Hello my Foodie Friends!
This week is the launch of Saratoga Springs historical horse racing. The racing season is officially on! Along with the race course that attracts individuals from all over the world, the Saratoga Race Course provides an original beauty that no set designer could reproduce, for films such as “Seabiscuit,” “Saratoga,” “The Horse Whisperer,” “Billy Bathgate,” “Ghost Story,” and “My Old Man.” A scene in Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel, “Diamonds are Forever,” also features a scene at the Saratoga Race Course. In 1999, Saratoga Race Course was rated as Sports Illustrated’s #10 sports venue of the 20th Century. Many people come to not only be part of the atmosphere of our country’s oldest track, but to also admire the beauty of the racing horses. The horses are amazing to watch, they are truly spectacular animals. I always catch my breath at the majestic beauty of the horses that come to Saratoga Springs to race.
“Health, History, and Horses” is a local motto that represents Saratoga Springs. Racing and equestrian art capture the beauty of horses within our community. Among this are cutting boards from wood artist Adam Cielinski that are made right here in Saratoga Springs! We have a diverse assortment of food safe cutting and serve boards that are made with a Saratogian flair. At Compliments to the Chef, we love wood cutting boards. Good hard woods such as oak, maple, walnut, ash, and cherry are tough cutting surfaces that have been used for centuries to cut food or butcher meat on. Early man just cut down any old tree to butcher and cut meat on but quickly realized that soft woods got people sick. A good cutting board properly maintained, can last a life time, and they are safer than plastic which if it isn’t sanitized or left wet, can actually harbor bacteria. Some of the reasons for this are:
1. Plastic is not water-absorbent, so it stays wet longer, which means longer bacterial survival.
2. Wood is water-absorbent, so it dries faster, which means shorter bacterial survival.
3. Wood contains natural antibiotic agents that retard bacterial growth.
Adam’s boards are part of Saratoga Springs Art History. They are each different and no two are exactly the same. We have boards shaped like horse heads, pigs, guitars, violins, hearts, bears, fish, whales, apples, owls, ducks, and handled serving boards. The good news is they are reasonably priced too! Wood cutting boards have been in my family for generations and we hand them down. Stop in and pick up a piece of Saratoga History and have something that you can hand down in your family. A little advice on their care:
1. Dry the board immediately after (hand) washing.
2. Once a month, rub the board with oil, to keep it water-repellent and warp-free. Apply a coat of warm food-safe mineral oil, let soak in, and then wipe off the excess. Scratches can be sanded out then re-oiled.
Choosing an Adam Cielinski wood cutting board can make a great “Saratoga” gift to bring to family or friends or it can be one for your own home. Bring a horse head to celebrate the racing season or for the equestrian, or choose from one that may reflect a special love or hobby of a person you are buying for. They are simply beautiful and functional. Remember, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” Enjoy Saratoga Springs this summer. Take advantage of the incredible offerings in our own community. Stop by Compliments to the Chef at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. Check out our assortment of cool tools for cooks.
Take Care,
John & Paula
UPCOMING EVENT:
“Pancakes and Panini’s”
Join us for a Follow-up Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill Demo at Compliments to the Chef on Saturday August 4 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with Professor/Chef Rocco Verrigni. Chef Rocco Verrigni will be back on Saturday August 4 as a follow-up to the Indoor/ Outdoor Electric Grill Demonstration. Join us for a “Pancakes and Panini’s” demonstration using the Chef Choice Electric grill and griddle plate. Come by to see how to use this essential tool and accessories. Check out our assortment of grill accessories as well.
