EPCOT Food and Win Festival 2017 – Prep


The menus for this year’s Food and Wine festival at EPCOT have been posted and I have been organizing, ranking, and going through things to figure out what is the plan for our visit this year.    Although it’d be great to eat and drink everything… given the vast amount of items, that’s just not possible. I’ve taken the information from previous years and figured out what is on the must have list for me.  Hopefully this is of help to you as well.


If you are interested in the spreadsheet I created to get everything together check out this excel file.  Food_and_Wine_2017  The prices are approximate based on previous year prices either by the actual item, or type of item.

Want more info?  For the full menus and additional information check out The Disney Food Blog.

 

So what’s new?

There are a couple new, re-branded, and “newly” returning booths this year to look forward to.


IMG_5522Active Eats

This year a new booth is taking two of the festival’s favorites as its own.  Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese is moving over here from Farm Fresh last year.  And the Roasted Verlasso Salmon is being moved over from the Patagonia Booth.  This Will most likely be a fan favorite with these 2 as their main items.  However still not sure what the “Active” in “Active Eats” is about.  Maybe they will have way to eat on the go?

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Coastal Eats

Coast Eats is primary sea food (as you’d expect).  Lump Crab Cake with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Lemongrass Cream seems to be the big star with Shrimp Scampi Dip and Seared Scallops rounding out the menu.  Seafood is very easy to over cook, especially in the hot Florida sun, so will be interesting to see if they can keep up the quality as the day goes on.

Flavors from Fire

If you enjoyed the Piggy Wings from Craft Beers last year they are back here at this new booth.  Smoked Corned Beef, Sweet Pancake with Spicy Chipotle Chicken Sausage, and a Dark Chocolate Mousse round out the options.  Will definitely be looking forward to this booth.

Light Lab

The Light Lab seems to be the science experiment booth this year.  A number of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic items are showcased here using culinary gastronomy.  Boba Pearls, liquid nitrogen, and something called are T=CC2 (which is Cotton candy that you dissolve in tonic water drink) at this booth.  Along with a number of beers, although not sure how those play into the science-y aspect of this booth.  Everything here reacts and glows to backlights that will be surrounding the booth.  Definitely one you want to do at night.

The Almond Orchard

There isn’t much here and seems to be primarily to promote Blue Diamond Almond Breeze.  But don’t let that stop you from trying the Banana Almond Sundae.  I however am not a big nut person, so I will most likely be skipping this booth.

img_5512.jpgEarth Eats from The CHEW

It’s hard to call this booth “new”, as all the items are from last year’s booth named THE CHEW Collective are here.  I guess they are going for new branding?  The ravioli was quite enjoyable last year (very light and refreshing for a pasta dish).  And if you like Peanut Butter & chocolate the Mousse is right up your alley.

Thailand

A booth that is returning (so technically “newish”).  It has been here twice before (2006 & 2009).  From the offerings it seems pretty standard for a Thai take-out restaurant.  However if you don’t have one near where you are, this is probably a great place to try Thai.

The Cheese Studio

Skipping a year, the Cheese Booth is back.  Primarily here is the Cheese Trio to try. The  Caramelized Onion Tart also looks interesting. As for the Braised Beef “Stroganoff”, I’m not sure how that will do in the warm Florida sun.

Oldies but goodies

To round out the other booths is the standard selection of country booths.  Below are a number of favorites that I am looking forward to.

Australia

The grilled lamb T-bone might give a nice change from the traditional chop they done in years past.  And for those that enjoy coconut the Lamington Yellow cake is a go-to dish not to be missed.

Belgium
IMG_4171

Also known on my Food and Wine trips as “breakfast”.  The Belgian waffles come in either chocolate gnash or berry compote.  If going with others, you can easily get both types of Belgian waffles.  Or you could get both by yourself for breakfast.  Or if it’s at night.  It doesn’t matter.  Just make sure to grab a chilled Godiva coffee to go with it.

IMG_4172Brazil

A relative newcomer to the festival (at least by a lot of “standard” booths), this one has quickly become one of my favorites.  The Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) is a cheesy gooey delight, and the Crispy Pork Belly is not to be shared.  Get your own.  You’ll thank me later.

 

img_5525.jpgCanada

Usually this is a must visit booth each year. However, this year we are going to be skipping thanks to a reservation at Le Cellier.  However if you don’t, I strongly suggest getting the Beef Filet Mignon (with a Mushroom Truffle-Butter Sauce) and the Cheddar Cheese Soup.  Wash it all down with some Ice wine.

Chocolate Studio

If you dislike chocolate skip this one.  If you like it even a little be sure to grab a Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle (they crack it open in front of you!) and a Sweet Dark Chocolate Raspberry Torte.

Germany

Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce is the things to have here (oh and beer too).  Or you can head over to the biergarten and have a full german meal, including this delicious dessert.

IMG_5469 2.jpgHawai’i

This is a booth that we are actually going to be getting all their food items.  Returning again this year are the Kalua Pork Sliders and the Tuna with Seaweed Salad (although this yea will be slightly grilled).  New is a SPAM dish (Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash) that looks interesting.  And for desert a Passion Fruit Cheesecake.  Usually the second booth we hit at these things.

Ireland

I’m kinda curious what makes a sausage “irish” but interested in try the Roasted Irish Sausage.  Also to be enjoyed each year is the Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard.

Islands of the Caribbean

Another overall good booth.  My favorite is the Mojo pork, but can’t go wrong with a Jamaican Beef patty or the Quesito desert.

Joffreys Coffee and Tea Carts

A number of good options scattered around the festival.  The Kahlúa-tini Iced Coffee over in Canada is a good choice, as is the Spiked Chai Latte over in Future World East.

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Mexico

I usually skip Mexico and instead grab some margaritas and loaded nachos over at La Cantina, but going to also try the Rib Eye Taco this year.

Hopefully doesn’t disappoint.

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Morocco

Was a fan of the Spicy Hummus Fries last year and getting them again this year.  Also the Chocolate Baklava is always a good bet.

Patagonia

This again probably falls under “if you have a good…”, but I quite enjoyed the Beef Empanadas last year and will definitely be getting it again this year.

Refreshment Cool Post

Don’t judge but a surprise hit with me last year was the Spicy Hot Dog.  I will definitely be getting it again this year.

Refreshment Port

If you are into the whole “fusion desert” type items, the Croissant Doughnut is very light and airy.  Nice alternative to a heavy donut in the hot Florida sun.

IMG_4056Scotland

This is the first booth we hit during our Food and Wine visits.  When we arrive we are sure to grab a Citrus Thistle.  Just beware… on an empty stomach it can be quite powerful. Not that it’s bad, but there’s a lot of drinks ahead of you. Probably best to grab a Tipsy Laird along with it.

 

Spain

Two for this booth to try.  Hopefully the Paella and the Sweet Olive Oil Cake don’t disappoint.

The Chocolate Experience

This is not technically a “booth” but part of the festival center way in the back.  The Ghirardelli Drinking Chocolate is very rich, very think.  Sort of like drinking a candy bar.  Definitely something to be savored, instead of guzzled.  Definitely can be shared.

Wine and Dine Studio

Last on the list here is the Pulled Duck Confit and the Cheese and Wine pairing.

 

I will be posting more infomraiton as we get closer and actaul prices come out.

Categories: Disney with Tasel, Eat'n with Tasel

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