August 12, 2005 Killer Tofu You like your New York strip steak as much as the next guy. But there's only so much meat you can eat before your arteries mutiny. If it's protein you're after, you can get it this weekend, when the L.A. Tofu festival hits like a tsunami. What makes this festival cool is that it's all about creativity. Let's face it, to make a culinary delight out of a substance that is virtually flavorless and with a mouthfeel resembling that of congealed finger pudding, you have to get a little creative. And yet, delicious tofu creations abound. The tofu is obvious when it's cubed, pan fried and skewered. But often it's so discreet you would never know a soy bean had so much as breathed on your dish. Like tofu ice cream. Or tofu smoothies. Or a tofu Spam musubi. (On second thought, skip that last one.) If nibbling on tofu doesn't strike you as a feast for the senses, head over to the main stage for a performance by Gerald Albright (Saturday) or Ozomatli (Sunday). There are also tofu eating contests, and Japanese drum performances. And, of course, you don't need a love of tofu — or a green thumb — to enjoy the sake garden. The Tofu Festival happens this weekend at San Pedro Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets in Downtown's Little Tokyo. Get directions here.