Another Blossom Festival

We're not talking cherry blossoms here. There's a much more scrumptious festival going on at Oyamel Cocina Mexicana in Arlington.

The Squash Blossom Festival (or Festival de Flor de Calabaza, for those who like a little Latin flavor) is happening throughout the month of July. The event involves three parts: a market, chef demos and special additions to the menu. The market sells organic blossoms and various types of squash to those ambitious enough to cook gourds themselves. Theoretically the market lasts from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, but it often stays open later.

On Thursdays and Fridays, the chefs offer demonstrations on cooking and preparing squash blossoms. As for prepared eats, the restaurant offers seven squashy specials. I recommend the squash blossoms stuffed with cheese and the blossom quesadilla with Oaxaca cheese. Squash blossoms aren't available for very long, so get your fill while you can. Just don't get squished in the squash stampede.

-- Erin

By Erin |  July 7, 2005; 12:35 PM ET Restaurants
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