Planning Zone

February 2009

• Great American Pies Month
• Chocolate Month
• National Cherry Month
• National Grapefruit Month
• National Hot Breakfast Month
• National Snack Food Month
• North Carolina Sweet Potato Mont
• Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month

18 - National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day

19 - National Chocolate Mint Day

20 - National Cherry Pie Day

22 - National Margarita Day

23 - National Banana Bread Day

24 - Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, National Tortilla Chip Day

25 - Ash Wednesday National Chocolate Covered Peanuts Day, St. Walburga's Day - patron of crops.

26 - National Pistachio Day

27 - National Kahlua Day

28 - National Chocolate Soufflé Day

February Events

Feb 1-4, 2009  International Sweets & Biscuits Fair (ISM), Cologne, Germany. The world’s biggest and most important confectionery trade fair.

Feb 4-6, 2009  Fruit Logistica 2009, Berlin, Germany. The World of Fresh Produce International Trade Fair for Fruit and Vegetable Marketing. USA Pavilion, (USDA-endorsed) (Also: www.b-for.com)

Feb 5, 2009  Epicurean Evening, Houston, Texas. Join us for "A Taste of Space" at Space Center Houston on Thursday, February 5th. Enjoy samples from more than 40 area restaurants and food establishments.

Feb 7-9, 2009  ACF Northeast Regional Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio
American Culinary Federation

Feb 8, 2009  The Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition
Houston, Texas. Attendees will delight their taste buds at this lively event featuring the announcement of the 2009 International Wine Competition Champions, as well as a culinary competition of regional restaurants and catering institutions.

Feb 10-14, 2009  Masters of Food & Wine South America, Buenos Aires & Mendoza, Argentina

Feb 13-Mar 4, 2009  Fete du Citron (Lemon Festival), Menton, France.
The Lemon Festival, an unique event in the world, attracts 200.000 visitors every year - a figure which is constantly progressing -. It is the second most important event on the Riviera after the Nice Carnival and just ahead of the Monaco Formula 1. More than 300 people are employed on the project and 130 tonnes of citrus fruits are used.

Feb 14-17, 2009  MIA Food, Beverage & Trends in Eating Out Food Show, Rimini Fiera, Italy. 39th International Food Show

Feb 14-17, 2009  Oro Giallo, International Exhibition of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Rimini Fiera, Italy 14, 15, 21, 22, 2009 Merlot & Chocolate Tasting at Becker Vineyards. A guest chocolatier will make delightful chocolate creations to pair with the Becker Vineyards' Merlot. This event is complimentary. Contact 830-644-2681 or visit the web site at www.beckervineyards.com

Feb 19-22, 2009  South Beach Wine & Food Festival, South Beach, Florida. The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world's most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities.

Feb 19-22, 2009  BioFach 2009, World Organic Trade Fair
Nuremberg, Germany  (Also: www.b-for.com). The world’s largest organic trade fair. USA Pavilion (USDA-endorsed).

Feb 20-25, 2009  Annual Food & Fun Festival, Reykjavik, Iceland.
The festival celebrates pure Icelandic ingredients, including lamb and fish prepared by acclaimed chefs from around the globe. "Gourmet Dinner Nights" include signature dishes and special menus at some of the finest restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland's culinary capital.

Feb 20, 2009  Jalapeño Festival, Laredo, Texas. This event is part of the Washington's Birthday Celebration January 22 to February 22, 2009

Feb 21-23, 2009  ACF Central Regional Conference, Schaumburg, Illinois.

Feb 22, 2009  San Antonio Wine Festival, San Antonio, Texas
This event benefits KLRN- TV, Public Television for South Central Texas.

Feb 22, 2009  Carnival at Vilanova i La Geltrú, Vilanova i La Geltrú, Spain. Includes elaborate parades, frenetic parties and massive outdoor battles with meringue, candy (over 200,000 lbs) and cereal; culminates with the ceremonial burial of a sardine. Lots of fun.

Feb 22-26, 2009  Catersource 2009 Conference & Tradeshow, Las Vegas, Nevada. More than 1,000 exhibitor booths with the latest in food, products, services and more. Make valuable vendor connections for all your catering and event needs.

Feb 23-26, 2009  Emirates International Salon Culinaire, Dubai, UAE
Four days culinary extravaganza of seminars, competitions and demonstrations organized by the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG), the UAE’s association of professional chefs. There will also be a Restaurant of Nations will allow lucky visitors to sample magical creations from the region’s leading chefs.

Feb 23-26, 2009  AKFCF Convention 2009, National Harbor, Maryland
Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees Annual convention.

Feb 24, 2009Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana, This site introduces you to the major participants of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, provides updated parade information and parade routes, the truth about our Mardi Gras traditions, the best places to get your Mardi Gras beads, masks, and kingcakes ... and more

Feb 24, 2009  Bursting Day (Sprengidagur), Iceland, Fill up before Lent on salted lamb and vegetables. “Bursting Tuesday.”  (Tuesday before Ash Wednesday each year).

Feb 26-28, 2009  World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
Houston, Texas. Launch event for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is three days of cooking, competition, eating and dancing. The sweet aroma drifts over the Houston metropolis, drawing crowds like bees to honey as a record 209,313 guests joined the feast in 2008.

Feb 26-28, 2009  20th Annual Organic Farming Conference
La Crosse, Wisconsin. The largest organic farming conference in the U.S. In 2008, more than 2,300 people attended, with participants traveling from 37 states and 1 foreign country. Sponsored by the Wisconsin-based Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), the conference is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community.

Feb 27-March 1, 2009  21st National Fiery-Foods & Barbecue Show
Albuquerque, New Mexico. The National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show, now in its 21st year, is the largest and most visited show in the world relating to spicy foods and barbecue.

March 2009

• National Noodle Month  
• National Nutrition Month  
• National Peanut Month  
• National Sauce Month 

Mar 1 - National Pig Day, National Peanut Butter Lover's Day, National Fruit Compote Day, Wales: St. David's Day - Welshmen wear leeks in their hats today

Mar 2 - National Banana Cream Pie Day

Mar 4 - National Pound Cake Day 

Mar 5 - National Cheese Doodle Day 

Mar 6 - National Chocolate Cheesecake Day 

Mar 7 - National Crown Roast of Pork Day, Feast of St. Perpetua - patron of cattle 

Mar 8 – Daylight Saving Time begins, Farmers Day, National Peanut Cluster Day, China: Festival of the Earth Goddess

Mar 9 - National Crabmeat Day

Mar 10 - National Blueberry Popover Day 

Mar 11 - National Oatmeal-Nut Waffle Day 

Mar 12 - National Baked Scallops Day 

Mar 13 - St. Ansovinus' Day - patron of harvests 

Mar 14 - National Potato Chip Day 

Mar 15 - The Ides of March, National Pears Helene Day 

Mar 16 - Bock Beer Day, National Artichoke Hearts Day 

Mar 17 - St. Patrick's Day. According to many studies, this is thebiggest day of the year for combined food and beverage sales in restaurants and bars. National Green Beer Day, St. Gertrude of Nivelles' Day - patron of gardeners and travelers.  

Mar 18 - National Oatmeal Cookie Day

Mar 19 - Poultry Day, National Chocolate Carmel Day, National Agriculture Day

Mar 20 - First Day of spring, National Ravioli Day

Mar 21 - National French Bread Day, California Strawberry Day

Mar 22 - National Bavarian Crepes Day, The earliest day on whichMar Easter Sunday may occur. United Nations World Water Day

Mar 23 - National Chip and Dip Day

Mar 24 - National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day

Mar 25 - Waffle Day, National Lobster Newburg Day

Mar 27 - National Spanish Paella Day.

Mar 28 - Something on a Stick Day

Mar 29 - National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day

Mar 30 - National Hot Dog Day

Mar 31 - National Clams on the Half Shell Day, Tater Day, Orange and Lemons Day

March Events

Mar 1, 2009 Beer Day, Reykjavik, Iceland. March first is Beer Day every year in Iceland. This event began on March 1st, 1989, when a 75-year-long prohibition of beer was lifted. Pubs, restaurants, and clubs all around Reykjavik are especially wild this night.

Mar 1-3, 2009  International Restaurant & Foodservice Show
New York, New York. Over 650 exhibiting companies showcasing 10,000+ products and services.  The 20th Annual U.S. Pastry Competition. The Ultimate Barista Challenge. New York Wine Expo. PMQ’s New York Pizza Show. Education Theater and Cooking Stage. Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum. Catering Magazine Symposium. Personal and Private Chef Workshop.

Mar 1-3, 2009  20th Annual U.S. Pastry Competition, New York, New York. The nation's leading pastry professionals compete for the coveted title, 'Pastry Chef of the Year.' (At the Int’l Rest & Foodservice Show)

Mar 2-4, 2009  ScotHot, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Trade show for the Scottish foodservice and hospitality markets.

Mar 2-4, 2009  9th Thessaloniki International  Wine Competition, Thessaloniki, Greece. The only International Wine Competition held in Greece. Every March, during the Competition which is organized under the auspices of the O.I.V. (International Organization of Vine and Wine), Greek and foreign wine tasters (enologists, sommeliers and journalists) taste wines from Greece and abroad for 3 days. The public has the opportunity to taste the award-winning wines at a wine tasting event that is held every year after the end of the competition while winners receive the awards at an official awards ceremony.

Mar 2-5, 2009  Food Marketing Institute Annual Business Conference
Dallas, Texas, The Food Marketing Institute's Annual Business Conference provides a tremendous opportunity for suppliers to interact with their distributor trading partners.

Mar 3-6, 2009  China Drinktec, Guangzhou, Pazhou, China. The 13th China International Exhibition on Beverage, Brewery & Wine Technology.

Mar 4-5, 2009  4th Annual North Atlantic Seafood Conference,
Oslo, Norway.

Mar 5, 2009  Celebrity Chef Tour, New Orleans, Louisiana. Benefiting the James Beard Foundation featuring Award-Winning Chef Jacques Leonardi at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans.   Reception, multi-course dinner, wine pairings with each course, exclusive interactions with and access to the award-winning chefs, behind the scenes and experience the preparation of the courses.

Mar 5-8, 2009  30th Annual Fulton Oysterfest, Fulton, Texas.
Each year the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department sponsors Oysterfest, a salute to the tasty bi-valve found in our local waters. Oysterfest features carnival rides, games, food, an oyster eating contest, live music, unique vendor booths and most of all – Fun!

Mar 5-8, 2009  RCA Annual Conference & Culinology Expo
Dallas, Texas. Research Chefs Association.

Mar 5-8, 2009  Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim, California. The largest natural and organic trade show brings you a World of Goods – thousands of new products, cutting-edge trends, engaging speakers, informative seminars and endless networking opportunities.

Mar 5-8, 2009  2009 Outer Banks Taste of The Beach, The Outer Banks, North Carolina. Featuring wine tastings, cooking classes, special menu presentations, guest chef appearances, brewery tours and an exciting array of creative combinations of culinary delights and fun activities on the Outer Banks.

Mar 5-8, 2009  Charleston Food and Wine Festival, Charleston, South Carolina. We've combined the city’s best gastronomic experiences into one delicious weekend. Indulge your taste buds Lowcountry style at more than 50 events.

Mar 5-8, 2009  Agadir Fish 2009, Agadir, Morocco. Salon Fisheries and the Development of Sea Products.

Mar 6-7, 2009  5th Annual Savor Dallas, Dallas, Texas. Taste delicious food from over 60 top chefs. Sample 500 premium wines, spirits and imported beers. Enjoy events in beautiful locations in the Arts District, Victory Park, Plaza of the Americas, and the Westin City Center Dallas. Phone: 866-277-7920.

Mar 6-15, 2009  La Grande Festa Del Cioccolato, Turin, Italy. The Great Chocolate Festival. The festival attracts 700,000 visitors each year who consume more than 66,000 lbs of chocolate.

Mar 6 – 17, 2009 St. Patrick's Day Celebrations. The San Antonio River is magically transformed into the “River Shannon” (temporarily) as about 35 pounds of environmentally friendly green dye is released into the San Antonio River. Make sure to get a good spot on the River Walk for the St. Patrick's Day River Parade and then head over to the Alamo for solemn ceremonies to honor the fallen heroes. Free. (210) 227-4262 www.harpandshamrock.org

Mar 7, 2009  Wine Auction and Dinner, Houston, Texas. Enjoy champion wines with a seated dinner to begin the evening of bidding for the award-winning wines from the International Wine Competition.

Mar 7-23, 2009  Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, Melbourne, Australia.
Celebrate with over 200 events across 16 delicious days

Mar 8-10, 2009  National Meat Conference, Denver, Colorado. The 2009 Annual Meat Conference will deliver bold thinking about selling strategies, operational efficiencies, packaging, marketing, technology, and workforce issues.

Mar 11-14, 2009  OLIVEX 2009, Damascus, Syria. The 7th International Exhibition for Olive, Olive Oil & Olive Oil Processing Technology

Mar 14, 2009  14th Annual Kona Brewers Festival, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
An annual event designed to promote the microbrewery revolution in Hawaii, to encourage professional brewers & chefs to work together and have a significant and positive economic and environmental effect on the community

Mar 14, 2009  Milk River Wagon Train Feed and Dance, Malta, Montana.
Enjoy the tall tales, companionship and vittles of veterans and ‘scissor-billed' greenhorns as we share adventures of life in northern Montana, fueled by a scrumptious feed of Rocky Mountain Oysters and other tender morsels.

Mar 14-15, 2009  West of Western Culinary Festival, Phoenix, Arizona.
Fifty of Arizona's top independent and resort chefs join a hundred wineries in a two-day garden party, with chef cooking demos, wine classes, food seminars and jazz.  Phoenix Art Museum.

Mar 15-17, 2009  International Boston Seafood Show, Boston, Massachusetts. Co-located with Seafood Processing America, is North America’s largest seafood exhibition, attracting close to 18,000 seafood buyers and sellers from across the globe.

Mar 15-18, 2009  WFF Annual Leadership Development Conference, Grapevine, Texas. Women's Foodservice Forum Annual Leadership Development Conference.

Mar 18, 2009 Ben E. Keith, Spring Food Show, Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio, TX

Mar 23-25, 2009  7th World Potato Congress, Christchurch, New Zealand. With the theme "Nourishing our future", the four-day congress will review the latest developments in crop management, environment and energy issues, food and non-food processing, and food safety and quality. More than 500 delegates, representing the potato industry in both developed countries and developing countries, are expected to attend.

Mar 24, 2009 Starchefs Rising Stars Revue, Seattle, Washington
Glimpse the future of Seattle dining at our walk-around tasting gala and awards ceremony. Enjoy signature dishes from up-and-coming culinary stars from the top restaurants in town. All dishes are paired with ultra-premium wines selected by the Rising Star Sommelier.

Mar 25-27, 2009  EuroGastro, Krakow, Poland. International Food Service and Hotel Equipment Trade Fair.

Mar 25-27, 2009  WorldFood, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 7th Uzbekistan International Food, Drinks, Packaging, Food Technology and Agriculture Exhibition

Mar 26-28, 2009  International Rum Festival, Tampa Bay, Florida.
Several Festival events will take place including a formal Rum Tasting Dinner, an outdoor BarBQ and more information to come.

Mar 26-29, 2009  Taipei Int’l Bakery Show 2009, Taipei, Taiwan. TIBS 2009 will bring exhibitions and the general public closer by including both professional and consumer shows. It is also planned to integrate with foreign counterparts for more exchange and interaction.

Mar 27-29, 2009  41st Blessing of the Fleet, Darien, Georgia. The best place to eat sweet Georgia Shrimp.  The waterfront town has something for everyone.  Shrimp eating contest, a street parade featuring shrimpboat floats, sumptuous food booths, arts & crafts & vendors, Art in the Park, 5k River Run, antique car show, carnival, a Shrimpbox Derby and the largest Shrimp Fleet Parade in the USA.  Live entertainment, fireworks.

Mar 29-30, 2009  Northwest Foodservice Show, Portland, Oregon. The biggest, most sensational restaurant and foodservice spectacle in the Pacific Northwest.

Mar 29-31, 2009  Future Food Congress, Henderson (Las Vegas), Nevada. Designed to help food industry manufacturers overcome today's challenges and work towards tomorrow's solutions by bringing together some of the industry's leading experts and innovators. Executives from within the food industry who will come together for 3 days of keynote presentations, closed roundtable sessions, workshops and panel discussions.

Mar 29-1, 2009  Alimentaria Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
Most important trade fair for the industry on the Iberian Peninsula

Mar 30, 2009Taste Of Austin 2009 5:30-8:00 pm, Austin, Texas. Palmer Event Center   http://www.tasteofaustin.com/    

April 

• Fresh Florida Tomato Month  
• National Food Month  
• National Pecan Month  
• National Soft Pretzel Month  
• National Soyfoods Month 

8 - Passover begins at sundown, National Empanada Day

10 - Good Friday

11 - National Cheese Fondue Day  

12 - Easter Sunday

13 - National Peach Cobbler Day

14-National Pecan Day

15-National Glazed Ham Day

16-National Eggs Benedict Day

18- National Animal Crackers Day, International Juggler's Day. Practice juggling a watermelon, an egg and a T-bone steak today          

19-Garlic Day    

20-National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day          

21-St. Bueno's Day, patron against cattle diseases.

22 - Earth Day

24-National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day

25-St. Mark's Day, patron of cattle breeders. This is the latest date that Easter Sunday can occur.

27-National Prime Rib Day

29-National Shrimp Scampi Day

April Events

Apr 1, 2009 Ben E. Keith, Albuquerque Food Expo, Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque, NM. 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Apr 1-3, 2009  InterFood Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Tajikistan International Exhibition Food, Drinks, Packaging & Food Technology.

Apr 1-3, 2009  InterFood St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russia.
International Exhibition for Food, Beverages & Ingredients.

Apr 1-3, 2009  SIAL Montréal - North American Food Marketplace
Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The leading North American agrifood show. SIAL Montréal offers to North American and worldwide producers and distributors, a powerful business platform to make a way into the North American marketplace

Apr 1-4, 2009  International Association of Culinary Professionals Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado.

Apr 2 -6, 2009 The Twenty-Third Annual Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, Austin, Texas.  Join Country Wine and Food Festival SAVEUR Editors and Int’l Wine and Food Figures to Meet Global Culinary Masters and Local Vintners. Pam Blanton, 512 – 542 – WINE, 361 – 814 – 4991, pr@texaswineandfood.org

Apr 3 -5, 2009Poteet Strawberry Festival, More than just a celebration of the strawberry, this festival is one of the oldest, most popular events in the state and is recognized as the largest agricultural festival in Texas. Located just south of San Antonio, the Poteet Strawberry festival includes concerts, dancing, rides, gunslingers, rodeo performances and of course lots of strawberries. www.strawberryfestival.com

3-5, 2009  38th Annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

3-5, 2009  Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival visit cities throughout the Gulf Coast states to share the love of fine wine, gourmet cuisine and Gulf Coast culture.

4, 2009  Caribbean Veggie Fest & Wellness Conference
Negril, Jamaica. This event celebrates culinary tourism in varied dimensions, attracting foodies from as far away as Greece and Israel. Culinary exhibitors will include: The Culinary Federation of Jamaica (CFJ), vegetarian restaurants, hotels, vegetarian food purveyors, juice makers and natural seasoning makers.(also: www.visitjamaica.com/events/caribbean-veggiefest.aspx )

4, 2009Cattle Barons' Ball "Cowboys on the Coast" Includes music, dance, food all evening, silent auction, live auction, gaming parlor, midway and much more. Headliners are John Conlee and Johnny Lee, with opening act Skeeter Jones and the Beer Can Band. Benefits the American Cancer Society. Hours are 7 p.m. to midnight. Southeast Texas Regional Airport, KUSA Hanger. BEAUMONT, TX Call for info: (409) 835-2139
www.cattlebaronsbeaumont.com

4, 2009  Swamp Thing and Crawfish Festival, Austin, Texas. Food & Music. This popular Louisiana themed event features the best in Louisiana cuisine. Enjoy an extensive menu of Cajun seafood. The highlight of the show is 6000 pounds of jumbo crawfish and other bayou favorites. Entertainment, music.

4-6, 2009  ACF Western Regional Conference, Seattle, Washington
American Culinary Federation.

8, 2009Ben E. Keith, DFW Food & Equipment Expo, Market Hall, Dallas, Texas.

13, 2009  Trelawny Yam Festival, Hague Show Grounds, Trelawny, Jamaica. A cultural, heritage and food festival first initiated at the community level and first celebrated in 1997.  It has become the standard bearer for all local food festivals in Jamaica and boasts a number of events and attractions culminating in a grand festive occasion on Easter Monday each year.  These events leading up to the festival include the Schools’ Competition in February; Farmers’ field Celebration in March, and a King and Queen pageant also in March. Come and be a part of the biggest, most exciting and arguably the most popular food festival in Jamaica! (also: www.visitjamaica.com/events/trelawny-yam-festival.aspx )

15, 2009 Ben E. Keith, Oklahoma City Food & Expo, Cox Center, Oklahoma City, OK. 10:00am – 5:00pm, Seminar starts at 9:00am.

15-18, 2009  Food & Hotel Indonesia, Kemayoran, Indonesia
The 10th International Hotel, Catering Equipment, Food and Drink Exhibition

16-19, 2009, 2nd Annual  Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Pebble Beach Food & Wine is the premier epicurean lifestyle event in the country celebrating 60 celebrity chefs and 250 wineries during this unforgettable four-day event.

18, 2009 Southern Foodways Alliance Presents - Potlikker Film Festival Washington, D. C. 6-9 p.m. @ Johnny’s Half Shell
400 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, D.C. Look for new films on buttermilk and catfish at the festival. Registration will open in March.

18-19, 2009  Thrive Allergy & Gluten-free Expo, Chicago, Illinois
Products and services for the allergic or gluten intolerant consumers. Home, lifestyle, food, and an array other related items to improve everyday living. 2 speaking venues. One focuses on overall lifestyle improvement, new information on allergic conditions, labeling updates, and similar issues. The second theater offers daily living topics such as cooking demos with top chef using free-from foods and gardening with allergies.

18-20, 2009  ACF Southeast Regional Conference
Charlotte, North Carolina.

22, 2009 Ben E. Keith, Amarillo Food Show, Location TBD, Amarillo, TX.

22-23, 2009  Wisconsin Cheese Industry Conference,  La Crosse, Wisconsin. The WCIC, co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research.

22-24, 2009  Wine & Gourmet Japan, Tokyo, Japan. International Wine & Gourmet Foods, Sweets and Confectionery, Hotel, Foodservice Equipment, Supplies & Services Exhibition & Conference.

23-24, 2009  Agrotec Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia. A technology fair especially for fruit & vegetable growers and flower producers.

24-27, 2009  South African Cheese Festival, Western Cape, South Africa. Cheese lovers can enjoy old favourites and new dairy and related products in the rustic setting of Bien Donné farm between Paarl and Franschhoek. Entertainment for the whole family with a variety of cooking demonstrations, tastings and leisurely shopping in a market atmosphere.

25-26, 2009  17th Annual East Maui Taro Festival, Maui, Hawaii.

25-26, 2009  1st International Congress of Food Hygiene
Tehran, Iran.

27-29, 2009  Food Safety Summit, Washington , DC. Each year, the Summit provides food processors, retailers, foodservice, government, military and academic professionals a forum to learn from expert speakers and trainers.

28-30, 2009  European Seafood Exposition, Brussels, Belgium.
Exhibitors from all over the world will be there to show you every category of seafood products. Source and compare seafood products, suppliers, and prices and learn about emerging industry trends and technologies. Sample the newest, most innovative products before they reach the consumer market.

30 - May 2, 2009  25th Annual San Angelo Wine & Food Festival
San Angelo, Texas. The oldest wine festivals in Texas. 3 days of fine wine, exceptional food, live music and more. Events include Uncorked & Unplugged Wine & Food Pairing, Wine & Dine Gourmet Dinner & Grand Auction, Fork & Cork Tasting Finale. Proceeds benefit the San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council.

May 

• National Artisan Gelato Month  
• National Asparagus Month  
• National Barbecue Month  
• National Chocolate Custard Month  
• National Egg Month  
• National Hamburger Month  
• National Salad Month  
• National Salsa Month  
• National Strawberry Month 

1 May Day

2 National Truffles Day

5- Cinco de Mayo, National Hoagie Day, Totally Chipotle Day

• National Crepe Suzette Day
• National Roast Leg of Lamb Day 
• National Coconut Cream Pie Day 

10 Mother’s Day, National Shrimp Day

13 National Apple Pie Day 

14 National Buttermilk Biscuit Day, National Dance Like a Chicken Day       

15 National Chocolate Chip Day

16 National Coquilles St. Jacques Day, --St. Honoratus' Day. Patron saint of bakers, pastry chefs, confectioners, flour merchants.

17 National Cherry Cobbler Day, Feast of St. Pascal Baylon, patron of cooks.

18 National Cheese Soufflé Day, Rooster Day, St. Theodotus' Day, patron of innkeepers.

19 National Devil's Food Cake Day

20 National Quiche Lorraine Day

21 National Waitstaff Day

24 National Escargot Day

25 Memorial Day, National Wine Day

26 National Blueberry Cheesecake Day

28 National Hamburger Day

29 National Coq Au Vin Day

30 National Mint Julep Day 

31 National Macaroon Day 

May Events

May 1-3, 2009  Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Celebrity Crawfish Eating Contest, Cajun Cooking Demonstration, Cajun Dancing Contest, Crawfish Races, Parade, Crawfish Etouffee Cookoff, music, entertainment, arts & crafts.

May 2-3, 2009  Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival 2009,Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England. This year in the cookery theatre we will have TV regular, James Martin doing cookery demonstrations. Chocolate demos and sculpting. The food hall boasts 60 top producers. Craft stall marquee; plenty of children’s activities and family fun. Contact details Rebecca Ciriaco on 01684 272047 or email: Rebecca.Ciriaco@tewkesbury.gov.uk

May 4-6, 2009  FMI Leadership Institute 'FutureConnect', Dallas, Texas.
Food Marketing Institute.

4-9, 2009  Beef Australia 2009, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.

May 5, 2009 Cinco de Mayo, Celebrations commemorate the Mexican Army's defeat of the invading French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Events include a festival with music and food at historic Market Square, concerts and other commemorations. (210) 207-8600 www.marketsquaresa.com

May 8-10, 2009  Ele Technia 2009, Hellinikon, Athens, Greece. Mediterranean Exhibition for Olive and Olive Oil.

May 6-9, 2009  HOFEX 2009: 13th Asian Intl Exhibition, Hong Kong, China. 13th Asian International Exhibition of Food & Drink, Hospitality Equipment, Supplies & Technology. Strictly open to professional trade and business visitors only.

May 8-10, 2009TASTE ADDISON, Addison Circle Park. A tasty weekend of food, music and family fun, this three-day festival features over 50 Addison restaurants serving generous samplings of their food at reduced prices. Festivities include national musical entertainment, celebrity chef demonstrations, carnival rides, midway games, arts and crafts, wine tasting and seminars, children's entertainment and more. Tickets are $5 for ages 4 and older prior to 5:00pm and $10 after 5:00pm.

May 8-10, 2009  HortiExpo 2009, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.
This Grand Event will have under one roof, Food & AgriBiz Expo, Indian Organic Expo 2009, Seed, Agrochem & Irrigation Expo 2009, Food Retailing Expo 2009, Processing & Packaging Expo 2009, Cold Chain & Logistics Expo 2009, Agri Finance & Insurance Expo 2009 and Medi Herbal Expo 2009.

May 8-10, 2009  Cooking Demo Open Air Championship, Bucharest, Romania. Amateurs and professionals competing in 2 different classes: culinary art and cooking in open air –grill, pot,sear. Several professional demos. Wine tastings, music and many culinary demos of Romanian and foreigner specialists!

May 13-17, 2009  ThaiFex - World of Food Asia, Bangkok, Thailand
Food & Beverage, Food Catering, Food Technology, Hospitality Services, Retail & Franchise.

May 14-16, 2009  3rd China (Beijing) International Healthy and Nutritious Edible Oil Industry Exposition & Forum, Beijing, China.
Promoting the concept of healthy consumption and explain the importance of high quality nutritious edible oil to provide a great supply and demand platform for enterprises. As food safety has become a global concern, we have also invited experts of authoritative food organizations, institutes and officials to attend our exhibition and to give directions and suggestions for food safety and policy. We endeavor to make this exhibition the biggest international exhibition on nutritious healthy edible oil.

May 16 – 17, 9th Annual Soul Food Festival & 2nd Annual Gospel on the Plaza Competition, San Antonio, TX. This event kicks off with a gospel choir competition and continues with amazing food, arts, crafts, family events and more. www.lavillita.com/soulfoodfest

May 16-19, 2009  NRA Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show, Chicago, Illinois
It is the largest single gathering in the world of foodservice and lodging professionals. It’s the biggest, most prestigious place in the world to market your products and services to the $408 billion U.S. restaurant/lodging industry.

May 19-23, 2009  Annual New Orleans Wine & Food Experience,
New Orleans, Louisiana. One of the most prestigious festivals of its kind, celebrates 18 years of wine and food with a five-day extravaganza. The event brings together world-renowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for a showcase of signature events designed to entertain, educate and inspire!

May 20-21, 2009  Food & Drink Future Innovation Forum 2009, Venue TBC, UK. Provides a great opportunity to learn from enduring companies that have clear plans for how they will advance into an uncertain future, how they tackle unsolved problems innovatively and achieve long-term performance excellence. This conference focuses intensively on bottom-line results, cutting costs and saving money while improving and optimising corporate performance.

May 20, 2009 Ben E. Keith, Little Rock Food Show, Hot Springs Convention Center. Hot Springs, AR. 10:00am – 4:00pm.

May 22-23, 2009  Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival, Fredericksburg, Texas. Louisiana styled music & food. Crawfish, jambalaya, boudin plus red beans and some Texas favorites too. 2nd annual gumbo cook-off! Horseshoe & washer pitching, arts and crafts, children's area.

May 26-28, 2009  VIV Russia, Moscow, Russia. Connecting markets worldwide for innovative animal production and processing from feed to meat.

May 31-June 19, 2009  Palm Springs Restaurant Week, Palm Springs, California. Showcasing over 100 restaurants over the entire valley, from Palm Springs to Indio.  An exhibition of the region's finest culinary talents and a chance to try all of the wonderful restaurants in the desert. 20 days of delicious dining at bargain prices.  Participating restaurants are offering a three-course meal which include an appetizer, main course, and a dessert.

June 

• National Candy Month  
• National Dairy Month  
• National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month  
• National Hunger Awareness Month
• National Iced Tea Month  
• National Papaya Month  
• National Seafood Month  
• National Soul Food Month  
• Turkey Lovers' Month 

1- Hurricane season begins and lasts until November 

4 - Cheese Day 

5 - Gingerbread Day, --Feast day of St. Boniface, patron saint of brewers. If it rains on the 5th of June, it means the blackberries will be small and full of seeds.

6 – National Cow Day 

7 - National Chocolate Ice Cream Day 

8 - Doughnut Day 

9 - National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day 

12 - National Peanut Butter Cookie Day 

13 - National Lobster Day, St. Anthony of Padua, patron of starving people, domestic animals, swineherds, harvests. 

14 - Flag Day, National Strawberry Shortcake Day

15 - Key West Conch Fritter Day 

16 - National Fudge Day 

17 - Eat Your Vegetables Day 

18 - National Cherry Tart Day, International Picnic Day 

19 – Juneteenth, National Martini Day

21 - Father’s Day, First Day of Summer,  National Peaches & Cream Day

30 - National Ice Cream Soda Day

June Events

June 3-5, 2009  World Pork Expo, Des Moines, Iowa. World Pork Expo is the trade show for the pork industry worldwide. It's the perfect showcase for companies who wish to build valuable relationships with the pork producers who use their products.

June 8, 2009  Fermented Food Symposium, Zilina, Slovakia. The Role of Fermented Food in the Maintenance of Health.

June 9-11, 2009  International Scientific Conference on Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Zilina, Slovakia. The conference programme will focus on the current advances in the research of nutraceuticals, functional foods and their present and future role in maintaining health and preventing diseases. The conference is a scientific forum for all stakeholders of nutraceuticals, functional foods and enable the interactive exchange of related state-of-the-art knowledge.

June 10, 2009 Ben E. Keith, Shreveport Food & Equipment Expo, Shreveport Convention Center, Shreveport, LA

June 10-12, 2009  FHC Beijing 2009, Beijing, China.
8th International Exhibition for the Food, Drinks, Hospitality, Foodservice, Bakery and Retail Industries.

June 10-12, 2009  Interfood Astana, Astana, Kazakhstan.

June 10-13, 2009  TUTTOFOOD, Milano, Italy. World Food Exhibition.

June 10-14, 2009  The BBC Good Food Summer Festival
Birmingham, England, UK.

June 12-14, 2009,61st Annual Shrimporee, Aransas Pass, Texas. Shrimporee in Aransas Pass TX. 12-14th of June with lots of food entertainment, parade, Out House Race, Beauty contest, Men's sexy Legs contest & Cool Melt Down. Friday 12th starts our Shrimporee off @ 6:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. The 13th @ 9:00 A.M. Out House race starts on Commercial between Wilson and Goodnight. Our parade starts @ 10:00 A.M. Our Shrimporee grounds opens up Saturday @ noon-12:00 noon, Cool melt Down starts at the Shrimporee grounds @ 2:00 P.M.,@ 5:00 P.M.The Sexy Legs contest starts. Sunday grounds opens at Noon-6P.M. For more info. call 1-361-758-2750.

June 15-18, 2009  Fispal Food Service, Sao Paulo, Brazil. 25th International Food Service Trade Show.

June 16-18, 2009  All Things Organic™ Conference and Trade Show
Chicago, Illinois. The only show in the industry that gives you access to more organic companies and more certified organic products than any other trade event.

June 18-21, 2009  Dolphin Days, Maui, Hawaii. Includes Chef & Winemaker Dinner, Dolphin Days Brew Fest, and The Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival, and much more.

June 18-21, 2009  17th Annual Pineapple Festival, Dole Park, Lanai, Hawaii. Celebrates the islands rich pineapple plantation and ranch history. Residents and visitors will enjoy. Local foods, craft and game booths, and entertainment. Everyone is invited

June 19, 2009 Juneteenth. San Antonio, Texas. Observances throughout the city, including a picnic, festival, Freedom Fair, and cultural celebrations honoring the date, June 19, 1865, the day that Texas slaves received word of the Emancipation Proclamation. (210) 527-1830 www.juneteenthsanantonio.com

June 21-25, 2009  Vinexpo 2009, Bordeaux, France. For the trade only.

June 25-26, 2009  Horeca Medellin, Medellin, Colombia. Professional fair for Foodservice and Hospitality.

June 25-28, 2009 56th Annual Luling Watermelon Thump, Luling, Texas. Watermelon! says "Summer!" like nothing else. Thousands enjoy this four-day outdoor festival honoring the nutritious, wonderful watermelon. The Watermelon Thump hosts a carnival with kiddie rides, Beer Garden, Plenty of Food, Children's Entertainment including magicians, mime, fire eaters and the like, Street Dances, Arts & Crafts, Champion Melon Judging and Auction, World Champion Seed Spitting Contest, Rodeo, Parade, Melon Eating Contest, and more.

June 26-28, 2009 Southern Foodways Alliance Field Trip: Bristol, The Mountain Empire. If our symposium is considered the classroom event, then an SFA field trip—held each summer in a different location—is meant as experiential learning.  Lasting three days, SFA field trips teach and feed you, but also put you to work.  We’ve grunted for worms and tonged for oysters, but we’ve also sipped Madeira from the porch of the Thomas Rose House in Charleston.  Field trips offer experiences for all types.

June 26-July 5, 2009  Taste of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. There’s food for everybody’s taste at the annual Taste of Chicago where you’ll find more than 300 menu items at over 70 restaurants.

June 28-30, 2009 The 2009 Southwest Foodservice Expo, Dallas, Texas at the Dallas Convention Center. As the largest foodservice tradeshow in the region, Expo brings together all aspects of the industry for three days of business, networking, education and fun.

June 28-30, 2009  NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show, New York, New York. More than 2,100 exhibitors from around the world, presenting more than 100,000 specialty foods to discover and sample.

July 

• July is the peak month for ice cream sales in the U.S.  
• Lasagna Awareness Month  
• National Baked Bean Month  
• National Culinary Arts Month  
• National Horseradish Month
• National Hot Dog Month  
• National Ice Cream Month  
• National July Belongs to Blueberries Month  
• National Picnic Month  
• National Pickle Month 

4 - Independence Day, Barbecue Day, National Barbecued Spareribs Day 

6 - National Fried Chicken Day, National Pickle Festival 

7 - Macaroni Day, Chocolate Day 

10 - National Pina Colado Day 

11 - National Blueberry Muffin Day, Feast of Theano, patron of vegetarianism. 

13 - National Ice Cream Day, National French Fries Day 

14 - Cow Appreciation Day, National Grand Marnier Day 

16 - National Corn Fritters Day 

17 - National Peach Ice Cream Day 

18 - National Caviar Day 

21 - National Junk Food Day 

23 - National Vanilla Ice Cream Day 

24 - National Tequila Day 

25 - National Hot Fudge Sundae Day 

27 - National Scotch Day 

28 - National Milk Chocolate Day, National Cheesecake Day, National Drive-Thru Day 

29 - National Lasagna Day, St. Martha's Day, patron saint of butlers, dietitians, cooks, innkeepers, waitresses. 

30 - National Cheesecake Day 

July Events

July 2-4, 2009  SugarAsia, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.
International Exhibition and Conference on Sugar, Distillery, Ethanol and Cane Farming.

July 9-11, 2009  Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament, Fort Peck Lake, Montana. $37,000 in total prize money. Fish Fry, Ms. Walleye Contest.

July 9-11, 2009  People and the Sea V, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The Centre for Maritime Research (MARE) at the University of Amsterdam. More information on the 2009 conference will follow.

July 9-11, 2009  10th Malaysia Intl Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB)
Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. An enriching and prolific opportunity for buyers and exhibitors. Food industry decision makers and authorities from the globe are attracted to this regional annual trade focused fair that presents a wide range of the latest and most current innovative food & beverage trends amalgamated with quality business.

July 10 – 12, 2009 Taste of Dallas, This incredibly popular event includes samples from fifty of Dallas' best restaurants, three stages of entertainment, marketplace area, artists market, Taste Town (kids area) and much more. In the West End. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Food samples are $2-$4. Website: http://www.tasteofdallas.org

July 11-14, 2009  ACF 58th National Convention, Orlando, Florida. Be part of the biggest annual gathering of chefs, students and foodservice professionals in the U.S. An array of workshops, seminar, cooking demonstrations, networking and social functions await you at the 2009 ACF National Convention.

July 17-18, 2009  Night In Old Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg, Texas.
Great German food & drink, German & Texas music, arts and crafts, kids area, historical exhibits

July 23-25, 2009  46th Annual Louisiana Watermelon Festival, Farmerville, Louisiana. The Louisiana Watermelon Festival has been named one of the Top Twenty Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

July 24-26, 2009  Gourmet Chili Pepper & Salsa Festival, Fredericksburg, Texas. Celebrate the chili pepper and all things related. Entertainment, demonstrations and vendors.

July 25-26, 2009  The Urban Celebrity Food Festival. Huntsville, Alabama. The Urban Celebrity Food Festival celebrates the foods of African American Restaurants, Chefs, Caterers AND other restaurant owners.

August 

• Harvest Month  
• National Catfish Month  
• National Water Quality Month  
• Peach Month 
• Hunger Action Month 
• KRLD Restaurant Week 

2 -National Ice Cream Sandwich Day 

3 -National Watermelon Day 

5 - National Mustard Day, National Waffle Day 

6- National Root Beer Float Day 

8 - Sneak Some Zucchini on Your Neighbor's Porch Night 

10 - National S'Mores Day, St. Lawrence of Rome Day, patron of cooks, protector of vineyards 

11 - National Raspberry Bombe Day 

13 - National Filet Mignon Day, International Lefthanders Day 

14 - National Creamsicle Day 

15 - National Lemon Meringue Pie Day 

16 - National Rum Day, Baba Au Rhum Day

18 - National Ice Cream Pie Day 

21 - Ramadan begins at sundown

24 - National Peach Pie Day, St. Bartholomew;s Day, patron of cheese merchants and butchers. 

25 - National Banana Split Day 

26 - National Cherry Popsicle Day 

27 - National Pots de Crème Day 

28 - National Cherry Turnover Day 

August Events

Aug 6-8, 2009  30th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival, Cave City, Arkansas

Aug 7-9, 2009  5th Food and Technology Expo, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India. The 3 day exhibition will showcase the status of the advancements in Horticulture and of the 'Agrifood Business' in terms of technology, market knowledge and latest developments in the processing, milling and packaging of foods.

Aug 11-14, 2009  FHM 2009. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Food & Hotel Malaysia. The 10th Malaysian International Exhibition for Food, Drinks, Hotel, Restaurant & Foodservice Equipment, Supplies, Services & Related Technology.

Aug 14-15, 2009  Summer Sizzle, Springfield, Missouri. KCBS BBQ Contest, Kickball Tournament and RiverJam.  ""It's Kinda Like Recess...With Beer.”

Aug 15, 2009  3rd San Rafael Food & Wine Festival, San Rafael, California. Festival-goers will enjoy food from area restaurants and sample wines from 25 of the region’s outstanding boutique wineries. In addition, there will be a chef demonstration area featuring a number of area restaurants.

Aug 15, 2009  Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival, Cary, North Carolina. 60 Beers, 40 Bourbons, Lots of BBQ and One Unforgettable Good Time!

Aug 26, 2009 'La Tomatina' Tomato Fight, Bunol, Valencia, Spain. 30,000 people throw 240,000 pounds of tomatoes at each other

September 

• All-American Breakfast Month  
• Hug a Texas Chef Month  
• Mom & Apple Pie Month  
• National Biscuit Month  
• National Chicken Month  
• National Cholesterol Awareness Month  
• National '5-A-Day' Month (fruits & vegetables)  
• National Honey Month  
• National Mushroom Month  
• National Organic Harvest Month  
• National Papaya Month  
• National Potato Month  
• National Rice Month 

3 - National Welsh Rarebit Day 

5 - National Cheese Pizza Day 

6 - National Coffee Ice Cream Day 

7 – Labor Day, National Napoleon Day

 9 - National Steak au Poivre Day

10 - Hot Dog Day

12 - National Chocolate Milkshake Day

13 - National Peanut Day, International Chocolate Day 

14 - Eat a Hoagie Day, National Cream-filled Donut Day 

16 - National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day, Feast of St. Cornelius, patron of cattle, domestic animals. 

18 – Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown 

20 - National Rum Punch Day, Trout Season ends in Iceland.  (Begins on April 1) 

22 – First day of autumn,  National Hunting & Fishing Day, National White Chocolate Day, St. Maurice's Day, patron of knife grinders.

24 - National Cherries Jubilee Day 

25 – State Fair of Texas begins, National Crab Newberg Day, National Food Service Workers Day, Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with your Children

26 - National Pancake Day 

27 – Yom Kippur begins at sundown, National Chocolate Milk Day

30 - National Mulled Cider Day 

September Events

Sept 4-5, 2009 36th Annual World Championship Goat Cook-Off, Brady, Texas. The Brady/McCulloch County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 36th-annual World Championship Goat Cookoff during over Friday and Saturday of Labor Day Weekend at Richards Park. The celebration features 150 cooking teams assembled from all over Texas and the United States, cooking goat each in their own way. Cooking teams have traveled from as far as England to participate. Over 100 arts and crafts booths, kids games, horseshoe and washer pitching, and other events round out the day at the park.

At the end of the day, judging of the cooking team entrants occurs with prizes being awarded to top three teams. A Super Bowl winner is also announced from entrants of previous winners. Many other winners are announced, such as the Best-Looking Cooking Camp, the best designed arts and crafts booths, and the winners from the horseshoe and washer pitching competition. For more information, contact the Brady/McCulloch County Chamber of Commerce at 325-597-3491, or e-mail at chamber@bradytx.us.

Sept 4-6, 2009  Kerrville Wine & Music Festival, Kerrville, Texas. Over 100 songwriters and their bands. Concerts, wine tasting, wine seminars, arts & crafts, kid’s areas, food vendors and camping. RV’s are welcome. Activities throughout the day, concerts in the evenings.

Sept 5, 2009  6th Annual Taste of Hamburg-er Festival
Hamburg, Pennsylvania. A Free Admission food festival honoring the hamburger with restaurant competitions and burger eating contests: family entertainment on numerous stage areas, crafters / artists, strolling entertainment, children's activities, and contests.

Sept 5, 2009  Alabama Butterbean Festival, Pinson, Alabama. Miss Butterbean Pageant (including Mr. & Mrs. Dry Butterbean- for senior adults), butterbean and other food vendors, a Memphis in May sanctioned BBQ Cook-off—grand champion qualifies for the 2008 World BBQ Championship Cook-off, arts & crafts booths, live entertainment, dog pageant, etc.

Sept 6-8, 2009  The London Specialty & Fine Food Fair, London, England, UK. Niche event for delis, retailers, restaurateurs, chefs, hoteliers and distributors to source the very finest artisan food and drink.

Sept 1-13, 2009  Oxford Symposium on Food & Cookery, Oxford, England , UK. This event brings together writers, historians, sociologists, anthropologists, scientists, chefs and others who specialise in the study of food in history, its place in contemporary societies, and related scientific developments. This year’s topic is 'Food and Language'.

Sept 11-13, 2009  Maryland Seafood Festival, Annapolis, Maryland.

Sept 13-18, 2009  San Diego Restaurant Week, San Diego, California.
One of the premiere restaurant weeks in the country featuring over 140 restaurants and 250,000 diners each year.  Participating restaurants offer 3 course meals at bargain prices- either $20, $30 or $40 per person, depending on the restaurant. Restaurant Week has a new partner this year - the Girl Scouts! Several well-known chefs at top restaurants are creating Restaurant Week dishes using Girl Scout cookies to help bring awareness to the Girl Scout cookie drive.

Sept 15-18, 2009  World Food Moscow, Moscow, Russia. 18th International Exhibition for Food and Drink Products.

Sept 16, 2009 Ben E. Keith, West Texas Food Expo, Abilene Civic Center, Abilene, TX.

Sept 17-20, 2009 ADDISON OKTOBERFEST, Addison Circle Park, Addison, Texas. An authentic re-creation of the Munich Oktoberfest featuring German food, entertainment, traditional folk dances, children's entertainment and more.$5 ages 4 and older.

Sept 19, 2009  4th Annual Austin Chocolate Festival, Austin, Texas. Local chocolatiers and chocolate artisans including restaurants, bakeries, chocolatiers, patisseries, authors, and catering companies.  The vendors will compete against each other in several categories, offer samples to festival guests, and sell their products.

Sept 24-26, 2009  27th Great American Beer Festival, Denver, Colorado.
Great American Beer Festival - 46,000 + attendees, 3 days, 2,000 beers.  Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am Competition - Pro-Am beers are judged and will be awarded bronze, silver, and gold medals at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Sept 25-27, 2009  Coffee Fest Seattle, Seattle, Washington. Where coffee & tea business happens.

Sept 25 - Oct. 18 State Fair of Texas, Fair Park, Dallas, Texas. This 277-acre entertainment and recreation complex owned by the City of Dallas, is located two miles east of downtown. The park is the year-round home of the Music Hall, Cotton Bowl and eight museums. Fair Park is a National Historic Landmark and boasts the largest collection of art deco exposition buildings in the United States.Hours: During the 24-day State Fair of Texas, the exhibit buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday - Monday. Buildings close at 9 p.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Midway opening and closing times vary.

Sept 26-27, 2009  Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival
Stratford, Ontario, Canada. Perth County farmers and artisanal food producers join Stratford Chefs at the table in two days of grazing in the heritage district of Stratford, Ontario.  Sip, Savour and Sample the best of Perth County pork, produce and preserves.  Free public outdoor concerts, craft beer and Ontario wine samples, BBQ and chef demonstrations and more! 

28-Oct 2, 2009  Codex Alimentarius, Agadir, Morocco. The Codex Alimentarius Commission was created in 1963 by FAO and WHO to develop food standards, guidelines and related texts such as codes of practice under the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. The main purposes of this Programme are protecting health of the consumers and ensuring fair trade practices in the food trade, and promoting coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations.

29-Oct 5, 2009  Fall Flavours, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Chef Michael Smith invites you to enjoy over 130 culinary events across the Island in just six days.

October 

• Celebrate Sun Dried Tomatoes Month

• Cook Book Month  

• Gourmet Adventures Month  

• Hunger Awareness Month  

• National Apple Month  

• National Applejack Month  

• National Caramel Month  

• National Chili Month  

• National Cookie Month  

• National Country Ham Month  

• National Dessert Month  

• National Health Care Food Service Month  

• National Kitchen and Bath Month  

• National Pasta Month  

• National Pickled Peppers Month  

• National Pizza Festival Month  

• National Popcorn Poppin' Month  

• National Pork Month  

• National Pretzel Month  

• National Restaurant Hospitality Month  

• National Seafood Month  

• National Spinach-Lovers' Month

• Vegetarian Awareness Month 

1 - World Vegetarian Day 

2 - World Farm Animals Day, National French Fried Scallops Day 

4 - National Taco Day, Vodka Day 

5 - National Apple Betty Day 

6 - National Noodle Day 

8 - National Fluffernutter Day 

9 - Moldy Cheese Day, Grinder, Hoagie, Hero Day 

11 - National Sausage Pizza Day, Feast of St. Gummarus, patron of cowherds. 

12 – Columbus Day 

13 - National Yorkshire Pudding Day 

14 - National Chocolate Covered Insect Day, National Dessert Day 

15 - National Roast Pheasant Day 

16 - World Food Day, National Liqueur Day, St. Gall, patron of geese and poultry. 

17 - National Pasta Day 

18 – State Fair of Texas ends, National Chocolate Cupcake Day

19 - National Seafood Bisque Day 

21 - National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day 

22 - National Nut Day 

23 - National Boston Cream Pie Day 

24 - National Bologna Day 

27 - Wild Foods Day, National Potato Day, American Beer Day 

28 - National Chocolate Day 

29 -Oatmeal Day, Feast of St. Thomas Bellacci, patron of butchers.  

30 - National Candy Corn Day 

31 – Halloween, National Caramel Apple Day

October Events

Date – TBD, Texas Mushroom Festival, Madisonville, Texas.

Oct 1-3, 2009  Food & Hotel Vietnam 2009, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The 5th International Food and Drink , Hotel, Restaurant, Bakery and Foodservice equipment, Supplies and Services Exhibition.

Oct 2-4, 2009  Oktoberfest, Fredericksburg, Texas. Voted eighth favorite Texas Festival by Texans in 2005. German food and drink, polka and waltz contests, music, artisans, Kinderpark.

Oct 2-4, 2009  Master Brewers Assoc. of the Americas Annual Convention, La Quinta, California.

Oct 3, 2009  Lambtown, USA Festival, Dixon, California. National Lamb Ribs Eating Contest, Lamb Barbecue Cook-off, Fiber Fair, Sheepdog Trials, Shearing Competition, Mutton Bustin', Fiber and Open Sheep Shows.

Oct 4, 2009  IV International Kremlin Culinary Cup, Moscow, Russia.
The IV International Kremlin Culinary Cup will take place in October, 2009 and it will traditionally welcome teams and individual competitors from all over the world.

Oct 5-10, 2009  IAFI World Seafood Congress 2009, Agadir, Morocco.
International Association of Fish Inspectors.

Oct 10-14, 2009  Anuga, Cologne, Germany. Anuga - the most important trade fair for the world of food & beverages. 10 specialised trade fairs under one roof. Over 6,000 suppliers and 163,000 visitors from 95 countries. (Every 2 years)

Oct 21-23, 2009  7th Croatian Congress of Cereal Technologists
Opatija, Croatia.

Oct 24, 2009  Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest, Fredericksburg, Texas. A celebration of Texas wine & food. 25 Texas wineries and 50 Texas-made specialty participants are anticipated. Texas gourmet chefs demonstrating culinary talents at the Grape Expectations Cooking School, Gargantuan Great Grape Toss, wonderful auction, art, lively entertainment.

Oct 26-28, 2009  Food Expo 2009, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Food Expo showcases everything that has something to do with food and beverage, thus making it the most comprehensive event for all food industry professionals.

Oct 28-31, 2009  WorldWide Food Expo, Chicago, Illinois
AMI Int'l Meat, Poultry & Seafood Convention & Exposition; Food, Dairy & Beverage Exposition

29-November 1, 2009Southern Foodways Alliance Symposium: Music & Food. The annual Southern Foodways Symposium is held each October, on the campus of the University of Mississippi in Oxford. During these annual gatherings we examine the state of Southern food. (Southern drink gets its due, too.)

31 Oct – 9 – Nov. A “Ten Day Salute to Sausage,” Wurstfest has been drawing visitors to the German-influenced Hill Country town of New Braunfels for over four decades. In the early days, when it was still known as Sausage Festival, the event drew a few thousand. Today, well over 100,000 people attend the event annually. The 2008 edition, which is set for October 31 -November 9, is expected to be among the largest ever. In addition to a variety of sausage dishes, there are plenty of entertainment options during Wurstfest. An arts and craft show, dance contests, live music and more are staged throughout this 10-day celebration of sausage. Although the main attractions are located on the Wurstfest Ground in Landa Park, activities are actually staged throughout New Braunfels and surrounding Comal County. Wurstfest opens at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends. The festival closes at midnight on Thursdays and Fridays, 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 1 a.m. Saturday. Admission to the Wurstfest is $8. Children under 12 are free.

November 

• Good Nutrition Month  
• National Diabetes Month  
• National Georgia Pecan Month  
• National Peanut Butter Lovers' Month  
• National Pepper Month  
• National Raisin Bread Month  
• Vegan Awareness Month 

1 - National French Fried Clam Day, All Hallow's Day, World Vegan Day, All Saints’ Day, Daylight Saving Time ends

2 - National Deviled Egg Day 

3 -  Election Day, Sandwich Day

6 - National Nachos Day 

9 - National Scrapple Day 

10 - National Vanilla Cupcake Day 

11 - Veteran’s Day

12 - National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day 

13 - St. Diego Alacala's Day, patron of cooks. 

14 - National Guacamole Day 

15 - National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day 

17 - Homemade Bread Day, National Baklava Day 

18 - National Vichyssoise Day 

19 - National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day 

20 - National Peanut Butter Fudge Day 

21 - National Stuffing Day 

22 - National Cranberry Relish Day 

23 - National Cashew Day 

24 - National Espresso Day 

26, Thanksgiving 

28 - National French Toast Day 

November Events

Nov 1-4, 2009 Terlingua International Chili Championship. Each year on the first Saturday of November, The Chili Appreciation Society International, Inc. CASI, holds the ultimate celebration of Chili. This granddaddy of all chili cookoffs is held at Rancho CASI de los Chisos in Terlingua, Texas. Rancho CASI is located on the North side of Highway 170, eleven miles West of Study Butte and 7 miles East of Lajitas. The four day celebration begins each year on Wednesday before the big weekend, and culminates on Saturday with the Terlingua International Chili Championship©. It's a Texas tradition of epic proportion - complete with an annual proclamation from the Governor declaring "Chili Appreciation Society International Day" in Texas!

Nov 1-4, 2009  Saudi Food 2009, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 16th International Food, Equipment & Catering Show.

Nov 3-5, 2009  VIV India, New Delhi,, India. Connecting markets worldwide for innovative animal production and processing from feed to meat.

Nov 3-6, 2009  World Food Kazakhstan, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Nov 7-8, 2009  Giant Omelette Celebration, Abbeville, Louisiana. The cooking of a 5,000 Egg Omelette! Authentic Cajun Food, Art Show, Musical Entertainment, Antique Car Show, Kid's World, and much more!

Nov 9-10, 2009  12th Americas Food & Beverage Show, Miami Beach, Florida. The largest Americas-focused trade show in the hemisphere for the F&B industry.

Nov 10,2009 Burgers & Beer at BIN 555, San Antonio, Texas. Experience the gourmet side of this backyard classic! More Info

Nov 10-15, 2009 The San Antonio New World Wine & Food Festival
Giving wine and food aficionados one more thing to be thankful for this November, the Festival will showcase the Alamo City's finest restaurants and chefs as well as celebrity guests from Mexico, Miami, Manhattan and all over Texas as it celebrates San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination and an important culinary and cultural gateway to Mexico and Latin America. (210) 822-9555 www.nwwff.org

Nov 12-14, 2009  Expo Pesca - International Trade Fair of Fishing & Fish Farming, Lima, Peru. The three-day exhibition will feature state of the art Equipment, Supplies and Services for Fishing and Fish Farming, as well as Seafood and Fish Farming Food.

Nov 12-14, 2009  2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival, Grand Rapids, Michigan. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of wine, food and other culinary delights, the International Wine & Food Festival in Grand Rapids will deliver a grand experience that is sure to please every palette.

Nov 17-19, 2009  Food Ingredients Europe, Frankfurt, Germany.

Nov 24-27, 2009  Ingredients Russia 2009, Moscow, Russia
12th International Exhibition for Food Ingredients, Additives & Flavourings

December 

• International Calendar Awareness Month 

1 - National Pie Day, Eat a Red Apple Day 

2 - National Fritters Day 

4 - National Cookie Day 

5 - National Sacher Torte Day 

7 - National Cotton Candy Day 

8 - National Brownie Day 

9 - National Pastry Day 

10 - National Lager Day 

11 - Hanukkah begins at sundown

12 - National Ambrosia Day 

14 - National Bouillabaisse Day 

16 - National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, Eat What You Want Day 

17 - National Maple Syrup Day 

18 - National Roast Suckling Pig Day 

19 - Oatmeal Muffin Day 

20 - National Sangria Day 

21 - First day of winter, National French Fried Shrimp Day

23 – National Pfeffernuesse Day 

24 - National Egg Nog Day 

25 - Christmas Day, National Pumpkin Pie Day

26 - Kwanzaa begins (December 26 to January 1),.National Candy Cane Day

27 - National Fruitcake Day

28 - Eat Vegetarian Day, National Chocolate Day 

29 - Pepper Pot Day, National Chocolate Again Day 

30 - National Bicarbonate of Soda Day 

31 - New Years Eve, National Champagne Day

December Events

Dec 1-3, 2009  DIYAFA 2009, Doha, Qatar. International Hospitality & Food Exhibition for Qatar. Includes the Diyafa Salon Culinaire competitions.

Dec 1-4, 2009  FoodS& SibPack, Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia.
18th International Exhibition of Food Stuffs, Beverage, Food Processing Equipment and Technology & 18tib h International Package, Packaging Materials and Technologies Exhibition

Dec 4, 2009  IFMA Fundamentals Seminar, Rosemont, Illinois.
IFMA - International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. Foodservice Fundamental Series of educational programs for individuals that are new or have recently entered the foodservice industry.

"Food is our common ground, a universal experience."
— James Beard

"Beef is the soul of cooking."
— Marie-Antoine Carême (1784-1833)

“Give them great meals of beef and iron and steel, they will eat like wolves and fight like devils.”
— William Shakespeare (1564-1616), King Henry V

“Large, naked, raw carrots are acceptable as food only to those who live in hutches eagerly awaiting Easter.”
— Fran Lebowitz

"Any of us would kill a cow, rather than not have beef."
— Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

“Sometimes I pray to Cod for the veal-power to stop playing with my food words, but I fear it's too bread into me. For all I know, the wurst may be yet to come.”
— Mark Morton, 'Arts & Scantlings' (Gastronomica, Fall 2006)

"Cuisine is both an art and a science: it is an art when it strives to bring about the realization of the true and the beautiful, called le bon (the good) in the order of culinary ideas. As a science, it respects chemistry, physics and natural history. Its axioms are called aphorisms, its theorems recipes, and its philosophy gastronomy."
— Lucien Tendret (1825-1896)
great-nephew of Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

"Hunger: One of the few cravings that cannot be appeased with another solution."
— Irwin Van Grove

“Vegetables are interesting but lack a sense of purpose when unaccompanied by a good cut of meat.”
— Fran Lebowitz ('Metropolitan Life') 

“I have long believed that good food, good eating is all about risk. Whether we're talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime 'associates,' food, for me, has always been an adventure.”
— Anthony Bourdain, Kitchen Confidential (2000)

“Pork - no animal is more used for nourishment and none more indispensable in the kitchen; employed either fresh or salt, all is useful, even to its bristles and its blood; it is the superfluous riches of the farmer, and helps to pay the rent of the cottager.”
— Alexis Soyer 19th century French chef.
The Modern Housewife (1851)

“Talk of joy: there may be things better than beef stew and baked potatoes and home-made bread --- there may be."
— David Grayson, 'Adventures in Contentment' (1907)

 “Sacred cows make the best hamburger.”
— Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens) (1835-1910)