Steemit Friends welcome to Saratoga Springs New York and no. 4 in a series of one of America's most unique small cities.
Population of Saratoga is 26,000 but it is The "Summer Place to Be". besides the grandest racetrack in America and the gorgeous Adirondack Mts. in its midst, Saratoga boasts great restaurants and high class establishments to rival the best anywhere.
Then there is Hattie's Chicken Shack. Famous coast to coast with perhaps the best fried chicken recipe anywhere in America.
Jasper Alexander Chef par Excellance is now the proprietor and he has added his own twist.
See photos courtesy: Hattie's chicken Shack.
Above is Hattie! Born in Louisiana in 1900 (or thereabouts). Her mother Lydia worked for the wife a local rabbi. When Lydia died the rabbi's wife Hattie Leopold helped raised the child, and assumed the name Hattie after the rabbi's wife!
Hattie eventually cooked for years for the wealthy A.E. Staley family of Chicago. The Staley family vacationed in Saratoga in summers. By 1938 Hattie had the gumption to open a restaurant featuring her chicken on Federal Street, a racially mixed neighborhood. She started with 33 dollars. Saratoga had an active nightlife and she prosperred with her New Orleans cuisine. Hattie fed people who worked at the track and had little money, as well as the well to do. She became a legend and beloved by the entire city for years.
Hattie operated on Federal Street until 1968. then, move to its present location on Phila Steet.
She sold in 1993 at the age of 93! Currently the restaurant under Chef/owner Jason Alexander floursishes and has expanded. We ate there last summer and it is a bit different then in the days of Hattie! See photos below courtesy of Hatties.
Hattie died in 1998 at the age of 98.
When in Saratoga visit Hatties! and thanks for visitng!! Upvote! Follow!
These all look awesome! Thanks for sharing.
you are welcome! thanks.