Taste Your Way through Eat Real

Enjoy Indian-inspired ice cream at Koolfi Creamery, one of many vendors and food trucks you’ll find at Oakland’s Eat Real Festival. (Photo courtesy of Koolfi Creamery)

Arrive hungry to this bustling street-food festival, where you’ll find scrumptious and affordable food, craft beer, and local wine from more than 50 regional food trucks and vendors. Taste a range of savory and sweet dishes, from curry, cheesesteaks, and dumplings to frozen “khustard” and ice cream tacos. Watch live food demos by local chefs and sign up for a class in edible gardening, veggie fermentation, or other DIY skills. Stop by the kids’ zone for face painting and lawn games. Eat Real supports the Baykeeper, a nonprofit focused on keeping the Bay clean. Info: here
 
Among the talented artisanal vendors who make this festival stand out is Priti Narayanan (pictured above) and her wife Madhuri Anji (Mads), owners of Koolfi Creamery. The duo are queer immigrants who make small-batch, Indian-inspired ice creams in San Leandro using locally sourced organic dairy. They love to experiment to come up with fusion flavors like Mung-O-Rama, Black Sesame, and Kerala Jackfruit Pudding. “It was a very logical choice to combine the custard-based ice cream–making traditions of America with the flavors and textures that you get in Indian desserts,” says Priti. As the business grows, Priti and Mads envision extending their personal commitment to social justice work, particularly nonprofits for education and LGBTQ rights. Info: here
 
Eat Real Festival
Saturday and Sunday, September 21 & 22
Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–6pm
Jack London Square, Oakland (65 Webster St, west of Embarcadero)