SANTA CRUZ
– It’s time for the Santa Cruz Fungus Fair.
The local meadows and woodlands host hundreds of species of wild
mushrooms, a treasure-trove of goodies out there for picking. But
mushroom hunters beware
– some local mushrooms, while beautiful to look at, others are
deadly poisonous. Before you go out mushrooming, be sure you know
how to distinguish between the gourmet edibles and the toxic
beauties.
SANTA CRUZ – It’s time for the Santa Cruz Fungus Fair.
The local meadows and woodlands host hundreds of species of wild mushrooms, a treasure-trove of goodies out there for picking. But mushroom hunters beware – some local mushrooms, while beautiful to look at, others are deadly poisonous. Before you go out mushrooming, be sure you know how to distinguish between the gourmet edibles and the toxic beauties.
A good way to get a foot-up on all there is to learn about mushrooms is to attend the 29th annual Santa Cruz Fungus Fair, co-sponsored by the Museum of Natural History and the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Louden Nelson community Center, 301 Center St.
This unique Santa Cruz Tradition features two days of fantastic fungus fun. Stroll through a recreated woodland display showing hundreds of wild mushrooms in their natural habitats, taste wild mushroom delicacies, attend cooking demonstrations by India Joze founder Jozseph Schultz.
You’ll also find a roomful of hands-on activities including touch and smell tables, clay mushroom building and more.
Also, there will be a Fungus Feast benefit dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Black Beach Cafe in Santa Cruz.
The museum’s association for an elegant and memorable multi-course mushroom meal. European-trained chef Rober Morris of the Black Beach Cafe will prepare a meal using wild and cultivated mushrooms in every dish. Specially selected wines will complement each course. Dinner is $75 per plate, and includes wine and dessert.
Proceeds for the event benefit the educational programs and events at the Santa Cruz Museum of History.
Tickets for the fair are available at the door: $6 for general admission, $4 for students and seniors. For more information call the Museum of Natural History at (831) 420-6115.
