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New York City Wine & Food Festival returns for its ninth year on October 13 to 16, and the time is nigh to start planning your approach to one of the city's most beloved food events. Along with enjoying world-class food and drink, you can hobnob with some of the greatest talents in the culinary world whilst giving back—100 percent of the event's net proceeds are donated to the No Kid Hungry campaign and Food Bank for New York City. Here's what you should snatch up tickets for before it's too late:
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to NYC Food and Wine Festival
Chicken Coupe with Whoopi Goldberg and Andrew Carmellini
A fancy fried chicken and champagne party with Whoopi and Andrew Carmellini at Leuca, the chef's new restaurant in Williamsburg's William Vale Hotel, makes for a romantic, dance-filled evening of birds and bubbles. ($195)
Best of Brooklyn presented by Munchies, starring Action Bronson
Characteristically punchy and flavorful, Munchies and Action Bronson's food bash at Berg'n celebrates the Brooklyn food scene, featuring signatures dishes from borough hot spots like Ovenly, Llama Inn and Mighty Quinn's BBQ. ($150)
Blue Moon Burger Bash with Rachael Ray
She may not be Becky with the good hair (that's Rachel Roy), but Rachael Ray sure throws one heck of a burger bash. In collaboration with Pat LaFrieda Meats, the TV toque hosts a burger showdown between top-dog chefs including Black Tap's Joe Isidori, Shake Shack's Mark Rosati and Brindle Room's Jeremy Spector. On the rooftop at Pier 92, it sort of feels like everyone's gonna walk away from this event a winner, even if it's a tight competition with celebrity judges. ($225)
Porchetta, Pigs and Pints with Mario Batali
Calling all porcine aficionados—this tasting event at Biergarten & Garden Rooms on the High Line has unlimited pork dishes from the Meatball Shop, Speedy Romeo, Pig & Khao and more, as well as a bevy of beer, wine and spirits to wash it all down with. Select guests get to walk away with a signed copy of Batali's latest cookbook. ($150)
Handmade noodle pulling with Biang and Xi'an Famous Foods
Learn the art of noodle pulling for yourself with the noodle master himself, Jason Wang, of Xi'an Famous Foods. Hosted at Home Studios, you'll learn all the proper techniques, how to cook your noodles and get to take them home to eat, too. ($95)
Dinner with Gabriel Kreuther and chefs from Cala di Volpe and Les Airelles
Join Gabriel Kreuther at his renowned restaurant with Cala di Volpe's Maurizio Locatelli and Palace Les Airelle's Christophe Perrin for a European feast with wine pairings by Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of New York. ($300)
Midnight in Paris dessert tasting with Dominique Ansel
The Cronut king himself invites guests to Prince George Ballroom for a soiree featuring desserts from local spots like Le Bernardin, Gramercy Tavern and Sweets by Chloe. ($125)
Midnight Jazz Breakfast with Carla Hall & Patti Labelle
Do it right in Harlem with a hearty breakfast for dinner at the Cecil, hosted by Carla Hall and soul legend Patti Labelle, featuring a.m. dishes by chef Joseph "JJ" Joseph, as well as a live jazz performance, naturally. ($135)
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