Speaking of beer in Saratoga Springs, I must say that for a relatively small city, we are very lucky to have the selection of taps and intersting beers available that we do.  While we may be lacking a Mahar's, we make up for it at a number of locations.  Max London's has 6 or 8 taps which tend to focus on local/regional brews, including a beer that Max himself helped brew,.  The Local's (corner of Beekman & Grand) taps are ever changing and seem to lean towards overly (IMHO) hoppy/hop-bomb IPAs, but also feature some good standard's as well as local/regional beers.  They also have some unique bottled beers, as well.  The Grey Gelding has a limited tap selection, but always seems to have a very nice Hefeweizem (HAYFU-vite-zen) or German lager on tap.

The newest pub in town is The Irish Times (Phila Street) has an impressive number of taps at their U-shaped bar.  The most venberable tap-showcasing pub in town is The Parting Glass with a mix of standard and eclectic beers.  Clearly, there are many more pubs and bars in town with strong tap and bottled beer lists, but this is just meant to be a taste.  We are indeed blessed with the fine selection in town!

Slainte,

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Thanks for being a part of The Local Life,

 - Jamie

"We are thrilled to introduce this wonderful new event which will showcase the extraordinary talents of emerging musicians and bands from this region and beyond. It’s an exciting opportunity for us to further diversify our programming with up-and-coming artists from our area, and a great opportunity for the participants as well who will have the chance to perform at a world-class venue that has hosted the biggest stars from the classical and contemporary worlds,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s President & Executive Director

“Battle of the Bands will expand on our commitment to showcasing ‘emerging artists’ during our Extended Season and give audiences of all ages a chance to get closer to the arts and the artists who are making a name for themselves here in our own backyard," she added.

The 10 finalists who will perform on May 21 will be chosen via a YouTube audition video and online entry form available at www.spac.org. All bands who’ve applied will be listed on SPAC’s website on Friday, April 16. A voting period for the public to choose one of the ten finalists that will perform at SPAC will take place on April 17 and 18.

Judging of the 10 finalists will be based on audience response and by a panel of local celebrity judges, that will include:

§ Debbie Gabrione, guitarist and spirited lead singer of Ten Year Vamp, a power pop/rock band based in Albany that has opened for Lifehouse, Gavin DeGraw, Natasha Beddingfield, Simple Plan, the Spin Doctors, and many others.

§ Matt Baumgartner, owner of Bombers restaurants in Albany and Schenectady and Wolff’s Biergarten, as well as the irreverent, tell-it-like-it-is blogger at Fridaypuppy.com

§ Jason Irwin, host of the award-winning local music show EQX-Posure! which features one full hour of the areas finest talent.

In addition to the professionally recorded EP and airplay on WEQX, the winning band will also receive 100 custom tee-shirts, 1,000 custom stickers from Saratoga Statement and placement of their name and logo on SPAC’s website until December 31, 2010.

Bands interested in participating should visit SPAC's website at www.spac.org to submit an online entry form and YouTube audition video. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 14. Public voting for one of the 10 finalists will occur on April 17 and 18; all 10 finalists will be announced and tickets will go on sale for the event April 21. There is no entry fee to participate. If selected for one of the 10 finalist positions, bands must agree to purchase 25 tickets at $15 each, which can then be sold or given away to fans, friends and family. More information is available on SPAC’s website at www.spac.org

First, Slow Food is passionate and active in promoting tasty eating—sustainable, locally grown farm raised meat and produce are a sweet spot—and also good eating—in contrast to the alternative, fast foods that are created under factory conditions, cooked and served and eaten indifferently, and forgotten until the carcinogenic and obesity-inducing factors begin to add up.

Right now Rocco Verrigni, the new local prez who is also an instructor in the SCC Culinary Arts program, is putting together a series of basic cooking classes for folks who would like to explore the benefits of a simply prepared and delicious roast chicken vs a sack of nuggets or wings.

Second, members get priority notification about the monthly Slow Food dinners, which always sell out within a few hours. The other night we had a great special meal and great conversation at Beekman St Bistro; past locations have included Max London and Top of the World. Check it out at http://slowfoodsaratogaregion.com/blog/ .

Beekman St. Bistro

            Voted a “hidden gem” in addition to a variety of other accolades, Beekman St. Bistro is a cozy little restaurant which exudes excellence in all ways possible.  This is a place which embodies the philosophy “from farm to table”- Beekman St. Bistro has established longstanding relationships with local farmers to ensure the freshest seasonal dishes in town.  Come enjoy the Duck Confit with fig jam, Gnocchi with truffle oils, in addition to much more.  Pair this with amazing service and an extensive wine list and you’re in for a memorable evening. Tuesday nights feature a Price fix 3 course menu for $30.

Dine

            Dine effortlessly serves up the best that American, French, and Italian cuisines have to offer.  Relying on the four seasons and global food products, Dine provides a menu that is constantly changing.  A classy and beautiful ambience, Dine also has one of the best wine lists in Saratoga.  This is an experience you will remember for time to come.

Chianti

            Chianti is another favorite among Saratogians alike.  Its newly opened Division Street location features a larger space, but with the same warm and stylish interior.  Chianti’s Northern Italian dishes represent craftsmanship at its best- the knowledgeable and attentive staff have even determined 3 wines that best accompany each dish on their menu.

One Caroline Bistro

            One Caroline Bistro’s mission is to supply the best global comfort food from local sources, and this they do very well.  The space is intimate and cozy atmosphere, featuring live jazz music most nights from an array of local musicians. Their dedication to serve up the freshest and most sustainable ingredients truly make them one of Saratoga’s finest establishments.  Come enjoy all that One Caroline Bistro has to offer today.    

Longfellows

            Longfellows is slightly off the beaten path, but what it lacks in location it certainly makes up for in its exceptional and varied menu.  The elegant, warm space can accommodate a dinner for two all the way to larger parties.  Longfellows is also the recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.  With an attentive staff, delectable dishes, and welcoming ambience, you will not be disappointed by all that Longfellows has to offer.    

Wherever you decide to dine, please be sure to let us know about it here on TheSaratogaLife.com.  Your reviews, comments, articles, etc. are what add life to this site.  Thanks and happy dining!

The Last Station will be showing at the Film Forum at the Saratoga Arts Center on Broadway on Thursday, March 25^th and Friday, March 26 at 8PM and on Sunday, March 28^th at 3PM.

To complement the film we will have on display a lively collection of poster art from Russia and serve Russian tea and samples of traditional Tula cakes from Tolstoy’s home city of Tula, Russia. 

We would like to reserve your ticket soon - the film is sure to be a sell out!!!

For a contribution of $20 to the Saratoga-Chekhov Sister City program, you will receive one gift ticket for the show. Proceeds from the event will help to support our 10^th Anniversary schedule of public programs. During this decade, over 70 Russia visitors have been guests in our community, our homes and schools; and each September Saratogians are invited to a colorful “City Day Festival” in Chekhov.

To reserve your tickets, please call Tom Fox, Event Chair, at 584-8218

Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs: 

The Holiday Inn is a full service hotel located in the historic downtown district of Saratoga Springs adjoining Congress Park. Less than 1 mile from Skidmore, the hotel features Bookmaker’s Restaurant and Lounge, indoor and outdoor heated pools, 24 hour fitness room and business service center along with FREE internet and parking. Complimentary shuttle service is available to area businesses and attractions and our Priority Club frequency program offers benefits including restaurant discounts, late checkouts, free local calls, and points for travel and merchandise that never expire.

Visit www.spa-hi.com for more information.

Longfellows Hotel:

Owned and operated by a Skidmore Alumni, Longfellows has been a longstanding supporter of Skidmore College and the student body.  The hotel is conveniently located off exit 14, neighboring Saratoga National Gold Course, minutes away from the Saratoga Gaming and raceway, 1.5 miles from the Saratoga Thoroughbred race course, and minutes to all Downtown Saratoga has to offer. Let their dedicated staff offer incredible one on one service to any type of guest needs.

The Carriage House Inn:

The Carriage House Inn is a charming Saratoga lodging facility with (14) fourteen unique non-smoking rooms. The rooms range from comfortable and economical to elegant and luxurious. The Inn’s central location allows you to walk to the entire downtown restaurant and shopping district. Located about 1 1/2 miles down Broadway from the main Skidmore entrance.

Residence Inn by Marriott

Feel at home while you’re away from home at the Residence Inn by Marriott. The Residence Inn is conveniently located close to Skidmore College, Saratoga Race Track, Saratoga Center for the Performing Arts (SPAC), Saratoga Springs City Center, and the wonderful downtown dining, shopping, and nightlife. All of their luxuriously appointed suites feature living and sleeping areas, complimentary high speed internet, fully equipped kitchens with appliances including full refrigerators, conventional ranges with ovens, or cook tops & microwaves and cooking utensils. Amenities include flat-screen televisions & in-room movies. Also come take advantage of their indoor heated pool, whirlpool, fitness room, & sports court.  Reduced rates apply for stays over 4, 11, and 29 nights.  

Courtyard by Marriott

Looking for a luxury Saratoga hotel? The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is conveniently located in historic downtown Saratoga Springs, less than a mile from Skidmore, and less than 2 miles from the Saratoga Racetrack. We're within walking distance to museums, restaurants, retail shops and the City Center. The Award Winning Saratoga Springs Hotel features 146 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including luxury suites, 14 allergy-friendly PURE guest rooms, flexible meeting space, a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, room service offered by the Olde Bryan Inn, an upscale lounge, and business library. Complimentary high speed Internet access in all rooms.

Saratoga Hotel Highlights: Marriott Rewards category: 2007 Candidate for Hotel of the year Recipients of the Diamond Circle Award by Marriott
2006 Platinum Award for Guest Satisfaction
AAA Diamonds: 3

Hilton Garden Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn is convenient walking distance to historic downtown, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Saratoga Spa State Park, Hall of Springs, Canfield Casino, Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway and the Dance Museum. Its luxurious, spacious rooms offer complimentary in room high speed wireless, equipped refrigerator, microwave, and much more. Also enjoy their indoor pool and whirlpool, exercise facility, and Great American Grill serving up a daily fully hot breakfast.

Wherever  you decide to stay, please help us to further enrich our site by posting a review here on TheSaratogaLife.com. Enjoy your time here in Saratoga Springs!

The show offers a nice representation of Hudson School painters, giant modern photos of shipyards and such, old postcards and delftware with Hudson River imagery, and a couple of multimedia exhibits including a hypnotic film where you sit in a dark room and become a passenger on a boat, watching the shoreline pass in by the night. Be sure to go into the elevator, close the door, and listen to the "sound map" of water sounds recorded at a series of Hudson River.

If you miss this exhibition, you’ll just have to go to the river itself. One of the best things about living in Saratoga is being able to take Amtrak to/from Penn Station and glide along the Hudson for mile after mile as it changes from rural to suburban to the big city. The river is beautiful and relaxing at any time of year. And it’s easy (and not expensive) to take the train down early, enjoy a full day in the city, then come back in the evening.

For best effect, I like to take the train down at sunrise and the train back an hour or so before sunset and leave from Albany since the trains run much more frequently. Keep in mind that the tracks are on the east side of the river which means you’ll want to sit on the right side of the car going down, the left side coming back up. Make a mistake in your initial seating and you’ll likely find the window seats filled up.  Keep an eye out for the decaying Bannerman Castle, on an offshore island a few miles south of Poughkeepsie. It really is falling down, I recently learned, so catch it while you can.

Saratoga Premieres of Architecture of Dance Works by Wheeldon and Ratmansky

Season Also Includes Red Angels by Ulysses Dove, Balanchine’s The Steadfast Tin Soldier and Classic Works by Jerome Robbins and Peter Martins

 
The 2010 Season of New York City Ballet at Saratoga Performing Arts Center presented by HSBC Bank USA N.A., July 6 – 17, will feature 16 stunning ballets including three opening week performances of Balanchine’s full-length, story ballet A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.  The classic work, based on Shakespeare’s famous play, features elaborate sets and costumes and a cast of over 100 dancers including 27 children.
 
Other season highlights include the July 10 Ballet Gala featuring Saratoga premieres of new works by Alexei Ratmansky and Christopher Wheeldon, commissioned as part of the Ballet’s highly anticipated ARCHITECTURE OF DANCE – NEW CHOREOGRAPHY AND MUSIC FESTIVAL.  Ratmansky’s ballet is set to Édouard Lalo’s Namouna; Wheeldon’s to Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera’s Estancia. Wheeldon’s work will also feature scenic design by internationally acclaimed architect Santiago Calatrava, best known for his dazzling public projects such as bridges, stadiums and train stations in cities around the world, and currently designing a new transit hub at the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan.
 
The summer program also features THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER, a beloved Balanchine work based on a Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale that was commissioned and premiered at SPAC in 1975; STRAVINSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO, which Balanchine created as part of the legendary Stravinsky Festival and which was last performed at SPAC in 2004; several popular works by Jerome Robbins including N.Y. EXPORT: OPUS JAZZ and THE CONCERT; and RED ANGELS, a visually dramatic ballet choreographed by Ulysses Dove that was last performed at SPAC in 1998.
 
“In 2010, New York City Ballet will present for Saratoga audiences, a magnificent program that showcases the extraordinary gifts of its dancers and the exceptional breadth of its repertory. We are particularly excited to present Balanchine’s classic and enchanting A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There is no better stage for this woodland fairy tale than SPAC itself, which has the forest, fireflies and moonlight to make this lyrical work come to life,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s President & Executive Director.
 
“Another storytelling gem that will be part of the season is The Steadfast Tin Soldier, which has a special place in our history as a work SPAC commissioned and premiered on its stage in 1975,” she added.
 
“Just as remarkable as its mastery of classic works is New York City Ballet’s unparalleled commitment to new choreography, underscored by its innovative Architecture of Dance festival. Gala audiences will be treated to the Saratoga premieres of new ballets by Alexei Ratmansky and Christopher Wheeldon – two of the most gifted choreographers in the world today,” said White.
 
“The remainder of the repertoire is tremendously rich and diverse, showcasing the full range of ballet, from classical to neoclassical to contemporary. It’s truly a program that will remind audiences of why New York City Ballet is the foremost dance company in the world,” she said.
 
Other works on the 2010 program that have not been performed for Saratoga audiences in several years include: LA SOURCE which combines thrilling ensemble work with virtuoso pas de deux; WALPURGISNACHT BALLET which pairs Balanchine’s elegant choreography with a passionate score by Gounod; Jerome Robbins’ spirited FANCY FREE featuring Leonard Bernstein’s score; and Balanchine’s WHO CARES? set to George Gershwin’s classic score.   
 
The schedule will also include Peter Martins’ BARBER VIOLIN CONCERTO which explores the contrast between classical ballet and modern dance, and Christopher Wheeldon’s AFTER THE RAIN.
 
Also announced were several pre-performance events that will occur during the Ballet’s season. The pre-events are free and open to all ticketholders for that evening’s ballet performance. Events include:
 
§         American Girl Night, July 14 – One of the biggest events of the season, American Girl Night sponsored by Emma Willard School features tea parties, crafts and giveaways. Lawn admission for children 12 and under is $5 this evening to benefit SPAC’s educational program, Classical Kids.
 
§         Children’s Workshops on the Lawn, July 9 and 16 – These fun, educational programs presented by NYCB dancers, musicians and teachers are designed to introduce children to the joys of dance and foster greater understanding of the works they will see on stage. Workshops take place on the apron in front of the Amphitheatre.
 
§         Friday Family Nights, July 9 and 16 – Children and families can enjoy free Stewart’s ice cream, strolling magicians, face painting and more before Friday evening performances.
 
§         Girls Night Out, July 13 – A very special event featuring fine wine and chocolate tastings, spa treatments and products, massages, hair and skin care, boutique shopping and entertainment.
 
§         Thursday Date Nights, July 8 and 15 – Wine tastings, entertainment and other pre-performance attractions for couples.
 
“One of our highest priorities is to introduce new audiences to the sheer beauty and excitement of New York City Ballet. The addition of the Children’s Workshops on the Lawn, American Girl Night, Family Night and other pre-performance events have been a tremendous hit among families who’ve discovered that these evenings offer wonderful quality time together, as well as the opportunity to give children the unforgettable experience of attending a live classical performance,” White concluded.
 
Ticket prices for SPAC’s New York City Ballet performances start at $18 for lawn seats; inside seating ranges from $26 - $72.50. The “Kids Free on the Lawn” promotion entitles children 12 and under to free lawn admission for classical performances (excluding the Gala and American Girl Night); middle school, high school and college student lawn admission is $10. Order forms for tickets to New York City Ballet’s SPAC season are available on SPAC’s website at www.spac.org or by contacting SPAC at 518.584.9330.
 
 
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Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), founded in 1966, is the northeast’s premier performing arts center. Located within the historic Saratoga Spa State Park, SPAC’s 25,000 capacity venue becomes a showcase each summer for the world-class programming of its resident companies, New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra. SPAC also presents the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, the Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, Lake George Opera, the Extended Season and rock and pop concerts by Live Nation.  Each season approximately 350,000 guests visit SPAC to attend classical or contemporary performances.
 
 
 
 
 
2010 NEW YORK CITY BALLET SPAC SEASON, JULY 6 – 17
 
 
July 6 – 8:00 p.m.
ALL AMERICAN
 
Fancy Free (Bernstein/Robbins)
Red Angels (Einhorn/Dove)
Barber Violin Concerto (Barber/Martins)
Who Cares? (Gershwin orch. by Kay/Balanchine)
 
July 7 – 8:00 p.m.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
 
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
(Mendelssohn/Balanchine)
 
 
July 8 (Matinee) – 2:00 p.m.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
 
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
(Mendelssohn/Balanchine)
 
July 8 – 8:00 p.m.
La Source (Delibes/Balanchine)
Fancy Free (Bernstein/Robbins)
Who Cares? (Gershwin orch. by      Kay/Balanchine)
 
July 9 – 8:00 p.m.
MIXED REP
Divertimento No. 15 (Mozart/Balanchine)
Red Angels (Einhorn/Dove)
Barber Violin Concerto (Barber/Martins)
Fancy Free (Bernstein/Robbins)
 
 
July 10 (Matinee) – 2:00 p.m.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
 
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
(Mendelssohn/Balanchine)
 
July 10 – 8:00 p.m.
BALLET GALA – SARATOGA PREMIERES
New Ratmansky Ballet (Lalo/Ratmansky)
New Wheeldon Ballet (Ginastera/Wheeldon)
 
Fireworks after the performance
 
July 13 – 8:00 p.m.
ALL ROBBINS
N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz (Prince/Robbins)
In the Night (Chopin/Robbins)
The Concert (Chopin/Robbins)
 
July 14 – 8:00 p.m.
EMMA WILLARD AMERICAN GIRL NIGHT
The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Bizet/Balanchine)
Walpurgisnacht Ballet (Gounod/Balanchine)
New Ratmansky Ballet (Lalo/Ratmansky)
 
July 15 (Matinee) – 2:00 p.m.
Divertimento No. 15 (Mozart/Balanchine)
Red Angels (Einhorn/Dove)
Barber Violin Concerto (Barber/Martins)
New Wheeldon Ballet (Ginastera/Wheeldon)
 
 
 
July 15 – 8:00 p.m.
La Source (Delibes/Balanchine)
After the Rain (Pärt/Wheeldon)
Stravinsky Violin Concerto (Stravinsky/Balanchine)
 
July 16 – 8:00 p.m.
ALL ROBBINS
N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz (Prince/Robbins)
In the Night (Chopin/Robbins)
The Concert (Chopin/Robbins)
 
July 17 (Matinee) – 2:00 p.m.
The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Bizet/Balanchine)
Walpurgisnacht Ballet (Gounod/Balanchine)
After the Rain (Pärt/Wheeldon)
Stravinsky Violin Concerto (Stravinsky/Balanchine)
July 17 – 8:00 p.m.
ALL BALANCHINE
Walpurgisnacht Ballet (Gounod/Balanchine)
Stravinsky Violin Concerto (Stravinsky/Balanchine)
Divertimento No. 15 (Mozart/Balanchine)