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. more ›

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 open 30 minutes prior to event. $15 general admission and $10 library donors, seniors and students with valid identification. Tickets available online; use discount code LIVE2 for $5 off the ticket price. more ›

October 21: Halloween Cupcake Decorating and Book Signing more ›

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. more ›

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 fast!). A portion of the admission price will be donated to a charitable fund established to support the rebuilding of New Orleans’ restaurant community. more ›

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 a local and international twist, so even something as traditional as a samosa is invigorated by the addition of shitake mushrooms, and the lamb kabobs were served alongside a fig chutney that was so tasty we wouldn't let the waitress remove our plate until we were able to wipe it clean with a piece of warm naan. Chefs Peter Beck and Jahangir Mehta have created not only an original spin on Indian cuisine, but the Leela Lounge team has packaged it in a pleasant, calming atmosphere, complete with a lounge area near the bar, and beautiful artwork tying into the translation of Leela: divine play. more ›

Bouchon by Thomas Keller (Artisan, 2004) more ›

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 genius of Mark Burnett to capitalize on it. more ›