TASTE OF THE UWS 2018 has 14 New Participating Restaurants and Bars

Fourteen local restaurants and bars are showcasing their culinary and/or cocktail skills for the first time at Taste of the Upper West Side (Taste UWS) on Friday, May 18, 7-10 p.m. at Summer in the City by Yelp Reservations; and Saturday, May 19, 7:30- 10 p.m. at Best of the West Presented by Park West Village. Both events are being held for the 11th consecutive year under a majestic, 40-foot high tent spanning the entire block between West 76th and 77th Streets, along Columbus Avenue.

Making their Taste UWS debuts this year are recently opened restaurants Amelie (566 Amsterdam Ave.); Da Capo (322 Columbus Ave.); La Sirene UWS (416 Amsterdam Ave.); Lucky Pickle Dumpling Co. (513 Amsterdam Ave.); Recolte (300 Amsterdam Ave.); Shaking Crab (2869 Broadway); Tartina (1034 Amsterdam Ave.); and Zen Taco (522 Columbus Ave.). Two neighborhood newcomers, Elea (213 West 85th Street) and Nobody Told Me (951 Amsterdam Ave.), will be unveiling their culinary and/or mixology prowess even before the restaurants open!

In addition, several established neighborhood favorites will be joining the food-based fundraiser for the first time, including Dive Bar (732 Amsterdam Ave.), Guyer's (286 Columbus Avenue), Manhattan Cricket Club (226 West 79th St.); and Pizzeria Sirenetta (568 Amsterdam Ave.).

"Not since the first couple Taste of the Upper West Sides have so many new restaurants joined us at one time," says Barbara Adler, Executive Director of the Columbus Avenue BID. "It's a true testament to the significance of this event as a marketing opportunity for our local restaurants, as well as its importance as a fundraiser for Upper West Side improvement and beautification projects."

Taste of the Upper West Side features two nights of distinctive fare and ambiance, including the premiere of a dedicated mixology section on Saturday night, per the following:

Friday, May 18, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Summer in the City by Yelp Reservations
Grand Tent, O'Shea Complex Schoolyard, Columbus Avenue between West 76th and 77th Streets
Summer in the City kicks off the annual two-night food event with highly-anticipated debuts of restaurants and bars, along with longtime local favorites. This year's honoree is beloved chef and restaurateur Jacob Hadjigeorgis, owner of Jacob's Pickles, Maison Pickle and, opening soon, Lucky Pickle Dumpling Co. Among the many new restaurants introducing innovative fare will be Zen Taco, Amelie, Make My Cake, Elea, Recolte, and Vai. In addition, scores of neighborhood favorites will be joining the party again this year, including Playa Betty's, Jing Fong, Bodrum, AG Kitchen, and FishTag. As always, there will be unlimited wine, spirits and music centered around innovative seasonal food prepared by approximately 40 of the Upper West Side's most sought-after destinations.
Cost: $115 per person; 2 for $195
(Purchased at the door: $135 per person)

Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Best of the West VIP Reception Presented by 21 West End
Grand Tent, O'Shea Complex Schoolyard, Columbus Avenue between West 76th and 77th Streets
An exclusive, hour-long preview of the event, the Best of the West VIP Reception provides an opportunity for participating guests to mingle one-on-one with celebrity chefs and restaurateurs, including this year's Best of the West Honoree Chef John Fraser, recognized worldwide for his Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants Dovetail, The Nix, Narcissa, and The Loyal. With limited attendance, special seating area, early entree to the evening's food, spirit, wine, and beer presentations, and direct access to the chefs before the main event, the Best of the West VIP Reception is a memorable experience in a relaxed setting for an entire hour prior to general admission.
Cost: $235 (Limited availability.)

Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Best of the West Presented by Park West Village
Grand Tent, O'Shea Complex Schoolyard, Columbus Avenue between West 76th and 77th Streets
A highpoint of this year's Best of the West will be the premiere of a unique section dedicated to signature bars and mixologists, all preparing one-of-a-kind cocktails. Among those participating will be Manhattan Cricket Club, Da Capo, Amelie, Guyer's, Maison Pickle, Prohibition, and distinguished spirit sponsors Tito's Vodka and Hiro Sake. Best of the West Honoree John Fraser will be serving epicurean tastings from his Michelin-starred Dovetail, along with 40 other illustrious Upper West Side restaurants, including The Leopard at des Artistes, The Milling Room, Red Farm, Rosa Mexicano, and Crave Fishbar. Live music returns to further enhance the ambiance of the Upper West Side's most anticipated event of the year.
Cost: $145 per person or 2 for $260
(Purchased at the door: $175 per person)

Another first for 2018: Taste of the Upper West Side is introducing a special "Supporter" honorific to participants adding $50 on any order, which includes a name listing in the four-page event program, next to sponsors and restaurants. More information about Taste of the Upper West Side and ticket purchases are available at http://www.tasteuws.com

About the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District

The Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District ("BID") is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that represents merchants and property owners along tree-lined Columbus Avenue, from West 67th to West 82nd Streets. Formed in the landmark district in 1999, its membership includes a diverse range of retailers, restaurateurs and commercial and mixed-use property owners, comprising all the commercial establishments on the Avenue. The Columbus Avenue BID's district also includes the American Museum of Natural History, Theodore Roosevelt Park, The New-York Historical Society and the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

The Columbus Avenue BID is responsible for developing a wholly sustainable streetscape with the City's first bioswale between West 76th and 77th Streets. For 10 years, it has produced and hosted Taste of the Upper West Side and is responsible for streetscape beautification efforts that include landscaping, lighting, solar-powered trash receptacles, and more.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Taste of the UWS

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