MasterCard Perks For New York City Wine & Food Festival

MasterCard is set to become the platinum sponsor and official card of The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, which is also sponsored by FOOD & WINE. The multi-year partnership announced earlier today, will give MasterCard cardholders presale access to a long list of events.

Tickets go on sale June 25 for the festival, which is scheduled for Oct. 11 through Oct. 14, 2012 and MasterCard cardholders will enjoy presale access to more than120 events starting today.

Event specialist Lee Schrager, mastermind behind the culinary exposition that is the NYCWFF, gave some insight into one of his favorite events. "SWEET! is not to be missed. It's our fifth anniversary party and there's an amazing lineup of chefs."

Sandra Lee will host SWEET! in collaboration with Godiva Chocolatier, to celebrate the fifth year of the festival. Maria Baugh of Butter Lane Cupcakes, Steven Collucci of Collichio & Sons, and George McKirdy of Astor Bake Shop are a few of the more than 30 chefs to participate.

Schrager also noted Shake & Bake – an ode to fried chicken, with Whoopi Goldberg and Art Smith as another event not to miss this year.

The festival is hosted by and benefits the Food Bank of New York City and Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign. More than $5 million has already been raised to help fight hunger with these organizations.