5/19/12

New Taste UWS: Best of the West 2012


Porterhouse Chef Michael Lomonaco French Dip Sandwich

New York City has the best of everything and this weekend was no exception. The Whole Foods Market New Taste Of The Upper West Side's "Best of the West" is where you got to taste the BEST!

Joe Battaglia N.Y. Big Band


The fifth annual Best of the West at New Taste of the Upper West Side showcased just that, at this years party held under its' grand tent that took up the block on the corner of Columbus Avenue between 76 & 77 streets. Forty renowned chefs and restaurants, wine and spirits galore and all while Joe Battaglia & The New York Big Band played, keeping every one's hips swinging and feet tapping.



Tony Abou-Gamin was on hand mixing his specialty cocktail "Sara's Smile" that kept many smiling all night long. A concoction of Voli Lemon Vodka, St Germain Elderflower, Aperol, Ruby Red Grapefruit juice, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.

Toasted Gnocci, White Truffle Crema, Parmesan

The Upper West Side has so many wonderful restaurants, tasting so much great food from such talented chefs at one time, all in one place is a delicious opportunity. Best of the West is a multicultural affair that gives a prolific look into the great diversity that makes up the neighborhood. French - Bar Boulud, Japanese - Blue Ribbon Sushi, Cuban - Calle Ocho, Greek - Kefi, Mexican - Rosa Mexicano, Italian - Salumeria Rosi, and New American - The Smith. Just to name a few; after all, there were FORTY restaurants present!

Alice's Tea Cup Pumpkin Scones



This year New Taste of the Upper West Side honored Upper West Sider Gael Greene, former New York Magazine restaurant critic and founder of Citymeals-on-Wheels which helps to guarantee that West Side senior citizens receive meals throughout the year through the delivery program. When I asked Gail if she was happy to be at Best of the West? She answered, "Yes, I'm getting paid!" Then, preceded to tell me about how Citymeals-on-Wheels benefits from these types of events and how much older people from the neighborhood need these programs and how it is appreciated and supported by the community. Of course, then I complimented her on her hat, since she is famous for her flashy hats.



New Taste of the Upper West Side "Best of the West" is a really good time. Besides, any time you can start the evening with a fancy morsel of Cured Carrot, Chicken Feed topped with a Quail Egg by Dovetail then, move on to a Porter House French Dip Sandwich and end the evening drinking a Frozen Hot Chocolate made by Jacques Torres... Well, it's the BEST!






Rosa Mexicano Fresh Guacamole
Lincoln RestaurantBlue Ribbon Sushi Hand RollsGastroarte Tomato 6 Ways
Chef Jacques Torres
Mr. Chocolate and Madame Chocolat















New Taste UWS Best of the West, a set on Flickr.


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