| Back in the early to mid 1980's a few of my friends | | | | the Fire House and kiddy-corner to the Armory. They |
| and I entered the Beer Tasting | | | | host a lot of great bandsand it is a frequent stop for |
| Club (which would account for my haziness of | | | | a popular local Irish group know as the McKrells. |
| specific dates in time) at the | | | | The famous Saratoga Racetrack is not far away. |
| Parting Glass Pub on Lake Avenue in Saratoga | | | | As a kid I remember it as Rocco's Italian Restaurant |
| Springs. | | | | and recall they had the finest thin crust pizza intown. |
| One only had to "sample" in the neighborhood of 200 | | | | When it was Rocco's, the booths were acrossfrom |
| beers in an approximate 10 month periodand grade it | | | | the bar and the dining room was in a separate room. |
| on a scorecard. If you could preview 2 to 3 beers a | | | | When the Parting Glasstook over in 1981 they |
| night, 2 to 3times a week, this great gift to mankind | | | | removed the wall and opened up the bar to the |
| was very do-able;without requiring emergency room | | | | dining area. Thebooths were separated and moved |
| treatment. And do it we did. What a greattime we | | | | to the outer walls of the dining area. Over theyears |
| had sampling beers from all over the world. From little | | | | they have purchased adjoining real estate andhave |
| 7 ounce Pilsners tothe 25 ounce Fosters Lager can, | | | | expanded quite a bit to accommodate another larger |
| we finished the important job with time to spare. | | | | dining / music area. Thejoint has some really nice |
| We built many bridges and solved many problems of | | | | vintage woodwork and a great ambience. |
| the world sitting in front ofthat wonderful bar. One | | | | The Glass also has an excellent dart room |
| night, during a heavy snowstorm, Iactually skied | | | | withseveral dart boards and a nice selection of |
| down with my faithful dog Rocky from my | | | | custom darts and dart accessoriesfor sale. At one |
| apartment off north | | | | timethey also owned a pub called Cohans (I believe |
| Broadway; refusing to let Mother Nature sway me | | | | that was the name) in Ireland and used tohave dart |
| from my dedication to importantmatters concerning | | | | competitions between the two establishments; |
| the human condition. | | | | keeping score by fax machine. I always enjoyed |
| After the in-depth study of the beverages were | | | | thefact that the place was family owned and patrons |
| completed, the "Glass" threw a swell party for those | | | | could feel a part of the family as the girlsand their |
| that made themeasure. Many of the beer vendors | | | | mother poured beers, mixed drinks and waited tables. |
| donated nice gifts of beer memorabilia for | | | | With everything from pizza and wings to steaks and |
| thequalifiers. The owners mounted a plaque on the | | | | lamb stew, the menu is first-rateand quite varied. I |
| wall with all the | | | | am especially fond of the sweet potato fries and the |
| Beer Tasters engraved on it; something I've dragged | | | | Shepherds Pie. Parking is pretty good compared to |
| many new friends in to see. | | | | Broadway and there is aparking garage a short |
| The last time I stopped in, the plaque was nowhere | | | | distance away, making it a good meeting place |
| to be found. The barmaid told mesomeone had | | | | fornewcomers to busy downtown Saratoga Springs. |
| stolen it (no doubt someone I had shared space with | | | | Of course, The Parting Glass is "the" place to be on |
| on the walltrophy - oh, the inhumanity). She alsosaid | | | | St. "Paddy's" Day with plenty of live music, dancing |
| they were thinking about starting the Taster's Club | | | | and lots of Guinnesson tap. Delicious corned beef and |
| back up, so go check itout and keep me posted. | | | | cabbagespecials are served on the week leading up |
| The Parting Glass Pub is located on Lake Avenue in | | | | to, and including, the big event. |
| downtown Saratoga Springs. | | | | You can visit their website at: |
| A short distance east from Broadway, it is down the | | | | Owner Joan Desadora is said to have named the pub |
| hill from the Police Station, acouple of doorsbefore | | | | after the Irish song of thesame name. |
