With Florida's sun blazing, it seems early to contemplate the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which falls in fall, when the temperatures cool. Yet Epcot's culinary staff has been planning since the last festival ended. Recently members of Tables in Wonderland got to sample many of the 20 new food and 20 new beverage items that will be part of the multi-week, multi-venue menu of this annual extravaganza--which happens to be in its 20th year. Here are some highlights, mostly from the international marketplaces.
Everyone's favorite, as far as I could tell, were these citrusy, lively, tender, meaty spareribs (pictured above). They're among the items that will be featured by The Chew, a food-focused talk show. The Chew will broadcast live at some point and will serve this and other items at certain times.
New York strip steak atop silky mashed parsnip is another Chew offering.
The steak itself looks like this. Dramatic back-lighting made that finished piece look surreal.
The steak will be served with a sweet, almost almond-tasting drink with stunning visual appeal. It smokes!
My No. 2 favorite was Pescado con Coco, which will be served at the Dominican Republic marketplace. It's made with seared grouper, pigeon peas, rice and coconut sauce.
Here are some more food items you'll find at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
And then there's dessert. I went wild for Ireland's warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liquor custard.
Ever growing, this year's 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival will have food marketplaces not only around World Showcase but also in Future World. All kinds of special events will supplement the pedestrian-friendly marketplaces. Among them are a Rockin' Burger Blocko Party, a Party for the Senses gala with featuring foods from Disney chefs with a Halloween theme, and a scavenger hunt themed around Remy.
To learn more, read this official Disney blog post.
This 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival will run from September 25 to November 16. Ticket sales begin July 15 here.
Eat enthusiastically, Rona