Behind the Screens

Michael Psilakis (MP Taverna)

As Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival returns next week, we're closing out our special festival preview series with one of the culinary world's most recognizable names. In this episode, Kate sits down with Chef Michael Psilakis for a conversation about his remarkable career, the evolution of the restaurant industry, and the passion that continues to drive him in and out of the kitchen. From building acclaimed restaurant concepts to sharing his love of Greek cuisine with a wider audience, Chef Psilakis reflects on the experiences that shaped his journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. It's the perfect episode to get you excited for Wine & Food week and hear from one of the celebrated chefs helping make this year's festival unforgettable. Presented by Enormous Productions, in collaboration with IntoxiKate Kate Schlientz and Westchester Magazine.

Chef Brian Lewis (OKO & The Cottage)

In this episode of Behind the Screens, Kate sits down with acclaimed chef Brian Lewis — founder of Full House Hospitality Group and multi-time James Beard Award nominee — for a conversation about food, hospitality, and Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival. Brian shares his journey from growing up in Westchester to leading four standout restaurants across the region, along with the experiences that shaped his culinary career and passion for hospitality. They also dive into the importance of kitchen culture, building the right team, and Brian’s deep connection to food and creativity in the kitchen. The conversation also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival, including what guests can expect at this year’s event and what it means to be part of one of the region’s biggest culinary celebrations. Brian also shares more ahead of taking the stage at the Grand Tasting Village. 🎧 Tune in for a lively conversation about food, hospitality, and celebrating the best of the region. Presented by Enormous Productions, in collaboration with IntoxiKate Kate Schlientz and Westchester Magazine.

Peter X. Kelly (Basso by PKX)

In this episode of Behind the Screens, Kate sits down with Peter Kelly of Basso by PXK for a conversation about food, wine, hospitality, and the area’s biggest culinary event of the year: Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival. Peter shares the concept behind Basso by PXK, what inspired this newest venture, and what it’s been like focusing on a more refined culinary experience. They also dive into his approach to pairing food and wine, the creativity behind crafting memorable dining experiences, and how hospitality continues to evolve throughout the region. The conversation also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival, including what goes into bringing together top chefs, restaurants, wineries, and culinary talent for one unforgettable week celebrating the best of the region. Peter also shares what guests can expect from this year’s festival. 🎧 Tune in for a lively conversation about food, wine, and celebrating the best of the region. Presented by Enormous Productions, in collaboration with IntoxiKate Kate Schlientz and Westchester Magazine.

Anthony Perrone (Naked Soul Band)

In this episode of Behind the Screens, Kate sits down with Anthony Perrone of the Naked Soul Band for a conversation all about music, energy, and what it takes to keep a dance floor moving. Anthony shares how the Naked Soul Band curates an incredibly diverse setlist, brings together a dynamic group of musicians, and adapts their sound to every crowd they play for. From genre-hopping to reading the room, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at how unforgettable performances come together. They also dive into what it’s like to take the stage for the biggest party of the year, the pressure, the prep, and the payoff of delivering a show everyone remembers. 🎧 Tune in for a lively conversation about music, collaboration, and performing at the highest level. Presented by Enormous Productions, in collaboration with IntoxiKate Kate Schlientz and Westchester Magazine.

Jennifer D’Ambrosio (Westchester Magazine)

In this episode of Behind the Screens, Kate sits down with Jennifer D’Ambrosio, Director of Marketing at Westchester Magazine and the driving force behind the Best of Westchester party—one of the biggest and most anticipated events of the year.Kate and Jen dive into what it takes to plan an event of this scale, from managing timelines and partners to balancing creativity with strategy. Jen shares insight into the marketing behind Best of Westchester, the storytelling that brings the brand to life, and how the team turns nominations into a celebration that defines the local community.This conversation also comes as Best of Westchester nominations come to a close - offering a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into creating Westchester’s most talked-about night. Presented by Enormous Production, in collaboration with IntoxiKate Kate Schlientz and Westchester Magazine.