What’s Happening This Week: Wine Trends, Meet The Chocolate Maker, City Grit, Hakkasan

Unless you’re just waking up from a long coma, you likely already know that Super Bowl madness hits NYC this week. There are, however, a number of non-athletic food-related activities in which you can partake if you’re trying to stay out of football festivities.

Wine Trends, Museum of Modern Art, Titus 2 Theatre, 11 West 53rd Street, Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.

Learn more about the wine industry at this presentation by the Wine Market Council’s John Gillespie, who will talk about trends and developments and venture a bit into the world of craft beer. If you’re interested in a vinous career (or you want to find out where to score the best bottles), head to the post-party, a networking reception at The Modern. Tickets are $125.

Meet the Chocolate Maker, 2Beans, 100 Park Avenue, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

Bryan Graham, the man behind Fruition Chocolate, will discuss the process behind his bean-to-bar small batch operation. The event will include a tasting of chocolate and confections, including yet-to-be-released products. Drink pairings will also accompany each treat. Tickets are $30.

Southern-Inspired Chinese New Year, City Grit, 38 Prince Street, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

Kick off the year of the horse with a Southern twist on Chinese food at Sarah Simmon’s culinary studio. The culinary salon will offer an inventive feast, capped off by fortune cookies providing gourmet gifts for a few lucky guests (read: you might win free dinner). Tickets are $55 for individuals and $95 for couples, with beer and wine available for purchase.

Chinese New Year Feast, Hakkasan, 311 West 43rd Street, Friday through February 8

Speaking of Chinese New Year, a number of spots are celebrating come Friday, and Hakkasan’s special menu will run for a full week. Chef Chen Zhineng’s list includes steamed sea snapper, Chinese cabbage, and stewed pork trotters in addition to the regular menu. A traditional lion’s dance will be performed on Friday, and diners will receive a $2 bill in a red envelope to signify good luck. Reservations can be made by contacting the restaurant directly.