Festival has food for every palate Festival has food for every palate (May 07, 2004)

A street festival isn't complete without booth after booth of tempting stroll-around food. At A La Carte & Art, May 15-16 on Castro Street Mountain View, you'll find everything from down-home American eats to classic French fare.

The aroma of outdoor grilling will seduce the meatlovers in the crowd. If you like your meat spicy, check out Lockeford's Cajun andouille sausage, and cut the heat with cooling lemonade.

Crazy for kabobs? Try the super chicken and super pork versions at California BBQ. Take your pick of chicken on a stick or a tasty steak sandwich at 3J Creations. Cool off with their famous Hawaiian shaved ice. Head over to Jersey's Tavern for cheesesteak sandwiches piled high with grilled onions and melting cheese or jumbo hot dogs with all the fixin's.

For something on the lighter side, check out the healthy options at JB Power Station, specializing in fruity smoothies, a wide selection of crispy salads, veggie wraps and (only slightly sinful) strawberry shortcake.

For a variety of interpretations on a famous California coastal crop, stop by Artichokes Amore. You'll find artichokes freshly steamed, marinated, or trimmed down to the heart and fried until they're tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

You'll also have a choice of two classic American takes on corn. Watch Suitcase Ron stirring up his irresistible sweet-salty Kettle-Korn with a four-foot wooden paddle in a 43-gallon kettle. Idaho-based Kornman is world-famous for its perfectly roasted sweet corn-on-the-cob and baked potatoes with all the fixin's, washed down with fresh-brewed sun tea and pink lemonade.

Savory French fare can be found at Lemoine Creperie, where you can design your own crepe with savory fillings such as cheese and herbs or opt for a sweet filling with fruit, chocolate and a splash of Cointreau.

Thai Stick prepares delectable carry-along food from Thailand. Steaming rice bowls have barbecue or basil chicken, and the famous barbecue meat sticks come with tantalizingly marinated chicken, pork or lamb.

And who doesn't have room left for a little doughnut? At Central Coast Minidonuts, you'll see the tiny treats cooking right before your eyes. They're served crispy warm right out of the fryer, with an optional dash of cinnamon-sugar.

Premium wines and microbeers will be poured at several booths along Castro Street. Wine and beer servings cost $4, while souvenir wine glasses are $5. Festivalgoers will find spacious seating areas with umbrella tables and chairs in several locations along the street.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.