Senate Resolution No. 5828

BY: Senator MURPHY

HONORING Peter Kelly upon the occasion of
celebrating 35 years as a Hudson Valley chef

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging
its esteemed citizens who have distinguished themselves in their
community; and

WHEREAS, Peter Kelly will celebrate 35 years as a Hudson Valley chef
in 2018; and

WHEREAS, Peter Kelly was only 23 years old when he opened his first
restaurant, Xaviars, in Garrison in 1983; and

WHEREAS, I was difficult to get deliveries from New York City
vendors, so Peter Kelly began relying on local farmers even before that
became a popular trend; and

WHEREAS, Peter Kelly soon opened additional restaurants in Piermont,
Xaviars in 1987, and Freelance Cafe and Wine Bar in 1988; and

WHEREAS, At Xaviars, Peter Kelly introduced 10-course tasting menus
served on Versace china, paired with 10 different wines; Freelance was
more casual dining, with an emphasis on small plates while also hosting
winemakers from Europe and Napa; and

WHEREAS, Peter Kelly opened Restaurant X and Bully Bar, both in
Congers, in 1996, where he began a unique tableside buffet Sunday
brunch; and

WHEREAS, Peter Kelly closed Xaviers in Garrison in 2003, but would
open X20 Xaviers on the Hudson in Yonkers in 2007; and

WHEREAS, Collectively known as Xaviars Restaurant Group, the
restaurants have earned numerous awards, including "Best of Award of
Excellence" from Wine Spectator, and the only "Extraordinary" (4-star)
rating from the New York Times; and

WHEREAS, A self-taught chef, Peter Kelly beat renowned chef Bobby
Flay on the Food Channel's "Iron Chef America" show; and

WHEREAS, Peter Kelly has been nominated several times for the James
Beard Award for Best Chef Northeast, has been honored as NY State
Restauranteur of the Year, has done cooking demonstrations on NBC and
CBS, and has hosted Anthony Bourdain on the popular "No Reservations"
program; and

WHEREAS, Peter Kelly is an inspiration to others through his
impressive success in a very competitive industry; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Peter Kelly upon the occasion of celebrating 35 years as a Hudson
Valley chef; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Peter Kelly.