For those of you who may be in California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley area over the weekend beginning August 12th, it would well be worth an excursion to Fresno, where the annual Fig Fest will be taking place on Saturday, August 13th. Sponsored by the California Fig Advisory Board, it promises to be a flavorful celebration of the succulent fruit, not only for the sake of savoring fresh varieties such as Brown Turkey, Calmyrna and Black Mission figs, but also how they can be enjoyed in pairing with other foods and in many prepared dishes.
16 restaurants from throughout the region will be taking part at the event, which will take place at the west lawn of the Satellite Student Union of California State University, Fresno, and run from 9Ato 12:30P; all will be featuring recipes in which figs play a starring role. Also, 11 local food purveyors will have on offer various fruits, cheeses, chocolates, olives, and other products of the area that compliment the rich sweetness of figs. As might be expected for any event celebrating California’s agricultural bounty, there are many wine sponsors, including Birdstone Winery, San Joaquin Win Company, Cru Wine Company, Quady Winery, Ficklin Vineyards and Carica Wines.
Tickets, which can be purchased via www.californiafigs.com, are $8 in advance, and may be purchased at the gate for $10; children under 12 enter for free. Wine tasting tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the gate, and also yield a commemorative Fig Fest wine glass for the purchaser. Beyond being a good value, the event proceeds also benefit the Fresno State Ag One Foundation and Slow Foods Madera.
For those who wish to continue the days unique gustatory exploration in area afterwards, the Fig Feast, a dinner featuring more fig dishes prepared by Trelio restaurant, will be held at the Clovis Masonic Lodge at Fifth and DeWitt avenues in nearby downtown Clovis. It kicks off at 6:30P, and tickets for that are $110 per person.
California Fig Advisory Board: (559) 243-8600