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. $$$
Chez Sophie Bistro
2853 Route 9, Malta, 583-3538, www.chezsophie.com. Chef
Paul Parker continues the traditions of his late mother
Sophie by serving inventive seasonal cuisine based on locally
grown organic ingredients. He and his wife and partner,
Cheryl, maintain a cellar with 300 French wines and two-dozen
Belgian style beers beneath a vintage 1950s stainless steel
diner. Three course prixe-fixe option for $25 offered Tue-Thu,
September-June. Reservations recommended. Serving 5:30 PM-close
Tue-Sat; 5-close Mon-Sat in July and August. AE, DC, MC,
V. $$$$
Ferrandi’s Restaurant
332 State Highway 67, Amsterdam, 842-6977, www.ferrandis.net.
Chef-owner Eric Masson prepares traditional French cuisine
including escargot, crepe Normande, filet
mignon au poivre, duck confit and frog legs along with more
than 25 other unique entrées. Enjoy French desserts such
as crème brûlée or crepe Suzette. Extensive wine list and
full bar available. Banquet facilities. Takeout available.
Serving dinner 5-9 Wed-Sat. Open at 3-8PM on Sunday. Closed
Tue. Reservations suggested. MC, V. $$
Marisa’s Old Dater Tavern
See listing under “American.”
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. $$$
Provence
Stuyvesant Plaza, Guilderland, 689-7777. www.provence-restaurant.net.
Serving traditional and contemporary Southern French and
Mediterranean cuisine. Experience fine dining in true French-bistro
style with such classic dishes as bouillabaisse, roasted
duck and steak frites. Enjoy professional and friendly
service, an open kitchen featuring daily specials, a full
custom-made zinc bar and award-winning wine list in a beautiful,
casually elegant French setting. Serving lunch 11-3 Mon-Sat,
dinner nightly 5 PM-close. Bar menu 3 PM-close Mon-Sat.
Reservations recommended. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Rouge
3 Center St., West Stockbridge, (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 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. ATM, MC, V. $$$