This week the Santa Monica Farmers Market, a long-time favorite of LA chefs, marks its 30th anniversary by presenting the first (annual?) Southern California Good Food Festival & Conference.
Friday the Festival presents a Food Policy and Public Health Summit with topics focusing on local and sustainable food and ranging from public school programs and SNAP (formerly referred to as “Food Stamps”) to Union issues and Urban Agriculture. Friday night is the big Localicious Gala, an outdoor beachfront gala featuring 30 of L.A.’s best chefs (including Beat favorite – Animal!) paired with 30 market farmers. The site will be the beautiful Annenberg Community Beach House.
Saturday and Sunday the Good Food Fest at SaMo High will “feature exhibits with family farmers and artisanal food producers. Watch demos from some of LA’s best chefs. Enjoy street food from vendors that source from the Santa Monica farmers market.” There will also be author signings at the food-focused bookstore, gardening workshops, music, and food vendors including Huckleberry Restaurant, B Sweet (Red velvet cupcakes!), Let’s Be Frank, the Border Grill Truck, Niman Ranch, and The Gastrobus. All of these vendors carry The Beat seal of approval. The festival will take place between 10am and 5pm.
Join us SUNDAY at LACMA for the 3rd Annual KCRW Good Food Pie Contest starting at 2pm. The Panel of judges includes the esteemed Jonathan Gold and Russell Parsons. We are especially excited to check out the category of best Tim Burton-inspired pie. And yes, tastes will be provided post-judging. Afterwards we plan on hitting Ray’s and Stark Bar for drink and dinner specials.
Photo by Casey Neidorf. Photo and logo courtesy of Good Food Festival and Conference