We
are blessed with many special events that focus on food, so I picked a few of
my favorites to steer you in the right direction of the pure foodie (and
libation) activities that are happening this summer. We all have limited time
and budgets, so I wanted to bring you the ones that are definitely on my
culinary to do list.
This
year is the 11th season for Avila’s Farmers Market. It takes place
every Friday (April - September) from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on the Avila BeachPromenade. The focus is food, delicious and cooked right then and there for
you. But at this market, Fish Tacos are the star. Olde Port Inn has the number
one spot with fresh fish pulled from the sea, then grilled and served on a tortilla
with pico do gallo, cabbage and lime juice. This is the best meal you will eat
standing up. I also like Fat Cats Cafe and the Custom House BBQ pit. My new adoration
is hosted by Home Plate with their fresh salmon and lingcod tacos. While I did
go a bit crazy for the Mole and Chili Verde Nachos, Crab and Corn Chowder and
the Tilapia Ceviche. There is live music and dancing every week with beach side
bands that blend perfectly with the seaside rhythm. This is a fun and inspired event for the whole
family and it is the best place to take visiting friends. There is a free trolley that runs around Avila, the Port and Five Cities during the market.
It's not only free but every rider gets a Farmers Market buck to spend at any
booth.
The
Third Annual Central Coast Oyster & Music Festival will be held Saturday,
June 7 at its new location, The Avila Beach Golf Resort from 12:00 pm to 8:00
pm.
The
Central Coast Oyster & Music Festival will feature a range of amazing
oyster preparations, the best wines, brews, exclusive cocktails, and a full
lineup of knockout bands to play throughout the day under the most beautiful
settings. They have concentrated on creating an experience unlike any other to
equally highlight entertainment and art right alongside the food and wine
experience.
With
sipping on libations surrounded by ocean views under amazing art installations,
Ten chefs from across the Central Coast will go head-to-head for the “Best
Oyster of the Central Coast” Chef Award, and the audience will be invited to
taste their sumptuous efforts and have the opportunity to judge their favorite
on the official Central Coast Oyster Festival mobile application to participate
in the People Choice Award.
Prices
include a full day of live music and a Foodie Stage that includes the shucking
contests, demonstration and local chefs preparing oysters in various ways. The
Aphrodisiac Lounge brings you the most delectable raw oyster bar, oyster
shooters, sparkling wine, port, chocolates and cheeses. Purchase Tickets at www.CentralCoastOysterFestival.com. You can also ride the Free Trolley to this event. 
The
food comprises of fresh seafood including poached salmon, crab claws, and
shrimp, clams casino. Also enjoy cheese and gourmet vegetable plates, beef
empanadas, fried raviolis, assorted pizzas and pastas, and chocolate covered
strawberries.
The
bartenders include mixologist from McLintocks, Steamers, Ciopinot, NovoRestaurant, Sea Venture, Upper Crust Trattoria and more. Music will be provided
by Three Martini Lunch and this is the event to be seen and then to fad into a
blissful Martini and cuisine oblivion.
There
is always a raffle and silent auction (prizes include gift baskets, wine, hotel
stays, a TV, even a MacBook Air). This sells out every year, so if you are
a martini fan, get your tickets NOW. Proceeds benefit the Culinary Arts Program
at Arroyo Grande High School through scholarships and direct donations. Tickets
are $65 and can be purchased online at www.rosasrestaurant.com
or at Rosa's Italian Restaurant, 491 Price Street in Pismo Beach.
Bacon& Barrels at Saarloos & Sons field is July 18-19th in Los Olivos. Billed as the ultimate food festival for bacon
lovers everywhere, Bacon & Barrels is an all-day festival showcasing local
chefs’ most imaginative recipes incorporating bacon, and highlights the best
artisan and craft barrel beverages such as bourbon, beer, wine, and scotch. The
all-day event includes over 140 food and libation booths with all-inclusive
tastings from some of Santa Barbara’s hottest boutique wineries and unique,
high-end small batch whiskey, scotch and tequila from local artisan purveyors
as well as live music from popular indie bands. There will also be a selection
of craft beers to taste while enjoying a variety of inventive and unexpected
bites from participating chefs.
Named
One of the Top 5 Festivals in California by The Huffington Post, this bacon infused
culinary creations and craft barrel beverages also includes
live mixology and chef
demos from the industry’s best, including Iron Chef America Alum, Vic Casanova.
For more information on the food and drink providers and to purchase tickets,
please visit www.BaconandBarrels.com.
