On the Plate: Upcoming Food and Wine Events

September 27: Joy of Sake
Talk about joy -- over 300 sakes will be poured at the largest sake tasting in the United States, coming our way tonight. Over 100 of them are generally not available outside Japan and about 150 are silver and gold award winners in the National Sake Appraisal that takes place each year. Never fear, there will be appetizers to soak it all up, from the likes of Bao Noodles, Bond St, EN Japanese Brasserie, 15 East, Megu, Sakagura, Tocqueville, Woo Lae Oak, wd-50, and more. There's also a sake info desk where an expert will be able to answer all of your burning sake questions. 6 - 9 p.m., the Puck Building, 295 Lafayette between East Houston and Prince Streets. Tickets are $75 in advance and $90 at the door. For more info or to make reservations, call 212-799-7243, or visit joyofsake.com.

September 29: Stone Street Oysterfest
Head downtown for oysters, oysters, and more oysters. This is the fifth year of the fest, hosted by Ulysses’ pub and Harry’s Café and Steak, featuring live music, Guinness galore, freshly shucked Blue Point oysters on the half shell, fried oysters, and oyster stew, not to mention white wine and champagne. While you're not slurping down oysters, watch the oyster shucking competition, where chefs compete in a race for the title of New York’s finest Oyster Schucker. Festivities start at noon and continue through the evening on Stone Street in the financial district; event is free; tickets can be purchased to redeem for food and drink. For more information on The Stone Street Oyster Festival, call 212-482-0400 or visit the Ulysses’ website.

September 29: Third Annual Vendy Awards
Who will win this year's Vendy cup? Will the Dosa Man finally have his day? Tune in Saturday to find out. Taste food from the vendors that the public nominated as their favorites in the city, including Kwik Meal, on 6th Avenue and 45th Street; Super Tacos, on 96th Street and Broadway; King Falafel and Schwarma, at 30th Street and Broadway in Queens; Veronica’s Kitchen on Front Street and Pine Street, and three-time nominee NY Dosas, at West 4th Street near Sullivan Street, South side of Washington Square Park, while supporting the excellent advocacy of the Urban Justice Center's Street Vendor Project. 3-8pm at Tompkins Square Park. Tickets are $60 each ($75 at the door) and are available online.

Photo courtesy of vinography.