2008_09_food_vill.JPGSometimes you need to do a little advance planning in order to make it to some of the season's tastiest food events.

September 10: A Taste of the Village -- This annual fundraiser benefits the Village Alliance, and specifically is going towards the restoration and sprucing up of Washington Square Park. Over 20 restaurants from the 'hood will be showcasing dishes, inculing Otto, Elettaria, Blue Hill and more, with beverages from Brooklyn Brewery, Anthony Road Wines, and Is Wine.

6 - 8 p.m. // Fifth Avenue & Washington Square North // $40 at the event or call 212-777-2173

September 15: SHARE, A Second Helping of Life -- Yes, the price tag is steep, but where else can you get an all-star, all-female chef lineup like this? Amy Scherber of Amy's Bread is the Executive Chef, Rebecca Charles of Pearl Oyster Bar and Anita Lo of Anissa and Bar Q are Honorary Executive Chefs, and Abigail Kirsch and Alison Awerbuch of Abigail Kirsch Catering are Culinary Chairs, and their lineup includes the likes of Nikki Cascone of 24 Prince, Ariane Daguin of D'Artagnan, Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter, and Gabrielle Hamilton of Prune. The proceeds from the evening benefit SHARE -- a program providing support and resources for women with breast and ovarian cancer. Full details are available online.

7 - 9:30 // Pier 60, Chelsea Piers // $300

September 17: Wine. Dine. Donate. This "farm to table" dinner party sponsored by Epicurious benefits America's Second Harvest and features farm-fresh ingredients. Chefs Ryan Skeen of Irving Mill and Fatty Crab's Zak Pelaccio join forces to create an unforgettable evening of deliciousness.

6:15 reception, 7:15 dinner // Irving Mill [116 East 16th Street] // $125

September 18: Harvest in the Square -- A week or so after Washington Square and slightly north is the Harvest in the Square, where local chefs prepare dishes using ingredients from the Union Square Greenmarket. Newcomers Lunetta, Jack Bistro and Wildwood BBQ join old favorites like Union Square Cafe, Fleur de Sel, and Gramercy Tavern in this benefit for the ongoing beautification efforts in Union Square Park. A full list of participants is available online.

7:30 - 9 p.m. // West Plaza, Union Square Park // $115