Greer's OC: Food trucks compete for ultimate glory

David and Goliath. Spartans and Persians. North vs. South. Good vs. evil.

Epic battles have always given us hope, inspired our actions and captured our imaginations. This Saturday, a battle of epic proportions will take place, and although it might not capture our imaginations, it definitely will capture our taste buds.

At the Farm to Food Truck Challenge III on Saturday at the SoCo Farmers' Market in Costa Mesa, six top gourmet food trucks will compete for the title of "Top Chop Truck." The title will be given to the chef who can create the best dish using only locally grown, farm-fresh ingredients found at the Farmers' Market, which is certified. The goal is to promote healthy eating and support of locally grown foods.

Top local food judges include Mona Shah-Anderson, O.C restaurant publicist; chef Andrew Gruel, winner of Farm2FTII and owner of SlapFish; chef Santanna Salas from Haven Gastropub; Kim Glen of the city of Costa Mesa; and Priscilla Willis of She's Cookin'. Food blogger Bobby Navarro will act as emcee.

The competition begins at noon Saturday, and the chefs will only have 60 minutes to whip up their best culinary creation.

This is a wonderful chance to check out an event that pulls together the community and really brings our current food truck obsession to life. Come by the Farmer's Market for some great food, live music, fresh ingredients and an opportunity to learn, firsthand, about the farm-to-fork mentality.

A food drive will also take place, and attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods or make a small donation. Any donation can be used to purchase food directly from the farmers.

SoCo Farmers' Market is at 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa.

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Philharmonic Society concert subscriptions

There has never been a better time to get into classical music. Not only has the Philharmonic Society of Orange County booked Grammy-winning acts like Yo-Yo Ma and the Parker Quartet, but it is also offering affordable three-concert subscriptions.

There are six different concert subscriptions to choose from: the All-Stars, Beethoven, British Orchestras, Barclay, Recital and Saturday mini-series. All mini-series will range from $90 to $950, and you can sit back in Orange County's finest venues and listen to the complex sounds of classical music.