Great Muslim Food Festival

Nothing brings people together faster than a meal. It's the one sure-fire facilitator for conversation and a sense of camaraderie, which is why summer is stacked with festivals that focus on food. The newest arrival on the scene is the Great Muslim Food Festival and Cook-Off, a celebration of the diverse dishes of the Muslim world. The food festival features local restaurants such as St. Louis Gyros and Yapi Mediterranean Subs and Sandwiches selling their most popular offerings, as well as a bazaar full of artists and merchants. The cook-off portion is open to all comers, and features six categories (all of them halal, kosher or vegan). That includes best rice and pasta dish and best dessert, along with a special class for cooks thirteen and younger. The Great Muslim Food Festival and Cook-Off takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park (www.cair-mo.org/cookoff). Admission is free but you'll need money if you want to shop or eat.