Chez Sophie is Chez History
By Nancy Muldoon<\/p>\n
Forget about that article you may have happened to see in the Times Union recently by Steven Barnes regarding Chez Sophie moving back to France. Let this sordid tale of this once great establishment be a lesson to restaurateurs who refuse to get their ego inflated gastronomic heads out of their asses. This is four star ineptitude at its finest.<\/p>\n
When Chez Sophie Owner Paul Parker was invited into the space which is now called the Hilton a few years ago, he was given “free range” (I couldn’t resist) in the way he was allowed to model and design both the kitchen and dining room. He was also given a huge budget. I know of no one else being given this kind of power, no one.<\/p>\n
In spite of Paul Parkers experience and obvious intelligence, he forgot one very important detail, his regular customers. Yes, the food was legendary, but being forced into that god forsaken empty space and subjecting respectable people down those awful hallways just to get to his dining room was a bit much. So, in due time, even his most loyal clientele went off in search of new places to spend their money.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately for Chef Paul, he made no attempt to lure new clientele. Here at his doorstep he had a captive audience of a 245 room hotel but he refused to allow weary travelers to even sit at his bar without a reservation.<\/p>\n
He refused to allow lite fare served at the bar specifically for this type of guest. Having Classic French Cuisine brought up to the fourth floor hotel room twenty minutes after it has hit the plate doesn’t bode well in overall dining experiences.<\/p>\n
Sadly, Chez Sophie has not been able to pay their lease since last year and the Hilton has asked them to leave, they have until September 30th to get out. Brindisi’s will take over the space. Not sure what will happen to the Brindisi’s space on Broadway just yet but check back for more details. Au revoir, Chez Sophie.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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