The question of whether White Plains has become a main hub in the world of wining and dining in NY has officially been answered…. Absolutely! Any doubters should have attended The White Plains YMCA Culinary Experience on Tuesday night at the Crowne Plaza . The city’s finest eateries displayed why White Plains has become a force in the “foodie” world. Below are some of the highlights of the evening.

The venue was set up in the round with restaurants offering up samples at every table, alongside wine pairings specially selected for each dish. The boys from Graziella’s and Blue offered a variety of specialty bruschettas and a smoked salmon with truffle aioli over a crispy lotus root… both delicious especially paired with a 2008 Etienne Boileau Chablis. La Bocca was serving trofie pasta in a wild boar ragu which was really enhanced by the 2007 Villa Antinori, always a fantastic value Super Tuscan.

The PF Chang’s, Morton’s Steakhouse, City Limits, Melting Pot and Legal Seafoods chains all were there with some of their more popular dishes. Not to be overshadowed, some of the newer kids on the block presented some fun and tasty samples as well. 97 Lake Street Sports Café and Restaurant brought their homemade Pulled Pork Sliders that matched up brilliantly with the Greppicante and Vitticio Classico Riserva that were situated right alongside.

One of the greatest tables of the night was housed by the White Plains Fire Department who served up their infamous Chili, both mild and hot. It certainly lived up to its reputation, and thank God they were there as it seemed to set a few people’s mouths on fire. The pairing of the Pillar Box Shiraz was the perfect complement to not only accentuate the flavors, but to help extinguish the internal flames!

I would say the only disappointment of the night was that the turnout seemed a little lackluster. The event was so well put together and fun, that I would hope in years to come everyone in the area takes full advantage of this food and wine event right in our own backyard. So put it on your calendar for next year, and in the meantime get out to some of those White Plains restaurants and enjoy a culinary experience… Westchester style!