Are you looking for a culinary jewel? You will find it at a one of a kind eatery called Bloom in the heart of Westchester County, New York. When I first heard of Bloom, the sophisticated and upscale restaurant with the organic inspired cuisine, I was intrigued. Founder and executive chef, James Sklar wanted to be a part of the culinary world since he was a young boy. Today at 33, he finally realized his dream. As a result of my visit, I am happy that he did. I am quite sure that he intended to have top quality customer service since my guest and I were received by a very professional hostess and two courteous waitresses.

This is my favorite part of the dining area.

Since organic inspired restaurants were a concept that I had not heard of, I was a bit skeptical at first. I wondered long and hard about what the food might taste like. As it turned out, the food was to die for. First there was wheat bread in a small but elegant basket. To my surprise, butter was not included but olive oil instead. It was so delicious on its own so the butter was not missed at all. The bread was moist and flavorful on the inside with a crunchy crust. For an appetizer, I had the Insalata Caprese which consisted of cherry tomatoes mixed with goat cheese. Do not get put off by the thought of goat cheese. It had a creamy texture and taste that was mild compared to the goat cheese you may be familiar with. Next, I sampled the Grilled Tequila Lime Wild Caught Shrimp that my guest ordered. The tangy shrimp was beautifully accented with an Avocado Cilantro Mousse, Pico de Gallo, and a crisp corn tortilla.

Here is the bar where you can enjoy an organic glass of wine and other beverages.

Now for the highlight of the night, the main course. I delighted in the Wild Rock Shrimp Risotto with watercress and preserved lemon. Yes, I said lemon. It was not overbearing but added an unforgettable flavor to the delectable dish. The creamy risotto certainly hit the spot. It was rich and filling with a buttery flavor. I could also taste a hint of parmesan cheese with each savory bite. It was so tasty that it required absolutely no salt. The presentation of both dishes was artistic and inviting. One a scale of 1 to 10, I would give each dish an "11" for originality, presentation, and taste. Although I am not a professional food critic, I know good food when I taste it. I should mention that the food is served and cooked with water filtered by Aquasana.

Here is a beautifully set table similar to what I experienced.

My guest and I washed down our meals with cranberry juice and an organic cola. It appeared that my drink was 100% cranberry juice rather than a sugary, processed beverage with artificial flavors. The organic cola was an experience in and of itself. It reminded me of Coca Cola with a mysterious but delicious taste that teased my palette before disappearing. The knowledgeable waitress explained that it was most likely the cane sugar. Whatever the case, it was simply fantastic. It was a wise choice to include Blue Sky Certified Organic Soda by New Century Cola. But if you prefer organic alcoholic beverages, you will have much to choose from as well. You may be wondering about how much you may spend for the exceptional food and service. The appetizers range from $10-$13 and choices for the main course range from $24-$32.

Beautiful paintings of flowers could be found throughout the restaurant.

Bloom's guiding principle is to eat, live, and be as close to nature as possible. I found this motto to be evident within the "natural" environment of the restaurant. To put it mildly, it is environmentally friendly from top to bottom. Plyboo, a bamboo based plywood, graces the bar top, host stand, and bathroom vanities. You guessed it, even the bathrooms are a treat. Take a look.

Here is the fabulous vessel.

Instead of an ordinary sink, you will find a fabulous vessel. When I examined the area, I noticed soy based candles (not pictured) on each side.

Do not hesitate to dine at Bloom during the summer heat. It was a sizzling 90 degrees outside, but the restaurant was cool and comfortable. Not only will you be able to eat great food, but you can also experience music by Alyssa Cooper, Blooms resident musician. At present, she is featured on Friday nights. Other nights include Beledo, a Spanish and Flamenco guitarist, and Brandon Terzic. When you take a look at the website, you will notice the claim that customers will want to come back again and again. Allow me to declare that they are right.

Address: 19 Main St. Hastings on Hudson, New York
For Reservations: (914) 478 3250
For more information, visit: http://bloom-restaurant.com/

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