Taste of the Upper West Side 2018
With new bars and restaurants opening everyday on the Upper West Side (UWS), it’s difficult to stay on top of them! However, every year, there is one event that gives the people from the neighborhood and all over NYC to experience the eclectic culinary scene of the UWS in just one place
Taste of the Upper West Side 2018 took place on May 18th and 19th under the Grand Tent at O’Shea Complex Schoolyard, located on Columbus Avenue between 76th and 77th Streets. New Upper West Side restaurants were introduced to the public, as old-time favorites also made appearances. Adding to the fun of this annual food fest was live music, wine tastings and professional mixologists.
The event was broken down into two days with different themes. On Friday, May 18th, “Summer in the City” introduces highly-anticipated new restaurants and bars, along with longtime local favorites. This year’s honoree was Jacob Hadjigeorgis. Jacob is the owner of neighborhood favorites Jacob’s Pickles and Maison Pickle. As always, there was unlimited wine, spirits and music by DJ Phresh – all centered around innovative seasonal food prepared by 40 of the most popular restaurants on the Upper West Side. The restaurant that were yet to open but wanted to give the guests a taste was the savory Lucky Pickle Dumpling Co! Some of the new additions to the UWS present included Zen Taco, Twin Palms, Amelie, Make My Cake, Elea, Recolte, and Vai. Neighborhood favorites like Playa Betty’s, Jing Fong, Bodrum, AG Kitchen, and FishTag all brought their most delicious dishes to show out.
On Saturday, May 19th, “Best of the West” was presented by Park West Village Apartments. On this night, a lucky few had the chance to mingle with celebrity chefs at a limited attendance reception! The honoree is John Fraser, known for Dovetail, The Nix, Narcissa and The Loyal. VIP guests had a special seating area and early entree to the evening’s food, spirit, wine, and beer presentations, and direct access to the chefs before the main event. An hour later, general admission opened the doors to everyone else.
The event highlighted signature bars and mixologists, all prepared unique and delicious cocktails. Participants included Manhattan Cricket Club, Da Capo, Amelie, Guyer’s, Maison Pickle and Prohibition. Best of the West Honoree John Fraser served tastings from Dovetail, along with 40 other Upper West Side restaurants, including The LEOPARD at des Artistes, The Milling Room, Red Farm, Rosa Mexicano, and Crave Fishbar. Live music and entertainment was provided by Joe Battaglia & The New York Big Band further enhancing the ambiance of the Upper West Side’s most anticipated event of the year.
Upon entry guests were given a wine glass necklace – a plastic wine glass on a rubber necklace allowing patrons to double-fistfull bottles of beer and small plates. Almost everyone took these cups home noting how useful they will be at their next event. Everyone also received a bottle cap to deposit at your favorite restaurant in order to announce the overall most popular booth.
Getting to taste all the different cuisines in the neighborhood is only part of the fun. There was a nice couch area set up for those who wanted to step away and relax but I was too into the action to ever really take a seat.
At the end of the night, I have to say, you will hate yourself for many reasons. You will be completely stuffed with overly decedent and rich foods, and more than a few different types of alcohol. This event is absolutely on the list of NYC annual must attend.
Photos courtesy of TUWS
