Prior to officially opening to the public, The Bedford by Martha Stewart celebrated its highly anticipated arrival at Paris Las Vegas with a party on August 12 hosted by Stewart herself with celebrity friend drop-ins from Snoop Dogg, Ellen Pompeo and more. Before fans and customers could sit down for their first dinner at The Bedford on August 13, a sneak-peek lunch for media and VIPs provided another exciting glimpse of Stewart’s first full-service restaurant.
As we walked in on Saturday, we took in the thoughtfully selected décor and calming neutral colors—which really make the brilliant copper pans hanging in front of the kitchen area pop. Stewart also dazzled in a silver sparkling blouse and trousers.
“It’s a rather strange time for me. Most people my age are retiring, not opening a restaurant of all things,” said the 81-year-old media and lifestyle icon. “But I’ve always wanted a restaurant and this opportunity, I just couldn’t pass up. I just loved the idea. I’ve been coming to Vegas for a very long time … and enjoying all the different casinos and entertainment aspects of Vegas.”
The restaurant aims to bring Stewart’s Bedford, New York farmhouse to Las Vegas and gives guests the feeling of what it’s like to be one of her guests there. Folks can take a seat in the patio area or dining room, which includes a replica of the fireplace and the garden views that Stewart enjoys back home. Those that know her brand and career may even pick up on details the casual diner would not, like the cocktail napkins with a bountiful tree—her personal stamp.
Servers circulated offering specialty cocktails like the Frozen Pomegranate Martha-rita ($23), a delightful, blended margarita with Casa Dragones blanco tequila, Cointreau, and pomegranate juice with a sugar and salt rim, and wine selections like the fruitful and flavorful 19 Crimes Martha’s Chard ($23).
Then came samples of various appetizers like the sour cherry-rosemary focaccia, a sweet and crusty recipe that comes in the house-made bread basket ($12). Friseé salad felt perfect for summer with bacon lardons, poached egg and lemon dijon vinaigrette.
Once we were seated, the entrees were promptly delivered. I ordered the whole roast chicken ($90), stuffed with herbed breadcrumbs. It’s large enough for two and one of the most comforting restaurant meals I’ve tried on the Strip. I also had the chance to try Martha’s Smashed Baked Potato ($16), roasted until tender and then smashed tableside and served with your choice of crème fraîche, chives and bacon, or golden Osetra caviar with crème fraîche and chives. The signature dessert of choice is Stewart’s upside-down lemon meringue pie.
We weren’t the only ones in awe of the food and the restaurant’s design, as many passersby stopped to ask about reservations. Some folks even waited patiently outside with their favorite Martha Stewart cookbook for the opportunity to ask for her signature.
Although The Bedford just opened, Stewart shared that she is already looking forward to new menus that will correspond with the seasons. Guests can look forward to the view from the dining room changing with the seasons as well. Fall has never looked so appetizing.
THE BEDFORD BY MARTHA STEWART Paris Las Vegas, 702-946-4361. Daily, 5-10:30 p.m.
