New Taste of the Upper West Side: Best of the West 2016

Tessa

Seared Octopus Caponata with green olive tapenade, 

fennel salad, old balsamic

Earlier this month on June 3rd and 4th, I attended the annual New Taste of the Upper West Side under the grand tent on Columbus Avenue between 76th and 77th Streets. Best of the West, which  is my favorite of the culinary two-night tasting, was hosted by Sara Gore of NBC's New York Live and Open House. 

New Taste of the Upper West Side celebrated the crème de la crème of UWS cuisine for its 9th year, featuring over 46 fabulous Upper West Side restaurants preparing unique and delectable dishes.

It was a downpour of rain that night, but it didn't stop foodies from enjoying some seriously good eats. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of dishes that centered around octopus or salmon, which I both loved. Tessa, Bustan, Nice Matin, and Caffè Storico featured octopus and Atlantic, The Milling Room and Crave Fishbar made salmon creations. Desserts included Voila Chocolat, Jacques Torres, Alice's Tea Cup, Treat House and Mille-Feuille Bakery Cafe.

Check out highlights of my favorite dishes. Best of the West gets better every year, with my go-to UWS restaurants mixed in with some new ones I got to sample. Taste of the Upper West Side still remains to be my favorite celebration of gourmet cuisine. 

Atlantic Grill

Faroe Island Salmon Crudo 

with pastrami spice, pickled mustard seeds, pumpernickel crisp

Candle Cafe West

Grilled Vegetable Salad 

with crispy kale, poblano vinaigrette & avocado mousse

Cafe Luxembourg

Escargots Braised in Parsley Cream with Garlic & Smoked Bread Crumbs

Burke & Wills

Kangaroo Ham with Homemade Sesame Bread, Lemon Yogurt & Pickled Onions

The Smith

Toasted Ricotta Gnocchi with Truffle Cream

The Milling Room

Citrus Cured Salmon with marinated cucumbers & chives

Naked Cold Pressed Juice in 5 flavors:

Cool Pineapple, Bold Beet, Lively Carrot, Hearty Greens and Bright Greens

Bar Boulud

Veal & Foie Gras Pâté en croûte morels & spring pea salad

Bustan

Taboon Charred Spanish Octopus

with white bean masabaha, spiced tomatoes, herb labane, 

shaved fennel & sumac pickled onion salad & cilantro oil

Nice Matin

Grilled Octopus with sweet pea, cucumber & red onion salad

Caffè Storico

Insalata di Polpo with braised octopus, potato, celery and olive

Jean-Georges

Main Lobster Summer Roll with sriracha emulsion & dill

Ed's Chowder House

Fluke Poke with sriracha, crispy garlic, red onions & scallions

Crave Fishbar

Faroe Island Salmon Crudo with sun gold tomatoes, fava beans, kaffir lime & yuzu

Henry's

Henry's Summer Picnic

Fried Chicken "Chicharrones", Henry's Shredded Kale Salad,

Guavade Summer Cooler lemonade, guava juice

Roscato Prosecco, Sparkling Moscato and Sparkling Sweet Red

Voila Chocolat

Alice's Tea Cup

Buttermilk Mixed Berry Scones and Oreo Cupcakes

Magnolia Bakery

Jacques Torres

Jacques Torres Chocolate

Rum Raisin Ice Cream with Caramelized Popcorn

Treat House

Mini Crispie Treats

Mille-Feuille Bakery Cafe

Caramel Cognac Flavor Macarons

Cake Truffles

Bottega White Gold Moscato

- Kim Weling

9th Annual New Taste of the Upper West Side - 6/3 - 6/4/16

The 9th Annual New Taste of the Upper West Side is almost here! Last chance to get your tickets! 

Featuring Over 90 Restaurants and Star-Studded Celebrity Talent

Brand New “Summer in the City: Surf & Turf” Event

Two Nights of Celebrations: Friday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 4th

Friday, June 3rd – Summer in the City: Surf & Turf hosted by 

Anne Burrell & Alex Guarnaschelli

Saturday, June 4th – NBC’s Sara Gore Hosts Best of the West

This Friday and Saturday will include new and returning restaurants, notable chefs, and celebrity hosts for a delectable two-night celebration. The annual event, which was created by the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District (“BID”), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, donates all net proceeds to the local community for neighborhood improvement and beautification projects such as the Columbus Avenue BID’s Sustainable Streetscape project, Theodore Roosevelt Park, Wellness in the Schools nutritional program, Greenhouse Classroom, Citymeals-on-Wheels and other beneficiaries.

Friday, June 3rd at 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Summer in the City: Surf & Turf

Presented by Glenwood

Under a grand tent on Columbus Ave between West 76th and 77th Streets in the O’Shea Complex Schoolyard

Dive into summer with everyone’s favorite surf, turf and seasonal favorites! 45 restaurants are re-imagining beloved warm-weather standards with unique and innovative twists. Senses are bound to be heightened in a beachy-chic setting under an exquisite block-long tent where the best flavors, scents and sounds of summer come alive to the rhythms of the Silver Arrow Band. Be the first to discover yet to-be named restaurant debut from two-time Michelin-star chef April Bloomfield with partner Ken Friedman (Spotted Pig, The Breslin); and Maison Pickle, the newest restaurant from the Jacob’s Pickles team. 

Other “firsts,” including neighborhood newcomers Jin Ramen, Han Dynasty and Playa Betty’s, will be joining dozens of returning event faves, such as Momofuku Milk Bar, The Meatball Shop, Jacob’s Pickles, Shake Shack and AG Kitchen. Hosting this star-studded evening are Anne Burrell, host of Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America and author of “Own Your Kitchen,” and Alex Guarnaschelli, chef/owner of Butter, judge on Food Network’s Chopped, mentor on Food Network’s All-Star Academy & author of “Old-School Comfort Food.” It’s a super soirée with international wine selections, craft beers, creative cocktails and so much more!

Cost: $105 per person or 2 for $185

Saturday, June 4th at 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

BEST OF THE WEST

Under a grand tent on Columbus Ave between West 76th and 77th Streets in the O’Shea

Complex Schoolyard

The spectacular culinary weekend comes full circle with Best of the West 2016, celebrating the crème de la crème of Upper West Side cuisine for a ninth year! It’s an exciting evening of grand gastronomy against a backdrop of beauty, high spirits and the sophisticated sounds of Joe Battaglia and his 18-piece New York Big Band, as hosted by the charming Sara Gore of NBC’s New York Live and Open House. 

More than 45 fabulous Upper West Side restaurants are preparing unique and delectable dishes. Exciting neighborhood newcomers Crave Fishbar, Olma Caviar Boutique & Lounge, Orwasher’s Bakery and Amorino Gelato will be joining dozens of revered restaurants returning for yet another great year, including RedFarm, Boulud Sud, Dovetail, Jacques Torres and Rosa Mexicano. A magical feast prepared by Masters!

Cost: $135 per person or 2 for $250

Saturday, June 4th at 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Best of the West VIP Presented by 21 West End

Under a grand tent on Columbus Ave between West 76th and 77th Streets in the O’Shea Complex Schoolyard

For a second year in a row, New Taste of the Upper West Side is enhancing an exceptional experience with its exclusive VIP Reception, presented by 21 West End featuring a private lounge and bar, and Caviar Lounge by Olma Caviar. VIP guests will receive special gift bags with items from our sponsors. Most importantly, true devotees of the culinary arts will have early access to 45 of the finest chefs on the Upper West Side for an entire hour before general admission! 

Cost: $225 per person

This year’s sponsors include 21 West End, Argo, Glenwood, DNA Info, New York Post, West Side Spirit, Barritt’s Ginger Beer, Brusco Group, Rosa Mexicano, Cargill, Rishi Tea and Boston Beer Company.

Get your tickets at http://newtasteuws.com/.

New Taste of the Upper West Side: Best of the West 2015

Cafe Tallulah: Truffle Crab Salad

Last Saturday, May 28th, I attended the 8th annual New Taste of the Upper West Side, hosted by Marc Murphy and Anne Burrell at West 76th and 77th Streets and Columbus Avenue. 

For the first time ever, the celebratory event offered Best of the West VIP, which included exclusive VIP Lounge and champagne bar access, complete with special gift bags from sponsors and shops, and private book signings with complimentary cookbooks from Marc Murphy, Anne Burrell and Katie Lee.VIP access gave guests early access to 40 of the best chefs on the Upper West Side one hour before general admission. This new format seemed to benefit all attendees, as the event seemed less crowded than previous years since everyone wasn't arriving all at the same time. The book signing lines were very organized and once you received your ticket, it only took minutes to get your signed copy.

Here's a look at my favorite dishes served up by this year's Best of the West participating restaurants. 

Tavern on the Green: Maple-Braised Boneless Beef Short Rib with English peas and pomme paille

RedFarm: Chicken & Watercress Dumplings

Acacia Honey & Ricotta Crostini with heirloom tomatoes, basil and truffle vinaigrette

Calle Ocho: Ceviche Mixto

Calle Ocho: Domino cake

Candle Cafe West: Chipotle Grilled Seitan with corn salsa and avocado mousse

Dovetail: Barbecued Turnips, Avocado and Pumpkin Seeds

Cafe du Soleil: Chilled Corn Soup with Shrimp

Jean-Georges: Strawberry Tiramisu with fresh marinated strawberries and white chocolate

Katie Lee signing my copy of her new cookbook, "Endless Summer"

Caffè Storico: Pork Belly, Treviso & Charred Scallion Vinaigrette

Cafe Luxembourg: Buttermilk Fennel Vichyssoise with Kippered Salmon

Magnolia Bakery: Red Velvet Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches

Devil's Strawberry Swirl - Devil's food cake with strawberry swirl ice cream

Banana Pudding

Voilà Chocolat: Artisanal Chocolate

Alice's Tea Cup: Brookies

Mini Chocolate Cupcakes with sweet vanilla buttercream

Pumpkin scones

Jacques Torres Chocolate: Driscoll Strawberry Parfait Verrine

Lincoln Square Steak: Grilled Marinated Hanger Steak

Sysco Metro NY: Chilled Shrimp over Farro Salad with spring pea purée

Sysco Metro NY: Chocolate Pots du Crème

Nice Matin: Short Ribs Provençal

Bar Boulud: Chilled Pea Soup

Henry's: Shredded Kale Salad with red grape, toasted almond and Vermont Maple Vinaigrette / Fried Chicken "Chicharrónes" with Amish chicken, rum, soy, lime and cholula hot sauce

Atlantic Grill Lincoln Center: Faroe Island Salmon Ceviche with shaved asparagus, spring peas, saffron pickled mustard seeds, jalapeno yuzu vinaigrette

Cesca Enoteca & Trattoria: House-Made Straciatella served over fettunta with a spring rhubarb compote & fresh mint

 The Milling Room: Chilled Cucumber & Yogurt Velouté with fine herbs and smoked salmon

Bottega Liquid Metals Platinum Sparkling Moscato - sweet flavors of apple, orange blossom, honeysuckle and peach

Bottega Liquid Metals Venetian Gold Prosecco - Fresh and crisp notes of yellow apple, pear, white peach and apricot

Mille-Feuille Bakery: Remy Martin Cognac 1738 Accord Royal French Macarons

- Kim Weling