From Spicy Jambalaya to Tasty Gyros, Connoisseur’s Marketplace an Al Fresco Feast
Sure, Menlo Park has its share of white-tablecloth establishments. But if a few bucks can buy authentic New Orleans gumbo or a spit-roasted gyro or slow-cooked Hawaiian pork, the open-air dining at Connoisseurs’ Marketplace, Menlo Park’s gourmet extravaganza, July 18-19, will satisfy even the most hard-core foodie.
The gumbo from New Orleans Catering is packed with succulent seafood, just as their jambalaya is loaded with chicken, sausage and spice. Also on their classic Cajun menu are a spicy crawfish étoufée, blackened and fried shrimp, and red beans with rice. The gyros from B Food International is made Greek-style, with seasoned lamb cooked on a spit and stuffed into pita bread with onions and a tangy cucumber-yogurt sauce. This year they’re also offering the Greek homage to spinach—spanakopita—a filo-dough pie generously filled with the healthy greens and feta cheese. From the Middle East, they serve hand-made falafels in pita drizzled with sesame tahini sauce. And for die-hard American food lovers, they take Philly cheesesteaks to new heights with eight ounces of grilled beef topped with caramelized onions and bell peppers and melting mozzarella on a sturdy French roll.
Hungry for a trip to Hawaii? Close your eyes and you’ll be transported by Kauai Abreu Ohana’s Kalua shredded pork. Slow-cooked for seven hours and seasoned with Hawaiian salt, it falls right off the bone. Their teriyaki beef is sliced paper thin and seasoned with homemade, low-sodium teriyaki sauce. A special smoke-barbecue technique is used for their teriyaki chicken, resulting in tender meat with just a hint of smoke.
Aroma Catering delivers distinctive flavors with crispy fried calamari accompanied by cilantro-lime sauce, decadent barbecued oysters and melt-in-your-mouth crab cakes. They also serve a satisfying tri-tip sandwich, smoked turkey legs and garlic fries. Meat is also the main attraction at several other booths. California Gourmet features super chicken and pork kebobs or chicken teriyaki in a rice bowl or sandwich. Lockeford Meat and Sausage serves its ever-popular German-style smoked bratwurst, a garlic-scented pork-beef blend served with onions and sauerkraut on a hoagie. And the Menlo Park Lions Club offers a choice of all-beef hot dogs or smoked pork Polish dogs.
At Sweet Delights, the meaty selections are hand-dipped corn dogs, and turkey or salmon burgers. But vegetarians find plenty to choose between their Portobello mushroom veggie burgers, deep-fried zucchini and artichoke hearts. And everybody lines up for their plump Belgian fries—twice cooked for extra crispiness and served with a sauce of garlic, jalapeños, cilantro and Parmesan cheese. True to the Sweet Delights name, they make funnel cakes to order, topped with fresh fruit, ice cream and whipped cream.
The Tamale Factory, a new vendor at the festival, showcases classic Mexican fare with subtly spiced pork and chicken tamales as well as tacos filled with beef or chicken asada, all served with rice and beans. From farther south, Main Street Food Concessions makes prepare handmade Salvadoran pupusas—rounds of corn masa flour filled with cheese and flecks of green onions, served with cole slaw and pico de gallo salsa. They also offer fish tacos, Greek gyros, Caesar salad and garlic fries.
Aching for something Asian? Sonoma Teriyaki’s grilled chicken is addictive, with its distinctive flavor from a marinade of garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Eat it right off the skewer or over steamed rice with vegetables. There’s also freshly made vegetarian fried rice, chow mein, or steamed rice with teriyaki vegetables. Follow your nose to the big roaster at Ear-Good Corn for just-roasted corn or piping hot baked potatoes or yams. For corn of the just-popped variety, Suitcase Ron’s Kettlecorn is the place to go.
Mid-July promises to be warm, so Barrett’s hand-shaken lemonade will be a welcome stop at least once during the day. And everybody enjoys mulling over the intriguing frozen yogurt selections at Kurlander Soft Serve, where classics like chocolate and strawberry are offered alongside the more fanciful piña colada, creamsicle and blue goo.
The Margarita King — The World’s Best Margarita — offers festivalgoers another refreshing beverage alternative. Margaritas will come in many variations: there’s the “King Cocktail” (basic margarita), the “Miami Vice” (margarita with a splash of pineapple juice), and the “Girlfriend” (margarita with a splash of pomegranate juice). Beer lovers will be delighted with the assortment of tasty brews — Sam Adams Summer Ale, Sam Adams Boston Lager, Blue Moon Belgian White and Coors Light. Sip your favorite beverage in a beautiful wine or beer glass adorned with the stylish festival logo. Seating areas with umbrella tables and chairs will be located throughout the festival. |
