Dear Friends,
What an incredible celebration of community, creativity, and care.
The Big Sur Fungus Face Off, part of the Big Sur Foragers Festival, brought together chefs, wineries, volunteers, and supporters for a sold-out afternoon celebrating foraged cuisine — all in support of the Big Sur Health Center.
Thanks to this extraordinary community, we’re proud to announce the 2026 Fungus Face Off winners:
- 🏆 Best Use of Foraged Ingredients
Wild mushroom medley with garlic over polenta
Wild Plum Café
Pamela Burns, Chef - 🎨 Most Creative
Chanterelle tamale with mushroom mole
Big Sur River Inn
Chef Adan Chavez - ⭐ Best Overall
Deetjen’s
Carlos Rene Esparza, Chef
Short ribs with enoki mushrooms, porcini, pickled onion, micro cilantro and cheesy polenta - ❤️ People’s Choice
Terry’s Restaurant + Lounge
Chef Luis Reyes
Fried oyster mushroom bites over cheesy polenta
Every bite, every glass poured, and every ticket purchased helped support the Big Sur Health Center’s mission to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for the residents, workforce, and visitors of the Big Sur coast.
We extend heartfelt thanks to our chefs, winery partners, volunteers, and sponsors — including Fenton & Keller — whose generosity and community commitment made this event such a meaningful success.
With gratitude,
Big Sur Health Center
Big Sur Foragers Festival — With Deep Gratitude 🍄🌲
The Big Sur Foragers Festival is made possible by an extraordinary group of leaders, educators, sponsors, and volunteers who generously share their time, expertise, and passion.
We extend special thanks to Big Sur Lodge, our host venue, for not only providing a beautiful home for the festival but also for generously offering accommodations for our hike leaders and mushroom experts.
We are deeply grateful to Lisa Haas, who coordinates the festival’s hikes and mushroom education — a cornerstone of the Foragers Festival experience.
Thank you to King of Mushrooms, our Mushroom Sponsor, for supporting both the educational and community mission of the festival.
And heartfelt appreciation to Paul Amend, Committee Chair and Lead Volunteer Coordinator, whose leadership and dedication keep this festival running smoothly from start to finish.
This event is a true reflection of community collaboration, stewardship, and shared curiosity — and we are thankful for everyone who helps bring it to life.
