CULINARY COUP   .   .   .

Participating Chef Brandon Miller

Monterey’s Culinary Best Took the Stage

This year’s Artichoke Festival, renowned for its celebration of the iconic artichoke and commitment to showcasing Monterey County’s culinary excellence, thrilled attendees with a vibrant schedule of chef demonstrations for the 2024 event. Attendees enjoyed a series of engaging, informative, free demos and tastings, included with their festival ticket. Photo: Chef Miller's Artichoke Antipasti. Also demonstrating a delicious appetizer was Monrivo Chef Kurt.

Chef Kurt Demonstrated  &  Fried Artichokes were sold at Vender Booths

The Artichoke Festival has always been more than just a celebration of artichokes; but a platform for local chefs to share their creativity, passion, and love for local ingredients. This year included an impressive lineup of Monterey’s finest culinary talents at the Monterey County Fair & Events Center in Monterey.

The 2024 festival was in a new location, but all the people who have loved this  event for over 35 years were there. I spoke with one family and the father said he was pleased to be bring his kids to the festival because he had enjoyed it so much himself as a boy.

The Chef's demonstration attracted so many foodies who knew the participating chefs and enjoyed the opportunity to have a taste of the star recipes. But, there were also vendors selling beverages to enjoy with great fried or steamed artichokes, along with a variety of additional taste sensations.

Live music was happening all day for both days, and attendees seemed to love being part of the audience to relax and enjoy the talented groups performing on the Live Stage. A kids area included hula hoop lessons, and these little ones provided their own hysterical entertainment.This year's queen is a grandmother, who has devoted her life raising funds for charities in the area. Official charity for 2024 was Harmony at Home, Ending violence. Building families. HARMONY-AT-HOME.ORG.

The Artichoke booth was filled with great t-shirts and novelty gifts, including a State of California Artichoke Cookbook filled with fantastic  recipes. The entire event ran so smoothly and was so organized with really kind volunteers assisting in all area. I will be cooking up some of these great recipes, but look forward to next year's festival and will be back because the parking was easy, the people were friendly and the food was delicious. It was a really fun day!