Tonight: Dine at Gaffney’s to Support Saratoga Mentoring

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Saratoga Springboard, a group of young, professional volunteers dedicated to empowering non-profits in Saratoga County has teamed up with Saratoga Mentoring, a program of Catholic Charities, to enhance programming in the community. Saratoga Mentoring is a program deeply rooted in Saratoga Springs that has been providing services to youth in challenging circumstances for more than 20 years.

Saratoga Springboard will be hosting a fundraising dinner at Gaffney’s Restaurant TONIGHT, Wednesday, May 15th and Gaffney’s has generously agreed to donate twenty percent of the proceeds from all dining room purchases until 10pm! Join them tonight for a delicious meal for a fantastic cause! Please make your reservations for 5pm or 7:30pm, Gaffney’s full menu will be available. For reservations, please call 518.587.7359.

The Double H Ranch Chef’s Dinner at the Sagamore Resort

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Friday night our taste buds were treated once again as we headed north for the Double H Ranch Chef’s Dinner at the gorgeous Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing. It was a full house as 450 attendees packed the space for this not to miss event. Guests mingled with friends and sipped on specialty cocktails as the Chefs got ready to present their dishes. We spotted John Witt & Cari Endres, Chris & Robin Della Bella and John Ryan & Regina Tator in the crowd, and Charlene Courtney, daughter of Double H Ranch Co-Founder Charles Wood and a member of the Board of Directors, was looking gorgeous as always. Abraham Sultan and his beautiful wife Angela were there, as well as Jacob Hopper, John and Nicole Marino, Terry Leahy, Fran Dingeman and her daughter Ashley, Garth Ellms, Tommy and Rachel Uccellini, and Lois Celeste.

l-r: Tommy Uccellini, Lois Celeste, and Charlene Courtney

l-r: Tommy Uccellini, Lois Celeste, and Charlene Courtney

Guests were there to help raise funds for the Double H Ranch Camp, which offers children dealing with critical or life-threatening illnesses the chance to experience the magic of the Adirondacks. During each of the 8 Summer Residential Camp sessions, the Double H Ranch comes alive with the sounds of laughter and the joys of childhood. The Double H Ranch provides camp experiences that are medically sound, memorable, exciting, fun and empowering.

Everyone was excited to start sampling the tastes from the Chefs, which featured David Britton, the Executive Chef of Downtown City Tavern, Frank Esposito from Skidmore College, A.J. Jayapal, the Food and Beverage Director from The Mallozzi Group, Kevin London, the Chef/Proprietor from The Farmhouse at Top of the World, the always wonderful Jamie Ortiz, the Executive Chef from Angelo’s 677 Prime, the incomparable Yono Purnomo of Yono’s, Matt Richardson from Tattler favorite Boca Bistro, Kevin Zheng, Chef from Sushi Yoshi and the Sagamore’s own Executive Chef Adam Savage. There was much chatter amongst the guests about which dishes were the best, but overall every Chef seemed to be on top of their game that night, as we overheard compliments for each dish many times.

Chef Jamie Ortiz served up a crowd favorite

Chef Jamie Ortiz served up a crowd favorite

As guests took their seats, Double H Ranch Board Chairman Victor Hershaft thanked everyone for coming, cracking guests up with his golf jokes and explaining that at Double H Ranch Camp, “Serious fun is what we do”. Executive Director Max Yurenda then addressed the attendees and reminisced about camp, now celebrating its 21st Anniversary. With just 137 campers the first year, the camp now serves over 2,300 kids each year. Kim Shell also spoke to guests, delivering a poignant and moving story about her son, Jacob, and his own truly inspiring experience at camp that really put a touching personal touch on the evening.

Sports Director at WNYT NewsChannel 13 Rodger Wyland then took the mic as the live auctioneer, reminding guests that it costs $1,800 for a week of camp for one camper, and everyone was ready to bid. Definitely one of the liveliest auctions the Tattlers have witnessed as of late numerous guests got in on the action, at our own table Abraham Sultan was narrowly outbid, and one of the highlights was the Dinner with Chef Anand and AJ Jayapal which went for $3,300! Grand Central Station kicked off after the Live Auction bringing their own infectious energy to the crowd, and we left the event full and entertained. We are already counting down the days till the Double H Ranch Annual Gala on June 28th, be sure to mark your calendars and the Tattlers will see you there!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region’s Chef Challenge at the Hampton Inn & Suites

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On Thursday, May 2nd we got our appetites ready for the fabulous Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region’s Chef Challenge at the Hampton Inn and Suites presented by MVP Health Care. Returning Champion Chef John Ireland from Saratoga Golf and Polo Club was defending his title from last year and he had some heated competition (pun intended) from Chef Jim Shultz of 2Shea Catering, who was the People’s Choice Winner from 2012.

The evening kicked off with a champagne reception and the People’s Choice Competition began. Guests mingled and sampled small plates from Jacob and Anthony’s, Cafe Calabria in Guilderland, Prime at Saratoga National and Carney’s Tavern in Ballston Lake. After sampling, guests were encouraged to cast their vote for the best, who would go on to compete in the 2014 competition so the stakes were high. BBBSCR CEO Sabrina Houser, looking absolutely lovely in chic turquoise and black, welcomed guests to the event. We got a chance to chat with Sabrina, who told us what the event meant to her and to BBBSCR. “Tonight is important to us  for so many reasons, it is evenings like this that allow us to support our agency, our kids, and our community, so we can’t thank participants enough for coming out and supporting us.”

One of the highlights of the evening (and something completely original as well) was the live auction of the fourth judge seat, which was so fun. The lucky winner got the chance to join the professional judges, taste the competing chef’s delicious dishes and judge each dish to help choose the winner. Bidding was high and Ann Malagisi was the lucky winner who got to sit alongside Jasper Alexander from Hattie’s, popular food blogger John “Doc” Sconzo, and Ruth Fantasia, the former food critic and food editor for the Times Union who happily sat in for Steve Barnes who was unable to make it.

Chef Jasper Alexander and Ann Malagisi, two of the judges for the event

Chef Jasper Alexander and Ann Malagisi, two of the judges for the event

Guests gathered around the Chef’s cooking area as the competition began and there was a definite air of excitement in the room as they got down to work. We chatted with local food blogger Ashley Dingeman and her sister Erica about who they had tapped to win, and caught up with Brian and Heather Straughter, there with their adorable son Ethan. Kyle McGovern was also there with his girlfriend Angela Meliski, who volunteers her time as a Big Sister.

Just as the competition was hitting a fever pitch, the raffles were drawn, and lucky guests went home winning custom 4 course dinners for 10 guests, gift certificates to local favorites like Pennell’s and Iron Roost, dinner for four at Druthers and Spamalot tickets. The Master of Ceremonies Le Grande Serras, he of the fabulous facial hair from The Reel Seafood Company, did an outstanding job as always keeping the crowd abreast of what was going on in the competition and was whipping the anticipation into a froth.

Finally the time to announce the winner arrived, and to much applause Chef John Ireland won for the second time in a row. The two Chefs graciously shook hands and congratulated each other on a job well done on both their parts, and we congratulate John, and Jim as well for taking the time to help support this great organization. The winner for the People’s Choice competition was also announced, and Jason Saunders of Prime at Saratoga National was named the 2013 People’s Choice Winner and will compete next year against Chef John Ireland for the coveted title and the giant fork.

Event Judge John Sconzo had this to say about the second time winning Chef and the event. “I am honored and thrilled to help Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capitol Region. They do great work! It has been a fun event both times it has been held and John Ireland, now the two time defending Champion, really does a great job being creative and making food that is both beautiful and delicious. He’s impressed me greatly both times I’ve judged this.” Overall the event was a smashing success, raising over $31,000! They beat their targeted goal by more than $3,000 and will be able to make and sustain an additional 25 matches for local kids. We can’t wait to see who will take home the title next year!

Two time Champion Chef John Ireland from Saratoga Golf and Polo Club

Two time Champion Chef John Ireland from Saratoga Golf and Polo Club

Mark Your Calendars: The Annual Spring Luncheon for the Flower and Fruit Mission of Saratoga Hospital, Tuesday May 21st

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Pictured are the Flower and Fruit Luncheon Committee (L to R): Jean Tarrant, Marlene Okby, Deanne Palmer, Marcia MacDonald, Lisa Higgins, Julie Fuller, and Heather Mabee.

One of our favorite events, the annual Spring Luncheon for the Flower and Fruit Mission of Saratoga Hospital will be held on Tuesday, May 21st at the Hall of Springs. The fundraiser, “Hats On!”, will begin with a social hour at 11:30am followed by a seated lunch. The event is part of the fabulous Saratoga 150 Celebration and will include a silent auction of container gardens and raffle of an “All Things Saratoga” basket.  Tickets are $50 and all proceeds will benefit the William J. Hickey Women’s Health Services of Saratoga Hospital. For reservations call Lisa at 584-4928. The Tattler’s will be there, now to just find the perfect hat…

The Grand Opening of the Crown Grill

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From l-r: Colin MacLean, Ron Riggi, Michele Riggi and Christel MacLean

From l-r: Colin MacLean, Ron Riggi, Michele Riggi and Christel MacLean

The mood on Broadway was celebratory as Christel and Colin MacLean hosted the grand opening of the Crown Grill and the 9th Birthday of the Circus Cafe last Wednesday. Saratogians came out in spades to support the MacLeans and be the first to have a taste of this exciting new eatery. The restaurant was packed with local notables, including Charles and Candace Wait, Bill and Susan Dake, Ron and Michele Riggi and Tim and Lisa Higgins. Attendees were wowed with the décor, including stunning chandeliers and a fabulous custom Saratoga 150 installation, featuring a picture of the paddock at the track, taken by the immensely talented Brien Bouyea. Christel MacLean, looking gorgeous in Lilly Pulitzer, was thrilled with the evening’s events. “We are so happy with the turnout we are having tonight, it has been amazing seeing all of these people come through the door, old friends and new friends alike.” The MacLean’s were also generously donating 50% of the evening’s proceeds to Saratoga ArtsFest and the Double H Ranch. DJ Trumaster kept the mood upbeat as guests sampled some of the Crown Grill’s menu items and craft cocktails. We spotted Tina Nigro, Ed and Maureen Lewi , Wayne and Angela Beddoe, Christianne Smith, Dee Sarno and Steve Von Schenk all enjoying themselves, as well as Todd Shimkus, David and Amy Strauss, Cindy Lunsford, David and Christine Stack and Ron and Margie Stribley in attendance. Margaret Valentine, Kevin Smith and Margie Rotchford were also on hand to celebrate the opening. SaratogaArtsFest Executive Director, Laura Herr and the Double H Ranch were delighted to each receive a check for $1375 as a result of the well attended event.

The Brave Will Foundation Gala at the National Museum of Dance

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Last week we were at the National Museum of Dance for the 4th Annual Evening of Will Power to benefit the Brave Will Foundation. Guests mingled in the beautiful museum space, tried their luck at casino games and sampled delicious dishes from Panzas. The theme of the event was “Because of You”, and one of the stand out parts of the evening for us was the collection of beautiful angel wings that adorned the ceiling of the tent on the lawn of the museum. Jessica Herberger from Experience Events, who did the decorations for the event, wanted to have something that represented all the families that the Brave Will Foundation has helped thus far, and there was a set of wings to represent each family that the foundation has helped. Each of the wings were made by kids from Courtney Erhardt’s art students at Caroline Street Elementary School in Saratoga Springs, making it even more special.

Matt and Tammy Hladun formed the Brave Will Foundation in 2009 after their infant son Will passed away from a rare form of cancer. The Foundation is one of the founding sponsors of the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center’s Journeys program, which serves children and families facing debilitating medical conditions. Funds raised at the event will go toward the Journeys program, which offers a comprehensive program of communication, support and guidance for improved quality of life and well-being.

The Hladuns thanked every guest for attending and supporting the Foundation, especially their title sponsors Pediatric Dentistry of Glens Falls, Toyota of Clifton Park, Classical Tents, and WellCare Health Plans, who made an incredibly generous donation of $35,000 at the event. Over $90,000 was raised that evening, making it their biggest fundraising event ever.

Tammy and Matt Hladun

Tammy and Matt Hladun

We caught up with Matt and Tammy Hladun and spoke to them about the Foundation and what the evening meant to them.

“We found a purpose after Will passed away with starting this Foundation, and we’re seeing the fruits of that tonight. It is absolutely overwhelming and humbling, because we’re just a mom and dad who are trying to do something good, and you sit back and just can’t believe all the support. Just to know that people support us means so much, and because of events like this we can keep paying it forward” said Matt Hladun. Kudos to them on their biggest event yet, and we are already looking forward to next year’s gala.

The Tattlers’ Derby Guide

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Tomorrow is the 139th Kentucky Derby and Saratoga Springs is the second best place besides Louisville to watch it. We’ve got the lowdown on the parties you don’t want to miss tomorrow.

The Old Friends at Cabin Creek 3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Party is from 4 to 8 PM at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame tomorrow. Catering provided by the always delicious Longfellows with a cash bar. Wear your fanciest hat and fanciest tie and enter the “Fancy Hat Contest” & the “Fancy Tie Contest” with celebrity judges Benita Zahn & Ed O’Brien, try your luck in the 50/50 contest and bid to win in the silent auction. New this year, Caricature portraits by artist Phil Singer. Coverage of the race will be showing throughout the Museum on HD televisions courtesy of Best Buy, as well as featured in the Hall of Fame gallery on the Museum’s HD theatre screen. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com.

The 3rd Annual Derby Party at Prime at Saratoga National kicks off at 4 with live music, drink specials, multiple flat screens to view the race, a Frivolous Boutique Display, hand rolled cigars, Grand Marnier Lemonade Station, a food concession stand, and more! We popped into this party last year and it was VERY well attended to say the least.

The Lodge aka Siro’s Trattoria is having their Derby party again this year as well after just having reopened for the season. This was the party we were at the longest last year, since they are on the grounds of the Racino you can make live bets at a portable one person manned betting “window”, quite the popular attraction. This spot was also mobbed last year for the Derby with most race fans decamping to area restaurants post race.

The brand new Brook Tavern is also having a Derby Party this year, where you can sample small batch bourbons, try on a fancy hat, enjoy a Woodford Reserve Mint Julep and watch the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby! The bar opens at 2pm, festivities begin at 4! We know we will be at the Brook at some point, and have chosen it as our post-Derby dinner destination.

We know there are plenty of you attending private parties for the Derby as well and we want to see YOUR Derby pictures. Follow us on Twitter tomorrow and tweet us your pics, use #derbysaratoga and find us on Twitter right here. We will also accept any last minute horse tips as well and will buy a drink for anyone who gives us the winning tip. As for our Derby pick? We like hometown trainer Chad Brown’s horse Normandy Invasion with jockey Javier Castellano in the saddle. You can do it Chad!