Preparing for the 150th Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes…
With the Belmont Stakes coming to Saratoga in June, and the Kentucky Derby this Saturday— now, it’s all about finding perfect hat to top your stylish wardrobe. And, we have, at Hatsational, located on Broadway in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. They have over one hundred thousand hats, and they also create “one of a kind” hats… I think we’re ready for racing season!
Hatsationals’ Haberdashery Storefront on Broadway…
Inside Hatsationals’ Haberdashery… Love the Mirror!
A Few Hats…
Lots of Hats…
Men’s Hats… I probably shouldn’t say this, but without looking… in the movie Caddyshack, there’s a remarkable resemblance to the hat that Ted Knight tried on in the Bushwood Country Club Pro Shop? I just looked… it’s not. However, that was my first thought—this one is much nicer!
That’s Joyce—she’s the owner, and she’s not only quite interesting, but she’s also lots of fun!
Kay had to try on at least one hat…
I hope that you enjoyed our little “fashion show” and our tour of Hatsationals’ Haberdashery. We found a number of exquisite “derby hats” for both women and men—be one of the best dressed with any one of the many choices in Joyce’s shop! We’re always doing something interesting at Pond Mountain Inn!
Pre-Dinner Cocktails at the Bar… And, That’s Tatiana (Top Right), Preparing Our Table!
From the New York State Farm Bounty Menu Section—The Benelux House Salad…
Another Sophisticated European Signature Entrée…
Brasserie Benelux Dinner for Nine…We All Look Pretty Good!
Viennese Apple Strudel—There is no better, perhaps somewhere Austria…
Brasserie Benelux, is conveniently located on Broadway in the heart of historic downtown Saratoga. Chef Armand Vanderstigchel, has a unique menu—blending traditional European-influenced cuisine with a contemporary flair brings perfection to each dish. Chef Armand’s precise and elegant selections promise a truly remarkable dining experience. Every dish served has been well thought out—a sophisticated European signature with subtle local twists, but certainly his flavor composition spans the globe.
On this night, there were nine of us—we had over twenty different dishes—from sharable plates to soups, entrées and premium sides, we had it all, and it was all exquisite! Our recommendation is to start with the French Onion Soup Gratinée, then ask the chef why this is the best you’ve ever had. And, from the New York State Farm Bounty section, the Benelux House Salad was fresh and crisp, the best “house salad” I’ve ever had—ask for the buttermilk blue cheese dressing—unbelievable. I almost forgot to mention the Belgian Mussel Pot—no need to travel to Belgium for these mussels! Rounding out the evening; the Viennese Veal Wiener Schnitzel, Pappardelle Wild Mushroom, and Leek Confit Crusted Faroe Salmon were clearly standouts, but each entrée deserves thoughtful consideration.
Save room for dessert, wife, Tatiana prepared an extraordinary traditional Viennese Apple Strudel—we were all awestruck after the first bite. There is no better, perhaps somewhere Austria. You can also expect a cozy atmosphere, well-appointed interior, a nicely accented wine list and attentive, friendly service with the chef making regular appearances throughout the evening—make sure to ask for Jackie, she and Tatiana made our evening not just special, but extraordinary.
This future Michelin-star restaurant could easily be found in Paris, London or Barcelona—thankfully, Brasserie Benelux is here in Saratoga.
See Our Pond Mountain Inn Saratoga Springs, New York Day Trip Itinerary:
That’s Kay preparing for winter on this Bombardier Ski-Doo MX Z-REV 800 snowmobile. It’s featured prominently in wintery Icelandic action scenes of Die Another Day at the Saratoga Automobile Museum… The James Bond exhibit includes this, and twenty or more on-screen used vehicles! The exhibition runs through the end of January 2024.
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Bombardier made a specially trimmed “007 Special Edition” variant of this sled available, on a one-per-dealer basis, at a suggested retail price of $11,249. Bombardier designers kept special agent James Bond in mind when developing the look of this special edition model.
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There’s always a great activity going on with Pond Mountain Inn…
Off the beaten path… this neighborhood award-winning boutique restaurant offers authentic Italian specialties and arguably the Best Pizza in Saratoga! We had a delicious inexpensive bottle of white Sangiovese with outstanding house meatballs and two pizzas – the Americano & Vegetarian. We’re going back for the Saltimbocca!
The 2021 Season Opens Tomorrow—Thursday, July 15th!
Historic Saratoga Springs Race Track was the first organized Thoroughbred horse racing track to open in the United States in 1863 making it the oldest horse racing track, and perhaps the oldest sporting venue in the nation.
Saratoga Springs is one of the Top Ten Summertime Place to visit in the northeast! This historical city is full of fascinating and eclectic shops that are easily enjoyed on foot. Experience the Food Tours, the Saratoga Casino, and the many cultural & historical activities.
Ask to see our top four favorite restaurants! We were here last week… we had an amazing brunch on Broadway at Max London’s and make sure to you visit Mrs. London’s Bakery next door!! Also, across the street is Darling Doughnuts… ask for Glenn and tell him Pond Mountain Inn sent you!!
Get the complete list of the places you can visit on this day trip visit Here.
We have all seven day trip itineraries to choose from Here.
Pond Mountain Inn 