California food festivals in 2008
GILROY
Gilroy Garlic Festival
Perhaps the most aromatic festival around, the event this year features a return of the Garlic Showdown, an “Iron Chef”-style competition with four top San Francisco Bay Area chefs competing for $5,000 and 1,000 pounds of fresh garlic. And the most popular attraction of the festival, the Gourmet Alley Demonstration Stage, will have chefs explaining how they prepare their garlic-laced entrees. Among fare at the fest: garlic fries, garlic calamari, garlic scampi, garlic ginger chicken stir fry, garlic frog legs, French-fried garlic artichoke hearts and garlic chocolate.Where: Christmas Hill Park, 7100 Miller Ave.
Cost: $12, $6 ages 6 to 12, 5 and younger free
Info: (408) 842-1625, www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.
FEB. 23
SANTA CRUZ
Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off
It might be the seaside location or the theme of the day, but participants are inspired to dress up as scuba divers, mermaids -- there was even a “clam fairy,” a spokeswoman said. Teams compete in three divisions (individuals, restaurants and corporate/media) for “best clam chowder,” be it Boston or Manhattan. There are cash prizes, round-trip plane tickets and other awards.
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St.
Cost: Admission free; contest entry fees are $50 or $60; $7 to taste chowders.
Info: (831) 420-5273, www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/pr/.
