Florida’s food festivals combine the excitement of celebrations with the fresh taste of local foods. "The best places to find the heart and soul of tasty Florida fare is in the multitude of local food festivals held throughout the year in the state’s pleasant and welcoming climate." (Steinbacher, Joan. Food Fest! Your Complete Guide to Florida's Food Festivals. ISBN 0-9779846-0-5. )Florida events include traditional food festivals honoring a crop grown or seafood harvested in the region, chili and barbecue cookoffs, and "Taste Of" events featuring signature dishes of various restaurants. Festival length varies—from one-day affairs to a week or more. They feature a variety of activities and many festival proceeds go to charity. External linksFood Fest! Your Complete Guide to Florida's Food Festivals

February 6 & 7th celebrates Chinese New Year for 2008 - find out what this ancient festival that dates back to ancient China is all about - the rituals of red packets and dragon dances, the abundance of foods & snacks, and more. .!

A celebration on March 17 for the entire family. Enjoy the food, fun and festivities.

Things are getting plenty weird in the Canadian culinary scene - or at least the one east of Thunder Bay. Apparently Montrealers actually want to eat Toronto food, or at least food prepared by a handful of Hogtown's top toques. It's the annual Montreal Highlights Festival, which always includes a major chef visit: The Air France Wine and Dine...

Asian restaurants curiously abound in Park City in a state where Asians comprise just 1.8 percent of the population. Thankfully, the home of the Sundance Film Festival has plenty of options ranging from Japanese to Vietnamese to Asian fusion food. Here are a few places to dine at…or not.

SIMPLE SOLUTION: Mid-winter is the traditional time for good 'ol comfort food, but this unusual take on the classic macaroni and cheese will hit the spot any time of year. With a bit of a festive flare, the dish is as fun for a party as to cheer up any night of the week.