Epcot Food & Wine Festival

It’s that time of year again!  Yes, the time when you can take an international culinary journey through Epcot. The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2014 kicks off on September 19th and runs through November 10th – 7 days longer than last year’s festival.  Set up around the World Showcase, over 25 individual kiosks offer regional and international tapas dishes paired with perfect wines, cocktails and beer. This 53 day fun-filled festival not only offers culinary delights from around the world, but also offers several culinary seminars and demonstrations.And if that is not tempting enough, enjoy the sounds of music stars of past decades including Night Ranger, 38 Special, The Pointer Sisters and Jo Dee Messina who will rock the party nightly with Eat to the Beat concerts at the outdoor America Gardens Theatre. This is a festival that appeals to all of your senses! This year, 2 new kiosks will join more than 25 ethnic food stops along the World Showcase Lagoon.  Patagonia and Farm Fresh will join the popular Puerto Rico, Brazil, Ireland, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Africa and other countries for this culinary extravaganza. This is a foodies paradise and you don’t want to miss it!

During last year’s festival, tapas plates ranged between $3 – $8 offering small bites and a chance to taste delicacies from all over the world.  As for beer, wine and cocktails, beer ranged between $3 – $10 for 6-12 oz. options, wines were $2.50 – $4.75 and mixed drinks averaged $7 – $9. We are anticipating similar pricing for this years festival as well as the opportunity to use your snack credits from your Disney Dining Plan.   If you are going to use your DDP snack credits, it is recommended that you use them for some of the higher priced tapas plates and pay out of pocket for the lesser priced plates.  This way you are getting the most bang for your buck.

All of the culinary booths accept many forms of payment, including: cash, credit card, Key to the World card, Magic Bands (with room charging capabilities), Disney Gift Card and Disney Chase Visa rewards dollars. One of the most convenient methods of payments is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival gift card.  Epcot offers a smaller version of the card on a wristband to keep your hands free for your plates and wine glasses.  Simply load up the card with an amount of your choosing and you are ready to go!  The Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gift Card can be purchased at the Main Entrance Ticket booths, Guest Relations or at select festival locations

2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths and Menus

Africa – Journey deep into a diverse assortment of tastes and tannins, inspired by the countries of the African continent

• Beef tenderloin tips berbere style with okra, jalapeños, tomato and pap
• South African bobotie with turkey and mushrooms (gluten free)
• MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc
• Fairview Pinotage
• The Wolftrap Red: Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier

American Adventure Coffee Cart – Cozy up to this all-American coffee stand and imbibe on a cup filled to the brim with rich aromas

• Apple Maple Spice Latte, a rich espresso and creamy milk blended with the flavors of apple pie and maple spice, and topped with cinnamon whipped cream. Enjoy it hot or iced!

Australia – Enjoy a rich range of delectable menu options hailing from the land down under, including several Australian wines

• Garlic shrimp with roasted tomatoes, lemon myrtle and rapini (gluten free)
• Grilled lamb chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies (gluten free)
• Pavlova: Crispy meringue shell with fresh berries and vanilla custard
• Coopers Brewery, Original Pale Ale
• Chateau Tanuda Grand Barossa Dry Riesling
• St. Kilda Chardonnay
• Nine Stones Shiraz

Belgium – Discover a different take on the waffle as you indulge in savory sweets and hoppy treats from the Kingdom of Belgium

• Potato and leek waffle with beer-braised beef
• Belgium waffle with warm chocolate ganache and whipped cream
• Belgium waffle with berry compote and whipped cream
• Hoegaarden
• Stella Artois
• Leffe Blonde
• Stella Artois Cidre
• Chilled coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
• Beer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde and Stella Artois Cidre

Block & Hans – Wet your whistle with a stop at this popular spot where you can get an introduction to fine American wines

• Robert Mondavi, Fume Blanc
• The Great American Wine Company, Chardonnay
• The Great American Wine Company, Red Blend
• Robert Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Domaine Chandon Brut Sparkling Blanc de Noir
• Still River Winery Apple Ice Wine

Brazil – Explore offerings from the Atlantic coastline as you make your way inland to the heartbeat of South American culture

• Mocequa de pescado: Regal Springs premium tilapia with coconut lime sauce and steamed rice (gluten free)
• Crispy pork belly with black beans, tomato and cilantro (gluten free)
• Pao de queijo: Brazilian cheese bread
• Cocada: Brazilian coconut candy
• Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer
• Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine
• Tannat Reserve
• Frozen Caipirinha

Brewer’s Collection – Pop the top and soak up some European-style suds. Or, order a flight to set off on your own beer smorgasbord

• Radeberger Pilsner
• BraufactuM Colonia
• BraufactuM Palor
• Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest
• BraufactuM Roog
• BraufactuM Darkon
• BraufactuM Progusta IPA
• Beer flight 1 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Radeberger Pilsner, BraufactuM Colonia, BraufactuM Palor and Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
• Beer flight 2 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Altenmünster Oktoberfest, BraufactuM Roog, BraufactuM Darkon and BraufactuM Progusta IPA

Canada – Celebrate the “Great White North” with Yukon fare, including refreshing lagers and ice-cold sparkling wines

• Canadian cheddar cheese soup
• Seared rainbow trout with bacon, frisee and maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette (gluten free)
• “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce (gluten free)
• Moosehead Lager
• La Face Neige Apple Ice Wine
• La Face Neige Sparkling
• Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah

China – Commemorate the countrymen of the world’s most populous nation with a choice of their favorite dishes and beverages

• Beijing roasted duck in steamed bun with hoisin sauce
• Mongolian beef in a steamed bun with chili mayo
• Black pepper shrimp with Sichuan noodles
• Chicken potstickers
• TSINGTAO Beer
• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling
• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Syrah
• Kung Fu Punch with vodka and triple sec
• Happy Lychee with tequila and vodka
• Mango green tea with popping bubbles

Craft Beers – Sophisticate your knowledge of all things hops and barley with a cool pint or flight from a popular craft brewery

• Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis® – Chico, CA
• Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale – Milton, DE
• Shiner Brewery, Wild Hare Pale Ale – Shiner, TX
• Abita Brewing Company, Purple Haze – Abita Springs, LA
• Goose Island, 312 Urban Wheat Ale – Chicago, IL
• Florida Beer Company, Sunshine State Pils – Cape Canaveral, FL
• Magic Hat Brewery, Dream Machine IPL – South Burlington, VT
• Terrapin Beer Company, Rye Pale Ale – Athens, GA
• Beer Flight 1 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis; Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale; Shiner Brewery, Wild Hare Pale Ale; and Abita Brewing Company, Purple Haze
• Beer Flight 2 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): 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

Desserts & Champagne – Seduce your sweet tooth to the core while you tickle your nose with any one of the bubbly sensations

• Dessert Trio: Passion fruit coconut creamsicle, blueberry lime cheesecake roll and chocolate espresso opera cake
• Guylian Belgian chocolate seashell truffles
• Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé
• Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial
• Ruinart Blanc de Blanc
• Dom Pérignon
• Frozen S’mores featuring Monin® Toasted Marshmallow Syrup

Farm Fresh – Appease your hunger with a hearty harvest of fresh fare—straight from the farm to you

• Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon hash with sweet corn, potatoes, hollandaise and pickled jalapeños (gluten free)
• Griddled “yard bird” with braised greens (gluten free)
• Orlando Brewing Company, I-4 IPA – Orlando, FL
• Ba Ba Black Lager, Uinta Brewing Company – Salt Lake City, UT
• Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale, Bold City Brewery – Jacksonville, FL
• Florida Cracker Belgian Style White Ale, Cigar City Brewery – Tampa, FL
• Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen-Key Lime Wine
• Chateau St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica® Riesling
• St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel
• Beer Flight (4 4-ounce servings): I-4 IPA, Ba Ba Black Lager, Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale and Florida Cracker Belgian Style White Ale

Fife & Drum – Beat the heat as you take a break from this tour of tastes with something frosty and fun

• Ghirardelli® ice cream sundae
• Mmmhops Pale Ale

France – Peruse France for a taste of the finer things…food and drink both classical in tone and timeless in presentation.

• Tartelette aux escargots: Escargot tart with garlic, spinach, bacon and parmesan
• Gratin de crozet de savoie: Wheat pasta gratin with mushrooms and Gruyere cheese
• Boeuf bourguignon: Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes
• Crème brûlée caramel fleur de sel: Sea salt caramel crème brûlée topped with caramelized sugar
• Beer Kronenbourg Blanc 1664
• Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet
• Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
• La Passion Martini Slush: vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, cranberry and passion fruit juice

Germany – Revel in the spirit of the Rhineland—sink your teeth into a tasty sausage and then wash it down with a German beer.

• Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham and cheese
• Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll
• Berliner: Yeast doughnut filled with apricot jam
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett
• Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese
• Kallstadter Kobnert Spaetburgunder Spätlese Dry Barrique Style

Greece – Experience old country flavors from a classic land, whether pulled from the sea or picked from trees on the hillside

• Vegetarian moussaka
• Griddled Greek cheese with pistachios and honey (gluten free)
• Chicken gyro with tzatziki Sauce
• Spanakopita
• Domaine Skouras Moscofilero
• Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri
• Alpha Estate Axia Syrah-Xinomavro
• Tzatziki martini featuring Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka and BOLS Natural Yoghurt Liqueur

Hawaii – Say “aloha” as you travel across the Pacific for some tropical flavors and island favorites

• Kālua pork slider with sweet and sour Dole® Pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise
• Tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips
• Kona Brewing Company, Big Wave Golden Ale
• Kona Brewing Company, Castaway IPA
• Maui Splash Sweet Pineapple Wine
• Aulani Sunrise featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum

Hops & Barley – Endear yourself to the sensibilities of the States, from stout ales to artisan cheese plates.

• Artisan cheese plate featuring Cabot Cloth wrapped cheddar, Purple Haze chèvre goat cheese and Cave Man blue cheese
• Baked lobster alfredo
• Florida grass fed beef slider with pimento cheese
• Fresh baked carrot cake with Craisins® and cream cheese icing
• Samuel Adams® Octoberfest
• New Belgium Brewing Company Snapshot
• Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®
• Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy
• La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
• Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Cambria Estate Winery
• Beer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Samuel Adams Octoberfest, New Belgium Snapshot, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat and Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy

Intermissions Cafe – Endear yourself to the sensibilities of the States, from stout ales to artisan cheese plates.

• 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

Ireland – Jaunt over for favorite flavors o’ the Emerald Isle, including robust cheeses, honey wine and chilled Irish coffee

• Lobster and seafood fisherman’s pie
• Kerrygold® cheese selection: Reserve cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout and Skellig
• Warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Custard (gluten free)
• Guinness® Draught
• Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
• Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen
• Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur

Italy – Embark for a delightful occasion in Italy to get your fill of fresh-made pasta and wines from the countryside

• Ravioli alla caprese: Cheese ravioli, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil
• Filetto di pollo, con funghi al marsala: Chicken tenderloin, cremini mushrooms, marsala sauce and ciabatta bread
• Cannoli al cioccolato: Chocolate-covered cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit
• Moretti Lager Beer
• Moretti La Rossa Beer
• Procecco, Bosco del Merlo
• Pinot Grigio, Placido
• Chianti Classico, Placido
• Frozen Primavera with limoncello and tequila

Japan – “Roll” by Japan’s marketplace for an authentic sushi or quench your thirst with a draft beer or sake

• Spicy hand roll: Tuna and salmon with Kazan Volcano sauce
• Teriyaki gyoza bun: Steamed bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki sauce
• Chirashizushi: Salmon, shrimp, crab and egg served over seaweed salad and ginger rice
• Kirin Draft Beer
• Sake: Kikusui Ginjo
• Sake Sunrise
• Sparkling Peach Sake Gell

Liberty Inn– Let freedom ring for 2 fine American wines

• Hess Shirtail Chardonnay
• SIMI Cabernet Sauvignon

Mexico – Come for the culture, stay for the food—enjoy tacos fresh from the grill while you get your fill of ice-cold cerveza

• Shrimp taco: Fried shrimp, pickled habanero pepper and onions on a flour tortilla
• Rib eye taco: Marinated rib eye, roasted chipotle salsa and grilled scallions on a corn tortilla (gluten free)
• Sweet corn cheese cake
• Dos Equis Beer
• Sangria
• Tequila Flight
• Mango-strawberry margarita

Morocco – Make way for food inspired by the rugged mountainsides of this north African nation

• Kefta pocket: Ground seasoned beef in a pita pocket
• Spicy shrimp roll with cilantro and mint sauce
• Baklava
• Casa Beer
• Guerouane White
• Sangria
• Mimosa Royale: Sparkling wine and orange juice topped with orange liquer

New Zealand – Savor the other side of the equator and taste what Kiwi pride is all about—enjoy treats from land, sea and vine

• Steamed green lip mussels with garlic butter and toasted bread crumbs
• Venison sausage with pickled mushrooms, baby arugula and black currant reduction (gluten free)
• Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney
• Kim Crawford Pinot Gris
• Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
• Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay
• Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

Patagonia – New this year! Tempt your tastes with a sampling of South American cooking, inspired by the continent’s mountainous southern tip.

• Beef empanada
• Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée (gluten free)
• Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri (gluten free)
• Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut
• Terrazas Reserva Malbec
• Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier
• Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé

Poland – Take part in hearty Polish entrees while you whet your whistle with beer, wine and delicious vodka-based beverages.

• Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream
• Sauerkraut pierogi with pork goulash
• Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer
• Blaufraenkische Donausonne, Hungarian Wine
• Frozen Szarlotka (apple pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Puerto Rico – Sail away on a voyage to this Caribbean-flavored country, courtesy of several Puerto Rican culinary specialties

• Ensalada de carrucho: Caribbean conch salad with onion, tomato and cilantro (gluten free)
• Carne guisada con arroz blanco: Slow-braised beef with Puerto Rican-grown rice (gluten free)
• Friturias: Sorullitos (sweet polenta fries) and bolitas de queso (cheese fritter with mayo ketchup)
• FlanCocho: Vanilla caramel custard with chocolate coffee cake
• Gasolina Sangriiia
• Medalla Light Beer
• Frozen San Juan Breeze
• Frozen San Juan Breeze with Don Q Limón Floater
• Chilled Club Caribe Mango Rum (neat)

Refreshment Cool Post – Chill out as you get your fill of frozen treats—whether an icy cold Mango Star featuring African Starr Rum to drink or a frosty serving of frozen yogurt to eat

• Mango Star featuring African Starr Rum
• Frozen yogurt

Refreshment Port – Satisfy your cravings with a selection of items offering a tropical infusion of Dole pineapple

• Croissant doughnut
• Fried shrimp with Dole pineapple sweet and sour sauce
• Fried chicken chunks with Dole pineapple sweet and sour sauce
• Dole Fruit Squish’ems!™ Apple-Strawberry
• Dole Whip Soft-serve
• Dole Whip Soft-serve with crème de cacao white
• Dragon Berry Refresher featuring Bacardi® Dragon Berry Rum

Scotland – Set out into the Highlands and take your pick from one or more of several Scottish mainstays

• Vegetarian haggis with neeps and tatties: Griddled vegetable cake with rutabaga and mashed potatoes
• Fresh potato pancake with smoked Scottish salmon and herb sour cream (gluten free)
• Seared sea scallop with spinach-cheddar gratin and crispy bacon (gluten free)
• Crannachan: A traditional Scottish dessert trifle
• Innis & Gunn® Original
• Loch Lomond featuring Glenfiddich® 12 year
• Glenfiddich Scotch Selection (12, 15 and 18 year)

Singapore – Drift into this port-style stop for flavors from both land and sea, and tempt your fate with a legendary Singapore Sling

• Lemongrass chicken curry with coconut and jasmine rice (gluten free)
• Seared mahi mahi with jasmine rice and “Singa” sauce
• Tiger Beer
• Marqués de Caceres Satinela
• Singapore Sling featuring Hendrick’s Gin and Cherry Herring

South Korea – Complete your full-circle tour of authentic Asian tastes with a sizable serving of kimchi

• Kimchi dog with spicy mustard sauce
• Roasted pork lettuce wrap with kimchi slaw
• Bokbunjajoo: Bohae black raspberry wine
• iCing Grapefruit Sparkling Rice Brew
• Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Soju

Terra – Honor the earth and all it grows with a meal cultivated entirely from the soil

• Blackened Chick’n Breast, farro wheat and spicy gumbo sauce featuring Gardein™ Chick’n Breast
• CraB’less CraB Cake with pepper slaw and Cajun remoulade featuring Gardein™
• Chocolate-blood orange cupcake with tofu icing
• Red Bridge Ale
• The Vegan Vine Chardonnay
• Paperboy Red
• Fresh Watermelon Juice

Cooking Seminars and Demonstrations

The Festival Center will host some exciting seminars and demos featuring a mix of culinary artistry and showcasing celebrity chefs and the talents of Walt Disney World’s chefs.  Some very familiar names from previous years will be on hand again this year.  Celebrity chefs like Robert Irvine, Carla Hall, Jamie Deen, Warren Brown and “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro will stir up plenty of food fun during their culinary demonstrations.

All of the seminars and demonstrations are only $15 this year – a great value for amazing culinary experiences.  Some of the Festival’s premium programming will include “Party for the Senses” the grand-tasting gala and recently added events like “Dining Through the Decades—A Tribute to Walt Disney,” a foodie “Boot Camp Series” and a Friday-morning celebrity-chef nosh-and-chat cookbook gathering, “Food for Thought.” Representatives from wineries and beverage companies will also be on hand to join in the tasting fun.

Most of the seminars and culinary demonstrations can be booked starting on July 31st by calling 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) or online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com. Annual passholders, DVC members, Tables in Wonderland members and Golden Oak residents have the luxury of early bookings starting on July 25th. Please note that the early bookings for these group members only applies to the seminars and demos. There is also a discount of $2 off per seminar for the same members on any demos and seminars booked for Monday – Thursday. Disney Chase Visa cardholders also have the availability of booking their demos and seminars early starting on July 29th.  Cardholders should also call 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) for early booking.

Eat to the Beat

Every evening during the Food and Wine Festival, multi-talented musical acts from past decades serve up a hot performance each night. This year’s list of talent includes several recording artists who are new to the American Adventure Stage including Jo Dee Messina and Fuel, as well as many returning favorites like Wilson Philips and Night Ranger.

Daily show times for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series take place at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM.

Here’s your menu of entertainment: