Eat, Drink, and Be Mary: Five Can't-Miss Events at NYC Wine & Food Festival

It's official. Summer is over and we can stop surviving on wheat grass shots and salads with dressing on the side. Find yourself someone with whom to hibernate and start putting on the pounds in style at this year's Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE. Leave it to Lee Brian Schrager, a food and beverage industry powerhouse and the Festival's founder and director, to pull out all the stops for this four-day foodie extravaganza.

And so you don't feel completely guilty binging on bonbons or other delicacies prepared by top-notch chefs - all net proceeds go directly to two hunger relief organizations. On a local level, Food Bank For New York City combines food distribution, income support and nutrition education to tackle food poverty from every angle. Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign provides access to families all across the nation, so that every child, regardless of circumstances, can get the healthy food they need to thrive. Last year the Festival raised more than $1.2 million to benefit these organizations.

Here are EDGE's top picks for a gay ole' time at this year's Festival. Who said elastic waistbands aren't in style?

Rock & Bowl with Anne Burrell
Who is our favorite knife-wielding spikey platinum blonde who can whip up a batch of homemade pasta quicker than you can kick back a glass of Chianti? We're not talking Sharon Stone a la "Basic Instinct," but rather Food Network star Anne Burrell. Join Anne for this over-the-top bash, which also celebrates the release of her first book, "Cook Like a Rock Star."

Thursday September 29th, 9:30pm-12:30am
Lucky Strike
642-660 West 42 & 12th Avenue

Fried presented by Gilt City hosted by Elizabeth Karmel with special guest host Bobby Deen & Katy Mixon
Many of us wish Bobby Deen played on our team, but who can resist that southern charm regardless? Bobby joins girlfriend Katy Mixon and host Elizabeth Karmel for a fry fest that may clog your arteries, but at least you'll have a chance to fulfill your mother's fantasy of, "Well if you're gay, at least marry a heart surgeon."

Friday, September 30, 9pm-12am
Hill Country BBQ
30 West 28th Street between 5th & 6th Avenue

Tribute Dinner honoring His Royal Highness Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Jacques P�pin presented by Bank of America
Ensure there is a queen in the house in addition to Prince Robert of Luxembourg by attending this once-in-a-lifetime culinary blow-out that also honors French chef Jacques P�pin. Five celebrity chefs take on the tasting menu with exquisitely paired wines including a 1995 Ch�teau Haut-Brion. Martha Stewart hosts, and no - a house arrest ankle bracelet is not considered part of the crown jewels.

Saturday, October 1st, 6:30pm-10:30pm
Pier 60, Chelsea Piers

The Lobster Place presents The Oyster Bash with host Ted Allen Sponsored by Palm
Known to be an aphrodisiac, oysters will be shucked and then who knows what may go down as Ted Allen, host of Food Network's "Chopped," keeps the crowd entertained as the beer and bubbles endlessly flow during this afternoon soiree.

Sunday, October 2nd 12pm-2pm
The Standard Biergarten
848 Washington Street at Little West 12th Street

Carts in the Parc sponsored by The New York Times hosted by Andrew Zimmern
While few of us have wheels in New York City, the ones we have might as well be packed with good eats. More than a dozen food trucks descend on the Flatiron District, including one of our favorites, the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck - be sure to ask for the Salty Pimp.

Sunday, October 2nd 3pm-6pm
FoodParc at Eventi
851 6th Avenue between West 29th & West 30th Streets

For a full schedule of events, visit:
www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com