FRENCH
Auberge
Suisse
1903
New Scotland Road, Slingerlands, 439-3800. This restaurant
has an intimate atmosphere and traditional French menu featuring
rack of lamb, beef Wellington, coq au vin, frog legs and
fresh fish. Prix-fixe dinners. Serving 5:30-close Wed-Sat.
Sunday by reservation. Closed Mon-Tue. Reservations suggested.
MC, V. $$$$
Aubergine
Routes
22 and 23, Hillsdale, 325-3412, www.aubergine.com. The approach
to food at this fine-dining establishment draws as much
from New American ideas as it does from the classical models.
Specializing in seasonal items with an extensive wine list.
Four overnight guest rooms. High casual dress appreciated.
Reservations recommended. Serving dinner 5:30-close Wed-Sun.
AE, DC, MC, V, checks. $$$$
Bistro
Zinc
56
Church St., Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-8800. This elegant restaurant
in the heart of Lenox serves simple, French-inspired bistro
food such as steak, grilled duck, roast chicken and seafood,
with desserts by an in-house pastry chef. Full bar. Reservations
suggested. Serving lunch 11:30-3, dinner 5:30-10 daily.
AE, MC, V. $$$$
Chez
Pierre
Route
9, Wilton, 793-3350. Dinners in the classic French manner,
including sole Marguery, veal Oscar and steak au poivre.
Full bar, banquet facilities. Serving dinner 5:30-10 Tue-Sat,
5-9 Sun. Closed Mon. Reservations suggested on weekends.
AE, MC, V. $$$
Chez
Sophie Bistro
2853
Route 9, Malta, 583-3538, www.chezsophie.com. Chef Paul
Parker continues the traditions of his late mother Sophie
by serving inventive seasonal cuisine based on locally grown
organic ingredients. He and his wife and partner, Cheryl,
maintain a cellar with 300 French wines and two dozen Belgian
style beers beneath a vintage 1950s stainless-steel diner.
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner. Three-course
prix-fixe option for $28 offered Tue-Thu except in July
and August... Reservations recommended. Serving 5:30 PM-close
Tue-Sat; 5-close daily in July and August. AE, DC, MC, V.
$$$$
Paul’s
72
Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, 884-0281. Eclectic cuisine leaning
toward French, but especially popular for its fresh seafood
dishes with special sauces. Full bar; banquets for up to
100. Serving lunch 11:30-2 PM Tue-Fri, dinner 5-9 Tue-Sat.
Closed Sun-Mon. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Provence
Stuyvesant
Plaza, Guilderland, 689-7777. www.provence-restaurant.net.
Serving traditional and contemporary Southern French and
Mediterranean cuisine. Experience fine dining in true French-bistro
style with such classic dishes as bouillabaisse, roasted
duck and steak frites. Enjoy professional and friendly
service, an open kitchen featuring daily specials, a full
custom-made zinc bar and award-winning wine list in a beautiful,
casually elegant French setting. Serving lunch 11-3 Mon-Sat,
dinner Mon-Sat 5-close, dinner Sunday 4:30-close. Bar menu
3 PM-close Mon-Sat. Reservations recommended. AE, D, DC,
MC, V. $$$
Rouge
3
Center St., West Stockbridge, Mass., (413) 232-4111. William
Merelle is the chef and owner of this quintessential French
bistro in the Berkshires. For an appetizer, try the escargot
á Provencal with soft polenta. Among the entrées is the
house favorite, braised duck with shredded potato cake and
rosemary balsamic vanilla sauce. Tapas served at the bar.
Takeout available. Serving dinner 5-10 Wed-Sun. MC, V. $$$
Saratoga
Lake Bistro
511
Route 9P, Saratoga Lake, 587-8280, www.saratogalakebistro.com.
Sunset dining at its best. Join internationally renowned
chef Eric Masson as he creates a culinary experience to
remember. Serving classical French and continental cuisine
for lunch and dinner. Dine on the deck or just enjoy a cocktail
and raw bar. Enjoy French desserts such as crème brulee
or crepe Suzette. Extensive wine list and full bar available.
Casual atmosphere, open all year round. Also enjoy our public
beach, snack bar, lakeside banquet facilities, and a charming
inn with a lake view. Open for dinner at 5 PM daily. Reservations
suggested except during track season. AE, MC, V. $$