Whole Foods Market New Taste of the UWS is an annual food and wine event that I look forward to ALL YEAR.  Why?  Well, aside from all of the fabulous food and wine, it kind of marks the unofficial kick-off of summer! 

Although the event commenced with Vegetables at Dovetail - an intimate five-course dinner - last Wednesday, I preferred to attend Friday and Saturday evening's more lively kaleidoscope of happenings, which were both held under an expansive white tent on Columbus Avenue:

• Friday night,Comfort Classics: Hosted by Travel Channel personalities, Adam Richman (Man v. Food Nation) and Andrew Zimmern (Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern), this year's theme was "Comfort Food Reinvented," where 35 of the Upper West Side's most innovative chefs re-envisioned deliciously inventive renditions of culinary classics and new takes on old favorites.

• Saturday night, Best of the West: Hosted by gourmet great, Gael Greene, the Best of the West showcased signature seasonal fare created by more than 40 renowned chefs and restaurateurs.

So, what's the significance of the Whole Foods Market New Taste of the UWS?  Well, it's pretty cool, actually, because every cent earned from the event goes back to the neighborhood in the form of beautification, greening, and improving the community in various ways.

Below, please enjoy some of my favorite pictures from this year's Whole Foods Market New Taste of the UWS:

…

Until we eat again,

Lindsay, The Lunch Belle