Iconic Westchester restaurant La Crémaillère to rebrand with new name
Two years after reopening under new ownership, and nearly 100 years since it opened for the first time, the iconic La Crémaillère in Bedford is being rebranded.
The fine dining restaurant, a Westchester institution known for its beloved murals, decorative roosters and classic French food, will be called Le Poisson, with a focus on seafood.
It will close after service Feb. 14, with no other reservations being taken in February, and will reopen in mid-March.
The ownership remains the same. Also the same: Executive Chef Thomas Burke, though he'll now also serve as managing partner.
The restaurant, which first opened in 1937, was closed for two years due to the pandemic and legal issues incurred by the prior owner. It reopened in Jan. 2022.
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La Crem, as many old-timers refer to it, has long been known for its gastronomy and gracious service. And that, said Burke, won't change.
"We'll still be fine dining but we want to rebrand and widen our reach," said Burke. That means alleviating the prix fixe menu, though a tasting menu with wine pairings will still be available, and offering dishes a la carte.
There will be added seats at the bar and the front dining room will be transformed into a lounge area with its own (more casual) menu. "La Crem became someplace people tended to go for special occassions and holidays and we want it to be more of your everyday neighborhood spot," he said.
Some menu favorites will remain — Burke doesn't want to alienate his regulars — but there will be lighter, healthier options. He's also hoping to add Sunday brunch or lunch. Stay tuned to The Journal News/lohud for updates as well as the restaurant's social media pages.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Iconic Westchester NY French restaurant La Crémaillère is rebranding
