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 Dobbs Ferry, NY - When it comes to waterfront dining, there is no argument that the riverfront location on the Hudson at Dobbs Ferry, with its commanding views stretching from Manhattan to the Tappan Zee Bridge and beyond, would be at the top of any list.
The proof can be found in the success of the location, which for more than 30 years was home to the Chart House, one of the first waterfront restaurants opened along the Hudson. Beginning in 1974, people flocked to the destination for the chance to sit at the river’s edge and soak in the views while dining.
Now, with the Chart House having served its final meal last year, diners will have the opportunity to return to this unique waterfront setting. Just in time for spring, the Dobbs Ferry location will come back to life with the newest dining experience in the region. A brand new restaurant, Half Moon, will be opening its doors in mid-May, following an extensive renovation to the former Chart House building.
Half Moon is owned and operated by Fort Pond Bay Company, a growing restaurant group that has made a specialty of waterfront dining locations, including the popular Harvest-on-Hudson at Hastings on the riverfront a mile south of Dobbs Ferry. The company also operates Harvest on Fort Pond and East by Northeast two highly regarded restaurants in Montauk on Long Island. The casual beach atmosphere of Montauk is the inspiration for Half Moon.
The 12,000-square-foot Half Moon will feature over 200 seats. Additionally, it will offer 100 seats for spectacular outdoor warm weather dining. The Beach Bar will feature specialty cocktails and sangrias just a few feet from the river.
Half Moon will be an American brasserie with international flavor. Taking advantage of the locations of Fort Pond Bay’s four different restaurant locations will enable the owners to take a “think globally, eat locally” approach to the menu at Half Moon. Fresh seasonal produce, meats and cheeses from the Hudson Valley and fresh seafood from the North Atlantic off Montauk form the basis of all of its offerings.
Half Moon will feature “small plates” and bar food, ceviches appetizers, salads, main course entrees and desserts. A focal point for the new restaurant will be its introduction of La Plancha style cooking. Planchas are a thick iron griddle for searing meats and seafood, utilizing very little oil to produce a clean and natural cuisine.
Half Moon will also offer a daily Montauk Clam Bake, grilled steaks and prime rib, and even a burger and lobster roll will be on the menu. The bar will offer three sangrias, artesinal beers, signature cocktails, and 100 wines under $50.
A private second floor dining loft, with seating for up to 250 guests, will be available for weddings, parties, family and business events.
Half Moon’s decor will capture the feel of a modern Hudson River loft. The river itself will be celebrated throughout the building with Hudson River School paintings and circa 16th and 17th century maps drawn following the discovery of the river by Henry Hudson in 1609.
The interior design will feature natural bamboo floors and a Zebra wood bar to blend with natural colors and furnishings, while glass walls will offer panoramic views of the Hudson River and sunsets over the Palisades.
“This is without question one of the most incredible properties providing public access anywhere along the Hudson,” commented Bruce Bernacchia, founder and owner of Fort Pond Bay Company. “Virtually everyone enjoys the experience of waterfront dining. No matter what the season, there is an allure to being near the water. Our restaurants both on the Hudson and at Montauk are designed to offer diners truly unique waterfront venues. The ability to add Half Moon at Dobbs Ferry to our group is a tremendous opportunity and a perfect fit for us.”
Mr. Bernacchia, who grew up in nearby Yonkers, said Half Moon will take a far more casual approach to dining than the popular Harvest-on-Hudson that he opened 10 years ago. “The two locations enable us to present two different dining approaches. At Harvest-on-Hudson, we offer a more formal dining experience, while at Half Moon the approach will be more casual with a beachfront feel. Of course, all of our locations offer incomparable water views.”
Half Moon will be open for dinner seven days a week from 5 p.m. to midnight. For more information or reservations, please call (914) 693-4130 or visit www.Harvest2000.com.
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