Seattle Centerisn’t the first place that comes to mind when
I think of having a good time, especially when it comes to food.
Besides the disgusting/strangely delicious Papa John’s minipizzas that
enter my life during Sonics games in KeyArena, the real culinary
highlight of Seattle Center is its proximity to McDonald’s and 7-Eleven
(hello, Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, hot mustard sauce, and Slurpees).
Recently, though, it became painfully apparent that I’ve had my head
up my ass when it comes to the Center—it plays host to an amazing
array of cultural festivals, most of which offer the chance to feed on
delicious, traditional-style ethnic foods. While I usually try to make
it to the Philippine independence festival, Pagdiriwang, at the Center
every June, I had no idea that it was part of a larger, impressive,
yearlong series of events called Festál, which is
sponsored by Safeco Insurance and now in its 12th year of “Creating
Worldwide Community.” While Festál’s tagline, “Experience the
World in 2007… and Never Leave Seattle Center,” is unsettling at
best, the premise is admirable and beautiful. Festál events in
just the last month have included Bastille Day Celebration, Arab
Festival, Cambodian Cultural Heritage Celebration, and BrasilFest;
upcoming events are Korean Cultural Celebration, Fiestas Patrias,
Italian Festival, CroatiaFest, and TurkFest.
I plan to get my diversity and snack on as many of these
palate-expanding events as possible, starting this weekend with
TibetFest. Pass the momos, please. 
TibetFest is Aug 25–26. For more information on
Festál, visit www.seattlecenter.com/events/festivals/festal.
