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Saucy Suraci

@saucysuraci

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•Your Business Bestie of Upstate NY and beyond
•Exploring local eats, unique stays & hidden gems
•[email protected] for collaborations 📥

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Today, we unveil our annual Besties Food & Drink Issue cover, made possible by the dream team that is @saucysuraci, @panzasrestaurant, and @lachapelle_photography! 🍝📸😋 In this must-read issue, you’ll find our cover stories on Bestie-winning influencer Kristen “Saucy” Suraci, the local business champion we didn’t know we needed, and multi-Bestie winner @panzasrestaurant, which is ushering in a new era with a new chef and menu (but don’t worry—all your favorite Panza’s classics aren’t going anywhere). Then, of course, there’s the complete list of our 2026 Bestie winners, voted on by you. Check out the digital flip book at the link in our bio. 🥂 by @saucysuraci

Hi 👋 I’m Kristen — but around here, it’s Saucy Suraci.

I’m a 518-based content creator sharing the best bites, hidden gems, local stays, events, and small businesses across Upstate New York and beyond!

What started as a food page turned into a full-blown love letter to this community.

If you love:
• restaurant recs
• supporting local
• weekend getaways
• behind-the-scenes business life
• and probably a Papa Sauce cameo or two

You’re in the right place. 🤍 by @saucysuraci

For our fall issue, we asked @saucysuraci to craft her dream meal from four different bars and restaurants that 518 locals love…Swipe to see the menu!

Have a favorite dish at your local hangout that should’ve made the list? Drop it in the comments 👇 by @saucysuraci

I didn’t know how I wanted to spend Chelsea’s 34th birthday, but I knew I couldn’t sit at home.

So I hopped on a train to one of her favorite places in the entire world. New York City. I think part of me just wanted to be where she had been. To breathe the same air. To feel a little closer to her.

I brought a few cards she had written me and went to Christopher Vasquez, the artist who gave Chelsea her last tattoo, so I could get her handwriting tattooed on me. Christopher took so much time and care making the design perfect, for both me and Chelsea. I’m so grateful to him for helping me carry a piece of her with me for all the days to come, wherever I go.

Grief is such a weird thing. This has been one of the hardest times of my life, and I wouldn’t wish this kind of pain on anyone. Chelsea was more than my friend. She was my sister. She knew me better than anybody, and learning how to go through life without her is something I still don’t know how to do.

I wish I could tell her one more time how much she means to me. How much I love her. How lucky I am that I got to be her friend.

Happy 34th birthday, Chelsea. I wish you were here. I’ll carry you with me everywhere. 🤍 by @saucysuraci

It was the perfect day to explore Washington County! We stopped for coffee, browsed bookstores and antique shops, visited an orchard, and popped into the cutest local stores along the way.

Swipe through for the spots from our day:
☕️ @canteencoffeeco
🛍️ @clutchmktny
🍎 McWhorters Orchard
✨ My Shop Around the Corner
🍺 @argyle_brewing_company
📚 @battenkillbooks
🕰️ @cambridgeantiques
🍯 @tiashokefarmstore
🍷 @victoryviewvineyard
🍽️ Juniper

I love a day like this where you get to try a little bit of everything and discover spots you didn’t even know were there. 🤎 by @saucysuraci

October’s Best Bites are here! 🍴🎃

Another month of finding good food around the Capital Region, and these are the bites that deserve a spot on your must-try list.

Swipe through for October’s favorites, save this post for the next time you’re asking “where should we eat?” and send it to your foodie friend who’s always down to order one more thing.

Which one are you trying first? And where should I head in November? 👇

Thank you to our Best Bites sponsor, @jamiemazuryk of @venturefoxrealtygroup 🤍

#SaucySuraci #BestBites #518Foodies #CapitalRegionEats #518 by @saucysuraci

My standards were high. Then this happened. 😏

Heated AND cooling cup holders, a panoramic roof, charging ports for everyone, and a big screen for my John Mayer soundtrack… the BMW X7 has officially spoiled me. 🤍

Thank you, @bmwofsouthalbany , for making “just a car” a very difficult concept to return to. 😂

Which feature is your favorite? It’s the heated and cooling cup holders for me 🤭

#BMWX7 #BMWofSouthAlbany #AlbanyAutoGroup #SaucySuraci #ad by @saucysuraci

Consider this your sign to throw on a flannel and spend a day exploring Washington County 🍂☕️🍎

I spent the day popping into local coffee shops, bookstores, antique shops, orchards, and farm stores and could’ve easily kept going. There’s so much to see and do beyond the craft beverage scene, so leave yourself time for those “wait, let’s stop here!” moments. 😂

The Flannel Fall Crawl runs October 16–November 15 and gives you another reason to explore! Visit participating breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a Washington County craft beverage producer of your choice.

🐾 Visit a participating producer
📸 Snap and share a photo on social media
📲 Submit your entry at WashingtonCounty.fun
🍻 Visit more participating locations for more chances to win!

Grab your designated driver, plan your stops, and make a day or weekend of it!

Save this for your next fall adventure and send it to your exploring buddy! 🤎

#WashingtonCountyNY #FlannelFallCrawl #UpstateNY #ExploreLocal #Sponsored by @saucysuraci

The workout journey continues!

I won’t lie- this one has been in the archives for a bit. Mostly because I forgot to post it. 🤣

Stay tuned for a more up to date workout while I’m on my BLean journey 💪🏼 by @saucysuraci

Trick or Treating done right at @onedreamlatham 🤣

Since it’s not socially acceptable to go door to door asking for candy as a 34 year old I decided to start my own tradition this year and treat myself to a few favorites and a few new special treats!

I was honestly a little overwhelmed because One Dream has SO many options, but I’m not complaining.

Hot take- 100 grand bars are the best candy bar on the market. What’s your favorite? Drop it below ⬇️⬇️ by @saucysuraci

Consider this your reminder that the right shade of bronze is the ultimate accessory. 🤎 by @saucysuraci

I got a little taste of @cheesesteakalley before opening day, and you guys… this cheesesteak. 🤤🔥

I was SO excited to be one of the first to check out this new spot from the team at @15church ! They’ll be serving up cheesesteaks, Wagyu hot dogs, street noodles, burgers, and more.

The burger, fries, and street noodles were all incredible, but the cheesesteak truly blew me away. SO much flavor and one of those bites you’re still thinking about after you leave. I cannot wait for you all to try it!

📅 Opening October 21st
🕓 Wednesday–Saturday, 4–10 p.m.
🥡 Pickup + delivery at The Patio entrance

And because you know I had to get the inside scoop… Chef Mike told me if people are still ordering after 10, he’s going to keep cooking. 👀👏

Who’s making a cheesesteak run?! 🧀 by @saucysuraci