The Upper West Side Knows How to Eat

An evening of the most delicious, hearty, and comforting food in town…you bet we signed up! This past weekend, the New Taste of the Upper West Side hosted an array of food-centric events showcasing all that the UWS has to offer. Friday evening was all a person could wish for, comfort food aplenty during the event Comfort Classics, which was presented by Sysco. The walk around tasting event was hosted by Travel Channel’s Adam Richman, along with Food Network star and Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli.

Over 40 of the Upper West Side’s top restaurants set up shop in the giant tent, dishing out small bites of some of their standout cuisine. Additionally, there was no shortage of booze to go around, whether guests wanted to try some wines, brews, cocktails or champagne, there was plenty to go around. And those wanting some bubbly were in for a real treat — an aerialist was not only performing, dangling from the ceiling, but if you were lucky, she’d pour some bubbly into your glass.

While attendees tried enough food to feed a small country, restaurants were competing for the coveted title of ‘Best Comfort Food Dish,’ as voted on by guests at the event. With restaurants like Jacob’s Pickles, Treat House, The Meatball Shop and Luke’s Lobster, it was stiff competition! However, Genuine Roadside won over the crowd with their mini ahi tuna tostadas and snagged the title. All of this eating and drinking took place with a festive backdrop and an upbeat selection of music by DJ Phresh.

Other events that took place during this year’s New Taste of the Upper West Side included Soirée in the Park, which took place at Theodore Roosevelt Park, and included live music, champagne and hors d’oeuvres by Maria Loi, Cesare Casella, Rodney Mitchell and more — as well as Best of the West Presented by Ford. This event was hosted by Jill Martin and featured outstanding cuisine from top culinary names such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jacques Torres, Joe Ng and more. The event ended with a tribute to world renowned chef Daniel Boulud. All proceeds from the weekend’s events will be donated to the community for neighborhood improvement and beautification projects. That’s one great way to raise money for charity!

Twisted Talk: Have you ever been to the New Taste UWS? What’s your favorite UWS restaurant? Discuss below!