Fantastic food from far-away lands is the focus of this weekend’s diverse cultural heritage carnival in Des Moines. Stephen King, executive director of the World Food Festival, says the culinary choices go well beyond the traditional and include: Asian, Bosnian, Brazilian, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Meskwaki, Salvadoran and Vietnamese offerings.
King says “Anything you could possibly think of on any menu, we’re going to have a sampling of out here. We’ve got live entertainment from the time we open until the time we close. We have great hands-on activities for kids and adults.” Admission is free and food samples range from two to five-dollars. King says last year’s event drew more than 25-thousand people over three days — and not just for food.
King says “We’ve got music, Scottish pipes and drums, cloggers, storytellers, Indian dancers, come out a learn to Salsa dance.” While the eats and the entertainment originate all over the planet, King says the goal of the event is to celebrate Iowa’s cultural heritage through diverse culinary traditions. He says in addition to the food and fun, festival attendees might just learn something.
King says Brazil is this year’s featured country and all sorts of activities are being offered, from food and cultural demonstrations to Portuguese language lessons. The fest is underway now through Sunday in Des Moines’ East Village. For more information on the Wells Fargo World Food Fest, surf to “www.wfwff.org”.