The New York City Wine & Food Festival Will Turn NYC's Seaport into the Ultimate Party Place
Festival founder Lee Schrager shares his "can't miss" events
The New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF) runs from October 15 to 19, with four days of parties, dinners, classes, brunches, and more. This year, the festival celebrates a new home base that’s filled with waterfront charm and easy access from nearly anywhere in the city: the Seaport.
The festival, now in its 17th year, offers more than 50 different star-studded events ranging from the grand tasting hosted by Sofia and Manolo Vergara to an intimate dinner for just 12 people, hosted by José Andrés. In other words, there’s an event for every taste. This year, the festival benefits Event Zero Foundation, which promotes sustainable event practices, and the James Beard Foundation.
The task of securing hundreds of some of the best culinary names in the business each year is daunting. Festical founder Lee Brian Schrager says the first thing he does is to reach out to the people with whom he’s forged a relationship. “You go to people you know and lock in the names that have credibility.” From there, Schrager examines who has received James Beard Foundation awards and then asks the chefs already on board who they would want to partner up with. “People want to cook with their friends,” he says.
Schrager tells Broken Palate this year’s festival is remarkable in many ways. First, the new Seaport location, says Schrager, is ideal. “All of our large and midsized events are in the Seaport and within walking distance of the Seaport, so it’s great for eventgoers and it’s also great for the chefs and restaurateurs.”
The festival maven is also particularly thrilled about this year’s event lineup — especially a new marquee event: An evening edition of the Grand Tasting on Saturday evening hosted by Bobby Flay & Brooke Williamson. “I’m really excited for it — probably more excited than I’ve been in a long time,” gushes Schrager. “This nighttime Grand Tasting is going to be amazing. We’ve never had a host of the Grand Tasting, and Bobby and Brooke will be amazing. We’re going to have DJ Tokyo Rose spinning, and plenty of VIP chefs presenting their best food — all with an amazing river view.”
So with Saturday evening secured, what other events would Schrager recommend to round out a perfect weekend at the festival? Here are his picks:
Wednesday
A Taste of the Tin Building: A Party hosted by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Gregory Gourdet
Jean-Georges Vongerichten officially welcomes the NYCWFF to the Seaport at this event that invites guests to eat their way through some of the Tin Building’s best spots, including
T. Brasserie – a modern French brasserie serving timeless classics with elegance
House of the Red Pearl – a hidden jewel offering bold, Asian-inspired dishes
The Frenchman’s Dough – wood-fired pizzas and rustic Italian favorites
Spoiled Parrot – playful sweets, confections and indulgent creations
Patisserie – pastries and seasonal specialties from Executive Pastry Chef Rory Macdonald
Thursday
Asian Night Market hosted by Padma Lakshmi and Jean-Georges Vongerichten
This recreation of a lively night market invites guests to sample dumplings, noodles, and more from New York’s best chefs.
Friday
Burger Bash
Brooklyn Beckham and Rachael Ray host this annual tribute to the great American burger. Whether you like your burgers thick or smashed, there’s plenty to go around. Plus, you get to vote for your favorite, along with celebrity judges Ja Rule, Ana Navarro, Sunny Anderson, Ben Leventhal,
Olivia Tiedmann, and Joshua Weissman.
Elvis Duran and the Cast of the Z100 Morning Show’s Late Night Bites, Beats & Sweets
Schrager says, “everyone loves karaoke” — and he’s correct. Elvis Duran hosts this late-night karaoke party that allows you to show off your pipes for a chance to win a three-night stay at Nassau’s Atlantic Cove to attend the Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival, or other prizes.
Saturday
The Grand Tasting - Daytime Edition
Grand Tasting After Dark
According to Schrager, it’s OK to double dip — at least when it’s regarding the Grand Tasting. The daytime and evening editions of the Grand Tasting will be different, with Sofia and Manolo Vergara hosting the Saturday daytime portion. As always, look for your favorite celebrity chefs hosting culinary demos, including Alex Guarnaschelli, Andrew Zimmern, Maneet Chauhan, Rocco DiSpirito, and Kwame Onwuachi.
Sunday
Catch of the Day: A Seafood Feast hosted by Andrew Zimmern
It’s only fitting that Andrew Zimmern hosts a seafood feast along the cobblestone streets that once housed the Fulton Fish Market. Step into history as you feast on oysters, scallops, fried clams, ceviche, and more.
Sunday Supper hosted by @The_Pasta Queen Nadia Caterina Munno and Lil “Mo” Mozzarella
Close out the 2025 edition of the NYCWFF with pasta, wine, and friends at this tribute to all things Italian: pizza, antipasti, pastries, and more await.