Photos: Taste Of The Upper West Side

A dish from Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola

By Emily Rothschild

More than 35ish restaurants from the Upper West Side dished out food to hungry revelers at this weekend’s Taste of the UWS (held under a massive tent on Columbus Ave.), while dozens of wine, beer and liquor distributers were also there to ensure no one left sober thirsty. Though we counted a number of porky plates, there were also plenty of other choices, from guacamole to grape leaves to abalone, and with only one meatball in sight, we’re just about ready to stick a fork in that trend.

In honor of graduation season, here are our highlights from the event, senior superlative style, so find out what you missed (or relive the eating fest):


Most Popular: Only a few stalls were so busy that they ran out of food, but Cafe Luxembourg seemed to go the fastest. The dish? Lobster rolls.


Honorable Mention: None of the vendors lacked for eaters, but two were also packed: Blue Ribbon with its customized hand rolls and Magnolia Bakery with its array of sweets including the famous banana pudding.


Most Charming: Jacques Torres, hands down. The famous chocolatier not only cheerfully signed copy after copy of his book, A Year in Chocolate, he was also the last notable left standing, handing out his desserts long after many of the other name chefs had left the tent. Charming, indefatigable and French – swoon.



Most (Deliciously) Gut Busting: While most restos handed out taste-sized portions, Shake Shack didn’t mess around, serving up full-sized SmokeShack cheeseburgers topped with Niman Ranch bacon, cherry pepper relish and ShackSauce. It was only with extreme grit and determination that we were able to continue eating after a stop there.


Most Worthy Of Seconds: The scallops with fresh peas at Nick and Toni’s was not only one of our favorites dishes, it was also one of the few to showcase fresh spring ingredients.

Most Dangerous: JBird Cocktails’ “Everyman After All” drink, made with six ingredients, including Caribbean rum, apple brandy and cardamom. All we can say is that it was a good thing the portions were mini.


Most Impressive Spread: The charcuterie abounded at Salumeria Rosi Parmacatto where eaters could watch chef Cesare Casella masterfully carve right in front of them.

Most Genius Idea: This award goes to whoever dreamt up the idea of hooking a rope around a wine glass so that imbibers could wear the glass as a necklace, thereby keeping both hands free for food, food and more food (and only look slightly ridiculous, but who cares about that when everyone is tipsy?).

Most Stuffed: Us

Photos: Emily Rothschild, Topher Ziobro, Jared Horowitz