November Food Festivals

You'd think that with the nation's focus on turkey, cranberry sauce and the subsequent holiday season, November food festivals would be few and far from interesting. Not so -- from warm-ups to warm climes, check out our roundup of remarkable November fȇtes.

Chocolate Show New York, New York, Oct. 30-Nov. 1: A brief event straddling two months, these three decadent days include book signings, cooking demos and tastings, from chocolate experts such as Jacques Torres' -- he's pairing Puerto Rican rum and chocolate -- as well as party ideas.

Chocolate Festival of Texas and Texas Wines, Houston, Tex., Nov. 6-7: Not to be out-gunned by the Yanks, the Lone Star State is holding its own celebration for chocoholics, and this one includes oenophiles, who get a souvenir wine glass.

Port Barre Cracklin Festival, Port Barre, La., Nov. 12-15: You read right -- fat back is on offer! The perfect way to pad up for winter hibernation. There will be a fair pageant, rides, live entertainment and the obligatory cook-off.

Dia del Taco, Los Angeles, Nov. 13-15: The taco -- a Slashfood fave -- has a fervent following. And this first annual event is further proof. Who wouldn't want to participate in the Best Taco and Taco-Eating competitions? ¡Delicioso!

Lincoln City Chowder Cook-Off, Lincoln City, Ore., Nov. 14: If pig skin isn't your thing, warm up with some of the hearty offerings at the coastal Oregon competitions (Best Clam Chowder and the "Iron Chef"-style Best Signature Seafood Dish) that lures chefs from all over the Pacific Northwest.

Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival, Homosassa, Fla., Nov. 14-15: At this 35th annual festival, munch on shrimp kabobs, crawfish and gator and crab-meat fritters while browsing the craft booths in this fisherman's town. Plus, you can swim with the manatees at the nearby springs.