The New Taste of the Upper West Side, a food festival in which dozens of chefs cook small plates under a tent on Columbus Avenue between 76th and 77th streets, returns next week.
The festival includes three events this year. Tickets range from $105 to $250, depending on the event and whether you opt for a VIP option. There also appears to be a Living Social offer for the Comfort Classic event. The money raised goes to fund projects by the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District, including the new streetscape on Columbus between 76th and 77th, and other causes. Buy tickets here, and check out the descriptions below.
Soiree in the Park
Wednesday, May 29, 7PM-10PM
Enter park at Columbus Ave. & W.79th St.
A cocktail event celebrating Theodore Roosevelt Park, one of New York City’s treasures that surrounds the American Museum of Natural History. With 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Park, this festive occasion will have live music and feature champagne and hors d’oeuvres by chefs John Fraser (Dovetail), Maria Loi (Loi) and Cesare Casella (Salumeria Rosi Parmacotta).
Comfort Classics
Friday, May 31, 20137PM-10PM
Columbus Avenue, Between W.76th– W.77th Streets
Travel Channel’s connoisseur of cool, Adam Richman (Amazing Eats) hosts Comfort Classics for a third consecutive year, setting the stage for over forty of the Upper West Side’s most innovative chefs, as they present soul-satisfying classics and new takes on old favorites.
Best of the West
Saturday, June 1, 2013VIP hour  6PM-7PM
(An exclusive hour of tastings in a more intimate environment)
General Admission 7PM-9:30PM
Columbus Avenue, Between W.76th– W.77th Streets
Best of the West 2013 showcases seasonal fare by 40 celebrated chefs and restaurateurs. Hosted by Gail Simmons (Top Chef Judge and Food & Wine’s Special Project’s Director), it’s a glamorous night of fine food, wine and spirits. The honorees are Danny Meyer, founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and Randy Garutti, CEO of Shake Shack. VIP ticket holders will receive autographed copies of Danny Meyer’s Setting the Table, as well as other pre-event experiences.
