JAPANFes Konamon Street Food Festival and Competition, September 21 & 22
At JAPANFes, visitors will have the chance to taste top-notch konamon, or “flour foods.” Five konamon chefs from Japan, joined by four local NYC contenders, will vie for the title of best okonomiyaki (“Japanese pizza”), takoyaki, and yakisoba. The winner will be decided by festival goers, so come prepared to try lots of delicious street food. Plus, 25 additional vendors will be on hand with Japanese sweets and gifts.
Sept. 21 – Chelsea. Sept 22 – Upper East Side. More info: www.japanfes.com/event
The 15th Annual and Final Vendy Awards, September 21
Summer’s not officially over yet—there’s still time to make it to the shady shores of Governor’s Island. What better excuse than the Vendy Awards, where 25 of New York’s best street vendors, nominated by the public, will compete for the All-Star Vendy Cup? Competitors include vegan food truck The Cinnamon Snail, ranked among the best in the country, and Queens superstar the Arepa Lady. There’ll also be categories for best dessert, and the Freshman award for newcomers. General admissions covers unlimited food and drink, and all proceeds benefit the Street Vendor Project, a non-profit providing legal help and advocacy for New York’s street vendors. It’s the final year for the Vendys, so go while you can!
Governors Island. General Admission $100. More info: www.eventbrite.com
Far From Ordinary—An Immersive Australian Wine Experience, September 17–19
Step into the Australian landscape with a multi-sensory experience showcasing the sights, smells, and textures of the continent’s terroir. Sip samples of over 30 exciting new Australian wines, including Dice, First Drop, Yalumba, Vasse Felix, and Alpha Box. Pinch Food Design will provide Australian snacks, and Australian winemakers will discuss their country’s diverse and constantly evolving wine scene.
Union West. Tickets $60. More info: www.eventbrite.com
Taste of Gramercy Neighborhood, September 21
Stroll Gramercy’s leafy sidewalks and indulge in delicious food and drinks provided by the neighborhood’s many restaurants, including fine dining mainstays like The Breslin and Bouley at Home. Now in its 7th year, the event donates proceeds to healthy meal programs at local public schools. Any extra food will be donated to the Bowery Mission.
Irving Place. Tickets $30-$70. More info: tasteofgramercy.org
The Power of Pickles: Lower East Side Culinary History, September 17
Head to Essex Market for an evening dedicated the Lower East Side’s pickling traditions. As part of New York University’s Food Studies program’s discussion series exploring the LES’ immigrant food history, professor Jennifer Schiff Berg will give a talk on the neighborhood’s many cuisines and their various pickling techniques. A pickle tasting is included!
Essex Market. Free admission. More info: www.eventbrite.com
