On July 23, 2025, I had the honor of attending and vlogging the 25th Annual Best of Westchester Party, hosted by Westchester Magazine at the stunning Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY. Let me tell you — this was the summer event of the year in Westchester County.

From gourmet tastings to crafted cocktails, surprise live entertainment to local legends — this night was everything you’d want in a celebration of the county’s best businesses and talent.

🌟 What Is Best of Westchester?

Every year, Westchester Magazine curates its “Best of Westchester” issue, celebrating the top restaurants, bars, boutiques, beauty experts, and services across the county — all voted by the public and the editors. Then they throw one massive party where all the winners come together to showcase what they do best.

It’s part award show, part food & drink festival, part networking mixer, and full-on vibe. And this year marked its 25th anniversary, making it even more special.

🏛️ The Venue: Glen Island Harbour Club

Set on a waterfront island with panoramic views of the Long Island Sound, Glen Island was the perfect backdrop. Inside, the rooms were packed with vendors and guests. Outside, there were more tastings, drinks, and a cool summer breeze coming off the harbor.

🍽️ I Ate Everything

As a food reviewer, I came hungry—and Westchester delivered. Some of my favorite bites from the night:

• Nova Pizzabar – Thin, charred crust pizza that had people coming back for seconds.

• Goosefeather – Their unique twist on Chinese fusion was unforgettable.

• RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen – Elevated farm-to-table bites with bold flavor.

• Smokehouse Tailgate Grill – Fall-off-the-bone BBQ with next-level sauces.

• Mast Market – Clean ingredients, bold tastes.

• La Casa Bronxville & Cenadou – Fresh pasta, elegant sauces, and flavors that felt like home.

Every table brought something different. From tacos to truffle risotto, from sushi to sliders — the diversity in Westchester’s culinary scene was on full display.

🍸 And Drank Everything Too

From curated wine flights to custom cocktails, there were drinks everywhere — and not just the basics. I sampled craft margaritas, small-batch bourbon, organic wine, espresso martinis, and more. The bartenders were interactive, creative, and clearly loved their craft.

🎭 Surprise Entertainment & Vibes

Halfway through the evening, Glinda and Elphaba (from Wicked) showed up. Yes, really. A full Broadway-level surprise performance stunned the crowd and made the night unforgettable.

Live music, dancing, and the sound of glasses clinking filled every corner. And with over 2,500 people attending, the energy never dipped.

🥃 My Perfect Ending: Doc James Cigar

To close out the night, I stepped outside for one last indulgence — a premium cigar from Doc James Cigars. The perfect wind-down after hours of food, drink, and mingling. They set up a classy station with top-tier cigars and great conversation. Nothing says “best of the best” like a smooth draw with a waterfront view.

💬 Final Thoughts

If you’re from Westchester and you’ve never been to a Best of Westchester Party, I’m telling you: Put it on your calendar for next year.

This event is a testament to the incredible food, businesses, and culture we have right here at home. As someone born and raised in Yonkers, this night was more than a content opportunity — it was a reminder of how proud I am to call Westchester home.

🎥 Watch the full vlog https://youtu.be/bHekn-z8_bg
📸 Follow me on Instagram for reels and behind-the-scenes: [@FranjazEats]
📍 Want me to review your restaurant or event? Let’s talk.