Last year, Lee Brian Schrager, founder and director of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, brought his popular foodie outing to New York for the first time. This year, Schrager plans to bring it back, and yesterday announced an event schedule and roster of activities that includes the return of big ticketed events, some new additions, and the presence of many celebrated chefs.
Scheduled for Columbus Day weekend—Thursday, October 8, to Sunday, October 11—the New York City Wine & Food Festival will once again involve the Grand Tasting at Pier 54, the Rachael Ray-hosted Burger Bash, discussions at the TimesCenter, and the late-night dessert party known as Sweet. Expanding the four-day festival will be a soiree on Saturday night at the Tobacco Warehouse called Down South Up North and hosted by Paula Deen, a Dim Sum Disco brunch on Sunday presented by Ming Tsai, and a closing event dubbed Meatball Madness with Giada De Laurentiis at La.venue.
Also returning are 2008 sponsors Food Network, Food & Wine, and Travel & Leisure. Proceeds from the festival will benefit Food Bank for New York City and Share Our Strength.
