My favorite time of the year is BACK – the Festival of Holidays at Disney’s California Adventure. It’s like our own version of the Food & Wine Festival but with all the holiday cheer. It launched last weekend and while I still have a ways to go when it comes to all of the goodies to consume, I thought I’d share some of favorite items (so far) with you all for inspiration.
Before I launch into my favorites from last weekend, I wanted to give a quick update that the Annual Passholder Sip & Savor Pass is back. It’s only available to patrons with annual passes and costs $45 for 8 items. You can only use this on food and non-alcoholic beverages but if you plan on getting items that cost more than $5.60 each, it’s totally worth it.
Now that that’s out of the way, below is my list of TOP items from this past weekend. As I eat more I’ll continue to update this.
Brews & Bites
Aftershock Brewing Co., Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Ale
If you follow my Instagram account, then it’s no secret that this has been my absolute favorite item so far this season. Make no mistake about it, this ale definitely tastes like an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie. Even if you’re not a fan of “flavored” beer this one might surprise you.
Holiday Duets
Macaroni and Cheese with Cornbread Crumbles
I’m from Wisconsin so naturally I like anything with cheese and this is REALLY cheesy. I find that the macaroni and cheese options at DCA’s food stations are usually pretty hit or miss for me but this one is definitely a hit. The macaroni and cheese is good on its own but the cornbread crumbles really push this one past good to GREAT for me.
Chips, Breads & Holiday Spreads
Chicken Liver Pate on Toast
I have been really into pate lately and this one is a wonderful combination of flavors. The cherry jam and pistachios are the perfect compliment to the pate itself. That said, be warned, the serving size is very small. It’s really just a nice little appetizer before the main noshing begins.
Blissfully Braised
Braised Pork Belly Adobo
I love pork belly so anything that includes it usually goes straight to the top of my list but this one is REALLY good. It’s so tender that you can easily cut through it with a fork. But what makes this dish so incredible is the combination of the pork belly adobo with the garlic rice it comes on top of. The flavors are outstanding together!
That said, every year there are always a few things that are overrated or what I deem to be a waste of your Sip & Savor coupons. The first and only item so far this season are the Holiday Mickey and Minnie Cookies from Holiday Duets. Sure they’re cute and very “Instagrammable” but there is an overwhelming lemon taste to them and the green Minnie stains your teeth and mouth. I would skip these and just get a cute Mickey shaped treat from the Confectionary.
What have you tried so far? Do you have recommendations on what the best items are this year? Leave a comment below!
