Bite-sized is a new regular feature where we’ll spotlight upcoming local food festivals, special events, menu changes, restaurant news and more. Let’s dig in.
Derby Day meets Cinco de Mayo
Saturday is set to be a busy day around Saratoga, with some restaurants and bars celebrating the Kentucky Derby — which is set to start at 6:57 p.m. — while others are leaning into Cinco de Mayo. Here’s a look at some of the events going on around town:
At Franklin Market, it’s not only Derby Day but also the store’s first anniversary. It’s shutting down Railroad Place for a block party, which also celebrates the new owners Mark and Julie Delos.
The ticketed event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday with several international food and dessert stations, liquor and beer-tasting tables and music from Radio Junkies.
The sizable menu includes tapas/mezze options, along with oysters, taqueria, paellas, and southern-style desserts.
Tickets are $275 for two (including a welcome drink and two drink tickets) and $125 for admission without drink tickets.
Organizers expect around 200 people to attend. For more information, visit franklinsqmarket.com.
At Saratoga National/Prime, there’ll be a Derby Day party from 4 to 9 p.m. VIP tickets ($155) include entrance to Prime’s buffet, as well as a reserved table, private cash bar, a drink ticket and on-site smartphone wagering. “Prime on the Rail” tickets ($50) include a drink ticket and on-site smartphone wagering. For reservations and more information, visit primeatsaratoganational.com.
Not too far away, Carson’s Woodside Tavern is celebrating with Derby specials on Friday and Saturday including bourbon-glazed shrimp, a Kentucky hot brown sandwich and Southern pecan pie.
On Saturday, Jukebox Rebellion will be playing from 5 to 8 p.m. and the Better Than Nuthin’ Concession stand opens at 4 p.m. offering pizza, hot dogs, pretzels and meatballs.
The Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill is planning a Race to the Roast event on Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. with a pig roast buffet, shrimp cocktails, Nashville sliders, Bulleit bourbon drinks and more. There will also be live music from the Sam Luke Trio and a raffle to win two tickets to a Belmont Stakes viewing party. Tickets are $50.
The Bunker, which has locations in Clifton Park, Schenectady, Latham, Guilderland and North Greenbush, will offer drink specials, as well as live music and prizes throughout Saturday evening in celebration of Derby Day.
Also on Saturday, a dozen downtown bars and restaurants are coming together for Saratoga Margarita & Mimosa Fest. Running from 2 to 8 p.m., it includes drink specials from Night Owl, Dangos Tavern, Icehouse, Bourbon Room, Tap & Barrel, Soundbar, Parting Glass Pub, Clancy's Tavern, The Misfit Bar, Lucy's, Putnam Place and Whitman Brewing Co.
Registration will run from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Night Owl and attendees must register to receive a wristband for drink specials. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). For tickets and more information, visit the event's eventbrite.com page.