Bayonne Ham, Taco Omakase and More to Do in Manhattan This Week

Enjoy a taco omakase in Harlem at La Chula. Photo courtesy La Chula.

You’re Invited: VIP Bayonne Ham Tasting and Pairing, October 8
Head to Le District marketplace, Manhattan’s premiere destination for French gastronomy, for a sumptuous spread of hors d’oeuvres featuring Bayonne ham—the beloved, centuries-old French charcuterie staple. The dry-cured ham is rubbed with salt from the Andour river basin in France’s southwest region, then slowly matured at low temperatures to produce its unique flavor and delicate texture. Enjoy a French-style  apéro of Bayonne Ham and other savory nibbles, paired with drinks from 1427 Wines and Interboro Spirits and Ales.
Beaubourg at Le District. Complimentary tickets available; RSVP required. More info: www.eventbrite.com

Taco Omakase at La Chula NY Harlem, October 7
This month, La Chula’s Harlem location launches their new dining series dedicated to the sushi-inspired tacos first pioneered by chef Enrique Olvera at Pujol. La Chula’s Julian Medina, formerly of SushiSamba and the force behind Latineria, Toloache, and Coppelia, will prepare a six-course taco omakase menu with tequila cocktail pairings. Highlights include the “bagel taco” made with pastrami salmon, jalapeño crema, and scallion salsa, and pescado berenjenas made with black cod, chinese eggplant, and chipotle miso. For desserts, there’s a churros with Sugar Hill Creamery ice cream and tequila butterscotch glazed apples.
La Chula NYC Harlem, 6:30 pm. Tickets $65; $35 for cocktail pairing. For more info, email: info@lachulany.com

The New York Times Food Festival, October 5–6
The Gray Lady’s first-ever food festival promises to be the biggest new food event of the fall. :ive panel discussions will cover topics ranging from “How to Talk About Politics Over Dinner,” to “Creating Change from Cooking,” and “The Architecture of Eating.” Notable panelists include writer and food critic Ruth Reichl, chef and columnist Alison Roman,” and New York Times food editor Sam Sifton. While the tickets for daytime tasting and demonstration events are now sold out, (but there’s a waitlist!),  the festival’s Smorgasburg pop-up, outdoor bar, and food marketplace are free to access. Chief restaurant critic Pete Wells will also present NYT the Nights, an exclusive dinner series at some of his favorite New York restaurants.
Bryant Park. See website for ticket prices. More info: nytfoodfestival.com

Hester Street Fair Made in NYC Oktoberfest
For a truly local Oktoberfest experience, stop by the Lower East Side for food, drinks, and gifts made by New Yorkers, in New York. Enjoy brews from Coney Island Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery, Kings County Brewers Collective, and Mikkeller NYC. For German-style snacks like pretzels and bratwurst, visit Bierhaus NYC, or for a non-traditional, fishy accompaniment, sample seafood from Crabman Mike or Mum’s Kitchen’s signature sweet, spicy mango codfish. If you prefer something stronger than beer, get a boozy dessert from New York’s own Tipsy Scoop. Vendors will include Ojala Threads and Yassine Cuisine.
Hester & Essex Street. Free admission. More info: hesterstreetfair.com

Apple Fest Cider Dinner NYC 2019, October 5
Autumn is officially here, bringing breezy days and New York state’s apple season. Celebrate the harvest with a dinner hosted by Angry Orchard’s head cider maker Ryan Burk, in collaboration with the chefs at Pier A Harbor House. The five-course dinner will feature dishes prepared with New York apples, paired with exclusive ciders from Angry Orchard’s Walden Estate. Start with an amuse bouche of pork belly wrapped candied apple and crostini, followed by a brussels sprout and apple salad, apple ravioli,  and pan seared Berkshire pork chop. For dessert? Apple upside down cake, of course.
22 Battery Place. Tickets $125. More info: eventbrite.com