On the Plate: Upcoming Food and Wine Events

June 29: At the Table: Celebrating Women Chefs & Restaurateurs
It's all about the ladies at this benefit for the scholarship fund of Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, an organization that promotes the advancement of women in the restaurant industry. Join top women chefs and sommeliers at this five-course dinner and reception, including Heather Carlucci-Rodriguez of Lassi, Rebecca Charles of Pearl Oyster Bar, and Patricia Yeo of Sapa, among others. Gourmet's Sara Moulton, the Honorary Chair and MC, will be guiding you through the evening. Tickets can be purchased online. For a full list of participants, visit womenchefs.org. 6PM - 10PM, $150, Prince George Ballroom, 15 East 27th Street.

July 3: Region del Centro Dinner at Mercadito
We had such a great meal at last week's regional dinner at Mercadito that we had to let you know about the next one, focusing on the Region del Centro: "Pre-Hispanic influences run strong through the Central States, from hearty fava bean soup with a grilled cactus salsa to chile ancho/guajillo shrimp tacos. Other regional delights include chile cascabel-marinated lamb with cilantro rice and a classic arroz con leche." Chef Patricio Sandoval prepares weekly regional Mexican dinners every Monday night throughout the summer for $30 per person (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). Call 212-529-6490 for reservations. 179 Avenue B between 11th and 12th Streets.

July 4: VIP Beach Party at Water Taxi Beach
Even you can be a VIP. For $150 you can have great seats for the fireworks -- right at Water Taxi Beach, where we hosted our recent burger blowout. You'll get beer and hot dogs from noon to 11pm, an open bar from 6pm – 11pm, and all you can eat American Food Celebration from 7pm to 10pm. Buy tickets online.

AND: We also wanted to give you a heads up about summer restaurant week, which is taking place from July 10-14 and July 17-21. Time to make reservations! A three course lunch is $24.07 and dinner is $35. A full listing of restaurants is here.