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    Home ▸ California

    April 14, 2024 California

    Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

    The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival is the ultimate foodie event. Enjoy gourmet items with options for all dietary needs!

    This post covers the culinary delights of the 2023 festival, what is offered at each marketplace and which items are plant based / vegan, vegetarian, gluten friendly and kid friendly!

    A hand holding a red tasting passport booklet for the Disney California Food and Wine festival with a photo of part of a ride on it.

    This post was sponsored by Disney Parks but the content and opinions expressed are fully my own.

    You can explore a variety of gourmet food and beverages from Disney's best chefs when visiting the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, plus a variety of other experiences!

    Table of contents

    • What is the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival?
    • Dietary Options
    • Festival Marketplaces
      • Avocado Time
      • Berry Patch
      • California Craft Brews
      • Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo
      • D•Lish
      • Garlic Kissed
      • Golden Dreams
    • I Heart Artichokes
      • LA Style
      • Nuts About Cheese
      • Peppers Cali-ente
      • Uncork California
    • Participating Restaurants
      • Festival Beer Garden
      • Paradise Garden Grill - everything here is plant based!
      • Festival Cart
      • Willie's Churros
      • Churros Near Hollywood Land
      • Sonoma Terrace
      • Cucina Cucamonga
      • Pacific Wharf Cafe
      • Cappuccino Cart- Pacific Wharf
      • Lamplight Lounge
      • Hollywood Lounge
      • Studio Catering Co.
      • Terran Treats
    • Special Events and Experiences
    • Tips for Navigating the Food and Wine Festival
    • Festival Favorite s

    What is the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival?

    The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival started in 2006. It's an annual event hosted in California Adventure that celebrates the best of California cuisine.

    The festival takes place in the spring every year and features a variety of food and wine booths, culinary demonstrations, seminars, and special events. The 2023 festival runs March 3 to April 25, 2023.

    The festival features gourmet dishes from California's top chefs and restaurants, with options ranging from small bites to full meals. It also offers a variety of wine and beer tastings from California wineries and breweries, along with non alcoholic beverage options.

    Donald Duck dressed as a chef with three boys smiling at the camera in front of a kitchen painting.

    Dietary Options

    The festival offers a variety of dietary options, including gluten-free, vegetarian, plant based and vegan dishes. You can get more detailed Information on ingredients in specific dishes in the festival passport or on the Disneyland app.

    Note that some items are not easily modified since they come pre-prepared. But a few simple modifications may be possible, such as leaving off whipped cream, leaving off a cracker, etc.

    Most alcohol is plant based / vegan but you can always look up the brand online as most brands will be posted next to the item.

    For more information check out my guides on Vegan Food at Disneyland, Gluten Free Food at Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Food!

    Disclaimer- Make sure to talk to cast members and chefs at each booth about any dietary restrictions you have. Disney Parks are all very accommodating and will make sure what you are eating is safe for you.

    Festival Marketplaces

    There are a total of twelve marketplaces offering food an beverage items in this years festival. From sweet to savory, there is something for all taste buds!

    Each item is marked with what dietary preference it accommodates, plus I have included if it is kid friendly. Items that are spicy, have alcohol or others ingredients not meant for kids avoid this label.

    Avocado Time

    Food

    • Impossible™ Nacho Mac and Cheese- vegetarian
    • Impossible™ Al Pastor Taco- plant based, vegetarian

    Beverage

    • Blackberry Lavender Lemonade- kid friendly, plant based
    A photo of mac and cheese with taco toppings on top in a turquoise bowl on a wooden stand.
    Hands doing cheers with purple drinks with a lemon on top and straws inside.
    Two tacos on a wooden plank topped with lettuce and mango salsa.

    Berry Patch

    Food

    • Kenny's Family Cheesecake- kid friendly, vegetarian
    • Blueberry Buttermilk Pie- kid friendly, vegetarian

    Beverage

    • Blueberry Pancake Cold Brew- vegetarian
    A pink plate with a round piece of cheesecake on it topped with a berry compote.
    A mini pie with blueberries and cream on a yellow plate sitting on a stand outside on a table.

    California Craft Brews

    Food

    • IPA Sausage Dog

    Beverage

    • A variety of beers and beer flights- (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan)

    Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo

    Food

    • Smoked Honey-Habanero Chicken Wings
    • BBQ Beef Brisket Slider

    Beverage

    • Chipotle-Pineapple Bourbon Sour- vegetarian due to honey
    • Smoked Cherry Mezcal-iki Cocktail- (refer to specific alcohol brand to confirm plant based)
    Red chicken wings in a parchment lined basket on a blue table.
    photo credit to James Van Le
    A blue plate with an open faced brisket slider on it topped with fried onions and drinks next to it.
    photo credit to James Van Le

    D•Lish

    Food

    • Beef and Barley Poutine
    • Cubano Slider- kid friendly

    Beverage

    • Sake Melon '75- plant based- uses dairy free coconut cream (refer to specific alcohol brand to confirm plant based)
    • Apricot Tequila Colada- uses dairy free coconut cream (refer to specific alcohol brand to confirm plant based)
    Tater tots topped with meat, cheese curds and a fried cauliflower on a black plate.
    photo credit to James Van Le

    Garlic Kissed

    Food

    • Grilled Top Sirloin- kid friendly, gluten free
    • Carbonara- Garlic Mac and Cheese featuring Nueske's Peppered Bacon- kid friendly

    Beverage

    • Raspberry Limoncello-Ade- (refer to specific alcohol brand to confirm plant based)
    • Guava-Lychee Mule- (refer to specific alcohol brand to confirm plant based)
    A blue plate with mashed potatoes topped with green sauce, red pepper slices and pieces of meat.
    photo credit to James Van Le
    A paper basket bowl filled with creamy pasta topped with breadcrumbs, cheese and bacon pieces.
    photo credit to James Van Le

    Golden Dreams

    Food

    • Elote Paleta- vegetarian
    • Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread- vegetarian

    Beverage

    • Central California Cooler- kid friendly, plant based
    A yellow ice cream like bar with corn, cream and cilantro on top sitting on a white plate.
    photo credit to James Van Le
    A round flatbread topped with goat cheese and beets sitting on a turquoise plate on a wooden round board.

    I Heart Artichokes

    Food

    • Artichoke Pizzetta- vegetarian
    • Artichoke Toast with Olive Tapenade- vegetarian

    Beverage

    • Passion Fruit Rum Cocktail- (refer to specific alcohol brand to confirm plant based)
    A round pizza style snack with artichokes, onion and basil on top on a wooden cutting board with a drink next to it.
    A slice of bread with artichoke and olive chopped up on top sitting on a wooden cutting board outside.

    LA Style

    Food

    • Glazed BBQ Pork Belly- kid friendly
    • Impossible™ Gyro-Inspired Naan- vegetarian

    Beverage

    • Echo Park Cooler- plant based
    A grey plate with mac and cheese and pieces of meat on it.
    Tan sign with 3 photos of food and text under neath and a top title that says LA style.
    A piece of round naan bread with hummus, ground meat, tzatziki sauce and crispy chickpeas on a blue plate.

    Nuts About Cheese

    Food

    • Petite Burrata- vegetarian
    • Crackers and Cheese
    • Mickey Mouse Shaped Macaron Made with Snickers- kid friendly, vegetarian

    Beverage

    • Flowers and Bees- not plant based due to honey
    Tater tots topped with meat, cheese curds and a fried cauliflower on a black plate.
    A mickey shaped chocolate dessert covered in nuts on top sitting on a white plate on a red tablecloth.

    Peppers Cali-ente

    Food

    • Chile Relleno Empanada- vegetarian
    • Camarones a la Diabla

    Beverage

    • Cantarito-Style Paloma-(refer to specific alcohol brand to confirm plant based)
    A turquoise plate with an empanada on it sitting above boxes with red and yellow peppers.

    Uncork California

    Food

    • California Artisan Cheese Plate- vegetarian
    • Celebration Chocolate Fudge Brownie- kid friendly, vegetarian

    Beverage

    • A variety of wines and wine flights (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan)

    Participating Restaurants

    Festival Beer Garden

    Beverage

    • A variety of beers and beer flights (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan)

    Paradise Garden Grill- everything here is plant based!

    Food

    • Torta de Chilaquiles- plant based, vegetarian
    • Bulgogi Fried Rice- kid friendly, plant based, vegetarian
    • Impossible™ Gyro Fries- kid friendly, plant based, vegetarian
    • Buffalo Mac and Cheese- plant based, vegetarian
    • Peach-Blueberry Cobbler- kid friendly, plant based, vegetarian
    • Kids Quesadilla- kid friendly, plant based, vegetarian
    • Kids Mac and Cheese- kid friendly, plant based, vegetarian

    Beverage

    • White Float Cocktail- (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan)

    Festival Cart

    Food

    • Pretzel Bites- vegetarian

    Beverage

    • Beer and Seltzer- (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan)

    Willie's Churros

    Food

    • Pineapple-Coconut Churro- kid friendly, vegetarian

    Churros Near Hollywood Land

    Food

    • Tiramisu Churro- kid friendly, vegetarian

    Sonoma Terrace

    Food

    • Black Forest Ham Grilled Cheese- kid friendly

    Cucina Cucamonga

    Beverage

    • Strawberry Horchata- kid friendly, gluten free, vegetarian
    • Strawberry Horchata with Spiced Rum- (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan)
    • Seasonal Margarita (currently mango)- (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan)

    Pacific Wharf Cafe

    Food

    • Grilled Peach Toast- kid friendly (this is not labeled vegetarian but I am not sure why as all ingredients stated seem vegetarian)
    • Berries and Cream Bread Pudding- kid friendly, vegetarian

    Cappuccino Cart- Pacific Wharf

    Beverage

    • Horchata Cold Brew- gluten free, vegetarian

    Lamplight Lounge

    Food

    • Ribeye for Two paired with a Speciality selected Glass of Wine- vegetarian
    • Cookies and Cream Donuts- kid friendly, vegetarian

    Beverage

    • Lamplight Lounge Food and Wine Cocktail- (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan)

    Hollywood Lounge

    Beverage

    • Margarita flight- (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan)
    • Backlot Michelada - (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan), fun fact I first thought this said BLACKOUT Michelada and thought wow this must be strong (insert LOL emoji here)
    • Dragon Fruit Soju Mule- (refer to specific brand to confirm plant based / vegan)

    Studio Catering Co.

    Food

    • Korean Fried Chicken Slider

    Beverage

    • Watermelon Punch- kid friendly, plant based

    Terran Treats

    Food

    • Like a Lemon-Raspberry Pie Churro- kid friendly

    Special Events and Experiences

    Not only does this amazing festival have food and drinks, but there are loads of fun activities for all ages. The festival offers a variety of special events and experiences, including seminars, workshops, and cooking demonstrations.

    Here are some of the highlights:

    • Family friendly programming- special activities and demonstrations focused on families.
    • Cooking demonstrations- local and Disney chefs will make their favorite recipes on stage (Friday through Sunday only).
    • Cocktails at Sonoma Terrace hosted by CORKCICLE®- eat at this fan favorite restaurant and experience an expanded menu of items
    • Live music
    • Soarin' over California- a virtual experience type ride where you get to fly over parts of the state and see it's natural and manmade wonders.
    • Bookable experiences like tastings and seminars
    Four people with paper chef hats standing together smiling in front of a painting of a kitchen.

    Tips for Navigating the Food and Wine Festival

    Because there is so much offered during Disney's food and wine festival, it can be overwhelming. Here are my best tips to make your experience even better!

    • Purchase a festival passport to keep track of tastings.
    • Share plates so you can try more dishes.
    • Consider purchasing a Sip and Savor pass for discounts on food and drink purchases.
    • Arrive early to avoid long lines.
    • Plan ahead for all experiences to ensure they are available.
    • Make bookable experience reservations in advance.
    • Utilize the Disneyland app for wait times and ride reservations.
    • Stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen and sunglasses.

    Festival Favorites

    I am clearly a foodie at heart and love attending the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. While I could only try the gluten free items this year, between family and friends we were able to sample almost everything.

    Here are some fan favorites we gathered as a collective group, including things for all dietary preferences:

    Food

    • Impossible Nacho Mac and Cheese- vegetarian
    • Impossible Al Pastor Taco- plant based, vegetarian
    • Grilled Top Sirloin- kid friendly, gluten free
    • Petite Burrata- vegetarian
    • Mickey Mouse Shaped Macaron Made with Snickers- kid friendly, vegetarian
    • Impossible Gyro Fries- kid friendly, plant based, vegetarian
    • Buffalo Mac and Cheese- plant based, vegetarian

    Beverage

    • Blackberry Lavender Lemonade- kid friendly, plant based
    • Chipotle-Pineapple Bourbon Sour- vegetarian due to honey
    • Apricot Tequila Colada- uses dairy free coconut cream
    • Guava-Lychee Mule

    The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival offers a unique and delicious way to experience the best of California cuisine. No matter your dietary needs, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

    A signature in black with twi turquoise lines under it.

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    We weren’t really sure where we wanted to lunch We weren’t really sure where we wanted to lunch on our last day and made a last minute decision to try @santomezcal_sb which was across from our hotel. Every time we walked by it over the weekend it was always packed, and we quickly figured out why!

Not only is the decor awesome, but the food is absolutely delicious. Our server guided us so well, suggested dishes that we probably would not have ordered on our own and asked us to trust her. And wow was she right. 

The combo of ingredients in a lot of their dishes are not things you see everywhere. But they come together in the very best way! We loved everything we had, so many vegetarian and gluten free options. And their skinny margarita was phenomenal, a must for me when eating Mexican food!

Here is what we had:

- Ahi Tuna Ceviche (not your average ceviche but so dang good)
- Quesadillas De Flor De Calabaza
- Tacos De Pulpo
- Skinny margarita

We also loved the chips and trio of salsas that came with them!

#restaurantreview #restaurantreviews #foodreviews #glutenfreeoptions #vegetarianoptions #travelblogger #foodcritic #santabarbaracalifornia #santabarbaracounty #santabarbaraliving #travelblogger #socaltravels #mexicanfoodlover
    ✨Santa Barbara, Ca✨ This wasn’t our first t ✨Santa Barbara, Ca✨

This wasn’t our first time eating at @thelarksb and we were not disappointed with how good we remembered it being!

Being right in the middle of the Funk Zone, it’s the perfect location for walking around and exploring before dinner. We love the vibe and the indoor outdoor feel. The food is delicious and our favorite thing was they bring you pickle popcorn as a table treat instead of the typical bread. The popcorn was delish!!

We were so lucky with the best server here. If we could clone her and have her serve us everywhere we would. 

Here is what we had:

- Dill Pickle popcorn
- Classic Wedge
- The Fisherman’s Catch
- Hand Cut Pappardelle Pasta
- New School Banana Split
- Serpents Tooth Cocktail

#restaurantreview #restaurantreviews #foodreviews #glutenfreeoptions #vegetarianoptions #travelblogger #foodcritic #santabarbaracalifornia #santabarbaracounty #santabarbaraliving #travelblogger #socaltravels
    ✨Santa Barbara, Ca✨ Words can’t explain how ✨Santa Barbara, Ca✨

Words can’t explain how much dining at @lilacpatisserie filled my soul. It’s a 100% dedicated gluten free bakery and cafe. If you don’t have a food allergy, it’s hard to understand the stress that often goes into going out. I hate having to ask the questions, feel like I am high maintenance, worry about making others uncomfortable, take longer than usual to order…the list goes on. So to be able to literally eat anything on the menu is like heaven!

Everything we ate was amazing. Even the non gluten free enjoyed every bite. The biggest thing that stuck out to me was that the bread did not get mushy and fall apart! I was stumped at how they nailed this one. My runny eggs covered my bread and I could still eat without the mushy yuck that usually happens!

We tried:

- brioche french toast with berries, maple syrup and whipped butter
- breakfast sandwich with eggs, black forest ham, pesto, sharp cheddar and arugula on rosemary olive bread
- key lime tart

If you’re gluten free, run, don’t walk. They also have another location in Montecito!

#restaurantreview #restaurantreviews #foodreviews #glutenfreeoptions #vegetarianoptions #travelblogger #foodcritic #santabarbaracalifornia #santabarbaracounty #santabarbaraliving #travelblogger #socaltravels #glutenfreerestaurant
    ✨Santa Barbara, Ca✨ One of our favorite resta ✨Santa Barbara, Ca✨

One of our favorite restaurants in the Funk Zone is @loquitasb, a spanish tapas style eatery. Even for my not so adventurous guy, it was a huge hit!

We loved the vibe, our server was super knowledgeable and was able to direct us to both vegetarian and gluten free options. Everything we had was phenomenal and super flavorful.

- Pan Con Tomate
- Tortilla Espanola
- Gambas Al Ajillo
- Pulpo
- Basque Cheesecake
- El Facil cocktail

#restaurantreview #restaurantreviews #foodreviews #glutenfreeoptions #vegetarianoptions #travelblogger #foodcritic #santabarbaracalifornia #santabarbaracounty #santabarbaraliving #travelblogger #socaltravels #spanishrestaurant
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    That maple syrup butter combo really hits the spot That maple syrup butter combo really hits the spot. 

Pancakes are a weekend treat my kids love. But making them makes me feel like an assembly worker where the job never ends 😆

#pancakeslover #weekendbreakfast #kidsbreakfast
    Greek food fills me up with yummy warmth and makes Greek food fills me up with yummy warmth and makes me feel like a kid again. This Pastitsio recipe is hands down the best ever!

Look it up on veggiesdontbite.com 🌱

#greekfood #foodphotography #foodphotographer #sandiegofoodphotographer #foodphotoshoot #sandiegophotographer #foodphotographyandstyling
    Siri, give me Kung Pao Tofu but homemade 🤤 Ser Siri, give me Kung Pao Tofu but homemade 🤤

Serve with rice, more veggies or just eat hot right outta the pan. 

Search “Kung pao tofu” on veggiesdontbite.com

#foodphotography #foodphotographer #foodphotoshoot #sandiegophotographer #sandiegofoodphotographer #foodphotographyandstyling
    Summer weather still going strong so we’re in fo Summer weather still going strong so we’re in for all the fresh ingredients!

Bowls are a weekly go to staple for dinner. Everyone builds their own. No one tantrums.

Find this easy macro bowl on veggiesdontbite.com 🌱

#easyrecipes #macrobowl #plantbasedrecipes #tofurecipes #plantbasedwholefoods #proteinbowl #grainbowl
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