North Berkeley Spice of Life Festival October 19, 2008

In it's 6th year, the Festival will savor the "Spice of Life" with an exciting new Culinary Stage at the Elephant Pharmacy parking lot hosted by Kitchen on Fire’s Chef MikeC showcasing the East Bay's finest chefs. At the stage a range of cooking demos and cookbook signings by popular neighborhood chefs and restaurants will be featured, along with sales and sampling of gourmet food products. Throughout the Festival, gourmet food offerings from a range of North Berkeley restaurants and selected vendors will be available near bistro style outdoor seating areas and wine and beer gardens. This year we welcome Calistoga Water as a new major sponsor, and the event will be “green” with the use of compostable food plates, cups and utensils with the assistance of the City of Berkeley's Recycling Program.

Local musicians will provide live entertainment on two stages and in more intimate settings such as the Vine Street wine tasting area. North Shattuck area businesses will host author appearances and book signings, interactive art projects, and yoga and bodywork demonstrations. The event also includes 125 exhibitors displaying high quality arts & crafts along with fair trade imports, local non-profits and schools, and a variety of children’s activities. The North Berkeley All-Organic Farmers Market will be held as part of the event in its usual Thursday location on Shattuck near Rose St. with additional vendors.

A Raffle and Silent Auction of goods and services from local businesses will benefit the Edible Schoolyard Project, the Children's Community Center Preschool, and the Berkeley High Jazz Band, who will also perform at the event.

Official Website: http://spiceoflifefestival.com