184 Non-Profits Earn $290,000 in 2011

Gilroy Garlic Festival Exceeds $9 Million In Charity Distribution

GILROY, California – With the distribution of $290,000 to participating non-profit organizations in July’s 33rd annual spectacular, the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association has surpassed $9 million in revenue donated to local charity since its inception, 2011 Festival Association President Kurt Svardal announced today. Operated by over 4,000 volunteers and chronicled internationally, the three-day Festival, presented by Raley’s, Bel Air and Nob Hill Foods, entertained and fed 109,067 visitors from Australia to Zion, IL during the last weekend of July. At the 1979 inception Festival founders created the Volunteer Equity Program, whereby profits are allocated to non-profit organizations designated by its work force; included in this funding are over $2 million in Gilroy capital improvements. In 2011 the Festival joined with Festival co-founder Don Christopher and Christopher Ranch to renovate the Christmas Hill Park Amphitheater, a year round venue for community activity. The gross distribution of Festival revenue after 33 years has reached $ 9,345,322.Read more...

Garlic Festival Visitors Dined, Danced & Smiled

GILROY, Calif. --- Kip Moore was the real deal, Stacked Steak Napoleon on Garlic Paper won the Great Garlic Cook-Off and Scope sent 109,067 guests home with bright smiles and fresh breath from the July 29-31 Gilroy Garlic Festival.

The 33rd annual food and entertainment extravaganza, presented by Raley’s, Bel Air and Nob Hill Foods, entertained visitors with three days of live music, nationally prominent cooking competitions and renowned cuisine enhanced with more than two tons of fresh Christopher Ranch California garlic.Read more...

Chef Dean Dupuis Tops Garlic Showdown

Southern Spin Good for Grand Prize

Chef Dean Dupuis of Oakland's Pican Restaurant fired a creative southern combo to win the 2011 Garlic Showdown at the Gilroy Garlic Cook-Off Stage on Sunday. Dupuis crafted a series of dishes with a southern flair. His winning combo featured Biscuits with Garlic Pepper Jelly, Southern Summer Panzanella Salad with Sausage Chicharones using the secret ingredients of Romanesco broccoli and Silva sausage.

Chef Dupis edged out three other top-notch Bay Area chefs for the showdown title and the $5000 grand prize. The 2011 Garlic Showdown was hosted by acclaimed chef Angelo Sosa of TV's Top Chef.

Stacked Steak Napoleon Winner at Cook-Off

Jamie Brown-Miller Claims Cook-Off Title

Napa's Jamie Brown-Miller donned the garlic crown Saturday claiming first place in the Great Garlic Cook-Off presented by Scope Dual-Blast with her presentation of Stacked Steak Napoleon on Garlic Paper with Asparagus, Radicchio, Shiitakes and Stilton.

Jamie wowed the judges with her balanced, yet plentiful use of garlic. With her victory, Brown-Miller claimed a $1000 prize and the coveted garlic crown before a packed crowed at the famed Gilroy Garlic Festival Cook-Off stage. Jamie edged out seven other talented contestants for the win.

The 2011 Great Garlic Cook-Off is presented by Scope Dual-Blast mouthwash featuring new technology that helps give you the confidence to enjoy your favorite foods without having to worry about bad breath from strong food odors.