga Mandali

Sweet Mimi’s Café & Bakery

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202240 ⁄ WEEKENDGOLD:BRUNCH

SILVER: ROOSEVELT BATHS & SPA BRONZE: FACES OF SARATOGA

With locations in Saratoga and Albany, Complexions is a place of healing, sanctuary and beauty, offering a full range of spa and salon services. New this summer: Customers can now take a bit of that spa day magic home with products from Dubois Beauty, a new skincare line launched by Complexions owner Denise Dubois.

CALIFORNIACLOSETS COM START THE SCHOOL SEASON ORGANIZED. CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY VIRTUAL OR IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION 518.785.5723 LATHAM PETER HARRIS PLAZA, RT 7 MAKE ROOM FOR ALL OF YOU operated.andownedindependentlyislocationfranchisedClosets®CaliforniaEachInc.Company,ClosetCalifornia©2022 NY144_SaratoLiving_MakeRm_TeenCinder_7.8x10.3_0822.indd 1 8/10/22 4:11 PM

BY CHRIS CAROLA

A FAILED SUICIDE ATTEMPT, A MASSACHUSETTS BEACH AND A PAIR OF FREE SARATOGA RACE COURSE HATS COME TOGETHER IN AN EPIC SAGA ABOUT HOW ONE LOCAL JOURNALIST TOLD THE 65 -YEAR-OLD STORY OF A SARATOGA WAR HERO.

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202242 ⁄ retrospective

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n August of 1992, I learned that John J. “Jack” Wilpers, Jr., a US Army intelligence officer–turned–CIA employee who played a key role in the arrest of former Japanese Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo just nine days after the formal end of World War II, was a Saratogian. As an Albany-based reporter (who would later become a long-time Saratogian myself) for the Associated Press, I then spent the next 18 years trying to get the veteran to talk about what happened on September 11, 1945, without avail. It wasn’t just me— Wilpers’ lips were sealed to everyone, including his wife and five children, one of whom was a journalist himself. But thanks to a chance encounter on a Massachusetts beach involving a nasty impending storm and a Saratoga Race Course giveaway baseball cap, I finally got my interview. Let me back up.

THETELLINGTOJOSTORY

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the tojo incident In this photograph taken by Sgt. George Burns of Schenectady for Yank Magazine, Saratogian Jack Wilpers picks up the gun former Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo used to shoot himself in a failed suicide attempt shortly after Japan’s surrender in WWII.

His memory was fine.

but, at 91, he didn’t think his memory was all that good.

While sitting on the sand watching the surfers taking advantage of the big waves kicked up by the approaching storm, I noticed that one guy walking by with his surfboard was wearing the same flat track hat I had on: the khaki one from 2004 with the Saratoga Race Course clubhouse awning logo embroidered in red.

Sixty-five years after what Wilpers refers to as “the Tojo incident”—the capture of the former prime minister that he played a starring role in—the veteran received a belated Bronze Star medal from the Army for his actions during Tojo’s arrest. It was then that Wilpers finally broke his silence, in a 2010 Washington Post story about his being honored by the Pentagon.

“Wilpers,”name.he said.

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For the non–WWII historians amongst us, Hideki Tojo was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army and served as the country’s prime minister from 1941 to 1944. He oversaw Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor before falling out of favor with Japanese Emperor Hirohito in 1944 and being forced to resign. Shortly after Japan’s surrender following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, US General Douglas MacArthur ordered Tojo be found and taken into US custody as a war criminal. That’s where Wilpers, then a 25-year-old Army intelligence officer, comes in.

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jack of all trades Lt. John “Jack” Wilpers, Jr. was born in Albany and moved to Saratoga before joining the Army and eventually the CIA.

“Tell your old man I’m still pissed off at him for not talking to me about Tojo,” I said.

But that would have to wait until I returned from my annual vacation on Horseneck Beach in Westport, MA.

It was the week before Labor Day, and a tropical storm was making its way up the Eastern Seaboard, headed straight toward the southern New England coast. Mandatory shoreline evacuations were expected, so I would have to leave my beachfront rental a day earlier than planned. I decided to spend part of my last full day, a Thursday, on a stretch of beach I rarely visited.

he story: The Army had followed journalists to a home in a Tokyo suburb. (“The best way of finding Tojo was to find our own US newspaper people, because they were there well ahead of us,” Wilpers told me.) Standing outside the home of Tojo, the group heard a gunshot inside and Wilpers, with the help of a fellow officer, busted down the locked front door. They found Tojo slumped

ilpers was born in Albany in 1919, and moved with his family to Saratoga as a boy (“Dad was a bookie,” he would eventually tell me, and his mother ran a tea room next to McGregor Links).

Wilpers graduated from St. Peter’s Academy in 1937 and joined the Army, which brought him to New Guinea, the Philippines and, obviously, Japan.

I struck up a conversation. He said he had relatives who used to live in Saratoga and owned a couple of businesses, but that was years ago. I asked him his family’s

retrospective

I didn’t learn about the Post story until late August of that same year, when it popped up as I Googled Wilpers’ name to find out if he was still living. Seeing that Wilpers had finally talked to a major media outlet about the Tojo arrest, I decided to give him another call on the chance he would agree to an interview with an AP reporter from his old stomping grounds.

It turned out that the surfer was John Wilpers, the oldest of Jack and Marian’s five children.

John, a

For about 90 minutes over the next two days, Jack Wilpers provided details of his early life, his wartime service and Tojo’s apprehension, itself a bizarre series of events that unfolded inside the ex-prime minister’s Tokyo home before a gaggle of reporters and photographers from some of the world’s biggest news outlets, including the AP, United Press International and The New York Times

IHehistimesupGarrettcalledThefromhisandwithandconsultant,journalist-turned-medialivedoutsideBostonwasvacationinginWestporthiswifeandtwodaughters.AfterexplainingwhoIwastellinghimIplannedtocallfatherwhenIreturnedhomevacation,wepartedways.followingTuesdaymorning,IJackWilpersathishomeinPark,MD.Hedidn’thangonmeashehaddoneseveralbefore.ImentionedmeetingsononthebeachinWestport.saidJohnhadalertedhimthatwouldbecallingforaninterview

army man (clockwise, from top left) Lt. Jack Wilpers on the Southwest Pacific island of New Guinea; Wilpers wearing the uniform jacket belonging to Gen. Hideki Tojo following the former prime minister’s botched suicide attempt; Wilpers at his summer home in Maine in 2008; Jack Wilpers’ son, John (at left), and writer Chris Carola wearing matching Saratoga Race Course hats on Horseneck Beach in Westport, MA eight years after they first met.

in a chair, blood flowing from a selfinflicted gunshot wound to his chest. In filed the press members—one of whom, Sergeant George Burns of Yank Magazine, just so happened to be an Albany Times Union photographer before the war. Burns shot a now-famous photo of Wilpers, his Upstate New York neighbor, picking up the handgun the retired general had used to shoot himself in the Tojochest.ended up surviving his suicide attempt; an Army medical team arrived, stabilized the former prime minister and took him to a military hospital, where he recovered. His trial for war crimes started in 1946 and lasted two years, ending in his conviction. He was executed by hanging in a Tokyo prison in late December 1948, by which point Wilpers was already back home, a year into what would be a 28-year career with the newly founded CIA— and a 65-year career of keeping quiet about the capture.

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ollowing our conversations in 2010, I never spoke with Jack Wilpers again. I did, however, keep in touch with his son John, who in early 2013 informed me that his dad’s health was failing. Jack died that February 28 at the age of 93. I wrote his obituary for the AP’s national and international wires.

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Would Jack Wilpers have talked to me if I hadn’t met his son on the beach that day? Possibly. Regardless, the journalism stars aligned on September 2, 2010, the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII. Of the thousands of stories I wrote over my 31 years spent with the AP in Albany, the Jack Wilpers story is among my favorites. He had played a key role in the arrest of one of the most infamous Axis leaders of WWII, a man blamed for the deaths of millions across East Asia and the Pacific. Finally getting Wilpers—a fellow Saratogian—to talk in detail about that day and sharing it with a global audience (more than half the world’s population sees AP stories every day) was a highlight of my career. And it was all because of a free Saratoga Race Course hat.

portfolio SPA DAYS WE TASKED TWO TOP LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH CAPTURING THE MAGIC AND BEAUTY OF THE SPA’S 2022 MEET. FROM THE DIRT AND SWEAT TO THE FANCIEST OF FASHIONS, HERE’S WHAT THEY FOUND. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA DECKER AND ALEX ZHANG EXCLUSIVELY FOR saratoga living saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202246 ⁄ morning glory A peaceful morning at the TrainingOklahomaTrack. SAMANTHA DECKER

dandy land Dirt flies on Jim Dandy Day. ALEX ZHANG

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(clockwise from top left) Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher; Life is Good exercise rider Amelia Green takes home the Whitney flower blanket after the big win; mixed emotions by the winning team after Nations Pride wins the Saratoga Derby; well dressed fans heading into the track; two Budweiser Clydesdales taking a morning stroll at the Oklahoma Training Track.

ALEX ZHANG portfolio

off track

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gate shift

SAMANTHA DECKER

(clockwise, from top left) The gate crew on the move; Irad Ortiz, Jr. heads to the track; fans in the picnic area; Mike Repole holds his daughter up for Irad Ortiz to hug after his win in the CC American Oaks; Julien Leparoux is presented with the Mike Venezia Memorial Award.

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wayne’s world (from top) Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas (right) leading a horse to the morning workout; Ryan Bond of Saratoga’s H. James Bond racing stable and his family enjoy a race day; Grade 1 Whitney Stakes winner Life is Good breezes on the main track with exercise rider Amelia Green aboard.

ALEX ZHANG

SAMANTHA DECKER portfolio

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vallelujah chorus (from top) Jacqueline Davis wins her first race in Saratoga aboard Vallelujah, a horse owned in part by Alex Zhang; Davis hugs her mom after the big win.

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Horseshoe GM Shane Foley

Northway Brewing’s Max Oswald serves beer and seltzer

Michael and Jen Marcellus, Paula Perpall and Alan McWilliams trackoff

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ollowing the release of this year’s “The Races!” issue, saratoga living celebrated the start of track season with cover subject and leading Saratoga rider John Velazquez at a Wednesday night party at The Horseshoe. Upon arrival, every attendee was gifted a pack of Saratoga playing cards from NYRA and a raffle ticket, which they could put in one of four bins for a chance to win tickets to meet Real Housewife Teresa Giudice at the track, a basket of Saratoga Race Course swag, a charcuterie board by The Charcutebrie, or a beer-themed basket. Dinner was provided by The Horseshoe, drink samples by Northway Brewing, and acoustic tunes by Michael LeVan.

Guests were welcomed to the party with a glass of Chandon Garden Spritz.

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Ramón Dominguez (center) with some racing fans

Kate VanHerp, Empire Media Chair Tony Ianniello and Ken Rotunda

JULY 20 AT THE HORSESHOE photography by KONRAD ODHIAMBO

Party guests posed for photos in front of a racing backdrop.

HOTTESTSARATOGA’STICKETS

Johnny V signs “The Races!” issue for sl’s Tina Galante.

The evening’s auction included a beauty basket and Saratoga experiences.

saratoga living’s “The Races!” with Johnny V

Johnny V took photos with his fans, many of whom came to the party straight from the track.

Elmer Santiago

John Velazquez, star of “The Races!” issue and the evening’s guest of honor, signs a blow-up of the most recent issue’s cover.

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Eileenraffle

Michael LeVan Johnny drew a great crowd.

Patrizia Dwyer, Tammy Dicara, Lauren Cognato and Jami Lynn

Ianonne, Renee Mantello and Denise Dubois

Track fans had a great time.

Allyson Ferri and Peter McNamara

The beer basket from the

A Saratoga racing–themed auction item

The Horseshoe’s awesome security team helped manage the crowd.

Tea sandwiches provided by Bocage Champagne Bar

sl’s Natalie Moore, Kate VanHerp and Maddy Halverson

Carson Kressley and Miss Scarlett’s Jen Marcellus trackoff

here Carson Kressley goes, fine fashion follows. That was certainly the case at Racing & Rosé, a brunch party and fashion show saratoga living threw in conjunction with the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and Miss Scarlett Boutique on the morning of Jim Dandy Day. After an al fresco VIP meet-and-greet with Carson himself, guests filled the Museum’s sculpture gallery for snacks and sips by Bocage Champagne Bar, La Crema, Sweet Mimi’s, Mionetto and Uncommon Grounds, before finding their seats for the main attraction: a 43-look fashion show by Miss Scarlett owner Jen Marcellus. Her racing-themed fashions, many of which featured artwork by equine artist Janet Crawford, were a big hit. After the show, Carson named the three bestdressed women and one best-dressed man in attendance, each of whom went home with a prize.

saratoga living’s Racing & Rosé Brunch Party

JULY 30 AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING AND HALL OF FAME photography by MORGAN CAMPBELL

“America’s Day at the Races” host Acacia Clement was one of the morning’s models.

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Rosé and bubbly were provided by La Crema and Mionetto.

HOTTESTSARATOGA’STICKETS

The models backstage before the fashion show

Bocage’s Zac Denham and Carson Kressley

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Cohen, who won a Best Dressed award, at the VIP pre-party

Design.Yuki

Flower centerpieces were provided by Samantha Nass Floral

Sharon Dominguez, wife of retired jockey Ramón, on the runway

Trainer VIPAnnieMcPeekKennethanddaughterduringthepre-party

Model Michele Rotondo models a track look.

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saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202264 ⁄ AIM Services’ Croquet on the Green AUGUST 2 • GAVIN PARK photography by NATALIE MOORE trackoff HOTTESTSARATOGA’STICKETS Saratoga AnniversaryMuseum’sAutomobile20thGala JUNE 25 • SARATOGA AUTO MUSEUM photography by GAIL STEIN PalamountainSkidmore’s Benefit JULY 19 • SURREY-WILLIAMSON INN photography by NATALIE MOORE Baller Dream Foundation’s Midsummer Night Party JULY 7 • PRIVATE SARATOGA RESIDENCE photography by NATALIE MOORE

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Exciting Expansion

She and husband Sonny Bonacio have also purchased, with partners, Schroon Lake’s The Lodge property, which will include a hotel, restaurant, chalets, glamping and a 600-seat amphitheater. In Rome, in the heart of Central New York, Bonacio Construction is building Woodhaven, a single-family, residential community for which Julie & Co. Realty’s Alex Cooley is

Julie & Co. Realty, LLC, with Broker/Owner Julie Bonacio (center), celebrating their grand opening in Schroon Lake this past spring.

82 CHURCH STREET SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK 518.581.0023 saratogasignature.com DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM!

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THE SARATOGA-BASED REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE JULIE & CO. REALTY, LLC has recently expanded into the Adirondacks with the opening of a second office in Schroon Lake, and into Central New York with the launch of a new construction community in Rome. The new Schroon Lake office, at 1072 US Rt. 9, opened this past spring. “We are all really excited to be a part of the community,” says the firm’s owner, Julie Bonacio. “Our eight agents there are available to assist buyers, sellers and renters. They all live, work and play in Schroon Lake and its surrounding towns.”

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Saratoga powerhouse Julie & Co. Realty, LLC is celebrating its expansion into the Adirondacks and Central New York.

representing the home sales. “It is an exciting and vital time in Rome, with new housing being a key part of the area’s developments,” says Bonacio. “We are excited to provide beautiful, new homes in this ideal location!” ■ o: 518.350.7653 JulieCoRealty.com

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home stretch

: fashion || food & drink || haute property || book nook

@heathermariethompson

miss scarlett is best known for summertime dresses and accessories that dominate the Saratoga Race Course fashion scene all season long, but come fall, the Phila Street Boutique has you covered with equally fabulous looks for life beyond the track. For all you working girls, slipping into this Kelly green pant and blazer set paired with a sleek black stiletto is the power move of the season. Then for casual Fridays at the office, don Miss Scarlett’s feminine maxi dress, which goes seamlessly from boardroom meetings to happy hour or a downtown dinner. Zhuzh it up with a pair of flower drop earrings, and this multi-purpose stunner will take you all the way to a chic fall gala.

—Heather Thompson

HOLD ONTO THE FABULOUS FASHION FLAIR OF TRACK SEASON BY BREEZING INTO FALL WITH AN EQUALLY GLAM WARDROBE BUILT AROUND THESE STELLAR STANDOUT PIECES.

photography by DORI FITZPATRICK

MOScarlett’sMiss

Owner Kareem NeJame promises that the new location serves up all the dishes you’ve been missing, including Tatu’s famous guacamole and sikil p’aak dip, and tacos such as carnitas al pastor and shawarma chicken. “All the favorites are still there, all the tacos are there,” he says. “But there are new ingredients and dishes I added after a

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something to taco bout Tatu owners Kareem NeJame and Jennyfer Spaulding love the tattoo art look; (right) new dishes include octopus skewers and (bottom) corn masa fritters.

Will Drive for Tacos

recent trip to Yucatan.” One such new treat is a new appetizer of vegan pol’kanes fritters, which he discovered at a market. “I couldn’t get over how tasty they were, and the textures are great,” he says. “We’ve also added a toasted campanelle pasta, octopus skewers over a bed of Lebanese red pepper-walnut dip, and a pan-roasted red snapper. I would really love for people to explore the rest of the menu, the Yucatan/Mexican dishes. We’re not just a taco joint!”

And how is the Tatu team liking Troy? “We’ve had a great response, and every day’s been getting busier and busier,” he says. “It’s a great community of local businesses that support one another.”

The new space has a bar area, a patio that seats 20, and a private dining room called the Parlor. “We tried as hard as we could to recreate the same vibe,” says NeJame of the restaurant’s distinct tattoo art look he recreated with partner Jennyfur Spaulding and Saratoga artist Crystal Brooks. “There’s a lot of original work by tattoo artists, cool textured wall coverings and pressed tin ceilings.”

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FORMER DOWNTOWN SARATOGA HOT SPOT TATU HAS MOVED TO TROY, WITH ITS SIGNATURE LOOK AND THOSE DROOL-WORTHY TACOS AND APPS YOU’VE BEEN JONESING FOR.

ROAD TRIP

if you’ve been missing the mouthwatering tacos, creative apps (oh, the esquites!) and entrées that mix the best of Yucatan and Lebanese cuisines, all of which downtown hot spot Tatu Tacos & Tequila got us hooked on during the pandemic before closing last December, you’re in luck— Tatu has reopened, this time in Troy.

fashion || food & drink haute property || book nook

home stretch

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on Comfort

new breakfast menu.

And don’t forget coffee. “We’ve always had a really great relationship with Death Wish Coffee,” Moran says. “So it’s been exciting to be able to serve that—and to drink it every morning.”

on Pancakes and local eggs are fan-favorite

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for the last few years, Comfort Kitchen has been known as a quick and easy place to grab a handheld lunch or perfectly plated early dinner. But this past summer, owner Rory Moran decided that an earlier, coffeefueled start was what was missing at his Saratoga Marketplace restaurant, and a mouthwatering breakfast menu wasServedborn.Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to noon, Comfort Kitchen’s breakfast menu consists of sweets (“the favorite so far has been the pancakes,” Moran says), eggs (“we’re getting local eggs from Elihu Farm and Featherbed Lane Farm, so people are really digging all the egg dishes”), sides (including Vermont bacon, potato hash and house-made sausage), baked goods (fresh-baked muffins and coffee cakes), and drinks (“I’m very happy that it’s caught on that we have our beer and wine license— we’re selling a lot of mimosas.”).

egging dishes Kitchen’s

market will help us bring more of our delicious food to more clients and help make their days a little easier and tastier.”

fashion || food & drink || haute property || book nook

But not for long. This summer, Ballston Lake-based boutique catering company PDT Catering announced it would open PDT Market, a specialty marketplace in the former home of Price Chopper Limited on Railroad Place, later this year. “We hear from many people that they don’t have the time or desire to cook at home, but they want great, yummy food,” says PDT founder and chef Adam Foti. “This

home stretch

downtown saratoga doesn’t really have a specialty grocery store—you know, the kind where you can grab groceries and a gourmet prepared meal on your way out (and then walk home if you’re a downtown resident). Sure, the East Side has Four Seasons, which specializes in health food and carries some grab-and-go options, but if you want a true gourmet grocery store, you have to travel to Fresh Market or Healthy Living, or worse yet, Whole Foods in Albany.

prepare to be amazed “Covid actually helped us see that there was a higher demand for the products we create,” says PDT’s Adam Foti. “Especially in the prepared meals.”

if you saw a giant crane dropping a shipping container onto the patio of Bailey’s this summer, don’t worry—that’s just the Saratoga hot spot’s new kitchen. Seriously: “It’s a brand-new kitchen fabricated from a shipping container that was made off premise,” says co-owner Matt Beecher. “It comes loaded with brand-new equipment and was much needed to properly execute our vision with improvements to the menu and to create a nice environment for the staff.”

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Switchin’Kitchen

At PDT Market, downtown foodies can expect to find hot and cold buffet stations, grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, a build-your-own charcuterie station (yup), and fullservice café/bar (yup again), as well as grocery items (vegan and glutenfree products included), a fresh flower shop and home goods. The space is being completely reimagined with industrial and reclaimed accents for an aesthetic that’s a mix of old word andChefcontemporary.Fotican’tsay for certain when PDT Market will open, but he’s aiming for late fall. “There is an opportunity in this community,” he says, “for great food that is convenient in an environment that is pleasant to shop and eat in.”

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MarketFutures

ON DECK

Speaking of the menu, fan favorites are still on it, but new dishes arrived just after the new kitchen was up and running. “The new crispy chicken sandwich is my personal favorite,” Beecher says, “with the jerk chicken tacos in a close second.” Other highlights include mac & cheese five ways, Utica delicacy Greens Morelle, and a street food section—hot pretzels, yes, please!

UP GRADE

drop shipping The new Bailey’s kitchen is a converted shipping container dropped on the patio by crane; (below) with the new kitchen came a new menu.

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Weeknight Wonder

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second grade teacher

marinated in a Green Goddess dressing served with roasted petite potatoes and a side salad, and pan-seared meatballs with pesto orzo. Mopsik posts each week’s meal on Saturday, her followers place their orders by DM by Monday, and meals are available for pick-up by 4:30pm on Wednesday. Each meal is two servings. While she loves providing healthy meals to the Saratoga community, Mopsik says Mid-Week Meals are about more than that. “I wanted to showcase and demonstrate the importance of eating in season and supporting our local farms,” says Mopsik, whose fatherin-law, Eugene Mopsik, runs the cleverly named Instagram account @phillyloxsmith with similar good food–sharing goals. “Where and who you buy your food from matters. I strongly believe it is our responsibility to support our community, however we can, and for me that is with my fork.”

fashion || food & drink haute property || book nook

“In an effort to push myself creatively,” Mopsik says, “I decided to start offering Mid-Week Meals this summer, as I already offer seasonal weekly baked goods.” Recent MidWeek Meals include chicken

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HOME MADE

slice girl Emily Mopsik of the @slice.of.saratoga Instagram account began selling Mid-Week Meals made with local ingredients this summer.

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Emily Mopsik started her @slice.of.saratoga Instagram account to share photos and videos of the way her family-of-three lives: their love of all things local, spending time in their shared

urban garden, and the meals they prepare in their 1880s brick home on the East Side. But this past summer, Mopsik began sharing more than photos of the meals she cooks—she started selling the meals themselves.

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 73 SARATOGA BOOK FESTIVAL OCTOBER 21 & 22, 2022 25+ INTERVIEWS | AUTHOR READINGS | YOUTH PROGRAMS | LITERARY DEATH MATCH LITERARY MARKETPLACE | 7 VENUES | 2 TICKETED KEYNOTES | and much more! www.SaratogaBookFestival.org #sbf2022 #saratogaREADS #findyournextread 40+ AUTHORS, INCLUDING: Gregory Maguire Francine Prose Meg Wolitzer Jung AlexandraYun Horowitz YUNJUNG GREGORYMAGUIRE Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council of the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature SARATOGABREATHE IN Fall foliage in Saratoga Spa State Park is something to behold — and share. The Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa is located right in the park, next to the Roosevelt Baths & Spa. Find out why this timeless hotel has offered generations of appeal. Plan your fall journey. TAKE A MOMENT FOR YOU GideonPutnam.com | (866) 890-1171 24 Gideon Putnam Road Saratoga Springs, NY

The second edition of Loudonville resident Bernard Prize-winningforewordyear,re-releasedpublishedautobiography,Conners’originallyin2012andearlierthisfeaturesanewbyPulitzer

By Hollis Palmer Ph.D.

MysteryonAWindow:WitchMYSTERYMurderSkis

JourneyMorgan’sis readers(It’sneighborhood.movesbulliedwithgirl’saboutinspirationalantaleayoungstrugglebeingaftershetoanewperfectforages10-12.)

PICTURE BOOK The House That Gave Out Full Size Candy Bars

Adding to the feel-good Foundation,thegoesHendricks-Foggvibes,ontofoundLoganStrongwhich

Ever wonder what the lives of Saratogians were like during the Gilded Age? Check out Dr. Hollis Palmer’s new historical fiction read to immerse yourself in turn-of-the-20th-century upstate New York. As one of Saratoga’s great “Victorian Historians,” Hollis tells all, painting a glorious picture of the Spa City in its most renowned era.

fashion || food & drink || haute property || book nook

The name of this kid’s book says it all. On Halloween night, two sisters are on the hunt for the best houses for trick-or-treating when they hit the candy bar jackpot! At only 9 and 11 years old, respectively, McKenna and Adalyn Vidoni are two young writers (and sisters themselves!) from Clifton Park.

Johnston grew up in Averill Park and now resides in the Berkshires.

By Molly Johnston

provides support for local families battling pediatric cancer.

Author Molly

unbeatable, but as the title suggests, it’s the journey that pulls you into this emotional read.

By Adalyn & McKenna Vidoni

By Phil Bayly

FALL INTO SIX NEW STORIES BY AUTHORS WITH LOCAL TIES.

ReadingList

BookSaratogaGildedAnnandale:FICTIONHISTORICALOne

By Jennifer Hendricks-Fogg

In Tiny Miracles, readers follow along as Scotia resident Jennifer HendricksFogg’s son, Logan, is diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer at 3 months old. Spoiler alert: Logan defies all medical odds and beats the

ChildhoodThroughFindingJourneyATinyMEMOIRMiracles:Mother’sofFaithCancer

novelist William Kennedy (who spent time at Yaddo). In the book, Conners recounts his life and career experience as an FBI agent, publisher, producer and businessman, and his encounters with J. Edgar Hoover, Donald Trump and Alec Baldwin.

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Ironweed

home stretch

By Bernard F. Conners

Phil Bayly’s fourth novel in his Murder on Skis mystery series follows a television reporter’s inexplicable encounters in mountainous Vermont. As a Saratoga resident and longtime Albany news anchor, Bayly is as local as it gets!

:

CruisingAUTOBIOGRAPHYwith Kate: A Parvenu in Xanadu

CHILDREN’S Morgan’sLITJourney

BY HELENA BARTLETT

T

The other community that was debuted this summer is Forest Grove, a community of two-residence twin homes and single-family detached homes on heavily wooded lots in Wilton. (The mailing address and school district is actually Saratoga, but homeowners will enjoy lower Wilton taxes.) “We’re excited to open Forest Grove this summer—

For more information on Forest Grove, contact Sharon Byrne at (518) 527-4914. For more information on Waite Meadows, contact Spencer Lewis at (518) 512-9646.

his Belmontesummer,Builders unveiled not one, but two whoselivingSaratogabrand-newCountycommunitieslotsare available for purchase now. First up is Clifton Park’s Waite Meadows, a small, exclusive community with just 34 lots and homes of various styles and sizes. What makes Waite Meadows special is its quiet, picturesque setting just a short drive to Clifton Park’s center and the Northway. With a dedicated community walking trail, large lots and extensive green space, Waite Meadows is perfect for both young families wanting to move into the Shenendehowa School District and mature families looking to downsize or “right size.” Waite Meadows homes start in the $600s.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

building, which, when completed, will house a large event/gathering room, full kitchen for catering or event cooking, large athletic facility (a real gym, not just a few pieces in a corner), plus a bathroom with showers. On the grounds, residents will also enjoy access to a large pool with plenty of seating, two pickle ball courts and an outdoor gathering area with a pavilion and an outdoor kitchen. Homes in the Forest Grove community start in the $500s. ■

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 75

Belmonte Builders expands its community living offerings with Clifton Park’s Waite Meadows and Wilton’s Forest Grove.

it’s going to be a fabulous place to call home,” says Belmonte Director of Sales and Marketing Mike Lust. “When completed, it will include more than 300 homes with a breadth of amenities including miles of walking trails and pocket parks at key locations.” Those miles of trails are made possible due to a donation of 300 acres of green space by Belmonte to the town of Wilton not only to protect the land for future generations, but to also create a picturesque and walkable community for Forest Grove residents. To go along with those trails, the community also includes streetlamps, sidewalks, and a dog park. Another noteworthy amenity is the 5,000-square-foot community

(above) Aerial shots of Clifton Park’s Waite Meadows (left) and Wilton’s Forest Grove; (inset) renderings of Belmonte’s (from top) Hampton, Chesapeake and Castleton homes.

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as soon as witt construction was contracted to build a 4,000-square-foot custom home for a client in Saratoga’s Oak Ridge neighborhood, builder John Witt knew the house had to be part of the 2022 Saratoga Showcase of Homes. “We kind of talked her into it,” Witt says of the client who is currently living there with her two young adult children. “It’s just a great house. I’ve done many great homes, and this is right up there in the top 10.”

porte party (from top) An outdoor living space is located under the porte cochère between the main patio and the pool; the circular-shaped dining room adds an interesting architectural element to the home’s exterior; (opposite) the first floor’s open-concept living space.

: fashion || food & drink || haute property || book nook

ShowpieceShowcase

BY NATALIE MOORE n photography by RANDALL PERRY

From the outside, two design features stand out: the circular dining room, which is surrounded by exterior windows for plenty of natural light, OAK RIDGE RESIDENCE, ONE OF TWO HOMES WITT CONSTRUCTION WILL ENTER INTO THIS YEAR’S SARATOGA SHOWCASE OF HOMES , BLENDS CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY STYLES FOR LUXURY LIVING AT ITS FINEST.

THIS

home stretch

and the porte cochère, an outdoor living space with a fireplace located under an archway between the main patio and pool. Inside, custom white cabinetry makes the kitchen shine, as does its unique pantry: “It’s got this little L off the kitchen, which is the pantry,” Witt says. “There’s no door, and the refrigerator’s back there.”

sweetmimiscafe.com • @sweetmimiscafe sweet mimi’s ca f e & baker y

Thank you Saratoga!

The first floor also features a sitting room that’s off the family room and has a wood-burning fireplace, an entertainment/bar area, and a wine room with a glass door.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE OF THECONFIDENCE!RESULTSARE IN

Upstairs are two suites, plus the secluded primary suite. “The master suite is its own oasis,” Witt says.

As for the overall design of the space, Witt calls it a “Hampton/ Nantucket-y style” that “mixes traditional and contemporary.”

Not yet completed: a space above the three-car garage that could be another suite or two additional bedrooms, and the lower level, which is set up for yet another suite, exercise room and storage space.

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 77

Best Bank/ Credit Union

He explains: “If you go too contemporary, it can get cold, but if you blend the two, it’s still warm and cozy and timeless.”

“It’s totally private, but with a lot of great windows. There’s a set of pocket doors you can close off and another door in the bedroom, so you wouldn’t know anybody else was in the house when you’re in there.”

See this stunning home and many more in this year’s Showcase, going on October 8, 9, 15 and 16. forsaratogashowcaseofhomes.comVisitmoreinformation.

BEST OF SARATOGA Weekend Brunch Winner

Learn about our award-winning ﬁnancial services. Call us at (518) 584-5844, visit any of our convenient neighborhood branches and do online banking 24/7 at AdirondackTrust.com.

Your support inspires us to continually go above and beyond to earn your trust — as it has for generations. We very humbly thank you.

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa Safety is the Ultimate Luxury Come see why we are known as Lake Placid’s Finest. MirrorLakeInn.com | 518-523-2544

ocated less than 10 minutes from Downtown Saratoga Springs just off Exit 13S, Dunning Street Station is known for its laid-back environment and front-of-mind customer service. Chef Bruce Jacobson, formerly of sister restaurant Lake Ridge (stop by the Round Lake hot spot to ask Maureen about daily specials), has curated an impressive menu, featuring many Italianinspired classics with a twist, which are available for dinein or takeout. Add in plenty of parking, ample space at the bar and a daily happy hour from 3-6pm, and Dunning Street Station is a winning option for a night out.

t may be called “The Hideaway,” but it’s no secret that Saratoga Lake Golf Club’s onsite restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy drinks or dinner all year long. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a light snack and a cocktail al fresco (The Hideaway boasts an expansive deck) or a full-fledged feast following a day on the links (try the surf & turf or jalapeño popper chicken), The Hideaway has you covered. And NFL is on screen every Sunday of the season! Follow the restaurant on Facebook for up-to-date info on food and drink specials, special events and more.

G

osteria danny

2853 STATE HWY 9, dunningstreetstation.comMALTA 518.587.2000

Open 4-9pm SundayThursday; 4-10pm Friday and Saturday.

The Hideaway

R

26 HENRY ST, SARATOGA 518.423.7022osteriadanny.comSPRINGS

I

86 HENRY 518.886.8938henrystreettaproom.comSARATOGAST,SPRINGS

Dunning Street Station

Open 3-9pm Tuesday-Saturday.

un by chef Danny Petrosino and his wife, Patti, osteria danny specializes in Italian-American cuisine with an emphasis on simplicity and creative development. As such, the menu is updated frequently to encompass new culinary concepts and locally sourced ingredients whenever they are available. Although the menu is continuously evolving via Danny’s creative will, the original recipes remain a pivotal influence on the dishes that osteria danny produces.

35 GRACE MOORE RD, SARATOGA SPRINGS hideawaysaratoga.com 518.306.1900

Open 4-10pm Tuesday-Friday; 2-10pm Saturday; 2-9pm Sunday.

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 79 SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

L

Henry TaproomStreet

ood food, lots of beer and an atmosphere that’s the perfect mix of relaxed, cozy and chic? That’s what you can expect at Henry Street Taproom, which has been serving local craft beers and ciders, classic cocktails and locally sourced, made-fromscratch food since 2012. After dinner, tune in to Back on the Table, a podcast on beer, movies, music, food and local businesses, hosted by Henry Street owner Ryan McFadden.

Open 11am-9pm Monday-Friday; 9am-9pm Saturday and Sunday.

hat pairs with a world-class wine region and some of the best local craft beverages in all of New York State? The fabulous food scene in Steuben, that’s what!

ExploreCulinarySteuben’sScene

W

Courtesy: THE PARK INN PHOTO BY WILL CORNFIELD

of “9 Standout Wine Restaurants in Upstate NY,” another recently awarded Top Rank for Western NY Restaurants from Open Table, as well as under-the-radar burger joints voted to the Burger Trail Top 10 by locals, and a small-town favorite named one of TravelAwaits’ “14 Best Small Town Ice Cream Shops” in the entire country for 2021...great food is Steuben’s thing. Make it your thing, too!

Whether it’s farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients, creative options for nontraditional culinary preferences, or simply a chance to sit down and savor an incredible meal, Steuben continues to raise the bar when it comes to delicious meals.

Steuben’s Fabulous Food

With a restaurant called out by Wine Spectator as one

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202280 ⁄ SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

SUNSET SIPS

SCHENECTADY riverscasino.com

Rivers’ fall entertainment features some of the best events in the Capital Region, including live entertainment, concerts, dining experiences and so much more! Check in throughout the season on RiversCasino.com/Schenectady to see events as they’re added!

If you prefer to spend your evenings outdoors, check out Sunset Sips. The Landing Hotel Patio hosts live music every Friday and Saturday! Sit at a table or in a couch or lounge chair to enjoy an evening of live music. The Landing Hotel Bar has drink specials and charcuterie boards from Grazing518.

EN VOGUE

FRANK CALIENDO

R ivers Casino & Resort, located in the heart of downtown Schenectady, offers a multitude of restaurants that appeal to a wide variety of taste buds. Rivers Casino is the Capital Region’s ultimate entertainment destination filled with action-packed gaming opportunities and diverse dining options. There is something for everyone!

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION Restaurants

Join Rivers for a night of laughs with master of impressions Frank Caliendo on Saturday, September 24, live in the Event Center. Known for his impressions of John Madden, Stephen A. Smith, Charles Barkley, Mel Kiper, Jr. and so many more, there’s sure to be a laugh for everyone! Doors open at 7pm with the show getting started at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now.

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 81

Don’t miss an unforgettable night of R&B pop classics with En Vogue on Saturday, September 3. Relive their classic hits including “Free Your Mind,” “Hold on,” “My Lovin’” and “Don’t Let Go.” The doors open at 7pm with the show kicking off at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now.

Rivers Casino and Resort offers options that everyone can enjoy, all just steps away from the Casino Floor and The Landing Hotel. Raise the stakes and treat yourself to a winning experience at Rivers Casino & Resort. open 7 days a week. 1 RUSH ST, 518.579.8800

Rivers Casino & Resort

amountextract)orange(madeon-a-classicsimpleHouse-madeOldChaiFashionedchaimaplesyrupgivesthistwist-OldFashionedwithGlenmorangie,bittersandvanillajusttherightoffallspice. 8 CAROLINE ST, SARATOGA sipsaratoga.com518.791.6199SPRINGS SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION Cheers to AsUnitedFall!tastyasitisstylish,this egg white-topped masterpiece is named “United” and is made with Salcombe Rose Gin, Selvarey Coconut Rum, St. Germain and lime. 365 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS MorrisseysLounge.com518.350.7945 . cornercocktailseasonal saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202282 ⁄

1 3 5 6 8 8 17 17 18 18 22 23 26 23 24 32 33 34 35 36 37 39 42 43 44 44 49 50 54 53 51 14 14 15 14 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 28 29 27 30 39 39 40 41 45 45 46 47 48 2 4 5 7 9 19 25 5238 53 3116 4831 10 11 26 27 54 52 5955 60 61 55 62 56 57 58 63 6460 12 13 6865 6966 7067 ACROSS 1. Evidence 6. You can find it on a stage or boat 10. Member of the cod family 14. Local lead-in to “dotts” 15. Actress Loughlin 16. ___ 51 17. Complete 18. Called Ove 19. Winner of the 1996 Tony for Best Musical 20. P F L A A L C L E 23. Units of marble or bacon 24. Mexican menu staple 28. Electric current unit, for short 30. Cap 31. Female duck 32. Word with pride or duty 36. ET transports 38. Provoke 39. Smart ___ 40. Queer Eye host France 41. Investigate 42. Make firmer, as muscles 43. Common drink garnish 44. Ashley Mary-Katevis-à-vis 45. Prefix for -lution or -cative 46. Dorsal, for one 47. Footwear industry acronym 49. Stay overheard ANSWERS ON saratogaliving.com SEARCH: CROSSWORD aboutgotme“RemindthatI’vetotellyousomethinglotion.” —SKIDMORE COLLEGERUGBY FIELD { horseplay } souptime“EveryIeatIthinkI’mdoingsomethingrightinlife.” –BOUNTIFULBREAD “Everything you see from now until the end of time will be fromCoatBurlingtonFactory.” –CROSSGATES 51. Available at the bar, say 55. M Y F / A L L 59. Hunting pattern, for short 62. Skirt descriptor 63. A man town 65. Bad smell 66. Biblical garden 67. Insect found in hair 68. Irrelevant 69. Require 70. Indian real estate group that’s an anagram of 25-Down DOWN 1. Western thru-hike, for short 2. Assembles the top of a house 3. Base-8 numbering system 4. Florida city called the Horse Capital of the World 5. L L A F 6. environmentalSaratoga-basedorg. 7. Play roughly 8. Spoken, rather than written 9. Mexican party staples 10. Group of sister wives 11. Form of is 12. Upcoming role for Ryan Gosling 13. Consume 21. Suffix for terroror critic22. Tiger, for one 25. Word often used between “grab” and “of” 26. ___ of absence 27. Subject of a 1985 sci-fi novel turned 2013 film 29. Subject of many a 2022 news article 30. Sharpened 32. Provide food for, in a way 33. Lucy 34. MarvelBrain-eatingcharacter 35. 2015 winnerTraversKeen ___ 37. Bro and sis, among others 38. Work together,wellsay 41. LLAF 43. Titles for NFLemployeesSpectrumorplayers 46. Cone-shaped tree 48. Alternative milk source 50. Call off, as a mission 52. Board game with a buzzer 53. Audibly 54. Like a stuffed animal 56. Helper 57. Home of the patella 58. Brain 59. URL finisher 60. Fuss 61. exclamationBarnyard 64. forOolong,one “Why are we hanging out? We’re not drinking.”even –LAKE GEORGE

saratogaliving.com ⁄ 83 Fall for You

BY NATALIE MOORE

Embedded

Street, gone behind the scenes of Saratoga Race Course with the Backstretch Employee Services Team, and joined Saratoga’s elite force of bartenders on a Friday evening during track season. I almost always stand out—I wore jeans on a reconnaissance mission to the Victoria Pool, was sober at Shakedown Street, and was a solid halfcentury younger than the other yogis in the Senior Center’s gentle yoga class—but in every instance I’ve been welcomed with open arms. Because while I may not know how to make an Old Fashioned, Saratogians, no matter their social group, are old fashioned: They make even the most blatant of outsiders feel like insiders.

SLAH GOES BEHIND THE SCENES TO FIND OUT WHAT SARATOGA LIVING IS REALLY ALL ABOUT.

So began my summer’s journey to infiltrate other subcultures, a task that I’ve found requires quite a bit of legwork. Since May I’ve spent an entire day at the Saratoga Senior Center, catalogued what goes on on each of the City Tavern’s five floors, explained the unwritten rules of the Victoria Pool, journeyed to the canceled Dead & Company concert’s Shakedown

dual personalities (clockwise, from top left) Culture Correspondent Natalie Moore at Dual Day, a Ballston Lake holiday that involves snow skiing in the morning and water skiing in the afternoon; on the rooftop of the track interviewing a supporter of the Backstretch Employee Service Team; at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale; behind the bar at the Bourbon Room; with Gavin and Brody Santiago at Saratoga Comic Con; (inset) in the announcer’s box with JohnannouncertrackImbriale.

–Natalie Moore Culture Correspondent

saratoga living ⁄ FALL 202284 ⁄

we launched Saratoga Living After Hours with the mission to cover Saratoga culture in a broad sense (SPAC, the track, etc.), but also specific Saratoga subcultures—the under-the-radar social groups you may not know about, even after living in the Spa City for years. I started out writing about the subcultures I’m a part of; this past winter and spring SLAH subscribers read about the Capital Region’s vegan scene (which, coincidentally, includes an Albany restaurant called Subculture), the cohort of coffee-drinkers with reusable Coffee Traders–branded mugs (which get customers discounted beverages at the Broadway shop), and the Saratoga Spa State Park’s dedicated tennis community (which comes together to maintain the park’s rare public clay courts every April).

For the behind-the-scenes scoop on these Saratoga subcultures and more, scan the QR code. (You’ll start to get new stories emailed directly to you, plus have access to our online archive.) Once you’ve joined us, maybe you’ll even invite me to experience your subculture.

But then I ran out of things I already know about. Vegan, Coffee Traders, tennis…That pretty much sums me up.

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