More FAQs:
What is the Abalone Cook-Off? The Abalone Cook-Off is a competition between cooks who prepare their favorite wild abalone recipe in hopes of winning a grand prize.
How can I taste the abalone? An Abalone Cook-Off Tasting Ticket is required to be a judge and is the only abalone available at the event. An Abalone Cook-Off Tasting Ticket allows the holder to taste approximately 10 different cook-off recipes and vote on their favorite dish. The actual number of tastings isn't guaranteed because ocean conditions will affect the ability of the divers to collect the wild abalone, making each taste even more precious.
Can I buy abalone? No. The only way you can taste wild abalone is if you dive for it (license/permit required), or know an abalone-diver friend who will legally share, or be a cook-off tasting judge at MAPA's annual Abalone Cook-Off.
What is the entry fee if I don't taste abalone? FREE! There is no entry fee to attend the festival and enjoy the music, craft faire and ambiance. However, if you want to taste abalone, you will need an Abalone Cook-Off Tasting Ticket. With or without a ticket, you may purchase fine Mendocino wines, clam chowder, t-shirts, raffle tickets & participate in the silent auction.
Will the Noyo Harbor venue be as crowded this year? The site will be more open with better flow due to a different placement of the exhibitors.
What is the purpose of the Cook-Off? Money raised at the Abalone Cook-Off & Festival helps fund natural & cultural heritage programs in our local state parks to raise awareness of our interconnection with the life, land, water and air around us, and to inspire protection and preservation of our parklands - and our planet
What if I want to be a cook in the competition? Wonderful! Click here for more cook information. You will have about a 1-in-12 chance, or better, of winning one of the three grand prizes. We can only accept 36 cooks, and several have already signed up, so you need to register ASAP. Register before June 15 to be eligible for a $150 cash drawing. Where is the Abalone Cook-Off located? The Abalone Cook-Off is located on South Harbor Drive off Highway 20 in a picturesque setting near the Marina. See map.
Do we have to be members to attend? Everyone is welcome. Entry is free. To taste abalone, you must have an Abalone Cook-Off Tasting Ticket. Members do receive a discount on the Cook-Off Tasting Tickets and can purchase up to a month ahead of the general public.
Is the cook-off canceled if it rains? No. The cook-off is held rain or shine. How many tastings/cooks will there be? Ocean conditions can make a difference on divers hunting for abalone, which means MAPA cannot guarantee the number of cooks who actually show up to participate in the competition. MAPA's goal is that you have at least 8 to 10 tastings - but weather and personal emergencies will affect the actual number who show up. Abalone is rich, so 8 to 10 tastings are sufficient. Where can we stay? There are varied options in this beautiful coastal region: Camping and RV's - Local State Parks Campgrounds; Private Campgrounds; Bed & Breakfast Inns; Hotels and Motels. Noyo Harbor is in Fort Bragg, but Albion and Mendocino are only 15 scenic minutes away. You should make your reservations early. Can we bring our dogs? No. MAPA discourages bringing your dog because of the large number of people at the event, and because of the health code for the cook-off. This restriction includes the cooks, too. Can we bring our own wine, beer or alcohol? No. The Mendocino County Sherriff does not allow any alcohol to be brought onto or taken off of the premises. Wine, soft drinks and water will be available for purchase. Can we bring our own chairs? Absolutely. We want you to enjoy yourselves and to have a wonderful time. What about ticket refunds? Because this is a fundraiser, no ticket refunds are given, but you can claim them as a donation on your taxes. You are welcome to donate the tickets back to MAPA to resell. What if tickets are sold out? Does MAPA have a waiting list? Yes. MAPA will work down the list as tickets are donated back for MAPA to sell, so get your name on the waiting list as soon as you can. What if I forget our tickets? You will need to show Registration your driver's license to prove your identity. May we bring children? You need to be aware that you will be near the harbor and there are no lifeguards. You are totally responsible for your children's safety. May I volunteer? How generous! Please contact us at 707.937.4700, or mapa@mendoparks.org.. Does MAPA have a contact # the day of the event? Yes. 707.272.5397. TOP |
