With nearly 60,000 bottles (and 5,000 varieties) to choose from, Crabtree’s Kittle House is a world-class wine destination, offering both prestigious and sustainably produced labels. Equally noteworthy is the establishment’s elegant American farm-to-table fare, such as fluke crudo with grapefruit, heart of palm, and baby fennel salad; seared foie gras with Asian pears, honey sauce, and coriander; venison osso bucco with squash puree, asparagus, and juniper berry sauce; and goat cheesecake with pear-ginger sorbet and honey. Dishes feature natural, sustainably produced ingredients—many from small, local farmers and producers. The restaurant’s website lists purveyors including Hudson Valley Duck Farm, Crown Maple Syrup, Highland Farms Venison, and Mobius Fields Farm.
In the main dining room, which features plush chairs, whitewashed barn-siding walls, and natural wood floors, guests can order à la carte or opt for a chef’s tasting menu. Meanwhile, in the more casual Tap Room (with a copper ceiling and hardwood tables), diners can go for a hot dog (with Wagyu beef) or burger (Hudson Valley grass-fed Angus beef with barbecue brisket stuffing).
Although the fare is relatively modern, the surroundings are historical and storied. Built more than 200 years ago, the white columned structure has had several incarnations, including as a farm, school, and roadhouse. In 1981, the Crabtree family purchased the place and transformed the stables into the much-heralded wine cellar (which can be booked for private events), turned 14 rooms into guestrooms, and expanded the events operation. A few years ago, the community banded together to create Amy’s Garden, in honor of John’s wife Amy Crabtree, who passed away in 2009. Each Tuesday night during the summer, the restaurant hosts Sparkle for a Cause events in the garden with different local charities and live music, small bites, and sparkling wine cocktails (30 percent of that evening’s proceeds are donated).
According to loyal customer Michael Rodriguez of Chappaqua, who has been dining at the restaurant since 2002, “The history, tradition, and care put into the wine collection are awe-inspiring and make it one of the greatest restaurant wine lists in the country. I have yet to find a wine list so artfully crafted with dedication and expertise as the Kittle House’s.” Frequent patron Oscar Flores of White Plains, who has been a customer for about 15 years, loves the sushi pizzetta. Rodriguez points out how Chef Jay Lippin has “on numerous occasions gone out of his way to prepare special dishes for us on a moment’s notice.” Likewise, Rodriguez praises the “warm, friendly, and always consistent” staff. Flores says, “They are all so attentive, extremely helpful, and make you feel at home.”
11 Kittle Rd
Chappaqua
(914) 666-8044
www.kittlehouse.com
