Eating: The Food and Wine Festival at Epcot

Anyone that knows Cristina and me will be quick to tell you that it seems like we are always at Disney World. We’ve actually bought season passes before. As I heard one man tell his friend at the entrance of Magic Kingdom: you may walk in age 37 but you will leave age 7.

My favorite event at Disney World is the food and Wine Festival mainly because I like food and wine. The festival, which takes places in the World Showcase of Epcot, features food from around the world. Tasting plates are served for around five dollars. Wine comes in small glasses ranging with the most expensive being around ten.

Cristina and I both buy gift cards when we go. It makes it easier than pulling out our wallets and debit cards every time. It’s also safer.

We decided to attend the festival during the Wine and Dine Half Marathon Party. We could enter the park at 7 pm and the party ended at 3 am. There was a big screen with the half marathon being broadcast. Most of the rides were open (except Spaceship Earth, my favorite ride, of course). The price was actually a few bucks cheaper than a park ticket.

The highlights:

• Grilled Lamb Chop with Roasted Potato Salad and Red Wine Reduction (Australia)

• Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup (Canada)

• Escargots with Garlic and Parsley inside a Brioche (France)

• Coq au Vin with Mushrooms, Pearl Onions and Macaroni Gratin (France)

• Lobster And Scallop Fisherman’s Pie (Ireland)

• Kerrygold Cheese Selection (Ireland)

• Ribeye Taco (Mexico)

• Seared Sea Scallop with Apple Slaw and Lemon Oil (New Zealand)

• Calamari Salad with Fennel, Smoked Paprika and Olive Oil (Portugal)

• Cured Salmon and Herring with Shrimp Salad (Scandinavia)

The only plate that wasn’t as good as the others was the Seared Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Puree with a Tomato Sauce. The sauce overpowered everything and didn’t really mix well the Sweet Potatoes. The worst part about it was that they did serve it without a different sauce in 2009 which was one of the better dishes of that year.

The best part of the Food and Wine Festival: it’s not a very crowded time. Most kids are in school. Columbus Day weekend is the only really busy weekend.

Related articles

• The Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2011 Experience (damouse.com)