New York City Wine and Food Festival: Ticket Giveaway, 'Pairing Like A Pro'

Posted by The Serious Eats Team, September 2, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Summers are slow in the culinary world, but fall is almost upon us.

And with it comes an incredible number of food festivals—like the New York City Wine and Food Festival, held October 8-11, with events all over our fair city.

We're talking demos from Alton Brown and Ming Tsai, brunch with Paula Deen, dinner with Alain Ducasse, and far, far more than could ever fit into a single post. We're particularly excited for our own Ed Levine's event: The Pieman's Craft, at the former home of Una Pizza Napoletana.

But this is the Wine and Food Festival, after all; and at Serious Eats, we don't always pay sufficient attention to the first half. So in the next few weeks, we'll be giving away pairs of tickets to the festival's wine events—starting with "Pair Like a Pro." This event, held at noon on Sunday, October 11, will be a great crash course in the world of food and wine pairing, with little bites from Dovetail's John Fraser matched with wines from sommelier Andrea Robinson.

Tickets are still available, at $85/head, but we're giving away a pair right here.

To enter, just answer the following question in the comments: In the spirit of Labor Day, what's your favorite wine to pair with a nice grilled steak?

One winner will be chosen at random from among eligible commenters. Winner will receive two tickets to the event above. Both ticketholders must be 21 or older to attend. Contest will end and comments will close at 9AM ET, Wednesday, September 9, 2009. One entry per community member. The standard Serious Eats contest rules apply.

Comments are Closed.

Tags: giveaways, New York City Wine and Food Festival, tickets

Comments are closed: 118 Comments:

malbec. mmm, so good. especially if the steak is well charred

korovka at 4:35PM on 09/02/09

cabernet!

chnguyen at 4:37PM on 09/02/09

Ripple!

greenolivemedia at 4:37PM on 09/02/09

malbec!!

mingly at 4:47PM on 09/02/09

an American Pinot Noir - from Williamette Valley = Labor Day American holiday celabrating the working people.

i.e, Sineann Pinot noir Schindler 08 - dark profile deep flavors of black berry and blueberry! Oh yeah - perfect for charred meat.

Joyisme at 4:54PM on 09/02/09

Someone already said Malbec, but I would have to agree. Delicious!

carae at 5:00PM on 09/02/09

Smooth, dark, pinot noir

Runningwithbeaters at 5:02PM on 09/02/09

Let's go Rhone Valley, chateauneuf-du-pape...for that flavor POP.

Chomp09 at 5:08PM on 09/02/09

I second a Pinot Noir from Williamette Valley

vchung6 at 5:09PM on 09/02/09

I love a good cabernet sauvignon with a steak. A really good inexpensive vintner that makes a killer cab is Ravenswood.

polar7791 at 5:12PM on 09/02/09

Definitely Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Evanstad Reserve 2006. An elegant Pinot but can handle a nice juicy steak. Yep, that's it.

brooklyngrape at 5:13PM on 09/02/09

a nice cabernet with a grilled rib eye / skirt steak / or hanger steak

llama at 5:15PM on 09/02/09

I would say a nice Malbec to go with my steak skewers that I top with my homemade chimichurri. Yum!

natalie25 at 5:15PM on 09/02/09

Pinot Noir from Willamet valley sounds just right. Of course I always drink that or a Burgundy - and for an american holiday I'll go with the american choice!

jigga at 5:15PM on 09/02/09

Hey! You cats didn't specify what type of steak ... so...If it's a salmon steak I'd pair it with an UrbanUco Torrontes from Mendoza. If it's a beef steak, I'd pair it with a Mark West Pinot Noir from California.

rockinTACO at 5:19PM on 09/02/09

A nice chewy Cab.

infomofo at 5:20PM on 09/02/09

Malbec

Shelby at 5:26PM on 09/02/09

I have not had the pleasure of pairing a grilled steak with wine. I'm a newly baptized wine geek. Please help make the transformation complete by picking me!!

bg2167 at 5:27PM on 09/02/09

Conundrum. But that's only because I'll drink it with anything.

godlovesugly at 5:27PM on 09/02/09

A Malbec

pupilindenial at 5:37PM on 09/02/09

Nobul Tempranillo

marlahoffman at 5:39PM on 09/02/09

malbec

cariden at 5:46PM on 09/02/09

I agree with the Cab people...

lamenteuse at 5:49PM on 09/02/09

Zinfandel is the labradour retriver of wines, it wags its tail & is happy with everything. That being said, a big Zinfandel like a Turley Black Sears or a Biale Lodi goes really well with that giant T-Bone or Porterhouse.

hondo3777 at 5:55PM on 09/02/09

To be perfectly honest, and true to my shouldn't-I-be-a-grown-up-by-now ignorance and budget, and also taking into account the style of labor day festivities I've attended, I'm going to have to cop to Gato Negro Cab-Merlot, at $3.99 a bottle.

But I would like to change that, so my fingers are crossed to win some tickets!

semarr at 5:57PM on 09/02/09

In the summer: slightly chilled Barbera d'Asti.

SunnysideUp at 5:58PM on 09/02/09

Lambrusco. Love the fizz!

bhgrossman at 6:00PM on 09/02/09

Malbec!

Laurel E at 6:06PM on 09/02/09

Sagrantino di Montefalco.Blood on blood....

wingding at 6:14PM on 09/02/09

Pinot Noir

wenwenM at 6:31PM on 09/02/09

I wine I first tried in Spain - Cervoles Costers del Segre - I'm not sure of the grape, but it is delicious and fairly reasonably priced

pslopian at 6:44PM on 09/02/09

Hmmm...in the spirit of Labor Day, a favorite wine to pair with a nice grilled steak? Argentinian Malbec...could be Colome, Luigui Bosca, Catena Alta or Rutini.

Huggie Bear at 6:46PM on 09/02/09

something not too fruity and probably fuller than a cotes du rhone. anything falling within that range will do. not the biggest steak fan (sorry guys!!), but i get pickier when it involves other foods.

musicjess at 6:59PM on 09/02/09

Malbec

youri117 at 7:07PM on 09/02/09

cabernet!

patang at 7:39PM on 09/02/09

A heavier Beaujolais!

jingtastic at 8:28PM on 09/02/09

Malbec

Carioca at 9:05PM on 09/02/09

I prefer with my steaks a nice glass of Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Merlot. It is intense yet balanced flavors of fruit and dark chocolate.

nycazn at 9:10PM on 09/02/09

shiraz

hackattaq at 9:16PM on 09/02/09

A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Signorello or Eponymous perhaps.

jmsmnz at 9:17PM on 09/02/09

Shiraz.

ClearlyDiluted at 9:29PM on 09/02/09

Phiale, Etna Rosso

studiovisit at 9:43PM on 09/02/09

A few options covering a wide range of price points: a nice juicy Argentinean Malbec, California Petite Sirah, a Washington Cabernet blend or Washington Syrah...

HIGHLOWFOODDRINK at 10:10PM on 09/02/09

Second on the California Petite Syrah...a spicy Shiraz is also ideal for me. An Italian Barolo will also work nicely.

momstheword at 10:27PM on 09/02/09

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, gotta love the French wines

Polynesia Addict at 10:42PM on 09/02/09

Pinot Noir

NYCKrnFoodie at 10:46PM on 09/02/09

decanted santa barbara sta rita hills pinot. go american pinots!

askophoroi at 10:56PM on 09/02/09

definitely a red, probably a pinot noir

armaniboi at 10:57PM on 09/02/09

a cool gewürztraminer with my salmon steak that i marinade with soy, hot sesame oil, and a dash of mirin.

i was stumped on a beef steak as well i have avoided those the best i can.

blizcheetah at 11:30PM on 09/02/09

a spicy shiraz

bgruber at 11:56PM on 09/02/09

a shiraz that can hold up to a well-spiced steak

swiss eats at 12:17AM on 09/03/09

Rhone - Cote Roti

xmalikowskix at 12:40AM on 09/03/09

chianti.

celestevan at 1:22AM on 09/03/09

I think the first question is which cut of steak and how it is prepared.If the steak is a prime rib I would choose a Malbec from Argentina it can cut thru the fat content and pair up nicely with the flavor. If the steak is a filet mignon then I prefer Cabernet Sauvignon70%/Merlot30% blend from Napa.

bigantnee at 1:48AM on 09/03/09

I'll say pinot noir, too -- but maybe reach into the Finger Lakes to get it, just to be different.

ejswanson at 1:57AM on 09/03/09

Even though my default is usually Chianti, I prefer a cabernet sauvignon for steaks.

SpatulaQueen at 2:09AM on 09/03/09

I'm on team shiraz, though I'd rather put the money into the steak and drink whatever I've got around.

poorstudent at 7:01AM on 09/03/09

I'd serve a peppery Zinfandel with skirt steak smothered in homemade chimmichuri sauce. I'm getting hungry and its not even 7:30 am!

yuriwebboy at 7:29AM on 09/03/09

Zinfandel. And hopefully the steak has Stilton blue cheese sauce on the side :)

cidonie at 8:42AM on 09/03/09

Zinfandel (preferably Ravenswood)

jgalt at 9:06AM on 09/03/09

California cab!

sarahb at 9:08AM on 09/03/09

I just had the Cain Concept at Carnevino out in Vegas, Mario's new steak place. Was great for something under $150...

jasmineleilani at 9:09AM on 09/03/09

A red Toro from Spain

djzouke at 9:32AM on 09/03/09

california cabernet.

andyk02 at 9:51AM on 09/03/09

I'll toss in my vote for a Malbec. Also cheap and cheerful is the Ravenswood Vintners Blend Cabernet.

Robbin_G at 10:00AM on 09/03/09

My favorite wine to pair with steak? Scotch.

formz at 10:07AM on 09/03/09

For a fillet a nice deep red burgundy, pinot noir (always keep a bottle or two of the 2002 Au Bon Climat Knox Alexander on hand) or a modern Italian red. With sirloin, a cabernet or merlot, especially red Bordeaux, and lastly, with ribeye, a Chateauneuf, Cote Rotie (Seigneur Cote Rotie from Jean-Michel Gerin), possibly a penfold shiraz or a top Tuscan red (2003 Collazzi Toscana comes to mind from recent dinner at Maloney & Porcelli)

Don't even get me started if the steak has a sauce with it..

osmankhan at 10:25AM on 09/03/09

carmenere from chile

allot at 10:25AM on 09/03/09

Bordeaux

Dedaa at 10:26AM on 09/03/09

cab

foodinmouth at 10:43AM on 09/03/09

I'd go with the Chocolate Block, a South African wine. It actually has hints of chocolate flavor, which makes it like having dessert along with your steak.

johnedwards at 10:47AM on 09/03/09

Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon

Soup2Nuts at 11:34AM on 09/03/09

Well, because I don't eat steak, I will go with a Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Who needs steak when you have a great bottle of wine?

bkbella at 11:48AM on 09/03/09

Depending on how the steak is cooked - simply grilled, I'd go with a Barbera. If its more of a spicy sauce, I would pair it with an off-dry Riesling or even a Gewürztraminer.

hulahoop at 11:57AM on 09/03/09

Shiraz. Specifically, a 2004 d'Arenberg "d'Arry's Original" Shiraz-Grenache McLaren Vale South Australia

andrearode at 12:03PM on 09/03/09

Shiraz! Malbec!

jmack at 12:04PM on 09/03/09

Cabernet would work.

Cheers -

captunderp at 12:54PM on 09/03/09

i like spanish grenacha

kyoko219 at 1:01PM on 09/03/09

mmm.. malbec

willis at 1:16PM on 09/03/09

Zinfandel

sneathd at 1:21PM on 09/03/09

wine to pair with a nice grilled steak? With this crisis probably a $3 trader's Jones wine... cant afford two nice things!!

s4michi at 1:22PM on 09/03/09

Pinot Grigio-- Grilled steak is so hearty and i like to keep the wine light and refreshing to keep from falling asleep!

shira22 at 1:22PM on 09/03/09

cabernet franc.

kbyrum at 1:38PM on 09/03/09

Claret or Rhône

aparnamuk at 1:39PM on 09/03/09

Cabernet

winkyj at 1:41PM on 09/03/09

A great Bordeaux from '61, '66 or 70, or a Rioja of about the same age.

craig_g at 1:52PM on 09/03/09

My favorite wine to pair with a nice grilled steak would have to be a nice white zinfandel ... yes yes, i have been told many a time that meats such as steak should be paired with red wine, but I'm not a huge fan of reds.
Maybe if I attend "Pairing Like A Pro," I will learn the correct way!

vnssa906 at 1:55PM on 09/03/09

Malbec!!

elizhaskett at 2:38PM on 09/03/09

red wine
i know too little about wine or steak to anwer the question.

piehole at 2:45PM on 09/03/09

Something spicy and full (and red).

sarahinnewyork at 2:55PM on 09/03/09

Shiraz or Malbec.

langenu at 3:04PM on 09/03/09

cabernet

cupcup at 3:13PM on 09/03/09

Anything tastes good with red wine.

worldyking at 3:21PM on 09/03/09

cabernet

swordfish at 3:33PM on 09/03/09

Cabernet!!!!

jonarepishti at 3:50PM on 09/03/09

My first inclination is Argentinian Malbec however given that we are in a recession/depression my vote is for Tempranillo given its bang for the buck.

tmartin at 4:21PM on 09/03/09

Sin Zin - a great zinfandel

AA_Eats at 4:26PM on 09/03/09

pino noir

Mahira at 4:32PM on 09/03/09

i'm going to weigh in with a cabernet. mmmm i want steak

engmcmuffin at 5:25PM on 09/03/09

sinskey cab franc

marasoc at 7:04PM on 09/03/09

Cabernet

ReneeRobinson at 9:54PM on 09/03/09

white zifandel! or a new favorite: kermit lynch beaujolais! would love to learn more at this seminar!

nychar at 2:10AM on 09/04/09

I would go with malbec.

rffoodie at 9:53AM on 09/04/09

A French Cabernet.

foodie99 at 10:08AM on 09/04/09

Shiraz

Chris De Noia at 10:50AM on 09/04/09

Cabernet, yum

kggreenpoint at 11:35AM on 09/04/09

Syrah

tornadocat at 6:51PM on 09/04/09

A pinotage like Kanonkop! My Dad brought one back from a recent trip to South Africa and it was soooo good with fresh-off-the-bbq steaks and corn this summer!

evarangis at 1:54AM on 09/05/09

a Hermitage ~ helps me pretend I'm spending Labor Day weekend in France's Rhone Valley
in reality Labor Day weekend is my last hurrah for gin-based drinks like the spectacular Ruby Collins at Recipe

petitesoeur at 8:47AM on 09/05/09

Shiraz!

lanes at 1:52AM on 09/07/09

A heavy duty Argentinian malbec!

velthaus at 1:22PM on 09/08/09

Pinot Noir or a nice Chianti Classico

aerozap at 1:23PM on 09/08/09

If the steak is simply grilled, Cabernet Sauvignon (Californian, Australian or Chilean) would be the wine to pair it with.

LPalao at 1:53PM on 09/08/09

in my dreams... a 1995 brunello.

in reality... a 2006 monastrell - Juan Gil

scrootch at 2:20PM on 09/08/09