As some of you know, we returned home from a week long trip to Walt Disney World this past Tuesday. One of, the many, reasons I love to go to Disney in the Fall is because of the Annual International Food & Wine Festival. It brings me back to that time I lived in Orlando and interned for Disney, but it's also a "slower" time and the atmosphere at Food & Wine is just, well, amazing. For those who are not familiar with this festival, here's the lowdown... In EPCOT, the World Showcase offers a glimpse into the countries of Mexico, Norway, China, Italy, Germany, the US, Japan, Morocco, France, the UK and Canada, there's also the African Outpost. These pavilions come with restaurants, merchandise, an "attraction" and, even cast members, from each respective country. Each pavilion has been designed by that specific country...just some random trivia...after the Moroccan pavilion was designed and built, the government officials from the country toured it and loved it so much, they paid for it. So, the point I'm slowly getting at is that World Showcase is a culturally diverse and amazing part of EPCOT; therefore, the Annual Food & Wine Festival obviously takes place there. This Festival showcases appetizer sized samples of food and wine/beer from, not only, those countries in World Showcase, but an additional 14 countries from around the globe. They are set up as kiosks throughout the World Showcase promenade. So, if you're a "foodie", this is a MUST! I love trying foods from around the world and the pairing of wine or beer...needless to say, one trip around World Showcase and, well, intoxication is inevitable. That being said and in no particular order, here is a non-exhaustive list of our favorites this year from each country represented...(keep in mind we did NOT hit every kiosk or try everything, since I went with someone who doesn't really understand the concept of Food & Wine, but has some concept of money being spent)...
Argentina
-Grilled Beef skewer with Chimichurri sauce and Boniato Puree
-Bodega Norton Cosecha Tardia wine
-Roasted Corn and Cheese Empanada (I WANTED to try this but they were ALWAYS out, which says something!)
Australia
-Grilled Lamb Chop with Roasted Potato Salad and Red Wine Reduction
Belgium
-Freshly Baked Waffles with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
-Stella Artois
-Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee
Brazil
Sadly did not visit
Brewer's Collection
-Altenmunster Octoberfest
Canada
-Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup (this is a CLASSIC, must do)
-Vidal Icewine (portion is extremely small but worth the cash)
Charcuterie and Cheese
Sadly did not visit
Chile
Sadly did not visit
China
-Green Tea Plum Wine Cooler
-the food is standard fair for the Food & Wine Festival, Seam "did not want American Chinese food"
Desserts and Champagne
Sadly did not visit
France
Sadly did not visit (primarily because of the line, however was recommended to try the Creme Brulee au Chocolate au Lait and Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes) I've already had the escargot in years past, it was ok actually.
Germany
-Apfel Strudel featuring Werther's Original Karamell Sauce
-Altenmunster Octoberfest beer
Greece
Sadly did not visit
Hops and Barley
-Boston style Crab Cake with Cabbage Slaw and Remoulade
-New England Lobster Roll
-Sam Adams 15th Anniversary Festival Beer
Ireland
-Guinness beer
-Did not eat there but was recommended the Lobster and Scallop Fisherman's Pie
Italy
-Moretti Beer
-We were recommended the Baked Cheese Ravioli with Creamy Bolognese Sauce and Melted Mozzarella, however it tasted like Chef Boyardee
Japan
Sadly did not visit, but standard fair for Food & Wine
Morocco
-Beef in a Pita Pocket...it tasted like a seasoned hamburger pattie in a pita pocket, ok but not delicious
-Iced Mint Tea
-Tangerine Mimosa Royale yum
New Zealand
-Seared Sea Scallop with Veggie Slaw and Lemon Oil
Poland
-Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
-Golabki...yum
Puerto Rico
Sadly did not visit
Singapore
-Shrimp Cake with Singapore Noodle Salad
-Tiger Beer
Spain
-Spanish Almond Cake (tasted like the filling of a bear claw)
-Paul Cheneau "Lady" Blanc de Blancs Cava wine
South Africa
Sadly did not visit
South Korea
-Lettuc Wrap with Roasted Pork and Kimchi Slaw...yum
United States
Believe it or not...did not try, but I had no desire to eat Bison Chili (?)
As you can see, there is a very eclectic menu and offerings at the Internation Food & Wine Festival. EPCOT is just such an amazing place, this is like icing on the cake. I hope anyone who reads this gets to enjoy every aspect of the Food & Wine Festival...it's just so much fun!
**A post about our trip and pics to come!**
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1 comment:
Very cool!! I would certainly LOVE to visit during this. (I think Justin and I have decided to wait at least one more year for Glory's sake but we will definitely be going in the next 2-3 yrs.) So glad you got to go!!
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