Denio’s Farmers Market and Swap Meet in Roseville is inviting the entire community to join in its inaugural “Taste of Summer” event on Saturday, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The day will feature a variety of activities that promotes the area’s largest farmers market and is perfect for the entire family including produce samples, salsa tastings, salsa-making demonstration from the pros, salsa dancing, and a DIY demonstration. Plus, food lovers will enjoy an amateur salsa competition comprised of local residents and culinary students and judged by some of the region’s top chefs and restaurateurs, including Scott Ostrander from The Red Rabbit, Aimal Formoli from Formoli Bistro, The Sacramento Bee’s Food & Wine Editor Chris Macias, and Denio’s own Ken Denio.
The inaugural “Taste of Summer” event and Salsa Showdown will take place in the heart of Denio’s farmers market area. All culinary students are welcome to participate in the Salsa Showdown – functioning like the Food Network show “Chopped” – for a $10 fee and must RSVP by July 27, 2012. Please email cjones@augustineideas.com for more information or to register. The competition will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. when the first mystery ingredient is revealed and chefs are sent into the market to buy their fresh produce ingredients. After three rounds, a winner will be crowned with a First Place Apron and $350 in cash. Second through Fourth place prizes will also be awarded. In addition to the Salsa Showdown, a Fun Zone will be set up for kids to enjoy with their families and fresh produce samples will be available to expose taste buds to new flavors.
“This fun-filled day allows Denio’s to showcase itself in a whole new way to our region,” said Ken Denio, owner of Denio’s Farmers Market and Swap Meet. “The Salsa Showdown will showcase the area’s largest farmers market and kids will enjoy tasting fresh fruits and vegetables, while also playing in their own Fun Zone.”
Entrance into the “Taste of Summer” event is free for all. There is a $3 parking fee per car, so Denio’s encourages family and friends to carpool. Denio’s is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. The Friday Farmers Market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Denio’s is located at 1551 Vineyard Road, Roseville, CA 95678.