Chef Peter Kelly is one of the few chefs that was able to beat Bobby Flay on Food Network’s Iron Chef America. Impressively, he beat Bobby Flay at the grill in Battle “Cowboy Rib Rye.” Peter Kelly is a self-taught chef who began working in restaurants at the age of 14. As one of 12 children, born in Yonkers, NY, he climbed his way up New York’s finest kitchens. He’s been nominated for the James Beard Award for Best Chef Northeast and received numerous culinary accolades for his restaurants. Chef Peter Kelly took time off his busy schedule for an interview with Suburbs 101. He talks about his restaurants, X20 Xaviars on the Hudson and Restaurant X. We asked him where he thinks the best restaurants are in Westchester County. He shares his go-to restaurants in Westchester, Rockland County and New York City. Here is our interview with Chef Peter Kelly.
Eat Where the Chefs Eat is a column where local Chefs and food industry insiders share their favorite restaurants in the New York metro area. Learn where your favorite chefs go when they aren’t in their own kitchens!
Tell me more about your restaurants?
X20 Xaviars on the Hudson at 71 Grant Street, Yonkers, NY- (914) 965-1111
X20 Xaviars on the Hudson is in Yonkers on the waterfront. It is wrapped in glass with amazing views of the Hudson River. You can see both the George Washington Bridge and the Tappan Zee Bridge. The view is equally as beautiful in the afternoon as it is in the evening. It’s a contemporary American restaurant with a focus on the Hudson Valley. We use many local farms and purveyors from the Hudson Valley. It’s a large restaurant that seats around 250 people. Plus there is a lounge that offers a more casual style of dining.
Our menu is fluid. You can’t go wrong with the Cowboy ribeye for two or the pan-roasted Montauk skate or the Ahi Tuna. You should also try our Rohan Hudson Valley duckling or the locally raised Quail or the Venison. It’s easy to find something to like on the X20 Xaviars menu.
Restaurant X– 117 North Route 303, Congers, NY- (845) 268-6555
Restaurant X and Bully Boy Bar in Congers NY is more of a country restaurant. It is in a country-style setting with fireplaces and many different rooms. Each room has a different ambiance and feel. The style of cooking is Contemporary American. A mix of old world and new world- you can get the Classic Beef Wellington or Lobster Casserole with Sauce Américaine. We might do smoked trout that is poached in champagne served with horseradish sauce and caviar.
Chef Peter Kelly, what is your signature dish?
I don’t have a signature dish. Dishes are like children, you can’t pick a favorite! My signature dish today will be different tomorrow, will be different next month.
You beat Bobby Flay in Iron Chef. Do you serve any of your Iron Chef dishes at your restaurants?
Yes, I beat Bobby Flay in Iron Chef with my Cowboy Ribeye! We serve the Cowboy Ribeye for Two at X20 Xaviars. You’ve got to try it!
As a famous chef, you must be very busy. Do you still do the cooking at your restaurants?
Yes, I’m always at one of my restaurants cooking, overseeing, expediting. When you come as a guest, just ask to see Chef Peter Kelly! Come and say hello!
Where do you live? Why do you like living in your town?
I live in Blauvelt, NY in Rockland County. I like the proximity to Manhattan. Compared to city living, it’s a simpler lifestyle. My wife and I love going into New York City, but it’s always nice to come home to the Hudson Valley.
What are the best restaurants in Westchester County and Rockland County?
Peter Kelly’s Favorite Restaurant for Special Occasions in Westchester County
Blue Hill at Stone Barns at 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY- (914)-366 9600
In my opinion, Blue Hill at Stone Barns is the best Westchester restaurant for fine dining. Dan Barber is an incredible chef. We always go to Blue Hill at Stone Barns to celebrate special occasions.
Peter Kelly’s Favorite Casual Restaurant in Westchester County
The Cookery at 39 Chestnut Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY- (914)-305-2336
If I want to go to a casual restaurant in Westchester, I go to the Cookery at Dobbs Ferry. I like anything Chef David Dibari comes up with. I like his Chicken liver dish. The pasta dishes at The Cookery are great. The ravioli with cauliflower and lemon is delicious. Chef David Dibari does pasta with bone marrow which is fun. With a big group, we like the Pig dinners at The Cookery.
Peter Kelly’s Favorite Restaurant in Rockland County
Del’Arte at 20 Mountain View Avenue, Orangeburg, NY- (845) 365-2727
In Rockland County, my favorite restaurant is Del’Arte. It’s an Italian restaurant close to home. My wife and I like to go to Del’Arte. We go there to relax with a nice bottle of Chianti. The Chicken Parmesan at Del’Arte is textbook.
Peter Kelly’s Favorite Chinese Restaurant in Westchester
Aberdeen Seafood and Dimsum at 3 Barker Avenue, White Plains, NY- (914) 288-0188
Aberdeen is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Westchester. We go to Aberdeen for the Dimsum. The Peking Duck at Aberdeen is also very good.
Peter Kelly’s Favorite Restaurant for Cheap Eats in Westchester
Shake Shack at the Cross County Shopping Center 2090 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY- (914) 289-1301
Shake Shack is my go-to restaurant in Westchester for cheap eats. I like to go to Shake Shack to grab a burger.
Peter Kelly’s Favorite Mexican Restaurant in Westchester
Plaza Garibaldi at 134 Nepperhan Ave, Yonkers, NY- (914) 375-7184
For authentic Mexican restaurant in Westchester, I go to Plaza Garibaldi. This is where my staff and I sneak off too. If you are looking for good Mexican food, then you can’t go wrong with Plaza Garibaldi. It’s a great restaurant in Yonkers, very authentic.
What are the best restaurants in New York City?
I just recently ate at Le Coucou (138 Lafayette Street, New York, NY- (212)-271-4252). And I recently tried the new menu at Jean- Georges (1 Central Park West, New York, NY- (212) 299-3900)
Bar Boulud at 1900 Broadway, New York, NY- (212)-595-0303
I love Bar Boulud. I think it’s one of the best deals in New York for food quality and price. Their charcuterie is the best in New York.
Forlini’s at 93 Baxter Street, New York, NY (212)-349-6779
I like Forlini’s near Chinatown. The tortellini is amazing. Their veal dishes are terrific. Recognizable and very well executed old school Italian.
You May Also Be Interested in:
Chef Susanne Berne’s Favorite Restaurants in Connecticut and NYC
Chef Brian Zoni’s Favorite Restaurants in Fairfield County
Chef Albert DeAngelis’ Favorite Restaurants in Westchester
About Suburbs 101
Suburbs 101 is an online lifestyle guide for the New York Suburbs of Westchester County, Long Island, Fairfield County and Northern New Jersey. Get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to live in the New York suburbs through our interviews with local suburbanites and features on Food, Fashion, Home, Travel, and Local Events. Be sure to Follow Us on Instagram, Like Us on Facebook and subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter.