X2O Xaviars On The Hudson – My Valentine's 2011 Dinner

 OMG! How else can I describe both my Valentine’s Day 2011 (which was a weekend long adventure filled with gifts & surprises) and my exceptional dinner at X2O Xaviars On The Hudson in Yonkers, NY.  X2O sits in the water on the only turn of the century Victorian pier that is still in use on the Hudson River. X2O’s Main Dining Salon’s 25 foot vaulted ceiling and 3 walls of glass frame offers views of the George Washington and Tappan Zee Bridges, as well as sunsets over the Palisades.

 We (probably more like me) have had X20 on our/my list of places to have dinner for about a year now.  Being from Northern Westchester County, traveling down to Yonkers isn’t first on our “can’t wait” to-do list (nothing again Yonkers itself), but, X20 was high on the “must do” list. 

 My honey surprised me with roses Saturday morning as he informed me that this was Valentine’s weekend!  As we set out that morning to go eagle watching/scouting, I had no idea what was in store for dinner or that there even was a dinner in the plan.  So, you can image my surprise when I learned we had reservations at 6:30 at X20 Xaviars On The Hudson!

 Where to begin…X20 provides the complete package – everything from the magnificent view of the George Washington Bridge/NYC skyline, the most pleasant/friendly servers (Chase was outstanding!) to welcoming conversation with the Maitre D Greg Vann.  I was very impressed by the fact that Greg went out of his way to spend time chatting with us, showed us their wine room and overall made us feel welcomed.  I think too, his sincere appreciation that we came to X2O was evident in his conversation, again making our experience all the more special! All these elements combined set the stage for what was nothing short of a spectacular dinner. 

 We started with a nice bottle Riesling as we toasted Valentine’s 2011.  I began with the Winter Citrus Salad with Lump Crabmeat Ginger & Miso Dressing which was Blood Orange, Meyer Lemon & Grapefruit with Frisee while my honey started with the Lobster Crepe Mascarpone & Chives Sauce American with Star Anise & Tiny Salad – both were delicious leaving us eagerly anticipating our entrees!

 

Winter Citrus Salad with Lump Crabmeat Ginger & Miso Dressing
Lobster Crepe Mascarpone & Chives

I decided on the Braised Short Ribs of Beef Parsnip Puree and Fried Cauliflower Chili & Onion Crust with Asian Yam Chips.  I completely fell in love with the parsnip puree and the fried cauliflower (which came highly recommend by our server Chase) completely exceeded my expectations! 

Braised Short Ribs of Beef Parsnip Puree and Fried Cauliflower

My honey chose the Pan Roasted Hudson Valley Chicken Barley & Apple Risotto with Braised Fennel Foie Gras & Sauce Perigourdine. 

Pan Roasted Hudson Valley Chicken Barley & Apple Risotto with Braised Fennel

Now for those of you that follow my blog and read my post on various places we have dined at, you know that we always share the desert,  We decided on the Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake Grand Marnier Ice Cream & Orange Confit! HmmHmm GREAT!

Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake

For those that may not be aware, Peter Xavier Kelly (born in Yonkers, NY) owns/operates some of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in the Hudson Valley.  He was working in local restaurants at the age 14. While attending Marist College (for Business Administration), his love of the food industry was developed as he held a various jobs in various NY restaurants. He traveled to France to perfect his skills in the culinary world.

 In his early twenties, this self-taught chef opened Xaviar’s in Garrison (which was closed and re-opened in its current Piermont location) and began his journey to success. To date, Peter owns some of the most renowned & acclaimed restaurants in New York State, all located in the Hudson Valley, north of New York City. Xaviar’s at Piermont, The Freelance Cafe and Wine Bar, Restaurant X & The Bully Boy Bar, and X2O Xaviars on the Hudson have all received popular praise and the industry’s most coveted awards and accolades.  Zagat’s Survey (29 out of 30), New York State Restaurateur of The Year 1998.

ZAGATRatings & Review

Food Decor Service Cost
27 28 25 $70

Smitten surveyors say Peter Kelly “has done it again” with this “spectacular” waterside venue in Yonkers – voted Westchester/Hudson Valley’s Most Popular – that “more than delivers on the hype” with “knock-your-socks-off” “adventurous” New American cuisine matched with “magnificent river views”; add in a “stellar” wine selection, “seamless service” and a “stunning” room, and even if a handful huff “overpriced”, for most it’s a “triumph” all around; P.S. “try the prix fixe lunch – it’s quite a bargain”, as are the small plates in the lounge.

 I’m sure many of you also know that in 2007 Peter appeared on the Food Networks Iron Chef America and beat Bobby Flay in Battle “Cowboy Rib Eye.”

 Can you tell we loved it! So now we want to experience the views, and oh yes, the food, during the daylight hours….so, my honey said we’ll just have to go back and do brunch!

 As always, I wish you days filled with happiness and “wonder” – take the time to “wonder” what it is that made you smile today!


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