The NYC Hot Sauce Expo fills two Industry City buildings in Brooklyn each April with more than 50 sauce makers, free tastings and a chilli-eating stage.
Tip: General admission is $15 in advance and $20 on the door. Tastings are free once inside; eat something before the Stage of DOOM heats.
Winter Village at Bryant Park runs a free-entry holiday market and food hall from late October to early January, with raclette, bratwurst and stuffed crepes.
Tip: The food hall is busiest between 17:00 and 20:00 once the rink lights up. Shops open daily at 11:00; the skating rink runs on into February.
NYCWFF runs five days of chef tastings, wine seminars and the Burger Bash at the Seaport in New York City. Lee Brian Schrager founded it in 2008 and net proceeds go to hunger relief.
Tip: The Burger Bash is the marquee event and tickets sell out 60 days ahead. Hotel block fills early.