Westchester Restaurants Battle for Burger Supremacy

Nearly 30 restaurants battled for burger supremacy Thursday night during Westchester Magazine’s “Burger & Beer Bash” at the Kensico Dam in Valhalla.

The event, which kicked off the magazine’s third annual Food & Wine Weekend,  featured which 29 restaurants vying for the title of best burger in the county and kicked off the . Participants sampled each burger and placed a casino chip in the box of the restaurant they felt did the best job. Proceeds from the bash will be donated to the Friends of Westchester County Parks.

The winning restaurant was given a trophy crowning it the “Cadillac of Burgers.” It will also get a mention in Westchester Magazine’s “Best of” issue in July.

“An event like this is exciting,” said Colin Mead, director of events for 42 at the Ritz Carlton, Westchester in White Plains. “We’re definitely not here to compete. Were here to have fun at the event, try the burgers, try the beer and just have a good time.”

Alvin Ketka, owner of the Jack’s Wayback Burger in Yorktown, teamed up with Deb Smith, co-owner of the Jack’s Wayback Burger in Hartsdale, to compete Thursday. Ketka said he was in the competition to win it.

“It’s our first year here and we’re looking forward to it, other than the weather,” . “There are a lot of great restaurants here, but I think we’re going to take it today.”

More than  240 world-class wine vintages and dishes  from 100 of the county’s top restaurants during Saturday and Sunday’s events at the Ritz Carlton. There are  20 special events scheduled on the weekend. Check here for ticket prices and availability.