Agenda: Running of the Bulls, Nathan's Famous Franks, and Iberian Cheeses

FEATURED EVENT

Running of the Bulls
In honor of the famous San Fermin, Spain, Running of the Bulls festival (which takes place this year from July 6th through July 14th), Pamplona (37 East 28th Street) will be offering a special "all bull" prix fixe menu designed by chef-owner Alex Urena.  The five course feast will include Beef Carpacio, Oxtail Terrine, Beef Cheeks, and more.  Guests may also choose to have their meal paired with wines.  The Running of the Bulls celebration will take place starting Monday, July 7th through Saturday, July 12th. 5 Course Menu: $65/person, With Wine Pairings: $95/person. (212.213.2328)

EVENTS THIS WEEK (July 2 through 8)

Mega Bites Recipe Challenge
Do you have a killer Kosher-themed recipe? The 92nd Street Y is presenting the Mega Bites Recipe Challenge.  The Winner will receive kudos from such celebrity foodies as Marc Murphy, Gael Green, Arthur Schwartz and others.  If that's not enough, the recipe will appear in a full color spread in an upcoming 92nd Street Y cookbook and calendar, will be featured for a month on the menu of the 92Y Tribeca Cafe, and more.  Entries are being accepted now through August 31st.  Visit the site for full rules and details.

Hot Dog Eating Contest
Nathan's Famous July 4th International Hot Dog Eating Contest returns with plenty of anticipation.  Last year's winner Joey Chestnut beat out former champion Takeru Kobayashi and set a new world record with 66 hot dogs and buns eaten in 12 minutes. The free event will take place at Coney Island and Brighton Beaches (1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn) on Friday, July 4th at 11:00 a.m.

Fourth of July BBQ
Back Forty (190 Avenue B) will be hosting an all-American backyard barbecue in honor of our nation's independence.  A special a la carte menu featuring clams and oysters on the half-shell, grilled corn on the cob with lime and chile salt, grass fed burgers and more will be offered, as well as $3 local beers (like Captain Lawrence's Pale Ale) and free watermelon slices.  Folks are also encouraged to head over a few blocks towards the East River for the fireworks display at 9:00 p.m.  The backyard barbecue will take place on Friday, July 4th from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.  (212.388.1990)

The Great Iberian Peninsula
The Artisanal Cheese Center (500 West 37th Street) is presenting a class, "The Great Iberian Peninsula: Spain, Portugal, Wine, & Cheese" led by dean of curriculum Max McCalman. Journey through wine and cheeses from throughout the region. The class will take place on Monday, July 7th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $85/person.

What's Up Down Under
Bacchus Wine Made Simple (2056 Broadway) is presenting "What's Up Down Under" - a two hour Southern Hemisphere wine class.  Discover the main growing regions and sample 8-10 wines from Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and more.  The event will take place Monday, July 7th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $75/person.

Image: iStockphoto.