Westchester Chefs Recall Their Best Meal Ever: Chef Brian Galvin of Ocean House in Croton-on-Hudson

I am happy to reminisce about the spectacular meals I’ve had in the past, but one stands out. It was a dinner at La Chèvre d’Or in Eze, in the South of France. In June of 2009, my wonderful and generous friends invited my wife and me to be their guests at Le Château de la Chèvre d’Or. I had never heard of it, but, of course, I was thrilled. This is a world-famous, five-star hotel located in the medieval stone village of Eze on the celebrated Côte d’Azur. It has a castle, shops, restaurants, and amazing gardens carved out of the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean—it is absolutely breathtaking.

Photo by Yuri Yoshizawa   Chef Brian Galvin and his wife, Paula, on a trip of a lifetime.

La Chèvre d’Or in the South of France affords remarkable Mediterranean views to go along with remarkable fare.

My most spectacular dinner was at the hotel’s Michelin two-star restaurant. Imagine the setting: an opulent, beautifully appointed dining room with a panoramic view of the sea and, on cue, a perfect sunset. Great friends and simply spectacular food and wine. Our waiter graciously offered to explain the menu and we were off and running—course after course of pure perfection. I still remember the white-truffle mousse, the layered tomato fondue, and the seared foie gras. The tenderloin of beef with morels and the delicate loup de mer. The cheese course and decadent desserts. How can I ever forget it?