Well it’s official. This year again I am a judge at The Lima Bean Festival. It was really fun last year…. and I’m sure it will be again. Turns out it will be good food and good music! So join me!
There’s a petting zoo, a cake walk and you get to taste all kinds of interesting dishes both chefs and home chefs come up with. Last year? Someone made Lima Bean Brittle… sort of like peanut brittle. Man! That was good!
By the way, the contact info is at the bottom in case you are a chef or home chef wanting to enter the contest. And if you’d like to sponsor and donate something to the silent auction? Just contact me: mm@chefmarian.com!
Here’s the blurb from the Coast News!
Happy Eating,
Chef Marian
ENCINITAS — On Sept 27th, a giant lima bean will make its appearance at the third annual Lima Bean Cook-off and Encinitas 25th Anniversary Celebration at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Drive. According to Evelyn Weidner, of Weidner’s Gardens, the bean was discovered deep in a silver mine in Peru. The giant lima bean weighs 15 pounds and is 12 inches long, “The magic of the giant is awakened whenever it is touched by silver,” Weidner said. “Event-goers will have an opportunity to throw silver at the lima bean and make a wish.”
This year, the two celebrations become one event. Visitors will listen to free live entertainment with the Jack Tempchin Band (writer of “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Already Gone” and “Slow Dancin’”), enjoy free birthday cake and receive a free commemorative pin. Explore and learn about community organizations and city services at the exhibitor’s booths.
The highlight of the day will be the Lima Bean Cook-Off. Local chefs will compete to see who can bring taste and style to the lowly lima bean. Before flowers became North Coast’s major industry, lima beans were an important crop to the early inhabitants of Encinitas. They grew easily in the moist coastal climate. Prizes will be awarded to the best dishes served and there will be tastings for those who want to rediscover the lima bean. Purchase tastings online at SDHeritage.org and receive a free gift. Want to compete? E-mail Will at will@sdheritage.org.