Food fest fight

There are two big food festivals this weekend. Which side are you on? (OK, OK, you can go to both.) On Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18, the 12th annual Mediterranean Food and Music Festival takes place at the Holy Virgin Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church (3060 Jefferson Boulevard in West Sacramento). There, you can snag hummus, lamb, chicken kabobs, gyros, tabbouleh and falafel for lunch or dinner—just don’t forget the event’s popular Middle Eastern doughnuts for dessert. More at http://holyvirginmary-orthodox.org. Meanwhile, the 39th annual Jewish Food Faire takes place Sunday, September 18. Fair warning: The event ends at 3 p.m., but traditional favorites sell out early. Head to Congregation Beth Shalom (4746 El Camino Avenue in Carmichael) as close to 9 a.m. as possible to nab your hand-sliced pastrami, chocolate babka, holiday challah and matzo ball soup. More at http://foodfaire.cbshalom.org.