New Taste of the Upper West Side

If you can afford to attend this event it is a blast! Getting to taste all the different cuisines in the neighborhood is only part of the fun. There was a GREAT band this year and unlimited wines and cocktails to try you will never be able to get around to all of them. There was a nice couch area set up for those who wanted to step away and relax but I was too into the action to ever really take a seat. Adam Richman was one of the kindest people and ended up signing books ALL night and took his time talking and taking pictures with every single person. It was also nice to meet all of the restaurant owners as they have such a passion for what they do. It was also fun that it was set up like a competition and Shake Shak took things to the next level by cooking the burgers on site. A little disappointed in Momofuku who passed out truffles but clearly did not bring enough for all the guests as they were the first to run out.
WATCH OUT! there were a few people to buy their kids tickets and were not told they could not enter until they waited in line around the block. 21 and over only!

By a lucky chance, I was introduced to the New Taste of the Upper West Side Comfort Classics by a special offer from Savored. Any time you throw in the phrase «food festival» along with the phrase «Travel Chanel TV Show Host» and «Celebrity Chef,» I’m in without hesitation.
This event is basically a congregation of about 40 – 50 chefs with restaurants in the Upper West Side to all meet in a tent and give their take on some traditional comfort foods. After being spoiled by the quality of the food at the Big Apple BBQ, I had high expectations, and man did this ever deliver. Your $ 100 per person ticket gives you access to unlimited food and alcohol. And oh yeah… the event was hosted by Travel Channel’s Adam Richman and Andrew Zimmern, who make themselves available the entire night for discussion, pictures, and autographs.
Just to give a brief run down of some my favorite restaurants of the 45 or so that were there and what they were serving:
5 Napkin Burger — one of the most flavorful sliders I have ever had in a super rich sauce.
Baconry — bacon brownies. These were life changing desserts.
Barney Greengrass — pastrami smoked salmon crostini. Very unique, and I’m just a sucker for raw salmon.
Ditch Plains — ditch dogs… one of the best items of the night. This was a hot dog smothered in mac and cheese served by Chopped judge Marc Murphy himself.
Luke’s Lobster — slightly misleading and disappointing… they were only serving shrimp rolls, and this had the longest line.
Magnolia Bakery — their banana pudding is out of this world.
Shake Shack — corn dogs, which were good, but were overshadowed by the rich and creamy olive oil custard.
Sunburnt Calf — most unique dish of the night… kangaroo shepard’s pie with some moo juice.
Wichcraft — mini BBQ pulled spice pork (no BBQ sauce) paninni… quite possibly the best thing all night along with the ditch dog.
In addition to the massive amounts of food, there is also alcohol. Lots of alcohol. Alcohol in all forms. Beer, wine, mixed drinks (including a table with the Modern Mixologist), and straight liquor. They also give you a lanyard necklace to hold your wine glass… seemed to me a little silly, but tested and true, you will not spill a drop of your wine held in the lanyard while you use your hands to scarf down the deliciousness.
At the end of the night, I have to say, you will hate yourself for many reasons. You will be completely stuffed with overly decedant and rich foods, and more than a few different types of alcohol.
This event is absolutely being added to my list of NYC annual must attend.