Eat Real Festival Returns To Oakland, California

Combining a state fair, street-food-festival, and a block party, Eat Real Festival is an event highlighting the culinary talent of the Bay Area. Last year, more than 150,000 people attended the free festival at Oakland, Calif.'s Jack London Square, celebrating the area's local food trough cooking demos, tastings, and more.

Working together with the Food Craft Institute, Eat Real focuses on the "revitalization of regional food systems and the encouragement of American food entrepreneurs," according to press release. DIY activities, demos, and artisan activations will promote the idea of self-sustainability, and the food at the festival focuses on handmade dishes and locally sourced ingredients.

This year, events include "Burgers, Bourbon & Beer," an ultimate showdown of global grilling paired with craft beers and bourbon, and "Delicious America," an exclusive $15 tasting tour of the best craft food in America, held for an intimate group of only 50 people per tasting (300 tickets sold in total). 

Some of the Bay Area-based chefs attending the event are Kyle Itani of Hopscotch, Charlie Hallowell of Pizzaiolo, and Russ Moore of Camino. 

For more information and advance purchase of tickets for the food events, see the Eat Real homepage.