Disney4me Posted September 18, 2015 Report Share Posted September 18, 2015 We’ve finally made it! The 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is opening next week!Soon, it will be time to Dine Our Way Around the World, as the World Marketplace Booths begin serving dishes inspired by flavors throughout the world! And with more than seven full weeks of Special Events, Culinary Demos, Beverage and Mixology Seminars, and special exhibits, this event is a food lover’s paradise.While we anxiously count down these last few days until all the fun starts, we’re taking a look at some of the events we enjoyed from last year.In 2014, one of the Special Events was Food for Thought, an event where celebrity chefs shared favorite recipes while sharing their personal stories. (Read our review of the event featuring Chef Rick Bayless last year here.) During these events, guests also enjoyed three dishes from one of the featured chef’s cookbooks. In 2015, you’ll find a similar event called “What’s Cooking With”.I had the pleasure of attending one of these events last year, and I learned some great tips and techniques from Florida-local Chef Norman Van Aken. Let’s check out some of the delicious dishes we enjoyed.Food for Thought with Chef Norman Van AkenI arrived at Festival Center for this event a few minutes early. It actually took place during brunch hours.The Festival Stage was decked out as usual. Located at the back of the Festival Center, this is where all festival Culinary Demonstrations as well as many Special Events take place.TicketIt’s a neat venue, because it’s actually open to the rest of the pavilion; if you happen to be passing, you can actually take in the presentation from outside of the dining area for free. Of course, you won’t get to try any of the goodies.StageBut back to logistics. Remember how my ticket had “Pinot Noir” printed on it? The name on your ticket corresponds to the name of a table inside the seating area. Soon I found my table, and settled in for the presentation.TableFor those of you who aren’t familiar with the chef, I’ll give you a little background. Chef Norman Van Aken didn’t take a direct route to culinary greatness. His journey to become an influential voice in the culinary world began with a want ad for a short order cook position that promised “no experience necessary.” From those humble beginnings, Van Aken began to learn on his own. And today, he has been largely responsible for putting the flavors of South Florida on the culinary map.Place SettingChef Van Aken is the author of six cookbooks as well as his recent memoir about that fateful want ad decision, No Experience Necessary. He is also the Chef and Co-Owner of Norman’s at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Lakes in Orlando.Putting those skills to good use, Chef Van Aken would walk us through a menu laden with Florida influence.Food for Thought Menu — Click to EnlargeAs the event got underway, Chef Van Aken took the stage and began to share a little more about each recipe; he offered some helpful hints about his ingredients as he went.Chef Norman Van Aken Walking Us Through the RecipeWe began our meal with Port of Call Crab and Avocado Salad.Recipe — Port of Call Crab and Avocado Salad — Click to EnlargeThe combination of Celery with the Avocado and Blue Crab provided good texture, and serving the salad on a bed of Mixed Greens stretches the more expensive ingredients a bit.Each course was also paired with wines that complemented the flavors of the dish. We enjoyed St. France Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc with the Crab Salad.Port of Call Crab and Avocado SaladFor the main course, Chef Van Aken chose to feature a popular Florida fish – Grouper, which was paired with St. Francis Chardonnay.Recipe — Grilled Grouper with Mustard Saffron Sauce — Click to EnlargeRecipe — Garlic Oil Roasted Potatoes — Click to EnlargeThe Grilled Grouper was accompanied by Garlic Oil Roasted Potatoes, and was garnished with Mussel-Saffron Sauce flavored with Orange Juice and Coconut Milk. Steamed Asparagus finished off the plate.This dish was truly amazing. I’m not a huge fish fan, and I was hoping for seconds. The potatoes were out of this world. Make them.Grilled Grouper and Potatoes — Up CloseSoon, it was time to enjoy dessert. Not surprisingly, the featured flavor was one of Florida’s most well-known sweets.Recipe — Sunshine’s Key Lime Pies — Click to EnlargeChef Van Aken’s take, Sunshine’s Key Lime Pies, featured a familiar version of this favorite. I enjoyed the interesting take on the crust, however, which featured a combination of Ground Almonds and Graham Cracker Crumbs, along with spices. The individual pies were topped with Swiss Meringue instead of Whipped Cream.Since Key Lime Pie is one of my favorite desserts EVAR, this made-him-famous version was pretty killer.Sunshine’s Key Lime PiesWe enjoyed dessert with a glass of Caposaldo Moscato.As we dined on the courses, we had the opportunity to listen in as Pam Smith (the emcee of many of the Food and Wine Festival events) chatted with Chef Van Aken, asking him questions about his time in the kitchen. Chef Van Aken also took questions from the audience, and was excited to speak about the fresh flavors of the Sunshine State.Chatting with Chef Norman Van AkenAfter the event, guests had the opportunity to meet Chef Van Aken at a book signing, where they could have the photo we received autographed, or they could purchase his book.All in all, if you have a favorite chef appearing at one of these events, or just really enjoy learning more about the creative culinary process in an up close way, events like Food for Thought or this year’s “What’s Cooking With” can be a delightful way to spend the early part of your day at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.Start Your Planning Today! The DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book is now available!Want even more great tips? This 240+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Order your 2015 edition today!Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!Use code Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount!Be sure to check our main Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page frequently for updates, and also check out Epcot Food and Wine Festival 101 for even more information about the festival!Want More Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info?We have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog! Here’s what we know so far…2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index — Full Menus and Food Photos Now Available!2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations2015 Eat to the Beat Concert ScheduleEpcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon2015 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine ClassicFood and Wine Festival 1012014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free ItemsHow to Book Epcot Food and Wine Festival EventsTo book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) (join the Disney Food Blog Newsletter to find out as soon as we do about more details!). Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, Mixology Seminars, and general admission for some special events are bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and mixology seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Discounts are by phone at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) or through DVC Member Services. Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details.I’d love to hear from all of you now! Would you enjoy an event like Food for Thought with your favorite chef of note? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!I attended this event on behalf of Disney Food Blog courtesy of Disney. However, I was not obligated to report on the event or provide a positive review of the experience. Read more about our Disclosure Policy here.Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook FanRelated posts:2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Food for Thought with Chef Rick Bayless Guest Review: Chef Robert Irvine Culinary Demo at Epcot Food & Wine Festival News: 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Probable Booking Date, and More Special Events View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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