La Cremaillere in Bedford, Westchester, New York
Given the inventive menu, high-quality ingredients, and attentive service, the fixed-price lunch menu at La Cremaillere may be the best culinary deal in Westchester right now.
A historic setting
The windowed dining room in La Cremaillere looks out to the lush trees lining Bedford-Banksville Road. Housed in a landmarked 1750s clapboard farmhouse, the rustic restaurant sits on the winding road that connects the town of Bedford to Banksville, a hamlet straddling the Connecticut border.
Soft pastel murals depicting traditional costumes from the different regions of France cover the walls, each occupying a space between dark, rough-hewn beams. Tables are set with elegant flatware and covered with ecru and white tablecloths. Fresh-cut flowers peak out of the vases on the tables, which are nicely spaced on the old slate floors. The decor strikes a perfect balance of formal and informal.
Although you’re only 40 miles and one hour north of New York City, the ambiance and setting make you feel like you’re somewhere in the French countryside.
Rising like a phoenix
The iconic restaurant, a favorite in Westchester since 1949, closed in 2020 after 70 years. It was forced into bankruptcy after one of the former owners was charged (and later convicted) of identity theft and wire fraud. Then came COVID.
In its heyday, the restaurant had been a local hotspot, attracting celebrities including Mick Jagger, Billy Joel, Glenn Close, Tommy Hilfiger, Tom Brokaw, Paul Shaffer, and Governor Andrew Cuomo. Some were locals themselves. In 2017, Town and Country named the spot one of the most romantic restaurants in the country.
La Cremaillere was reborn in January 2022 when Peter Orthwein, a businessman (player in residence at the Greenwich Polo Club), and Westchester County-based attorney and vineyard owner David Boies became the new owners.
Contemporary French cuisine
The talented new chef at La Cremaillere, Hudson Valley native Thomas Burke, came with an impressive pedigree. He’s worked in several of the best-known Michelin-starred restaurants, including Le Bernardin and Aureole in New York City, Boulevard in San Francisco, and The French Laundry in Napa Valley. Immediately before his present position, Chef Burke served as executive chef of the Charlie Palmer Collective.
The three-course prix fixe Lunch Menu price at $65 includes a choice of an appetizer, entree, and a decadent dessert.
Some of our favorites were the Tartare de Boeuf, served with Comte cheese, grilled baguette slices and sauce gribiche, and the Foie Gras de Canard En Torchon with cranberry and apple.
Entrees arrived under silver-plated domes lifted in unison by the personable, well-trained servers. Among the choices were perfectly seared Hudson Valley foie gras, tender Niman Ranch prime filet mignon, and succulent Long Island duck breast. Every dish was beautifully plated and right-sized.
Desserts include Strawberries & Cream Mille-Feuille, Creme Brulee, souffles, house-made sorbets, and ice creams.
At Dinner, guests can choose from 2-, 3-, or 4-course menus at $95, $125, and $165, respectively. The restaurant also offers a Chef’s Tasting Menu at dinner with optional wine pairing.
La belle vie
The lunch experience at La Cremaillere is fine dining in Westchester at its best, a leisurely meal that will transport your taste buds to a place across the ocean.
46 Bedford-Banksville Rd. Bedford, New York 10506.
Reservations: (914) 234 9647 or online at Resy
Open for dinner on Wednesday-Sunday beginning at 6 P.M. and lunch on Saturdays & Sundays 12- 2:30 P.M.
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