Chez Sophie Bistro, Saratoga Springs

good atmosphere, good service, mediocre food quality; we were a party of 8 and I could sample also some of what the others had too - definitely not at the level of New York City French restaurants - possibly the chef was on vacation.

We have been going to Saratoga Springs for the ballet for more years than I can count, and one of the joys of the trip has always been to dine at Chez Sophie, whether it was on Carolina Street, or in the diner, or in the Saratoga Hotel where now they serve. Sophie was the gem in the kitchen originally, but her son Paul has the same passion and skill today. The food is wonderful and imaginative. Paul's wife Cheryl greets and visits with people with warmth and wit. We continue to value the experience.

we recently had an easter brunch experience here that was perfectly horrible. It was set up as an order off a fixed no. of items for appetizer, entree and dessert and not a traditional brunch and therefore probably representative of the quality of the food and service. To start with, the waiter was absolutely arrogant-he actually was checking his watch when asked to explain the menu which he then did in the most condescending manner possible. It only got worse. They were out of almost everything starting from the appetizer to the entree to dessert. No attempt was made to make things right on the part of management. Tthe food-what was ultimately available- was mediocre. Take it or leave it seemed to be the attitude

The atmosphere was execellent and the service was very good. One couple was happy with their meal but my wife and I were not. The quality of my steak was poor and my wife had rack of lamb which looked more like an appetizer than a main course. She rarely finishes her dinner but in this instance she found herself eating bread after dinner. I am very unhappy with this considering our meals were about $35 each (salid extra). The menu was limited to ten courses and I had a problem finding anything I was interested in. The best indication of the success of a restaurant is how crowded it is. We left the restaurant at prime time, 8 o'clock on a Saturday night, and it was barely half filled.

In new setting, so perhaps that is the problem. But the food was mediocre at best, and the prices were exorbitant. I wish it were better

We first went to Chez Sophie in the 1970s when Sophie Parker was the chef. Her son Paul has taken over and the food is as good as we remember. He and his wife have done a great job of turning an old stainless steel diner into a romantic, hip place to dine. The wine list is spectacular and the staff was very attentive. The duck with apricot and green peppercorn was delicious, and the menu even lists the farms the chef gets his meat and produce from.