On the Plate: Upcoming Food and Wine Events

May 25: "Belly" Dancing -- North African Food and Wine Pairing
Take a journey to Egypt, Lebanon, Morroco and the Mediterranean at Le Tableau Restaurant. $65 provides you with six courses, five wines, and one belly dancer. Menu includes Coriander Crusted Prawns with Chilled Harira, Lebnah and Smoked Syrian Almonds Grouper with Charmoula and Red Rice, Tahini Lime Sauce Squab Breast, and Foie Gras and Roasted Apricots. 511 East 5th Street between A and B, 6pm to 11pm. Call 212-260-1333 for details and reservations.

May 26: 2005 Grand Wine Tasting
This tasting event, sponsored by the Fulton Area Business Association, will feature wine and food from Fort Greene area restaurants. 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, 85 South Oxford Street. $35/person in advance, $40/person at the door.

May 30th: First Annual Schnack/Stahl-Meyer Hot Dog Eating Contest
Be very, very afraid of the 30-inch hot dog (pictured above). Call 718-855-2879 to take a stab at racing to finish this gigantic beast-dog, or just show up for the free beer and half-price hot dogs after the competition (2:00 p.m. until closing). Contest is at 1:00 p.m., 122 Union Street, Brooklyn.

June 1st: Really Great Wines for Under $15 and Over $50
Join sommelier Ron Ciavolino as he explores whether high price=good wine. You’ll taste a selection of wines from both ends of the spectrum, and you may discover that you're a really cheap date! Institute of Culinary Education, 50 West 23rd Street, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., $75. Call 212-847-0770 to register or visit their site for more information.