X2O: culinary salvation in downtown Yonkers

It was my grandmas 80^th birthday last Thursday, so we wanted to go out somewhere special to celebrate. The past birthday we went to Peter Kelly’s X2O restaurant in downtown Yonkers, and it was great in every-way; the services were very nice and helpful, and the food was awesome. It was so good that we decided to go again this year, and it certainty did not disappoint. The menu was similar to the last time we went, with a few changes, some that are springing up all across places in New York, steamed buns. And Mr. Kelly gets it right here, with BBQ duck, it’s without a doubt inspired by Momofukus pork buns but with Kelly’s own twist.

All three times I’ve been to X2O I’ve left wondering why Peter Kelly would out such a great, upscale place in a run-down part of Yonkers. But, it doesn’t really matter, as I would keep going back wherever it is. It’s probably one of the best meals you can get in Westchester.

Now, to the food, which was utterly spectacular. Every dish was completely thought out, every detailed was accounted for, the flavor-full, presentation and taste were all beautiful. For lack of a better word everything was outstanding.

The first two dishes was the Ravioli with short rib and foie gras filling in truffle butter with broccoli rabe ($11.50) and braised Berkshire pork belly and grilled shrimp ($12.50). both were extremely satisfying. The ravioli was so rich and fatty, it was a prefect start to the meal. The short rib and foie gras filling was mouth-watering; the short ribs were as tender as can be, aided by the fatty foie gras, it was a match made in heaven. The pork belly with shrimp was some of the best pork belly I’ve ever had. It had the thick, creamy layer of fat that makes pork belly my favorite cut of meat, and the shrimp lightened what would’ve been a heavy dish with just the belly.

For the entrée, I got the hoisin glazed duck breast with BBQ duck steamed bun with mustard greens ($29.00). The bun evoked luscious memories of Momofuku, but with the smoky duck, it worked quite well; I wasn’t missing the usual pork belly. The hoisin-glazed duck was perfectly cooked, had a beautiful crispy crust with let way to a rich, rare ducky breast.

The dessert was presented beautifully; I had the frozen caramel soufflé ($8.50). It had the consistency of a creamy gelato; it was a very refreshing end to a perfect meal, but there was really too much of it (there is such a thing as too much of a good thing) and the doughnuts were a little dense, and lacked cardamom flavor.

Overall, while quite expensive, X2O will provide an upscale dinning experience that you just can’t get in most places in Westchester, especially in Yonkers. All three times I’ve been, I’ve yet to have a bad dish, and quite frankly, I don’t think I ever will.

Xaviars X2O | 71 Water Grant Street | Yonkers, NY | 914.965.1111