Xaviar's in Piermont

I had read about a great restaurant located in Piermont, just 4 miles south of Nyack, on the Hudson River. On their website, Xaviar's posted a 10-course tasting menu for $90 but I guess they hadn't updated their website, because the price was actually $110. Additional $40 for wine pairing, which was worth it.

It's a small restaurant on the main street in Piermont and basically has 2 seatings. We arrived at 8:30 pm.

Jonathan was our server and at first, he was quite snotty. He thought 3 women wouldn't be able to handle the 10-course tasting menu and encouraged us to get the 5-course menu. Since we hadn't eaten all day, we decided to go with the 10 courses. Besides, we'd be able to try more of the dishes.

When Jonathan saw me taking notes of the courses, he STRONGLY discouraged me from doing so and promised that he would e-mail the menu to me. Casey from their restaurant did e-mail me the wine pairing after I called but in the end it took 4 weeks, 2 calls and 2 e-mails to finally get the menu. The problem is that it was not the meal we had. So much for a PROMISE.

Xaviar's is in a house, located at 506 Piermont Avenue.

Amuse Bouche—Horseradish & Butter Poached Gulf Shrimp with Pomegranate Puree, Baby Fennel & Chiogga Beets. It was a large portion for an amuse but the flavor was great.

Pan Seared Barnegat Sea Scallops, paired with Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Domaine des Cassagnoles, Cotes de Gasgogne, France. The scallops were well prepared.

Lobster Risotto with Uni Butter, paired with Malvasia 2012, “Purissima”, Vina Koper, Koper Valley, Slovenia. You couldn't really taste the uni.

Seared Atlantic Yellow Fin Tuna Sashimi, Watermelon, Avocado, Tiny Cilantro & Soy Citrus Vinaigrette, paired with Rose “Tourbillon” 2013, Domaine du Garde Temps, Vieilles Vignes, Cotes du Provence, France. The avocado detracted and there was too much citrus vinaigrette.

Wild Line Caught Striped Bass, Fava Beans, French Breakfast Radish, Fingerling Potatoes & Green Garlic Emulsion, paired with Chardonnay 2012, Talbott Vineyards, “Kali Hart”, Monterey, CA. I liked the striped bass--it had a nice crispy skin.

Torchon of Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Aged Balsamic Syrup, Brioche & Smoked Maldon Salt, paired with Sauternes  2008, Chateau Laribotte, France.

Garam Masala Spiced Duck Breast, Toasted Farro, Duck Fat Roasted Heirloom Carrots, Japanese Hakurai Turnip and Blood Orange Gastrique, paired with Pinot Noir 2012, Heron Vineyards, American Valley, Ca. The duck was well prepared medium rare but there wasn't much garam masala flavor.

Ale Braised Crispy Pork Belly, Corn & Mushroom, Whole Grain Mustard Jus, paired with Merlot 2012, “Bee Famous”, Coteaux du Pont du Gard, France. The pork belly was not as fatty as most and actually had a bit of meat on it.

Painted Hills Ranch Filet Mignon, Gruyere and Yukon Gold Potato, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Broccolini & Smoked Bone Marrow Bordelaise, paired with Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Domaine Font Mars, Pays D’ Oc, France

Intermezzo of blood orange sorbet but it counted as one of the courses.

A Tasting of Desserts--Miniature Belgian Chocolate Timbale, Fresh Berries, Pound Cake with Nectarine, Pistachio Ice Cream, paired with Quinta de Infantado, Portugal

Mignardise

Overall, we enjoyed the meal and the wine pairing. We were glad we got the 10 courses; actually, it was 9 courses because they counted the intermezzo sorbet as a course and I typically don't count that. In the end, Jonathan did warm up but I can't believe how many requests I needed to make to get the menu that was promised. And, it was the wrong menu.

Would I go there again? Probably, if I'm in the area. But, next time, I'm taking my own notes.



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