Abalone Cook-off: No guts, all glory
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I cleaned my first abalone this year. The gutting & cleaning alone took over an hour, and my job was easy – relatively. Beforehand, I watched from the shore as the divers went out to negotiate the seaweed and find the disguised shells along the ocean floor – on one breath of air. After the diving, cleaning, pounding and prepping, the abalone were sizzled on the grill with butter and garlic. So I’m sure you understand that when I excitedly stabbed a piece with my fork and it slipped & fell to the ground, I picked it up and ate it anyway.
It’s a lot of work. Plus, regulations today limit the amount a person can catch in a day, and for the whole season. Not to mention how dangerous diving can be. So when you eat abalone, you really want to enjoy it. Fort Bragg’s annual Abalone Cook-off is the perfect chance to do so…
The 16th annual Festival, to be held on Saturday October 3rd, is a celebration of this local North Coast delicacy. Chefs compete in the cook-off to execute the perfect recipe. To enjoy the fruits of their labor, all you have to do is purchase a “tasting ticket” to become a judge for the event. The event takes place in Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor, and also includes a silent auction, craft fair, wine, food and more. Hosted by the Mendocino Area Parks and Recreation, the Festival is a fundraiser for local State Parks.
For more details or ticket info, visit this site. Enjoy, and remember: don’t take your abalone for granted!
Tags: abalone, Fort Bragg, Mendocino Coast

September 28th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
When does the festiavl start on Saturday? My wife and I will be in Ft Bragg Fri/Sat on our 25th anniversary…we might like to stop in and enjoy the abalone…where is the best place to park?
Please advise.
Thanks.
MM/LM
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:20 pm
The Festival begins on Saturday morning at 10. Try parking along South Harbor Drive, or at Todd Point near the College of the Redwoods. Enjoy your visit!
October 3rd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
We had an abolsute blast at this event.. weather was great, food and band were excellent. Wondering… who won the cook-off? J and J Chico, Ca