Come hungry — the New York City Wine and Food Festival is back for its 15th year this October, with many events locally centered around Hudson River Park.
The annual food showcase and philanthropic event — which has to date raised $14 million for food insecurity support organization God’s Love We Deliver — runs from October 13 to 16 at Hudson River Park’s Pier 76 at W34th Street and 12th Avenue and on Pier 86 by the Intrepid Museum at W46th Street and 12th Avenue, with additional events in the new Hard Rock Hotel at Rockefeller Center and Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The four day showcase of culinary talent features over 500 chefs, 200 partner organizations and has in the past drawn as many as 45,000 attendees.
Some of the signature events at Pier 86 include the Blue Moon Burger Bash on October 13, a competition featuring scores of Pat LaFrieda burgers, hosted by Rachael Ray and judged by notable personalities like Man vs Food’s Adam Richman and the New York Jets’ Willie Colton. There’s also Peroni’s Taste of Italy on October 14, a cornucopia of Mediterranean cuisine and special appearances by EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg.
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Saturday, October 15 brings Tacos & Tequila After Dark, hosted by the cast of The Kitchen and radio stars from New York’s Z100. And on Sunday, October 16, there’s a Backyard BBQ, hosted by James Beard Award winner Andrew Simmerman with more Pat Lafreida goodies cooked by the world’s foremost pit masters. There are also scores of workshops, small-group tastings, culinary demonstrations and walk-around markets at Pier 76 and around town.
New York City Wine and Food Festival founder Lee Schrager told Crain’s New York Business that organizers expect the event to attract 40,000 attendees, with 70 percent hailing from the Big Apple. New Yorkers are always eager to try new and unfamiliar foods, said Schrager, and the festival serves as a critical showcase for up-and-coming restaurants. He added: “People go to the grand tasting and try something from a restaurant they never heard of. You take a bite and you say, ‘What is that restaurant?'”
Tickets are on sale now and are available a la carte for individual events, in package combination deals and for purchase at the door only for events occurring at Pier 86 and Pier 76. For more information, check out the New York City Wine and Food Festival website. Bon appétit!