DZ Restaurants and Wolf Hollow Brewing celebrated the launch of the Italian-style Pilsner “Thoroughbreds” at Forno Bistro in downtown Saratoga Springs last Wednesday. A portion of sales support backstretch workers. The event also featured celebrity jockey bartenders. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
More than 100 students performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) Spa Little Theater on Wednesday, May 1 as part of SPAC’s “Access the Arts” education program. Photo by Rebecca Loomis.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — More than 100 students of all ages and abilities from AIM Services and several local chapters of The Arc New York performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) Spa Little Theater last Wednesday morning as part of SPAC’s “Access the Arts” education program.
The students danced, sang, and did improvisational comedy in front of a packed and lively crowd. The final performance share was the culmination of 10 weeks of music, dance, and improv theater classes that were curated for the students at the SPAC School of the Arts.
“The success of the Access the Arts program is significant because it epitomizes our mission as an organization,” said Jess Bien, Director of SPAC School of the Arts, in a statement. “Our program welcomes the diverse talents and unique perspectives of adults with disabilities, proving that when barriers dissolve, creativity thrives. Through the transformative power of the arts, we get to see a world of inclusion, access, and shared joy. Together, we’re not just creating art—we’re shaping a more inclusive, vibrant community where everyone’s voice is heard and celebrated.”
Launched in 2023, SPAC’s “Access the Arts” initiative is part of its mission to provide free access to the arts and inclusive programs for people of all ages and abilities.
Empire State University held its 2024 commencement last week in Albany. Photo provided by Cherie Haughney.
ALBANY — Empire State University held its 2024 commencement on Friday, May 3 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany.
Members of the class of 2024 collectively live in 57 different New York State counties, 22 U.S. states and territories, and 67 countries around the world. They ranged from age 18 to 77. 67 of the graduates were military-affiliated students, including active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, spouses, and other dependents.
The ceremony featured student speaker Em Wasserman, who received a bachelor’s degree in social science with a concentration in human rights advocacy. Wasserman is the university’s Student Government Association president and recipient of the 2024 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence.
“I feel incredibly privileged to be here with you to celebrate and honor our hard work and dedication as students, often with so many compounding responsibilities,” Wasserman said. “We stand on the brink of a new chapter ready to embark on journeys that will continue to shape our futures and our narratives. Each of us has a story to tell, and my story of perseverance is only one of the many powerful stories in this room.”
Low back pain is a common condition that can be uncomfortable and debilitating for many individuals. When managing low back pain, using ice or heat can be a simple and effective way to alleviate discomfort. However, knowing when to use ice versus heat is crucial for optimal pain relief and faster recovery.
Ice Therapy:
Ice therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is typically recommended for acute injuries or sudden flare-ups of pain. Ice is also indicated whenever there is radiating pain into your buttock or down your leg. Leg pain indicates there is swelling and inflammation around the nerve as it exits between the vertebrae in your low back. Applying ice helps to reduce inflammation, numb the area, and slow down nerve conduction, which can help to alleviate pain. At our office we recommend to our patients to gently apply an ice pack to their low back for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours from the time you wake up in the morning until you go to bed at night, shoot for 8-10 times per day during the initial stages of low back pain.
Heat Therapy:
Heat therapy, or thermotherapy, is beneficial for chronic low back pain or muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, muscle cramps, Osteoarthritis and Spinal Stenosis. Heat helps to improve blood flow, relax muscles, promote healing and improve range of motion of delicate spinal joints. At our clinic we suggest using a heating pad, hot bath, or hot water bottle with a moist washcloth on the lower back for 15-20 minutes at a time, every 2-3 hours all day long. It is essential to avoid applying heat for extended periods or sleeping with a heating pad to prevent burns or skin damage.
When to Use Ice or Heat:
It is important to understand when to use ice or heat for low back pain. In general, ice is recommended for acute injuries or recent-onset pain, such as a sudden muscle strain or sprain, or when you have buttock and leg pain. Heat is more suitable for chronic stiffness, muscle tightness, and degenerative arthritic conditions. It is crucial to listen to your body and adjust the therapy based on your symptoms.
Precautions and Tips:
While ice and heat therapy can be beneficial, it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure safety and effectiveness:
1. Always use a cloth barrier between the skin and the ice pack or heating pad to prevent skin damage.
2. Limit the application of ice or heat to 15-20 minutes at a time to avoid complications.
3. Do not use heat on an acute injury or areas of swelling, as it can worsen inflammation.
4. If you have circulatory issues or diabetes, consult with your doctor before using ice or heat therapy.
Conclusion:
Ice and heat therapy are valuable tools for managing low back pain and promoting recovery. By following the above recommendations, you can effectively use ice and heat to alleviate discomfort, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall well-being. Remember to listen to your body, seek professional guidance when needed, and incorporate these simple yet effective therapies into your low back pain management routine.
Dr. Matt Smith has been a Chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for the past 37 years. He and his daughter Dr. Kevy Smith Minogue can be reached at www.mysaratogachiropractor. com or call 518-587-2064.
Mother’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating the women who have played a significant role in our lives. From the mothers who gave birth to us, to the maternal figures who have guided and supported us throughout our journey, it is important to show our appreciation and love for them on this day.
While gifts like flowers, cards, and chocolates are always appreciated, one of the best ways to show your love and appreciation for the important women in your life is to ensure their financial well-being. Financial planning is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being and can help provide peace of mind and security for our loved ones.
Here are some tips on how to incorporate financial planning into your Mother’s Day celebrations:
Start with a Budget: One of the most fundamental aspects of financial planning is creating a budget. This involves tracking your income, expenses, and savings to ensure that you are living within your means and saving for the future. Creating a budget for your mother or maternal figure can help her take control of her finances and plan for her future needs.
Set Financial Goals: Once you have a budget in place, it’s important to set specific financial goals. This could include saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, or paying off debt. By helping your mother identify her financial goals and create a plan to achieve them, you can provide her with the tools and resources she needs to secure her financial future.
Plan for Retirement: Retirement planning is a critical aspect of financial planning, especially for women who tend to live longer than men. Help your mother evaluate her retirement goals and create a plan to ensure she has enough savings to support herself in her golden years. This could involve contributing to a retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, or investing in other retirement savings vehicles.
Consider Estate Planning: Estate planning is an important part of financial planning that involves creating a will, establishing a power of attorney, and setting up a trust to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of after you pass away. Encourage your mother to create an estate plan and review it regularly to ensure that her wishes are carried out and her assets are protected.
Invest Wisely: Investing is a key component of financial planning that can help your mother grow her wealth and achieve her financial goals. Help her understand the different investment options available, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and create a diversified investment portfolio that aligns with her risk tolerance and time horizon.
Protect Against Risks: Insurance is an essential part of financial planning that can help protect your mother and her assets from unexpected events, such as illness, disability, or death. Make sure she has adequate health, life, and disability insurance coverage to safeguard her financial security and provide peace of mind.
By incorporating financial planning into your Mother’s Day celebrations, you can show your love and appreciation for the important women in your life by helping them secure their financial future and achieve their goals. Whether it’s creating a budget, setting financial goals, planning for retirement, or investing wisely, taking steps to ensure your mother’s financial well-being is one of the best gifts you can give her on this special day.
Stephen Kyne CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs.
Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sterling Manor Financial, LLC, or Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc., SEC registered investment advisors. Sterling Manor Financial and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities. 18 Division St, Ste 202, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-583-4040
As the summer season approaches, it’s essential to keep an eye on our vision health. With longer days and increased outdoor activities, our eyes are subjected to various elements that can impact their well-being. Additionally, amidst this seasonal transition, there’s exciting news for our local community: after 62 years at 205 Lake Avenue, Family Vision Care Center is relocating to 6B Carpenter Lane in Saratoga.
Eye health should never take a vacation, especially during the summer months when UV exposure and outdoor activities can pose risks to our vision. Here are some tips to ensure optimal eye care during this time:
· Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage.
· Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, causing discomfort and irritation. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your eyes hydrated, especially in the summer heat.
· Take Breaks from Screens: Whether it’s scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favorite shows, prolonged screen time can strain your eyes. Remember to take frequent breaks to rest your eyes and reduce digital eye strain.
· Use Protective Eyewear: If you’re participating in outdoor activities such as sports or yard work, wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries. Safety goggles or glasses can shield your eyes from debris, chemicals, and other hazards.
· Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Don’t forget to prioritize your routine eye exams, even during the summer months. Regular check-ups with your eye care provider are crucial for maintaining good vision and detecting any potential issues early on.
In addition to these important reminders for summer eye health, Family Vision Care Center is thrilled to announce our relocation after more than 100 years of serving the Saratoga community. Since our establishment in 1920 on Broadway in downtown Saratoga, we have been committed to providing exceptional eye care to our patients. Our new location at 6B Carpenter Lane reflects our dedication to modernizing our services while remaining rooted in our community’s history and values.
We invite you to join us at our new location for the same personalized care and expertise that Family Vision Care Center has been known for over the years. Our team looks forward to continuing our legacy of excellence in eye care and serving you and your family for many more years to come.
This summer, let’s prioritize our vision health and embrace positive changes in our community, including Family Vision Care Center’s relocation to 6B Carpenter Lane. Together, we can ensure that our eyesight remains clear and vibrant for all the adventures to come.
Susan Halstead is a Nationally and NYS Licensed Optician and is the owner of Family Vision Care Center in Saratoga Springs. FVCC has been serving Saratoga County since 1920 with Susan as the third owner. Susan can be reached for comment or questions via text or call (518)584-6111or email Susan@familyvisioncarecenter.com
One of my godsons received his First Holy Communion in Pittsburgh at the end of April, so two of my big boys and I drove down and back over the course of a weekend. While it was kind of a big deal that I was able to go on such a trip (away for two nights!), and that the children I had with me are much closer to adulthood than to little boyhood (with all its travel-related stressors), the thing that I really want to point out in this article is how amazing it is to see women I knew when they were much younger and totally carefree as moms.
My godson’s mom is one of my dearest friends. We lived on the same wing my sophomore year in college; we studied abroad and traveled around Europe together; she was a bridesmaid in my wedding and is the godmother of one of my boys. We were college kids together, and now we’re moms together. Since I don’t see her that often due to distance, it was striking to me to see her bringing her son to the bathroom in the church before the Mass began, cleaning the frosting off his face after he ate his celebratory cupcake, reminding him to thank me for coming. Who is that amazing mom?!
Another of my dearest friends, who shares many of the same experiences and memories as the friend mentioned above, and who was also a bridesmaid in my wedding and is the godmother of one of my boys, recently took a day trip with her son and daughters for a college visit to Siena. One of my boys and I met them there and were able to spend a great afternoon together, walking around campus and eating in the dining hall with them. Not only was it so strange for the two of us, who met in college, to be walking around campus with our kids, who are basically the same ages we were when we met, but also to be walking around our own alma mater. I can’t remember ever thinking when we were students at Siena that twenty-five years later we would be walking around Siena with our own kids. And being such moms! Making sure our kids knew where the bathrooms were and commenting on the natural light in the dorms and pointing out all the things that were different from when we were students (much to the kids’ annoyance, I’m sure).
My best friend from childhood (who, yes, was one of my bridesmaids and is the godmother of one of my boys) doesn’t have her own children but works with and cares for children from birth through fifth grade and has more knowledge and experience than many parents I know. There aren’t many people that I would unhesitatingly entrust my children to, but she is one of them. It’s easier for me to see her in her role now because we grew up together and we have both always loved babies and children, so I’ve always seen this side of her. We both grew up in big families and are the oldest daughters, so having little ones around and helping take care of them was life. Even still, remembering her as a kid during our growing up — our sleepovers and school days and summer swimming, experiments with makeup and suffering through Cross Country together and angsting over boys — and seeing her now with the car seats in her car, hearing about her days full of diapers and playground outings and how she knows about the movies and video games that so enthrall my own boys, is pretty cool. We met up the other night for dinner and I was really struck by the privilege it has been to have grown up with her and to be growing older with her, and our shared love of little ones and how beautifully she mothers her charges and my own kids is part of the glue that holds us together.
I’m not only amazed to see my friends as moms, but also to see my baby sister as a mom. I’m eleven years older than her — older enough that I carried her around with me the way she does with her own babies now, and the way that I do with her babies, too. That tiny girl, the baby of our family, has two little boys of her own. That teen who helped watch my own boys when my husband and I went out for date nights now asks me to come stay with her boys while she and her husband go out. I have so many pictures of her holding my babies during her growing-up years, and now my photo reel has shots of me holding her boys. Bananas! (I’m sorry, I have to say it: she was also a bridesmaid in my wedding and is godmother to one of my boys.)
I’ve written many times about my mom, my mother-in-law, and my grandmothers for Mother’s Day, so it seemed right to focus on my sister-friends this year. Though I only mentioned four of them here, it was more because I had recent interactions with them that were on my mind, and I only have so much space in this column. I don’t mean to exclude any of the other amazing women in my life, especially my other bridesmaids and godmothers of my children! They’re all amazing and I love and appreciate each one. This I need to say more for my own mom than for any of my friends and sisters reading this, I’m sure, because Mom will read this and fret and worry that someone will feel left out. That’s what moms do, after all, and she’s one of the very best. Happy Mother’s Day to you all!
Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 19, 17, 15, 14, 12, 10, and 5. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.
The Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness is a collaborative effort that works tirelessly to help those who are experiencing homelessness in our community. RISE Housing and Support Services is proud to be a part of this effort to assist the people we work with. Through my work at RISE, I have had the opportunity to work closely with individuals who struggle with mental illness and street homelessness daily. The challenges of accessing permanent housing and healthcare are real and often complicated to navigate.
The Alliance to End Homelessness has put forth a collaborative effort to provide enhanced housing and support services that recognize the critical need for permanent and supportive housing to ensure that individuals and families have a stable foundation to rebuild their lives. The relationship between mental illness and homelessness is complex and multifaceted, particularly for individuals experiencing street homelessness. Raising awareness about mental illness is of utmost importance as it helps people understand and empathize with those who are struggling with mental health conditions. It encourages individuals to seek help, reduces stigma, and promotes a more supportive and inclusive society.
Individuals grappling with mental illness may find themselves on the streets due to a combination of factors, including lack of access to mental health services, inadequate support systems, socioeconomic disparities, and stigma surrounding mental illness. For those without stable housing, the challenges of managing mental health conditions are exacerbated, leading to a cycle of homelessness and further deterioration of mental well-being. The harsh realities of street life, including exposure to violence, lack of access to necessities, and substance use, take a severe toll on mental well-being. Substance use disorders frequently co-occur with mental illness, compounding the challenges these populations face. Moreover, the constant stress of survival impedes individuals’ ability to seek and engage in treatment, perpetuating a cycle of untreated mental illness and homelessness.
There are several barriers to accessing support. Navigating the complexities of mental health services while experiencing street homelessness poses significant challenges. Limited access to healthcare facilities, lack of transportation, and bureaucratic regulations often prevent individuals from accessing the support they desperately need. Despite these challenges, many wonderful success stories emerge every day as organizations in the Alliance to End Homelessness work together to provide services to individuals faced with homelessness, mental health challenges and substance use issues.
One afternoon, while presenting RISE services to a group of people at a community shelter, David* (name changed to protect identity) hesitantly raised his hand and said, “I need help! Can you help me?” I instantly connected with David as he shared his story. David, who found himself homeless, was eager to find permanent housing and benefit from RISE’s services. David’s willingness to ask for help to do the necessary work was a key factor in his success story. Every day, David’s positive mindset and determination helped him transition from homelessness to a life full of hopes and dreams. David shared he has never felt comfortable asking for help before, always feeling pressure from his family and friends to present as a strong male figure who should not have to reach out for help.
David was diagnosed with schizophrenia, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and an extremely debilitating anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, because David was not able to ask for help in ways that would fully support him, he did not have the effective coping mechanisms in place to support a healthy balanced life. Thus, he began using heroin as a coping strategy to alleviate the symptoms of the trauma he had experienced in his life, which worsened his mental illness and led to a substance use disorder. This made David feel isolated and prevented him from seeking necessary support.
David is currently participating in a MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) program that fully supports his recovery treatment plan. He attributes his success to the Harm Reductionist model of treatment, which bridges the gap between actively using heroin and being a functioning member of society. David worked with Shelter Advocates, Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAS), and his Parole Officer through our community shelter programs. The assistance provided by these professionals proved to be invaluable. David has secured permanent housing, primary health care, substance use treatment, and mental health services and is currently working on obtaining employment.
David has found inspiration through his interactions with RISE and the supporting agencies and organizations that have helped him. As a result, he now feels motivated to continue his education and attend training to become a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate. He hopes to use his own success story to help others who have experienced similar circumstances in life as he has.
As David’s story illustrates, the relationship between mental illness and housing is complex, with each influencing the other in profound ways. Addressing the root causes of housing instability and mental health disparities is essential to promoting stability, recovery, and well-being for individuals with mental illness. By advocating for policies and programs that increase access to affordable housing, provide comprehensive mental health care services, and combat stigma and discrimination, the Saratoga County Alliance to End Homelessness hopes to ensure that all individuals have access to safe, stable housing and the support they need to thrive.
To learn more about the collective impact of the agencies addressing homelessness in the Saratoga community visit: https://www.endhomelessnesssaratoga.org/
Brian Dougherty is a Program Supervisor and Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA-P) at RISE Housing and Support Services who actively engages with those facing homelessness in an effort to encourage connections to enhanced services.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to discover unique Mother’s Day gifts, find beautiful bouquets, and prepare special delicacies to serve Mom. Also, consider a gift certificate. It’s also the ideal opportunity to spend time with Mom, enjoy live music, grab a bite to eat, and shop.
The Wednesday Market:
Enjoy “Dinner in the Park” with Euro Delicacies, Freddies’ Lemonade, Pies on Wheel, Ted’s Fish Fry, and Thorn + Roots.
Then, shop for gifts, flowers, and plants at Ardent Flame, Beautiful Things Antiques (jewelry), Burger’s Market Garden, Bella Blends, Caliva Cookie, Nine Pine Soup & Design, and The Doggy Bag.
Consider brunch, lunch, or dinner items from Gomez Veggie Ville, Nally Coffee, Owl Wood Farm, Saratoga Apple, Slate Valley Farms, Springbrook Hollow Farm, and The Bread Butler.
The Saturday Market:
Grab breakfast or lunch in the park with the Breakfast Nook, Daily Fresh, Drizzly Bear, Euro Delicacies, Katie Bakes GF, La Capital Tacos, Lidia’s Empanadas, M & A Farm, Night Work Bread, Parchment Baking Co, Saratoga Apple, Something’s Brewing, Sweet Treats by Jennifer, Sweetish Chef, The Bread Butler, and Thorn + Roots.
Then, shop for gifts, flowers, and plants at Awakened Tonics, Balet Flowers, Burger’s Market Garden, Eat with Aliens, Feathered Antler, Green Jeans Market Farm, Halfmoon Harvest, Junbucha, Moon Cycle Seed Company, Katie Bakes GF, Lovin’ Mama Farm, Muddy Trail Jerky Co, Mugzy’s Barkery, Northbound Boutique, Old Tavern Farm, Puckers Gourmet, Saratoga Chocolate Co., Saratoga Peanut Butter Co., Slate Valley Farms, Sweet Sprig, Sydney Anechiarico Jewelry, The Mushroom Shop, Thoroughly Modern Milliner, Wild Hog Sugar Shack.
Consider items for brunch, lunch, or dinner fixings from Albany Distillery, Argyle Cheese Farmer, Ballston Lake Apiaries, Gomez Veggie Ville, Goodway Gourmet, Grazin’ Acres Farm, Green Jeans Market Farm, Hepatica Farm, Jireh Organics & Livestock, Junbucha, Katie Bakes GF, Leaning Birch Farm, Long Lesson Farm, Lovin’ Mama Farm, May-K-Mark, Michelles’ Farm, Muddy Trail Jerky Co., Nettle Meadow, New Scotland Spirits, Night Work Bread, Owl Wood Farm, Parchment Baking Co, Perogi-Pierogi-Pyroogie, Puckers Gourmet, Saratoga Apple, Saratoga Peanut Butter Co., Schenectady Distilling, Slate Valley Farms, Slyboro Cider, Something’s Brewing, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Squash Villa Farm, The Bread Butler, The Mushroom Shop, Underwoods’s Hydro Farm, Wild Hog Sugar Shack, and Yankee Distillers.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in Downtown Saratoga. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.
Hello My Foodie Friends!
This weekend is Mother’s Day. For many of us, it brings back memories of our childhood. My memories include the chaos my parents incurred of getting five children to do their homework, eat dinner, brush their teeth and get to bed every school night. I often reminisce about the work my mother had in raising three boys and two girls. In many of my articles I have talked about growing up in an Italian family. I was reminded by one of my customers that Italians are a matriarchal nationality. It’s the women who carry on the traditions and hand out the majority of discipline, wisdom and nurturing to the children. As a child, every room in the house where I grew up included constant teaching and training by my mother. The bedroom task was making your bed, dusting furniture, sweeping the floor or vacuuming the rugs and organizing your clothes. The bathroom was to be kept clean at all times and the living room was “keep your feet off the couch!” The kitchen was the most intense training. Washing and drying dishes to cleaning and setting the table. When we all sat at the kitchen table, our family discussions were learning times. We shared everything from how our day went to how to pass the potatoes. We learned manners, how to hold a fork and at the beginning of the meal, watching how much Mom did to prepare the meals and us for dinner. One of my mother’s favorite cooking tools, and is my wife’s favorite, is the wooden spoon. My mother used a wooden spoon for all of her daily cooking tasks. She would let us “taste” her sauce using a wooden spoon. There were wooden spoons for frying the meatballs, stirring the sauce and one that would sit at the kitchen table while we ate.
Compliments to the Chef would like to salute all the Moms who have made life happen in our homes and especially the Kitchen. Who was the first one to start cooking a meal and the last to sit down for a meal? Who was still in the kitchen cleaning well after everyone else had left? What room in the house did mom dole out free advice on dating, school, employment and dealing with disappointment? Where did some of your funniest memories of Mom take place?
Foodie moms are the easiest to please on a special day – especially Mother’s Day. If she’s into cooking special meals for you or she’s one who simply loves to eat, there are so many exciting ways to give her a treat these days. Creating a “foodie” theme for your mom can be a fun way to tell her how much you appreciate her cooking
This Mother’s Day when it is time for dinner, seat mom first and clean up so she can enjoy her day. Call Mom on a regular basis and tell her how you feel about her. You cannot say “I love you, Mom” enough. I bet I know where she will be when you stop by to see her. Whatever the gift is that you give your Mom on Mother’s Day, the greatest gift is the smile and hug you’ll give her at her front door.
Stop into Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place and share a fun story about your mom! Remember my Foodie Friends and Moms: “Life Happens in the Kitchen” – those memories will last you a lifetime. Take care, John and Paula
Stop by and shop at Compliments to the Chef. Your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad place for our line of Beechwood, bamboo, and pakkawood spoons and instantly take your culinary, dining, and entertaining experience to the next level. The wooden spoon was a primary cooking utensil used by Julia Child and other great chefs around the world. Each of our beechwood spoons are made in France where they are lovingly handcrafted to standards of unsurpassed quality. For centuries wooden spoons and wooden cooking utensils have been preferred by chefs for their numerous advantages. Unlike metal or plastic, a wooden spoon can be left in the pot without the risk of melting, burning your hand, or ruining a temperature-sensitive dish. A wooden kitchen utensil will not change the taste of acidic foods the way metal will. Wooden spoons are versatile. Simply wash your kitchen utensil with warm soapy water and allow to air dry. Restore your wood utensils to their satiny finish by treating them with a little mineral oil or beeswax compound.
As we all are working through our hectic schedules, remember that family time is the most important time. Eat together as a family, share stories, talk about your day, listen to each other, enjoy good food, and remember to compliment the chef. Bring your family together for at least an hour a day. Mealtime is family time. Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”
Take Care, John & Paula
