PeterKellyOne of our Renowned 2016 Chefs

For nearly 3 decades Peter X. Kelly has set the standard for dining in New York State. Operating the most critically acclaimed restaurants in the Hudson Valley. Peter is an experienced, talented and successful entrepreneur. His Contemporary American Cuisine brings dining to a new level by providing his guests with exquisite food and superb service.

Born in Yonkers, New York, tenth in a line of 12 children, Peter began working in local restaurants at the age of 14. While studying Business Administration at Marist College, Peter held a number of kitchen and front-of-house positions in some of New York States’ finest restaurants. In 1983, Peter’s culinary interests led him on a pilgrimage to France, and to the pursuit of perfection in the culinary world.

At 23, this self-taught chef opened Xaviar’s in Garrison 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 which include The New York Times highest rating (Extraordinary), The Mobil Travel Guide Four Star Award, The Dirona Award, Restaurant News Dining Hall of Fame, Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence”, Zagat’s Survey (29 out of 30), New York State Restaurateur of The Year 1998.

Peter Kelly has been featured in numerous national publications including: New York Magazine, Esquire Magazine, Crain’s, USA Today, W Magazine, Food Arts, Gourmet Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine and Bon Appetit.

Peter has been invited to cook at The James Beard House, appeared on the Food Channel TV Network, as well as numerous appearances on CBS & NBC. Peter has also been nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef Northeast

In 2007 Peter appeared on the Food Networks Iron Chef America and beat Bobby Flay in Battle “Cowboy Rib Eye”, he also played host to Anthony Bourdain on his “No Reservations” program, introducing Tony to the beauty of the Hudson Valley.

Since the early 90’s Peter has also been a vintner. His wines at Xaviar’s Cellars in Napa Valley were known as “Silenus” (the Teacher of Bacchus in Greek Mythology) and were applauded by the NY Times and Wine Enthusiast Magazine at their introduction in 1991. Peter continues to work with wine growers and makers and has consulted on several bottling’s from the emerging Hudson Valley region.

In 1999, Peter assembled a “dream team” of culinary “superstars” and became the founding chef and culinary director for Impromptu Gourmet, a revolution in home dining.

He is also the founder of “Events by Xaviars”, which offers catering for parties between 100 and 2000 people.

In addition to Peter’s entrepreneurial spirit he has also been an active participant in many charity and community organizations including:

• Nyack Hospital Pediatric Center
• Founder Dine Out For Kids Rockland
• Board Member Putnam County Historical Society
• Advisory Board Monroe College Culinary Arts Program
• Commencement speaker Culinary Institute of America
• Cluster
• Hudson Valley Health Care (2008 Honoree)
• Westchester Coalition for Homeless & Hungry (2007 Honoree)
• Hudson River Museum
• Red Cross Hudson Valley
• Dominican College Advisory Board
• Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Hospital
• St. Johns Hospital
• Yonkers Partners in Education
• Share our Strength
• Make a Wish Foundation
• March of Dimes
• Rockland ARC
• Rockland Center for Arts
• Hospice of Cincinnati
• Bethesda Foundation
• City Meals on Wheels
• Table to Table (2004 Honoree)
• Westchester Food Patch
• Sponsor of numerous youth sports programs
• Windows of Hope
• Nofa New York
• United Way
• Westchester Arts Council
• One To One Learning Center