Crescent Cuisine, May 22, High Springs, FL

Celebrate local food at this 5th annual festival

by Alisson Clark | May 11, 2010

Area chefs will present their signature dishes--in a restored 1895 opera house, no less--in downtown High Springs, a historic small town north of Gainesville. Crescent Cuisine returns for its fifth year on May 22 with two seatings, one at 5:30 p.m. and another at 7:30.

Launched as a fundraiser for the High Springs Farmer’s Market, Crescent Cuisine takes its name from the arc of cities formed by High Springs, Alachua, and Lake City, each with their own tradition of local produce. This year's event focuses on the cuisine of High Springs, but promises to be no less varied. Locals get a kick out of the servers at the event, who are city officials, from the city commissioners to the fire chief, pressed into service for a good cause. Visitors are welcome to join the fun--but don't sass your server, as he could be the chief of police.

Themed "A Taste of High Springs," the event will feature entertainment by The Armstrong Brothers Band and food by The Great Outdoors, Mad Hatters, Alice's' Parkside Restaurant, Grady House Bed & Breakfast, Fleetwood Diner, Los Avina Mexican Restaurant, The Station Bakery, The Coffee Clutch, Pepperoni's and First Wok.

Proceeds from the event benefit the High Springs Farmer’s Market, which comes to town every Thursday year-round from 2-6 p.m. at James Paul Park in historic downtown High Springs. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, if availalbe. For information on advance purchase, call 386-454-2889 or 386-454-2206.