Knott’s Berry Farm springs back in 2021 with the Taste of Boysenberry Festival. Returning in this annual favorite are food, music, characters, and of course, the flavor of the sweet and tart boysenberry that can only be found in this Southern California destination.
The park still upholds safety procedures of face masks, sanitizers, and social distancing as part of the temporary norm. Appetizing food, drink, and surgery treats amongst the Boysenberry purples and colorful Easter decor will delight and stimulate the senses. Let’s hop right into the fun, shall we?
Upon arrival through the Marketplace from the parking lot to the entry gates, a lengthy stream of guests crowd the walkways to satisfy taste buds. Patience and social distancing are also among key ingredients to the fun that awaits. As most people enter the first lines they see at the front of the park, we opted and suggest bypassing the entry of Ghost Town as the rest of the park is ripe with little to no wait. Not to mention open tables and benches to boot.
The Pastrami Sandwich is juicy and full of meaty goodness. Even the pretzel bun held its own with its texture. The Key Lime Tart is sizably as big as the palm of one’s hand. A layer of Boysenberry jam is sandwiched between the crumbly crust and sweetness of the key lime on top. The Boysenberry Balsamic Brussel Sprouts and Elote with Boysenberry Mayo, Cotija Cheese, Butter, and Tortilla Strips provide a vegetarian cleanse from the meats and sweets that are plentiful on the menu list.
The Mac and Cheese Bites were more “under” than “over” the French Fries with the Boysenberry Sriracha Ketchup standing out the most. A returning favorite is the Boysenberry Flavored Shrimp and Grits. Although savory, the shrimp size is small compared to the mound of grits. Another underwhelming selection was the Cheeseburger with a Boysenberry Onion Spread on a Brioche Bun. The burger itself had a rubbery texture that left much to be desire.
Searching for a refreshing drink on the bright and beautiful day, we looked to the Boysenberry Cosmopolitan and the Frozen Boysenberry Mai Tai. The former had an overpowering alcoholic blend that drowned out the flavor while the latter melted quickly as a brief cool down. Almost a reminder of the Boysenberry smoothie. We prefer the Boysenberry and Basil Lemonade or the Boysenberry, Cucumber, and Pineapple Aqua Fresca to satisfyingly quench our thirst.
New to the festival lineup is the introduction of the Boysenberry ICE Dippin’ Dots. This seems like a no-brainer since the introduction of the festival, but it’s finally here and ready to be enjoyed. And it doesn’t disappoint. Much less messy compared to an ice cream cookie sandwich.
You really can’t go wrong with Boysenberry brisket paired with tater tots or mac and cheese. Either option explodes in your mouth. Do not fear the jalapeno chips, it’s really there for that crunchy snap.
Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival Photo Gallery:
Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival will take place on select dates beginning March 5th through May 2nd. Event hours will be 12 pm to 9 pm select Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays.
A tasting card is required for this limited-time food event at Knott’s Berry Farm. Regular tasting cards (ages 12+) are priced at $45 (plus tax) and will include five food tastings and Junior tasting cards (ages 3-11) are $20 (plus tax) and include three tastings. Tasting cards are date-specific and must be purchased online at knotts.com or through the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app prior to the date of visit. In order to manage proper physical distancing of guests, Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival tasting cards will be limited each day and may sell out.
