Judith Hausman
| Dish | Why |
| Appetizer: Punjabi Samosa, Chutney Masala Indian Bistro, Irvington | “Savory, spicy, fat pockets of potatoes, peas, and ginger that out-tapa the Spanish tradition.” |
| Main: Madeira-Glazed Black Cod The Farmhouse at Bedford Post, Bedford Village | “Black cod is a silky, sweet fish [aka sable when smoked]. The sweet Madeira dittos all that silky nightgown texture.” |
| Dessert: Lemon Cheesecake Tarry Lodge, Port Chester |
“When is a cheesecake not just a cheesecake? When it’s deepest, densest lemon squared by tart lemon sorbet with teensy-tiny biscotti for crunch alongside.” |
Diane Weintraub Pohl
| Dish | Why |
| Appetizer: Hawaiian Sashimi Tuna Guacamole F.I.S.H. Port Chester | “A brilliant play of flavors, textures, and colors, with house-made corn chips—the perfect delivery system.” |
| Main: Herb-Roasted Venison with Sautéed Foie Gras and Figs X2O Xaviars on the Hudson Yonkers |
“A sybaritic swoon of the rustic elevated to the celestial—and there’s bacon, too!” |
| Dessert: Tarte Tatin Buffet de la Gare Hastings-on-Hudson | “Caramelized apples, butter, and sugar on puff pastry—it doesn’t get any better. The whipped cream and berry garnish is just icing on the gâteau.” |
Julia Sexton
| Dish | Why |
| Appetizer: Fluke Crudo Tarry Lodge Port Chester | “I’d like pick two starters because, at Tarry Lodge, it seems unrealistic to limit yourself to just one. But since more than one is out of the question, I’d have to choose fluke crudo. It’s velvety, bright, crisp, oily, and salty—all at once.” |
| Main: Madeira-Glazed Black Cod The Farmhouse at Bedford Post Bedford Village |
“So many dishes hit the palate and disappear, receding into shadows as you try to remember their initial impact. Not this one! Like the best cooking, it’s simply magical.” |
| Dessert: Cheesecake Crabtree’s Kittle House Chappaqua | “It is a testament to the seductions of this dish that my husband and I—stuffed, sated, and content after an epic Kittle House meal—still parried forks for this tangy, crottin-shaped bite of very cheesy Alsatian goodness.“ |
