The United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties hosted their third annual Top Chef evening this past Tuesday night and we were invited to take part in a culinary whirlwind.
Participating restaurants included 42 at the Ritz-Carlton, Benjamin Steakhouse, Crabtree's Kittle House, Bellizi, Cafe of Love, Le Chateau, Lexington Square Cafe, Mt. Kisco Seafood, Myong Gourmet, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company and Hilltop Wines & Spirits.
The raw bar offered by Mt. Kisco Seafood was festive and the perfect way to start the evening. We stocked up immediately and found a lovely table outside overlooking the golf course.
Happiness Is...conveniently located (for me) in Greenwich went all out with a menu of five tasting items. My favorite was the beef quesadilla triangles drizzled with sour cream and salsa. The bite sized desserts were amazing, the black-eyed-susan mini cupcakes were so pretty, and the brownies were simply, but deeply, delicious.
Lexington Square Cafe also made a splash with the Robiola with Mushroom Strudel and White Truffle oil. I didn't know what "robiola" was, and just looked it up and although I am still not clear, it was a wonderful appetizer and we went back for seconds.
The proceeds went to United Way's Teach Me to Fish..Work Skills for Life initiative. This initiave offers free training for unemployed people to become NYS licensed home health care aides, offers mentoring for towards teaching careers, and other job skills and job placement opportunities.
The evening was lighthearted and fun, perhaps easy to do when the food sparkles and the wine and beer flow. It was exciting to be a part of it all.



