Edible Events: September-October 2014

There are all manner of fun, food events taking place in New York on a daily basis — from lavish, charity-driven galas to crowded, walk-around tastings and an endless array of pop-ups.  But unless you have the time and money to party seven days a week, you’ll have to be somewhat discerning about what goes onto your calendar.  So here are just a few, worthy food celebrations we recommend getting tickets (or making reservations) for now!

Taste Talks (Sept. 12-14th): Curated by Mission Cantina’s Danny Bowien, Taste Talks is a three-day food festival exploring the culinary cutting edge for a food-obsessed generation.  Participate in dinners, such as “Mother of Pearl” (an oyster-centric tasting and multi-course menu), panel discussions (including “Big Chefs on the Small Screen,” an examination of the celebrity chef phenomenon, moderated by yours truly) and workshops, like a food photography demo with Eater’s Daniel Krieger.  The weekend culminates in an All-Star BBQ, where you can taste collaborative, grilled dishes, from luminaries such as Michael White, Ivan Orkin, Jamie Bissonnette and many more!

The Vendy Awards (Sept. 13th): Penned the “Oscars of street food,” the Vendy Awards are an intense cook-off between the most popular sidewalks chefs in the city, as well as a fundraiser to support culinary entrepreneurs and the sustainable food movement.  Sample the best dishes from 25 of the city’s most beloved food vendors, and vote for your favorites, such as “Rookie of the Year” (nominees include Big D’s Khao Cart and Dub Pies), “Best of the Market” (Bolivian Llama Party and Ramen Burger), “Best Dessert” (Alchemy Creamery and Dough), and in celebration of the Vendy’s 10 year anniversary, “The Masters Cup,” where prior Vendy Cup winners (Hallo Berlin, Calexico, King of Falafel, NY Dosas and Solber Pupusas) will compete for the title of ultimate grand champion!

North Nordic Food Festival (Sept. 12-19th): Meet some of the most famous Nordic chefs, see them cook, taste their food, and immerse yourself in Nordic Cuisine at NORTH festival 2014 in NYC. Programming includes a number of cooking classes, such as “Wild Finish Cuisine” with forager Sami Tallberg, and “Swedish Culinary Safari” with chef Ulrika Bengtsson, as well as exclusive dinners, including “An Evening in Helsinki” with Sasu Laukkonen, and tasting events, like the “Hot Dog Championships” at Brooklyn Brewery, where a number of acclaimed chefs battle it out with creative, Scandinavian spins on the humble frankfurter.

Harvest in the Square (Sept. 17th): New York City’s original food and wine tasting event, Harvest in the Square supports ongoing efforts to beautify and maintain Union Square Park.  Now in its 19th year, $125 tickets to the tasting event and gala include bites from favorite, local establishments, such as All’onda, BLT Fish Shack, Blue Smoke, Blue Water Grill, Breads Bakery, Hill Country Chicken, Junoon, Laut, SD26 Restaurant, The Fourth, The Gander, Union Square Café, Whole Foods Market Union Square, ‘wichcraft, and others!

Village Voice Brooklyn Pour (Sept. 27th): Featuring over 100 craft brews from New York and beyond, The Village Voice is presenting their fourth annual beer tasting event at the end of the month.  Sample the best seasonal, micro and reserve brews from breweries located around the country, with a particular focus on the tri-state area.  $55 tickets include suds from 508 Gastrobrewery, Bronx Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Harpoon Brewery, Keegan Ales, McKenzie’s, Narragansett Brewing, Radiant Pig Craft Beers, Rockaway Brewing Company, Shmaltz Brewing Company, Shiner Beer and Yonkers Brewing, accompanied by bites from vendors occupying an adjunct food court.

Edible Escape (Oct. 5th): Summer may be over, but you can still get out of town (without leaving Manhattan) at the 4th annual Edible Escape!  Enjoy an array of food and drink options that reflects the diverse culinary traditions the East Coast has to offer, with tastings from Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, Grillo’s Pickles, John Andrews Farmhouse Restaurant, Maine Dayboat Scallops, Mukti’s Kitchen, Nobletree Coffee, Ofrenda, Pazzi Pasta, Red Lion Inn, The Black Ant, The Manhattan Club, The Williams Inn, Tuthilltown Spirits and Wandernosh, just to name a few!