Reviewing new dining destinations gets better all the time! The Chateau takes the cake, gets the “wow” factor and is by far the most unique.

Ed and Jennifer Foy purchased Hugh Allen Wilson’s home tucked in back of Skip Lower’s gift shop in 2012 and turned it into an exciting, elegant country inn and upscale restaurant.

Edward Jr. was quoted as saying “High class events for people who can afford them, it is to be an expensive venue.”  He and Jennifer have delivered on that promise and so much more.

Creative, serene, delicious, cozy, romantic, casual, pricey yet great value….they all fit this new lakeside dining experience.  There’s a great porch looking down a sweeping lawn to the lake, dotted with Adirondack chairs, a fire pit and two docks.  The Chateau offers a dining setting unlike any other on the lake. The Foys have taken a great leap of faith and created an inspiring interior with cuisine to match.

They have chosen the high road, selecting the best purveyors of beef, seafood and veal as well as a great wine list with the help of Greg Taylor; former owner of Friends Lake Inn and an expert wine merchant.

The interior dining area has a great bar on one end with eight taps, featuring some great craft beers and a host of high-end bourbons, scotches, and vodkas.  The porch has a border of fresh flowers, and a trip to the restrooms includes a peak at the open kitchen.

Mr. Manhattan and his spouse hosted us and we chose to dine outside on the porch on this beautiful summer evening. All other tables were filled, including several with couples enjoying cocktails on the lawn.  A great, classic Lake George site.

We began with a bottle of Sancerre Pascal Jolivet 2012 from the Loire Valley of France.  A very crisp white, resembling a good sauvignon blanc, but with a much fuller body.  It’s worth noting here that the Chateau’s wine list resembles that of a famous New York City bistro, including a 2003 bottle of Dom Perignon for $650.

The Foys have brought along Chef Michael Urowsky, formerly of Albany’s chic “76” State Street and the Saratoga Polo Club, and together have created a menu that truly speaks to the aforementioned “wow” factor.

We decided on a starter of calamari, nicely presented in a glass mug, crusted with graham crackers, fried and accompanied by a side of anchovy aioli for dipping.  There was also a seared Hudson Valley foie gras, grilled lamb lollipops, a unique cheese and charcuterie board for two as well as wood-grilled littlenecks.

Incidentally, I’ve been grilling my littlenecks for ages over my outdoor grill. The flavor is stunning compared to those steamed or soaked in every imaginable liquid. Try it, they’ll open and they are perfectly done.

Tonight’s soups were a lobster bisque with sherry and garden chives and a summer squash with cilantro and Thai curry paste as well as Salad Del Sylvia with arugula, watermelon pickled rind, red onion, manchango and cherry tomatoes adorned by red wine vinaigrette with clover honey.

Chef Michael’s entrees included fresh diver scallops with a carrot puree, vegan risotto with grilled asparagus and wild mushrooms, as well as Alaskan halibut with smoked bacon.  On this particular evening, a provimi veal special was also offered by our knowledgeable waiter.

Constant Companion was delighted to find her favorite entrée of rack of lamb from Colorado on the menu, spiced with a Moroccan rub. Colorado has replaced New Zealand by knowledgeable gourmets for the best lamb.  The Chateau’s hit the mark and came with chipotle hummus, cucumber-red onion raita and tahini.

Our hosts chose a Niman Ranch pork tenderloin, brine cured and nicely scored over a wood grill accompanied by potato latkes, sautéed spinach and a wonderful grilled, fresh peach slice.

Yours Truly went with a house-cut New York-style sirloin, enhanced but not overpowered by a spicy African rub, brought stateside by Jennifer’s mother from Zimbabwe.  It was wood-grilled to perfection and accompanied by grilled asparagus.

The evening called for dessert and we all shared in Mona Lisa’s choice of a chocolate lava cake encrusted with raspberry coulis and toasted coconut.  It was a delectable end to a wonderful evening.

The wait staff at the Chateau almost seems to outnumber the diners.  They are all over the place, impeccably dressed, very professional, friendly and there when you need them even before you ask!  Service that matches the menu and the pricing.

The Foys have gone the distance to enhance our region’s fine dining experiences. The ambiance, service, quality of food, even the wine and beer choices, speak to elegance and first-class.  The Chateau is on the lake, it’s in Bolton Landing and promises to add to the upscale feeling of that great hamlet.

Arrive with a good appetite, be prepared to have a wonderful experience and expect to pay well for what you receive. Topnotch!

Just what the Foys have promised!

  15 Allens Alley, Bolton Landing, 518-644-7094