1. The Fancy Food Show
An expected 32,000 guests will attend the culinary event of the year from June 29 to July 10 at the Javits Center. The food industry’s most noted North American trade show is hosted and produced by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, and will travel to Chicago and San Diego later in 2008.
2. James Beard Awards
The food industry looks to the James Beard Foundation’s savoir faire to recognize the country’s top chefs, restaurants, and culinary writers. Chef Michel Richard, Chicago’s Frontera Grill, and The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook were some of the winners in 2007. On June 8, 2,000 guests will attend the David Bowen-produced event at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.
3. International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York
More than 18,000 food-service, restaurant, and catering professionals will return to culinary class March 9 to 11 for seminars including a catering symposium presented by chef Ferdinand Metz and Catering magazine. Thomas Keller and Jasper White will be the keynote speakers. For the third year in a row, Reed Exhibitions will produce the show.
4. Chef’s Tribute to Citymeals-on-Wheels
The charity that served three million meals to New Yorkers in 2007 is going with an American-cuisine theme at its June 16 Rockefeller Center tribute. The Patina Restaurant Group hosts the event, with the Rockwell Group handling design. Last year’s gala raised $1.2 million for the organization, while 1,200 guests enjoyed dinner from an all-star crew including Charlie Palmer, Josh Besh, and Alice Waters.
5. Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs Event
The magazine will honor the best new chefs of the year at its 20th annual event in April. Shanette Vega, Food & Wine’s promotion manager, and Sonia Zala, senior creative service manager, will return to produce the event. April Bloomfield of the Spotted Pig was among last year’s 10 winners.
