What's newNothing says ‘festival’ like carnival food
I have always loved Lodi’s Grape Festival: The carnival lights, sounds, and action, the wonderful art and food exhibits, a chance to run in to old friends, and the delicious aromas floating through the air calling me to the food aisle.
But nothing quite says “festival” like carnival food.
Brandy Haupt, my festival contact, has assured me that all your old favorites will be there, but you’ll also have a chance to acquaint yourself with new tastes and flavors, too.
For pure indulgence, there is nothing better than carnival food, and no better place to indulge yourself than at the Lodi Grape Festival.
For appetizers, or a quick sugar rush, there’ll be the usual assortment of tradition carnival food: Candied apples, cotton candy, shaved ice, and churros available at various locations around the Festival grounds.
Five Star Catering will be back with its barbecue along with Paz Negrette’s famous soft tacos — a culinary experience “must.”
The Lockeford Meat & Sausage Company is also returning, but will be in a new location near the amphitheater. However, according to Pete Peterson, they will still be offering their renowned sausages, bratwurst and hot links, served up with everything that goes along with them. With or without the kraut, these sausages continue to be a perennial favorite with festival-goers.
A new kettle corn vendor, Whatsit Kettle Corn, will make its appearance this year, as well as a new pizza vendor, Pizza by the Slice — in a slightly different location, but still easy to find — just follow your nose!
Valentine’s Hot Diggity Dogs, run by Clements proprietor Eva Foree, will make its first appearance at the festival and in a location new for food vendors, near the east gate. According to Haupt, there will be a variety of hot dog offerings, including the Well-Dressed Dog, the Caesar Dog, and the Chicago Dog.
Java Espress, also new this year, obtains its beans and supplies from its Lodi local, The Java Stop, and owner Kevin Gaede says their menu is just about the same. Any variation of your typical coffee drink can be made, and can be served hot, iced or blended.
Their specialty is an Extreme Toffee Frozen Mocha, kind of like a liquid Heath bar. In addition to coffee, they make an Orange Blast — a 50/50 ice cream bar experience, as well as other smoothie beverages.
Not to be missed are the ever-popular cinnamon rolls, offered this year by new vendor Craig Atkins.
Whatever your fancy, you are sure to find plenty of food and drink to keep you energized throughout the day and well into the night.
