Brooklyn is bubbling with excitement as it prepares for the 17th Annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, set to take over the Big Apple from Oct. 17-20. Fans can expect a smorgasbord of events featuring over 400 chefs from around the globe, where attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet some of the Food Network’s biggest stars and culinary giants.
NYCWFF founder and director Lee Brian Schrager said this year’s star-studded festival — headquartered for the first time this year in Brooklyn — represents a “major turning point” for the festival.
“Our new home in Brooklyn is breathing fresh life into the experience, from evolving events like FoodieCon presented by Fratelli Beretta and the star-studded culinary demos to reimagined fan favorites on the pier and local dining experiences,” Schrager said. “The energy is palpable, the talent is incredibly diverse, and we are deepening our connection to the Brooklyn community by featuring over 100+ Brooklyn restaurants. We’re confident this year will deliver an unforgettable experience for our loyal supporters and those discovering NYCWFF for the first time.”
Organizers of the New York City Wine & Food Festival announced the groundbreaking move to the new 450,000-square-foot Invesco QQQ Campus in Sunset Park earlier this year, after years of hosting the festival in Manhattan.
For the first time this fall, fan-favorite events such as The Grand Tasting and walkaround pier parties will be consolidated into one expansive and tented location at the Brooklyn Army Terminal — something Schrager finds extra sweet.
“We’re not just moving venues; we’re intentionally embracing Brooklyn’s rich culture – something I’ve wanted to do for years and inviting its talented chefs to join us on this culinary journey,” he said. “Our aim is to provide them with an unparalleled platform to showcase their talent to a wider audience. We can’t wait to write this chapter with both our loyal supporters and new participants from the community of Brooklyn.”
Festivities will kick off on Thursday, Oct. 17 with Brooklyn Eats & Beats, featuring celebrated Brooklyn chefs including Esther Choi, Billy Durney, Sean Feeney, Mark Iacono and Michael Solomonov. The event will also feature cultural icons Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, serving up their premium ready-to-drink cocktail, Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop.
Attendees can look forward to seeing Katie Lee, Marc Murphy, Alex Guarnaschelli, Duff Goldman, and television icons Tamron Hall and Al Roker, along with his daughter Courtney Laga Roker. Other hallmark events include FoodieCon at Industry City, the Blue Moon Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray, Bobby’s Triple Threat Dance Party (featuring — you guessed it — the stars of the Bobby Flay showdown), and NYCWFF’s “biggest bonanza:” The Grand Tasting at Brooklyn Army Terminal.
While there are still plenty of events happening in Manhattan, festival-goers can expect seamless travel between the two boroughs thanks to the NYCWFF Ferry powered by Invesco QQQ.
The immersive event will once again support God’s Love We Deliver, a Big Apple-based charity that has prepared and delivered meals to New Yorkers in need since 1985. Last year alone, the org delivered more than 4 million medically tailored meals, and has generated over $14.8 million for charitable causes to date.
For a full list of events, to purchase tickets and more, visit nycwff.org.
