William David Bensen

Hows this sound for a post? We all grew up thinking the sunday dinner at the local boarding house was the pinnacle of dining out in Rville...then along came Bill with his culinary passions. He brought fine dining ideas from outside the hilltowns to an eager following, using local produce and seasonal menus. He made us all discerning diners with his creative kitchen. Special thanks to his butter cream frosting on my wedding cake and a spectacular rehearsal dinner! Bill will always be in our...

Remembering Bill Bensen brings a smile to my face. We spent ten years together in the Palmer House kitchen cooking up a storm. Bill and his wife Susan were the owners of a brilliant epicurean adventure and they hired me to go along for the ride. At times we would drop the chopping knives,spontaneously split the culinary concentration with a one liner and break up into laughter. With each day brought restaurant challenges and formidable time restraints but I always knew Bill Bensen was my...

Our love and admiration for for Bill runs deep. We owe an entire chapter of our lives to Bill Bensen - a very happy chapter ! The Palmer House Cafe was and remains our favorite restaurant of all time and is the reason why we made Rensselaerville our home for 15 years as proprietors of the Catalpa House Bed and Breakfast!