May 2009 Foodie Events

Here are a couple delicious tidbits from the Salli Vates inbox:

• On May 18 from 3-6 p.m., Grand Central Market will celebrate the beginning of grilling season at Grand Central Market. The special tastings will feature all of the hall's delights, including Murray's Cheese, Wild Edibles and Ceriello Fine Foods. (Grand Central Market: Lexington Ave at 42nd St.) (ETA: If you missed this event, with all of its samples - Murray's halloumi cheese grilled with olive oil and lemon, Pescatore's grilled shrimp, Ceriello's spicy sopressata, and Murray's Salami Farmer's Diner hot dogs served with ketchup and jalapeno sauerkraut - the fun is still not over. Through the 24th, many picnic and grill products are on sale at the market. Buy two filet mignon kebabs at Ceriello and get one free (the same goes for swordfish kebabs at Pescatore), pick up some of that halloumi ($2 off), and finish your meal with a pound of Li-Lac Chocolate's smores bars ($4 off).)
  

• May 18 is also the first day of "Riesling Week 2009." coming to New York from May 18 -24. Riesling tastings, flights and pairings can be enjoyed at restaurants all over the city; some participants are 15 East, Aquavit and Hearth. You can find a full list of restaurants here. (There's a fun interactive food-and-wine pairer on the Website.)

• On the following day, May 19, Dish du Jour Magazine will hold its 8th Annual Food & Wine Tasting Event at Astoria World Manor (25-22 Astoria Blvd.). Highlights will include a "best meatballs showdown." To purchase tickets, call (718) 777-7918.