Tofu or Not Tofu

The answer, of course, is Tofu. Forget the crowded, annoying Sunset Junction this weekend and instead head down to Little Tokyo for one of our fave shindigs of the year, the annual Tofu Festival.

Funny, when I mention the Tofu Fest to people who have never been, they think I'm nuts. Tofu is bland enough. But a festival devoted to it?!

Aha, that's where you're wrong, my friend.



Tofu Fest -- a part of Little Tokyo's Nisei Week -- is what every food fest should be: Booths and booths of cheap, plentiful -- and here's the important part -- unique food. Check out some of the twists on tofu being offered at the varied booths:

Pad Sei Eu Noodle with Tofu, Inai BBQ Tofu, Spicy Noodle with Tofu, Tofu Sushi, Tofu Bibimbap, Tuna Poke Salad, Tofu Satay, Pad Thai Tofu , Mapou Tofu Boba Drink, Tofu Ciabatta Sandwiches, Tofu Pizza, Malaysian Tofu Salad (Rojak), Tofu Hamburger, Chowmein with Tofu, etc.

But yes, wusses, there's plenty of meat-based dishes to be had too, not to mention drinks and dessert.

The entertainment factor, however, seems to be rather sparse this year. Past fests have included concerts by Ozomatli and Blackalicious, but there doesn't seem to be any headlining performer this year... or even a stage. Not sure if that signals a downsizing of the fest -- but the food appears to still be plentiful.

Tix are $5 -- but don't pay that. Make sure you print out the coupon here that allows you in for $3. (Kids under 12 and seniors over 60 are free.)

The Tofu Festival takes place Saturday, Aug. 18, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 19, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Check out the fest's companion blog here.