September 8: Hudson River Riverside Oyster Festival Oysters, Guiness, Irish music -- what more do you need, really. Head to Riverside Park for this free festival -- oysters and Guiness available for purchase. Hudson Beach Cafe, 103rd St, at Riverside Park, 4-9:30 PM, call (917) 370-3448 for more information. September 9: Slow Cooker Demo Rosh Hashannah is right around the corner -- time to get your brisket on, and a slow cooker is just the......

November 18: Gluttony Gotta love an event called "Gluttony," although we were sad to learn there wasn't any food involved. Atlantic food writer Corby Kummer pulls together chefs Mario Batali and Dan Barber (pictured), and James Beard Award winning writer Barbara Kafka to discuss whether the newest high-tech equipment glorifies or destroys the freshest low-tech ingredients. 1:00 PM in South Court Auditorium of The New York Public Library. Arrive early for best seat selection; doors......

October 21: Halloween Cupcake Decorating and Book Signing Come meet Elaine Cohen at Broadway Panhandler and learn how to decorate spooky halloween cupcake treats. While you're there, get a copy of her book, Super-Duper Cupcakes, signed. Free, 2 p.m., Broadway Panhandler at 65 East 8th Street, between Broadway and University. October 22: The Second Annual Vendy Awards You've read about the finalists, now come taste for yourselves. Each of the finalists will be serving food......

A Voce is Italian for "word of mouth," and word is certainly spreading about this modern Italian restaurant, opened a few months ago on Madison and 26th Street. Andrew Carmellini, the chef, won numerous accolades in his previous position at Café Boulud, including the James Beard Award for Best New York Chef in 2005. Here he presents basic Italian food elevated by the incorporation of the freshest ingredients available. For a first course, try the......

All the foodies are in a tizzy today as the coveted James Beard Award nominees were announced last night. The actual awards ceremony and reception will be held on May 8, at an event celebrating "the culinary legacy of New Orleans." Reservations for the May 8th event can be made by calling 212-367-9490 or toll free at 1-866-362-6442. Admission is $375 ($325 for James Beard Foundation members/$120 for students - find your old ID cards......

What do you get when you cross a James Beard Award-winning chef, an inventive pastry chef innovative cocktails, historical artwork, and a dash of curry powder? Leela Lounge. We heard about it from a friend with a trustworthy palate, and got the chance to stop by in its maiden week. We only had time for a few appetizers on this visit, but we're going to hurry back to taste more. The Indian menu is given......

Bouchon by Thomas Keller (Artisan, 2004) While Thomas Keller's Per Serestaurant won this year's James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, we know that most New Yorkers will never set foot there. The prices are rather steep, making it a once-in-a-lifetime sort of experience for those who do go at all. But Keller does have two cookbooks that give insight into his cooking technique, style, and inspiration. Gothamist decided to try our hand at one......

Gothamist cannot wait to go to "Restaurant," the new restaurant/reality series from Rocco DiSpirito (Union Pacific), Mark Burnett (Survivor), and NBC (Channel 4 here in NY). There's nothing we like more than food and a little insanity. The Times Styles section looks what seems to be a hilarious casting/hiring process, as employees need to be competent but cute. But in a city of actors who work as watiers, Gothamist has to hand it to the......