"foodfestivals" news and stories

Have you ever dreamed of partaking in a massive food fight? Sliding down 250,000 pounds of smashed tomatoes? Or even attempting to ski with watermelons attached to your feet?

Well, there's a festival for that. Food & Wine put together a list of thirteen of the countries most insane food gatherings.

Head over to Food & Wine for the entire list of, as well as photographs of the World's Weirdest Food Festivals.

Hello, sweltering heat and sunburns! How nice to be reunited with you again. Let's celebrate with some brew and 'cue, because this month has a plenty of it.

Ribfest, July 1-4, Naperville, Ill.: Gluttonous munching on barbecue ribs is as American as it gets, especially when it coincides with Independence Day. This Chicago suburb festival was named one of four "Ultimate Festivals" in the May 2008 issue of Details magazine. Best ribs and sauces will be judged according to Kansas City BBQ Society standards. Other than the animals as vehicles for BBQ, fried foods and refreshing beverages like lemonade and root beer will be showcased. British Invasion bad boys the Animals will be performing July 3rd. (Yeah, we don't know how that makes any sense, either.) Naturally, because of the event's dates, the celebration will culminate with patriotic fireworks.

Pineapple Festival, July 3, Lanai, Hawaii: The hospitality of America's 50th state is legendary and the islands are damn near the epitome of paradise. The one-day, 17th annual festival features the prickly tropical fruit that plays well in salsas and on the grill. The free event will highlight the local cuisine, crafts and entertainment.

K-Town BBQ Cook-Off & Texas Music Concert, July 9-10, Kosciusko, Texas: Lone Star State residents will tell you the best BBQ is made in Texas, and they're probably right. While there will be tunes aplenty, the events to draw the largest crowds will be the contests for best pork ribs, sausage and beef brisket. The judges will have a difficult time keeping the score cards free of sauce stains.

Break out the grills and smokers! It's time to enjoy the outdoors and early summer bounty at festivals across the country and the globe.

Newport Food and Wine Festival, June 3-6, Newport Beach, Calif.: The Newpsies will be out in the O.C. the first weekend in June. Blue bloods, prepsters and foodies alike will enjoy educational seminars and tasting events by master sommeliers and acclaimed winemakers. The hobnobbing and food will certainly be as highfalutin as the fashion at this seventh annual event.

Gourmet Latino Festival, June 4-12, New York: Latin American food is more than hard shell tacos and fajitas, whatever Old El Paso would like you to think. From Puerto Rican and regional Mexican cuisines to Argentine and Nuevo Latino eats, this is a showcase par excellence. Chefs and authors featured include Daisy Martinez, Aaron Sanchez, Iron Chef Jose Garces, Natalia Machado and other masters of the Latin American culinary tradition. Seriously, where else can you eat your way through the Spanish-speaking world within the U.S.?

Happy New Year! Buon Natale! Feliz Año Nuevo! A new year means more reasons to party with food, and the weather beckons us to nurture our winter waistline. If you're looking for a reason to party with food, drop in and munch at one of the following.

North Illinois Farm Show, Dekalb, Ill., Jan. 6-7: In its 28th year, this convention highlights Illinois farmers at a time when Big Ag and sustainable farming issues are taking a prominent place in the mainstream. Seminars held will discuss the USDA Farm Bill, drainage systems and pesticide licenses -- yes, pesticides. Not your typical food festival -- actually, it's not one -- but a food event more cogent than ever.

Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywine Festival, Vail, Colo., Jan. 7-9: Eschew the slopes, or if you must be a ski bunny, reward yourself with a visit to one of the taps at this 10th annual affair, featuring area brewmasters Peter Bouckaert of New Belgium Brewing Co., and Adam Avery of Avery Brewing Co. If you have the hops for it, enter the homebrew competition.

The Winter Wine Festival, New Castle, NH., Jan. 15-Feb. 27: The idea of more than a month of toasting tippling is a fantastic way of coping with the New England winter. Local hotshot chefs, like Gregg Sessler, executive chef/owner of Cava Tapas Restaurant, and national winemakers, like Ted Seghesio, will be given the spotlight.

Momofuku Milk Bar Volcano Photo: Kat Kinsman

A few of the best stories spied elsewhere on the Web this week:

A new study from the University of South Carolina finds comfort food not as comforting as you'd think.

A snacking-while-driving invention makes talking on your cell phone while driving seem positively safe and sound.

Despite the recession, consumers are still willing to shell out as much as $999 per person to rub shoulders with celeb chefs at food festivals across the nation.

David Chang, of Momofuku fame, may open a Milk Bar in Georgetown.

More Americans are starting small farms, sometimes called 'hobby' or 'lifestyle' farms, which provide much of the food found at the nation's farmers' markets and roadside stands.

Now you can get your candy fix and your rock on with Kiss-branded M&M's.

Le Bernardin reservations out of your reach? Chef Eric Ripert launched a wine club, giving the average Joe access to his vino-expertise and recipe pairings to use at home.