The 19th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Happy Epcot International Food and Wine Festival day! Today is the start of the 19^th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival running now through November 10, running for a record 53 days! Every fall Epcot transforms into the ultimate of food and wine celebrations, where dozens of unique flavors and fun experiences unfold across the park. Experience a culinary tour across six continents and through more than twenty-five international marketplaces. At each marketplace place you can sample tapas-sized servings of regional specialties along with regional beers and wines.

While your eating your way around the world, take some time to enjoy these experiences that are included with your park admission. Immerse yourself in enticing sights, smells, and flavors of chocolate in the Chocolate Experience: From the Bean to the Bar Hosted by Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. Enjoy seminars and book signings from some of your favorite celebrity chefs. And new for 2014 turn boring to YUMMY at the new back to basics seminars, that will offer epicurean tips and tricks from the pros that may seem simple but will definitely pack at punch at your next dinner party! And, visit the festival center wine shop for daily wine samplings. Also, experience meet and greets, as well as specialty shopping.

For additional fees on top of park admission, this year’s festival posts and impressive variety of seminars, demonstrations, tastings, and parties! Keep the party going from 9:45pm – 1am at an extraordinary after hours street party at the Epcot Food and Wine Late Nights Live, an all-new experience for this year’s festival. While dancing in the streets you can enjoy six food and beverage items from various marketplaces, musical performances, entertainment, and a live DJ, all for just $79 per person (limited to guests 21 and older only). This is just one of the many special tickets events that are being hosted throughout the festival. Check https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/ for more info on all the ticketed events available.

Not only does the Epcot Food and Wine Festival provide you with a culinary tour around the world, but it also provides you with nightly entertainment with the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Each night at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00pm you can enjoy a varied line up of some of your favorite icons from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Take it from, The Disney Foodie, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is must do for any foodie! Where else can you experience food and wine from six different continents and from almost thirty countries all in one day? E-mail me at meghan@d2travel.com and I can get started on helping you plan your dream come true foodie vacation! Remember time is running out the Epcot Food and Wine Festival runs now through November 10^th.

For more information on the 19^th annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival as well as a complete lineup of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/

To help you plan your day at the Epcot Food and Wine festival, here is a complete list of the international marketplaces featured at this years Food and Wine Festival as well as complete menu and price list. Items with an * symbol next them are all things that I have personally tried and definitely recommend trying!

Africa

Beef Tenderloin Tips Berbere Style with Okra, Jalapeños, Tomato, and Pap – $4.50 South African Bobotie with Turkey and Mushrooms – Gluten Free – $4.50

Fairview Pinotage – $3.25

MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc – $2.50

The Wolftrap Red (Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier) – $2.50

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

All wines available in a souvenir wine glass for an additional $4.

Recommended Pairing: Beef Tenderloin Tips and The Wolftrap Red

 

Australia

 

Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Tomatoes, Lemon Myrtle and Rapini – $4.75

Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies – $6.25

Pavlova (Crispy Meringue Shell with Fresh Berries and Vanilla Creme – $3.50

Coopers Brewery, Original Pale Ale – $3.50

Chateau Tanuda Grand Barossa Dry Reisling – $2.75

St. Kilda Chardonnay – $2.50

Nine Stones Shiraz – $3.25

Recommended Pairing: Grilled Lamb Chop with Nine Stones Shiraz

 

Belgium

Potato and Leek Waffle with Braised Beef – $4.25, DDP Snack Eligible

* Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream – $3.50 Vegetarian

* Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream – $3.50, Vegetarian

Hoegaarden – $3.50

Stella Artois – $3.50

Leffe Blonde – $3.50

Stella Artois Cidre – $3.50

* Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur – $7.50

Beer Flight: Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde, Stella Artois Cidre – $9.25

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

 

Block & Hans

The Great American Wine Company, Chardonnay – $2.75

The Great American Wine Company, Red Blend – $2.75

Domaine Chandon, Limited Edition Blanc de Noir – $6.25

Robert Mondavi, Fume Blanc – $3.75

Robert Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon – $4.75

Apfel Eis, Apple Ice Wine – $5.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

All wines available in a souvenir wine glass for an additional $4.

 

Brazil

Moqueca de Pescado – Regal Springs Fresh Tilapia featuring Coconut Lime Sauce and Steamed Rice – (gluten free) $4.50

Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Cilantro – $5.25, (gluten free)

Pao de Queijo – Brazilian cheese bread – $3.25, Vegetarian

Cocadas – Brazilian coconut candy – $1.75, Vegetarian

Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer – $3.25

Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine – $6.00

Monte Paschoal Reserve Tannat – $2.75

Frozen Caipirinha featuring Leblon Cachaça – $8.75

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Crisp Pork Belly and Xingu Black Beer

 

Brewer’s Collection

 

Radeberger Pilsner – $3.50

BraufactuM Colonia – $3.50

BraufactuM Palor – $3.50

Schöfferhofer Grapefruit – $3.50

Altenmünster Oktoberfest – $3.50

BraufactuM Roog – $3.50

BraufactuM Darkon – $3.50

BraufactuM Progusta IPA – $3.50

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Beer flight 1: Radeberger Pilsner, BraufactuM Colonia, BraufactuM Palor and Schöfferhofer Grapefruit – $9.25

Beer flight 2: Altenmünster Oktoberfest, BraufactuM Roog, BraufactuM Darkon and BraufactuM Progusta IPA – $9.25

 

Canada

* Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup – $4.25

Seared Rainbow Trout with Bacon, Frisee and Maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette – $4.75

“Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce – $7.25 Moosehead Lager – $3.50

La Face Neige Apple Ice Wine – $5.75

La Face Neige Sparkling – $6.00

Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah – $5.25

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon and Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah

 

China

Beijing roasted duck in steamed bun with hoisin sauce

Beijing Roasted Duck in Hoisin Sauce – $6.50

Mongolian Beef in Steamed Bun with Chili Mayo – $5.00

Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichaun Noodles – $5.50

* Chicken Potstickers – $4.00

TSINGATO Beer – $3.50

Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling – $3.50

Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Red – $3.50

Kung Fu Punch with Vodka and Triple Sec – $8.50

Happy Lychee with Vodka and Tequila – $8.50

Mango Green Tea with Popping Bubbles – $6.50

Recommended Pairing: Mongolian Beef with Tsingato Beer

 

Craft Beers

Craft beer snack mix — A sweet and savory blend of nuts, fruits and crackers (included when you purchase a beer at Craft Beers), Vegetarian

House-made country pâté with picked carrots and farmhouse bread – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible

Muffuletta pinwheels with house-made pickles – $3.50, DDP Snack Eligible

Spicy pimento cheese dip with whole-wheat crackers – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible, Vegetarian

Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis® – $4.50

* Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale – $4.50

Shiner Brewery, Wild Hare Pale Ale – $4.50

Abita Brewing Company, Purple Haze – $4.50

Goose Island, 312 Urban Wheat Ale – $4.50

Florida Beer Company, Sunshine State Pils – $4.50

Magic Hat Brewery, Dream Machine IPL – $4.50

Terrapin Beer Company, Rye Pale Ale – $4.50

Beer Flight 1: Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis; Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale; Shiner Brewery, Wild Hare Pale Ale; and Abita Brewing Company, Purple Haze – $10.25

Beer Flight 2: Goose Island, 312 Urban Wheat Ale; Florida Beer Company, Sunshine State Pils; Magic Hat Brewery, Dream Machine IPL; and Terrapin Beer Company, Rye Pale Ale – $10.25

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

 

 

 

 

Desserts & Champagne

Dessert Trio: Passion fruit coconut creamsicle, blueberry lime cheesecake roll, and chocolate espresso opera cake – $4.00

* Guylian Belgian chocolate seashell truffles – $1.75

Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé – $12.00

Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial – $12.50

Möet & Chandon Impérial – $10.50

Ruinart Blanc de Blanc – $22.75

Dom Pérignon – $32.00

Frozen S’mores featuring Monin® Toasted Marshmallow Syrup – $3.25

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Dessert Trio and Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé

 

Farm Fresh

Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon Hash with sweet corn, potatoes, hollandaise and pickled jalapeño (gluten free) – $4.00

Griddled “Yard Bird” with braised greens and house-made habanero sauce (gluten free) – $4.50

Orlando Brewing Company, I-4 IPA – Orlando, FL – $3.50

Ba Ba Black Lager, Uinta Brewing Company – Salt Lake City, UT – $3.50

Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale, Bold City Brewery – Jacksonville, FL – $3.50

Florida Cracker White Ale, Cigar City Brewery – Tampa, FL – $3.50

* Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen, Key Lime Wine – $2.75

Chateau St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica® Riesling – $4.75

St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel – $4.50

Beer Flight (Four 4-ounce servings): I-4 IPA, Ba Ba Black Lager, Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale and Florida Cracker White Ale – $9.25

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon Hash and Chateau St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica® Riesling

All wines available in a souvenir wine glass for $4 extra.

 

France

Tartelette aux escargots: Escargot tart with garlic, spinach, bacon and parmesan – $5.35

Gratin de crozet de savoie: Wheat pasta gratin with mushrooms and Gruyere cheese – $4.95

* Boeuf bourguignon: Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes – $5.75

* Crème brûlée caramel fleur de sel: Sea salt caramel crème brûlée topped with caramelized sugar – $4.25 (I haven’t actually tried this yet, but come on its crème brulee from France, do we actually expect it to be bad!?!)

Beer Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 – $3.75

Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche – $5.75

Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet – $5.95

Sparkling Pomegranate Kir – $7.75

* La Passion Martini Slush: vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, cranberry and passion fruit juice – $9.95

Recommended Pairing: Boeuf bourguignon and Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Germany

Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham and cheese – $3.50

Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll – $5.00

Berliner: Yeast doughnut filled with apricot jam – $3.25

Altenmünster Oktoberfest – $3.25

J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett – $2.75

Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese – $4.75

J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese – $3.50

Kallstadter Kobnert Spaetburgunder Spätlese Dry Barrique Style – $3.00

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Schinkennudeln and J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett

 

Greece

Vegetarian moussaka – $4.25, Vegetarian

Griddled Greek cheese with pistachios and honey (gluten free) – $3.75, Vegetarian

Chicken gyro with tzatziki Sauce – $4.25

Spanakopita – $4.50

Domaine Skouras Moscofilero – $3.50

Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri – $3.50

Alpha Estate Axia Syrah-Xinomavro – $4.25

Tzatziki martini featuring Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka and BOLS Natural Yoghurt Liqueur – $7.75

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Recommended Pairing: Vegetarian moussaka with Domaine Skouras Moscofilero

All Wines served in a souvenir wine glass for an extra $4.

 

Hawaii

Kālua Pork Slider with sweet and sour Dole® Pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise – $3.75

Tuna Poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips – $4.50

Kona Brewing Company, Big Wave Golden Ale – $3.25

Kona Brewing Company, Castaway IPA – $3.25

Maui Splash Sweet Pineapple Wine – $3.50

Aulani Sunset featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum – $6.75

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Kālua Pork Slider and Big Wave Golden Ale

 

Hops & Barley

Artisan cheese plate featuring Cabot Cloth wrapped cheddar, Purple Haze chèvre goat cheese and Cave Man blue cheese – $5.00

Baked lobster alfredo – $6.25

Florida grass fed beef slider with pimento cheese – $4.00

* Fresh baked carrot cake with Craisins® and cream cheese icing – $3.75

* Samuel Adams® Octoberfest – $3.50

New Belgium Brewing Company Snapshot – $3.50

* Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat® – $3.50

Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy – $3.50

La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – $4.25

Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Cambria Estate Winery – $4.50

Beer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Samuel Adams Octoberfest, New Belgium Snapshot, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat and Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy – $9.25

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Florida Grass-Fed Beef Slider and Samuel Adams Octoberfest

 

Intermissions Cafe

Southwest chicken wrap

Vegan trio

Fruit & cheese plate

Side salad

Grapes

Tuna salad with pita

Asian chicken salad

Key lime tart

Brownie

J Vineyard Pinot Gris (Wine on Tap)

Franciscan Chardonnay (Wine on Tap)

Di Seño Malbec (Wine on Tap)

Acrobat Pinot Noir (Wine on Tap)

MARTINI Prosecco

Caposaldo Sweet Sparkling Peach Moscato

Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvée

Medalla Light Beer

Einstök Icelandic White Ale

Angry Orchard Hard Cider – Crisp Apple

Assorted soft drinks

Dasani Water

 

Ireland

* Lobster and seafood fisherman’s pie – $6.25

Kerrygold® cheese selection: Reserve cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout and Skellig – $4.00

Warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Custard (gluten free) – $3.50

Guinness® Draught – $3.50

* Bunratty Meade Honey Wine – $5.25

Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen – $7.00

Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur – $7.25

Recommended Pairing: Warm chocolate pudding with chilled Irish coffee

 

Italy

 

Ravioli alla caprese: Cheese ravioli, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil – $6.00

Filetto di pollo, con funghi al marsala: Chicken tenderloin, cremini mushrooms, marsala sauce and ciabatta bread – $5.75

* Cannoli al cioccolato: Chocolate-covered cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit – $4.00

Moretti Lager Beer – $5.00

Moretti La Rossa Beer – $5.00

Procecco, Bosco del Merlo – $9.00

Pinot Grigio, Placido – $6.50

Serpino, Montegrande – $9.00

Chianti Classico, Placido – $6.50

Frozen Primavera with limoncello and tequila – $10.00

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50,

Recommended Pairing: Filetto di pollo, con funghi al marsala with Chianti Classico, Placido

 

Japan

Spicy hand roll: Tuna and salmon with Kazan Volcano sauce – $4.95

Teriyaki gyoza bun: Steamed bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki sauce – $5.50

Chirashizushi: Salmon, shrimp, crab and egg served over seaweed salad and ginger rice – $5.95

Kirin Draft Beer – $3.75

Sake: Kikusui Ginjo – $7.50

Sake Sunrise – $7.50

Sparkling Peach Sake Gell – $7.95

Recommended Pairing:Chirashizushi and Kikusui Ginjo

 

 

Mexico

Shrimp taco: Fried shrimp, pickled habanero pepper and onions on a flour tortilla – $5.50

Rib eye taco: Marinated rib eye, roasted chipotle salsa and grilled scallions on a corn tortilla (gluten free) – $5.50

Sweet corn cheese cake – $3.50; Vegetarian

Dos Equis Beer – $3.75

* Sangria – $6.75

Tequila Flight – $12.50

* Mango-strawberry margarita – $8.50

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50,

Recommended Pairing: Rib Eye Taco and Mango-Strawberry Margarita

 

Morocco

Kefta pocket: Ground seasoned beef in a pita pocket – $5.00

Spicy shrimp roll with cilantro and mint sauce – $5.00

Baklava – $2.95

Casa Beer – $4.00

Guerouane White – $4.00

Sangria – $5.00

Mimosa Royale: Sparkling wine and orange juice topped with orange liqueur – $7.00

Disani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Spicy Shrimp Roll and Guerouane White Wine

 

New Zealand

Steamed green lip mussels with garlic butter and toasted bread crumbs – $3.50

Venison sausage with pickled mushrooms, baby arugula and black currant reduction (gluten free) – $4.25,

Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney – $5.25

Kim Crawford Pinot Gris – $4.75

Mohua Sauvignon Blanc – $3.00

Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay – $3.50

Kim Crawford Pinot Noir – $4.75

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Venison sausage and Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

 

Patagonia

Beef empanada – $4.50

Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée (gluten free) – $5.50 Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri (gluten free) – $4.75

Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut – $4.00

Terrazas Reserva Malbec – $3.75

Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier – $2.50

Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé – $2.50

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Grilled Beef Skewer and Terraza Reserva Malbec

 

Poland

Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream – $5.25

Sauerkraut pierogi with pork goulash – $5.25

Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer – $3.50

Donausonne Blaufrankisch, Hungarian Wine – $3.25

Frozen Szarlotka (apple pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka – $8.75

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Sauerkraut pierogi and Donausonne Blaufrankisch, Hungarian Wine

 

Puerto Rico

 

Ensalada de carrucho: Caribbean conch salad with onion, tomato and cilantro (gluten free) – $4.25

Carne guisada con arroz blanco: Slow-braised beef with Puerto Rican-grown rice (gluten free) – $4.50

Tostones (fried green plantains with mayo ketchup) – $3.50

FlanCocho: Vanilla caramel custard with chocolate coffee cake – $3.50 Eligible

Gasolina Sangriiia – $5.50

Medalla Light Beer – $3.50

Frozen San Juan Breeze with Don Q Limón Floater – $5.00

Chilled Club Caribe Mango Rum (neat) – $7.25

Non-alcoholic Frozen San Juan Breeze (frozen lemonade) – $2.75

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Paring: Carne guisada con arroz blanco with Medella Light Beer

 

Scotland

Vegetarian haggis with neeps and tatties: Griddled vegetable cake with rutabaga and mashed potatoes – $3.75

Fresh potato pancake with smoked Scottish salmon and herb sour cream (gluten free) – $4.25

Seared sea scallop with spinach-cheddar gratin and crispy bacon (gluten free) – $4.50

Crannachan: A traditional Scottish dessert trifle with raspberries, toasted oats, and whipped cream, – $2.25

Innis & Gunn® Original – $3.50

Loch Lomond featuring Glenfiddich® 12 year – $11.00

Glenfiddich Scotch Selection (12, 15 and 18 year) – $5.00, $6.50, $7.75

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Fresh potato pancake with Innis & Gunn Original

 

Singapore

Lemongrass chicken curry with coconut and jasmine rice (gluten free) – $$3.75

Seared mahi mahi with jasmine rice and “Singa” sauce – $4.50

Tiger Beer – $3.25

Marqués de Caceres Satinela – $2.50

Singapore Sling featuring Hendrick’s Gin and Cherry Herring – $8.00

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: Seared mahi mahi and Marqués de Caceres Satinela

 

South Korea

Kimchi dog with spicy mustard sauce – $4.00

Roasted pork lettuce wrap with kimchi slaw – $3.75

Bokbunjajoo: Bohae black raspberry wine – $4.25

iCing Grapefruit Sparkling Rice Brew – $3.50

Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Sojo – $8.00

 

Terra

Blackened Chick’n Breast, farro wheat and spicy gumbo sauce featuring Gardein™ Chick’n Breast – $4.25, Vegetarian

CraB’less CraB Cake with pepper slaw and Cajun remoulade featuring Gardein™ – $4.25, Vegetarian

Chocolate-blood orange cupcake with tofu icing – $2.25, Vegetarian

Red Bridge Ale – $3.25

The Vegan Vine Chardonnay – $3.25

Paperboy Red – $3.50

Fresh Watermelon Juice – $2.75

Minute Maid Light Lemonade – $2.75

Dasani Sparkling Lemon – $2.75

Dasani Bottled Water – $2.50

Recommended Pairing: CraB’less CraB Cake and The Vegan Vine Chardonnay

 

2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Spring has sprung, and it is time to stop and smell the roses at Epcot’s annual International Flower and Garden Festival. And that’s not all you’ll smell at this year’s festival. For the second consecutive year, the International Flower and Garden Festival is adding the element of food! Taking a page from the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, food kiosks will be added around the World Showcase featuring menus that were specially created by Epcot chefs.

You’re probably asking yourself, what the…food at the flower and garden festival!?! Yes! Yes! Yes! The Garden Market Places at the World Showcase feature spring inspired dishes busting with global flavors. Each of the kiosks will include built-in gardens that are representative of what is on the menu. For example, at the Fruits by the Glass kiosk they will be serving blueberry wine, therefore they will have a blueberry plant growing in the garden.  This is a great way to illustrate the concept of “from garden to table” cooking, and really show how deliciously easy it is to add fresh fruits and veggies to your cooking.

Unlike the vast array of kiosks the Food and Wine Festival offers, the Flower and Garden show only offers fourteen kiosks. There may be fewer kiosks, but the flavor and variety of dishes are immense!

Remember, you can only experience the Garden Market Places of the 20th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival for a limited time!  The festival runs now through May 19.  And be sure to check back this Sunday March 17, where I will be live blogging and posting pictures and more straight from the Garden Market Places at the flower and garden festival!

Be sure to experience the sights and tastes of spring at Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival! Book your Disney World vacation with Meghan Blair.

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@d2travel.com.

The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival runs from March 5 – May 18 2014.  To help you plan your day at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, here is a complete list of the Garden Marketplaces featured at this years flower and garden festival: 

Florida Fresh

Experience a taste of several fresh Florida ingredients, each grown and produced locally. It’s a perfect opportunity to treat your senses to some of the most delightful fruit and drink the Sunshine State has to offer! Florida Fresh can be found next to the Germany Pavilion.

To eat:

Watermelon salad with pickled onions, BW Farm baby arugula, feta cheese and balsamic reduction

Shrimp and stone ground grits with andouille sausage, sweet corn, tomatoes and cilantro

Florida kumquat pie (TRYit!)

To drink:

Watermelon passion fruit slush featuring Simply Lemonade®

Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria featuring Simply Lemonade, Florida Orange Groves (St. Petersburg, Florida)

Garda Italian Wine Blend, Quantum Leap Winery (Orlando, Florida)

Rogue Valley Pinot Noir, Quantum Leap Winery (Orlando, Florida)

Blonde Ale, Orlando Brewing Company (Orlando, Florida)

Cotton Mouth Belgian Style Witbier, Swamp Head Brewery (Gainesville, Florida)

Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale, Florida Beer Company (Cape Canaveral, Florida) – Festival Exclusive!

Florida Avenue Blueberry, Cold Storage Craft Brewery (Tampa, Florida)

Beer Flight – Blonde Ale, Cotton Mouth Belgian Style Witbier, Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale and Florida Avenue Blueberry

Simply Orange

Hanami

Journey near the Japan Pavilion where the annual ritual of admiring springtime flowers is in full bloom. From delectable bites to refreshing beverages, uncover how Hanami’s flavors reflect the season.

To eat:

Frushi – Fresh pineapple, strawberries and melon, rolled with coconut rice, topped with raspberry sauce, sprinkled with toasted coconut and served with whipped cream on the side

Temaki hand roll – Sliced Panko fried chicken, curry sauce, rice and pickled julienne carrots wrapped with Nori

Hanami sushi – A flavorful combination of salmon, scallop and beef-topped rice balls served atop a shiso violet sauce (TRYit!)

Japanese puffed rice cakes with green tea whipped cream and azuki

To drink:

Kirin draft beer

Pinepple Paradise with Yuzu Slushie – Frozen blend of sweet sake, pineapple juice and crème, flavored with a hint of Yuzu citrus juice

Orange Mango Slushie – Frozen blend of Nigori sake, mango and orange juice

Jardin de Fiestas

Make your way near the Mexico Pavilion where the tapas are spring light and cooked just right. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this festival of flavors, complete with savory tacos and mouthwatering cocktails.

To eat:

Tacos al pastor – Corn tortilla filled with achiote-marinated pork, garnished with grilled diced pineapple, onions and cilantro

Quesadilla de hongos con queso – Flour tortilla filled with mushrooms and cheese

Flan de chocolate Abuelita – Mexican chocolate custard

To drink:

Tecate draft beer

White Mexican sangria

Franbuesa (raspberry) margarita on the rocks

Tequila flight – blanco, reposado and añejo

Dasani® bottled water

Fleur de Lys

Indulge your senses in extravagance at this tasty milieu influenced by the “flower of the lily.” Once a royal emblem used by the French monarchy, the symbol now serves as inspiration for this decadent stop where you can refine your palate with some of the France Pavilion’s most magnificent culinary masterpieces!

To eat:

Gnocchi Parisien à la Provençal – Parisian-style dumplings with vegetables and mushrooms

Confit de canard, pommes de terre Sarladaise – Pulled duck confit with garlic and parsley potatoes

Macaron à la fleur d’ Oranger – Orange blossom macaron with white chocolate ganache (TRYit!)

To drink:

La Vie en Rose frozen slush – Vodka, Grey Goose Orange, St. Germain Liquor, and white and red cranberry juice

Kir Imperial – Sparkling wine, Chambord and black raspberry liquor

Rosé pamplemousse cocktail – Rosé wine mixed with natural grapefruit syrup

Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 – Fruity white beer with citrus notes

Lotus House

Hit the pavement near the China Pavilion for a garden-fresh take on spring-influenced flavors. Appease your cravings with a wide variety of Chinese cuisine, including popular street foods and bubble tea!

To eat:

Beijing-style candied strawberries

Spring pancake with grilled chicken and green apple

Vegetable spring rolls

To drink:

Popping bubble tea

Kung Fu Punch – Vodka and triple sec with mango and orange juice

South Sea Storm – Guava juice with light and dark rum

Plum wine

Tsing-Tao beer

Lychee aerated water

Pineapple Promenade

Enjoy the Great White North with a tropical twist at the Canada side of World Showcase promenade. Then, get ready to hear your sweet tooth say, “Thank you!” as you bite into all kinds of treats featuring this popular golden fruit.

To eat:

Pineapple soft serve

Pineapple soft serve with Myers’s dark rum

Pineapple soft serve with Parrot Bay coconut rum

Sweet potato cinnamon waffle with pineapple soft serve (TRYit! selection)

To drink:

Frozen desert violet lemonade featuring Simply Lemonade (nonalcoholic)

Tropical Mango Pale Ale, St. John Brewers (U.S. Virgin Islands)

Once Upon a Vine’s The Lost Slipper Sauvignon Blanc

Primavera Kitchen

Say, “Ciao!” to spring as you set sail for a land of garden-fresh foods near the Italy Pavilion. On your stop, be sure to explore the countryside’s many flavors—caprese, manicotti, torte di ricotta and fine Italian wines.

To eat:

Caprese – Fior di latte mozzarella, roasted peppers and olio verde

Three cheese manicotti – Egg pasta stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, tomato sauce and béchamel

Torta di ricotta – Lemon cheesecake with limoncello-marinated strawberries

To drink:

Placido Pinot Grigio

Placido Chianti

Bosco del Merlo Prosecco

White peach bellini – Prosecco and white peach puree

Strawberry rossini – Prosecco and marinated strawberries

Frozen Italian primavera – Assorted fruit slushy with limoncello and vodka

Moretti Lager

Moretti La Rossa

Taste of Marrakesh

Embark on a trek near the Morocco Pavilion and educate your tastes on North African spices. Each unique flavor has been paired with fresh ingredients and can be sampled with Moroccan beer and wine at this garden oasis.

To eat:

Lamb brewat roll with prunes and sesame

Harissa chicken kebab with couscous salad

Baghrir – Moroccan pancake with honey, almonds and argan oil

To drink:

Mint iced tea

White sangria

Guerrouane red

Casa Beer

Desert Rose – Sparkling wine with pomegranate liqueur

Urban Farm Eats – NEW!

Honor the earth and all it grows with a refreshing selection from this location’s all-natural menu. Choose from a hearty array of foods and beverages, many of which have been cultivated entirely from the soil!

To eat:

Pickled beet salad with goat cheese cream, mizuna and pistachios

Land-grown eggplant “scallop” with romesco sauce and spaghetti squash (TRYit!)

Ghost pepper-dusted tilapia with crisp winter melon slaw and mint oil featuring The Original Sauce Man’s Kick It Up Rub

To drink:

Cucumber lemon spa water, finished with a sprig of fresh mint

The Vegan Vine Chardonnay

The Vegan Vine Cabernet Sauvignon

Redbridge Gluten-Free Sorghum Beer, Anheuser-Busch (St. Louis, Missouri)

THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews

Celebrate the truly American tradition of slow-cooked flavors near The American Adventure Pavilion. Sink your teeth into savory barbecue meats and then pair each one off with craft brews from across the country.

To eat:

Pulled pig slider with cole slaw

Smoked beef brisket with collard greens and jalapeño corn bread

Smoked turkey “rib” (TRYit!)

“Piggylicous” bacon cupcake with maple frosting and pretzel crunch featuring Nueske’s® Applewood Smoked Bacon

To drink:

Magic Hat #9, Magic Hat Brewing (South Burlington, Vermont)

Maduro, Cigar City Brewing (Tampa, Florida)

Fat Tire, New Belgium Brewing Company (Ft. Collins, Colorado)

Billy’s Chilies, Twisted Pine Brewing Company (Boulder, Colorado)

Beer Flight – Magic Hat #9, Maduro, Fat Tire and Billy’s Chilies

The Original Rib Shack Red Wine

The Buttercup Cottage

Delight in elegant afternoon-tea offerings and fresh garden flavors near the United Kingdom Pavilion. Drop by this charming locale to sample scrumptious treats, British teas and beverages inspired by lovely English fruits and fragrances.

To eat:

Freshly baked potato and cheddar cheese biscuit with smoked salmon tartare

Field greens with Plant City strawberries, toasted almonds and Farmstead stilton (TRYit!)

Pork and apple sausage roll with house-made piccalilli

Freshly baked lemon scones with berry preserves and crème fraÎche

To drink:

Chilled rose blush lemonade featuring Simply Lemonade with Raspberry (nonalcoholic)

Twinings® Cold Brewed English Classic with lemon grass syrup

Berry tea cocktail – Twinings Cold Brewed Mixed Berry Tea with Florida Cane vodka and Plant City strawberry, flavored with raspberry and açaí syrup

Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee

Deloach Pinot Noir

Intermissions Café

Dig into your day or turn over the evening at this charming stop found right within the Festival Center. Pop inside to find all kinds of fine food and beverages—wine, cheese, wraps, salads and more!

To eat:

Grapes

Fruit & cheese plate

Vegan trio

Southwest chicken wrap

Tuna salad with pita

Side salad

Asian tuna salad with noodles

Caprese Push-Pop – Tomato, mozzarella and balsamic (TRYit! selection)

To drink:

Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria, Florida Orange Groves (St. Petersburg, Florida)

Garda Italian Wine Blend, Quantum Leap Winery (Orlando, Florida)

Rogue Valley Pinot Noir, Quantum Leap Winery (Orlando, Florida)

Martini Prosecco

Strongbow Cider, Bulmers Cider Company (White Plains, New York)

SweetWater Blue, SweetWater Brewing Company (Atlanta, Georgia)

The Dos and Don’ts of Disney Dining

Quick service vs. table service; making reservations vs. walking up; “yes” or “no” to a character meal. These are just a few of the multitude of questions that can come up when considering dining at Walt Disney World. Before you get too overwhelmed by the boundless dining options Disney has to offer, check out these tips on how to plan a magical Disney dining experience.

Do make advanced dining reservations

If you are planning on dining at any one of Disney’s table service restaurants, especially if you plan on attending a Disney Character meal, advanced dining reservations (ADRs) are a must! You can begin making ADRs 180 days out from your travel date. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of this because popular restaurants like Chef Mickey’s and Cinderella’s Royal Table book up months in advance. The closer you get to your vacation, the harder it will be to find reservations for most restaurants and character meals. It is not likely that you will be able to just walk up and get a table without a reservation.

Do get a Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan is an add-on to the Magic Your Way vacation packages, which include room and park tickets. The Disney Dining Plan is only available to those guests that will be staying at a Disney Property Resort. Not only can the Disney Dining Plan save you money, it can also take the guesswork out of having to budget for your dining once you arrive at Disney World. When you choose to add the Disney Dining Plan, you are essentially pre-paying for a certain number of meals and snacks. For each night of your stay, each guest over the age of three on your reservation gets an allocation of quick service meals, table service meals, and snacks, the number of which depends on which dining plan you choose. Disney offers three dining plan options: the Quick Service Dining Plan, which provides two quick service meals and one snack per person, as well as one resort refillable drink mug per person. The Basic Dining Plan gives you one quick service, one table service, one snack, and one resort refillable drink mug per person. Finally the Deluxe Dining Plan offers three meals (quick service or table service), two snacks, and one resort refillable drink mug per person. The Disney Dining Plan can end up saving you up to 25% on dining at Disney World.

Do a character meal

It does not matter if you are two or twenty-two, everyone has a favorite Disney character, and where else but at Disney can you enjoy a meal with your favorite characters. Whether you are visiting Disney with your kids, your friends, or your significant other, you should attend at least one character meal while you are there. Some younger children may be scared of the characters and this is a great way to get them used to seeing the characters all over the parks. The characters come around often enough that the younger kids really start to relax around them. The character meals also grant you access to a group of characters that you would otherwise have to scramble from one end of the park to another just to see them all! Not to mention you do not have to stand in long lines to pose with the characters when you see them during a meal. If you happen to be childless while at Disney you should still partake in a character meal! They are fun and get you into the Disney spirit! Who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again when Mickey finally approaches your table and you have his undivided attention for those few moments?

Do speak up if you have allergies or food restrictions

Disney parks are well known for accommodating food allergies and dietary restrictions and/or intolerances. No matter what restaurant you choose, the chef will ensure they create a delicious meal that won’t exclude anyone or their needs. Once you are seated at your restaurant, your server will usually ask you if anyone in the party has any food allergies or dietary restrictions. If they do not ask, be sure to speak up and let them know. The chef will then visit your table to discuss the food allergy or dietary restriction and will come up with a meal that accommodates those needs. Disney is renowned for their world-class service, so of course this would extend to their restaurants. They are going to do everything that they can to ensure you have nothing less than a fantastic meal.

Do eat at unpopular times

Most people would typically consider breakfast to be around eight or nine in the morning, lunch at noon, and dinner around six or seven in the evening. It makes sense that these would be the busiest times at the quick service restaurants as well as the more difficult times to get reservations at the table service restaurants. Go ahead and change up your dining schedule when visiting Disney. You’ll have better luck getting reservations if you eat breakfast at 10:30, lunch at 3, and dinner at 8. Not to mention, the quick service restaurants will be a lot less crowded during off times, so while everyone else is eating lunch at noon, you can saunter right on up to all of your favorite rides!

Do not forget to make a reservation

Yes, reservations are so important that they bear repeating. Things have changed at Walt Disney World. A few years ago, it wasn’t as necessary to plan your meals ahead of time, and you had a fairly good chance of walking into a restaurant and being seated. However, that all changed with the introduction of the Disney Dining Plan. Now that more and more guests are taking advantage of the pre-paid Disney Dining option, the table service restaurants and character meals are booking up a lot more quickly. To have the best chance of getting in at the restaurant of your choice, it is highly recommended that you make your reservations as soon as it hits the 180-day mark before your vacation.

Do not be afraid to try something new

You can find a wide variety of restaurants at Walt Disney World that offer an expansive array of cuisine. Everything from Irish Pub fare to Moroccan delicacies can be found around the Walt Disney World Resort, and nowhere does this hold more true than at the World Showcase in Epcot. The World Showcase alone offers eleven different countries, each offering a broad spectrum of dining. Disney does not disappoint in the food department, so what better place to try something new.

Do not forget to leave enough travel time to get to your dining destination

Whether you are eating at a restaurant that is in the park you are attending, or you are traveling somewhere else within the Walt Disney World resort, make sure you leave yourself enough travel time. For example, if you are attending the Mickey’s Backyard BBQ dinner show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, you are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to show time. Not too bad, right? However, once you arrive at the resort, there is a twenty-minute motor coach ride to the pavilion. So you would want to leave about 90 minutes early in order to arrive on time. If you are dining within the park you are attending that day, you want make sure you leave yourself enough time to walk to where ever it is that you are dining.

Do not forget about the resort restaurants

Most Disney guests are so preoccupied with eating in the parks that they forget about the restaurants at the different resorts. Some of the best restaurants are at the various Disney resorts. The Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers its famous bottomless skillets, chuck wagon favorites, and sassy cast members. Try the Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian for a hearty breakfast before hitting the Magic Kingdom. Want to experience the best seafood buffet you’ve ever had? Try the Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. These are just a handful of the amazing restaurants that are waiting for you outside of the Disney World parks.

Do not forget to cancel a reservation

With advance dining reservations becoming more and more difficult to get, Disney has instituted a credit card guarantee at most of the more popular restaurants and character meals. At the time of making your reservation, you are required to give a credit card in order to hold the reservation. If you do not cancel within at least one day of your reservation, most restaurants will charge you $10.00 per person in your party. However, there are some restaurants, like Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, that will charge you the full price of your dinner show if you do not cancel with sufficient notice or do not show up all. Dining at Walt Disney World should be as magical and memorable as the rest of your vacation. With this knowledgeable advice, you will have no problem planning a dining experience you and your family won’t soon forget!

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@d2travel.com.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Garden Marketplaces; The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brew

Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw and Smoked Beef with Collard Greens (not pictured) and Jalapeño Corn Bread.

 

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@d2travel.com.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Garden Marketplaces: Hanami, Fruishi

Fruishi (Fruit Sushi)

 

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@d2travel.com.

 

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Garden Marketplaces: Fruits by the Glass

Mango Wine

Blueberry Wine

 

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@d2travel.com.

Raglan Road at Downtown Disney

How have I never eaten here before!?! Raglan Road at Downtown Disney is AMAZING! The food is delicious and the service is awesome!

When you are first seated a server welcomes you to the restaurant. Out server was extremely helpful with the questions we had. We were interested in the Kiss Before Shrimp appetizer. However, it has chilies in it, when we asked how spicy it was she responded that it did have some spice but they could make the dish with out the chilies for us. I then asked her opinion between the Fish and Chips and the Raglan Risotto. I’m a huge fan of not fish and chips and risotto so I was having a hard time deciding. Our server told me she was a big fan of the risotto so that is what I went with!

While we waited for our appetizer theft brought us out Irish Soda Bread and a Guinness glaze, which is a sweet glaze made up of sugar, Guinness, and olive oil for dipping. The bread and the glaze are out of this world! I can’t wait to get home and try making this bread myself!

The Kiss Before Shrimp was delicious it was the perfect blend of garlic, butter, and lemon juice. And the baguette the served with it was perfect to soak up all the sauce! I knew I ordered the right thing when our entrees came out. Just looking at the risotto I knew it was going to be amazing! And when I took that first bite, I was in heaven! Hands down best risotto I have ever had! The fish and chips came out wrapped in white paper served in a silver cone. The server then takes the cone and essentially shakes out the fish and chips on to you plate. The fish was lift and crispy and not at all greasy. The chips were cooked perfectly, crunchy yet warm and soft on the inside! We finished our meal with the Dunbrody Kiss. As they describe it is chocolate, with some more chocolate, and then add more chocolate. And they are not lying! It is chocolate overload in the best possible way! They start with a crust of crushed up snickers and corn flakes. Yeah, you read that right, crushed up snickers and corn flakes, the they top that with a chocolate mousse and cover that with a chocolate ganache. Then they top it off with a chocolate drizzle and two chocolate pieces. Oh My Gosh! This dessert was amazing! And you better believe we ate every last bite!

Over all my first experience at Raglan Road was amazing and it definitely won’t be my last!

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@d2travel.com.

Spring as Sprung! Taste the Delights of the New Garden Marketplaces at Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival!

Spring has sprung, and it is time to stop and smell the roses at Epcot’s 20^th annual International Flower and Garden Festival. And that’s not all you’ll smell at this year’s festival. For the first time in 20 years, the International Flower and Garden Festival is adding the element of food! Taking a page from the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, food kiosks will be added around the World Showcase featuring menus that were specially created by Epcot chefs.

You’re probably asking yourself, what the…food at the flower and garden festival!?! Yes! Yes! Yes! The Garden Market Places at the World Showcase feature spring inspired dishes busting with global flavors. Each of the kiosks will include built-in gardens that are representative of what is on the menu. For example, at the Fruits by the Glass kiosk they will be serving blueberry wine, therefore they will have a blueberry plant growing in the garden.  This is a great way to illustrate the concept of “from garden to table” cooking, and really show how deliciously easy it is to add fresh fruits and veggies to your cooking.

Unlike the vast array of kiosks the Food and Wine Festival offers, the Flower and Garden show only offers fourteen kiosks. There may be fewer kiosks, but the flavor and variety of dishes are immense!

Remember, you can only experience the Garden Market Places of the 20^th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival for a limited time!  The festival runs now through May 19.  And be sure to check back this Sunday March 17, where I will be live blogging and posting pictures and more straight from the Garden Market Places at the flower and garden festival!

Be sure to experience the sights and tastes of spring at Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival! Book your Disney World vacation with Meghan Blair.

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@d2travel.com.

To help you plan your day at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, here is a complete list of the Garden Marketplaces featured at this years flower and garden festival:

Florida Fresh Kiosk – Experience all best flavors that the Sunshine State as to offer.

To eat:

Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, BW Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction (Try It Selection)

Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, and Cilantro

Angel Food Cake with macerated Florida Berries (Try It Selection)

To drink:

Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves

40 Karat Carrot Wine from Florida Orange Groves

Orange Blossom Pilsner from Orange Blossom in Orlando, FL

Strawberry Slush – non alcoholic

Fruits by the Glass  – Indulge in beverages crafted from a bounty of fruits

To drink:

Watermelon Passion Fruit Cocktail

(served with Cane Vodka from Florida Distillery LLC)

Wild Berry Slush – non alcoholic (Try It Selection)

Sea Dog Blue Paw Wild Blueberry

Mango Mama, Mango Wine from Florida Orange Groves

Blueberry Blue, Blueberry Wine from Florida Orange Groves

New Planet™ (Gluten Free) 3R Raspberry Ale from Boulder, Colorado

DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Chardonnay

DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir

Pineapple Promenade – On the Canada side of the World Showcase, take a stroll with Dole and be transported to Hawaii while enjoying delights from this golden fruit.

To eat:

Pineapple Dole® Whip Soft Serve

Dole® Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum (Anyone else totally excited to try this! I know I am!!!)

Pineapple Upside Down Cake, featuring Dole® Pineapple

Dole® Pineapple Fruit Cup

To drink:

Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade – non alcoholic

Samuel Adams® Cream Stout

The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews – The American Adventure – Experience the truly American tradition of slow-cooked barbecue paired with craft brews from across the country.

To eat:

Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw

Smoked Beef Brisket with Collard Greens and Jalapeno Corn Bread

Rocky Road Brownie Mousse (I feel like this is definitely a must try!)

To drink:

Mama’s Little Yella Pils from Oskar River Blues in Lyons, CO (Pilsner Czech style)

Liberty Ale from Anchor Brewing Co. in San Francisco, CA (India Pale Ale)

Red Ale from Orlando Brewing in Orlando, FL

(Red Ale – Organic)

Blackwater Porter from Orlando Brewing in Orlando, FL (Stout – Organic)

The Original Rib Shack Red

Beer Flight – Four 6 oz servings

Lotus House – China – Combine fresh spring flavors with westerner influences and you’ll come up with this new take on Chinese street foods

To eat:

Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries

Spring Pancake with Grilled Chicken and Green Apple (Try It Selection)

Pan-fried Vegetable Bun

To drink:

Peach – Oolong Bubble Tea – non alcoholic

Kung Fu Punch

(Vodka and Triple Sec with Mango and Orange Juice)

South Sea Storm (Guava with Rum and Dark Rum)

Plum Wine

Tsing Tao Beer

Lychee Aerated Water

Peach Aerated Water

L’Orangerie – France – Stop by this Garden Marketplace and try its French masterpieces

To eat:

Tarte à la ratatouille et fromage de chèvre (Try It Selection)

(Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and tomato tart with goat cheese)

Terrine Campagnarde, baguette et compote de cerises

(Country-style pâté with baguette and cherry compote)

Verrine charlotte au pèches

(Caramelized peaches and rosemary and light vanilla cream)

To drink:

La Vie Rose Frozen Slush

(Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain liquor, White and Red Cranberry Juice)

Muscat Pétillant, Sparkling Muscat Charles de Fère

Chardonnay, White Burgundy, Macon Village Georges Duboeuf

Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux Beau-Rivage

Biere Kronenbourg Blanc 1664

(Fruity White Beer with Citrus Notes)

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market – Germany – Meatloaf sandwiches and hefeweizen and other Bavarian fare can be found at this Garden Marketplace

To eat:

Savory Bread Pudding with Spring Peas and Wild Mushroom Ragout

German Meatloaf Sandwich with Sweet Mustard and Fried Shallots

Potato Pancakes with house made Apple Sauce (Try It Selection)

To drink:

Hugo – Charles De Fere “Organic” Brut with Elderflower and Mint

Krombacher Hefeweizen

Florida Avenue American Wheat Ale from Cold Storage Craft Brewery, Tampa, FL

Honker Ale from Goose Island Brewing Co. in Chicago, IL (English Style-Bitter)

Toasted Lager from Blue Point in Patchougue, NY

(Amber Lager)

Beer Flight – Four 6 oz servings

Primavera Kitchen – Italy – Enjoy garden fresh delights like vegetable lasagna and lemon-berry panna cotta

To eat:

Asparagi con Aragosta all’Ortolana

(Green asparagus, lobster, garden cocktail sauce)

Lasagna Primavera (Try It Selection)

(Spinach Lasagna, green peas, zucchini, mushrooms, broccolini, béchamel and fresh tomatoes, with garlic and basil leaves)

Panna Cotta al Limoncello

(Limoncello flavored Panna Cotta, wild berries)

To drink:

Fontana Candida, Pinot Grigio

Castello di Querceto, Chianti

Bosco del Merlo, Prosecco

White Peach Bellini

Strawberry Rossini

Italian Primavera

Birrificio Del Ducato – Nuova Mattina (Spring Saison Ale)

Birrificio Le Baladin – Nora (Specialty Ale)

Birra Del Borgo – Rubus Lamponi (Specialty Wild Fruit Ale)

Italian Beer Flight

Hanami – Japan – Hanami is Japan’s springtime ritual of admiring blooming flowers. Stop by this marketplace to enjoy tasty treats reflecting the season

To eat:

Fruishi (Try It Selection)

(Fresh strawberries, pineapple and cantaloupe, rolled with coconut rice, atop a raspberry sauce sprinkled with toasted coconut and whipped cream)

Chirashi Hanazushi

(Grilled salmon, cooked shrimp and crabstick, over a bed of fragrant ginger rice with Volcano and Dynamite sauce)

YakiSoba Pan

(Fresh grilled carrots, onions and cabbage with Japanese noodles and teriyaki sauce served on a bun with mayonnaise and Beni Shoga)

Green Tea Flan

(Silky custard with macha green tea and caramel glaze)

To drink:

Yuzu Rita

(Frozen blend of Tequila, triple sec, lemon and limejuice with a hint of Yuzu)

Fruit Sake (Peach infused sake)

Hana Awaka Sake (Sparkling and refreshingly sweet Sake)

Frozen Kirin Ichiban

(Innovative draught with a refreshing Frozen Foam topping)

 

Jardin de Fiestas – Mexico – Delight in Mexican tapas such as carnitas and cactus taco, crab tostada and strawberry-citrus cocktail.

To eat:

Taco de Carnitas (Pork Carnitas topped with Tamarindo salsa, served on a flour tortilla with pork rinds)

Tostada de Jaiba (Crab tostada served with Chipotle Mayonnaise and Valentina sauce)

Flan de Guayaba (Guava Custard)

To drink:

Conga Fruit Punch – non alcoholic

Corona Light Draft Beer

Rosita Margarita on the rocks

Organic Tequila Flight (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo)

Taste of Marrakesh – Morocco – Experience exotic North African spices that are paired with fresh ingredients, and enjoy Moroccan beer and wine at this garden oasis.

To eat:

Spiced Lamb Kebab with vegetable couscous salad

Harissa and Lemon Confit Chicken Drumettes with chermoula and cucumber salad

Baghrir (Try It Selection)

(Moroccan pancake with honey, almonds and Argan oil)

To drink:

Desert Rose (Sparkling Wine, topped with Pomegranate liqueur)

White Sangria

Guerrouane Red

Casa Beer

Mint Iced Tea

The Cottage: Savories, Trifles and Tea – United Kingdom – Be sure to stop here for elegant afternoon-tea savories, tempting trifles, British teas and beverages inspired by lovely English roses.

To eat:

Potato, Chive and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare and Sour Cream

Baked Goat’s Brie with Kumquat Chutney (Try It Selection)

Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar and Basil (Try It Selection)

Trio of Trifles (Chocolate, Berry, Ginger and Tea)

To drink:

Earl Grey

English Breakfast

Lemon Green Tea

Jasmine Green

Spiced Apple Chai

Pumpkin Spice Chai

Lemon & Ginger

Pomegranate and Raspberry

Camomile Honey & Vanilla

Honeybush, Mandarin and Orange

Pure Peppermint

Mixed Berries Cold Brewed Iced Tea

Peach Cold Brewed Iced Tea

Poema Cava Brut Rosé

Chilled Rose Blush Lemonade – non alcoholic

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@thewdwguru.com.

Restaurant Review: Be Our Guest

Did you ever watch the Be Our Guest scene in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and wish that you could eat in a place like that? Or, maybe that was only me? Doesn’t matter, the point is now you can find out what it feels like to dine in the Beast’s Castle just like Belle! At Magic Kingdom’s new Be Our Guest Restaurant you get a dining experience straight out of the award-winning movie, complete with appearances from the Beast himself, and there’s even grey stuff and it is delicious!

You are transported into the fantasy world of Beauty and the Beast from the moment you step onto the stone, gargoyle lined bridge that leads up to the castle.

Upon entering the castle you continue down a hallway lined with ominous looking suits of armor, pass through an archway and there you are in the Grand Ballroom!

The minute I stepped into this room I felt like I was in the movie. The ballroom is the largest of the three dining rooms that are offered at Be Our Guest.  The centerpiece of this room would have to be the beautifully painted ceiling adorned with winged cherubs and gorgeous yet massive chandeliers.

However, what I found to be the coolest feature of this room was the massive picture windows that look out across a wonderful mountainous landscape.  Look closely out the windows and you will even see a lovely little snowfall.

We were seated in the Grand Ballroom and I seriously could not stop looking around at everything. I found myself feeling like the same excited eight year-old seeing the movie for the first time. We had just been seated at our table, complete with rose-folded napkins,  when we heard a booming voice making an announcement. It turns out the master was in tonight and would be receiving guests in his study. Then, all of a sudden we saw the Beast walk through Ballroom and into the West Wing before ending up in his study where he would be posing for photos and giving autographs. I found this completely exciting because I had no idea I would get to meet the Beast!

While we enjoyed our meal in the grand ballroom, you were definitely encouraged to get up and take a look around. So I wandered around and found myself at the forbidden west wing!

But, don’t worry, it’s not forbidden at Be Our Guest. The West Wing is the smallest of the three dining rooms in the restaurant, and the detail that the Disney imagineers put into this room is truly amazing! They even included the enchanted rose, complete with falling petals.

As the petals fall from the rose you can hear a thunder and lighting storm rolling in. On one of the walls hangs a torn portrait of the Beast as a young prince.

With each passing lighting strike you can see the prince morph into his more menacing form. As I was at Be Our Guest for dinner I did not have an opportunity to see the Rose Gallery, which is the only dinning room that is just opened for lunch.  However, I did have a friend that ate lunch here, so I can pass on her information about the Rose Gallery on to you!  In this dining room you will find tapestries, which feature the various characters of the movie, lining the walls. The centerpiece of this room would have to be the grand music box that features a rotating sculpture of Belle and the Beast that looks like it was taking right out of the movie’s ballroom scene.

Ok, so you all get the atmosphere of this restaurant is amazing, but I bet what you all really want to know is how’s the food!?!  If I could only use one word to describe the food at Be Our Guest it would have to be AMAZING!!! Seriously, this one of the best meals I have ever had at Disney World.  Before I even opened the menu,   I knew what I was going to have. I may or may not have been looking at the menu ever since it was released four months before my vacation. But, anyway back to the food! Even though I pretty much had already planned what I was eating I did take a minute to look at the rest of the menu. It features delicious French fare such as Mussels Steamed in White Wine and oven Baked Ratatouille, as well as many other delicious French inspired selections. I begin my meal with the French Onion Soup, which came out bubbly with the Gruyere cheese looking perfect and tasted equally has fantastic.

My mom decided to try the Garden Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, and it was a wonderfully refreshing salad.

For the main course I ordered what I later learned was the signature dish of Be Our Guest, the Sautéed Shrimp and Scallops.

The shrimp and scallops are sautéed in a rich lobster sauce and served with veggies inside of a puff pastry shell, and it is so unbelievably good I could probably write entire blog about just this dish!  The shrimp and scallops are perfectly cooked and the lobster sauce is just so wonderfully rich and creamy, and the veggies add the perfect contrast to the rich sauce. The puff pastry that it is served in adds that perfect little crunch to the dish and it’s so flaky and perfect. I really do not have one bad thing to say about this dish!  For her main course my mom decided to try the Rotisserie Cornish Hen.

The hen itself was perfectly golden and delicious and the White Wine Au Jus only added to the deliciousness. It was served with seasonal vegetables and roasted fingerling potatoes. The roasted potatoes were the perfect crunchy accompaniment to the hen.  After two amazing courses, we finally came to my favorite part of any dinner…DESSERT! I promise you dessert at Be Our Guest is worth every single calorie!  After the main course, every table is presented with the dessert cart.

I dare anybody to say no to this dessert cart, which is filled with rows of delectable cupcakes and cream puffs. You can choose from three varieties of cupcakes, Triple Chocolate, Lemon Meringue, or Strawberry Cream Cheese or you can choose from three varieties of cream puffs, Passion Fruit, Lemon Raspberry, or Chocolate. Being the chocoholics that my mom and I are, we went for the Triple Chocolate cupcake and the Chocolate Cream Puff. The Triple Chocolate Cupcake consists of chocolate sponge cake, chocolate mousse filling, and is topped of with chocolate ganache.

Rich and decadent do not even begin to describe this cupcake, but oh my gosh it was so AMAZINGLY GOOD! The Chocolate Cream Puff was equally amazing, it was more of understated richness. It was sweet and chocolaty, the perfect little compliment to an amazing meal.

And, as I said before there is even grey stuff! Only those celebrating something are lucky enough to try the cookies and cream whipped panna cotta, and from what I have heard it is indeed delicious!

I have not yet had the opportunity to enjoy lunch at Be Our Guest, but I have heard from my friend that it was honestly the best quick service lunch she has ever had at Disney! I mean with starters like French Onion and Potato Leek Soup, entrees like Grilled Steak Sandwich and Braised Pork, and desserts like cupcakes and cream puffs how can lunch be anything put amazing! Be Our Guest opens for lunch at 10:30 am and there are long lines pretty much throughout lunch, which ends at 2 pm, but I have heard that the line moves relatively quickly. From what I understand once you get into the castle to order, you can either order with a cast member or at a self-serve kiosk. However, cash or voucher orders must be handled with a cast member.  After you order, you are giving an enchanted rose, which is programmed to help your food find you wherever you are in the restaurant.  Once you have placed your order and you have your enchanted rose you can choose to sit in any of the three dining rooms.  Once you have picked a dining room and have found a table, place your enchanted rose on the table. Shortly after you’re seated your food will be wheeled out to you on a rolling cart! And, your food is even served to you on real china with real silverware! You don’t find that at any other quick service location!

I cannot say that I was anything but, extremely impressed with Be Our Guest! The atmosphere was truly amazing. The imagineers left no detail untouched. I really felt like I walked straight into the Beauty and Beast movie. And, the food was equally spectacular. I think Be Our Guest is going to be a time-honored favorite for a long time to come! So as Lumiere would say, “Be our guest, be our guest. Put our service to the test!”

If you would like to put Be Our Guest’s service to the test please keep in mind that reservations are strongly recommended for Dinner and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit.

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@d2travel.com.

Disney Dining Restaurant Review: Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern

If I ever had to pick my absolute favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World, I think I would have to choose Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom. This is the one restaurant I make sure to go to every single time I am in Disney World! With its wood paneling, candlestick sconces and chandeliers, and thick glass windows along with the absolutely massive cooking fireplace in the lobby, you can see how the Imagineers meticulously themed Liberty Tree Tavern after an 18^th century home. Each room in the perfectly themed Liberty Tree Tavern represents a different figure from The United States’ colonial history. You could end up dining in the George Washington room, the Thomas Jefferson room, the John Paul Jones room, the Betsy Ross room, the Benjamin Franklin room, or even the Paul Revere room (keep a look out for those famous lanterns!).

Now as much as I enjoy the theming and decor of Liberty Tree Tavern, what really keeps me coming back again and again is the food! For lunch you can choose from tantalizing items such as  clam chowder, traditional roast turkey and pot roast, as well as salads and sandwiches. Dinner at the Liberty tree is an all-you-care-to-eat prix fixe feast of what has come to be known as America’s “first meal.” Basically it’s Thanksgiving dinner, which consists of salad, roasted meats and cornbread stuffing (seriously cannot ever get enough of this stuffing!), vegetables, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. As if that wasn’t enough food, you then conclude the meal with Johnny Appleseed’s Cake, a white cake filled with apples and Craisins Dried Cranberries and topped with ice cream.

While I love eating at Liberty Tree Tavern all year round, I enjoy it even more at the holidays. There is something about the atmosphere and the “traditional” holiday favorites that just really helps to put me in the holiday spirit.

Meals at Liberty Tree Tavern range in price from $15 – $35.99. Reservations are strongly recommended especially during the holidays.

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@d2travel.com.