The Incredible Edible Institute

The Third Annual Edible Institute — and the second straight round in our town — is back March 10-11 at the Hyatt Santa Barbara (formerly the Hotel Mar Monte) to prove something named an institute can be informative, entertaining, and delicious. “This event is really geared toward the food writer, food activist, and anyone who has an interest in the food movement,” explained organizer Krista Harris, editor/publisher of Edible Santa Barbara. “The incredible lineup of speakers that we have coming this year can provide an inspiration to all of us.” Here are three highlights:

Women of the Sea: Sustainable Seafood Challenges in California: “Seafood is a special interest of mine,” said Harris, “so I’m thrilled that one of our writers, Clare Leschin-Hoar, will be moderating this panel and that Stephanie Mutz, president of the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, will be one of the speakers.”

Sunday Is Film Day: New for this year, Sunday is all about food films and post-screening discussions, including The Dark Side of Chocolate, with director U. Roberto Romano; Food Chain, with director Sanjay Rawal; and The Perennial Plate, an online weekly documentary series with Daniel Klein and Mirra Fine.

Gala of Great Food & Drink: This celebration at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum will feature the finest food and drink artisans, restaurants, and producers, from Goodland Kitchen to New West Catering, Au Bon Climat to Qupé, Full of Life Flatbreads to Rancho San Julian Beef — and that’s only naming a few. “You can’t talk about food without wanting to enjoy some of it,” said Harris, “so the Edible Institute Gala evening will showcase the best of Santa Barbara food and beverages.”

More info and tickets at ediblecommunities.com/institute.