Edible Events: July 2016

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.

Whiskey Fried (7/9): The creators of the Bacon & Beer Classic have branched out this year with a deep-fried extravaganza, held at the Brooklyn Expo Center. Guests can choose between two, all-inclusive sessions (running for 2.5 hours in either the afternoon or evening) for $85 general admission, which covers tastes of over 100 whiskies and 20+ fried and southern-inspired dishes from NYC restaurants, such as Burnside Biscuits, Jacob’s Pickles, the Donutologist and more.

Pinknic on Governors Island (7/9 and 7/10): Celebrate the unofficial drink of spring and summer — that would be rosé — during the debut of this blush-colored food and music festival on Governor’s Island.  Each day, two thousand rosé-hued designer blankets will provide ample seating for pink and white-wearing guests, who’ll enjoy live entertainment while they sip on still and sparkling selections from Château d’Esclans and Moët & Chandon, and partake in gourmet Pinknic Baskets crafted by celebrity Chef Chris Santos.

Running with the Beef (7/16): Inspired by Spain’s Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Cook Out NYC’s “Running with the Beef” returns on July 16th, featuring a Spanish-style outdoor grilling fiesta.  A lineup of some of NYC’s most vibrant restaurants — think Fonda, Casa Mono, La Palapa, Casa Enrique and Mesa Coyoacan — will prepare grass-fed beef dishes and Spain-accented specialties, all served up along Manhattan’s scenic East River.

Jamaican Jerk Festival (7/17): The largest Caribbean cultural event in New York, the 6th Annual Jamaican Jerk Festival will take over Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, for an afternoon of music, fun, and of course, food; found at both a Jerk Cook-Off Pavilion, and at a series of 30 different booths, serving specialties, such as Fried Snapper, Curried Goat, Ackee & Saltfish, Roasted Breadfruit and of course, Festivals (sweet cornbread fritters).

French Restaurant Week (7/4-17): Instead of simply celebrating Bastille Day, why not immerse yourself in Gallic culinary culture, during the 7th annual edition of French Restaurant Week?  Participating establishments will offer a revolutionary price (we’re talking $17.89!) on prix fixe meals during lunch and dinner; so bon appétit at hotspots like Le Coq Rico, classics like Le Perigord, or modern French types, the likes of  Racines.

Celebrate Flatiron Chefs (7/12): Now that the Flatiron District has emerged as a veritable dining destination, what better way to raise funds for the Madison Square Park Conservancy, than to hold a tasting event showcasing local chefs? Priced at $200 for general entry, admission includes eats from top-of-the-line restaurants, such as ABC Kitchen, Cosme, Craftbar, The John Dory Oyster Bar, La Pecora Bianca, Kat & Theo, Eleven Madison Park and of course, Shake Shack.