The pandemic has been difficult in many ways. For me, it comes in waves.
I am fiercely protective of my family, I am am extremely grateful and proud of the way my family has been able to navigate the pandemic thus far, I am thankful for having all of this amazing extra time with my children, to help them grow, to watch them learn and bong with each other on a level that would have never been possible pre-pandemic. I am also often overwhelmed. Being mom, wife, and teacher has had its ups and many downs. But again, I am grateful for the way my family navigates the ups and downs. Grateful for my husband and how he steps in when I need it most.
One of the toughest things for me, as someone who feels the need to travel and explore, has been the overwhelming about of time spent at home. As much as I love it some days, I can hardly breath other days.
Not only am I an extremely social and inquisitive being, my husband and I are also quite the foodies. There's very little we won't try, and our appetite for new and interesting foods is, well, it's present.
So let's add that to the list of little things that make us miss pre-pandemic life. The latest California shutdown was not as long as the first, but it took its tole.
When SeaWorld calls, you answer. Especially, when they're calling to invite you to a foodie's paradise, the Seven Seas Food Festival. I can't tell you the level of excitement abuzz in our home. The big event was only 3 days away and we simply had to make it happen. After all, what are a couple of foodies in quarantine to do?
We received the call Tuesday and were in San Diego Thursday.
We were extremely happy with the way SeaWorld San Diego has changed the way they do things during the pandemic, since their reopening in February. One of the main thing they have implemented to help maintain physical distancing within their parks is a required advance online reservation.
Not only was this a great call as far as safety, but an additional bonus was navigating the park without crowds.
SeaWorld, a licensed, permitted and accredited zoo is NOW OPEN and is operating in compliance with state safety guidelines for zoos. Rides, rollercoasters and indoor animal exhibits are temporarily closed at this time due to current State of California COVID-19 guidelines. We look forward to welcoming our guests back to our park for fun, safe and memorable experiences.
Friday morning, the boys, hubby and I were teeming with excitement. Our oldest logged on to his school's Zoom to take a couple of quizzes and shortly after we were on our way to enjoy the day at SeaWorld. Our first stop was a preview of the incredible Rescue Tails show, debuting at SeaWorld today. You can read all about it HERE.
As the show ended, our tummies were just beginning to rumble, and we headed out to explore all of the fun food options.
Flavors of SoCal
NEW! California Hand Roll
Krab, Avocado, Cucumber, Wasabi
NEW! Lobster, White Cheddar Kraft Heinz Mac n Cheese
*The KRAFT® trademark is owned by Kraft Foods and is being used with permission
SoCal Bar
San Diego Craft Brews
Selection of Local Craft Beer
NEW! Stone Fruit Frosé
Frozen Beso Del Sol Sangria, Stone Fruits
Vegan Market
NEW! Impossible™ Meat Slider
Balsamic Onion Jam
NEW! Jack Fruit Sloppy Joes
Red Cabbage Slaw, Chipotle Emulsion
Pops, Wines & Spritzers
NEW! Cutwater Frozen Margarita Popsicles
Lime, Pineapple, Mango, Strawberry
NEW! Main & Vine Wine Spritzers
Cucumber Watermelon & Pink Grapefruit
Mexico
NEW! Beef Barbacoa Taco
Pico de Gallo, Salsa Roja, Cotija Cheese, Lime Wedge
NEW! Brisket Nachos
Smoked Sliced Brisket, Pickled Jalapeños, Cilantro Crema, Scallions
NEW! Mexican Roasted Corn
Cotija Cheese, Cilantro, Tajín Crema, Lime
La Cantina
Frozen Margarita
Milagro Tequila, Fresh Lime
NEW! Micheladas
Traditional or Mango
NEW! Chamangorita
Mango Margarita with Milagro Tequila, Chamoy, Tajín Rim
NEW! SeaGlass Chardonnay, CA
NEW! SeaGlass Cabernet, CA
Polynesia
NEW! Spicy Poke Bowl
Tuna, Seaweed, Edamame, Avocado, Cucumbers, Wonton Crisps, Chili Dressing
BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich
Pineapple Slaw
NEW! Tropical Cheesecake
Duo of Cheesecakes, Graham Cracker Crumbles, Edible Flower
Polynesia Bar
NEW! Hawaiian Hard Seltzer
Kona Brewing, Tropical Punch Island Seltzer
NEW! Cutwater Frozen Margarita Popsicles
Lime, Pineapple, Mango, Strawberry
Tiki Bar
NEW! Hawaiian Pineapple Express
Ocean Organic Hawaiian Vodka, Fresh Pineapple, Mint, Lemon
NEW! Blue Hawaiian
Flor de Cana Rum, Blue Curacao, Pineapple Juice, Edible Flower
Italy
NEW! Caprese Salad
Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese, Heirloom Tomato, Basil
NEW! Fontina Cheese Meatballs
Pomodoro Sauce, French Bread
NEW! Mama’s Rigatoni
Braised Mushroom Cream Sauce
NEW! Tiramisu
Lady Fingers, Mascarpone Cheese, Cocoa
Mediterranean
Lamb Slider
Tzatziki Mint Sauce, Shaved Cucumber
NEW! Hummus & Parmesan Garlic Fries
Hummus with Chili Oil
NEW! Greek Yogurt & Honey
Poached Berries, Mint
NEW! Sweet Beignets
Bourbon Caramel
NEW! Santorini POM Cocktail
Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Lemonade, POM Pomegranate, Mint
France
NEW! Goat Cheese Croquettes
Honey, Fresh Thyme
NEW! Grilled Lamb Chop
Marbled Potatoes, Feta Cheese, Roasted Garlic & Oregano Vinaigrette
NEW! Golden Dusted Chocolate Mousse and Macaroon
France Bar
NEW! French Kiss Cocktail
Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Watermelon Juice, Lavender, Lemon
NEW! Sparkling St Tropez
Domaine Chandon Sparkling Wine, Lavender
Caribbean
NEW! Jerk Chicken Slider
Grilled Chicken Breast, Mango Salsa, Lime Aioli, Jack Cheese
NEW! Smoked Jamaican Ribs
Spiced BBQ, Corn Relish, Popcorn Shoots
NEW! Key Lime Pie
NEW! Caribbean Sunrise
SpicFlor de Cana Rum, Lemonade, Orange Juice, Grenadine, Sprite
Bahamas Bar
NEW! Tropical Hurricane
Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Midori, Peach Schnapps, Pineapple
NEW! Bay Magic Cocktail
Hendricks Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Sparkling Water, Butterfly Pea Tea, Lemon
NEW! Benziger Sauvignon Blanc
NEW! Benziger Pinot Noir
Restaurants
*Lanyards are valid at these restaurant locations
Shipwreck Reef Café
Grilled Bacon Cheeseburger
Bacon, Red Onions, Tomato, Cheddar Cheese, Pickled Aioli
Impossible Burger available upon request
NEW! Kickin’ Fried Shrimp
Cajun Spiced Dipping Sauce
NEW! Hot Honeyracha Chicken Wings
Carrots and Celery
NEW! Honey-Hoisin Glazed Salmon
Seasonal Vegetables
Kids Meals
Mac & Cheese or Tenders & Fries
Calypso Bay Smokehouse
St. Louis BBQ Ribs
Slowly Smoked Pork Ribs, Homemade BBQ Sauce
Fried Green Tomato Slider
Pretzel Bun, Onion Ring, Creamy Aioli, Arugula
Quartered BBQ Chicken
Smoked and Smothered in Homemade BBQ Sauce
NEW! BBQ Brisket Tacos
Cilantro-Lime Crema, Roasted Corn Pico de Gallo
Kids Meals
Mac & Cheese or Tenders & Fries
Our first stop was the Lobster Mac n' Cheese and California Hand Roll booth. I have to say, we stopped here several times throughout the day. It was delicious!
I should note, our kids are extremely picky eaters and wanted familiar foods, so we stopped at Mama Stella's Pizza Kitchen for kid's cheese pizza's. REMEMBER food festival lanyards work at several SeaWorld's restaurants. This is a big deal for us and for all parents of picky eaters, as it opened up a world of kid friendly food options without additional costs.
We really enjoyed the Impossible Sliders and Jack Fruit Sloppy Joes.
Fun fact, I went Vegan several years ago. I cound't keep it up because no one else in my family is Vegan and I honestly do so little real cooking, that it became very difficult for me to keep up. But Jack Fruit Sliders have become a favorite.
There were plenty of adult beverages, including Margarita Popsicles, but the kids and I opted for the only drink we paid for that day, a refreshing Blue Raspberry Icy.
We had a special treat that afternoon. Our 7 year old had to log back in to school for a Student Success Award Assembly. So we stopped at the Mexican food booth and got all the goodies to enjoy, while we logged onto another school Zoom, for his award assembly.
We ate delicious brisket tacos, nachos and corn as we watch our little boy receive a Math Wiz award. So special!
From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 125 distinct (and mostly new this year!) offerings. It’s the most we’ve ever had, and it makes Seven Seas the biggest theme park food festival in San Diego.
We truly loved this open-air experience. Lanyards start at $60 for select dates, March 5 – May 2.