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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2009
CONTACT
Leeann Lavin: 718-623-7289, leeannlavin@bbg.org
Kate Blumm: 718-623-7241, kateblumm@bbg.org
Fall's Zestiest Festival:
Chile Pepper Fiesta at BBG!
Saturday, October 3, 2009 | Noon to 6 p.m.
PHOTOS: (from left) MCs Robbins and Ringold fire up Chile Pepper Fiesta (photo by Joseph O. Holmes, courtesy BBG); the especially spicy chile Capsicum baccatum 'Aji Omnicolor' (photo by Kate Blumm, courtesy BBG).
Brooklyn, New York—July 6, 2009—New York City's spiciest autumn event returns to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, celebrating the chile pepper and its uses in cultures around the world with performances and culinary activities for the whole family to enjoy! On Saturday, October 3, 2009, from noon to 6 p.m., the Garden presents a diverse homage to the chile pepper featuring the joyful African pop mix of Nepo Soteri & Asante; the infectious blend of North Indian Bhangra and brass funk by Red Baraat; and the return of Lost Bayou Ramblers, vanguards of the Cajun musical tradition who have thrilled thousands with their repertoire of early accordion dancehall tunes, Cajun swing, and original numbers. Throughout the day, MCs Robbins & Ringold fire up audiences with fire eating, fire juggling, and other daring deeds of flame.
Food lovers will delight in a special Chile & Chocolate Corridor, which offers a chance to sample goodies and meet some of the metro area's most exciting spicy chocolatiers and chefs, including Rick & Michael Mast of Mast Brothers Chocolate, Rhonda Kave of Roni-Sue Chocolates, Jackie Gordon of Divalicious Chocolate, Kathy Moskal of Vere Chocolate, and many more. Culinary historian and chocolate educator Alexandra Leaf will moderate a panel discussion on spicy chocolate and explore the history, health benefits, and trends in this delectable combination. Visitors can enjoy spicy samples and submit their votes as amateur cooking champs compete for the Brooklyn Chile Peppers 'n' Chocolate Takedown "People's Choice" Award.
Spicy food takes center stage with The Elements of Seoul Food, a Korean cooking demonstration with chef Saeri Yoo Park of Moim Restaurant; a demonstration of Cooking in Clay by indigenous cooking expert Nathalie Herling; and Indian chutney-making with Bombay Emerald Chutney Company chef Nirmala Gupta, as well as other spicy cooking demonstrations and tastings. Plus, check out hot sauce tastings, kids' activities, and visit renowned chile plant expert The Chile Goddess.
Throughout the day, the Zagat-rated Terrace Café will offer a special Chile Pepper Fiesta menu to tingle the taste buds with spicy food and cold beer.