The Gilroy Garlic Festival eclipsed the $10 million mark in donations by distributing a record $350,000 to 167 participating nonprofit organizations, 2013 Festival Association President Dennis Harrigan announced.
After my last column detailing the finger-lickin’ goodness found at Gilroy’s famous Garlic Festival, I was contacted by the program director at Live Oak Adult Day Services, who asked if I’d be interested in swinging by to visit the seniors and share the details.
Before I get to the main part of my column this week, I want to mention another of one of my favorite festivals. The sounds, sights and especially the tastes of Italy return to San Jose this weekend at Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. Marking its 33rd year, the Italian Family Festa, organized by the Italian American Heritage Foundation, is a fantastic opportunity to taste many “homestyle” Italian foods in one setting. Almost all the vendors sell items derived from family recipes.
You’ll find me at the Garlic Festival almost every year. If I’m not meandering around with friends, I at least take a quick break from work Friday to swing by and grab a peppersteak sandwich and some garlic bread.
Jazz Under the Stars: The Homeless Coalition of San Benito County will host its eighth annual Jazz Under the Stars fundraiser July 27, from 6 to 9 p.m., at St. Benedict’s Hall, 1200 Fairview Road. The event will feature Magnolia Jazz Band, food, wine and a silent auction. Tables are available for 10 people for $500 or individual tickets are available for $50 per person. Diamond Sponsors get a table for 10 for $1,000. The event is outdoors and is open to guests 21 and older. To RSVP, call Doug Emerson at 831-637-8399.
Scheduling details are set, as San Benito County food and wine producers will have a chance to promote locally grown or produced items at the first San Benito Olive Festival slated for Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Paicines Ranch.
This is truly a wonderful and historic day for the South Valley! Right in our own backyard, we celebrate 35 years of one of the premiere food festivals in the entire world: The Gilroy Garlic Festival. The festival is the inspiration this week for a classic West Coast salad, which features beautiful grilled garlic shrimp.
Chef Jenn Louis worked with the California Milk Processor Board to create a series of simple savory dishes as part of a summer “Got Milk?” campaign. Louis is one of Food & Wine’s best new chefs of 2012.