This year, local content creator (and CRL cover subject!) Kristen Suraci is on a mission to highlight the 518’s best food and drinks in the pages of this magazine. This issue, we tasked her with selecting her favorite drink, app, entrée, and dessert from our hefty list of Bestie winners. It was a tall task, but she narrowed it down to four faves:
Beverage: Misfit Espresso Martini
The Misfit, Saratoga Springs
I know, I know—The Misfit placed third in the Besties’ Espresso Martini category (shoutout to winner Bocage Champagne Bar and runner-up Higher Ground Distilling Co.), but when I went to the Caroline Street hotspot to check out its Bestie-winning Happy Hour, Margarita, and Mocktail, this caffeine kick in a glass was calling my name. And for only $10? Say less. I’m seated.
Appetizer: Saffron Braised Fennel (Above)
Standard Fare, Saratoga Springs
Across town, Standard Fare took the title of Best Appetizers, so naturally I had to see what the hype was about. When I was there, I tried the fire-roasted carrots and mushroom duxelles (both of which I didn’t expect to love as much as I did). Since then, Standard Fare has rolled out an all-new menu with standout apps including saffron braised fennel (with whipped feta, toasted pine nuts, and aged balsamic) and yellowfin tuna loin carpaccio (with crispy capers, arebiquiña olive oil, and shallot). I can’t wait to get there to try both.
Entrée: Sweet & Saucy Pizza
Romo’s Pizza, Glenmont
Entrée was an easy choice: Romo’s Pizza (photo at top), which won Best Pizza for very good reason. If you go, you have to try the Sweet & Saucy, our collab pie that’s available at both Romo’s and Anthony’s by Romo’s. Topped with vodka sauce, prosciutto, whipped ricotta, and hot honey, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little spicy…Basically my dream pizza.
Dessert: Heath Bar and Cookie Dough Tornado
Jim’s Tastee-Freez, Delmar
It’s ice cream season in the Capital Region, and the competition is fierce. I trusted this year’s Bestie voters and headed for Jim’s Tastee-Freez, which was named Best Ice Cream Stand. The Delmar favorite, which has been serving the region since 1963, boasts all sorts of over-the-top concoctions including my personal favorite: the Heath Bar and cookie dough tornado.
