WILLIAMSBURG— Flavors are in full bloom this spring at Busch Gardens as the Food & Wine Festival returns on April 23, with over 65 all-new bites and beverages to sip and sample throughout the theme park.
The park says that visitors can enjoy a total of over 135 international flavors at 17 themed food and beverage locations, including a new menu inspired by Puerto Rico. The festival will run Thursdays through Sundays from April 23 through June 21, plus Memorial Day.
“The Busch Gardens Food & Wine festival has become an annual tradition here in Williamsburg and this year’s event returns with several exciting new offerings,” said Kevin Lembke, Park President of Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. “From the innovative food and beverage options to an amazing concert lineup, there’s plenty for both our Members and guests to enjoy this spring.”
The park says the festival features innovative new flavors and returning favorites, paired with a robust lineup of wines, craft brews and cocktails. New offerings this year include:
Puerto Rico
- Mofongo Casserole – Mashed garlic plantain casserole topped with chicharrónes
- Ropa Vieja – Seasoned shredded braised beef with vegetables, raisins and yellow rice
- Coquito – A Puerto Rican classic, coconut, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon and Bacardi dark rum
All-New Dishes at Returning Locations
- Bourbon Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs – Classic hard-boiled eggs with bourbon mustard filling and candied bacon
- Muhammara – Turkish red peppers with walnut and pomegranate, served with pita bread
- “After-chop” West African Fruit Salad – A bowl of fresh mangoes, pineapple, papaya, kiwi, passion fruit and coconut
Virginia Beer and Wines
- Sun Burn – An easy-drinking summer ale from Starr Hill Brewery
- Lemongrass Blonde – A herbaceous light blonde from Chef’s Life Brewery
- The Williamsburg Winery Viognier – An aromatic white wine with tropical notes
Cocktails
- Margarita of the Week– Enjoy a limited-time rotating flavor each week of the festival
- Negroni – Bombay Gin, Campari and sweet vermouth
- Paradise Found – A frozen drink with Bacardi Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, Banana Liqueur, Peach & Orange
Food & Wine will have sample lanyards again. A complete guide to this year’s Food & Wine Festival can be found online here.
