Catch Up on Saratoga Springs News, Exciting Business Announcements, and More

Salt & Char Reopens with a Fresh Look & New Menu

Big news for Saratoga food lovers—Salt & Char is officially back! After a short three-week closure, the upscale steakhouse at The Adelphi Hotel has reopened with a brand-new look, more dining space, and some exciting menu updates.

The renovations gave the restaurant a warm, modern refresh with rich greens, brass accents, and exposed beams, replacing its previous black-and-white aesthetic. Plus, they’ve added extra seating with a new dining room and a private wine room, making it a great spot for special events or business dinners.

Behind the scenes, Salt & Char now shares a massive new kitchen with Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro, streamlining service and operations across the hotel. This means better efficiency for the team and an even better dining experience for guests.

As for the menu? Expect all the classic steakhouse favorites with a few indulgent additions, including caviar, venison tenderloin, and chicken roulade. The restaurant is still in the process of hiring a new executive chef, but the refreshed menu is already turning heads.

With the Belmont Stakes coming to town and Saratoga preparing for another exciting summer, Salt & Char’s reopening couldn’t have come at a better time. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, it’s definitely worth checking out!

Source: Albany Business Review

Barkeater Chocolates Introduces Summit Sea Salt Bar

Barkeater Chocolates, the beloved artisan chocolate shop in North Creek, has added a new creation to its lineup: the Summit Sea Salt bar. This latest treat blends creamy milk chocolate with a hint of sea salt, delivering the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Inspired by the towering peaks of the Adirondacks, the Summit Sea Salt bar pays homage to the thrill of adventure and the satisfaction of reaching new heights—both on the trails and in taste.

“We’re always looking for ways to elevate our craft while staying true to the bold, adventurous spirit of our brand,” said Deb Morris, co-founder of Barkeater Chocolates.

This new bar is a milk chocolate twist on Barkeater’s popular Downhill Darksider, a longtime favorite among customers. Like all of their handcrafted confections, the Summit Sea Salt bar is made with premium ingredients, ensuring the high quality chocolate that people have come to expect from Barkeater.

Now available at Barkeater Chocolates’ Factory Store in North Creek and online, the Summit Sea Salt bar will soon be hitting select regional retailers. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Barkeater’s treats, this latest addition is one you won’t want to miss.

Standard Fare Brings Elevated Comfort Food to Saratoga This Spring

In a time of many new and exciting restaurant openings in Saratoga and the Capital Region, Standard Fare stands out from the crowd for its unique platform and elevated comfort dishes. 

Set to open this spring at 21 Phila Street, Standard Fare is the brainchild of the forces behind Bocage Champagne Bar, and they will offer familiar favorites done exceptionally well - think meatloaf, brick chicken, homemade mozzarella sticks, and indulgent desserts like over-the-top pies and cookies ‘n milk.

“The name reflects our goal: raising the bar for the kind of food we all secretly crave but often overlook,” Clark Gale said in a statement.

This space will be comfortable for friends dining out, families celebrating a kid’s sports game win, and anything in between - they’re even catering to the robust late night crowd in downtown Saratoga. 

Standard Fare will be open daily with late hours until 12am during the week, and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Exciting Hall of Fame News from the National Museum of Racing

Big news for horse racing fans in Saratoga! The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 Hall of Fame finalists, bringing another thrilling year of honors to the sport’s greatest legends.

This year’s ballot features eight racehorses, seven trainers, and one jockey, each vying for a place among the sport’s elite.

Among the notable equine finalists are Blind Luck, Game On Dude, Groupie Doll, Havre de Grace, Kona Gold, Lady Eli, Rags to Riches, and Smarty Jones.

On the human side, jockey Jorge F. Chavez is in contention for his first Hall of Fame induction, while trainers Christophe Clement, Kiaran P. McLaughlin, Kenneth G. McPeek, H. Graham Motion, Doug F. O’Neill, John W. Sadler, and John A. Shirreffs are also finalists.

Notably, Groupie Doll, Smarty Jones, and McPeek are each making their first appearance as finalists.

How the Voting Works

A panel of industry experts votes to determine which finalists will be inducted. Voters may select multiple candidates, but a nominee must receive at least 50% +1 of the vote to secure a spot in the Hall of Fame. The final results will be officially announced on April 24, 2025.

Induction Ceremony in Saratoga

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Friday, August 1, at 10:30 AM at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs. This prestigious event is free and open to the public, giving racing enthusiasts the chance to celebrate the sport’s newest legends in person.

With Saratoga’s deep-rooted history in horse racing, the Hall of Fame announcement is always a major highlight of the season. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for the final results in April!

Small Acts, Big Impact: How You Can Help Saratoga County Thrive

February is underway, and with it comes a fantastic opportunity to give back! The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is expanding its Pitch-In program, making it easier than ever for locals to connect with non-profits and make a real impact.

The Pitch-In program is all about bringing people together to support causes that matter. Whether you’ve got a few hours or a whole weekend, there’s a way for you to help out and strengthen the Saratoga community. Big change starts with small acts of kindness.

Why Get Involved?

The Moreau Community Center is seeking volunteers- along with many other area non-profits- through the Pitch-In Campaign.

Lending a hand doesn’t just benefit those in need—it’s also incredibly rewarding for volunteers. Here’s what you gain:

• Get Hands-On Experience: Learn new skills that can be useful in your personal and professional life.

• Make a Real Difference: From mentoring kids to stocking food pantries or helping clean up the environment, every action counts.

• Meet Great People: Connect with others who share your passion for giving back and grow your network.

With so many causes to choose from, Pitch-In makes it simple to find the right fit for your schedule and interests.

Your Community Needs You!

When we come together, we make Saratoga County an even better place to live. Ready to jump in? Explore volunteer opportunities today at saratoga.org/pitch-in.