Because of the
burning success of past Chile Pepper Fiestas, this year’s annual
event at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has doubled in length. Chile-heads
will overrun the normally genteel garden for two days, this Saturday
and Sunday – Oct. 2-3 – as they celebrate the harvest, culinary
uses and cultural significance of these spicy little numbers.
More than 60 chile-inspired acts, representing the worldwide
love of the chile pepper, will be on hand, including the off-Broadway
Korean percussion troupe "Cookin’"; the 13-piece Haitian
dance band, Tabou Combo; and the Delta blues-New Orleans swing
trio the Wiyos.
While bug expert Mike Bohne of the Department of Agriculture
answers questions about insects that threaten chile peppers and
how to protect your spicy crops, chef Roberto Santibanez, of
Rosa Mexicano restaurant in Manhattan, will demonstrate how to
make "Salsa Mexicanas," and the Tourism Authority of
Thailand will host demonstrations of the art of Thai fruit and
vegetable carving.
Kids can learn to appreciate the food-that-bites-you-back with
chile pepper-inspired crafts, a temporary tattoo parlor and educational
workshops just for them.
Not even inclement weather could put a damper on this fiery fiesta
which will be held rain or shine, from noon to 5:30 pm on both
days. The fiesta is free with garden admission ($5, $3 students
and seniors, free children under 16). Enter the garden at Washington
Avenue and Eastern Parkway in Prospect Heights. For more information,
visit www.bbg.org or call (718)
623-7333.
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