Bedford Post Inn's Chef Does the Suburbs
Just a walk in the woods. Photos: Courtesy of Bedford Post Inn unless otherwise noted.
In the heart of New York's Westchester County sits Bedford Post Inn, a beautiful eight-room cottage located in bucolic Bedford. Innkeepers Russell Herandez, Carey Lowell, and Richard Gere (yes, that one!) had laid-back sophistication in mind when creating the weekend retreat. For the last three years, that's meant having executive chef Jeremy McMillan at the helm of The Farmhouse, the inn's destination restaurant, and The Barn, the casually charming cafe.
BEDFORD, NY – I would describe the concept of The Farmhouse at Bedford Post Inn as wood-fire cooking with Hudson Valley ingredients. I commute daily from New York City to Bedford, and I source specialty shops and local markets, talk to farmers and foragers, and spend time in the great outdoors.
Chef at The Barn.
SHOPPING & SNACKING
John Boy's Mountain View Organics
Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge, NY
First thing: Get to know your local farmers and foragers. This farm runs a small stand on Sundays at Scotts Corner Market.
John Jay Homestead
400 Jay St., Katonah, NY
This historic home, which sits on 62 acres of formal gardens, ponds, fields, and wooded trails, hosts a great local farmers market on Saturdays, from June to October.
Balducci's
15 Palmer Ave., Scarsdale, NY
Exellent prepared items and Balducci-brand items, plus some rare finds when digging through the olive oil section.
Zachys Wine & Liquor
16 East Pkwy., Scarsdale, NY
They've got a great wine selection, a great staff, and tastings on a regular basis.
Elsewhere
I get a lot of provisions in New York City: Buon Italia in the Chelsea Market, Faicco Pork Store on Bleecker Street, Kalustyan's in Murray Hill, Korin in Tribeca, Saxelby Cheese on the Lower East Side, and Gustiamo.com.
DINING AND DRINKING
Shea Gallante's Italian Kitchen
698 Saw Mill River Rd., Ardsley
The spot for good, affordable Italian.
Italian Kitchen menu detail. Photo: courtesy of Shea Gallante's Italian Kitchen
Benjamin Steakhouse
610 Hartsdale Rd., White Plains
A low-key, mature bar scene that I like.
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
444 Saw Mill River Rd., Elmsford
The tasting room is a really fun spot for a group. Visitors to the area should definitely check out the brewery tour on Saturday afternoons! The staff there is great.
The Barn at Bedford Post Inn
954 Old Post Rd., Bedford
This is perfect spot for a pastry (I'm partial to the cinnamon rolls and blueberry muffins) and a coffee or tea by the fire.
KILLING TIME BETWEEN EATING AND DRINKING
Foraging with Wildman Steve Brill
various locations
We go out almost every day here on 115 acres, and it's amazing how much better you feel when you get outside in the peace and quiet. Just mind the ticks. Steve Brill does foraging around NYC. Once you get your bearings, nearly everything around you becomes an edible playing field.
Foraging with the Wild Man Steve Brill.
Caramoor
149 Gridle Ridge Rd., Katonah
The historic mansion is filled with European and Asian art and furniture. There's an Italianate garden, with rows of tall cedars (to look like the cypresses of Italy); a relief from the studio of Donatello; Ming vases, and a gilded bed once owned by Pope Urban VIII.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
6 Reservation Rd., Cross River
A huge, amazing park and sanctuary with 35-miles of hiking trails.
The Glass House
199 Elm St., New Canaan, CT
Philip Johnson's campus of modern architecture, landscape, and art. There are tours, lectures, talks, and evening programs.
Philip Johnson Glass House. Photos: Eirik Johnson
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