Elmsford, NY (April 2011) Westchester Magazine and The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester today unveiled the honorees and menu for the Winemakers’ Dinner, which will be part of it’s the Magazine’s inaugural Wine & Food Weekend, to be held June 18-19, 2011 at the White Plains hotel.
The dinner, which will take place from 7-10:30 pm on June 18 in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, will honor world-renowned wine expert Kevin Zraly and Westchester restaurateur John Crabtree, owner of Crabtree’s Kittle House, with the Golden Apple Awards for contributions to the worlds of wine and food, respectively. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit ArtsWestchester and the Food Bank for Westchester.
The five-course, sit-down dinner will be prepared by five of Westchester’s most acclaimed chefs and will be complemented by wine pairings selected by Zraly, who was Wine Director at Windows on the World from 1977-2001.
The menu for the event is as follows:
Passed Hors D’oeuvres – Executive Chef James Dangler, The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester
Tuna Tartare Cones, Char Siu Glazed Pork Belly Buns, Asparagus Cappuccino with Parmesan Foam, Green Tea Cured Hiramasa, Chipotle Chicken Tacos topped with Avocado Mousse, Spicy Lamb Polpetta, Kobe Beef Sliders served with Truffle Fries and Smoked Salmon Egg Rolls.
Passed edible cocktail bites will also be served.
First Course – Chef Peter X. Kelly, X20 Xaviars on the Hudson
Warm Alaskan Red Crabmeat and Roasted Bone Marrow, Crispy Garlic and Herbs, salad of parsley and hearts of palm with Clementine vinaigrette
Second Course – Chef Ethan Kostbar, Moderne Barn
Poached Wild King Salmon with Rainbow Swiss Chard, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Yellow Tomato Beurre Blanc and Pickled Mustard Seeds
Third Course – Chef Marc Lippman, Crabtree’s Kittle House
Duck Trio: rare breast, confit leg, seared foie gras
Fourth Course – Chef Anthony Goncalves, Restaurant 42
Braised beef cheeks, Romesco, pomme puree, carrots
Dessert by The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester Meyer Lemon Parfait with Citron Granita
A portion of proceeds from the event will be split between ArtsWestchester and the Food Bank for Westchester. ArtsWestchester is Westchester’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State; its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. Food Bank for Westchester collects, warehouses & distributes 6 million pounds of food a year; delivering 6 to 9 tons of food per day to front-line agencies feeding the hungry. Food Bank for Westchester is the supply and support center for over 200 frontline hunger relief programs throughout Westchester County.
During the event, wine expert Kevin Zraly will be honored for his many contributions to the world of wine. He is celebrating his 35th Anniversary as the founder and teacher of the immensely popular Windows on the World Wine School. Zraly will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the James Beard Foundation this May.
John Crabtree, owner and proprietor of Crabtree’s Kittle House, will be honored for his contributions as a leading restaurateur in Westchester as well as for his unparalleled wine list and incredible cellar, which are legendary in Westchester and beyond. Crabtree’s Kittle House has been one of the “go-to” stops on the culinary circuit in Westchester since its very beginning almost 30 years ago.
“We are pleased to be honoring these individuals and supporting these two very worthy organizations through the Winemakers’ Dinner,” said Ralph Martinelli, Publisher, Westchester Magazine. “With these honorees and charities, top chefs and fine wines, the Winemakers’ Dinner will surely be a memorable night.”
“The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester is thrilled to be presenting the Winemakers’ Dinner during Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Weekend,” said Jacqueline Sanders, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester. “We are looking forward to paying tribute to these very special honorees and organizations and of course, to the fabulous dinner that is planned.”
Tickets to the dinner cost $250 per person and can be purchased by visiting www.westchestermagazine.com/wineweekend.
In addition to the Winemakers’ Dinner, the Wine & Food Weekend will include a Grand Tasting showcasing the gastronomic delights of 50 of Westchester’s best restaurants (25 each day), expert wine seminars and cocktail clinics; exclusive VIP wine seminars by wine experts, celebrity chef demonstrations and more.
Additional details for the event will be announced as they become available. For more information about Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Weekend, or to become a sponsor, please call Tracy Lasher at (914) 345-0601, ext. 146, email pr@westchestermagazine.com or visit www.westchestermagazine.com.
Chef Bios
Chef James Dangler has been Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester since its opening in 2007. There he is responsible for all food and beverage operations, including all banquets, meetings, weddings, social occasions as well as the hotel’s Lounge and in-room dining services. Prior to The Ritz-Carlton, Chef Dangler worked in various cuisines and at such acclaimed restaurants as Roy’s New York, a Hawaiian Fusion restaurant, Café Gray, the Castle at Tarrytown, Rebecca’s of Greenwich and RK in Rye, New York.
Chef Peter X. Kelly is an established and respected restaurateur, with over 25 years experience in the industry. His Contemporary American Cuisine brings dining to a new level by providing his guests with exquisite food and superb service. At age 23, Chef Kelly opened Xaviar’s in Garrison, NY, followed by Xaviar’s at Piermont, The Freelance Café and Wine Bar, Restaurant X and Bully Boy Bar, and most recently, X20 Xaviar’s on the Hudson on the Yonkers Pier.
Chef Ethan Kostbar uses a Mediterranean, New American approach to showcase ingredients with simplicity and seasonality. He started his career working in the bread bakery, Loafin Around, in Washington, D.C. and completed his education at the Culinary Institute of America. Previously he worked at the Waldorf Astoria under Executive Chef John Doherty and the Gramercy Tavern Restaurant, also in Manhattan.He served as Chef de Cuisine at Paul Newman’s Dressing Room Restaurant in Westport and Executive Chef at Bin 100, Milford, CT before coming to Moderne Barn.
Chef Mark Lippman is a graduate of the prestigious La Varenne D’Ecole in Paris and has been working as the top toque for some of the world’s most sought-after hotels, resorts and restaurants since launching his culinary career at New York City’s Bouley in 1991. His signature modern American cuisine has garnered rave reviews in many national and international media outlets. At Crabtree’s Kittle House he brings his unique style and interpretation of modern and classic American cooking to Westchester.
Over the past 15 years, Chef Anthony Goncalves, owner of Westchester’s most spectacular rooftop restaurant, 42, has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most sought-after chefs. On the 42nd floor of The Ritz-Carlton Residential towers, 42 has quickly become one of the most popular dining experiences in the New York metro area, with its world-class cuisine, stunning décor and extraordinary views. The 200 seat restaurant includes a tapas lounge, Bellota, as well as a bar and traditional dining room.