Off Track Saratoga Podcast

Scallions may be gone, but something exciting is taking its place.In the Season 1 Finale of the pod, Noel and Zac go Off Track with local restaurateur Ronnie Solevo for an exclusive first look inside The Pearl, the highly anticipated seafood restaurant and raw bar opening at the former Scallions location on Lake Avenue.Ronnie shares the inspiration behind the concept, how fresh oysters and seafood make their way from the coast to Saratoga in as little as 12–18 hours, and why this project feels like the most authentic expression of who he is. We talk restaurant design, preserving the spirit of Scallions, creating a space that feels both coastal and Saratoga, and some of the surprises guests can expect when The Pearl opens later this year.Follow @thepearlsaratoga for updates and get ready to discover Saratoga's newest gem.Support the show

Noel and Zac go Off Track with Saratoga Living fashion editor Tiina Loite for a funny, honest, and relatable conversation about fashion, confidence, and personal style.From The Devil Wears Prada 2 and quiet luxury to Saratoga track fashion, denim struggles, athleisure, vintage shopping, and finding your style through different stages of life — nothing is off limits.Plus: strong opinions on Crocs, socks with sandals, white after Labor Day, department stores, and why “getting dressed” still matters. Follow, rate, and subscribe for new episodes every week!Support the show

The weather has been all over the place, but Saratoga summer is finally around the corner — and we’re kicking things off with a FIRST LOOK at the newly reimagined Adelphi Gardens courtyard at the The Adelphi Hotel. 🌿🥂In this episode, Noel and Zac settle in fireside to talk about: The return of one of Saratoga’s most nostalgic hidden gems  The big reveal during Belmont week and the return of live music  What they’re most looking forward to this summer in Saratoga  Lake George days, porch season, and elite Saratoga people-watching spots 👀  Motherhood, grief, family traditions, and the complicated emotions surrounding Mother’s Day Plus: Zac shares the touching story behind a new tattoo honoring his late mother, and the duo announce a fun cocktail “treasure hunt” around downtown Saratoga.It’s funny, heartfelt, nostalgic, and the perfect listen to get you ready for summer in Saratoga Springs.Support the show

This week on Off-Track Saratoga, Noel & Zac sit down with Michael Panza of Panza's Restaurant to celebrate 88 years of one of Saratoga’s most iconic family restaurants.Michael shares stories from generations in the business—from opening the doors at age five to serving legends like Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Walter Cronkite (just to name a few)—and what it takes to keep a legacy restaurant thriving for nearly a century.We also talk Saratoga’s evolving dining scene, hospitality, and the power of a family-run businesses in a rapidly changing town.Plus, new head chef Elliot Vogel joins the conversation. He's ushering in a new era at Panza’s with a fresh spring menu featuring local ingredients, seasonal dishes, and a modern take on classic favorites.We also hear from guests experiencing the new menu and lively supper club atmosphere firsthand.A celebration of history, food, music, and the future of a Saratoga staple—don’t miss Panza’s 88th anniversary on May 15th.Support the show

Are we approaching youth sports the right way?This week, Noel and Zac head to Troy, NY to sit down with Team USA Coach Joe Uccellini—owner of Curby Training Center and a respected leader in youth athlete development. From coaching beginners to working with state champions and international-level athletes, Joe shares his perspective on building confidence, handling pressure, and creating an environment where kids can truly thrive. In this episode, we discuss: • Why fun and freedom are critical for long-term success • The pressure parents (often unintentionally) put on their kids • How to help young athletes handle losses and setbacks • Why early success doesn’t always predict future success • The growth of girls wrestling and its impact on youth sportsPlus, Zac and Noel learn a wrestling move, Joe shares his path to becoming a coach, and we dive into what keeps kids coming back to sports year after year.Whether you’re a parent, coach, or just navigating youth sports, this episode offers a smarter, healthier way to think about it.New episodes weekly. Sometimes we’re on track, sometimes we go a little off—but it’s always worth the listen.Support the show

Ready for takeoff? ✈️In this episode of Off-Track Saratoga Podcast, we’re bringing you inside one of the Capital Region’s most unique new destinations—Sunset at Saratoga, the brand-new restaurant located inside the Saratoga County Airport.Hosts Noel McLaren and Zac Denham sit down with owner Mike Speranza, and local creator Pat Fleming (aka the “local diner guy”) to talk about how they're creating a family-friendly dining experience at the airport that's open to everyone.From scratch-made food and locally sourced ingredients to fresh-brewed Big Black Coffee and unbeatable runway views, this spot is redefining what it means to “go out to eat” in Saratoga. This episode dives into: The story behind bringing Sunset at Saratoga to life  Why this restaurant is filling a major gap in the Milton/Saratoga community  The power of supporting local—from coffee to cuisine  And how this space blends nostalgia, family, and a one-of-a-kind aviation experience Whether you’re planning a laid-back family outing, a date night with a view, or just want to watch planes take off with a cocktail in hand—this is one destination you don’t want to miss.Support the show

Gaffney’s is back—and you’re getting the first look inside!In this special bonus episode, Noel & Zac sit down at the newly renovated Gaffney’s with marketing director Steph Curtis. They talk about what's staying, what’s changing, and what Saratoga can expect from this iconic spot’s next chapter.From nostalgic nods and major renovations to new menus, multiple bar spaces, live entertainment, and a renewed focus on atmosphere and safety—this is a behind-the-scenes look at how a local landmark is being reimagined for a new era.Plus, we get into the vision behind the revival, the team bringing it to life, and the highly anticipated opening date (hint: think hats and Derby Day).Whether you have years of memories at Gaffney’s or you’ve never stepped inside, this episode is your inside access before the doors officially open.Support the show

This week on Off Track Saratoga, Noel and Zac sit down with local food and lifestyle influencer Kristen Suraci—better known as Saucy.What started as casually sharing where she eats has grown into a platform that spotlights small businesses across the 518. Kristen opens up about her unexpected rise, the realities of being a full-time influencer, and why she’s committed to keeping her content positive and authentic.They also dive into the pressures of social media, supporting local in a meaningful way, and—of course—Saucy’s go-to spots across the region.It’s honest, funny, a little off track (hello, bidet debate), and full of must-try recommendations.Stay saucy.Support the show

We’re coming to you live from the final Overdress to Impress—and Saratoga showed UP 💃This week on Off Track Saratoga Podcast, Noel and Zac hit the floor to talk to some of the best dressed in the room, uncovering the stories behind the outfits—from last-minute looks and reworn favorites to sentimental pieces years in the making.Did you catch this years winners? We chat with first place winner, Brittany DeMarco!We also hear from local business owners, community leaders, and friends all coming together to support Wellspring's important work to help women impacted by domestic violence. It’s fashion, it’s fun, it’s meaningful—and it’s the perfect sendoff to a Saratoga favorite.Support the show

Recorded from the historic Adelphi Hotel, Zac and Noel are spilling Saratoga’s local tea ☕️.This week: emotional support water bottles, Target’s long-awaited cart upgrade (yes, cup holders), Lincoln Baths updates, and the tree controversy everyone’s talking about.Plus, Zac debuts a new segment—Opinions—where nothing is off limits.Local, unfiltered, and a little off track… just how we like it.Support the show

From Saratoga to the runway… and behind the scenes of reality TV 👀This week on Off Track Saratoga, Zac and Noel sit down with local standout Jenna Hotaling, who takes us inside her experience on America’s Next Top Model—just as the new Netflix documentary “Reality Check: America’s Next Top Model” has everyone talking.Jenna gets real about what it was actually like behind the cameras—from being isolated before filming, to how producers cast for drama, to the pressure of maintaining your identity in a world that wants to shape it for you.We also dive into: What casting was really looking for (hint: it’s not just modeling)  The difference between “TV Tyra” and real-life interactions  Body image in the modeling world—and how Jenna built confidence anyway  Why she refused to give up school, sports, and control of her image  Life after the show (spoiler: it didn’t define her) It’s funny, honest, a little chaotic—and full of perspective you won’t get from the screen.🎙️ If you’ve watched the documentary, this is the insider take you didn’t know you needed.👇 What surprised you most about Top Model?Support the show

What would Saratoga be like if it were a person?In this episode of Off Track Saratoga, Noel and Zac kick things off by personifying the city. From there, the conversation goes… well, a little off track.They talk about the Southern tradition of “front porch sittin’,” why Saratoga feels like home to so many people who didn’t grow up here, and how the community has a way of pulling visitors in for good.Then things get real. With residents and business owners sounding off about sky-high utility bills, the hosts break down what’s behind the spike in electricity costs and how it’s affecting both homeowners and local businesses.And because this is Off Track Saratoga, the episode also takes a detour into Britney Spears news, Zac/s Louisiana connection to the pop icon, and why fans are watching recent headlines closely.Along the way, they talk about friendship, finding joy in small moments, and who this podcast is really for.Basically: porch life, real talk, and a little chaos — just the way we like it.Support the show

One of Saratoga Springs’ most beloved landmarks is now for sale — and the community has a lot of questions.In this episode of Off Track Saratoga, we sit down with Trinity Mouzon, whose family owned the Mouzon House at 1 York Street for generations before it became the iconic restaurant many locals know today.Trinity shares the incredible story behind the home — from her great-grandmother’s fight to keep the house standing during Saratoga’s urban renewal era, to the memories of growing up inside the historic Victorian that refused to disappear.Now that the Mouzon House is on the market, what comes next?We talk about: • The real history behind Saratoga’s “defiant” house • Why the property became such a beloved community gathering place • Trinity’s dream of possibly bringing the house back into the family • The newly formed Mouzon Foundation working to preserve its future • And how Saratoga balances preservation with progressPlus, Trinity shares the story behind her wellness brand Golde and her upcoming cookbook Eating at Home.If you’ve ever had dinner on the porch, attended a wedding there, or simply wondered what makes this place so special — this episode is for you.Support the show

Bone broth, bath rituals and a beloved Deli for Sale. Noel and Zac go off track on winter obsessions, then dig into the real price of doing business in Saratoga with Saratoga Broadway Deli’s Dan Chaseri. Why are so many local businesses closing or changing hands? Plus, Dan discusses his recent controversy with the Saratoga County Chamber President. Support the show

We've officially gone OFF TRACK!New Podcast. Real Conversations. All things Saratoga, pop culture, amazing guests and whatever else we wander into! Health, history, horses and HOT TOPICS with Emmy Award Winning Journalist Noel McLaren and local business owner Zac Denham. This is the show for must listen to local interviews and stories you won't get anywhere else!Sometimes we're on track, sometimes we go a little off, but it's always worth the listen!Support the show