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

Introducing a Sweet Treat From Stewart's for Horse Racing Fans

Horse racing enthusiasts can now enjoy a new way to celebrate the Belmont Stakes, thanks to a creative partnership between the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Stewart’s Shops: The Bel-Mint Stakes.

This limited-time ice cream flavor is a tribute version of Mint Cook Crumble rebranded by Stewart's just in time for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

The ice cream will be available from April 28 through June 8 in honor of the Belmont Stakes, taking place in Saratoga for the second year in a row, June 4 to 8. 

The name was chosen via an online poll conducted by NYRA in March, and the ice cream is available at over 175 participating Stewart's locations.

But the collaboration doesn't stop with dessert: Fans can pick up a 3-day general admission pass for the Belmont Stakes at $99, offered exclusively at Stewart's while supplies last - this is a 15% savings. There's even an add-on savings to include admission for all four days of the July 4th Racing Festival at just $20.

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.

Old World Gourmet Market Brings a Global Grocery Experience to Saratoga This May

Saratoga Springs is about to get a flavorful new addition. Old World Gourmet Market, a 10,000-square-foot international grocery and prepared foods destination, is officially opening its doors on May 21 on Route 50 near Wilton Mall.

Owned by longtime summer visitors-turned-locals Maria and John Biagini, the market is their way of bringing the foods they missed from Brooklyn to their new upstate home. “We always said to ourselves, ‘If we ever leave Brooklyn, we would love for Saratoga to be a place we call home,’” Maria told Saratoga Living.

Old World Gourmet Market will serve up authentic specialties from Italian, Greek, Irish, Jewish, and Spanish cultures—all made in-house from cherished family recipes. Expect fresh sausage daily, handmade pasta, bread, ravioli, and hard-to-find offerings like gabagool, hanging beef, Bell & Evans poultry, and even frozen geese, quail, and pheasant.

On top of their own creations, the market will stock imported and locally sourced goods, such as Vermont maple syrup, yogurt from France, and Costa Rican peppers. And yes—there will be pizza, added at the last minute after a taste test inspired John to bring NYC-style pies to Saratoga.

The Biaginis also offer a 35-page catering menu and in-house delivery service. Place an order by 11:30 AM and you’ll have it at your door by 12:30 PM—perfect for busy lunch hours or event hosting.

With warm hospitality and an unmatched range of international foods, Old World Gourmet Market is shaping up to be much more than a grocery store—it’s a flavorful hub for the Saratoga community.

Sources: Saratoga Living | Old World Gourmet Market