On the Plate: Upcoming Food and Wine Events

May 3: Cheezapolooza III: Naked vs Cooked
Nolita House hosts cheese gurus Waldemar & Nadia as they feature six of spring's best artisanal cheese both unadulterated and then all hot and melty. Nibbles include Piave Vecchio and Pancetta Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches; Mini Valdeon Blue Cheese Burgers on Brioche and Four Year Aged Gouda Mini Mac & Cheese. You'll get drink tickets for a glass of wine or beer selected to pair with the each dish, and DJ FK wll be spinning reggae while you move from station to station. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Call (212) 625-1712 for tickets. 47 East Houston between Mulberry and Mott St.

May 5: An Afternoon with Itoen Japanese Tea
In conjunction with the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, EN Japanese Brasserie is hosting an afternoon tea tasting featuring a variety of high quality, single estate Japanese teas from Itoen Tea with paired “snacks” from Executive Chef Yasuhiro Honma. Representatives from Itoen will present in-depth information on tea in Japanese culture as well as proper preparation and enjoyment, and all guests will have the chance to whisk their own ceremonial green tea. Seating is limited. $70 plus tax, 1:30 – 3:30 pm. 435 Hudson Street at Leroy Street, 212-647-9196.

May 5: I Like Food, Food Tastes Good Book Party
Kara Zuaro's new cookbook, I Like Food, Food Tastes Good, features band and the food and drinks that keeps them rockin'. Members of bands share their favorite recipes including Death Cab for Cutie (Veggie Sausage and Peanut Butter Sandwich - also seen here), They Might Be Giants (a "Countrypolitan" cocktail with cranberry and pomegranate juice) and many more -- more than 100 artists contributed. She's having a book party at Union Pool with free food from the book, live music from Chris Mills and DJs from Dinner With The Band. 5 p.m., 484 Union Avenue at Meeker Street, Brooklyn, 718-609-0484.

May 6: Food Excursion -- The Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Pocantico Hills
The 92nd Street Y is sponsoring a field trip up to the The Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. You'll start with lunch at Blue Hill at Stone Barns (which we highly recommend), and then meet the chefs and hear how they prepare food that combines resources from Stone Barns and other area farmers. Afterward, walk the fields, meet the farmers and find out about home-grown crops. 11 am, $135 (includes lunch and transportation), tickets available online.

May 6: The Caffeine Myth
Head Trainer Erin Meister will lead participants in a tasting of coffees with different levels of caffeine, and discuss how the type of coffee bean and brewing method affect a beverage's caffeine level. She'll also answer questions and debunk myths about our favorite legal stimulant. Register by email. Each class is $10 per person; pre-registration and pre-payment are required. 7 pm at Alessi, 130 Greene Street.