10th Annual Taste of the Upper West Side
Last weekend, May 19th-20th, The Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District presented the 10th Annual Taste of the Upper West Side. The annual event celebrated famous chefs and restaurants who have made the trek to the Upper West Side. The event was a festival and a fundraiser, with all net proceeds going directly to neighborhood projects. The weekend was a dream-come-true for culinary lovers filled with delicious cuisine and fine wine and spirits.
On the first day of the event, the theme was Summer in the City: Surf & Turf. Restaurants that participated include Sugar Factory American Brasserie, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Momofuku Milk Bar, Playa Betty’s, and Han Dynasty. Alex Guarnaschelli, chef/owner of Butter, judge on Food Network’s Chopped & author of “Old-School Comfort Food” and television food and travel explorer Adam Richman co-hosted the night. They were joined by special guest Frank Bruni, New York Times Op-Ed writer, former food critic, and author of “A Meatloaf in Every Oven: Two Chatty Cooks, One Iconic Dish and Dozens of Recipes - from Mom's to Mario Batali's”. Guests were able to get their copies of Guarnaschelli and Bruni’s books signed. To make the night even better, attendees got to enjoy captivating sounds by DJ El Media.
On the final night of the event, the theme was Best of the West presented by Park West Village. The night was hosted by Jesse Palmer, renown Host/Analyst from Disney’s ESPN and ABC Networks. Some of the divine dining destinations included Carmine’s, Shake Shack, Rosa Mexicano, Bar Boulud, and The Mermaid Inn. As attendees munched on their delectable Carmine’s meatballs, they danced to the music by the live DJ. There was literally bubbly from above as guests had the opportunity to have their champagne poured into their glasses for them by talented women acrobats. Aspiring chef’s and food lovers were able to get the chance to talk to the chef’s they admire and sample their food right in front of them.
The Taste of the Upper West Side is the perfect event for any foodie, anyone who wants to expand their palate, and anyone looking for some new restaurants in a great location.
Photos courtesy of Key Group Worldwide.
Taste of Waldorf Astoria
For the second year in a row, five chef teams went head to head to create the next "iconic" dish. These dishes were tasted by guests and judged by an panel of esteemed judges, including Questlove, Susan Ungaro, David Posey, Adam Sachs, and Wylie Durfresne.
Menu
I quickly made my way through all five tables and found each and every one of them to be equally delicious. At first, I was envious of the judges for having the best job in the world, but after tasting the food, I did not want to be them. It would have been impossible for me to pick a favorite as they were all equally amazing.
Shrimp Segnette
This dish was prepared by Stefan Kauth, Executive chef from The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The shrimp were to die for; I am a huge fan of seafood and Cajun sauce, so I really loved this dish.
Beech Anemone
This dish was prepared by Sidney Schutte, Excutive chef from Restaurant Librije's Zusje Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, a two Michelin Stars restaurant. The dish looked sophisticated and tasted just as delectable.
The Seven Species
This dish was prepared by Itzik Mizrachi Barak, Executive chef from King's Court and Palace Restaurant at Waldorf Jerusalem. It was mouthwatering; I especially enjoyed the garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Sable Fish with Florida Truffle
This was prepared by Bernard Fiemeyer, Executive chef from Waldorf Astoria Orlando. As I professed a love off seafood in the dishes above, you know I loved this dish. The black cod and mussels melted in my mouth and the "Florida Truffles" were just the icing on the cake.
Jing Roll - Winning Dish
This dish was prepared by Benoit Chargy, Executive chef from Waldorf Astoria Beijing. As much as I love seafood, I love steak even more. This dish was crowned the "iconic dish" by the judges and I definitely agree. The minced Wagyu beef dipped in chinese chili peppers was honestly one of the best dishes I ever tasted.
This event was fine dining at its best. I am so glad I was part of it. I also got to met one of my favorite people on the planet- Questlove.
Questlove
For more information about future tasting, or recipes to the dishes mentioned above please visit: Taste of Waldorf