Beekman Street Bistro in Saratoga Springs, New York

Beekman Street Bistro is what happens when a farm-to-table kitchen meets a white table-clothed dining room. Everything from the attentive waitstaff to the intimate, polished dining room makes the restaurant an ideal choice for a special occasion. Skip the noisy, overcrowded bars and restaurants on Broadway and head to Saratoga’s historic art district for a tutorial on the beauty of culinary simplicity.

You can expect to see a few daily specials in addition to the discerning, highly-seasonal menu.

The crostini is a delicate balance between creamy and crunchy, generously layered with oyster mushrooms and specked with chopped scallions, thyme, and a dusting of parmesan.

Risotto changes with the seasons, like this rock shrimp and sungold tomato preparation. More scallions and parmesan round out this surprisingly light appetizer, redolent with saffron and basil; ideal for sharing.

The saba marinated grilled quail is an example of the simple preparations espoused by the kitchen. The subtly sweet barley, braised in the same quail juices and specked with bits of vegetables, makes this dish stand out.

Roasted duck breast is one of the heartier dishes on the menu. Thick, succulent strips of meat are accompanied by mashed potatoes and caramelized onions, everything swimming in a pool of duck jus.

Salmon arrives grilled to a perfect medium-rare, simply dressed on a bed of more locally-gathered squash and zucchini.

Grade: Recommended. In an era in which over-seasoned, overcomplicated cooking has unfortunately become too common, Beekman Street Bistro’s mantra of simplicity is a refreshing change.
Dish Tips: Because of the ever-evolving menu, it’s difficult to designate specific dishes, although you can’t go wrong with the seasonal risotto.
Good For: Destination-dinner, particularly for a special occasion or a romantic date.

Hattie’s in Saratoga Springs, New York

A visit to Hattie’s is like walking into the French Quarters without leaving New York. Diners can expect faithful renditions of gumbo, jambalaya, catfish, and red beans and rice.  But no visit to this tourist attraction would be complete without an encounter with the renowned fried chicken, which bested Bobby Flay’s version on the the celebrity chef’s Food Network throwdown back in 2007.

Hattie’s, established in 1938, is a historic dining destination and deeply-rooted in the Saratoga community. The service is as warm and pleasant as the shack’s quaint brick exterior.

Hattie’s offers a full bar, but you can’t miss the long list of New Orleans-inspired cocktails.

Hattie’s Bloody Mary is among the best we’ve come across: simple, straightforward and perfectly-proportioned.

Hattie’s cocktail list isn’t limited to Southern staples. Try this classic mojito served with fresh sugar cane.

Andouille sausage and a smattering of scallions and red peppers add a slight spice and flavor to the creole jambalaya, although the tepid dish could have used more of both.

Fried chicken is the source of the buzz surrounding Hattie’s and it doesn’t disappoint. The meat is juicy and tender, and the crispy, salty, grease-less skin is good enough to eat on its own. Collard greens and cranberry coleslaw provide a refreshing, verdant accompaniment.

Grade: Recommended. The prices are expensive for the fare but the atmosphere, service and tradition more than fit the bill. You won’t find a better fried chicken outside of Harlem.
Dish Tips: Hattie’s Famous Fried Chicken, Jasper’s Mac & Cheese (seasonal), Good n’ Evil Chicken Wings, Catfish Fingers, Bloody Mary, Mojito.
Good For: Dinner, particularly with a large group. Hattie’s dining room is supplemented by a spacious patio garden.