The Sisters of Saint Mary's certainly didn't eat like this, but if you take a one-hour train ride from Grand Central to Peekskill's Apropros Restaurant at The Abbey Inn, you will. This 120-year-old abbey perched high above the Hudson River has been painstakingly restored and transformed into a lovely inn and restaurant. The grounds, and the views, are worth the trip alone but the wine cellar boasting an impressive collection and the farm-to-table kitchen are equally rewarding. 
The menu leans traditional, with dishes ranging from rich lamb ragù atop tangles of thick pappardelle to grilled petite filet of beef finished with a textbook green peppercorn sauce. Pannacotta flavored with moscato and finished with an apricot and chili preserve is a lovely send-off.