Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Chapter 2 - Pocantico Hills

After some crazy flawless navigation action by said iPhone (I’m still shocked at how amazing those little buggers are) I ended up (20 short minutes later) driving down the long winding driveway leading to Dan Barber’s Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

The place is breathtakingly beautiful.


Everything served in the restaurant is produced locally, comes from a very specific purveyor sourced for product superiority, OR it is actually grown/raised there on the grounds of the restaurant. They refuse to serve an ingredient that isn't at its prime and because of this you don't get an a la carte menu during the summer. The farmers and the chef tell you what is best that day...


You can choose between the "Five Course Tasting" and the "Farmer's Feast".

On the left hand side of the menu is a nonsensical list of ingredients, all running together, that will make an appearance somewhere within your tasting.

To put it very bluntly, and very simply, this was probably the best restaurant I have ever dined in and it is certainly the restaurant to which all other restaurants should look for inspiration, guidance and kinship.

It was an unmarred, sound and otherworldly meal. I didn't put one thing in my mouth that wasn't supreme. The wait staff is not only knowledgeable but passion courses through them.

I rarely find a restaurant worthy of destination dining but this is undoubtedly one. Go there. Travel to get there. Go for a special occasion. Go for a snack on your way to New England. Go when you are ready to be impressed.


Blue Hill at Stone Barns - 630 Bedford Rd. Pocantico Hills, NY 10591
914.366.9600
www.bluehillstonebarns.com

No comments: