I can’t think of any event that’s more fun for foodies than Taste Of The Upper West Side–and that’s saying a lot since I am a longtime Upper East Side (and you undoubtedly know all about our rivalry on several different levels, LOL)!
There are a few dozen local eateries putting their dishes out for guests and while I have only done the Friday night “Summer In The City” portion of this two day event, I have to say that I was very impressed with the phenomenal diversity of dishes and the large portions. I strongly suggest “saving your appetite” for the end of the day. Their a wonderful and endless supply of wine, champagne and mixed drinks as well making the $115 advance ticket price a steal!
All events give guests the opportunity to mix and mingle with local restaurant owners as well as chefs and other staff. You can ask questions about your favorite dishes that are your weekend “go-tos” or even ask what specials they have coming up. Some chefs will even tell you the ingredients to the recipes they are serving so you can try them for yourself.
All Taste Of The UWS events have a real “neighborhood feeling”–even the Best Of The West VIP Reception on Saturday night. There is no pressure–lounge around and eat and drink all you want. I know that I am a huge fan of Make My Cake so I am going to have to try not to go to their booth first! I need to keep telling myself to go for the savory fare before the sweet fare!
Below is all the Taste Of The UWS events’ official details. As you might notice, tickets are $20 extra at the door so I strongly urge you to go on the site and order your tickets ahead of time! All profit go the Columbus Avenue BID–I have a lot of respect for them because they help keep Columbus Avenue full of legendary family businesses, especially restaurants.
Friday, May 18, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Summer in the City Presented by Yelp Reservations
Grand Tent, O’Shea Complex Schoolyard, Columbus Avenue between West 76th and 77th Streets
Summer in the City kicks off the annual two-night food event with highly-anticipated debuts of restaurants and bars, along with longtime local favorites. This year’s honoree is beloved chef and restaurateur Jacob Hadjigeorgis, owner of Jacob’s Pickles, Maison Pickle and, opening soon, Lucky Pickle Dumpling Co. Among the many new restaurants introducing innovative fare will be Zen Taco, Twin Palms, Amelie, Make My Cake, Elea, Recolte, and Vai. In addition, scores of neighborhood favorites will be joining the party again this year, including Playa Betty’s, Jing Fong, Bodrum, AG Kitchen, and FishTag. As always, there will be unlimited wine, spirits and music by DJ Phresh – all centered around innovative seasonal food prepared by 40 of the Upper West Side’s most sought-after destinations.
Cost: $115 per person; 2 for $195
(Purchased at the door: $135 per person)
Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Best of the West VIP Reception Presented by 21 West End
Grand Tent, O’Shea Complex Schoolyard, Columbus Avenue between West 76th and 77th Streets
An exclusive, hour-long preview of the event, the Best of the West VIP Reception provides an opportunity for participating guests to mingle one-on-one with celebrity chefs and restaurateurs, including this year’s Best of the West Honoree Chef John Fraser, recognized worldwide for his Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants Dovetail, The Nix, Narcissa, and The Loyal. With limited attendance, special seating area, early entree to the evening’s food, spirit, wine, and beer presentations, and direct access to the chefs before the main event, the Best of the West VIP Reception is a memorable experience in a relaxed setting for an entire hour prior to general admission.
Cost: $235 (Limited availability.)
Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Best of the West Presented by Park West Village
Grand Tent, O’Shea Complex Schoolyard, Columbus Avenue between West 76th and 77th Streets
A highpoint of this year’s Best of the West will be the premiere of a unique section dedicated to signature bars and mixologists, all preparing one-of-a-kind cocktails. Among those participating will be Manhattan Cricket Club, Da Capo, Amelie, Guyer’s, Maison Pickle, Prohibition, and distinguished spirit sponsors Tito’s Vodka and Hiro Sake. Best of the West Honoree John Fraser will be serving epicurean tastings from his Michelin-starred Dovetail, along with 40 other illustrious Upper West Side restaurants, including The LEOPARD at des Artistes, The Milling Room, Red Farm, Rosa Mexicano, and Crave Fishbar. Live music returns with Joe Battaglia & The New York Big Band further enhancing the ambiance of the Upper West Side’s most anticipated event of the year.
Cost: $145 per person or 2 for $260
(Purchased at the door: $175 per person)
In addition, Taste of the Upper West Side will introduce a very special “Supporter” honorific to participants adding $50 on any order. The offer entails a name listing in the four-page event program, next to sponsors and restaurants. More information about Taste of the Upper West Side and ticket purchases are available at www.tasteuws.com.
About the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District
The Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District (“BID”) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that represents merchants and property owners along tree-lined Columbus Avenue, from West 67th to West 82nd Streets. Formed in the landmark district in 1999, its membership includes a diverse range of retailers, restaurateurs and commercial and mixed-use property owners, comprising all the commercial establishments on the Avenue. The Columbus Avenue BID’s district also includes the American Museum of Natural History, Theodore Roosevelt Park, The New-York Historical Society and the Rose Center for Earth and Space.
The Columbus Avenue BID is responsible for developing a wholly sustainable streetscape with the City’s first bioswale between West 76th and 77th Streets. For 10 years, it has produced and hosted Taste of the Upper West Side and is responsible for streetscape beautification efforts that include landscaping, lighting, solar-powered trash receptacles, and more.
