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Are you a lover of food, drink, and the gorgeous offerings of Big Sur’s abundant nature? Then you will want to consider attending the 2016 edition of the Big Sur Foragers Festival, a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center.

The event takes place from January 15-17. If you already know you want to go, you can purchase tickets online now. Ticket prices range from $35 for the hikes, to $60 for the popular Fungus Face Off, to $175 for the Grand Celebrity Chef Dinner. Click this link to go directly to the ticket sales page. In the meantime, following is a little more information to whet your appetites.

The list of events, participants, and highlights has been expanded for the forthcoming Festival, but includes some favorites as well. Here’s an idea of what will be happening in January:

New Events

  • Friday, January 15, 2016. At 5:30 there’s a cocktail reception and fungus presentation. Louie Schwartzberg will take you through it. It’s followed by a 5 course tasting menu. Wine pairings by Sierra Mar wine director Dominique DaCruz. There are only 22 tickets available, at $500 each. Call the Post Ranch at (800) 527-2200 if you’re interested.
  • Sunday, January 17, 2016. At 11 a.m. you can hike and then enjoy a 3 course lunch with Post Ranch’s Executive Chef John Cox. All items will have been foraged from the property, and be accompanied by local wines. This event is limited to 16 people. (The hike is weather permitting.) Call the Post Ranch to make your reservations.

By Popular Demand

  • Saturday, January 16, 2016. There are several interesting events. Two Wild Foraging Walk and Talk hikes are being offered. One for beginners, at Pfeiffer State Park, and the other for intermediate-level hikers, at Big Sur Wilderness. Each takes place at 9:30, and the cost for each is $35. On the deck at Ventana Big Sur is the very popular Fungus Face Off! It’s at 1 p.m., and the cost is $60. Over 60 items are being offered in the annual Silent Auction. You can win culinary prizes, hotel stays, and much more. Raffle tickets are $5 each, or 6 for $25.
  • Sunday, January 17, 2016. Imagine… Foraged Foods at Home. Big Sur Lodge is the location, chefs are to be announced, and everyone gets to both taste the foods and take some recipes home. There are 50 spaces available for this event, taking place from 2 to 4 p.m., and featuring chanterelles, nettles, and more.

To find out more about any of the events, about the chefs, or to plan your foraging, visit the 2016 event page by clicking this link.

This list was accurate at the time of publication; please check directly with the venue(s) to ensure dates, times, and locations remain the same.

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