International cuisine with a local twist. That is what Kings Dominion’s Chef Paul has in store for guests visiting the park during the second annual Spring Bloom Festival.
As many of you may already have seen, from April 3rd to May 3rd Kings Dominion will once again decorate International Street with colorful flowers. This year, however, they have added “special dining” to the event, as well. Always eager to find out what new innovations Chef Paul has brought to KD’s culinary department, we asked him about this International Food Festival.
Looking at the full menu (see below), we noticed several Virginia wineries and breweries listed and asked Chef Paul, if he was sourcing the entire event locally. As it turns out he did try to use products from the Commonwealth as much as possible:
After making this menu it hit me that I was doing an International Food Fest and had all the authentic ingredients, but then I sat and looked at everything and said I want to make this feel more unique and not be seen as copying another park like what Disney or Busch may be doing. So, I wanted to make it have a local Virginia feel and use as much local produce as I could and utilize local breweries and wines and not bring in European products or out of state.
~ Paul Maloney, Kings Dominion Executive Chef
We are really excited to try Chef Paul’s internationally inspired, farm-to-table menu next month. Check out the menu below, and be sure to check back for our full review, during the Spring Bloom Festival.
Germany
Bratwurst Pretzel Roll
A mini German bratwurst wrapped in a pretzel roll and topped with pickled onions, local farm braised purple cabbage, and ground mustard. Served with a German lentil spring vegetable and micro green salad
Sticky Bun Pudding
A German sticky bun bread pudding topped with stout beer caramel
Main Street Virginia Ale
A German Alt-style beer inspired by Pilsner, Munich, and Caramunich malts from Center of the Universe Brewing Company (Ashland, VA)
Barrel Aged Scotchtown Ale
A classic, Scottish-style ale brewed with eight different malts from Center of the Universe Brewing Company (Ashland, VA)
Hawaii
Seared Ahi Tuna
Seared Hawaiian ahi tuna with lilikoi shrimp butter and sesame watercress radish salad served over Furikake rice with garlic ginger mayo and micro wasabi greens
Coconut & Mango Custard with a Pineapple Donut
Coconut custard with macerated mango topped with micro mint and served with a pineapple malasada
Kona Big Wave Golden Ale
A light golden ale with a tropical hop aroma and flavor from Kona Brewing Company (Kailua Kona, HI)
Legend Ütebier Spring Ale
A crisp, deep orange-colored ale with hints of honey balanced by a subtle hop bite from Legend Brewing Company (Richmond, VA)
Chambourcin
Local wine with a subtle gourmet jam and soft fruit flavor from James River Cellars Winery (Glen Allen, VA)
Italy
Tuscan Bruschetta Salad with Spring Pea Orzo Salad
Grilled Tuscan bruschetta served alongside a spring pea pesto orzo and a salad made-up of Hanover red and yellow heirloom tomatoes, baby arugula, and micro basil topped with buffalo mozzarella, crumbled goat cheese and blood orange balsamic vinaigrette
Limoncello Mousse
Amalfi coast limoncello mousse with topped with candied lemon peel, mascarpone cream, and micro mint
Azrael Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Award winning beer with hints of apple and pear from Devils Backbone Brewing Company (Roseland, VA)
Hanover Red
A soft, supple, semi-dry blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Chancellor produced by James River Cellars (Glen Allen, VA)
Jamaica
Jerk Chicken
Jamaican jerk chicken served over coconut rice & peas. Accompanied by island papaya chutney & micro cilantro
Land Shark Lager
A pale lager brewed by Anheuser-Busch InBev (Jacksonville, FL)
Jamaican Ginger Beer
A non-alcoholic Jamaican ginger beer
Switzerland
Swiss Mac & Cheese
Swiss Gruyère mac and cheese topped with bacon, onions, potatoes, and fresh spring chive oil
Chocolate Fondue with Fruits & Biscotti
Toblerone chocolate fondue served alongside fresh spring fruits and a biscotti
Orange is the New Stout
An imperial chocolate stout brewed with oranges and sea salt by Center of the Universe Brewing (Ashland, VA)
Rad Red
A local Virginia wine featuring hints of ground coffee beans from James River Cellars (Glen Allen, VA)
Vietnam
Beef Short Ribs with Kim Chi
Kalbi marinated grilled beef short ribs served with kim chi
Banana Lumpia
Fried banana lumpia topped with cinnamon, brown sugar, and gingered whip cream
Tiger Beer
A pale lager brewed by Heineken Asia Pacific in Singapore
Chardonel
A fruity, off-dry wine from James River Cellars (Glen Allen, VA) features hints of banana and is produced especially to be paired with spicy Asian cuisine