From the simple taste of coney dogs to dishes that please a vegetarian palate or deserts like Michigan Fruit Petit Fors, Roasted Almonds, Blueberry Crisp and Cheesecake on a Stick -- the food experiences will be eclectic at an upcoming Kalamazoo festival devoted to the city's many restaurants.
The cuisines of Africa, Greece, Italy, Malaysia and Mexico are a few of those that will be represented at
Taste of Kalamazoo.
Hungry festival goers will be able to sample the cuisine of more than 30 area restaurants and chefs from July 21-23 at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place
downtown.
The event that typically draws 10,000 people a day offers a full platter of food related activities. Each afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. the area's best chef's will demonstrate their talents as they compete against each other and guest chefs in Grill Offs, featuring poultry, beef and seafood. Ice carvings will be created daily. And new this year is a Market Place, a gathering of purveyors selling their merchandise.
Another new offering this year is a beer garden featuring Michigan micro beers and a variety of cocktails. The non-alcohol beverage station featuring fresh squeezed lemonade, smoothie's, vegetable and fruit juices, sodas and water is also offered for the first time this year.
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra with Broadway star Doug LeBrecque, local American Idol star Matt Giraud, and the Edgar Winter Band are just three of the live music acts that will keep festival goers entertained from the festival stage each evening.
Food and beverage tickets are priced at 50 cents each. Sample items range in price from 50 cents to $4. Admission is free until 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and $8 after 7 p.m. Thursday; $5 after 4 p.m. and $10 after 7 p.m. Friday; and $10 after 5 p.m. Saturday.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Vicki Kettner, Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc.
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