The 2013 Whole Foods Market New Taste of the Upper West Side is back celebrating its sixth year with top-name chefs, A-list hosts, renowned honorees and more participating restaurants. Created by the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), proceeds from the weekend will continue to benefit the recently completed Columbus Avenue BID’s Streetscape Project as well as support the Wellness in its Schools program at the O’Shea School complex and P.S. 87.
“For six years, we’ve championed the amazing community and culinary culture of the Upper West Side. It is always a spectacular event, and this year, we’re excited to show off the work the BID has done with the proceeds raised from the last five years,” said Barbara Adler, Columbus Avenue BID executive director.
The two-night taste kicks off on Friday, May 31, with “Comfort Classics,” hosted by the Travel Channel’s Adam Richman. Over 40 of the Upper West Side’s chefs of spots like Gastronomie 491, Jacobs Pickles and Sugar & Plumm, alongside longtime favorites such as Ditch Plains and Magnolia Bakery, will display classics and new takes on old favorites. It’s a high-energy food-fest buoyed by DJ Phresh plus wines and cocktails from Palm Bay International Fine Wine & Spirits.
Saturday, June 1, “Best of the West” and the VIP reception presented by First Republic Bank turn up the dial when visionary restaurateur Danny Meyer, founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and his colleague, Randy Garutti, CEO of Shake Shack, will be honored for the worldwide success story that has changed the perception of quick food service forever. Hosted by “Top Chef” judge Gail Simmons, the evening will showcase seasonal fare from 40 of the neighborhood’s most innovative chefs and restaurateurs, including world-renowned chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Lomonaco and Marc Murphy. A live soundtrack will be provided by Joe Bataglia and the New York Big Band.
Please visit www.newtasteuws.com for more information or call 212-721-5048.