Champagne And Chefs: What To Know For 'Best Of The West' Saturday

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Taste of the Upper West Side is in full swing, as food and beverage lovers converge on the O'Shea Complex Schoolyard to sample offerings from 80 local bars and restaurants.

Friday's more casual "Grillin' In The City" kicks off the weekend, with local favorites and newcomers alike serving up tastes of what they've got to offer.

Saturday's "Best of the West" promises a more upscale experience, hosted by NBC 4 reporter and foodie Lauren Scala. Project Orange will provide the music, and a range of UWS restaurants will share the best of their culinary creations.

There's even an option to mingle with celebrity chefs at a VIP reception, and exclusive access to a champagne bar under the stars. This hourlong event ensures you early access to food and beverage before general admission. Pastry chef and chocolatier Jacques Torres will be at the event for a book signing. Click here for tickets.

Participants include COVACHA (formerly Cafe Frida), Lucciola, Felice, Alice's Tea Cup, Tasca NYC, Dagon, Redfarm, and many more. You can check out the full list of restaurants here.

The event is hosted by the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) and presented by American Airlines and Mastercard. Taste of the Upper West Side raises money through ticket sales and contributions to help fund projects for the Columbus Avenue BID's beautification and improvement projects.