Edible Events: March 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.

Kids Food Fest (3/5-6): Admission is free to this weekend-long event in Bryant Park, which helps educate both parents and a new generation of foodies about making smart food choices, through fun and flavorful activities.  Programs include a Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt, hands-on cooking classes at the James Beard Foundation Pavilion (including Burrata-making with Casa Mono’s Anthony Sasso, and Beetroot Tartare with New Nordic cuisine pioneer, Claus Meyer), and a lineup of performances on the Main Stage, such as a concert from the Deedle Deedle Dees, a Snoopy meet and greet, hosted by Horizon, and a special premiere screening of “Yummiloo,” an animated food adventure show from “Blues Clues” creator Traci Paige Johnson.

International Restaurant and Food Service Show (3/6-8): Over 16,000 food professionals will descend on the Javits Center for this unparalleled industry event.  $65 passes grant three-day admission to all manner of valuable educational and networking programs, such as an immersive “New Food Trends” Display, a Foodservice Forum, a Pastry Competition, a Taste NY & Craft Beverage Showcase, a New Product Gallery, a Women’s Entrepreneurs Circle, and an Exhibit Hall, featuring more than 550 leading vendors.

C-CAP Annual Benefit (3/9): Tickets to this yearly, star-studded event benefit, the Careers through Culinary Arts Program, whose mission is to promote and provide career opportunities in the foodservice industry for underserved youth through culinary arts education and employment.  Structured as a walk-around tasting honoring Eleven Madison’s one and only Daniel Humm, 43 of the city’s most renowned chefs will be at Pier 60, including Dan Barber of Blue Hill, Markus Glocker from Batard, and Jose Garces of the upcoming Amada NYC.

Choice Eats (3/11): 50+ restaurants handpicked by the Village Voice’s food editors will unite at the Metropolitan Pavilion, for an evening chock-full of internationally-inspired eats and craft beer, wine and liquor pairings.  $70 general admission tickets grant patrons all-you-can-eat access, to culinary creations from Bara, Veselka, Quality Eats, Kuma Inn, Genuine Superette, Meat Hook Sandwich Shop and many, many more.

Brisket King NYC (3/16): Considering NYC has effectively asserted itself as one of America’s most estimable BBQ capitals, it only makes sense to have a brisket faceoff, showcasing our most talented pitmasters.  Taking place at Brooklyn’s Sanders Studios, all-inclusive, $70 tickets to the event include over 20 tastes of “Kosher bacon,” from top spots like Marlow and Daughters, The Cannibal, Hill Country, Mable’s, Dickson’s Farmstand Meats and the renowned Robbie Richter.

Coffee and Tea Festival (3/19-20): Back for its 11th year, this caffeine-fueled festival features over 60 exhibitors from around the globe — including Café Grumpy, Dona Chai, Taproot Organics and Wandering Bear Coffee Company — pouring tastings of their finest coffees and teas, complemented by a lineup of sweet and savory foods, from purveyors like Waffatopia, Finally Ginger Cookies, Cabot Cheese and City 2 Shore Gourmet.