Now and again – in the interest or time and the remarkable coincidence that a single post can be of interest to more than one audience, I will use a post from Fabulous Foodie on here or a post from here in Fabulous Foodie. This is one of those times.

I gather that March 30 is Turkey Neck Soup Day. Because I’ve always believed that a truly wise person doesn’t hesitate to admit when they don’t know something, I feel perfectly comfortable with the knowledge and admission of the knowledge that I have no idea what Turkey Neck Soup is. Anyone? No? Moving on . . .

The weather – though a tad chill this morning – is showing distinct signs of Spring so I have decided that it is a good time to see what culinary socializing the city holds for the upcoming months. And as usual, this time of year does not disappoint. We’ve got food festivals:

• International Restaurant Week (May 1-10, 2009 ): Normally one doesn’t associate airlines with fine dining but this event is a Continental Airlines creation. Not only do you get exclusive offers at 12 of New York City’s top Zagat-rated restaurants – you also get behind-the-scenes kitchen tours, unique menus, complimentary tastings and take home treats.
• Ninth Avenue International Food Festival and Street Fair (May 16-17, 2009) – still going strong after 36 years. I know, I know – New York Street Fairs are all the same — except that they aren’t. Sure, you’ll see non-food vendors but the food is the things here and from 37th Street to 57th Street, you’ll see everything from chorizo sandwiches to pad thai to alligator to cheesecake.
• 8th Annual The Cuisine of Queens & Beyond (May 19, 2009) lots to savor here but this year is special because this year Dish du Jour Magazine is hosting the first Meatball Melee where borough restaurants are invited to compete for the title of “Best Balls in the Boroughs.” Now admit it – you’re hungry already, aren’t you?
• Third Annual NYC Food Film Festival (June 13-19, 2009) where filmgoers are able to watch food films then sample the food portrayed in those films.
• While the Food Festivals across the city are certainly worth checking out, it would be a culinary crime to miss out on the Great New York State Food and Wine Festival (June 19-21, 2009). After all, as a state New York produces some of the best cheeses, maple syrup, apple cider, cookies and ice cream and of course, wines. Why not head up the Clayton, NY (in the New York’s famous 1000 Islands Vacation Region) and check it out. Everyone could use a weekend away.
• Another thing New York State excels at is strawberries. Yes, strawberries. Check them out at the Owego Strawberry Festival (June 19-20), a mainstay of the NYS food scene for 29 years (Where else can you get fireworks and a strawberry pie baking contest?) and – another long time strawberry soire – the Merritt Strawberry Festival (June 13-14, 2009) hosted at Merritt Estate Winery in Chautauqua County