Agenda: James Beard Awards, Carver's Cookery, and Big Apple BBQ

FEATURED EVENT

James Beard Foundation Awards
Time magazine has deemed them "The Oscars of the Food World."  The James Beard Foundation Awards recognize excellence in all aspects food and beverage industry, and are considered the highest honors for food and beverage professionals working in America. This year's awards ceremony will be co-hosted by actress Kim Cattrall and chef/restaurateur Bobby Flay. The theme of the reception is "Artisanal America: the Craft of Cuisine." The awards will take place at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center (Columbus Avenue and 65th Street) on Sunday, June 8th, at 6:00 p.m. Reception gala will immediately follow the awards ceremony. Sunday's event is preceded by an awards ceremony for journalists and media on Friday, June 6. Tickets: $450/non-members, $400/members, $200/press.

EVENTS THIS WEEK (June 4 through June 10)

George Washington Carver: Cookbook Writer?
Little known fact about George Washington Carver, the man who was best known as an agricultural researcher, teacher, and peanut promoter - he issued over 44 agricultural bulletins which contained his recipes. When preparing the bulletins, Carver recognized the importance of taste in inspiring a newly freed people to try new things. The Culinary Historians of New York will host Elizabeth Simms, recipient of the CHNY 2006 Amelia Scholars Grant, who will lead a discussion on Carver's role as recipe writer for the black community. The event will take place on Thursday, June 5th at the Internation Wine Center (350 Seventh Avenue, #1201) at 6:30 p.m. Tickets through Brown Paper Tickets: $20/non-members, $10/members.

Barbecue Block Party
This year's Snapple Big Apple Barbecue Block Party will host 14 of the nation's top pitmasters and will feature dozens of cooking demonstrations and seminars. Attendees may also participate in book signings, wine pairings, 'cue merchandise, and more. The event will be held in Madison Square Park on June 7th and June 8th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Admission is free, and plates are available for $8/person.

America's Favorite Steak
A virtual event of sorts.  Now through June 6th, anyone in the continental United States can cast a vote for American's Favorite Steak. Browse through the selection of steaks at New York butcher shop DeBragga and Spitler's web site, DeBragga.com, all hand-cut and aged on premises – the New York Strip, T-bone, ribeye steak (the bone-in cowboy rib or the boneless Delmonico), and filet mignon (also known as tenderloin). Voters should decide on their favorite steak and then send an email with the selection to debragga@gmail.com. Each voter will receive a reply offer of 10% off the next purchase. Five winners will be chosen during a drawing at DeBragga.com on Friday, June 6th. Winners will receive a family four-pack of America's Favorite Steaks, in time for Father's Day.

The Ritz-Carlton Luxury Tour and Tea
The 92nd Street Y presents a tour of NYC's famed 5-star, 5-diamond hotel. Discover all the Ritz-Carlton has to offer, from gorgeous suites to world-class hospitality. Later, a lavish tea service will be served in one of the hotel’s elegant private rooms. The event will take place on Friday, June 6th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendees will meet in the hotel lobby (60 Central Park South). Pre-registration is required.  $65/person.