We took a late summer break but back and ready to celebrate all things fall; pumpkins, roasted vegetables, cinnamon and sage. I already took down the decorations and found the first of the holiday mugs. It’s time to enjoy peak vegetable season when summer crops sweetly linger while fall crops burst onto the scene. And all those colors! Farmers markets filled with golden butternut squash next to ruby red Jimmy Nardello peppers. Late summer eggplant and tomatoes placed next to the first crop of parsnips and persimmons. Kitchens come alive with slow braises, baked apples, and roasted root vegetables.
There’s fun planned this fall @t The Food Party! We’ll be investigating packaged and homemade stocks, playing around with orange and black foods, visiting some of the new hot spots in the East Bay, and suggesting places for your Go Out and Have Fun list – holiday hops and outdoor playdays to take family, friends, or just your sweet self.
Adult Playday: Ferry Building When was the last time you wandered the waterfront around San Francisco’s Ferry Building? For me, it had been decades. Now the place buzzes with artisan eats, craft bakeries, and some of the city’s most creative dining concepts—all tucked inside that iconic landmark. From there, stretch your legs with a stroll through the city’s gems: climb to Coit Tower, meander through North Beach, and wind your way up the Lombard, Greenwich, and Filbert steps. A feast for the senses and the calves!
Springline Menlo Park Crawl Skip the mall mayhem and trade the crowds for a local holiday escape at Springline. Stroll from spot to spot, sampling festive bites and sips along the way. No rush or parking lot headaches – just a joyful wander with good food and friends. With many eateries to choose from, build your own crawl with these suggestions in mind.
World of Flavor
This November 5–7, the Food Party! returns to the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa Valley for World of Flavors – the premier international food conference and festival. Chefs, educators, and industry pros from around the globe gather for high-energy demos, panels, and workshops spotlighting everything from cutting-edge techniques to centuries-old Mediterranean traditions. Add in the latest food and demographic insights, and you’ve got the ultimate insider’s event. Taste dishes as they’re created—Michelin-star masterpieces to street food gems—without ever leaving California. We’ll be posting live on Instagram. Public viewing of recorded sessions available on the website after the event.
I've been attracted to food for good and bad reasons for many years. From eating disorder to east coast culinary school, food has been my passion, profession & nemesis. The Food Party! is a potluck...
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