Locavores and adventurous foodies have long been looking forward to the Artisanal LA Spring Show 2011, a showcase of nearly 100 of the best local, sustainable, and handmade edibles in L.A. happening Sat., April 16 and Sun., April 17. I got a sneak peak of the tasty weekend at a preview event earlier this evening — and have to say the decadent show floor was tough to cruise while on a cleanse!

We’re talking dense cakes bolstered by bacon bits, rich pies in every cute size and shape, and cookies studded with dark and milk chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, honey roasted peanuts, pretzels and marshmallows — all in one cookie!

But I still found some delicious healthy treats at Artisanal LA. Want indulgence minus the guilt? Stop by these 10 booths and talks:

1. Curasé. Try a sample of these raw organic, and fair trade chocolates — sweetened with agave and enhanced with herbal remedies.

2. Raw food chef Ani Phyo‘s talk. My friend Ani has a new book, “Ani’s Raw Food Asia,” coming out next month — but Artisanal LA fans will have a chance to buy a book early and get it signed after Ani’s talk at 3 pm on Saturday. Earlier: Book review: Ani’s Raw Food Essentials — Cool dishes for dehydrator fans.

3. Sugarbird Sweets & Teas. The scones at this cute booth look quite indulgent, but the flavorful organic artisanal rooibos teas are healthy and full of unexpected flavors.

4. Out of the Box Collective. This organic, local produce and groceries delivery service will launch later this month for customers on the westside. The customizable delivery boxes will include everything from local veggies to locally-made tasty delights to organic dairy.

5. Truly Raw Gourmet. Though missing in action during preview night, Kippy of Truly Raw Gourmet assures me she’ll be at the show tomorrow, dishing out creamy organic, raw sorbet sweetened with local, seasonal fruits and local honey. Earlier: Truly Raw Gourmet: Decadent sorbets made fresh, organic, and local.

6. Fancifull. This fancy food store offers lots of different samples — including zesty raw Lemon & Coconut Piccolinos made with organic unsweetened coconut and organic blue agave by Raw Decadence.

7. Bangers & Smashed. This artisanal mashed potatoes company makes a vegan Moroccan Spiced Squash mashed potato that’s a rich mix of sweet potato, winter squash, and deep spices. I’d like the yummy mash even better if it were organic, but the company says the ingredients are “all natural” and sourced locally whenever possible.

8. LA Food Swap talk. Wish Artisanal LA happened every month — and came with more free food? Then go hear Emily Ho of the LA Food Swap talk about organizing a community food swap at 2 pm on Sunday. I signed up for the swap when I heard about it at GOOD LA — Hope to see you at the next swap!

9. Global Gardens. Get a taste of California-grown extra virgin organic olive oil — that was crushed with meyer lemons! This Santa Barbara company also offers other organic olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

10. Slow Food Los Angeles. If you’re not yet signed up for this nonprofit’s email list, get on it at the show. You’ll not only hear about yummy and tasty eco-foodie events happening around L.A., but also find out how you can get involved in local and national food politics so good food becomes the norm. Earlier: 12 Signs of a sustainable food revolution in Los Angeles.

Though most booths feature smalltime local vendors, Artisanal LA also has some bigger brands at the show. Numi Organic Tea and Honest Tea are both both giving out organic teas, while the GreenBar Collective and VeeV tables serve up harder eco-drinks. There will also be giveaways, DJs, and bike parking! Tickets for each day cost $10 online, or $15 at the door. Enjoy the show!

0 Comments