Peter Xavier Kelly

For more than 2 decades Peter X. Kelly has set the standard for dining in New York State. Operating the most critically acclaimed restaurants in the Hudson Valley, as well as a vineyard in California that produces wines for his restaurants. 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 and Restaurant X & The Bully Boy Bar 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 is also a Vintner. His wines at Xaviar's Cellars in Napa Valley are known as "Silenus" (the Teacher of Bacchus in Greek Mythology) and have been applauded by the NY Times and Wine Enthusiast Magazine since their introduction in 1991.

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. Peter is currently planning his next restaurant, to be located on the Hudson River in Yonkers New York. This project will for Peter be a return to his roots. Peter & his eleven siblings were all born and raised in Yonkers. The architectural firm of Highlands Associates is designing the Restaurant. The Restaurant is situated on the historic Yonkers Pier, a structure built at the turn of the century and accessible by Car, Boat or Train.
He is also the founder of "Events by Xaviars", which offers catering for parties between 100 and 2000 people.