A Sneak Peek at Standard Fare

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Little is standard about Standard Fare, the new eatery from the duo behind Bocage Champagne Bar.

In an early visit to the nearly-finished restaurant at 21 Phila Street, one could see quirky but arresting artwork by Daniel Fairley that depicted, among other things, a pickle piloting a hamburger spaceship, and one goose surrounded by many ducks at a cartoonish Congress Park (see if you can find it, “Where’s Waldo” style).

Amidst the unique artwork was perhaps the most eye-popping item: a decadent milkshake called “Go Shawty, it’s Your Birthday,” made with vanilla ice cream, Fruity Pebbles, strawberry syrup, and a funfetti cupcake. The treat served as an apt representation of what Standard Fare is aiming for: elevated comfort food. Expect dishes like meatloaf, pork chops, Swedish meatballs, and mac & cheese—all with a gourmet approach.

“I always tell people, think about it as the Martha Stewart or the Ina Garten version of dishes you might find at a diner,” said Standard Fare co-owner Clark Gale.

Standard Fare aims to be the kind of place that would be appropriate for both a high school baseball team celebrating a state championship, and a couple in search of an evening date spot.

Preparing this type of laid-back but boujee environment required a complete gut overhaul of the existing property, which Gale and fellow owner Zac Denham have been supervising since last winter.

“I think that if people were familiar with the space previously, they’re going to be in for a nice surprise,” Gale said.

In addition to redesigning the space, Gale and Denham also wrangled together a team that includes Executive Chef Connor DeMarco and General Manager Samantha Pierre. DeMarco is a Saratoga Springs native who was previously an Executive Chef at The Merc, and has an extensive resume that includes stints with Cantina and Prime at Saratoga National. Pierre, in addition to her management role, also helped shape Standard Fare’s pastry program.

As if they weren’t busy enough running one restaurant and opening another, Gale and Denham also recently developed an exclusive beer with Whitman Brewing called the Phila Street Low Life. The hazy IPA will be served at both Bocage and Standard Fare. Its name is meant to compliment Miller High Life (also known as the “champagne of beers”), which, until the Whitman collab, was the only beer offered at Bocage.

Also brewing in the background is Gale and Denham’s participation in Variety magazine’s “America’s Favorite Couple” contest, which could net them a prize of $20,000 and an advertorial in the famed Hollywood trade publication.

With a lot on their to-do list, expect to see the duo bouncing back and forth this summer between Bocage and Standard Fare, which are essentially across the street from each other on Phila.

“I think we look at them as one operation, even though they’re two quite different concepts,” Gale said. “I think they’re going to work together in the same ecosystem.” 

The ecosystem will come to fruition on Aug. 15, when Standard Fare is scheduled to celebrate its grand opening.