For more information, please contact Pam Weatherford, Festival Director, at pamweather (at) comcast (dot) net.
About the Festival
Forget about the gourmet ghetto! For sheer diversity and intensity of flavor, the West Berkeley neighborhood around the intersection of University and San Pablo Avenues can't be topped. This small area offers restaurants, markets, and clothing boutiques from over a dozen countries.Jesus and Elizabeth Mendez have seen many changes in the neighborhood in their 10 years as owners of Mi Tierra Foods.
Recent years have seen an influx of a wide range of immigrants in this West Berkeley neighborhood where rents are slightly cheaper. Many have opened up clothing boutiques, restaurants and specialty food markets. Branded as Berkeley's new "International District," it has the highest concentration of independent and family owned shops in the City. And, it's home to the most ethnically diverse retail mix in Berkeley.This year, the West Berkeley Neighborhood Development Corporation, in conjunction with the City of Berkeley, hosts the second annual Berkeley International Food Festival to celebrate community, diversity, and of course, food. With different entertainment locations, it will be a big party to welcome people to the neighborhood and give them a sampling of what it has to offer.
Maulin Chokshi, owner of Bombay Jewelry
For the festival, several blocks surrounding the University and San Pablo Avenues intersection will be transformed into a vibrant festival site. Specialty markets will introduce foods and cooking products to new audiences. The many ethnic restaurants will offer samples and run specials. There will be food booths, music, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts booths, and sales at local import shops.Festival stages will feature cultural presentations, music, DJs and dance from around the globe. Local community organizations will have vendor booths and tables describing their services.
Berkeley residents, accustomed to up-scale specialty grocers and restaurants, will be surprised to see the variety and quality available in this often overlooked part of town. The ethnic groceries in this area offer ingredients from Pakistan to South America, Mexico to Thailand. Many have adjoining restaurants; after a spectacular meal, a diner can step next door and purchase the ingredients to make an attempt at home.
So, bring your friends and family to the first annual Berkeley International Food Festival and prepare to be surprised. You'll discover a revitalized neighborhood, a vibrant community and above all, a huge range of exquisite dining and shopping opportunities. See you there.
