It seems like the Saratoga Summer flew by as fast as a race at the track, but the Tattlers are looking ahead to a fabulous Fall season and are delighted to keep bringing you the inside scoop on the Saratoga social whirl. We kicked off the week eating a scrumptious dinner at Chianti Ristorante, which was part of their ‘Twelve Program’, where Chianti donated 30% of our check back to Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar. Chianti has also been raising money all month for SSAS on Facebook, donating a dollar for every new ‘like’ the restaurant receives. We spotted several familiar faces at Chianti last night, helping to support the program, including Executive Director of SSAS Jim Lavigne and Mary Gavin, as well as Board Members Kristie Roohan and Julie Bonacio, and Pat and Lewis Titterton. The mission of SSAS is to assist economically disadvantaged young men and women to complete high school and graduate from college.

Our next stop this week will be at Longfellows, for The Falling Leaves Charity Gala. Hosted by the Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Vicariate,  the money raised from the evening’s festivities will be used to support local charitable organizations and neighbors in need. With silent auction items and raffles, it will be a wonderful event to usher in the fall season.

As we head into October the Tattlers’ calendar is jam packed with events. Some of our stops include heading to Vapor for a Vintage Vegas night, enjoying classic cocktails and gaming, all in support of the classical music programs at SPAC.  Then we will be crawling our way through Saratoga’s Southside, touring some of John Witt’s classic homes, noshing on small plates all in support of the Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne.  We are thrilled to be attending  the 7^th Annual Harvest Gala featuring music by Soul Session, a sit down dinner and silent auction, all to benefit Southern Adirondack Independent Living.  The Tattlers will also be back at Vapor for the Signature Chef’s Auction to benefit the March of Dimes where Saratoga’s Chefs will all be preparing their signature dishes and the evening will conclude with an Iron Chef competition, hosted by Dan Eaton.

Also in October we will be at Project Lift University at Longfellows, a one-of-a-kind event where we’ll be getting nostalgic about our college days.  This academic-inspired evening will allow event-goers to register for “classes” with talented local professionals, who will act as “professors” by donating their time to teach a class. The Tattlers have got their eyes on the flying and polo lessons, and we can’t wait to head to this great event to help support Franklin Community Center’s Project Lift which makes a huge positive impact on the lives of local kids.

These are just some of the fantastic events we will be covering this fall… we can’t wait to see you out there!

Vapor Nightclub was packed last Thursday night with the best builder’s the region has to offer, all gathering for the annual Showcase of Homes Celebration and Awards Presentation. As attendees noshed on dinner, the room was buzzing about the several impressive showcase homes submitted this year. We immediately spotted Mike Waldron of Waldron Builders, Alec  Stephens of SAS Builders and Jesse Boucher of Kodiak Construction and President of the Saratoga Builders Association. Barry Potoker, Co-Chair & Executive Director of the Saratoga Builders Association greeted us at the door and was right at home hosting the evening’s festivities.

Mingling in the crowd we caught up with Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works and Nancy Smith of Saratoga Signatures, as well as Fran Dingeman and one of the new owners of Star 101.3, Joe Reilly. The presentation began with remarks from Jesse Boucher, welcoming the crowd and stressing the importance of both Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together Saratoga, the recipients of the evening’s proceeds. Before the awards were handed up, comedian Ross Bennett took the stage and had the crowd roaring. The energy in the room was palpable as the awards for the 19 showcase homes were announced. Some of the accolades included the Realtor’s Choice award winners, Belmonte Builders for Classic Home, Witt Construction for Luxury Home, SAS Builders for Renovated Home and Bonacio Construction for Apartment Home. We caught up with Barry Potoker after the evening wound down and he was delighted with the outcome, “This year’s Showcase of Homes Celebration and Awards Presentations was a tremendous evening kicking off the 17th edition of this terrific event. About 275 guests attended the festivities which included dinner, comedian Ross Bennett and award emcee’s Yvonne Perry and Ryan Peterson. The spirit and sense of community is alive and well in our local building industry.”

Thursday night at Prime at Saratoga National we were all guests at a sumptuous feast, a “Feast of the Fields” to benefit Saratoga P.L.A.N. The weather was an absolutely perfect Indian Summer night and the gorgeous patio at Prime was a veritable smorgasboard full of creative culinary creations from local Chefs. The featured Chefs of the evening teamed up with local farms to prepare dishes featuring a key local ingredient.

Not just a night for our local acclaimed Chefs to celebrate our region’s agricultural bounty, “Feast of the Fields” also raised critical dollars to support the conservation of our natural and cultural resources which help make our county one of the most sought after places to live in NY state. Saratoga P.L.A.N. helps protect the quality of life and character of our region by conserving open spaces and special places for present and future generations. They are committed to helping communities make long-term decisions to make sure the Saratoga Region remains a great place to live, work, visit, and farm.

The night kicked off with a special VIP reception where Saratoga P.L.A.N. honored their Conservation Heroes. Among those honored were Charlew Builders, Joe & Amanda Cocozzo, Chuck & Darlene Curtiss, Tom & Carole Foster, Frank Lombardo, Martha Strohl, Susan Bokan and Ed Kinowski.

As guests filed in early for the sold out event the Chefs were busy at work preparing their dishes. We bumped into Christel and Colin MacLean just as we were making our way to sample Sperry’s Chef Dale Miller’s incredible veal sandwich with a little shooter of bisque. That night he teamed up with Anderson Acres for the Tuscan-style Roasted Tomato Bisque. Yono Purnomo and his beautiful wife were there, serving up his out of this world short ribs. Yono teamed up with Lewis Waite Farm for his 24-hour Braised Short Ribs with Ginger-Coconut Milk, always a favorite. The line was getting long at the Elizabeth’s Table booth where they teamed up with Quincy Farm, Hick’s Orchard and Stillwater Angus to prepare Warm Farro Salad as well as Pork With Cider Bourbon Reduction. As we circulated we spotted Tim and Kathy Jaques, Marsha Boelio, Heath Ames, Julie Fuller, Linda Toohey, Jenn Perry and Martha Strohl sampling their way through the delicious evening.

After sampling the tastes brewed up by Druthers we made our way into the silent auction tent, which had a “Get Out There” theme this year featuring outdoor experiences, gear and getaways. The active theme translated to active bidding and people were circling back to check on their bids as the sun began to set. Hot items included Tuition to 2013 Winter Mountaineering School, donated by the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club, a Snowshoe package from Alpine Sport Shop and a “Choose your season and adventure” package from High Peaks Cyclery.

Chef John LaPosta from Maestro’s at the Van Dam did a mouth-watering rabbit confit, he teamed up with Wanabea Farm Rabbitry for Aged Brie and Sweet Potato Frites with Roasted Beet “Ketchup” for his dish. We chatted with Gordon Sacks from 9 Miles East Farm about their unique farm to table meal delivery service and sampled their flavorful Vegetarian Ratatouille and Farfalle with Sausage and Broccoli. As we made our way back to check on our own bids we saw Cindy Munter, Mike and Lisa Munter, Tamie and George Ehinger, Jim Letts, and Alysa and Jay Arnold making the rounds, visiting Chefs from Prime, Lilly and the Rose and 50 South, and Augie’s. Kim Klopstock from Lilly and the Rose and 50 South served up a fantastic bolognese featuring Angus Beef from Long Lesson Farm in Buskirk. Host Angelo Mazzone was seen making his way through the crowd assuring everyone was enjoying themselves and they certainly were, it was an absolutely perfect evening.

Saratoga P.L.A.N. Executive Director Maria Trabka was thrilled with the event.”Saratoga PLAN is so grateful to everyone who came out Thursday night to make this year’s Feast of the Fields such a success, and especially to our sponsors, volunteers, farmers and chefs. With the support of our community partners, regular donors and dedicated volunteers we will continue to work hard to sustain the character of the Saratoga region and our unique sense of place – and as we enjoyed Thursday evening, our unique ‘taste’ of place.”

The Tattlers will be out and about this week and looking for you! First we will be ‘locked up” at Prime on Wednesday as jailbirds, all to help raise money and awareness about Muscular Dystrophy. Our next stop will be at the sold out Feast of the Fields, to benefit Saratoga PLAN, Preserving Land and Nature. This unique culinary event celebrates the preservationist in our community and highlights the food of local farms and chefs. Next we will boogie over to Vapor Nightclub to attend the Saratoga Showcase of Homes Celebration and Awards Presentation. We will have a laugh with comedian Ross Bennett as we celebrate the accomplishments of our local builders. Have a party you’d like us to Tattle on? Email us at TogaTattlers@Saratogian.com.

It was the calm before the storm on Saturday afternoon in Saratoga as crowds flooded to the tents at SPAC for the Saratoga Food, Wine and Fall Ferrari Festival. When the Tattlers arrived, we immediately started to drool… not yet over the food, but over the spectacular display of Ferraris. They are absolutely stunning and not only continued our love affair with all things Italian, but made us want to spend our entire paycheck on lottery tickets. The only thing that tore us away from the glamorous vehicles was the incredible aroma wafting over from the three large tents encompassing the Grand Tasting. The word is out about the Food and Wine Festival and Saratogians and out of towners alike had packed the tents with plates and wine glasses in hand to sample this year’s offerings. The official wine sponsor of the festival, Antica Cantina di Canelli, bring together the production and resources of over 200 vine growers and were able to offer guests a huge variety of world class wines to sample.  Other various liquors were also available to sample, such as the smooth Brooklyn Republic Vodka and delicious Cabin Fever Maple Whiskey, ensuring all in attendance were happily well lubricated. The food selection was equally impressive with restaurants from around the region showcasing delectable small bites for guests to sample, as well as specialty booths set up to showcase different Italian food items, including some spectacular cheeses.

Hobnobbing  in the tents we spotted Dr. Mark Moreau and lovely wife Carole, Angelo and Kate Calbone and Bill Dake. In between bites, guests also perused the fabulous silent auction tables. We loved visiting the brand new Haute Style Fashion Tent & Lounge, which featured items from Georg Jensen, Max Mara, Ike Behar, Badgley Mischka, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ralph Rucci, John Varvatos, Donna Karan’s Urban Zen and more. The Tattlers got a chance to speak with Master Tailor Martin Greenfield about his amazing work. Pieces he designed for HBO’s Boardwalk Empire were on display in the tent, and Martin spoke with us about his experiences dressing Presidents going back to Eisenhower.

Guests looking for a reason to shop were delighted to hear that all of the money raised from bidding on these luxurious items was to benefit SPAC’s Classical Season and Kids Education Program. The Tattlers spotted Brian and Heather Straughter in the lounge, Heather having just won a fabulous navy DVF bag, Dr. Ken Rotundo, Jacob Hopper, Rich White and Lisa and Matt Gabryshak and Bob and Mary Alice Lee with Bob’s mother Brenda Lee from the winning restaurant The Wishing Well celebrating their victory from earlier in the day. The storm clouds that gathered throughout the day did nothing to dampen spirits or appetites of the many guests and quite the impromptu party happened on the portico of the Hall of Springs once the rain came down. The Tattlers chatted with Mayor Scott Johnson and his wife Julie as guests laughed and shared bottles of champagne as they waited out the brief storm. After the Grand Tasting was finished, SPAC’s Junior Committee took over hosting an after party that continued into the night.

Before the Grand Tasting began the excitement was already building at the Cast Iron Chef’s Challenge Sponsored by Adirondack Appliance and Blue Star and presented by CDPHP. In this first ever premiere event, Executive Chef Jamie Ortiz of Mazzone Hospitality faced off against Executive Chef Patrick Longton from The Wishing Well. In this Final Round of the summer long Adirondack Appliance Cast Iron Chef Challenge the Chefs received gourmet ingredients from featured Italian Cheese Sponsors Consorzio Grana Padano and Agriform. A selection of wines from the Festival’s Official Sponsor, Antica Cantina di Canelli were also made available and the Chefs had two mystery ingredients, peanut flour and bitter melon that were incorporated into their dishes. All equipment was supplied by Adirondack Appliance and Blue Star, the sponsors of the event, and Adirondack Appliance owner Tom Thibeault was there with his family to watch all of the action.

Tom Thibeault with judges Jenny Witte and Barbara Seeling Brown

Juried and Emceed by Bravo TV “Top Chef Master”, the judges included Barbara Seelig Brown from “Stress Free Cooking” on PBS, local blogger Steve Barnes, and Mamatoga (and one of our very own Tattlers!) Jenny Witte. The Hall of Springs quickly filled up with spectators and Marcia White welcomed the Chefs, judges and audience members and the Chefs got started. Suvir Saran took the stage and kept the judges and the audience laughing with his quick wit and absolutely sparkling personality. The lively banter between Suvir and the judges made the Chef’s preparation time fly by and pretty soon Chef Patrick Longton was presenting his first dish, a nod to the Festival’s Italian theme with a fantastic arancini filled with creamy asiago on top of a fresh tomato puree. He chose to highlight the bitter melon, a staple in Indian cooking, in an Indian style chutney that went perfectly on top of lamb and included spicy Thai pepper grown by the Chef’s wife in their own garden. Chef Patrick finished out the three courses with a decadent dessert featuring the peanut flour. Chef Jamie Ortiz also paid homage to Italian cheeses with a fried mozzarella dish as his first course. His second course included a succulent scallop with some pork belly and the final dish was a perfectly cooked piece of filet topped with foie gras and accompanied by lobster and a peanut crepe.

One of the desserts from The Wishing Well’s Chef Patrick Longton

The filet and foie gras from Chef Jamie Ortiz from Mazzone Hospitality

A very long deliberation commenced between the three judges, with such an incredible presentation from both sides made it an extremely difficult decision, but in the end the winner was Patrick Longton from The Wishing Well to much applause from the audience. We got a chance to speak with Suvir after the competition as the line started for his book signing. He spoke to us about his excitement at being a part of the festival and how thrilled he was to Emcee the Chef’s Challenge event.

The effervescent Top Chef Master Suvir Saran

“The Wine & Food Festival event keeps getting better each year. This year it was even more fantastic than last year. I also had the unique luxury of working with three judges that I have respect for and have wanted to meet for some time. Not always something that Emceeing presents. You have to make magic with whatever happens. I felt very lucky. The cheeses, wines and the dishes prepared for the event all were inspiring and made me wonder what our local foodways will be a decade from today. The WFF and SPAC will get great credit for what that reflection shall be. I hope all in the region can continue to support SPAC and go deep into their pockets to ensure this event and all that SPAC does is available to generations to come.

Most amazing to me was the set-up and quality of the kitchen that was laid out by SPAC and Adirondack Appliance for the Cast Iron Chef’s Challenge. I was in envy of the Blue Star ranges and I know any professional chef or home cook would never want to use another piece of equipment. The two chefs provided the judges and the attendees great food to taste, not the least because of the ease with which they could perform in a kitchen that was collapsed and gone within a half hour after the challenge.”

With such an exciting and inspired culinary display, guests headed out to the lawn at SPAC for the Grand Tasting and Live Auction.

Being a guest at the Live on Stage gala presented a chance to try a number of unique and delicious experiences, the first one being the opportunity  to be center stage right there at SPAC. Friday night guests shared the same stage that has hosted world class musicians and dancers as Honorary Chairs Julie and Sonny Bonacio, The Galesi Group and Jim Loiselle welcomed SPAC supporters to the elegant event. As the evening kicked off with sparkling wines from festival presenter Antica Cantina di Canelli, the Tattlers spotted Master Tailor Martin Greenfield, Linda and Michael Toohey, Master Wine Connoisseur Kevin Zraly, Colleen and Skip Carlson, Sally and Larry King and Ed and Maureen Lewi.

The stars of Friday night not only included Top Chef Master Suvir Saran, but also the incredible Italian wines and the absolutely amazing food. Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres including Arancini di Riso and mini Caprese Sputini as well as a luscious baked Crab Souffle. The stage was absolutely transformed and front and center DJ Dragonette set the tone perfectly as a runway show played on a big screen behind him. President and Executive Director of SPAC Marcia White, looking gorgeous in George Jensen jewelry welcomed guests to the evening. In attendance there were many very special guests, including Dr. Aniello Musella, the Italian Trade Commissioner and his wife and the Consul General of Italy Natalia Quintavalle, whose presence underscored Italy’s commitment to trade growth and excellence. Festival Celebrity Chef, Suvir Saran was there with partner Charlie Burd, seated with Tom Thibeault with wife Laura and mom Debbie. Marcia thanked Angelo Mazzone and his team for making the night such a memorable experience for guests.

DJ Dragonette setting the mood perfectly

Marcia addressed guests and thanked everyone for coming and helping SPAC “continue it’s dream to bringing world class programming to the stage”. Mayor Scott Johnson spoke to guests next and issued a Proclamation for the event, which he described as getting better and better each and every year and recognized new festival partner Saratoga Polo, with Managing Partner of Saratoga Polo Jim Rossi and Chairman Mike Bucci in attendance.. The week was proclaimed as Italian Wine Week in Saratoga Springs, “a celebration of wine making, history, tradition, and innovation of Antica di Canelli here in the city of Saratoga Springs”.

The Mayor then welcomed Natalia Quintavalle to the stage and presented her with the proclamation. “It’s a pleasure to join first hand the role that the Italian Trade Commission plays as a partner in this festival.” She shared the pride of the results of the hard work of the Italian Trade Commission with Aniello Musella and his wife. She expressed how excited she was to share with festival guests “the real flavors of Italy, by experiencing Italian wine, food and Italian lifestyle firsthand”.

Top Chef Master and Festival Chef of 2012 Suvir Saran spoke to guests next. A respected culinary authority and renowned for his accessible approach to Indian flavors and techniques he is the Executive Chef of Devi, the first Indian restaurant in the US to earn a Michelin star. Suvir has penned three cookbooks, including Masala Farm: Stories and Recipes from an Uncommon Life in the Country which was a James Beard Award Finalist for Best American Cookbook for 2011. Suvir had guests laughing right away as he described Italians as the “Indians of Europe and Indians are the Italians of Asia, because Italians and Indians love to live, and they live to love”. He urged guests to support SPAC and to not forget about the arts, because “None of us would be smiling and living happily without it”. Suvir made a special mention of thanks to Shane Williams-Ness, whom he called “the workhorse, the lady who makes this all happen” and guests broke into a spirited round of applause for Shane and all of her hard work.

Marcia then also thanked her team at SPAC for all of their dedicated hard work, day and night, and said tonight “We are all Italian” and announced that the festivities would begin! The Epicurean Exploration chronicled by Kevin Zraly commenced, and the expert team from Mazzone went to work gracefully pouring the Antica di Canelli wines and serving up an incredible antipasto of cured Yellowtail Hamachi. Our table, including singer Jes Hudak from Bravo’s Platinum Hit, were just overjoyed with the incredibly well thought out menu. A fusilli with shaved black truffles was exquisite and everyone enjoyed the marinated Maine lobster course paired with a perfect Chardonnay.

Kevin Zraly took the stage next as items from the Salute to Fashion at SPAC live auction came out. Michele Riggi and Julie Bonacio tried on luxe furs and a fabulous Max Mara cream wool calcut coat. The Tattlers had our eye on a stunning Douglas Hannant Maxi dress and a knockout pair of python boots were auctioned off. Julie looked beautiful in a vintage Custom Women’s mink donated by Sheila Johnson.

Some of the luxurious live auction items

Everyone’s next stop was the opulent Willy Wonka Dessert Room where the decadent options seemed endless. Guests filled up their plates with pistachio cannolis, chocolate and incredible pastries and tarts. Cheesecake mousse and an assortment of gelato and sorbet were among the mouth watering options and every bite was just as perfect as the next. Dancing on the stage was next with DJ Dragonette, such a fresh and sophisticated touch to the evening and one that really suited the “Salute to Style” theme for this year’s festival. Guests went home that night completely feeling the “La Dolce Vita” vibe, ready for an elegant weekend of living to love, and loving to live with Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

This week is all about wine and food, the Tattlers can’t wait! Starting on Friday at Saratoga Performing Arts Center is the Wine & Food and Ferrari Fall Festival, a weekend full of epicurean delights and fabulous cars. SPAC will be the place to be, and the Live on Stage Gala on Friday night is going to be a not to miss event. At the Epicurean Exploration at the SPAC Amphitheater Honorary Chairs Julie and Sonny Bonacio will welcome guests on stage for an inspired contemporary menu created by Executive Chef Mark Delos, paired to showcase the impressive Antica Cantina di Canelli wine collection. An ARTrageously haute cocktail and sparkling reception will start the evening, and the Tattlers cannot wait to check out the opulent Willy Wonka Dessert Room featuring a Moscato Bar! Guests are guaranteed to be dancing with DJ Dragonette there, put this one on your calendars because you are definitely not going to want to miss this. Click here to buy tickets.

Then on Saturday at 10am head to the Wine & Food Fest for a first ever premier event, when CDPHP presents the Cast Iron Chef’s Challenge sponsored by Adirondack Appliance and Blue Star at the Hall of Springs. Executive Chef Jamie Ortiz, of Mazzone Hospitality, faces off against The Wishing Well’s Executive Chef, Patrick Longton in the final round of The Adirondack Appliance Cast Iron Chef Challenge. Chefs will receive gourmet ingredients from featured Italian Cheese Sponsors, Grana Padano and Agriform. A selection of wines from the festival’s Official Wine Sponsor – Antica Cantina di Canelli – will be made available for pairing their final dishes along with a mystery ingredient that will become the foundation of a contemporary dish featuring authentic Italian ingredients. One of our very own Tattlers, Jenny Witte, will be one of the judges for the event, which will be juried by Bravo TV “Top Chef Master”, Suvir Saran. This event is open to all with a $10 ticket so come down to the Hall of Springs and cheer on the Chefs!

The Grand Tasting and Live Auction will take place on the SPAC Grounds from 1-5 featuring 200 international wineries including an unparalleled Italian Pavilion that features a myriad of wines, spirits, and authentic products; the region’s top restaurants; world-class seminars and a live and silent auction of luxury items. A day dedicate to the epicurean in all of us; a celebration of all things fine. 21 and over. And new this year we can’t wait to check out the Haute Style Fashion Tent & Lounge featuring items from Georg Jensen, Max Mara, Ike Behar, Badgley Mischka, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ralph Rucci, John Varvatos, Donna Karan’s Urban Zen and more. We’ll be heading to the After Party Saturday night and finishing up the weekend at the Sparkle for SPAC brunch at Saratoga Polo Association. Click here for all the details on the weekend and we’ll see you at SPAC!

The Tattlers were delighted to be able to attend the 2^nd Annual “Party to Make a Difference” last Thursday evening. Vapor Night Club played host to this terrific event, all to raise money for Simplifying Lives, for a cause. Guests were greeted at the event with delicious “simply pink” signature cocktails and delicious hors deurves including mini beef wellingtons and cheese quiche. Attendees quickly went to peruse the many silent auction items, ranging from jewelry and accessories to spa and cleaning services. As Vapor filled up, party goers were also treated to the Time Capsule Photobooth, for a chance to capture and bring home some memorable moments from the evening. The proceeds of the evening’s festivities all went to raise money for a incredibly worthy cause, and President of Simplifying Lives, Nicole Wilson, was thrilled to have the opportunity. “We provide free cleaning services for men, women and parents of children undergoing treatment for cancer and we are here to continue to raise money to keep doing that. We are also hoping to partner with businesses to be able to expand our services into lawn care, snow removal and pet care to assist people as they are in and out of the hospital for treatment.” The evening began with an incredibly moving speech made by Tim Stowell, whose young son Ben passed away when he was nine, after a 3 year battle with cancer. Tim described the challenges he and his wife faced as they tried to cope with such a devastating loss and the impact the services of Simplifying Lives had on them. “I could clean some things, but to have to go into his room..I couldn’t do it. And these guys came in.. and they were so tender with everything. I will never forget it”, said his wife Stacey. As the evening continued, FLY 92.3 DJ’s Brian Cody and Chrissy Cavotta were introduced and emceed an energetic live auction, with overnight trips and spa and restaurant packages all selling well. As the bidding wound down, the night was still gearing up as guests danced the evening away to the sounds of DJ Reel. Nicole Wilson was happy to report that the evening raised close to $6000 and will enable Simplifying Lives, for a cause, to provide over 80 cleanings this coming year.