The Delectables of Food & Wine

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!

White Cheddar Lager Soup served in a Mini Boudin Sourdough™ Boule
@ California Craft Brews

Jalapeño Popper Mac 'n' Cheese with Bacon
@ Peppers Cali-Ente

Verlasso® Sustainable Salmon Peruvian Poke with Cucumber-Lime Salad and Aji Verde Salsa
@ Peppers Cali-Ente

Strawberry and Coconut Rice "Frushi" with sweet Oikos® Greek Nonfat Yogurt Wasabi Sauce
@ Strawberry Patch

Watsonville Strawberry Pie
@ Strawberry Patch

Avocado and Pepper Jack Petite Guacamole Burger
@ Avocado Time

Spiced Oumph!® on Pita with Avocado Hummus and Garlic Sauce
@ Avocado Time

Compressed Asian Cucumbers with Green-Green Sauce, Toasted Almonds and Sea Beans
@ Eat Your Greens

Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad
@ Eat Your Greens

Crispy Orange Chicken and Rice with Garlic Cracker
@ Citrus Grove

Citrus-brined Pork Roast with tangy Barbecue Sauce and Lemon Pepper Slaw
@ Citrus Grove

Fried Artichoke Carbonara
@ I <3 Artichokes

Grilled and Chilled Artichoke Hearts with Romesco
@ I <3 Artichokes

Grilled Harris Ranch Beef Tenderloin Slider with Chimichurri Sauce
@ Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo

Salt and Beer Vinegar Parmesan Chicken Wings
@ Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo

Sweet Corn Nuggets with Beef Chili
@ Off the Cob

Shrimp Boil Tacos with Andouille Sausage and fresh Corn
@ Off the Cob

Black Garlic and Soy-braised Pork Belly Banh Mi
@ Garlic Kissed

Creamy Mac 'n' Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumble
@ Garlic Kissed

Brie Toast with Fig and Mint with Almond Crumble
@ Nuts About Cheese

Chicken Teriyaki Slider with Spicy DOLE® Pineapple Jam
@ L.A. Style

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!