The BEST NYC Wine & Food Events

It’s time to clear your schedule and get ready to eat: Food Network’s New York City Wine and Food Festival is back, hitting the Big Apple October 16 through October 19. With so many mouthwatering events to choose from, the lineup can feel a little daunting. Don’t despair: we’ve done the legwork for you. Here’s a quick preview of the best Latin happenings at the fest. And for up to the minute coverage, check out our Twitter and Instagram!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16

• Delta presents Food with Altitude with Michael Chiarello, Michelle Bernstein, & More

Top chefs are gathering to present first class food at this walk around tasting. We’re hoping Chiarello will dish out some of our faves from his Spanish hot spot Coqueta and that Bernstein will preview the menu of her new South Beach restaurant.

• Johnny Sánchez Dinner hosted by John Besh and Aarón Sánchez

The dynamic duo is hosting this cozy dinner to preview their new restaurant, a casual taqueria called Johnny Sánchez. Expect Mexican cuisine with a southern twist and a very lively atmosphere.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17

• Blue Moon Burger Bash

Of course, no Wine and Food Festival is complete without a stop at the uber popular and always sold out Blue Moon Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray. Who will be crowned the burger king? We might have to take a bite out of all the burgers to find out.

• Evolution of Mexican Cuisine hosted by Enrique Olvera

New NYC-transplant Olvera is hosting an intimate dinner at the Park Lane Hotel and this is one ticket we’d love to get. His Mexico City restaurant, Pujol, regularly ranks on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and he’s opening an NYC spot, Cosme, this fall. This dinner will be all about his delicious take on regional Mexican cuisine.

Next, our picks for the best weekend events… [pagebreak]

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

• MasterCard Chopped Best Bloody Mary Brunch

Kick off the weekend with some hair of the dog at this brunch featuring some of your favorite Chopped judges, including Aarón Sánchez. The best bartenders in the country will be there mixing up their libations, and local and celebrity chefs will be dishing brunch fare to sop up all that alcohol.

• Grand Tasting Presented by ShopRite

ShopRite is taking over Pier 94 and setting up a 130,000-square-foot culinary spot where you can walk, taste, drink, and repeat. There will also be plenty of culinary demos. Today, don’t miss John Besh and Aarón Sánchez previewing their new restaurant, Johnny Sánchez.

• Casamigos Tequila Presents Tacos & Tequila: A Late Night Party

Two of our favorite things are coming together for this delish party on the roof of Pier 92. Bobby Flay is hosting and there will be plenty of tacos to taste from Jamie Bissonnette of Toro, Josh Capon from El Toro Blanco, Luis Aguilar from Café el Presidente, and more. The tequila will be flowing with cocktails from Casamigos.

• Ample Hills & Brooklyn’s Best Dessert Party

We’re ending the night on a sugar high at this sweet party. Featuring the best of Brooklyn, One Girl Cookies, Four and Twenty Blackbirds, and Ample Hills Creamery, this event is about confections of every kind. We’re hoping for giant scoops of Ample Hills famous Mexican hot chocolate ice cream with spicy chili flakes.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19

• Grand Tasting Presented by ShopRite

This is your last chance to get your fill at the 100,000-plus square food tasting venue. On the stages today are Anne Burrell, Alex Guarnaschelli, Tyler Florence, Marcus Samuelsson, and more.