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Rosemary and Vine in Rye: A new Mediterranean restaurant offering a healthy flavorful menu

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Rosemary and Vine is a wonderful new restaurant that opened earlier this year in Rye New York.   The cuisine of this newcomer to the Westchester restaurant scene is Mediterranean vegetarian with an emphasis on healthy organic ingredients.

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The concept of the owners is for diners to try new foods and eat a different and healthy cuisine culled from regions around the  Mediterranean and the Middle East.  All the food is fresh and prepared in-house in the open style kitchen.  Family recipes are incorporated in the menu and are perfectly seasoned to bring out the most of the unique dishes.

 

The restaurant is housed in a mid 19th century building on Purchase Street in downtown Rye.  The interior space has been renovated and is light filled and casual with minimal decor yet artistic touches.  The floor echoes the Mediterranean theme with its handmade Moroccan tile floor, interesting lighting, original tin ceiling and bistro style seating.  There is a small bar, and a chalk board which informs diners of the particular farm fresh organic ingredients being used in the restaurant that week.

Starters:  There are many fun appetizers to sample.  I tried ‘The Tasting”, a nice selection of homemade dips that consist of a unique hummus, a Chipotle hummus, mohjamara( a dip with fire roasted peppers, pureed with toasted walnuts, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and pomegranate), and  a family recipe Babaganoush (smoky fire roasted eggplant with tahini, garlic and lemon).  The tasting is served with oven toasted Lebanese Pita chips.  This is a great choice as a starter as it has many interesting flavors to please the senses.

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The Tasting

The avocado crostini is another healthy starter and a delightful dish.  Avocado is blended with Moroccan pesto (parsley, cilantro, cumen, coriander and garlic) and the combined with feta, peas and mint over toasted bread. The blend of spices in this appetizer are a delight.  A light and summery dish and so healthy too.

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Avocado Crustini

Rosemary and Vine also offers many salads with certified organic offerings and cheese boards.  The cheeses are sourced from a creamery in Vermont.

The Main course: 

There are also grilled flatbreads made with 100% organic flour.   We enjoyed “The Sarah’ a flatbread pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil.  A crispy and light crust with robust flavor.  This was a hit and a great choice for kids or someone in your party who is not adventuresome or into vegetarian dishes.

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“The Sarah”  flatbread pizza

My favorite entree is the saffron scented Moroccan Tagine, a  nice medley of chick peas, zucchini, butternut squash with toasted almonds and Moroccan pesto. A unique and flavorful dish that is so healthy as well.

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Tagine

Dessert:  The desserts are all homemade and dairy free.  The dark chocolate pudding is smooth as silk with 70% dark Valrhona chocolate, coconut milk and bourbon vanilla beans.  Delicious!

I also recommend the warm chocolate cake served with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream.  A light and fun way to wrap up your meal.

There are also many local craft beers and wines available on the menus and many of the wines are sourced from family owned Mediterranean vineyards.   A fun and light cocktail I samples was The Americana, a fun version of the classic white wine spritzer served with orange peel.  For a non alcohol alternative try the Persian Nectar ice tea with black tea and peaches.

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Rosemary and Vine is  healthy Mediterranean style gem of a restaurant and the perfect option for anyone looking for a new and fun option for dining.  For healthy eaters who are concerned with the ingredients in your meal, this restaurant is a must visit.  The small plates allow you to sample a  number of dishes and enjoy the wonderful combination of spices and flavors.  Try Rosemary and Vine and pick out something you have never tried before,  and you will be in for a pleasant and healthy surprise.

 

Rosemary and Vine

29 Purchase Street Rye New York

914 481 8660

http://www.rosemaryandvine.com

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Best of Gold Coast Connecticut Party 2016 was a big success!

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The Best of the Gold Coast Connecticut 2016 party held on July 27th in Stamford was a big success and a great party.

This event showcased the area’s finest businesses and restaurants which were all chosen by the readers and editors of the 5 Moffly Media magazines (Greenwich, New Canaan-Darien, Fairfield Living and Stamford Magazines.)

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There was a wide showcase of amazing shops, entertainment, unique food as well as fun and innovative cocktails and drink selections.   This truly was the “best” of everything party and a fun time was had by all.

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Next up is the Best of Greenwich Party 2016 to be held on August 8th at the Delamar Hotel in Greenwich.    See article for more information and tickets to that event.

 

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Click the link below to read about the Best of Greenwich 2016 party !

https://valleyblog24.wordpress.com/2016/07/29/best-of-greenwich-2016-party-returns/

 

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Arezzo Ristorante: fine waterfront Italian dining in Westport

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If you want a Tuscany inspired dining experience then you must try Arezzo Ristorante in Westport Connecticut.  The restaurant is set alongside the Saugatuck River  with gorgeous waterfront views.  Diners can choose to eat inside in the covered sun deck, or on the open air patio complete with umbrellas and an outdoor bar.

There is a newly renovated interior with stone archways, stucco walls and charming dark wood beams.  The bar inside is also inviting with dark leather accents and rich wood details.

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Fun and innovative cocktails

 

The menu has quite a selection with dishes finished in the high heat of the wood burning oven.  There are delicious homemade pastas, unique pizza selections and fresh fish, chicken and meat dishes from which to choose.  For the salad lover there are many choices from seasonal produce and fun creations such as roasted beets, pistachios and shaved artichokes.

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Pasta Tasting:  Orecchettie with sausage, Gnocchi, and Seafood Risotto

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Eggplant Crustini

 

 

Watermelon Salad
Tuna Tartare

Entree selections include dishes for all tastes such as Filet Mignon, Melanzane al forno (Eggplant), various chicken and veal dishes, as well as seafood delights such as Branzino, Fisherman’s Stew (scallops, shrimp, and calamari in a tomato broth with fennel) and more.

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Halibut aqua pazza with clams, mussels in a cherry tomato broth

There is also an delightful selection of desserts including fruit tarts, brulees , tiramisu and gelato.

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Tiramisu

The view from the outdoor patio is fantastic and the overall ambiance is perfect for dining al fresco on a warm summer evening.   For a real Italian restaurant experience,  check out Arezzo Ristorante in downtown Westport.  Delicioso!

Arezzo Ristorante/Bar

5 Riverside Ave  Westport Ct      203-557-9375

http://www.arezzowestport.com

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Best of Greenwich 2016 Party returns!

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The fabulous party of the year, “Best Of Greenwich 2016” returns on Monday August 8th.   This party which is hosted by Greenwich Magazine is a celebration of the best that Greenwich Ct has to offer.  The party will be held at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel overlooking the water.  A fantastic location for a summer party!

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Greenwich Magazine readers and editors have chosen the “Best” in many categories, including in the Cuisine category: Best New Restaurant, Best Seafood, Best Creative Menu, Best Outdoor Dining and many more.  Other categories include best bars, fitness places, home decor, markets and so much more.

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Best of Greenwich

Food and drink will be served and the list of local restaurants providing  food will be L’Escale, Le Penguin, Little Pub, Fiord, Gabriel’s, Elm Street Oyster House, Meli Melo and many more.  Drinks will be provided to guests by Val’s Putnam  Wine and Liquor, Keel Vodka, and Pernod Ricard.

Guests will be entertained by Nanni Assis Brazilian Trio.

Greenwich Magazine is published by Moffly Media

 The Best of Greenwich 2016 Party

 Date: Monday, August 8, 2016
Time: 7-10 pm
Location: Delamar Greenwich Hotel       500 Steamboat Road Greenwich Ct.

Tickets: $55 online, $65 at the door

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Click below for tickets

GREENWICH MAGAZINE’S BEST OF GREENWICH 2016

 

 

Million Dollar Quartet: Rock & Roll history comes to life at the Westchester Broadway Theater

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The musical “Million Dollar Quartet” is rocking audiences at the Westchester Broadway Theater.  The international hit musical which ran on Broadway and received three Tony Nominations was inspired by an actual event in Rock and Roll history.  On December 4, 1956, four early Rock and Roll artists just happen to get together at Sun Records Studios in Memphis for a jam session.   The artists that came together that night were Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins (Blue Suede Shoes), Johnny Cash and a new comer named Jerry Lee Lewis (Great Balls of Fire).   The session which was recorded became rock and roll legend and the four would never play together again.

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The musical is inspired by that fateful evening back in 1956.  The performance is part rock concert,  and part musical.  Inter weaved with all the great Rock and Roll songs from that era is the story of Sun Records,  Sam Phillips and the artists themselves.

Sam Phillips was the owner of Sun Records Studio, a tiny shop  in Memphis. Phillips had an uncanny ability of discovering raw talent.  It was he who discovered and promoted a  young Elvis Presley , Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins,  Jerry Lee Lewis, and later Roy Orbison who would all become some of the biggest stars in early Rock music history.

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The musical takes place entirely in Sun Studios on the evening of December 4, 1956.  The story is narrated by Sam Phillips who sets the scene of that fateful evening.   Carl Perkins has come to the studios with his brother and their drummer to work on a new record.  Sam Phillips has brought in a new talent, a feisty and unpredictable Jerry Lee Lewis to play piano on the track.  Later Johnny Cash drops in to discuss his contract renewal with Sun Records.  Eventually Elvis and his girlfriend stop by (Elvis at this point has moved on to RCA records)  and the jam session begins.   The stage design is brilliant and depicts the studio and recording room of Sun Records, and really transports the viewer back in time.  Very effective.

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The audience not only learns some of the history of these important artists, but are treated to a lively concert of great hits including, Blue Suede Shoes, Great Balls of Fire, Matchbox, Fever, Whole lot of Shakin’ Going on, Folsom Prison Blues and more.  The cast shows off its talents at acting, singing and playing guitar or piano.  The actors are not trying to actually impersonate or imitate the original artists.   Their performances are more inspired by the actual artists which allows their talents to really shine.  The performance was fantastic and the cast received a standing ovation from the opening night crowd.

The production stars Dominique Scott as Jerry Lee Lewis , Ari McKay Wilford as Elvis Presley, Sky Seals as Johnny Cash, Jason Loughlin as Sam Phillips, John Michael Presney as Carl Perkins, and Bligh Voth as Dyanne (girlfriend of Elvis).  Rounding out the cast are Sam Weber as the stand up bass playing Jay Perkins, and David Sonneborn as Fluke.  Set Design by Derek McLane .

Directed by Hunter Foster, who appeared in the original cast. The musical director is David Sonneborn.

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Photo from the original jam session 1956

Million Dollar Quartet runs through September 11, 2016

Discounts available for groups (20 or more)

Dinner (salad, entree and dessert) is served prior to the performance and is included in the purchase price.    Wine and cocktails available at additional cost.  Luxury Boxes are also available for groups of 6 to 20.

For ticket information:

Westchester Broadway Theater

1 Broadway Plaza

Elmsford New York 10526

http://www.broadwaytheater.com

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Best of the Gold Coast Party! A party not to miss !

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A great party is coming on July 28th 2016 to our area.   The Best of the Gold Coast party is the celebration of the summer that you cannot miss!   The Best of the Gold Coast celebrates the finest restaurants, chefs, creative talent and businesses from the Gold Coast of Connecticut.

At the party there is a fabulous mix of fine food, drinks, cocktails, entertainment and more.  The winners of the Best of the Gold Coast are chosen by the readers and editors of all 5 magazines published by Moffly Media (Greenwich, Westport, New Cannan-Darien, Stamford and Fairfield Living magazines).

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The main categories are best “Food and Drink”, “Living and Home” and “Style and Beauty”.  In other words, the party celebrates the best of everything.

So come out for a night of fun, because it only comes once a year!

When:  July 28th 2016  from 6pm to 9pm  (General Admission at 7pm)

Where : Hilton Stamford – 1 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT 06902

Tickets :Exclusive pre-party “Behind the Velvet Rope” entrance at 6:00 pm — $100

General Admission:  $65 enter at 7pm

To purchase tickets and for more information on the party and Moffly Media’s outstanding magazines:

http://www.bestofgoldcoastct.com/b/Best-of-the-Gold-Coast-Party-2016/

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Char:New American cuisine in a rustic chic setting

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Char is a contemporary American restaurant with an emphasis on fresh seafood dishes.  Char is located just over the Westchester County border in the Byram section of Greenwich, Ct.

The menu changes seasonally and is enhanced with daily specials that offer the freshest and finest ingredients which are locally sourced when possible.

The interior of Char can be described as rustic elegance with wood beams, a fireplace, a beautiful red oak bar and ship lap siding which uses reclaimed lumber throughout the dining area.  The metal ceiling, brass lighting fixtures and wood floor  finish the subdued look of this casual yet upscale dining  destination.

Starters:  I visited Char for Dinner with friends and started with their signature dish, grilled octopus with farro and roasted tomatoes in a lemon -oregano dressing.  This starter was a great choice on a warm summer day as it was light and refreshing.  The fried calamari with a side of marinara  was crispy and not soggy and the coating was  a perfect blend of spices.   Lastly we chose a Deconstructed Lobster Roll which was  a twist on the traditional lobster roll and was not only tasty but displayed culinary artistry as well.

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Grilled Octopus with Farro

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Calamari

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Deconstructed Lobster Roll

Main course:  My favorite entree was the special of the day, Zuppa de Pesce.  A large bowl  containing lobster tail, mussels, shrimp, clams and scallops over linguini.  A seafood lovers dream dish and a satisfying portion.  I was quite happy and full after this wonderful dish.

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Zuppa De Pesce

Also ordered was the Scottish Salmon Wellington, a unique dish featuring Salmon in a flaky pastry and served over lentils and watercress.  It was delicious.  Another entree was the Branzino  (European Sea Bass) which was served whole and I was told was fresh and a great selection.    There is a nice wide selection of dishes on the menu including the seafood delights we sampled.  There is a kids menu as well

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Salmon Wellington

There is some interesting specialty drinks including the Twisted Peach which was a delicious combo of vodka, peach puree, ice tea and lemonade. There is a nice wine list as well, after dinner drinks and dessert which I will have to sample on a return visit.

Char is a beautiful space with character  and a great for high quality dining. Check their website for price fixe lunch and dinner specials and more!

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Char

2 South Water Street Greenwich Ct   (just over the border with Port Chester)

203-900- 1100

http://www.charct.com

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Muscoot Tavern: A fun, casual place to dine

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For a casual low key dining experience Muscoot Tavern in Somers, NY is a must try.  The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced and the menu is best described as New American with an Italian flair.

The building housing the Muscoot Tavern has been around since the 1920s and  the low entrance door, and antique wooden phone booth are evidence of the history of this building. Its rustic interior and uneven floors are part of its overall charm.    The current owners of  Muscoot has taken the establishment to a new level with top quality food and interesting menu selections .  This is fun place to dine whether it is a family night out, date night or eating with a group of friends.  There is outside  dining, horseshoes, and even a bocce court.  There is a small stage in the backyard for bands to play on Sundays.

The bar offers fun drink specials such as the delicious White Sangria and the Muscoot Mule which is made with Tito’s Homemade Vodka, ginger beer, and muddled limes.  This was a light and refreshing cocktail.

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Muscoot Mule

Starters:   we ordered the Burrata cheese and found it fresh and tasty. This mozzarella was pared with jam, roasted peppers, prosciutto, and olives with a balsamic drizzle. A great summertime pick.  The clams casino was recommended by the staff and was so good I would definitely order this again.  The clams were prepared with a subtle blend of aromatic herbs, garlic and bacon.  A great choice.

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Clams Casino

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The Main Course:   I ordered the Wild Sesame Salmon special with teriyaki glaze with rice and sautéed spinach.  This was suggested by my friendly waitress and it did not disappoint. The fresh fish was perfectly cooked and the glaze complimented the salmon.

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Wild Salmon

Another entree enjoyed at our table was the Lobster ravioli.  Fresh pasta squares filled with large pieces of lobster meat and was complimented by a sherry wine cream sauce.  A true comfort food dish and quite filling.

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Lobster Ravioli

There are a variety of 14 inch thin crust pizzas that we did not sample but seemed popular with other diners.

Dessert:  don’t forget to try the homemade desserts. The bread pudding topped with crème anglaise is sweet , light tasting and was filling enough to be shared.  We also tasted the Mango crème brulee which was a nice variation of this classic dessert.   The perfect way to end a lovely meal.

Muscoot Tavern is a great choice for a night out of good food and fun, and is casual dining at its best.

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Muscoot Tavern

105 Route 35   Somers, New York

914 232 2800

http://www.muscoottavern.com

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Frank Pepe: delicous award winning pizza

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In the mood for pizza, but not your local pizza place?  Then pizza lovers should head to Frank Pepe Pizzeria for their delicious coal fired pizza specialties.  The pizza is famous for its thin, crisp, lightly charred crust made from a special family recipe.   The original Frank Pepe Pizza opened in New Haven in 1926 and now has 8 locations all run by family members.  The locations in our area are Yonkers, New York , New Haven, and Danbury Ct.   The Danbury restaurant is run by Frank Pepe’s  Grandson, Gary Bimonte.  His passion for his product and home style traditional cooking will make you feel like you are part of the family.

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Frank Pepe has had the honor of being voted the best pizza in the State of Connecticut and was recognized as one of the top 10 pizza restaurants in the nation by the Huffington Post.

There are many pizzas to from which to choose.  The day we visited we sampled the Clam Pizza made from locally sourced calms which tasted light and fresh.     The spinach gorgonzola  cheese pie was unique and was a nice blend of ingredients with just the right blend of fresh toppings.  I am not usually a fan of gorgonzola cheese, but it was delicious on this pizza.

Spinach and Gorgonzola
Original Tomato

The original tomato pie is a real delight.  With crushed imported Italian tomatoes, olive oil and grated  cheese, this pizza is one of their most popular pies and is a house specialty.  The light crispy crust which comes about by its baking in the large coal fired oven give this a unique taste.  We also sampled the sausage pizza which was topped with fresh sausage made only for Frank Pepe.

Marguerite Pizza
Coal fired oven

 

 

From July  to September there is fresh tomato pie with tomatoes from local farms, fresh mozzarella, garlic and basil.  It sounds terrific and I can’t wait to try it.    If you looking for a family night out, join the Pepe family for some great traditional pizza recipes.

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Owner Gary Bimonte grandson of Frank Pepe

 

Frank Pepe

59 Federal Rd Danbury Ct

http://www.pepespizzeria.com

 

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Looking back at a fabulous week at Westchester Food and Wine Week

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June 8th-12 was a great time for foodies in our area.  Westchester Magazine’s  Wine and Food Week was a smashing success.    Events held at Bloomingdales in White Plains, Kensico Dam Park in Valhalla and at the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains were all well attended and featured fabulous food wine and beer.

Thursday June 9th was the Burger and Beer Blast with burger offerings from 30 different local restaurants competing for the title of best burger in Westchester.  Also served was beer, wine and spirits.  Food trucks with pizza, hot dogs and soft serve ice cream were also on hand.

Friday June 10th was a special night at the Ritz Carlton in White Plains as 20 of the best chefs from the county served up food for guests at this special event.  There was plenty of  wine available for tasting as well.

Saturday rounded out the week at the Grand Tasting Village at Kensico Dam in Valhalla.  Here there were chef cooking demonstrations and two large tents filled with  tastings from 43 restauants.  More than 100 wines were available for tasting as well as samples of gin, whisky, tequila and vodka.

Here  are some scenes from the parties.  The next big event for Westchester Magazine will be its annual Best Of Westchester Party to be held on July 27th at the Glen Island Harbor Club in New Rochelle. Don’t miss it !

Scenes from Burger and Beer Blast:

 

Evening with the Tastemakers:

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Celebrity Chefs from top restaurants

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Grand Tasting Village:

 

See you next June at the Westchester Wine and Food Week 2017 events.   For more information and tickets to the Best of Westchester Party coming in July please see:

http://www.westchestermagazine.com

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