473273 Thu Dec 27 07:48:21 -0800 2007 10 20 Tristate Region 0 3239542 We headed to The Wine Bar last night. It was my first time, SO had been before. It's in a lovely old building. We did not have a reservation and were seated promptly. Apparently there is also a dining room downstairs and we sat at one of the 6 tables on one side of the main bar, by the window, with a view of the street. The bar was full and there were a few empty tables (but not for long). The room is warm and inviting with small black tables, arm chairs with a black and taupe stripe. There is a wall with bottles of wine. The website describes the decor better. SO selected a California cabernet sauvignon, Silver Oak 2003. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu. She was able to provide nuances about the various cheeses on the Cheese and Nuts menu. She also advised that the menu was organized by small plates and entrees and which small plates were the heartiest (for example, the pizza portion is large and satisfying). We were served a small plate with warm baguette slices and sweet butter to nibble on with our wine. We waited for our small plate selections to arrive. We had the following (all small plates, no entrees): Baby arugula salad with a balsamic syrup/vinaigrette, goat cheese and candied walnuts. We asked for it without the pancetta. Simple, fresh, delicious, good portion, light. We could make this at home. Beets and oranges salad, a hint of basil, ricotta cheese, some type of foam (pomegranate or grapefruit?). Delicious. Definitely a small plate. Foam has now arrived Upstate. We actually received our tuna and scallop small plates before the arugula and beets. Then it got crowded. The tables are fairly small and 4 plates with beautiful presentations, wine glasses, water glasses, made for a very crowded table. Our server was good about clearing timely but they need to work on their pacing or get larger tables! Tuna with a carrot curry sauce and thinly sliced radish, scallion. A few pieces of perfectly cooked tuna. The flavor combination of radish, carrot, and curry was delicious. Seared scallops with turnip puree. I vaguely recall some type of foam. Cooked to perfection. Delicious. It would have been nice to receive clean plates (we used the same small plates for all 4 dishes). Cheese and Nuts, Dessert menus - we did not try Overall, food was delicious, creative and presented beautifully. Ambience was warm and lively. Noise level might be an issue when place is more crowded. Service was very good and at a level that can often be challenging to find Upstate. Our server was very knowledgeable and professional. Please note the current menu is NOT on their website. Is this love? The Wine Bar 417 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY www.thewinebarofsaratoga.com Thu Dec 27 07:48:21 -0800 2007 73159 financialdistrictresident 1 3239710 Thanks for the review - we've had a number of great experiences at the Wine Bar. I particularly like it for a break after an afternoon of browsing used CDs at Last Vestige, getting just a plate or two and a glass of wine, but it works well for dinner (though even then, I think we've eschewed the entrees and gone the small plate route.) Thu Dec 27 08:50:28 -0800 2007 3239542 25664 meg944 2 3239984 meg944, where to eat on the next visit? We both cook so it creates even higher expectations when dining out. Good thing I head back to NYC tomorrow (unfortunately, I'm having lunch at Artisanal) where I'm used to walking everywhere. All this driving is not good for the waistline! Thu Dec 27 10:17:26 -0800 2007 3239710 73159 financialdistrictresident 3 3244521 Why not try Lanci's on your next visit? It's a tiny space with an open kitchen, and you can chat with John Lanci as he cooks your meal. Regional Italian, moderately priced. Sat Dec 29 06:11:46 -0800 2007 3239984 10022 PSZaas 4 3244653 PSZaas, thanks for the suggestion. Sat Dec 29 07:42:22 -0800 2007 3244521 73159 financialdistrictresident 5 3245627 PSZaas, as a follow up note my SO has been to Lanci's and said it's blah. Has there been a change in chef or menu recently so I can encourage him to give it another chance? Sat Dec 29 15:44:52 -0800 2007 3244653 73159 financialdistrictresident 6 3245726 No change. John Lanci is the chef, Cathy Lanci is the front of the house, and three Lanci kids wait on tables. Not cutting edge, but not blah. For cutting edge, maybe Beekman St. Bistro, Springwater Bistro, or Dine. I recommended it because you said you were interested in cooking. You can talk to John while he cooks. Sat Dec 29 16:35:17 -0800 2007 3245627 10022 PSZaas 7 3246663 Thanks, PSZaas. Maybe he just went on an off night. We were going to go to Dine but they were closed so we went to The Wine Bar. Sun Dec 30 07:13:47 -0800 2007 3245726 73159 financialdistrictresident 4 3244976 agree about Lanci's, it's a hidden gem! Sat Dec 29 10:14:25 -0800 2007 3244521 92092 GIOny 3 3248918 In Saratoga, in addition to the Wine Bar, we regularly go to Beekman Street Bistro and Chez Sophie. (I highly recommend doing the chef’s tasting menu at Chez Sophie, unless there’s a great Pink Plate that week.) For a more casual bite, Ravenous has great crepes and frites. We don’t make it up to Saratoga as often as we used to, so we haven’t tried any new places recently, but I hear good things about Lime. Mon Dec 31 06:30:53 -0800 2007 3239984 25664 meg944 4 3287774 thanks, meg944 and PSZaas. We went to Dine last night. The crispy, thin breadsticks with pepper and fennel were nice. Grilled bread with lobster and goat cheese app was delicious (must replicate this at home). Sea bass (cooked perfectly) and fennel, apple (a tasy mash with another veg) was very good. Beet salad and duck entree were okay. Sat Jan 12 06:15:21 -0800 2008 3248918 73159 financialdistrictresident