Chef Alex Guarnaschelli Hosts Summer In The City: Surf & Turf

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli will headline New Taste of the Upper West Side's "Summer In The City: Surf & Turf" event alongside Chef Anne Burrell on Friday evening in New York City. The event is held on Columbus Avenue between 76-77 Streets, under the grand tent from 7 to 10 PM. New Taste of the Upper West Side is an annual celebration of all the prominent chefs who have flocked to the Upper West Side in recent years. All net proceeds from this event are dedicated to neighborhood projects. For tickets visit www.newtasteuws.com. Guarnaschelli is also a special guest chef at Sofo's 27th Annual Gala in Bridgehampton on July 16. Who inspires you in the culinary world currently and who are some of your culinary idols? Ingredients are my biggest inspiration. Seasonal changes motivate me to make new dishes! I love Sophie Pic, Suzanne Goins and Guy Savoy as some of my inspirations. What are some of your favorite summer dishes? I never get tired of chilled melon soup. I love a salad of tomatoes, corn and a few olives with a bright vinaigrette. Grilled Hanger steak with a salsa made from farm stand chilies. A raspberry "fool." Drinks with watermelon ice cubes. Possibilities, endless. Any advice you would give to new chefs trying to break into the food industry? Hunker down and learn the fundamentals of cooking. It makes you invaluable as you grow in the industry. Learn how to butcher fish. How to cook an egg properly. Skills that never go out of style. Tell us a little about New Taste of the Upper West Side: It is a fantastic event I am looking forward to co-hosting with my buddy Anne Burrell! We are hosting a brand new event this year all about beachy chic surf & turf fare, and who doesn't love that? This two day food festival is so extraordinary because not only does it bring together the very best Upper West Side chefs and restaurants under one tent, but it brings together the community and really gives back. All net proceeds are donated to the local community for neighborhood improvement and beautification projects. What are you most looking forward to at the event? I am a native New Yorker and to go to an event filled with New Yorkers that are excited about food? No place I would rather be! I am very much looking forward to tasting all of the delicious warm weather cuisine underneath a beautiful tent right in the heart of the UWS on Columbus Avenue. See you there!

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