So... it's been several weeks since the 2018 Food & Wine Festival started, but as I've been dealing with a busted main computer for much of last month, I totally forgot to recap some of the hightlights. So lets catch up a bit and look at some of the food items being offered this year. And keep going all the way to the end to get some of my opinions on my favorites!
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White Cheddar Lager Soup served in a Mini Boudin Sourdough™ Boule
@ California Craft Brews |
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Jalapeño Popper Mac 'n' Cheese with Bacon
@ Peppers Cali-Ente | | |
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Verlasso® Sustainable Salmon Peruvian Poke with Cucumber-Lime Salad and Aji Verde Salsa
@ Peppers Cali-Ente |
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Strawberry and Coconut Rice "Frushi" with sweet Oikos® Greek Nonfat Yogurt Wasabi Sauce
@ Strawberry Patch |
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Watsonville Strawberry Pie
@ Strawberry Patch |
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Avocado and Pepper Jack Petite Guacamole Burger
@ Avocado Time |
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Spiced Oumph!® on Pita with Avocado Hummus and Garlic Sauce
@ Avocado Time |
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Compressed Asian Cucumbers with Green-Green Sauce, Toasted Almonds and Sea Beans
@ Eat Your Greens |
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Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad
@ Eat Your Greens |
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Crispy Orange Chicken and Rice with Garlic Cracker
@ Citrus Grove |
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Citrus-brined Pork Roast with tangy Barbecue Sauce and Lemon Pepper Slaw
@ Citrus Grove |
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Fried Artichoke Carbonara
@ I <3 Artichokes |
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Grilled and Chilled Artichoke Hearts with Romesco
@ I <3 Artichokes |
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Grilled Harris Ranch Beef Tenderloin Slider with Chimichurri Sauce
@ Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo |
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Salt and Beer Vinegar Parmesan Chicken Wings
@ Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo |
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Sweet Corn Nuggets with Beef Chili
@ Off the Cob |
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Shrimp Boil Tacos with Andouille Sausage and fresh Corn
@ Off the Cob |
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Black Garlic and Soy-braised Pork Belly Banh Mi
@ Garlic Kissed |
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Creamy Mac 'n' Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumble
@ Garlic Kissed |
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Brie Toast with Fig and Mint with Almond Crumble
@ Nuts About Cheese |
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Chicken Teriyaki Slider with Spicy DOLE® Pineapple Jam
@ L.A. Style |
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Korean BBQ Beef Short Rib Tacos
@ L.A. Style | | | |
Out of all of these, my favorites (in rough order) were:
- Sweet Corn Nuggets @ Off the Cob
- Fried Artichoke Carbonara @ I <3 Artichokes
- Black Garlic and Soy-braised Pork Belly Banh Mi @ Garlic Kissed
- Avocado and Pepper Jack Petite Guacamole Burger @ Avocado Time
- Jalapeño Popper Mac 'n' Cheese @ Peppers Cali-Ente
- Chicken Teriyaki Slider @ L.A. Style
- White Cheddar Lager Soup (CHOUP!! ...ish) @ California Craft Brews
- Citrus-brined Pork Roast @ Citrus Grove
- Grilled Harris Ranch Beef Tenderloin Slider @ Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo
- Korean BBQ Beef Short Rib Tacos @ L.A. Style
- Compressed Asian Cucumbers with Green-Green Sauce, Toasted Almonds and Sea Beans @ Eat Your Greens
The Sweet Corn Nuggets ad Fried Artichoke were both favorites from last year, and they're just as tasty this year (and two of the better deals at the festival, price-wise, comparatively). The Banh Mi carries a similar lovely umami flavor as the pork belly offerings from previous years, which were also among my favorites. And the Guac Burger was surprisingly just delicious and solid all around. The Chicken Teriyaki Slider had a great combination of tangy and sweet from the pineapple and savory char from the grilled chicken. Meanwhile, the Pork Roast was hearty with a refreshing tinge from the citrus. I personally enjoyed the Harris Ranch slider, though I did have some friends apparently get some sub-par samples. And on the vegetarian front, the Compressed Cucumbers were surprisingly packed with flavor--some sour and sweet, and plenty of crisp texture!
This year's Food & Wine Festival runs through Thursday, April 12, so there's still time to indulge in your inner foodie. Go check it out if you haven't already!
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