Eating in Saratoga - where it all began...

This wknd the Birch D Gang (minus 1) reunited in the great town of Saratoga Springs for a little reunion complete with a visit to the track, drinks, the reading of magazines and of course eating.

Just to prepare you - this will have to be covered in more than one post and I expect that the entire gang may weigh in with their own posts.

Let's start at the very beginning (b/c it's a very good place to start).

Lunch - We arrive in Saratoga after a long drive stuck in traffic and some kitty drama (don't worry, Burger The Cat is okay!). This means we arrive hungry and crabby. We run immediately to Roma's for the most amazing subs of all time. Roma's sandwiches began this whole madness of us discussing our food - what we ordered and why just over a year ago in Schmat's apt.

Roma's provided us with the greatest sandwich and the solution to all things crabby. Their delicious bread makes the sandwich - that as well as the love and care of the slicing by the great guys who work there. (And especially the one who remembers us even after 11 years). The bread is a nice italian sub roll - a little crunchy on the outside and perfectly soft in the middle. I ordered turkey with fresh mozz, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, italian dressing and pickle on the side. The key to the Roma's sandwich - besides the bread- I think is that they slice the meat and cheese and then roll it together and then place that roll of meat and cheese in the bread. This means the order is meat, cheese, meat, cheese in every bite. It's perfect. The italian seasoning is nice too - the oregano gives it just a little bite.

Later in the evening we went to Nine Maple to start our evening with some proper cocktails. Nine Maps is one of my all time favorite bars. Dark, good drinks and a nice atmosphere. I ordered a Tom Collins. I was not disappointed.

On our way we had to stop for the Saratoga staple bar food - the Dough Boy. The Dough Boy takes a small pizza crust and rolls it up and stuffs it with a blend of spices, chicken, scallions, sour cream and cheese. Sounds disgusting? It's the greatest thing in the entire world. Do not doubt.

I cannot tell you exactly what is in it - because we don't know. (Rose, perhaps you can discuss your experiment a few years back.) It's served hot like a mini calzone but it is not pizza saucy in any ways. It is also the perfect hand held food - good for transport on the way home from the bar or to eat while walking to another bar. My first Dough Boy was good - but to be honest there was a bit too much air between the "dough" and the "boy" (filling). I prefer a compact dough boy oozing of chicken/cheese/spice goodness. However, since I only get these once a year, I will not complain.

This was not my only dough boy -- do not worry. I returned later that night to order 2 more for me and Rose as well as get a slice of pizza. The pizza was good - your average fare. I was pleased. Esperanto's (home of the Dough Boy) pizza is good but to be honest does not require a special description - it's just really good pizza. Now D'Andreas at the other end of Caroline Street is a bit different - the sauce is a little sweet and the crust must have sugar in it or something. Try it and compare for yourselves.

My second dough boy was a bit better - seemed to have more stuff in it. And well it was after several vodka and cranberries (really, vodka with a splash of cranberry) so that may have made it even better.

Overall Night One did not disappoint food or drink wise.

More postings about Day 2 and 3 to come - including a visit to the Bread Basket, Hattie's Chicken Shack and Uncommon Grounds.