The Beauty of the Mango and other Italian Festival Musings
by MelissaMay 22nd, 2005 6:42 pm
The 9th Street Italian Festival wrapped up activities for yet another year. This may have been the biggest crowd in recent memory. The weather cooperated (except for some drizzle late yesterday afternoon) and everybody seemed to be having a great time.
My blogmate, Chris, and his wife joined me for today’s festivities. We left the square-assed dog at home. Too many people, strollers, and other dogs. To be honest, he’s much happier just lounging on the couch. Besides, when Zack (square-assed dog) comes in contact with others dogs, he becomes a spitting, snarling, lunging maniac. Very different than his usual mild-mannered dogginess.
My new very favorite festival food may be the mango on a stick. The Mexican vendors peel them, cut them slightly so they are easier to eat, rub them with lime juice, and sprinkle them lightly with cayenne pepper. Best thing I think I ever ate. The sour lime and the hot pepper offsets the sweetness of the mango perfectly. It’s the new soul food and you heard it here first.
The festival is really all about food and drink, but this year, along 9th Street between Fitzwater and Christian, they set up a bunch of craft vendors. I think they had some crafty people last year, but this year, there were more and better vendors. I found a guy selling great stones. For $40, I got a huge pair of denim lapis earrings and an equally huge matching ring. He had some great stones, some that I noticed were carnelian, sodalite, coral, jasper (numerous varieties), and best yet, the vendor has an ebay store.
I think a nice day was had by all. It happens again next year, usually the 3rd weekend in May, so mark your calendars now.
Update: Chris butting in on Melissa’s post - Dragonballyee has some pictures of the festival up here.
