This past weekend's Slow Food Rocks music festival followed a simple formula, much like the ideology that spawned the original Slow Foods Movement: combine pinches of fresh ingredients, toss liberally and simmer over slow heat until bubbling. Add a hint of spice and you've got a weekend of funky jams-not too heavy but satisfying in the hot midday sun of San Francisco's Fort Mason.

Created to accompany Slow Food Nation, dubbed the largest food event in North America, the show's organizers obviously selected the lineup around the theme of the event rather than any strict musical guidelines. But like a great chef, the flavors all melded in the end. So what does Slow Food sound like? If you're in San Francisco then it sounds like a Medeski Martin and Wood salad, a rack of Gnarles Barkley basted in Ozomatli, seasoned with a dash of New Pornographers and John Butler Trio then sautéed in G Love and Special Sauce, with a second course of Phil Lesh and a London Street/Lebo spritzer. The kind of meal that leaves you satisfied without that sick bloated feeling.

With a lineup of veterans and mostly seasoned players, there were no real weak spots throughout the weekend, and with the exception of an appearance by the Pharcyde's Slim Kid Tre during Ozomatli's set, everything was kept pretty predictable. Mind you, when you have a lineup including Barkley, Lesh and MMW, pretty predictable isn't a bad thing. MMW's set felt more like a private jam session than a concert as John Medeski tickled the organ keys like a player in a Southern Baptist Choir while Billy Martin and Chris Wood vibed off each other like improv jazz players as the crowd, mostly longtime fans unfazed by the 12:15 start time, looked on with reverence and slight head nods.

A similar scene played out on Sunday when Phil Lesh and friends closed out the weekend for all the deadheads still out there fighting the good fight. Judging from the size of the crowd-the biggest all weekend-the hippies haven't all traded in their tie dye for power ties, or at least they keep a couple in the closet for special occasions. After all, one flower child did threaten to sue a nearby photographer for taking her picture. Wow. What happened to peace and love?

But just like Mark Karan's bluesy guitar and “baby, I need you” wails during Lesh's set washed away the noise of the outside world, any bad vibes were overshadowed by foot stomping friendliness and the free fruit passed liberally through the audience. Slices of Passion Fruit definitely have a way of making you forget the small inconveniences.

Saturday's Ozomatli and Gnarles Barkley crowds were a lot more camera friendly and the most energetic of the weekend. Not getting into Ozomatli's manic blend of latin, hip hop and ska would have been impossible. The 9 piece outfit worked the crowd with a big dance oriented set that kept the energy high until Cee Lo, Dangermouse and Co. hit the stage decked out like a cruise ship jazz band, bag of radio hits in hand, and led the audience through sing alongs of their most popular releases including “Who's Gonna Save My Soul,” “Gone Daddy Gone” and of course, “Crazy.”

True to the Slow Foods aesthetic, the weekend of music felt like a casual dinner with friends, gathered together to catch up on old times and bask in some familiar faces. Some good tunes, some good grub and a grassy hill in San Francisco overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge-comfort food for the musical palate.