Tempting morsels of fruity goodness, they gleam like crimson jewels in fields all around town. With the arrival of spring in all its glory, it’s time once again to dive into the sugary wonder of one of Santa Maria’s signature crops: ripe, juicy strawberries.
To celebrate the season of pink milkshakes and gooey shortcakes, organizers at Santa Maria Fairpark have slated the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival for April 23 to 25. A local tradition for more than two decades, this fun-filled tribute to the succulent fruit features everything from sweet treats and cooking demonstrations, to live, local entertainment and hair-raising carnival rides.
At the Toyota Strawberry Pavilion, adults and children alike can peruse the educational exhibits, check out the interactive displays, and marvel at the Ag Magic Show. Also on tap is Wildlife Experience, a wild animal show presented by a local nonprofit organization committed to fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Wine lovers can sample an array of local vintages, while foodies can pick up a few culinary tips at the Everything That Matters in the Kitchen cooking show, new to the festival this year. The Marketplace Pavilion offers lots of temptations for shoppers, and of course kids of all ages will want to test their skills or hop on a ride at the Midway of Fun Carnival.
The younger set will have hours of fun at the Extreme Sports Zone and multi-faceted Kids Town America. Youngsters can also take advantage of pony rides, a petting zoo, and a trackless train providing rides free of charge.
On Saturday night, a rollicking Destruction Derby, presented by FOX 11 and Red Blossom Farms, roars to life in the Budweiser Minetti Arena. The next day, Fiesta Day, promises edge-of-the-seat excitement at the Fiesta del Chorro Rodeo and, later, a rousing Hispanic Concert.
Organizers expect about 55,000 revelers to attend the three-day event. And even though strawberries are not technically a fruit—the scarlet flesh is actually the enlarged tip of the flowering stem—they offer seductively fruity flavors when diced in salsa, dipped in chocolate, or topped with ice cream!
In conjunction with the Strawberry Festival, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced another of their popular DineOut: Santa Maria Style events. From April 12 through 25, locals can feast on a variety of fabulous lunches and dinners, all priced at only $10.10 to $40.10, at participating restaurants.
“This dining promotion is designed to complement the Strawberry Festival,” said Christopher Weir, press liaison for the two-week event. “It’s become a very popular promotion and is now a twice-per-year thing.”
Participating restaurants include the Garden Room Restaurant at the Historic Santa Maria Inn, Vintner’s Bar & Grill at the Radisson Hotel Santa Maria, Portabella at the Holiday Inn and Suites, and Quizno’s on South Bradley Road. Also offering unbelievable deals on their fixed price menus are the Hitching Post in Casmalia, Trattoria Uliveto in Orcutt, Far Western Tavern in Guadalupe, and Adelina’s Bistro at the Monarch Club at Trilogy Central Coast.
For example, the Garden Room at the Historic Santa Maria Inn is offering a grilled salmon filet with basil polenta, choice of soup or salad, tomato bruschetta, and a dessert featuring vanilla ice cream and seasonal berries served in a caramel basket, all for only $20.10 (tax and tip not included).
Chef Bob Ostini, at the Casmalia Hitching Post, is serving dinners of steak and shrimp ($30.10) or Australian lobster tail ($40.10), complete with bay shrimp cocktail, dinner salad, potato or vegetables, entree, coffee or tea, and ice cream.
At the Portabella Bar & Grill, choose from three different dinners: seafood pasta, beef short ribs, or Atlantic salmon for $20.10, or spring for ribs and rib-eye steak, complete with two sides and a choice of soup or salad ($30.10).
All of the participating chefs have gotten remarkably creative with their generous offerings and aim to provide diners with an irresistible opportunity to get out and sample the region’s fine cuisine.
According to Gina Keough, manager of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau, which is coordinating the promotion, the dates for DineOut: Santa Maria Style were chosen to coincide with the Strawberry Festival in order to encourage locals and visitors alike to experience a taste of the Santa Maria Valley.
“It’s a great way for people to affordably experience the variety of our local flavors,” she added.
With spring come longer days, more outdoor activities, and a powerful hunger for the fresh foods of the season. For a satisfying strawberry shake or a hearty meal at an affordable price, look no further than right here in the Santa Maria Valley.
K. Reka Badger’s columns ripen in the spring. Take a bite at rekabadger
@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Apr 15-22, 2010.