A Flavorful Festival

The winner may not get to ride down Colorado Boulevard, but the “Stinking Rose Queen” will get to reign over the Captain Morgan 12th annual Los Angeles Garlic Festival on Saturday and Sunday--and take home $500. The competition is Friday at 6 p.m. at the Stinking Rose restaurant in Los Angeles, 55 N. La Cienega Blvd. Second and third place runners-up will each get $250. It doesn’t take beauty or cooking skills, but contestants must be 18 or older, deliver a one-minute speech and be able to appear at the festival from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Along with garlicky foods, there will be lectures, garlic-oil foot massages and specialty items for sale. Entertainment on the outdoor stages will feature Pancho Sanchez, Detroit, Wild Pony and many others.

Festival hours are Saturday noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. at the Los Angeles Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood Village. Tickets are $10; seniors, $6; taste and beverages, $1-$5. Tickets at the gate or through Ticketmaster, (213) 480-3232.