Grub Street Food Festival
Hester St. at Essex St.; 10/16 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
For the past four years, Grub Street has introduced you to everything from Lower East Side sushi speakeasies to Yemeni upstarts in Bay Ridge. And to celebrate, we’re throwing a block party! On Saturday, we’re teaming up with the Hester Street Fair, plunking some of our favorite food vendors alongside some of theirs, and bringing you a cornucopia of street eats. Check out the list of vendors here, and come hungry.
International Pickle Day
The parking lot at Ludlow St. and Broome St.; 10/17 at 11 a.m.; 212-966-0191
The LES continues its weekend food indulgences with International Pickle Day on Sunday, where you can try free samples from Divine Brine, Pickle Guys, Brooklyn Brine, and others (but, sadly, no Guss’s). Buy a jar of your favorites and sample other pickled fare, like lox from Russ & Daughters.
Bacon Takedown
The Bell House; 10/17 at 4 p.m.; 149 7th St., nr. Second Ave., Gowanus, Brooklyn; 718-643-6510
You be the judge when twenty amateur cooks compete with one delicious porcine ingredient. Matt Timms has taken his throwdown coast-to-coast, and brings it back around to Brooklyn, where you’ll sample delights (which in the past have included bacon ice cream, spicy bacon infused with vodka, and bacon tur-duck-en) and use your discerning taste to choose who reigns supreme. Fans are encouraged to dress festively, but watch out for exploding bacon. (Yes, that is a thing that happened.)
27th Annual Oyster Festival
Theodore Roosevelt Park, On the waterfront, ; 10/16-10/17 11 a.m - 6 p.m.; Oyster Bay, Long Island; 516-628-1625
Beginning as a parade in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, the Oyster Festival is now the largest one of its kind, attracting over 200,000 visitors to its live entertainment, top-notch artisans, pirate shows, and, of course, oyster eating and shucking contests. The biggest draw for foodies is the Food Court, where volunteer chefs and culinary pros whip up unique seafood concoctions along with traditional festival fare.
An Evening of Wine, Film and Music with Edward Burns & PT Walkley
City Winery; 10/17 at 8 p.m.; 155 Varick St., at Vandam St.; 212-608-0555
Actor, producer, writer, and director Burns has had quite an extensive career in independent film, celebrated this evening by pairing scenes from seven of his films—including Brothers McMullen, She’s The One and his new romantic comedy Nice Guy Johnny–with a unique wine selection. A Q&A will follow each scene, and Burns’ musical collaborator PT Walkley and his band will close the night out with a full set.
Cooking Workshop: Herbal Harvest Series
Wave Hill; 10/16 at 1 p.m.; W. 249th St., at Independence Ave., The Bronx; 718-549-3200
Martha Stewart-wannabes can learn the traditional methods of preserving seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs with chefs from Wave Hill’s exclusive caterers. You’ll receive hands-on instructions, recipes, and samples while learning to sterilize jars, mix a brine, and select the perfect vegetables and herbs for a spicy pickle. Bon Appetit!