Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
We salute our Vets with our favorite poem from WWI.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Inspiration for the poem — In Flanders Fields
During the Second Battle of Ypres a Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed on 2 May, 1915 by an exploding shell. He was a friend of the Canadian military doctor Major John McCrae.
John was asked to conduct the burial service owing to the chaplain being called away on duty elsewhere. It is believed that later that evening John began the draft for his famous
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Inspiration for the poem — In Flanders Fields
During the Second Battle of Ypres a Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed on 2 May, 1915 by an exploding shell. He was a friend of the Canadian military doctor Major John McCrae.
John was asked to conduct the burial service owing to the chaplain being called away on duty elsewhere. It is believed that later that evening John began the draft for his famous
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Vale of Springs restored at Saratoga Spa State Park spearheaded by Heather Mabee and her mom, Marylou Whitney.
Vale of Springs renovation complete
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
By Lee Coleman (Contact)
Gazette Reporter
Text Size: A | A | A
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The renovated, enhanced Vale of Springs area of the Saratoga Spa State Park was officially opened Tuesday in celebration of the park’s 100th anniversary.
State parks Commissioner Rose Harvey, along with members of the Saratoga-Capital Region Parks Commission, helped cut the ribbon in the park’s Geyser Spring area. Heather Mabee, commission chair, and her mother, socialite Marylou Whitney, also helped to open the area, which was first developed in the 1930s.
Mabee and Whitney were also among those donating money to the $250,000 Centennial Campaign that paid for much of the work.
“This is a perfect model of a public-private partnership,” said Harvey, who was appointed earlier this year as commissioner of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
“This community identified a need within the park and worked tirelessly with friends and supporters toward its completion,” Harvey said in a prepared statement.
Alane Ball Chinian, director of the state parks’ Saratoga-Capital Region, said the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park donated many volunteer hours to the project, and local businesses donated money, products and labor. For example, Bonacio Construction of Saratoga Springs rebuilt the Orenda Spring pavilion, Sunnyside Gardens of Saratoga Springs donated flowers and plantings and Moy Enterprises donated a portion of the masonry work it did for the project.
The Hayes Spring pavilion was renovated by volunteers from the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park, Chinian said. The project includes a new mineral springs trail and a loop that takes a visitor to the park’s springs, and features educational signage.
State parks staff, including engineers and workers, also participated in the rehabilitation work.
Chinian said the plazas and pavilions in the Geyser Spring area were built in the 1930s and had become deteriorated. The state has also funded the updating and renovation of pavilion and restroom complexes in the park’s picnic area.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
By Lee Coleman (Contact)
Gazette Reporter
Text Size: A | A | A
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The renovated, enhanced Vale of Springs area of the Saratoga Spa State Park was officially opened Tuesday in celebration of the park’s 100th anniversary.
State parks Commissioner Rose Harvey, along with members of the Saratoga-Capital Region Parks Commission, helped cut the ribbon in the park’s Geyser Spring area. Heather Mabee, commission chair, and her mother, socialite Marylou Whitney, also helped to open the area, which was first developed in the 1930s.
Mabee and Whitney were also among those donating money to the $250,000 Centennial Campaign that paid for much of the work.
“This is a perfect model of a public-private partnership,” said Harvey, who was appointed earlier this year as commissioner of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
“This community identified a need within the park and worked tirelessly with friends and supporters toward its completion,” Harvey said in a prepared statement.
Alane Ball Chinian, director of the state parks’ Saratoga-Capital Region, said the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park donated many volunteer hours to the project, and local businesses donated money, products and labor. For example, Bonacio Construction of Saratoga Springs rebuilt the Orenda Spring pavilion, Sunnyside Gardens of Saratoga Springs donated flowers and plantings and Moy Enterprises donated a portion of the masonry work it did for the project.
The Hayes Spring pavilion was renovated by volunteers from the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park, Chinian said. The project includes a new mineral springs trail and a loop that takes a visitor to the park’s springs, and features educational signage.
State parks staff, including engineers and workers, also participated in the rehabilitation work.
Chinian said the plazas and pavilions in the Geyser Spring area were built in the 1930s and had become deteriorated. The state has also funded the updating and renovation of pavilion and restroom complexes in the park’s picnic area.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Umbrella fundraiser for Victoria Pool, Father's Day, Sunday, June 19th, noon-3pm.
Saratoga Spa State Park
Victoria Pool Umbrella Fund-Raiser
Sunday, Father’s Day, June 19, 2011, Noon-3 P.M.
Location: Victoria Pool Lobby at Saratoga Spa State Park.
For more information, call: Louise at 518-683-8476 or email: vicpool@aol.com
Suggested contribution: $25
Checks payable to: Natural Heritage Trust for Saratoga Spa State Park.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Food for thought from the Post Star Editorial when getting water at the Joe Bruno Spring at Saratoga Spa State Park
Editorial: Time to end ‘monuments to me’
StoryDiscussionEditorial: Time to end ‘monuments to me’
Posted: Friday, May 6, 2011 7:52 pm | (1) Comments
Font Size:Default font sizeLarger font size.If the Charles R. Wood Foundation donates a million dollars to a hospital wing, they don't put the name of his bank on the building. They put Charles R. Wood's name on it.
So why is it when some politician directs taxpayer money to a building or an athletic field or an educational program, people feel it's appropriate to put the politician's name on it?
What's even worse is that when that politician is later disgraced through unethical or illegal actions, the name of the building in his honor remains.
Retired Sen. Joseph Bruno, a convicted felon who was forced out of office because of allegations he used his powerful Senate majority seat to direct state business to contractors in exchange for "consulting fees," has at least 16 buildings in Rensselear County named after him, one in each town and city in the county.
Among the many buildings bearing his name is Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, home of the Tri-City ValleyCats, a professional minor league baseball team. So did Mr. Bruno donate his personal fortune to help build the stadium, as the aforementioned Mr. Wood did in donating his own money to everything from hospital wings to theaters?
No, he didn't.
Was Mr. Bruno a famous baseball player or a beloved coach or Little League benefactor?
No he wasn't.
Mr. Bruno is so prominently honored because he used his job an elected official to guide $14 million of the taxpayers' money to the people who wanted to build the stadium. That $14 million works out to almost $1 for every man woman and child in the state. But are our names on the side of the building? No they aren't.
Mr. Bruno is the not the first, nor the last, politician to be honored with a facade. He's not the only unethical one. He's not even the most recent one.
Rep. Charles Rangel, a congressman from Harlem, last year was found guilty by a House ethics panel and censured by the full House of ethical violations for, among other things, soliciting millions of dollars in donations from companies doing business before Congress for an academic building at the City College of New York. That episode is just one in a long list of accusations made against Rangel for illegal or unethical conduct. By the way, the name of that academic building for which he was soliciting all that money: The Rangel Center for Public Service. Even after he was censured, the college said it had no plans to remove his name from the building. They're probably not giving the money back either.
There are numerous other examples of politicians being honored for helping direct our tax dollars to a project. In many cases, the politician isn't accused of being corrupt or doing anything wrong. But having a permanent campaign ad on a prominent building is a pretty strong incentive for an incumbent legislator to lobby for funds for a particular project.
In 2007, for example, state Sen. Michael Nozzolio directed $1.5 million of state taxpayer money to an athletic facility in Monroe County. He also secured a $25,000 state grant for a youth soccer program. Guess who the soccer complex is named after. You can't buy that kind of campaign advertising. Or maybe you can.
Not everyone is taking this practice lying down.
In several states, there are movements afoot to outlaw the practice of naming public buildings and other property after incumbent or retired politicians. In addition to buildings, highways and airports are popular places to attach a legislative benefactor's name. Joe Bruno once had a bronze bust prominently displayed in the Albany airport. It's since been relocated.
Ending so-called "monuments to me" has been an uphill battle for New Mexico state Sen. Mark Boitano, who objects on the basis that it's "free 24/7 advertising" for the incumbents. "It's not right," he said. He not only wants the naming practice stopped, he also wants the names of sitting politicians removed from existing buildings. But so far, he's not getting much enthusiastic support from his fellow lawmakers. His bill has been tabled in the New Mexico state Senate.
Congress has also toyed with the idea of banning "monuments to me." The late Sen. Richard Byrd of West Virginia had more than 30 public entities named after him during his tenure in Congress, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Our public officials must reject any practice that makes it appear as if they're trading their office for personal gain.
Rather than naming public buildings after the politicians who secure taxpayer funding, why not name the buildings after the people who actually provide the funding?
John Q. Taxpayer Stadium has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
Local editorials represent the opinion of The Post-Star editorial board, which consists of Publisher Rick Emanuel, Editor Ken Tingley, Editorial Page Editor Mark Mahoney and citizen representative Tom Sullivan.
Copyright 2011 The Post-Star. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
.Posted in Editorial on Friday, May 6, 2011 7:52 pm
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Library "brown bag" by Saratoga's City Historian on "ten Springs", th.,5/12/11@noon.
Welcome to the Valley of the Ten Springs
Saratoga Springs’ City Historian Mary Ann Fitzgerald will take us back into time
spotlighting the neighborhood of the Valley of the Ten Springs for the May Brown Bag Lunch Program. Currently home to the Spring Run Trail which runs along the old railroad bed, Mary Ann will bring us back to the days when the railroad travelled to the famous mud baths and mineral springs in the valley and then continued to Saratoga Lake. Industry and tourism once surrounded the residents of this neighborhood, but today one can enjoy the tranquil two mile trail surrounded by the sounds and smell of nature.
The program will be held May 12th from 12 Noon to 1 PM in the Dutcher Community Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. The Brown Bag Lunch is cosponsored by the library and the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.
For further information call 587-3241.
Saratoga Springs’ City Historian Mary Ann Fitzgerald will take us back into time
spotlighting the neighborhood of the Valley of the Ten Springs for the May Brown Bag Lunch Program. Currently home to the Spring Run Trail which runs along the old railroad bed, Mary Ann will bring us back to the days when the railroad travelled to the famous mud baths and mineral springs in the valley and then continued to Saratoga Lake. Industry and tourism once surrounded the residents of this neighborhood, but today one can enjoy the tranquil two mile trail surrounded by the sounds and smell of nature.
The program will be held May 12th from 12 Noon to 1 PM in the Dutcher Community Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. The Brown Bag Lunch is cosponsored by the library and the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.
For further information call 587-3241.
kentucky derby upon us, Saturday,May 7,2011.
2011 Kentucky Derby Post Positions
This first race in the coveted Triple Crown of horse racing attracts plenty of attention. Since 2005, when the purse went from one million to two million dollars, the "Run For The Roses" offers the biggest prize of all the Stakes races.
The May 7th running of the Kentucky Derby will be the 137th time that the race has been held. Meanwhile, here are the post positions announced at 5PM ET on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 from Churchill Downs:
2011 Kentucky Derby post positions
Horse Jockey Trainer ML Odds
1 Archarcharch Jon Court. Jinks Fires 10-1
2 Brilliant Speed Joel Rosario Tom Albertrani 30-1
3 Twice the Appeal Calvin Borel Jeff Bonde 20-1
4 Stay Thirsty Ramon Dominguez Todd Pletcher 20-1
5 Decisive Moment Kerwin Clark Juan Arias 30-1
6 Comma to the Top Pat Valenzuela Peter Miller 30-1
7 Pants on Fire Rosie Napravnik Kelly Breen 20-1
8 Dialed In Julian Leparoux Nick Zito 4-1
9 Derby Kitten Javier Castellano Michael J. Maker 30-1
10 Twinspired Mike Smith Mike Maker 30-1
11 Master of Hounds Garrett Gomez Aidan O'Brien 30-1
12 Santiva Shaun Bridgmogan Eddie Kenneally 30-1
13 Mucho Macho Man Rajiv Maragh Kathy Ritvo 12-1
14 Shakleford Jesus Castanon Dale Romans 12-1
15 Midnight Interlude Victor Espinoza Bob Baffert 10-1
16 Animal Kingdom Robby Albarado Graham Motion 30-1
17 Soldat Alan Garcia Kiaran McLaughlin 12-1
18 Uncle Moe John Velazquez Todd Pletcher 9-2
19 Nehro Corey Nakatani Steve Asmussen 6-1
20 Watch Me Go Rafael Bejarano Kathleen O'Connell 50-1
Picking a Derby winner
Monday, April 25, 2011
Will the Victoria Pool open on it's traditional Memorial Day date. Post Star wonders, Saratoga Snippets Blog. 4/25/11.
Sidewalk Swimming in Saratoga Springs
There are 34 days, 12 hours and 34 minutes to go, at this posting, on the countdown clock until the traditional opening of the Victorian Pool, according to an advocacy group monitoring the goings-on at the Saratoga Spa State Park.
On Monday morning, hiding in plain sight, DPW crews were out in force testing the arc and flow rate of city fire hydrants.
On the surface, the two may seem unrelated, but consider that Gov. Andrew Cuomo — who has pledged to cut state costs — grew up in Queens, N.Y., where the swimming options for neighborhood youth were limited to either journeying to the WPA-constructed Astoria Pool, or playing beneath the streaming arcs of cool water unleashed from the neighborhood fire hydrant.
Affectionately nicknamed the Johnny Pump, these three-foot tall water geysers would be uncapped on hot, humid summer days to the joy of neighborhood kids. At minimal cost.
Taking into account the state’s budget woes, the costs to open and operate the amenities at the State Park like the pool AND the mysterious testing of hydrants in Saratoga Springs Monday morning, is there a nefarious effort underway to relocate the Victorian Pool to the city streets this year?
We’ll have to wait and see how this one plays out; Victorian swimmers, you have been warned.
– Thomas Dimopoulos
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Geyser Creek being stocked with trout at Saratoga Spa State Park, 4/20/11.
Jansikwe and hundreds of other children brought buckets to receive a trout to release in geyser creek. A wonderful and unique event with live music, tie dyeing shirts, hot dogs and lots more fun for kids and their adult companions.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Philadelphia Orchestra may declare bankruptcy and two Saratoga Broadway buildings going on the auction block.
News
Philadelphia Orchestra board to vote on bankruptcy Saturday; concerned musicians oppose the move
Published: Friday, April 15, 2011
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Cellist Yo-Yo Ma joined Charles Dutoit and the Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC during the orchestra's 2010 residency in Saratoga Springs. Ed Burke file photo/eburke@saratogian.com
PHILADELPHIA — Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra concerned about a bankruptcy vote distributed leaflets to audience members before a concert to express their opposition to what they say would be a devastating blow to the famed ensemble’s future.
The musicians walked into the audience and handed out the leaflets Thursday night. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the crowd applauded as they returned to the stage. The musicians waved their instruments in gratitude.
The orchestra’s board is scheduled to vote Saturday whether to pursue Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The board tells WPVI-TV its $31 million in revenue is $15 million less than its costs.
The orchestra’s management is seeking givebacks including a 16 percent pay cut from the musicians as part of their ongoing contract negotiations.
The orchestra's annual summer residency at Saratoga Performing Arts Center is set to start its 2011 season July 27. At a March 31 meeting of SPAC's board, executive director Marcia White said this season would feature conductor emeritus Charles Dutoit as well as Spa City native and actor David Hyde Pierce as a narrator.
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Two Broadway buildings headed for auction block
April 15, 2011 at 5:33 pm by Dennis Yusko
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Two buildings on Broadway measuring more than 42,000-square-feet will be auctioned off next month, setting the stage for more big changes to the heart of this tourist city’s downtown business district.
Days after a 22,500-square-foot Borders bookstore shut its doors at 395 Broadway, news broke that the popular Saratoga Shoe Depot at 385 Broadway and a three-story building at 322-328 Broadway and the corner of Spring Street will be sold at auction on May 4.
Owned by Frank Panza, the shoe store is 22,252-square-feet, and is located just a few doors from Borders. The multi-story building is 20,678-square-feet. It’s ground-floor retail stores are partially vacant, and it contains residential units and a theater in the upper floor.
“They are kind of important properties,” said Chuck Anderson, owner of Anderson Auction & Realty, which is promoting the properties.
Panza could not be reached for comment, but Anderson called the May sales standard real estate foreclosure auctions due to non-payment of mortgages. Citing a city official who could not be reached late Friday, the Business Review reported that Panza owes $227,850 in taxes on 385 Broadway, and $96,102 on 322-328 Broadway.
The auction will take place at 11 a.m. May 4 at the Saratoga County Courthouse in Ballston Spa. Buyers will need a 10 percent deposit.
The Saratoga Shoe Depot, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year, could close within 30 days after the auction, Anderson said.
The spector of two more giant storefronts on Broadway going vacant will further alarm city officials, who fretted over the closing of Borders. But Anderson thinks that they could change hands soon.
“We’ve already had interest in them from several companies,” he said.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
yeh! All good things we want come to Saratoga eventually.
Table Hopping
Eat, drink and be candid
By Steve Barnes | E-mail | About Table Hopping
Quintessence to open in former Bloomers location in MaltaApril 5, 2011 at 4:48 pm by Steve Barnes, senior writer
The partners responsible for reviving Quintessence in Albany have added another restored silver diner to their portfolio. Joseph Zappone, the local lawyer and developer who, with his business partner, Pat Fiore, restored the New Scotland Avenue Quintessence and reopened it in August 2009, tells me the pair have purchased the former Bloomers an American Bistro location, on Route 9 just south of Northway Exit 13; Bloomers closed in late March. Pre-Bloomers, the building was the longtime home of the former Chez Sophie.
Given that minimal work needs to be done on the new location, Zapponse says, the plan is to open within a couple of months, though alcohol may not be available at first, depending on arrival of the liquor license. As at the Albany Quintessence, management of the Malta business will be under the direction of Nick Riggione, whose family owns the local Inferno Pizzerias and who is a partner with the owners, while Riggione’s brother Gennaro will supervises the kitchen. The menu will be the same as in Albany, and the name will remain simply Quintessence.
Zappone and Fiore last fall bought the former Kirker’s location in Latham with the intention of putting a Quintessence there as well. The availability of the Malta diner has put that project temporarily on hold, Zappone says, as the pair concentrate on opening in Saratoga County. They still plan to develop the Latham property, but not immediately, he tells me.
Posted in News, Recommendations, Restaurants/chefs | 9 Comments
9 Comments »
1.Hip hip hooray.
Comment by dominic colose — April 5th, 2011 @ 6:56 pm
2.I’m excited.
Comment by Mr. Sunshine — April 5th, 2011 @ 7:05 pm
3.WINNING! That’s about 60 seconds from our house!
Comment by Mark H. Delfs — April 5th, 2011 @ 8:50 pm
4.They must have bought it completely as-is, you can still see the bottles behind the bar if you drive by. Glad something is moving in there right away.
Comment by Smythe — April 5th, 2011 @ 8:50 pm
5.Were do I apply?!!
Comment by salvino — April 5th, 2011 @ 9:42 pm
6.Yeah! Bring on the spinach noodles! Can’t wait.
Comment by lakesider — April 6th, 2011 @ 5:35 am
7.Great location
Comment by pw — April 6th, 2011 @ 7:08 am
8.can’t wait!
Comment by mattydread — April 6th, 2011 @ 8:17 am
9.I love the albany location, it brings me back in time, but can only get there maybe once a month leaving in nearby saratoga we will be there more often, GREAT NEWS, CAN’T WAIT
Comment by john — April 6th, 2011 @ 9:54 am
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Eat, drink and be candid
By Steve Barnes | E-mail | About Table Hopping
Quintessence to open in former Bloomers location in MaltaApril 5, 2011 at 4:48 pm by Steve Barnes, senior writer
The partners responsible for reviving Quintessence in Albany have added another restored silver diner to their portfolio. Joseph Zappone, the local lawyer and developer who, with his business partner, Pat Fiore, restored the New Scotland Avenue Quintessence and reopened it in August 2009, tells me the pair have purchased the former Bloomers an American Bistro location, on Route 9 just south of Northway Exit 13; Bloomers closed in late March. Pre-Bloomers, the building was the longtime home of the former Chez Sophie.
Given that minimal work needs to be done on the new location, Zapponse says, the plan is to open within a couple of months, though alcohol may not be available at first, depending on arrival of the liquor license. As at the Albany Quintessence, management of the Malta business will be under the direction of Nick Riggione, whose family owns the local Inferno Pizzerias and who is a partner with the owners, while Riggione’s brother Gennaro will supervises the kitchen. The menu will be the same as in Albany, and the name will remain simply Quintessence.
Zappone and Fiore last fall bought the former Kirker’s location in Latham with the intention of putting a Quintessence there as well. The availability of the Malta diner has put that project temporarily on hold, Zappone says, as the pair concentrate on opening in Saratoga County. They still plan to develop the Latham property, but not immediately, he tells me.
Posted in News, Recommendations, Restaurants/chefs | 9 Comments
9 Comments »
1.Hip hip hooray.
Comment by dominic colose — April 5th, 2011 @ 6:56 pm
2.I’m excited.
Comment by Mr. Sunshine — April 5th, 2011 @ 7:05 pm
3.WINNING! That’s about 60 seconds from our house!
Comment by Mark H. Delfs — April 5th, 2011 @ 8:50 pm
4.They must have bought it completely as-is, you can still see the bottles behind the bar if you drive by. Glad something is moving in there right away.
Comment by Smythe — April 5th, 2011 @ 8:50 pm
5.Were do I apply?!!
Comment by salvino — April 5th, 2011 @ 9:42 pm
6.Yeah! Bring on the spinach noodles! Can’t wait.
Comment by lakesider — April 6th, 2011 @ 5:35 am
7.Great location
Comment by pw — April 6th, 2011 @ 7:08 am
8.can’t wait!
Comment by mattydread — April 6th, 2011 @ 8:17 am
9.I love the albany location, it brings me back in time, but can only get there maybe once a month leaving in nearby saratoga we will be there more often, GREAT NEWS, CAN’T WAIT
Comment by john — April 6th, 2011 @ 9:54 am
RSS feed for comments on this post.
Post a Comment
Name (required)
Mail (will not be published) (required)
Website
Note: All comments are read and approved before they display. Comments with profanity or personal attacks will be rejected.
Ads by Yahoo! Table Hopping Sponsored by Proctors
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Siro's to take Manhattan.
Iconic Saratoga Restaurant is Off To the Races in Turtle Bay April 1, 2011 1:24pm1commentshareprint
Siro's of Saratoga, a trackside landmark restaurant, is opening a new restaurant in Turtle Bay, backed by celebs.
•Story•Comments Siro's of Saratoga is bring its upscale horse race ambiance to Turtle Bay. (www.sirosny.com/)By Amy Zimmer
DNAinfo News Editor
MANHATTAN — A little bit of Saratoga Springs, the bucolic upstate town where New Yorkers like to escape to the horse races, is coming to Turtle Bay.
The famed Siro's of Saratoga is opening a fine dining restaurant and more casual "Club House" at 885 Second Ave., between 47th and 48th streets, and has some heavy hitters behind it.
Yankees relief ace Mariano Rivera is a partner in the Club House and "Entourage" star Kevin Connelly is part of the team behind the upscale half of the eatery, said Keith Kantrowitz, a mortgage banker who is part of the group of investors behind the project.
The popular trackside restaurant has been a staple on the Saratoga social circuit since it opened in 1930.
The Saratoga institution, once described as "a stamping ground for equestrian-minded magnates, grandes dames, dandies and the occasional miscreant," is only open during the six-week racing season.
"In an often repeated line once uttered by a waiter, Siro's is where 'Goodfellas' meets 'Gone With the Wind,'" the New York Times wrote in 2003.
Siro's will not only bring its cassoulet, lamb shanks and raw oysters, it will also bring some horse culture.
Kantrowitz said it will be decorated with pictures of famous horses and other horse-related artwork.
"During the racing season many of our customers are from New York City and many of them are loyal," Kantrowitz said of the impetus for the downstate outpost.
Kantrowitz's group — which included New York Post publisher Paul Carlucci and Steven Schoenfeld, managing partner of a New York-based financial services firm — took over Siro's in 2009.
Kantrowitz expects the New York City restaurant and club house to open in 2 months.
Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20110401/murray-hill-gramercy/iconic-saratoga-restaurant-is-off-races-turtle-bay#ixzz1IMwFOWaw
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Filly Victoria Pool wins at Aqueduct Racetrack on 3/17/11.
SECOND RACE: Victoria Pool, 8-1 dropping in for 50G maiden claiming tag after losing her debut vs. NY-bred special weights by 14 lengths at 50-1, gunned to the front under Eurico Da Silva, chased by 30-1 first-time starter Maspeth Princess, Jose Espinoza up, with Dita, third vs. special weights last out, tracking the pace under a snug hold by Channing Hill. Dita made her move turning for home but hung, while Maspeth Princess turned in a strong bid but was repulsed by Victoria Pool in a long stretch duel. Bazinga, even-money favorite in her debut for Linda Rice, never got involved.
This filly is named after our favorite pool.
Friday, March 18, 2011
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