Take Your Taste Buds Out of This World!

We've all described a meal as "out of this world" at some point in our lives, but at the USS Challenger Chapter of the Starfleet International Star Trek Fan Association's annual "Intergalactic Food Festival," they really mean it.

The event is free and open to the public - you're just asked to bring a covered dish based on a recipe from your favorite science fiction movie, TV show, or book.  The only rule is that it must be edible... and Chapter Commanding Officer Bob Vosseler says that can lead to some pretty interesting combinations.

"We've had everything ranging from Klingon gagh, which can sometimes be chicken fingers, or it could be like a pudding with gummi bear worms in it, so it can be a dessert or it can be an entree," said Vosseler.  "We've had Doctor Who Fish Sticks and Custard, we've had a kind of a chocolate cake from Betazed, one of the planets in Star Trek, and I know we've had something from Star Wars as well."

In addition to your covered dish, you're also asked to help the Challenger crew "pay it forward" with a canned food donation to a local food pantry.

"Since we're having so much fun with food for the day, we want to be able to give back and contribute to those that are less fortunate and really need the food," Vosseler said.  "And the food pantries are always in need."

You're also welcome to dress up as your favorite character, of course.  This year's theme is the 20th anniversary of the television series "Star Trek: Voyager."

The Intergalactic Foodfest takes place on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at the Seaside Heights Community Center, located at 1000 Bay Boulevard.  For more information, check out the USS Challenger's website or find them on Facebook.