Friday, June 7, 2013

6th Annual New Taste of the Upper West Side: Best of the West 2013

Sysco Metro NY: Thai Red Curry Shrimp with Tatsoi Salad, Espelette and Fleur de Sel

This year's New Taste of the Upper West Side Best of the West on June 1st was better than ever, with vibrantly plated, tasty dishes under the grand tent at Columbus Avenue between W. 76th-W.77th Streets. Guests enjoyed a night of fine cuisine from 40 celebrated chefs and restaurants, with wine and spirits and music provided by Joe Bataglia and his 17-piece ensemble, "The New York Big Band." Gail Simmons, Top Chef Judge and Food & Wine's Special Project's Director, hosted the food fest, and also signed copies of her book, Talking with my Mouth Full: My Life As a Professional Eater. Best of the West honorees included Danny Meyer, CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group and Randy Garutti, CEO, Shake Shack. 

Since it was hot, humid weather during New Taste of the Upper West Side, I preferred light dishes that included a combination of seafoods and salads, with the exception of the SmokeShack Burger, since Shake Shack is one of my favorites and can never resist one of their burgers. Jean-Georges, Dovetail, Bar Boulud, Calle Ocho, Cafe Tallulah, Sysco Metro NY, Ocean Grill and Henry's are also at the top of my list, along with Jacques Torres and Magnolia Bakery desserts, and a refreshing iced, flavored black tea from Palais Des Thes.

Henry's: Coach Farm's Goat's Milk Ricotta Cheesecake with Saffron, Orange, Hazelnut Crust and Rhubarb Sauce

Gail Simmons book signing of Talking with my Mouth Full: My Life As a Professional Eater

The Tangled Vine: Fluke Crudo, Spring Vegetables and Sweet Pickled Peppers

Dovetail: Roasted Beet Salad with Coffee, Almonds and Ricotta


Bar Boulud: Spring Pea Soup with Crab Salad and Mint Nepitella


Cafe Tallulah: Shrimp and Lobster Salad with Shaved Asparagus, Honji Meiji Mushrooms and Warm Lobster Truffle Vinaigrette

Ocean Grill: Skuna Bay Salmon Tartare with Sesame, Orange and Avocado

Loi Restaurant: Baklava - Chopped Walnuts and Honey between layers of Homemade Phyllo / Htapodaki - Grilled Octopus with Almonds, Chick-peas, Capers,Onions and Lemon Juice

Calle Ocho Restaurant: Sweet Corn Arepa with House Cured Salmon


Jean-Georges: Peekytoe Crabcake with Sugar Snap Pea Remoulade

Shake Shack: SmokeShack Cheeseburger topped with Niman Ranch, all-natural Applewood Smoked Bacon and Chopped Cherry Pepper and ShackSauce/ Buttery Caramel Cocoa Nib Frozen Custard 

Picholine: Minted Pea Macaron 

Jacques Torres 

Jacques Torres Chocolates

Magnolia Bakery: Mini Hummingbird Cupcakes


Palais Des Thes

Palais Des Thes: Iced The Des Amants - Flavored Black Tea


Performer on aerial silks pouring Bottega Venetian Gold Prosecco 

Bottega Venetian Gold Prosecco 

- Kim Weling

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