On Oct. 2, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s
12th annual Chile Pepper Fiesta celebrates the fiery fruits with
a day of tastings, demonstrations, lectures and performance.
The wide range of cultures that cook with the chile pepper –
from Louisiana to West Africa – are represented in the program,
including Radio Mundial (pictured) who will perform their Latin
funk ’n’ roll at the Cherry Esplanade Stage at 1:30 pm. The event’s
MCs, Robbins & Ringold, will be at this stage all day eating,
juggling and spitting fire.
More fiesta highlights include a lecture by "Stir the Pot:
The History of Cajun Cuisine" authors Carl and Ryan Brasseaux
at 1 pm in the auditorium; a cooking demonstration, "The
Art of Chile Peppers and Mexican Cooking," led by Besitos
chef Francisco Guzman at 2:30 pm on the Fragrance Garden Terrace;
and the Chile Goddess answers "burning chile gardening questions"
from 1 to 5 pm at the Lily Pool Terrace.
The Chile Pepper Fiesta takes place rain or shine, from noon
to 6 pm, at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (900 Washington Ave.
at Eastern Parkway in Prospect Heights). Admission is $5 adults,
$3 seniors 65 and older and free for children younger than 16.
For the most current schedule of performances and activities,
visit the garden’s Web site at www.bbg.org
or call the public programs hotline at (718) 623-7333.