Many of my favorite autumn and winter dishes — squash soup and roasted vegetable tart, anyone? — rely on garlic to create wonderful layers of flavor. For both its raw, spicy bite and its mellow, roasted sweetness, this knobby member of the onion family is indispensable in the kitchen. Here are a few Ohio events and businesses based on the pungent bulbs.
The Cleveland Garlic Festival
North Union Farmers Market celebrates all things Allium sativum at the first annual Cleveland Garlic Festival, September 11–12, 2010. This two-day extravaganza features local food vendors, farmers and artists selling their wares, and lots of live music from some of Cleveland’s best-known bands including Mifune and the reggae stylings of Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band. On Sunday, the festival hosts Chicago’s Garaj Mahal. Check out a celebrity chef grill-off — judged by notable foodies, including Plain Dealer food editor Joe Crea and author Michael Rhulman.
Garlic Expressions
Did you know that Garlic Expressions salad dressing and marinade is made right here in Perrysburg, Ohio? LaMar Foods has been making small batches of the vinaigrette since 1993 using fresh, hand-selected garlic and Canadian apple cider vinegar. Garlic Expressions is delicious on salads and fish, in stir-fry recipes and, of course, on toasty bread. Six- and 12-bottle boxes can be ordered online, or you can find a retailer by calling 800/683-4483.
Garlic Dinners at The Winds Café
This 21st annual tradition brings people from all over to Yellow Springs’ The Winds Café & Bakery for delicious garlic-centric dishes. Since 1990, the dinner has attracted a loyal group of fans and involves pounds and pounds of garlic, featured in courses that are perfectly paired with various wines. Kim Korkan, one of The Winds’ chef/owners, says they have yet to pin down the menu for the dinners, but the dates are set for November 9, 10 and 11, from 5–10 p.m., with multiple seatings each night.
Bobba-Mike’s Garlic Farm
Looking to do some cooking with super fresh and unique garlic varieties? Visit Bobba-Mike’s website and check out the order form. For an average price of $15 a pound, you can order varieties like Music, an all-around garlic from Germany, Chesnok Red, a wonderful roasting variety, and Xian, a rare (and more expensive) type of garlic from northeastern China. Garlic orders must be placed by September 15 and will ship in early October. Bobba-Mike’s Garlic Farm is located in Orrville, Ohio, and all of the garlic here is grown without the use of herbicides or pesticides. For those who want to try a bit of everything, sampler packs are available.