Ballston Spa

The Iron Roost in Ballston Spa

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A lot of people have been crowing about the Iron Roost in Ballston Spa so I knew I had to check it out as soon as possible.  A menu that focuses on waffles is something that would pique just about anyone’s interest.  It was a Sunday afternoon and the place was packed.

My first thought was how much I loved the simple yet elegant décor.  My second thought was how long am I going to have to wait to get my hands on one of these waffles?

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After about a 30-minute wait, we were seated and started checking out the menu.  There were plenty of sweet and savory waffle options along with a salad option.  One menu item that really caught my attention was the French toast waffles which consists of homemade Brioche French toast (done in the iron), powdered sugar, creamy butter, & whipped cream!  That pretty much combines all of my favorite breakfast items into one dish.  Add a little bacon on the side and it’s a dream come true!

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They also had a waffle on special which was a pumpkin spice waffle topped with cranberry-orange butter, homemade whipped cream, and a drizzle of spiced cider syrup.  Decisions, decisions!  Since it was little bit later in the day, I decided to go with the savory side of the menu and opted for the chicken salad.

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Unfortunately they had sold out of it so I went with the grilled chicken with cheddar, LTO and a delicious garlic herb mayo on a savory waffle.

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My husband had the BLT as did our other 2 friends and their little ones got the PB&J waffle sticks.  While we were deciding on what to get, I ordered the Liege waffle since I have heard so much about it.  This type of waffle is native to Belgium and let me just say that it was incredible!  It had a nice little crunch from the sugar and just a hint of cinnamon.

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If you are planning on eating here, you must order this!  It makes a great little app while you are deciding on what to get.  We were all very happy with our meals as well. I loved having a waffle in place of bread on my grilled chicken sandwich and the BLT was also delicious.  The bacon was crisp and the veggies were fresh.  It’s obvious that they get a lot of their ingredients locally.  The PB&J waffle sticks were great too!  They had a subtle peanut butter flavor to them and they're served with a side of strawberry jelly for dipping.

The Iron Roost opened in April of this year and is the brain child of Linnaea DiNallo.  After a successful career with the content marketing firm McMurry, she decided to change gears and open the Iron Roost on Front Street in Ballston Spa.  She knew she wanted to do something café related and over the course of two years, came up with a concept and a menu.  The Iron Roost allows her to design and decorate which are two things she loves to do.  Because she was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and followed her passion, we now have a wonderful waffle place in the Capital District. I am still dreaming about those French toast waffles and next time I go back (aka this weekend), I am sticking to the sweet side of the menu because these sound to good to pass up.   The Iron Roost is located at 36 Front St in Ballston Spa.

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The Village Sweet Shoppe

Who doesn’t love candy? Well the Village Sweet Shoppe in Ballston Spa, NY is here to fill all of your candy desires.

Whether you’re looking for something old, something new something rare or something blue, they have it!  Joie and her sister Kate purchased this business two years ago when they were looking for a new adventure.  Both Ballston Spa natives and candy lovers, The Village Sweet Shoppe serves as a perfect business for these two.  The adorable pink candy Shoppe is a throwback to the good ol’ days where you can “scoop you own” (similar to penny candies many years ago). They offer a wide variety of everyday favorites along with some rarities like Boston Baked Beans and chewy Sprees. They even had a 24 inch gummy rattlesnake I decided to scoop into my bag which I thought was pretty cool as did the 5 year old boys who happen to be in there (guess I have juvenile candy tastes :) ).  The Shoppe also carries nostalgic candies like Abba Dabba bars, wax bottles, candy cigarettes, Sky Bars and more! If you have a special request, just ask them!  They are more then happy to find it for you because they want all of their customers to feel like a kid in a candy store.  Speaking of kids, the sweet Shoppe also hosts private parties, so if you are in the mood to turn your kid into the Tasmanian devil post sugar consumption, book a party with them.  Your kids will LOVE it and don’t worry, the sugar high will eventually wear off.

[vimeo https://vimeo.com/46853462]

Sweet Cream Scone from Wheat's and Sweets

Happy New Year!  I am looking forward to 2012 and uncovering more delectable spots right here in the Capital District.  We kicked it all off at Wheat's and Sweets bakery located in Ballston Spa, NY.

Opened in May 2010, Wheat's and Sweets has been sweetening up peoples lives ever since.  The owner launched this business because he was in search of really great bread and couldn't find any.  He figured if I can't buy it, I'll make it! Well after much trial and error, he not only perfected his bread recipe, but the recipe for all of his cookies, cakes, muffins and scones as well.  After hearing about their Sweet Cream Scone, I knew that's what I had to try.  Faboosh!!!  And to celebrate the fact that I have just been celebrating all of the holidays for 2 weeks straight, I also tried the spritz cookies and the unbelievable carrot cake muffin!  Happy New Year to me!  New Year's Resolutions?!?!?!?! NAH! I'll take a scone with a side of cupcakes please! Especially if they are from Wheat's and Sweets!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/37126216]