SARATOGA SPRINGS — Siro's Trattoria at the Lodge announced today a new initiative to combine dining and entertainment on Thursday and Sunday evenings.

Sparked after what the restaurant called a "blockbuster" Breeders' Cup party, the new tapas Thursdays and NFL Sundays will keep the party going throughout the racing off-season.

But Siro's is never one to forget its horse racing roots and will be offering both NFL football and pari-mutuel wagering on thoroughbred races.

Beginning Thursday, Nov. 17, Siro's will offer its "Trattoria Tapas Thursdays," which includes a special menu of Mediterranean-style $6 small plates and $12 shared plates. Some of these tapas options include: Polpetto con Mozzarella (meatballs with mozarella), Calamari Fritti, Pastiso (spiced Greek lamb lasagna), Israeli Couscous with Curry and Eggplant, Orzo "Barcelona" with Clams and Chorizo (sausage), Moroccan Sizzling Skillet Shrimp and Caprese Invernale (roasted tomato and burrata salad).

Sip wine and enjoy an array of tapas to live piano tunes by Roger Morris each Thursday evening.
For the football fans, Siro's Trattoria will open each Sunday at noon to catch the week's big games on multiple flat screen TVs. Pari-mutuel wagering will be available with a live teller on thoroughbred racing from Aqueduct Racetrack, Churchill Downs, Santa Anita and more.

Sunday lunch will feature homemade meatball heroes for $8 and a new special on Siro's hot wings. Sunday dinner runs from 3 to 7 p.m. featuring one special Italian meal special for $24, which includes: a main course of pasta with Sunday gravy, red sauce, fennel sausage, meatballs and pork shoulder with choice of soup or salad and dessert to top it all off.

Siro's Trattoria at the Lodge opens at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays and noon on Sundays. For more info call 584-7988 or visit www.sirostrattoria.com.

at 1 Nelson Avenue,