My name is Dan Landa. I live and work in Saratoga Springs. My hobbies include writing, reading, videogaming, acting, singing, hiking, camping, drawing and going to restaurants and museums. I am a cartoonist, author and actor. I perform in staged readings and a lot of my comic strips can be seen online. Some of my short stories and poetry are online, as well. I like to direct and act in short films and TV shows, most of which are filmed in the Ulster County area. I work at Target in Saratoga Springs, as a cashier, among other things.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family members are my universe! I don’t know where I’d be, or what I’d be doing, without my folks and siblings. They’re supportive in everything, I do.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I used to work a lot in the restaurant industry, I helped open the Farmers Hardware in 2017 and Walt & Whitman in 2019. notably as a host and busser. I once got to perform a musical gig at Walt & Whitman! I loved the fast-paced and tasty world of food service. I also spent many years, as a singer/entertainer. I used to act in plays, in the Hudson Valley and in New York City. Some of my favorite plays that I got to act in were West Side Story” (Riff), “Grease” (Doody), “Bye Bye Birdie” (Harry MacAfee), “The Crucible” (Reverend Hale), “The Diary of Anne Frank” (Otto Frank), “Crazy For You” (Cowboy Zeke) and “High School Musical” (Jack Scott) I’ve also directed, written and starred in short films. Currently, I’m a cartoonist, and a lot of my comic strips can be seen online. Some of my comics have been published in magazines and newsletters, in Dutchess County. I also used to be the singer, in a folk-rock duet. My best pal, Steve was the guitarist. Currently I work at Target, in Saratoga Springs. I’ve been there for almost 6 years. I love greeting and chatting with the different guests, each day. I like to make the guests laugh, and give stickers to the younger shoppers. I truly love Target. It’s one of my favorite stores.
For breakfast, Compton’s. Their pancakes are out of this world! For lunch, Spring Street Deli. Best egg sandwiches and pizza, I’ve ever eaten! For dinner, El Mexicano. If you enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, that’s the place to go!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived and worked in Saratoga for over 9 years.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Boston. It’s one of my favorite cities, and there’s so much to explore. Also, Lake Placid. I used to go there every winter. I love the town’s restaurants.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Some of my favorite TV programs include “Jeopardy!”, “Family Guy” and “Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television”. Some of my favorite films include “Mrs. Doubtfire”, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and “The Beyond”.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always be kind, and always be a good listener. Spend as much time as you can, with your family. Don’t worry about later, because later may never arrive! Plan for the worst before you start to hope for the best.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To be in a Broadway show and to become a syndicated newspaper cartoonist.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Tears For Fears, my favorite band of all time! I love 80’s synthpop.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Stadium Cafe. I used to dine there, even before I moved to the area. Often I wish it would return.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d meet up with Governor Kathy Hochul. She seems like a fascinating person. I’d treat her to lunch at Seneca Restaurant. That place is cool!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Something unique as well as my favorite thing about Saratoga is its rich history! I love our town’s history and still have so much to learn.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still living here an working at Target. Thank goodness.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a vast knowledge of food. I have to. I’m Italian!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Montreal. The Old Montreal district is quite serene.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is October. Favorite holidays are Halloween and Hanukkah. Best single day on the calendar is September 2nd, my birthday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My family.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Leather and coffee.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, tranquil, welcoming.