Bar Business Magazine officially launched the summer season by attending Westchester Magazine’s Burger & Beer Blast on Thursday, June 4 in Valhalla, New York, taking part in picking the Best Burger in Westchester County and washing it all down with some ice cold craft beer.
Under a giant white tent in the shadow of the beautiful Kensico Dam, more than 30 bars and restaurants from all around Westchester competed to find out who was putting out the best burger. Hand-sized slider versions of each venue’s signature burger were available for sampling, accompanied by beer and wine from around the county.
Bigger, better and juicier than ever, Westchester’s boldest block party marks its fourth year and stakes were high, as 30 local restaurants and bars battled it out to flip the crowd-pleasing patty supreme. The burgers ranges from haute to hearty, with lobster burgers, Greek-styled burgers, and more toppings than you could shake a stick at.
The wide array of burgers was truly a tribute to the range of restaurants and cuisine available across Westchester. Competing venues included Soulvaki Truck, which offered Bifteki Pita with beef burger served on a warm pita with tzatziki; the traditional pub grub cheeseburger with sautéed onions from Piper’s Kilt; and a pork belly slider on a brioche bun, pickled Kirby cucumber and scallion and local cherry hoisin from high-end X20, Xaviars on the Hudson, to name just a few.
To wash down dozens of sliders, the beer selection featured Blue Moon Belgian and Summer Honey, plus local Captain Lawrence Effortless IPA and Kolsh, plus several varietals of wine as well as Slovenia Vodka.
Once reggae fusion band Royal Khoaz kicked off the live music, most attendees were ready for some dessert, courtesy of Beascake’s Bakery and Sherry B Dessert Studio.
As part of Westchester Magazine’s annual Wine + Food Festival weekend, the 2015 Burger & Beer blast drew a hungry crowd that eventually crowned the winner of Westchester’s Best Burger — Coals Pizza, with locations in Bronxville and Port Chester, pulled out the win with an all-beef burger with tequila cured bacon, cheddar and spicy cilantro sauce.
Hungry yet?
