On the Plate: Upcoming Food and Wine Events

October 14: Union Square Chocolate Lover’s Walking Tour
Join culinary and chocolate expert Joyce Weinberg as she leads you through a chocolate-focused tour of the gourmet delights in the Union Square Neighborhood. Visit Chocolat Michel Cluizel, Chocolat Moderne, Tisserie, The city Bakery, and more. Three tours, 10am-12 noon; 1pm-3pm; 4pm-6pm; $35. Tickets are required and can be purchased at www.unionsquarenyc.org. Rain date: Sunday, October 15.

October 15: Foodie
Join Joe DeSalazar for his 15th foodie, a six-course tasting dinner. This time he'll be featuring the food and wine from Tuscany and Umbria, where he recently took a two week eating and cooking tour. The dinner is $105, and reservations can be made online. 6:00 PM - 9:45 pm, AVEvents, 15 W. 28th St., 10B, Chelsea.

October 16: Bill Buford and Anthony Bourdain
Hear Bill Buford and Anthony Bourdain read from their most recent releases, Heat and The Nasty Bits. 7 p.m. at The Half King Bar, 505 W. 23rd St. at 10th Ave. Free! According to the gang at the Half King, "This will be a crowded event. No reservations. Please arrive patient and early."

October 16 - 23: Cupcakes for a Cause
Eat cupcakes and help provide free support services for children affected by cancer. Buy cupcakes from ten of the city's best bakeries, including Sugar Sweet Sunshine, Billy's Bakery and Buttercup Bake Shop during the week of October 16-23 and the proceeds will support CancerCare for Kids. Full details at cupcakesforacause.org.