10th Annual Taste of the Upper West Side

Last weekend, May 19th-20th, The Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District presented the 10th Annual Taste of the Upper West Side. The annual event celebrated famous chefs and restaurants who have made the trek to the Upper West Side. The event was a festival and a fundraiser, with all net proceeds going directly to neighborhood projects. The weekend was a dream-come-true for culinary lovers filled with delicious cuisine and fine wine and spirits.

On the first day of the event, the theme was Summer in the City: Surf & Turf. Restaurants that participated include Sugar Factory American Brasserie, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Momofuku Milk Bar, Playa Betty’s, and Han Dynasty. Alex Guarnaschelli, chef/owner of Butter, judge on Food Network’s Chopped & author of “Old-School Comfort Food” and television food and travel explorer Adam Richman co-hosted the night. They were joined by special guest Frank Bruni, New York Times Op-Ed writer, former food critic, and author of “A Meatloaf in Every Oven: Two Chatty Cooks, One Iconic Dish and Dozens of Recipes - from Mom's to Mario Batali's”. Guests were able to get their copies of Guarnaschelli and Bruni’s books signed. To make the night even better, attendees got to enjoy captivating sounds by DJ El Media.

On the final night of the event, the theme was Best of the West presented by Park West Village. The night was hosted by Jesse Palmer, renown Host/Analyst from Disney’s ESPN and ABC Networks. Some of the divine dining destinations included Carmine’s, Shake Shack, Rosa Mexicano, Bar Boulud, and The Mermaid Inn. As attendees munched on their delectable Carmine’s meatballs, they danced to the music by the live DJ. There was literally bubbly from above as guests had the opportunity to have their champagne poured into their glasses for them by talented women acrobats. Aspiring chef’s and food lovers were able to get the chance to talk to the chef’s they admire and sample their food right in front of them.

The Taste of the Upper West Side is the perfect event for any foodie, anyone who wants to expand their palate, and anyone looking for some new restaurants in a great location.

Photos courtesy of Key Group Worldwide.