Out at Pound Ridge

Given all of the positive publicity Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Inn at Pound Ridge has received, there’s probably little to no way the place could ever live up to its larger-than-life expectations. For those who remember the tiredness of earlier iterations of the inn that was once Emily Shaw’s, this latest update is welcome. What I liked: the interior with reused wooden beams is beautiful, and the lower level opens up into the gardens. The service is attentive and unpretentious. We were able to get a reservation at the last minute on a Friday night and were seated at a decent table on the floor we requested. That and our martinis made this a wonderful start to a weekend.

While the Brawny Sherpa delighted in crispy sushi, I had sweet pea soup. He moved on to a dry-rubbed steak special while my selection was a bit limited as entrees, other than pasta, pizza, and a Portobello mushroom sandwich, feature meat or seafood. This was a surprise given that the clientele most definitely is the fair-trade, organic, locally sourced sort. My asparagus and mushrooms were well-prepared but not exactly a main course. Sure, I could have ordered off menu, but I just didn’t want the hassle. For dessert, we shared carrot cake.

A fountain at the Inn at Pound Ridge in Westchester county, New York Photo credit: M. Ciavardini — A fountain at the Inn at Pound Ridge in Westchester county, New York
Photo credit: M. Ciavardini

It’s wonderful that Pound Ridge has a destination restaurant and a scene to see and be seen. Truthfully, the food was a bit disappointing. The Brawny Sherpa thought his steak was overpriced and that better value—and taste—could be had elsewhere. The soup was salty and not as good as that served at North Salem’s 121. The carrot cake was of diner quality.

The Inn at Pound Ridge is worth a visit, though, but the vegetarian/vegan crowd might just prefer to stop by for brunch.