So I was watching the Disney Princess Cake challenge on Food Network today and decided to check out the Disneyland website. I came across a fantastic food & wine event that I'm desperately wishing I was going to be in town for. Disney's California Food & Wine Festival takes place every day from April 11th to May 5th in Disneyland's California Adventure Park. I haven't been to Disneyland in probably 10 years or so, so I have no idea what the California Adventure Park is like, but if they host a wine festival every year you can bet I'll be there at some point!

You can check out the Disney website for a list of daily events, complimentary events included with your park admission, and even some wonderful signature events. You can meet chefs like Cat Cora, Guy Fieri, or Jamie Gwen there, and there are some wonderful classes and dinners offered.

I went to Salsa Night at the Cubanacan Restaurant this weekend with my friend Melissa. Originally I made the reservation simply because of the free salsa dancing lessons that they offer through Springs Salsa and Dance Fitness on the last Saturday of every month. But when I asked Melissa to come along, she told me how wonderful their food was. And I wasn't let down at all.

The food was excellent. I would go there just to order their rice, which is seasoned perfectly. And the fried plantains on the side of my plate topped off the meal perfectly. Next time I go I need to try the Mojitos, which are their specialty drink.

The picture quality is a little grainy because I took them with my phone, but I think they still give you an idea of how great the food looks.

This past weekend I volunteered as a "plate runner" for the chef's competition at the 2008 Colorado Restaurant Expo at the Broadmoor Hotel. I had the privilege of working with Chef Jeff Knight from the Craftwood Inn, and I'm very pleased to say that we won! Here's a sampling of what he created.



While I wasn't running plates back to the judge's room, I spent my time tasting in the exhibit hall. There were a lot of restaurants represented, but only a few really stood out to me this year.


The first thing I tasted was Palapa's Surfside Island Dining, which featured a fantastic ceviche in mini taco shells. I haven't had a meal at their restaurant yet, but I will definitely try it out now.


Rocco's Italian Restaurant had absolutely wonderful tortellini out for tasting. I'm a sucker for stuffed pasta, and this was some of the best I've ever had.


I've driven by Merlino's Belvedere Restaurant in Cañon City several times on my way through, but I've never stopped to eat there before. I recall hearing the name quite a bit when I first moved to Colorado, but not as much lately. But after tasting their Sausage and Mozzarella plate, I'm going to have to make a special trip down there for dinner soon.