As a born and bred New Yorker and frequent international business traveler, I tend to be a bit elitist about restaurants and service vs food. I have found that often restaurants that tend to have a solicitous staff don’t always live up to that with the meal. Not so with Bedford Post.

I arrived to a lovely barn like structure with perfect lighting. It was a warm night so unfortunately no fire in the large stone fireplace, but this didn’t effect the warmth of the rustic and pretty barn like room. The staff was friendly and welcoming and tended to be a bit solicitous. Further, the menu was a 4 course pre fixe at $75 per person which I felt was assumptive. I had to wait for a friend so I had a chance to observe activity. The staff seemed to work well together and were friendly to one another and attentive which was nice. The restaurant has a lovely wine menu and I tried an Italian Arneis (white) that somehow I have missed in my travels. I wasn’t disappointed. The waiter was very helpful with my decision and offered to let me taste first just in case I didn’t like it which I thought was a great gesture. I loved it and it turned out it was perfect with dinner. I was beginning to change my mind about the solicitousness of the staff and realized they were just friendly and warm.

My friend Diana arrived, we hadn’t seen each other in months so we ordered our 4 courses including dessert quickly. Our waiter told us it was important to order the mousse ahead of time because it was warm. I ordered the mousse since it was peanut butter and chocolate which for me, is a perfect combination.

My first course, a dreamy salad I was all ready to find ordinary was so delicious and filled with so many flavors working together I could have just had that for dinner….stewed baby pears with walnuts and a lovely french cheese similar to brie and greens with a subtle dressing. Absolutely to die for. This was followed by a penne type pasta and pine nuts and third was crispy chicken thighs (chicken thighs?) I tried just to see what the chef Mr. Lewis could possibly do with them.

The chicken pieces were cut from the meatiest part of the thigh, seasoned and crisped with mushrooms and sitting on a smear of squash puree. Positively surprising and delightfully delicious! You would think at this point I wouldn’t have room for another bite, but the portions were perfect so I still did not feel like I’d consumed too much….and ready for the mousse!

What arrived was a white porcelain cup with a very light chocolate mousse topped with a light, white (warmish) peanut butter gateau, kind of like warm melted ice cream. Sprinkled lightly with crushed nuts. Truly to die for. The waiter checked to see if I liked it since I’d questioned ordering dessert before the end of the meal when it wasn’t a soufflé. I was happy to tell him he was right! Also, we ordered decaf espresso and instead of a sip coming in a tiny espresso cup, a generous amount in a regular mug type cup of espresso was served. This was truly wonderful since I usually have to order two. I loved that.

All the while the dining room continued to fill up and became quite loud. This made no difference to my girlfriend and I as we were having a very animated conversation but a quiet romantic dinner for two at the height of the dinner hour would be difficult. Aside from this, I have to say, this could have been the best dinner I’ve had out in years, and that includes travels to London, Paris, Brussels, Hong Kong and Monte Carlo. What I loved most was the creative subtlety of the dishes. Simple and delicious but different…it’s the only way I can describe it.

I was happy to tell the chef Mr. Lewis how much I enjoyed the dinner and particularly the salad when he was gracious enough to come out to the dining room and visit with us.

I would like to say that the door to the outside opens right into the dining room, and although they must be aware of the cold air coming in as they made sure to have someone there to close it immediately, I still had a cold draft of air hit my legs every time the door was opened. This may be a problem in January.

Other than that, it was one of the most enjoyable meals I’ve had in a long time. Richard Gere (co-owner) has really outdone himself. He’s not only a gorgeous man and talented actor but now can add successful restaurateur to his long list of successes!

Dinner is in seatings at specific times so reservations are a must. Dress was everything from jeans and sweaters or jackets to dresses and heels. And I must say, worth every bit of the pre-fixe charge. My friend and I had a fabulous evening and I think everyone knows the chosen restaurant is an important component of making an evening out with friends that enjoyable.

The bar in another part of the building is supposed to open the beginning of November and my girlfriend and I have plans to go back then. I can’t wait!

Michele Slater, CT