Nicole's Bistro occupies the historic Quackenbush House, one of the oldest urban Dutch structures in the country and one of Albany's most treasured landmarks. Nicole's offers fine dining a short walk from the city's downtown entertainment district and Capital Repertory Theater. The menu features a variety of French and international specialties, as well as an extensive wine list and a three-course Prix Fixe menu served nightly. Nicole's signature dish is the seafood cassoulet, a typical southern French stew made with mussels, scallops, clams, shrimp, crab claws and seafood sausage in a tomato and fennel broth. Also recommended is the risotto with wild mushrooms and shrimp, and the roast Muscovy duckling in a pear-ginger glaze. All meals are served with a selection of homemade breads. If the weather's agreeable, ask for a table in the courtyard. And don't be surprised if you see some high-muckety-muck from the State Capitol at the next table. -- Ted Bluestein