Westchester Magazine Announces Plans For Second Annual Wine & Food Weekend

Westchester Magazine today announced plans for its Second Annual Wine & Food Weekend, to be held May 17-20, 2012 at

The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester in White Plains, New York. The largest gathering of restaurants at one event in Westchester's history, the Wine & Food Weekend will feature some of the region's most celebrated chefs, critically acclaimed restaurants, hottest specialty food products and some of the wine world's most sought after vintages.

Foodies and oenophiles alike will enjoy four days of pure heaven savoring some of the area's finest food and the world's best wines. From Grand Tastings to seminars with world-renowned experts, from Celebrity Chef demonstrations to a Winemakers Dinner, from a Burgers, BBQ and Beer Bash to ArtsWestchester's ArtsBash, the Wine & Food Weekend, whose title sponsors are The Journal News and The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, is not to be missed. The events planned are as follows:

BURGERS, BBQ AND BEER BASH - On Thursday evening, May 17, 20 local restaurants will serve up burgers, barbeque and other street foods at this opening event, which is new to this year's Wine & Food Weekend and being put on in partnership with the White Plains Business Improvement District. Complementary beer pairings by Manhattan Beer Distributors will enhance the foods, and live music will set the tone for an exciting weekend to come. Proceeds from the Burger Bash will benefit the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry & Homeless.

ARTSBASH - Westchester Magazine will join ArtsWestchester at its Annual ArtsBash event on Friday evening, May 18, to officially kick-off the Second Annual Wine & Food Weekend. Tickets are available through www.artswestchester.org.

THE GRAND TASTING - On Saturday, May 19 (11:30 am-4 pm) and Sunday, May 20 (noon-4:30 pm), a gastronomic showcase will give attendees the opportunity to sample the best of Westchester's restaurants, one bite at a time. A gathering of 60 of Westchester's best restaurants (30 per day) will present their finest foods. In addition, more than 120 wines from across the world and select top-shelf spirits will be available for sampling in the beautiful Grand Ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester.

EXPERT WINE SEMINARS & COCKTAIL CLINICS - Wine expert Kevin Zraly, who was Wine Director at Windows on the World in the World Trade Center from 1976-2001, will be returning to the event to teach two brand new seminars: Exploring Bordeaux and The Wine Magic of Tuscany. Riedel Crystal will also return to the event to share how the shape of a glass can impact the taste of the wine. Additional wine and spirits seminars will be announced shortly. Wine seminars and cocktail clinics will take place during Grand Tasting sessions.

CELEBRITY CHEF DEMONSTRATIONS - Food TV comes to The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester! Enjoy a rolling program of live cooking demonstrations by famous chefs preparing some of their signature dishes in person. Learn cooking secrets directly from the masters, sample their freshly cooked food, get cookbooks signed and more. Chef demonstrations will also take place during Grand Tasting sessions.


THE WINEMAKERS DINNER - A formal, sit-down dinner catered by Westchester's best chefs will honor two of the most famous and celebrated leaders from the worlds of wine and food. Set amidst the luxury of the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, attendees will enjoy a rare, fine dining experience of food and wine pairings created and prepared by five of the Hudson Valley's most distinguished chefs and led by Honorary Dinner Chair, Chef Peter X. Kelly. Proceeds from the Dinner will benefit ArtsWestchester. Seating will be limited for this very special occasion.


"We are thrilled to be presenting Westchester Magazine's Second Annua