After taking a three-year hiatus to tend to his young children, Chef Jason Seraydarian is back – and he’s landed right in Bergen County’s backyard as the Chef de Cuisine of the recently opened Two Henrys restaurant and Clearwater Tavern at the Hilton Pearl River.

When asked what brought him to the area, Jason explains in his typical understated manner: “I was very impressed with the owner’s ambition to create something special at Two Henrys. They asked me to essentially design the menu from scratch, which allowed me to introduce food and cooking styles from my previous experiences. Everyone has been very supportive of my ideas.”

This collaborative effort to “create something special” has contributed to the buzz that has been growing steadily since Two Henrys, formally La Maisonette, opened its doors a few months ago.

Seraydarian, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has worked in some of the nation’s most celebrated establishments including Mr. B’s Bistro in New Orleans, The Little Nell in Aspen, and Fresco by Scotto in midtown Manhattan. He also worked at Antonio’s Ristorante in Greenwich Village and The University Club on 54th Street and Fifth Avenue. More recently, Seraydarian was a part owner/chef at the critically acclaimed New Wave Café in Philadelphia.

When asked about his favorite dish at Two Henrys, he promptly answered the tamarind-glazed sea bass with steamed rice, French beans and date compote (which I will keep in mind the next time I’m up there). But, he says, much of the menu incorporates elements of dishes and flavors he’s used at the other restaurants including the flatbread pizza served in the Clearwater Tavern that was a favorite at his Philadelphia restaurant.

The young chef has been featured in numerous magazines, newspapers and television shows. He was included with other culinary greats Patricia Wells, Mark Bittman and Rick Bayless in Runner’s World: The Athlete’s Palate. “Every four or five months, the menu at Two Henrys will change to include fresh, local products. It’s not your typical restaurant, and with views of the surrounding golf course, it is really a comfortable place to enjoy a meal,” Seraydarian concludes.

Two Henrys Restaurant and Clearwater Tavern
Hilton Pearl River
500 Veterans Memorial Drive
Pearl River, New York
845-735-9000 Extension 7155