SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bocage Champagne Bar’s recently unveiled menu features 11 global sparklers; still wines from far-flung locales such as Lebanon, Albania, and Slovenia; large-format bottles; and 8 all-new cocktails.

The global sparklers are from France, Italy, the U.S., Slovenia, and Australia. “Each bottle was chosen for its quality and the story it tells about its region,” said Bocage co-owner Zac Denham in a news release. “Alongside them are six Champagnes, including two from our house producer, Champagne Drappier. One of those — Trop m’en Faut! — is particularly close to our hearts. Crafted entirely from Fromenteau (Pinot Gris), it’s a rarity in Champagne and isn’t available anywhere outside France. Drappier makes sure a little arrives here exclusively for Bocage. That wine is as rare and remarkable as Bocage itself — it’s a privilege to pour it for our guests.”

Bocage’s bottle-only list now spans more than 45 selections, including vintages dating back to 1978. “This list,” Denham said, “is about popping bottles, having fun, and discovering something unforgettable along the way.”

HALFMOON — Sorrentino’s Delicatessen & Market is closing its location in Halfmoon on Oct. 5 after three decades in business. The store’s second location in South Glens Falls will remain open.

“Between myself and my staff, we have made some great friends and loyal customers over the years, for which we are grateful,” said owner Rich Sorrentino in a Facebook announcement. “This was not an easy decision to make, but it’s necessary for health reasons to start slowing down.”

Sorrentino’s is a family owned and operated deli and grocery market with a meat department, fresh produce, prepared meals, and catering. The soon-to-be-shuttered Halfmoon location is at 241 Grooms Road. The still-open second location is at 40 Main Street in South Glens Falls.

MALTA — Nanola—a restaurant, bar, and live music venue located on Route 9 in Malta—closed its doors on Tuesday, Sept. 30 after a dozen years in business.

“From the very beginning, Nanola has been more than just a business, it has been a gathering place filled with laughter, friendships, and countless memories,” the company wrote in a Facebook announcement. “None of it would have been possible without our loyal customers and staff that have become family. We are deeply grateful to every band that rocked our stage, every guest who celebrated life’s milestones with us, and every person who simply stopped in for a meal, a drink, or a good time. You’ve all been part of what made Nanola so special. While this chapter is coming to a close, the memories will live, and we are beyond thankful for the ride we’ve shared with you.”

In its announcement, the restaurant added that its volleyball program would continue and be back “bigger and better than ever.”

Community members and patrons responded to the announcement by expressing appreciation and sharing memories. One married couple said they met at Nanola. One woman thanked the restaurant for allowing her and her husband to celebrate their anniversary there during the pandemic. A GlobalFoundries employee said Nanola was one of his “all-time favorite places to go.”

Local businesses also chimed in with their farewells. The Hideaway Restaurant at the Saratoga Lake Golf Club wrote that “Nanola will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone here at The Hideaway.” The Ballston Lakeview Tavern added: “All three owners here have worked for and learned a lot from you and your family for years. On to bigger and better things. You will be missed.”

Nanola billed itself as a casual eatery with New Orleans influences, an extensive draft and beer list, and a menu with southern favorites. It hosted many performers over the years, especially live rock bands playing everything from original compositions to time-tested classics. Recent shows included a pre- and post-Phish concert performance by Hilltop; a benefit for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; two nights of Arch3type (featuring members of Big Gigantic and Twiddle); the DJ Williams Band with Ben Atkind (formerly of Goose); and a variety of Grateful Dead cover bands.

In February, Slidin’ Dirty, a popular Capital Region slider restaurant, took over Nanola’s kitchen operations and debuted a new menu.

MALTA — Consciously Curly, a new hair salon located at 123 Dunning Street in Malta, celebrated its grand opening last Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

The business was founded by Logan Spring, a healthy hair expert, non-toxic living educator, and curly hair specialist. “At the Consciously Curly Salon, every service is rooted in clean, non-toxic beauty and deep respect for your natural texture,” the business states on its website. “For too long, people have been told to tame, fight, or hide their natural curl pattern. Here, I show you how to embrace it. You’ll leave with more than a fresh look—but also renewed confidence, radical self-love, and a deeper connection to the reflection in the mirror.”

For more information, visit consciouslycurly.com. 

BALLSTON SPA — Hundreds of revelers packed Washington Street outside Speckled Pig last Saturday for an Oktoberfest block party, which provided the first glimpse of the brewing company’s new next door distillery.

The Still at Speckled Pig, housed in the former home of Jim’s Garage, featured a modern, dark, green-and-black interior with a long white bar and plenty of seating. Two garage doors opened to an outdoor patio with Adirondack-style chairs and fire pits. Cocktails and seasonal beers were served, though a full food menu was not yet available. The party began at noon, with attendees quickly filling up nearly every inch of the distillery space. 

Oktoberfest featured free commemorative mugs for the first 150 attendees, a dunk tank, a bouncy house for kids, live music from the City of Albany Pipe Band, Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, and pizza.

ALBANY — Community Bank announced this week that Saratoga Springs resident Alyssa Mastrianni has joined as Commercial Banking Officer on the Middle Market team, managing existing clients and expanding business relationships. In her role, Mastrianni will be the primary point of contact for clients to provide strategic advice, tailored solutions, and financial products fostering business growth and profitability.

 Mastrianni worked as a commercial banker in J.P. Morgan’s Emerging Middle Market segment. She also held roles as a treasury associate in J.P. Morgan’s Investment Bank, focusing on financial institutions and insurance, as well as earlier positions as a service associate and teller. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Alyssa is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Saratoga Leadership.