The Bedford

The Bedford has been on the list of places to dine for quite some time, yet for some reason, we didn't make it there until recently.  I will admit that my expectations of the food actually weren't that high based on some early reviews.  Perhaps that is why we weren't banging down the door to eat there.  However, I was pleasantly surprised, and would put it on the list of places that we would certainly re-visit. 

We were joined by friends, so we had an opportunity to sample quite a few things from the menu.  We started with the shrimp cocktail and the charred baby octopus.  The shrimp were great—plump and fresh.  However, as a lover of eight-legged friend, I felt a little let down by this appetizer.  The octopus was certainly edible, evidenced by the fact that we finished every piece, but the meat itself didn’t have the buttery texture that I enjoy.  Also, the beans in the dish were served a little too “al dente” for my liking.  All in all, not horrible, but I can’t say that I’d order it again.

What I would order again was the scallop dish!  I don’t often order scallops, as I often find that I’m let down—not enough sear; a little too rubbery; etc.  I was not let down this time.  The dish came with 3 large scallops and the sear was beautiful.  The texture was meaty and the flavor was complimented by the cauliflower soubise (aka béchamel type sauce).  I cleaned my plate! (Although, for those that know me well know that I am a regular member of the Clean Plate Club.)  Other dishes enjoyed around the table were the rainbow trout, which I sampled and found incredibly flavorful, as well as the lamb meatballs.  The lamb meatballs with polenta dish was incredibly rich, but delicious.  Fair warning:  I’m a sucker for polenta, so you can pretty much mix it with just about anything—dirt, bugs, you name it—and I’ll happily eat it.

The service was great, and they were a little late in bring out my entrée, so they brought out four—you heard me FOUR—desserts.  (Let me note: We were enjoying ourselves with friends, and we did not complain.  I was busy enjoying samples of everyone else’s dish.  However, the restaurant took it upon themselves to do this.  They get an A for services in my book for this!)  We passed around the gelato, but my favorite for the evening, was a wonderful mint chocolate chip Sunday.  I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t even get upset with myself when I spilled a spoonful all over my shirt and pants as I was trying to shove the last bits of it into my gaping maw.   (Isn't that a lovely thought?)

Here’s the takeaway—a little loud, but good food and tasty cocktails.  Enjoy!