Holiday Eats Return

It's the day after Thanksgiving (in America, at least), and I think it's fitting that after collectively getting stuffed yesterday, we commemorate the feasting with a bunch of food photos from this year's Festival of Holidays' Festival Marketplace.  Once again, for the winter season, Disney California Adventure has provided a Food & Wine Festival style selection of special, seasonal small bites inspired by the various cultures that celebrate the holiday season.  This year brings a few returning favorites but lots of new tastes, so lets check out a few favorites that I was able to sample a couple of weeks ago!

The Braised Pork Belly Adobo with Garlic Fried Rice is back at the "Blissfully Braised" booth, located next to the Embarcadero souvenir store at the intersection of Pacific Wharf and Paradise Park.  This was once again my favorite item at this year's Festival.

Also at the same booth is the Cornbread Cakes with Braised Collard Greens and Smoked Bacon Gravy.  It's very hearty and flavorful, but get it early on your food tour so that you're not too full to appreciate it later on.

Wash both of these down at the "Blissfully Braised" booth with a Blood Orange Ginger Mule with a Rosemary Sprig.  It's super refreshing!

The Jalapeño Latkes with Chipotle Crema (right) at the "Spicy Celebrations" booth near the Golden Zephyr were really tasty!  The crema actually has a kick, and contrast of the crispy dried apple slice and actual latkes was delightful.

The Nashville Hot Fried Turkey with Dill Pickles at the same booth was also tasty, though not as exotic.

The Beef Pot Roast on a Potato Roll with Horseradish Cream at "Grandma's Recipes" was quite tender, though probably too heavy on the horseradish for the average person.  I enjoy horseradish, so I actually liked the amount, even though I agreed it was a larger than normal amount!

The "Holiday Duets" booth near the start of the Festival Marketplace (Buena Vista Street side) has a Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage dish that is actually relatively light but still flavorful.  The grits were not as dense as I was expecting.

The "Merry Mashups" booth has a delicious Turkey & Stuffing Tamale with Cranberry Relish. 

However, those who get the tamale should pass on the Roasted Turkey Slider with Cranberry Sauce at the "Winter Sliderland" booth.  The flavor palette is exactly the same as the tamale. 

On the other hand, for a good food hack, get the slider and add the Holiday Stuffing Mac & Cheese onto the slider.  Absolutely delicious and a great pairing for those who skip the tamale.  The mac & cheese is also at the "Winter Sliderland" booth.

Of course, you can't do Disney Christmas without the Black Forest Yule Log, available at "A Twist on Tradition."  It is very sweet, but it's a delightful treat!