The Bedford Post -- So Much Hype over ????? (New York, York: appointed, how much)

[wildwoodnorth]

Along the lines of the over-hyped Wolf ConservationCenter, I'll share a view on the Bedford Post -- the local restaurant opened by Richard Gere and partners. It was immediately "oh so hot" to say (casually, of course_) that you'd been to this old inn for breakfast or lunch. Soon, there were the occasinoal celebrity sightings, which only increased the frothy, frenzy. And for what?

This place is WAY too full of itself at the moment and needs to be slowly deflated before becoming the real stable it could become. Trust me, this is not -- in its present state -- going to attract a hot crwod from all over the county. It will ,at best, be a friendlyh and chic local spot to drink adn dine.

It's on the wrong track, however. Identifying the provenance of everything on the menu in order to convince us of the fairness of 10 charge for a poahced egg is not fooling anyone. Worse, the staff is really, really slow and rather uninformed. This is no problem for a local and friendly dining spot, but is a turn-off when coupled with the attitude and menu citing the history of the igredients being merged onto one's plate.

My biggest issue is the new policy of collecting a non-refundable deposit for dinner reservations. Yes, yes, yes. I know that fancy New York restaurants do this. But hey, this is Bedford. I am not going to make a dinner reservation 6 weeks in advance (which I did) and then have someone call to collect $200 from me the night before our reservation. What if a babysitter cancels? What if someone gets sick? Sorry, guys. I moved here to live in the country and was willing to endure mediocre food for 16 years before you came along with the breathless promise of spotting B-list movie stars.

I'll wait until your restaurant with too much attitude goes the way of all the others before I spend another dollar (or $10) here for my Jimmy Bob Farm's poached egg!

[LisaZ]

I have heard a lot of good things about the restaurant although I have not been there myself. Other people seem to really like it. Why not hype up a restaurant if people are buzzing about it? What is so wrong with that? You say it is not NYC, it's only Bedford - so what? Does NYC have an exclusive on hype? If you look at the residents in the Bedford area - they are no slouches and a lot of the people in the area work in NYC.

[luckyduck8]

I've been for breakfast on three occasions and each time have been disappointed with the terribly slow service and lack of warmth from the staff. On one morning, my over easy eggs were brought out fully cooked and cold. When I chased down our server to let her know, she replied with, "I thought they looked a little overcooked." Not good. We can get the same great food at Blind Charlie's for a 1/4 of the price, it's cooked to order, comes out hot and the service is great.

That said, we will be back. We want to give them time to smooth out the wrinkles.

[jenbird13]

I have been to the Bedford Post for dinner once (made reservation the night before and did not pay in advance), for lunch once (walked in and got a table right away, but it got VERY crowded soon after and service was SLLLLLOOOOWWWW), and for afternoon tea twice (quick service, delicious pastries, fresh squeezed lemonade and organic teas). It IS expensive, so return dinner engagements will be for special occasions only ($75 per person prix fixe, plus wine, plus tip and taxes, totals anywhere from $250-300+, depending on how much and what you drink). The ambiance does not live up to the dinner price (it is decorated to look like a renovated barn, after all), but the food was tasty, well-prepared, and nicely presented.

And, I agree the staff is less than personable (the hostesses have kind of a deer in the headlights response to any questions or requests) and service is slow.

But, try to strawberry and rhubarb pastry. Mmmm.

[Apple Cider Donut]

I've been to the Bedford Post several times now, (for lunch and dinner; even brunch once,) But I caught a blurb in the NY Times the other day that said that the long awaited main dining room "The Farmhouse," is now open. I can't wait to go. I've had my share of celeb - sightings there, from Hillary Swank, (hardly a B-Movie star) to Martha Stewart, and of course the proprietor himself several times.

I will be the first to admit that they had their problems in the months past as far as service goes. (The food was always terrific; especially "John Boy's Crisp Farm Egg!") But since the summer, I've noticed service getting markedly better. I always request the same waiter and he's great.

There is also a full bar in the "Farmhouse," which was one of my biggest wants for the cafe/bakery.
I will be going back for dinner and lunch, but probably not brunch. (too many kids, and slow service.)

[somersmom]

welcome to the northern 'burbs where hype and the opportunity to see a celebrity has always trumped common sense when it comes to dining. it's always amazed me that people will endure on their plates and in their restaurants for the chance to say they've eaten at the "it" place of the moment. anyone remember Tucci's Finch Tavern? At least he could cook.