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Keep Your House Cozy With These Upstate-Inspired Textiles and Wallpaper

Natalie Moore
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Keep Your House Cozy With These Upstate-Inspired Textiles and Wallpaper

Photography by Elizabeth Haynes

Just because the view out your window is colorless this time of year doesn’t mean the inside of your home has to be. “I keep a colorful home all year long,” says Saratoga-based artist Betsy Olmsted. “Displaying a spectrum of hues indoors through the cold, winter months is key for my upstate New York mental survival.” 

As it happens, Olmsted’s own whimsical watercolors—which she prints on blankets, pillows, tea towels and wallpaper and sells at Silverwood Home & Gallery on Broadway and on betsyolmsted.com—offer just the pop of color our dreary upstate winters call for. And a new collection celebrating everything there is to do outside in said upstate winters just dropped.

“Upstate Camp was inspired by the activities and nature in the Adirondacks,” says Olmsted of her new pattern. “The print depicts objects and animals associated with upstate leisure, camping, sports and foraging, from the lake to the slope.” At press time, the Upstate Camp print was available on most textiles, with the wallpaper—perfect for an accent wall in a cozy cabin—set to go on sale in December. Follow @bestyolmsted on Instagram to be the first to know when it’s available.

All that’s left? Snuggling up in your Upstate Camp quilt, grabbing some s’mores fixings, and gathering ’round the fireplace—upstate style.

Gennaro’s Pizza Parlor Rolls Out New Specialty Sandwich Menu

Natalie Moore
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Gennaro’s Pizza Parlor Rolls Out New Specialty Sandwich Menu

When you can’t grab a slice of New York City pizza, go for the next best thing: Saratoga pizza made by a former Manhattanite.

In 2018, after 20 some years working in restaurants in the City, Alex Rodriguez (no, not that Alex Rodriguez) was visiting a friend in Saratoga. “He looked at me and was like, ‘The best pizzeria in town is for sale, and you need to buy it,’” Rodriguez says. The next morning, the friends just so happened to be having coffee at Kru, and swung by the neighboring pizza shop to check it out. Rodriguez talked to the owner for two hours, then to his accountant for an hour, then called his wife, Carina. 

Six short weeks later, the Rodriguez family were Saratogians—and the proud owners of Gennaro’s Pizza Parlor. “Once I took over, I didn’t want to make any crazy changes, because I didn’t want to mess with our already steady clientele,” Rodriguez says. “So over time, I just tweaked all the ingredients and kind of elevated things. But now I want to add a different aspect to the business.”

Thanks to interior renovations that made the restaurant’s dining area smaller and its kitchen larger (like at most pizzerias, much of the business is takeout anyway), Rodriguez was ready to roll out a brand-new menu that dropped in late November. The highlight? High-end Italian specialty sandwiches—think prosciutto, mortadella, salami Toscano, burrata and homemade spreads—served on fresh-baked focaccia.

“I’ve always been a sandwich guy, and, not to take away from any of the places here in Saratoga, but personally I find it hard to find a really good sandwich,” Rodriguez says. “So I’m trying to fill my own void. I want to add another little dimension to Saratoga’s food options.”  

TBT: Becoming The Saratoga Santa

Natalie Moore
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TBT: Becoming The Saratoga Santa

Twenty-five years ago this year, Fred Clark’s wife, Carol, saw an ad in the newspaper announcing that Hewitt’s Garden Center was in need of someone to dress up as Santa for an event. She knew her husband would be perfect. The only problem? Fred didn’t have a beard.

The Saratoga Santa today. (Photography by Matt Ramos)

He did have a fake beard though, and that did the trick for his St. Nick debut. But after that 1998 holiday season, Fred got serious about Santa-ing. “I just wanted to be a real Santa,” he says. “I had the real belly and the real white, curly beard to do so. I did a home visit for my family eye doctor, and after the visit he said he thought this was my calling. I realized he was right.” So Fred grew out his beard and has been bringing holiday cheer to Saratoga Springs and beyond ever since.

Now known throughout the region simply as The Saratoga Santa, Fred is starting to see children of the children he first met 20-plus years ago. “The best part about that is that I see the same happiness and smile on the moms’ and dads’ faces, just like 25 years ago when they were kids themselves,” he says. “It doesn’t matter the year or the century that Christmas has been celebrated.
Santa is timeless.”  

Panel: Home for the Holidays

Staff Report
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Panel: Home for the Holidays

In our most recent issue, we asked five Saratogians four questions each about how they’re wrapping up 2023. Here are their answers:

JR Michael

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

To try to get more sleep and make more time to work out

What’s your favorite local holiday activity?

Watching Christmas movies with the family is my go-to!

What do you want for Christmas or Hanukkah? 

I have everything I need. One more rest day would be nice.

What’s your favorite gift to give?

Time is the greatest gift you can give someone. I love the memories I’ve spent with the people
I care most about.

Joyce White

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

To be mindful, centered, patient and grateful. And to remember, no matter what, life goes on.

What’s your favorite local holiday activity?

Christmas Eve dinner at Salt & Char

What do you want for Christmas or Hanukkah? 

For Noel, the wine buyer at Purdy’s, to order my favorite French rosé, Peyrassol

What’s your favorite gift to give?

Crumb top apple pie from Smith’s Bakery or pop tarts from Sweet Mimi’s

Richard King

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

I resolve NOT to make a New Year’s resolution. Life’s challenges and surprises don’t pay attention to the calendar (except the IRS, on April 15!) so I find it’s best to be flexible in dealing with them.

What’s your favorite local holiday activity?

For many years I ran the Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Later in the day, it was always a delight to feel guilt-free about second helpings and multiple desserts.

What do you want for Christmas or Hanukkah? 

I prefer the gift of a unique or special experience—a trip to an exotic locale, a cultural weekend in New York City, or an indulgent spa experience.

What’s your favorite gift to give?

The same answer as the previous question

Carrie Zappone

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

After the craziness of the holidays, I try to make the first couple of months of the new year as simple and easy as possible for my family.

What’s your favorite local holiday activity?

I love all the holiday décor in the restaurants: Hamlet & Ghost and Lucy’s were my favorites last year.

What do you want for Christmas or Hanukkah? 

Time with friends and family, a trip or an upgrade of something around the house

What’s your favorite gift to give?

Anything cozy: sweatpants, slippers or a bathrobe

Samuel Vandenmark

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

To complete my Winter 46 (hiking all 46 4,000-foot Adirondack High Peaks during the winter season)

What’s your favorite local holiday activity?

New Year’s Fest is always a good time.

What do you want for Christmas or Hanukkah? 

Homemade ones, whether it be a mug from someone’s local pottery studio, a custom-made Jenga game with messages on each block, or some soup.

What’s your favorite gift to give?

I always keep Notes in my phone for close friends and family that include random, funny items they’ve mentioned throughout the year.     

‘Saratoga Living’ Joins Forces With New Local Podcast ‘Seriously Catherine’

Staff Report
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‘Saratoga Living’ Joins Forces With New Local Podcast ‘Seriously Catherine’

Palette Community founder and CEO Catherine Hover has never been afraid to try new things. And this time, she invited Saratoga Living to join her. Her new podcast, Seriously Catherine, is a fun and engaging Capital Region-fest that features weekly interviews with local movers and shakers. Each episode also has a Saratoga Living or Saratoga Living After Hours “moment”—and her personal takes on them are often hilarious.

Saratoga Living’s CEO, Abby Tegnelia, will be in the studio with Catherine about once a month. Most episodes will be a sneak peek of the upcoming issue of the magazine—plus behind-the-scenes insider info and Catherine’s hot takes on what the team (Director of Content Natalie Moore just might make an appearance or two as well!) has chosen for the magazine’s stories.

For Abby’s first episode, which you can listen to wherever you listen to podcasts, Catherine generously let her jump on her “saving local journalism” soapbox. (Also discussed: Owen Wilson, fearlessly finding your life path, and local celeb Tim Pink’s dating life.) After listening (and in turn doing your part to support local journalism here in the Capital Region), please like, follow and/or review! Those easy steps are what it takes to keep a podcast going. And this is one we want to keep going!

Seriously Catherine is produced by local podcasting company Bright Sighted. Come along for the ride!

Fashion: Warm Wishes for Wintertime Soirées

Claire Burnett
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Fashion: Warm Wishes for Wintertime Soirées

Photography by Dori Fitzpatrick

It’s that time of year when we’re getting all dressed up to celebrate the holidays at work parties, winter galas and glam New Year’s Eve celebrations. With the frigid upstate temperatures, though, it can be hard to feel stylish and warm at the same time. Until now.

Of course, guys have it easy. Here, Taylor Blue Clarke (find him on Instagram at @blueizthecolor) is rocking a custom suit jacket and sleek white dress shirt from Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel. The jacket fits his masculine frame like a glove, and the white pocket square exudes sophistication and attention to detail. The only thing left to add? A girl on his arm.

For a classic yet chic look, I chose this timeless ivory lace jumpsuit by Don O’Neill paired with ruby crystal earrings from Saratoga Trunk. It features intricate lace detailing and a flattering silhouette,
with plush, white fur around the neck and down the sides of the ribs. While elegant, it sports a thick lining, which will keep you nice and toasty on the coldest of December nights. This year, I really am dreaming of a white Christmas.        

—Claire Burnett, @clairewburnett

Taylor’s Look / Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel

Jack Victor Jacket | $750

Stenstroms Shirt | $225

Claire’s Look / Saratoga Trunk

Thea Couture Ivory Lace/Fox Fur Jumpsuit | $620

Ruby Crystal Earrings | $98

Scenes From the 5th Annual Capital Region Gives Back

Staff Report
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Scenes From the 5th Annual Capital Region Gives Back

Photography by Hannah Kuznia / Hannah Lux Photography

On Wednesday, December 6, Saratoga Living and Capital Region Living welcomed the 10 Capital Region Gives Back honorees featured in our holiday issues, their friends and family and the Saratoga community to our 5th annual holiday fundraising event presented by Rotor-Matic Plumbing & Drain Solutions at Putnam Place. After indulging in cocktails by Saratoga Eagle, dinner by West Ave Pizza and dessert by Bella Napoli, guests tuned in to the program, presented by NewsChannel 13’s Mark Mulholland. Each honoree was gifted a bouquet of flowers by Samantha Nass Floral Design as a slideshow of trivia about the honorees—made possible by DeCrescente Distributing, Swifty’s Restaurant and Pub, New York Oncology Hematology, Stuyvesant Plaza, Old Daley, NYRA, Amadore Homes, Alexis Diner and E. Stewart Jones—played above the stage. Afterwards, guests grooved to music by DJ Eric and took turns testing out photographer Hannah Kuznia’s fun photo booth. See the photo booth pictures here, and click through the gallery below for more scenes from the magical night.

Scenes From The Coat Room’s Tiki Bar Pop-Up

Natalie Moore
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Scenes From The Coat Room’s Tiki Bar Pop-Up

Photography by Zach Skowronek

It doesn’t get much less “tiki” than upstate New York in December, but three local bartenders didn’t let that stop them from hosting the ultimate evening of Pina Coladas, Daiquiris and more at The Coat Room last Monday, December 4.

“We were sitting down over a couple of drinks late one night trying to decide how to bring all of our friends and fellow industry workers together,” says Gerry Akins, the former Hamlet and Ghost bar manager we featured in our fall food and drink issue. “Next thing you know, we had the place packed shoulder to shoulder.”

Indeed, Saratoga showed up for the pop-up event, which saw Akins, Cantina’s John Laden and The Coat Room’s Justin LaViolette team up behind the bar to serve a special menu including the Rum Gerald, whose description on the menu read “It’s just like a boozy drink with extra booze that doesn’t totally taste like booze, ya know?” Other favorite concoctions included the Mezcal Mai Tai, the Rings Over Hawaii milk punch and an Asian-inspired Pina Colada called Gardens of Waimea.

And, indeed, the place was packed. “There’s no better feeling than looking up when you’re in the weeds and seeing the bar two to three people deep with all your friends, coworkers and industry people from around town,” Layden says. “Not to mention that everyone was loving the vibe and drinks.”

While the tiki pop-up was one night only, there’s more where it came from. “Gerry and John are two guys who I look at as the young phenoms of the every-growing Saratoga restaurant and bar industry,” says LaViolette, who orchestrated the evening at Coat Room. “This is not the end of the Pop-Up Trio.”

More scenes from the evening by photographer Zach Skowronek:

Chic Peek: Lucy’s Bar Is All Wrapped Up

Abby Tegnelia
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Chic Peek: Lucy’s Bar Is All Wrapped Up

Photography by Rachel McNair/The Content Agency

Lucy’s Bar is tiny, but it’s known for serving up decadent specialty cocktails that are huge on flavor. Come November, the watering hole is also known as the coziest, most Christmas-iest bar on Caroline Street.

Inspired by their favorite bars with particularly inviting ambiances, owners Lucy Rivas, Zach VanEarden and Kelsey McPartland decided to go all in for the holidays. With VanEarden at the helm, decking the halls of their little-bar-that-could has now become a holiday tradition. And we’re not talking a corner Christmas tree and some fairy lights. Lucy’s means business: Every last inch of the ceiling is covered with strands and strands of lights that reflect off the bar’s mirrors, miles of garland, and more ornaments than you can count—a festive explosion of holiday cheer inside two bedecked doors wrapped liked presents in jolly red ribbon. 

“We all truly love Christmas in upstate New York and found that what was missing was a cozy, almost underground Whoville-type bar,” McPartland says. “There is no better feeling than seeing a freezing guest walk into our transformed space to warm up with delicious seasonal cocktails and mocktails.”

So how do they do it? With festive panache, of course! “The ceiling has numerous eye hooks secured into the ceiling joists that we—staff, friends and family—use to create a grid out of nylon cord,” VanEarden says of the 24-hour project. “From there, we use the grid to hang our garland, decorations and lights. We play music, wear matching pajamas, have a few drinks, and end the day with a big community dinner.”  

Scenes From the Wheat All About It Beer Release Party at Whitman Brewing

Staff Report
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Scenes From the Wheat All About It Beer Release Party at Whitman Brewing

Photography by Zach Skowronek

On Wednesday, Saratoga Living teamed up with Whitman Brewing to celebrate the release of collaboration beer Wheat All About It. Sponsored by Helen Mastrion of Hunt Real Estate, the party featured pizza by Whitman, music by Paul Lambert, brew tours by brewer Nick Meyer, and swag bags with signature Wheat All About It pint glasses. For our full recap of the event, check out our story on Saratoga Living After Hours.

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