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Three More Ways to Heart Artichokes—Including a Dozen for a Dollar

There was already good news on the artichoke front this week when a new aioli discovery presented itself—and reminded me a meaty chunk of artichoke fun is making up new dipping sauces.

This one was a quick tarragon, cumin, lemon juice and fresh garlic swirl into organic mayo and two big backyard arties went bye bye fast.

Then came three more morsels:

1 • Pezzini Farms in Moss Landing right by the has 12 small-apple sized artichokes for the big fat price of...$1. If that isn't awesome the word has officially lost its meaning.

Heading north, they're located on Highway 1 on the last right before 156, which is Molera Street. Look for the giant sign.

2 • Casanova and its engineer-of-a-new-tasty-and-creative era, chef John Cox, are doing a pop-up dinner ($125) with Pezzini and Georis Wines Friday, June 1, to boost Rancho Cielo's inspiring at-risk education programs, including the Drummond Culinary Academy.

Last time Cox did the pop-up thing, it totally popped, with him fashioning all sorts of stunning abalone, electric pestos and pork-belly triumphs with MEarth at the Hilton Bialek Habitat (I got to try the goods as thanks for doing the dishes). That bodes well for a menu "inspired by Guido Pezzini's family Italian recipes for the artichoke."

More good news: the dinner's happening in the field (so wear appropriate shoes and such).

RSVP to shelby_knowlton@yahoo.com.

3 • This little thing called the Castroville Artichoke Festival lurks just around the corner.

Anticipate parades, cooking demos, wine tastings, a farmers market, field tours, rockin' music worthy of its own fest and yes, the thistle-of-dreams fried, sautéed, grilled, marinated, pickled, fresh, creamed and even reconstituted into stylish and inventive "agro art."

It happens in downtown C-ville (follow the signs) 10am-6pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday, with admission at $10/adult and $5/kids, military, seniors.

Try 633-0485 or www.artichoke-festival.org for more.