The beginning of November is one of my favorite times to go to Disney World, not because it is our anniversary, or because the crowds are USUALLY low (this will be for another blog), not even for the Christmas decorations (because for the record, I like the Halloween decorations better). Nope, none of that, the reason I love Disney World at this time is for the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. I LOVE food! I mean who doesn't?
The Food and Wine Festival is held once a year, usually between the end of September to the middle of November. This years festival was the 20th anniversary! I've gone to this festival a couple times before throughout the years, but this year was the best one! We went to Epcot every day we were there to get some more delicious food. (This was basically our dinner every night).
So what exactly is the Food and Wine Festival anyways? Around the world showcase in Epcot (and now extended into future world) are different booths from all around the world that serves food and drinks native to these countries. Along with all of these booths, there are seminars and book signings you can attend. We didn't do any of these due to having kids. If we ever take a trip without kids, I would like to do a wine tasting seminar.
I took pictures of all the food we tried from all around the world.
Greece
Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
(This is something we have had before in past years and had to get it again because it was so good. My oldest son, who is a picky eater even liked the chicken from it)
Belgium
Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
(This was one of my favorite desserts we tried, I liked it even better than the chocolate)
Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
(My husband liked this one better than the berry one)
Farm Fresh
Loaded Mac n Cheese with Nueske's Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions
(This was some of the best mac n cheese I've ever had, we actually got two orders of it)
Hawaii
Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Dour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
(This was also delicious and flavorful)
Italy
Ravioli alla Caprese: Cheese Ravioli, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmesan and Basil
(This was good, but I could have gone without getting it. My husband loves Italian food which is why we got it, and it is something my kids would eat)
Cannoli al Cioccolato: Chocolate-covered Cannoli filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Fruit
(This was deliciously amazing!! I didn't want to share)
South Korea
Roasted Pork Lettuce Wrap and Kimchi Slaw
(Oh my goodness, this was my favorite food of the whole trip! It was sooooo amazing! I really wish we went back to get more. This is something I will have to get every time!)
Bulgogi BBQ Short Rib with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi
(This was also delicious but my husband ate most of it)
Cheese Studio
Trio of Artisan Cheese
-Karst Cave-aged Cheese served with Honey
-La Bonne Vie Goat Cheese served with Craisin Bread
-Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese with Berry-Port Compote
(We got this because my husband is a big cheese person, he thought it was all good except the blue cheese, which was very strong. I wasn't a fan of any of these cheeses. I wanted to try the Fondue, but we forgot to go back for it)
France
Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
(This drink was very good, had a little punch, but very sweet)
Africa
Buttered Chicken with Micro Cilantro and Naan Bread
(Oh my, I didn't even want to get this dish, but my husband did and I am so glad he did. It was so good, I think I ate most of it)
Berbers-Style Beef Tenderloin Tips with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato and Pap
(I wanted to get this and turns out I wasn't a very big fan. It was a little too spicy for me, but my husband liked it)
Scotland
Fresh Potato Pancake with Scottish Smoked Salmon and Herb Sour Cream
(Both my husband and I weren't sure what to expect when getting this and turns out we were both really impressed. It was delicious)
Most of the food and drinks from these booths can price anywhere from $3-$7. (Which, we did the math and spent less money doing this for meals instead of going to a sit own restaurant).
Another awesome perk to being an annual passholder (I'm going to have to do a blog on that too) is during the Food and Wine Festival were these awesome passports you see in the pictures with the food. I'm not sure if this is the first year they decided to do them or not (this is the first I knew about them). In these passport were information on all things going on during the festival. It had what and where all the different booths were and what they were serving. You also were able to get stamps from each place you visited (I actually enjoyed this a lot). With these passports, you were able to get them stamped each day you went to Epcot (which is why we went everyday). After three stamps, you were able to get a FREE wine glass, and when Disney gives something away for free, you take advantage of it. My husband and I both got one.
If you ever have the chance to go to the Food and Wine Festival, DO IT!!! I hope to continue going every year! I hope this information was helpful.
~Alison Shane~
