French fine-dining options expand once more with The Arch’s reopening in Brewster

Window curtains out, modern globe light fixtures in. The restaurant was closed for a month to complete renovations that give it a brighter feel.

Crispy artichoke starter.

By Amy Sowder

Dawn Ruggiero, Brewster Chamber of Commerce.

The winding rock-walled entrance lined with white string lights leading to The Arch Restaurant is the first hint that this is no ordinary eatery.

That’s what the new owner wanted to remind people from Putnam and Westchester, Connecticut and beyond with a grand reopening March 6.

A 15-minute drive north of Katonah on Interstate 684 and Route 122 in Brewster, The Arch Restaurant was established as a destination French  fine-dining restaurant in 1974 by George Seitz. The Balidemaj family bought the restaurant in April 2024, ran it “as-is” for a bit to establish a baseline, closed it for a month of renovations, and then reopened this winter, says Deme Balidemaj.

With window curtains removed and modern globe sconces added, there’s a fresh, brighter vibe that mingles with the classic stone fireplace and white tablecloths, exuding elegant warmth.

This restaurant’s rejuvenation comes on the heels of Bedford’s fine-dining French institution, La Crémaillère. And in North Salem, 2024 newcomer La Bastide by Andrea Calstier earned a Michelin star, operating underneath its casual sister eatery on the second floor, Cenadou Bistrot.

The Balidemaj family has been in the restaurant business since 1994. Deme Balidemaj, along with his five brothers, own about eight other restaurants throughout Westchester County, plus more in surrounding areas. They do French, seafood, steak, and Italian, like Alba’s Restaurant in Port Chester,  Castello in Mamaroneck (2001 to 2006), and Castello in Danbury, Connecticut, since 2007.

“It’s about the right workers, right chef, quality and service,” Deme Balidemaj said at The Arch’s grand reopening party and ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Brewster Chamber of Commerce. A heavy snow rescheduled the event from Feb. 20.

Brewster draws foodies from northern Westchester and farther, said Paula Hernandez, the chamber’s executive director — especially as the restaurant landscape has evolved since the 2020 pandemic. Hernandez named General Bakeshop and Rye Republic as other examples of the village’s notable gastronomy.

“The Arch has long been a jewel in the crown of Brewster, and we’re thrilled with the renovations. This is the restaurant where we celebrate special occasions,” Hernandez said. “And the agriculture industry in Putnam is being supported.”

Deme’s son, Zenel Balidemaj, is the general manager of The Arch. They purchased The Arch with the intent to preserve its iconic legacy, he said, “And the building looks good.”

They also recognized a need for a broader menu to meet the changing tastes of diners. The French-focused menu — note the duck á l’orange and sabayon, the custard dessert fired up tableside — also has other innovations such as a filet of kangaroo special, plus classics such as a crispy artichoke starter with Meyer lemon aioli and Parmesan chips and beef Wellington.

To walk the line between upholding The Arch’s legacy and inspiring diners with modernization, the Balidemaj family hired Executive Chef Michael Casanova, who grew up cooking at home since he was 12 in Newburgh, moved to San Francisco, Calif., to kick-start his career and studied French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, Ariz. There, he worked with James Beard Award-winning Chef Robert McGrath, honing his skills in preparing various meats. Before returning to the Hudson Valley, Casanova led the now-closed Gusto, a fine Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, Calif. He also competed on Food Network’s “Chopped” show, which aired in August.

For more information, visit archrestaurant.com.