The Four Best Food Events This Weekend – 4/4/2014

Looking for a slice of spring? Check out this weekend’s food events, which are chock full of seasonality.

Just Food Conference, Teachers College at Columbia University,
525 West 120th Street, Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.

Chefs, farmers, and anyone with an interest in food are invited to attend a two-day conference full of one-of-a-kind learning experiences. Want to learn how to break down a whole sheep and use each part? Or cook sustainably? How about forage in an urban environment? You can do all of that and more during the upcoming weekend, which aims to educate attendees on the modern issues surrounding the farm industry. A variety of ticket packages start at $55; check out the full schedule and registration information.

Metropolitan Avenue Festival, 74-29 Metropolitan Avenue, Queens, Sunday, 11 a.m.

Those interested in checking out the Italian goodies of Middle Village can explore the outer borough neighborhood this weekend as part of a family-friendly street festival. Old school favorites like Rosa’s Pizza and Panardo Bakery, as is the sausage and peppers and funnel cake that’ll be served. For those with kids, rides are free from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., and you should also check out the carnival games.

Game of Thrones Viewing Party, Professor Thom’s, 219 Second Avenue, Sunday, 7 p.m.

The long anticipated return of Peter “The Dink” Dinklage is set for Sunday night, and you can catch the action here. Partake in drink specials — like a round of free jello shots every time a character dies — and themed cocktails, and take advantage of happy hour pricing. The bar boasts two floors of televisions, but you should arrive early to secure a few seats for your clan.

Chocolate Fest: A Walk Around Tasting, 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue, Sunday, 7:30 p.m.

Some of the biggest names in chocolate are headed to the Upper East Side for an evening of sweet praise. Look for local favorites like Liddabit Sweets and imports like Italian chocolate-maker Stefano de Martini of De Martini Chocolates. You’ll also find a chocolate cheese offering from Murray’s, plus chocolate spirit pairings, candy, and ice cream. Tickets can be secured for $35 through the 92nd Street Y website.