The Thousand Oaks Arts Commission is holding...

The Thousand Oaks Arts Commission is holding the International Arts Festival ’94 this Sunday. And in keeping with the theme of the event, there will be plenty of international food on hand, courtesy of local restaurants, caterers and others.

Among the participants are Yasmeen’s Indian Cuisine of Oxnard, Kay’s Gourmet Catering of Westlake (which will serve up Greek and possibly German fare), The Mandarin Wok of Thousand Oaks, and the D&R; Italian Market, also of T.O. The festival will go from noon to 7 p.m--or lunch to dinner--at Conejo Creek Park North.

*

For those who would rather cook than eat, here’s some advance notice of food contests coming up during the Fourth of July weekend.

Let’s start with dessert. The sweet-tooth’s highlight of the Simi Valley Historical Society’s Old-Fashioned Sundae in the Park, July 3 at Strathearn Historical Park, will be the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bake-Off. All you have to do is show up with a special recipe and two dozen cookies.

Organizer Jan Smith, president of the Historical Society’s board of directors, said the judges will likely look (or taste) for texture, all-around good flavor--not too sweet, not to dry--and moistness. Call 522-2920 for more information.

*

Now for the main course. Chili.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, and you’re a member of the International Chili Society, consider entering a dish at the eighth annual Sespe Creek Chili Cookoff and Car Show on July 4 at Central Park.

And try not to feel intimidated by the judges, even though four of them, two husband-and-wife teams from Fillmore, are former World Champion chili cooks. Jim and Eileen Beaty won top honors in 1986, and Kenton and Linda Stafford picked up the award in 1988.

“When you take that first bite, it should intrigue you,” Linda Stafford said. “It starts at the tip of the tongue and goes all the way through the palate, down to your throat. It’s well-blended and flavorful all the way through.”

Call 524-0351 if you’re interested.