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X-Planations: Chef Peter X. Kelly Wins Best Burger At Westchester Food Fest

On June 8 to 12, I participated in the annual Westchester Magazine Wine & Food Festival and it was a rousing success. 

Chef Peter X. Kelly with Kathie Lee Gifford at the Westchester Food + Wine Festival.

Chef Peter X. Kelly with Kathie Lee Gifford at the Westchester Food + Wine Festival.

Photo Credit: Submitted
Team Burger at Westchester Food + Wine Festival.

Team Burger at Westchester Food + Wine Festival.

Photo Credit: Submitted
This column is a continuing series by Chef Peter X. Kelly of Xaviars Restaurant Group which runs every Thursday.

Thousands of people attended what has become the preeminent food and wine event in the Hudson Valley.

On Thursday, June 9, at the Burger Bash at Kensico Dam in Valhalla, with nearly 3,000 guests in attendance, I won the competition for the best burger in Westchester. My burger, a combination of rib eye, chuck and brisket seared on a flat top, topped with a sauce of cheddar, bacon and cherry peppers and served on a pretzel bun, took home the gold.

However, the highlight of the weekend for me was working with Kathie Lee Gifford in the New York Presbyterian demo tent on Saturday, June 11 pairing her Monterey Chardonnay with my wild mushroom and green onion risotto. Kathie Lee was in rare form cooking with me, sharing her stories and spanking me with my fresh scallions. (Yes, you read that right and yes, it was a lively demo!)

For the past five years Kathie Lee and I have worked together on the Wine & Food weekend and this year was our best ever. I'm already looking forward to next year and hopefully, seeing you there.

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