The New York City Wine & Food Festival Returns This Weekend
Here are five events you can still get tickets for -- plus tips to make the most out of your day
The New York Wine & Food Festival returns this week. The festival, which officially starts today, October 12 and runs through Sunday, October 15, boasts dozens of parties, dinners, and brunches, many hosted by celebrity chefs like Carla Hall, Marcus Samuelsson, and Geoffrey Zakarian.
The pinnacle of the weekend is the festival's Grand Tasting. Held Saturday, October 14, and Sunday, October 15, the Grand Tasting transforms Hudson River Park’s Pier 76 into a virtual city of wine, beer, cocktails, food, and culinary demonstrations.
If you go to the Grand Tasting, there are a few things you should know. First, the event is for people 21 and over (no exceptions for tiny toddlers). Secondly, totes (or any bag larger than six-and-a-half inches wide) will be turned away with no lockers available for storage. If you are carrying medical equipment, that’s the exception. You can also bring a clear tote no larger than 12 inches — but why bother? The festival provides a branded tote for all the swag you’re going to gather, so take advantage of the one time in all your NYC days to travel light: your ID, a credit card, and your phone are the basic essentials. I also like to bring dental floss (you do not want to meet your favorite celebrity chef with spinach in your teeth), a charging cord, lip balm, mints, and a Tide stick are all pocket-sized items that are likely to come in handy. Read the festival’s bag policy here.
Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes — stylish kicks are the way to go. The same goes for jackets, so plan for weather changes (but keep it light).
I cannot stress enough the need to drink plenty of water. The festival provides unlimited hydration (of the non-alcoholic kind), so take advantage of the water and drink up before, during, and after you imbibe.
If you haven’t gotten tickets in advance, there are a number of dinners and events that still have availability (as of now). Here are our top five picks:
Grand Tasting
Sample food from some of New York City’s best restaurants and drink unlimited wine, and spirits at this mega event that offers hundreds of wines and dozens of spirits. In addition, watch culinary demonstrations from celebrity chefs (and have them autograph their cookbooks) and fill your complimentary tote bag with tons of swag — it’s like Halloween trick or treating a few weeks early! Saturday, October 14 or Sunday, October, 15 at Hudson River Park’s Pier 76. Tickets cost $202
Blue Moon Burger Bash presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats hosted by Rachael Ray
Now in its 16th year, this iconic carnivore-friendly event offers literally dozens of burgers on hand for your enjoyment (paired with plenty of Blue Moon beer, wine, and cocktails). Friday, October 13 at Pier 86 Home of the Intrepid Museum located in Hudson River Park. Tickets cost $245 (Capital One early entry costs $300).
Sandwich City presented by Cayman Jack and hosted by Jeff Mauro
Broken Palate interviewed Jeff Mauro about his favorite sandwiches — now join the celebrity chef in enjoying them at this wallet-friendly afternoon. Chow down on sandwiches, enjoy a live DJ, and take in the spectacular view from the Harbor NYC Rooftop. Saturday, October 14 at Harbor NYC Rooftop. Tickets cost $115.
Dinner hosted by Ken Oringer, Ed Szymanski and Patricia Howard presented by South Walton, Florida sponsored by Eater
Boston-based chef Ken Oringer and Ed Szymanski, the executive chef/owner of Dame and Lord’s will present a multiple-course menu with wine pairings by Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. as an added bonus, each group will receive a copy of Eater's newly released cookbook, 'Eater: 100 Essential Restaurant Recipes from the Authority on Where to Eat and Why It Matters'. Saturday, October 14 at the Yale Club. Tickets cost $295.
JJ Johnson’s The Cookout: Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary Celebration featuring DJ CASSIDY, Rev Run, Ice-T, DJ MICK, Tamron Hall & Angela Yee
JJ Johnson has invited the best Black chefs in New York to showcase their signature cuisine at this event. During these festivities, chef Johnson will attempt to set the world’s record for the largest amount of joloff—a West African rice dish—cooked at one time.
As an added bonus, DJ Cassidy and '90s icons and Grammy award-winners Rev Run and Ice-T will perform at this star-studded event. Sunday, October 15 at Pier 86 Home of the Intrepid Museum located in Hudson River Park. Tickets cost $135 (Capital One early entry costs $175).