Sandy and Angela Baldanza, have made the difficult decision to leave the Bedford Post Inn – a charming Relais & Chateaux property in Bedford, New York after a labor of love turned sour.
Last April 2017, the Baldanza’s went into an equal partnership with Guy and Karin Wyser-Pratte following the departure of Michael White’s Altamarea Restaurant Group. The Baldanza’s, who own and operate Baldanza Café in New Canaan, CT wanted minimum disruption for staff and customers, so kept The Barn and Farmhouse open. The menu was subtly revised to reflect farm to table dining – highlighting local, seasonal produce from neighboring farms. The desire was to create a family-friendly environment. A local gem, which would attract local residents, encompass yoga and Inn guests and encourage couples to escape from the city. Sadly, after only one month the partnership began to dissipate due to the Wyser-Pratte’s change in direction. Sandy Baldanza solely kept both restaurants running, but the time has come to hand it over to the Wyser-Prattes, so they can implement their vision.
Owner, Sandy Baldanza says: “We went into this joint venture enthused. It was a huge opportunity and because The Bedford Post Inn is such a special place, it offered a lot of potential. We knew it was going to be a major undertaking because we had inherited a number of events and inquiries from the Altamarea Restaurant Group, but we powered through with the terrific team we kept on. Both Angela and myself remain grateful to property owners Richard Gere and Russell Hernandez for the opportunity. The location is idyllic and both restaurants, with some minor alterations deserve to succeed and stand out in the community.”
The Baldanza family will continue to share a passion for creating all natural, delicious meals for the discerning diner – as they have already done for the past five years. Their innovative dishes use fresh, organic ingredients from local farms and producers whenever possible. Their soups and chilis (Baldanza Fresco) are sold at small local markets across Connecticut and New York. Baldanza Café is open 7-days a week.
Baldanza Café, 17 Elm Street, New Canaan 06840 / 203 966 4000 / www.baldanzabc.com
