Vampires beware, and welcome to a full booth review for Garlic Kissed, a marketplace staple that’s returning for the 2020 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. This year, the booth sees two new alcoholic beverages, and a new recipe for the Mac & Cheese.

Garlic Kissed Marketplace at Disney California Adventure 2020 Food & Wine Festival

Menu for Garlic Kissed Marketplace at Disney California Adventure 2020 Food & Wine Festival

Food:

• Black Garlic Soy-braised Pork Belly Banh Mi – $8.00
• Carbonara Garlic Mac & Cheese with Nueske’s® Bacon – $8.00

Beverages:

• Aperol Cocktail (Alcoholic) – $14.75
• Wither Hills, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough – $14.00

While the Mac & Cheese was available at the booth last year, this year it comes back with an addition of bacon instead of a garlic bread crumble.

Photos of Menu Items from Garlic Kissed Marketplace at Disney California Adventure 2020 Food & Wine Festival

Black Garlic Soy-braised Pork Belly Banh Mi – $8.00

And for the fourth year in a row, this pork belly sandwich was a standout. This offering was a perfect cut with an amazing flavor provided by the Garlic Soy (which isn’t overpowering) and just the right, light amount of accompaniments on the petite bun. Pork Belly Banh Mi is an item we see pretty regularly at Disney California Adventure Festivals—for good reason. We hope this item continues to return each year.

Carbonara Garlic Mac & Cheese with Nueske’s® Bacon – $8.00

We just loved this twist on the classic Mac & Cheese, so much so that we are willing to label it as one of our favorite dishes at the festival! The macaroni noodles were cooked to perfection, and gorgeously coated in a thick, creamy cheese sauce. The flavor was delicious, savory but not overpowering, and if the pungent booth name is putting you off then have no fear – the garlic in this sauce provided simply a flavorful aftertaste. There is cheese grated on top of the pasta, which is fine, but probably unnecessary. The texture of the dish was complimented by the sprinkling of breadcrumbs, and the salty, smoky crispness of the bacon. We’d love to have this again.

*NEW* Aperol Cocktail (Alcoholic) – $14.75

This is one of those dangerous drinks where even though the taste of alcohol is present, it’s just so fruity, you forget and drink more! This bright drink is light and refreshing, and fruity without being overpowering. It was a nice touch to have a big slice of grapefruit in there, to add an extra bit of tartness.

Have you been garlic kissed or would you rather to just stay friends with this marketplace? With the festival running from February 28th to April 21st, that leaves you plenty of time to get to know this booth.