Edible Events: March 2017

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’s just a few worthy food celebrations we recommend getting tickets for now.  From C-CAP’s annual and always awesome benefit honoring Michael Anthony to Brunchcon…

The International Restaurant & Food Service Show NY (3/5-7): The only show in New York exclusively serving the food industry is returning to the Javits Center this March.  With forums on Food Trends, a Japanese Pavilion, a US Pastry Competition, a Taste NY Craft Beverage Showcase and more, attendees will be able to network and discuss service solutions with over 16,000 professionals, while vendors gain an invaluable opportunity to market their food products, technology and equipment.

C-CAP Annual Benefit (3/8): The Careers through Culinary Arts Program works to break the cycle of poverty, through culinary training, advising and job opportunities.  And proceeds from their annual — seriously delicious — walk-around tasting event (which honors Michael Anthony this year) go directly towards serving their 17,000 students; so splurge on bites from Batard, Dovetail, Gramercy Tavern, Lilia and Café Boulud.

Just Food Conference 2017 (3/12-13): In partnership with the Tisch Food Center and Farm School NYC, the theme of this year’s Just Food conference is A Call to Collaboration — and features two days’ worth of programming such as “Healthy Retail in the Bronx,” “Food Workers Building Resilient Movements,” a “Zero Waste” workshop, and “Nurturing Nursing: A Family Approach to Breastfeeding and Eating.”

Coffee & Tea Festival NYC (3/18-19): Now in its 12th year, this industry-focused caffeine festival is taking over the Brooklyn Expo Center, for two days of seminars (such as a Chemex Brew Method Class, a 411 on Mushroom Coffee, a Taiwanese Oolong Cupping class, and a guide to Appraising Chinese Tea), and tastings from over 75 exhibitors, spread throughout the 28,000-square foot hall.

NYC Dessert Goals (3/25-26): Officially New York’s most instagrammable food event, Dessert Goals is back for its second go-round.  And for only $15 (or $50, including access to photo-taking workshops), patrons can graze on a curated selection of the most incredible, inventive sweets, such as Taiyaki (purveyor of fish-shaped ice cream cones), Little Treats (specializing in Brazilian brigadeiros), Baonanas (known for their mouse-like pudding, with a leche-flan base), and Jae NYC, offering artisanal Twinkies in flavors like Dom Perignon Truffle Honey.

Brunchcon NYC (3/26): Here’s a reason to rise and shine early on a Sunday; NYC’s very first festival devoted to brunch!  Located at the Grand Prospect Hall, $60 tickets include unlimited trips to an open mimosa bar, as well as mid-day nibbles from over 50 of NYC’s hottest weekend destinations; think The Ribbon, Bricolage, Butter & Scotch, Manousheh, Wowfulls, The Awkward Scone and Brooklyn Baked & Fried.