You have to do a lot of convincing to get this city dweller out of Manhattan, as I tend to be a bit of a snob in thinking that the best food in the world is right here. Then, I get my head out of my butt and realize that is not at all true. Case in point: City Perch Kitchen + Bar, a mere 20 minutes away from NYC in Dobbs Ferry. I took a friend there a couple of nights ago for an intimate media dinner where I got to know the location, the food, and its marvelous chef who brought it all together.
Their Dobbs Ferry location is the latest one to open, as there are others based in New Jersey and Maryland. Chef Sherry Yard, Tuck Hospitality Group Chief Operating Officer and three-time James Beard Award winner recently inducted into the Foundation’s prestigious Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America, has brought her wonderful concept to this town for the masses to try out. After eating there, I hope they all do and then some.
Sherry, who has such a vibrant and wonderful personality and you can tell loves what she does, has a concept that I think melds two amazing aspects and puts them together in each dish she concocts. This would be contemporary comfort food with ingredients sourced from nearby farms and waters. So many Manhattan restaurants are all about the whole idea of “think local, shop local”, and its good to see that nearby cities are doing the same as well.
This space is also massive in size, as it is 4,600 square footage of fun, entertainment and excitement. It is also the perfect “dinner and a movie” location as it is right next to an iPic Theater. We recently did an iPic experience here in Manhattan, and it was a blast! (More here).
The courses we were served throughout the evening really rang true to Sherry’s idea of comfort meets local. Everything from the variety of fresh and delicious breads, Brioche-Crusted Maryland Blue Crab Cakes, Modern Wedge Salad, Gulf Shrimp + Grits, Braised Beef Short Ribs and all the way to dessert with their Raspberry Red Velvet Pavlova showcased just how amazing of a chef Sherry really is, but also her fun and whimsical take on so many dishes that have a classic appeal with a twist. She truly is an unbelievable talent, and my entire table couldn’t wait for the next dish to arrive.
City Perch Kitchen + Bar’s playful dishes are complemented by a sophisticated beverage program designed by nationally lauded Master Bartender and Advanced Sommelier Adam Seger, specializing in handcrafted farm-to-glass cocktails, local beers and boutique wines.
If there is ever a location where you can get yourself out of New York City for a bit, City Perch Kitchen + Bar would be that place. For more information on City Perch Kitchen + Bar, check out their official website.