HVRWNov. 1 is Westchester County's 330th birthday, and County Executive Robert P. Astorino marked the occasion by singing happy birthday during the kick-off of Hudson Valley Restaurant Week (HVRW) at the newly opened RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen in Tarrytown.

 "What a great way to kick off Hudson Valley Restaurant Week – with a celebration of Westchester's 330th birthday," Astorino said. "Back in 1683, Westchester was still largely wilderness, and nearly everything residents consumed was raised or made on their farms. Today, in a way, we've come full circle – where farm-to-table is at the heart of our county's dining experience. Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is one of Westchester's signature events – giving a big boost to our local economy – so tell all your friends and family to 'Meet Me in Westchester' for a great meal at a great price."

During HVRW, which runs from Nov. 4 to 17, diners will have the opportunity to sample dishes featuring farm-to-table, sustainable products at more than 100 restaurants in Westchester. Three-course, prix fixe dinners are $29.95 and lunches are $20.95 (plus beverage, tax and tip).

At the kick off, Astorino also rolled up his sleeves and helped Executive Chef John Holzwarth make homemade gnocchi with 100 percent Kniskern Farm grass-fed beef Bolognese.

RiverMarket, which opened in September, is the sister restaurant to Crabtree's Kittle House in Chappaqua. It expands on the farm-to-table menu concept at Kittle House, offering a wide selection on its menu including fish, meat, chicken, pasta and more. The restaurant also features a wood-fire pizza oven, a marketplace and a wine store.

"We are pleased to be participating in our first Hudson Valley Restaurant Week," said Glenn Vogt, managing partner of RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen. "The event is a perfect match with our mission to bring delicious, local food to residents and guests of Westchester. We look forward to seeing new faces at RiverMarket during the next few weeks."

Other participating venues include well-known establishments such as Crabtree's Kittle House, X2O Xaviars on the Hudson and Bedford Post Inn. Joining the lineup this year are fourteen new restaurants, including: Cooper's Mill in Tarrytown, Purdy's Farmer & Fish, and Dan Rooney's at Empire City Casino in Yonkers. A complete list of participating restaurants is available at www.HudsonValleyRestaurantWeek.com.

"The Hudson Valley continues to be a destination for superior dining experiences," said Janet Crawshaw, founder of HVRW. "Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is a fabulous opportunity to have all the chefs showcase not only their restaurants, but also their fresh, creative dishes to people who may be first-timers in their restaurants."

View a video of the Happy Birthday celebration.