Jump to content

Best of the Fest: What to Eat at the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival


Disney4me
 Share

Recommended Posts

It’s heeeeere… the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival has officially begun!!

the-best-of-the-fest

And since the first day of the Festival is my favorite day of the year, I’m here, too, of course! The DFB Team has been hard at work tasting our way around every single Marketplace Booth to let you know the items you absolutely MUST EAT at the Festival this year!

Be sure to click over to our Marketplace Booth Page to see pictures of every single dish at the Festival. Just click through the links for each booth to see pictures of all your favorite dishes, along with every single new one from this year!

Then meet me right back here to check out our recommendations for the BEST of the FEST!

Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle at Chew Collective

Layers of thick peanut butter mousse and white chocolate mousse with some sugared peanuts on top make up this dessert at Chew Collective…and it’s my idea of perfection. Super rich and salty-sweet, you will not be disappointed.

Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle

Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle

It’s a small portion, but the sweetness will knock your socks off.

Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots, and Feta Cheese at Chew Collective

Plan on arriving hungry to Chew Collective — you’ll want to also get that peanut butter mousse we just talked about.

Seriously crazy good. Cooked perfectly, the skewer showcased medium/medium rare beef. I found the marinated flavor to be spot on. To be fair, Chef Dee Foundoukis was working the booth so I’m sure she had something to do with the outstanding taste. ;-D

Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots and Feta Cheese

Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots and Feta Cheese

What’s not to love about meat on a stick?!

Seared Scallop, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussels Sprouts, and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce at Wine & Dine Studio

Seared lightly, this lush scallop dish featured at Wine & Dine Studio was fresh, earthy, and savory.

Seared Scallop with Truffled Celery Root Puree, brussels sprouts, and wild mushrooms

Seared Scallop with Truffled Celery Root Puree, brussels sprouts, and wild mushrooms

Our favorite of the surrounding ingredients was that Truffled Celery Root Purée — creamy and delicious!

Red Wine Chocolate Truffle at Chocolate Studio

Looking for a decadent little treat? Stop by the Chocolate Studio! This truffle is for my wine and chocolate lovers. The mousse-like texture adds to the indulgence. Give it a try — it’s only a bit over $2.

Red Wine Chocolate Truffle

Red Wine Chocolate Truffle

I noted a distinct wine flavor; if you don’t like red wine, this isn’t for you.

Frozen Mojito at Islands of the Caribbean

While this year’s returning mojito at Islands of the Caribbean is being served in a smaller glass, it’s still one of my standbys for cooling off during a hot festival day. Always good — it still has a super refreshing flavor.

Frozen Mojito

Frozen Mojito

Tart with just a hint of muddled mint, it’s a festival classic!

Sprecher Hard Orange Cream Soda Float at Desserts and Champagne

If you recall, the selections at Desserts & Champagne Booth haven’t exactly wowed me at past festivals. That all changed with last year’s Orange Blossom Brewery Toasted Coconut Porter Float with Caramel Ice Cream. Now there’s a new float that has won me over — the Sprecher Hard Orange Cream Soda Float. Super fun, right?

Hard Sprecher Orange Cream Soda Float

Hard Sprecher Orange Cream Soda Float

Served in a unique glass, this orange cream float is super fun for for the grown-ups. But don’t worry, kiddos — there are non-alcoholic floats available here as well! Try the grape fanta version!

Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider at Farm Fresh

Now, we’re not recommending that you bypass the mac ‘n cheese at Farm Fresh this year. We just think you should wash it down with Elderberry Hard Cider. This beverage is not too sweet and very refreshing.

Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider

Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider

Don’t pass this one up; you can thank me later. ;)

Strawberry Plum Wine Cooler with Takara Plum Wine at China

This one surprised me. A refreshing and fruity flavored cooler at China, we love the sweet-tart taste. Sooooo good! Muddled strawberries add to the decadence of this blend. (A tip from DFB: This one goes down super easy. ;D)

Strawberry Plum Wine Cooler

Strawberry Plum Wine Cooler

And it’s totally worth the wait in the super hot, no-shade-to-be-found line.

Korean-style BBQ Beef with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi at South Korea

Returning for the second year in a row to our Best of the Fest list, you’ll want to experience the deliciousness that is Korean-style BBQ Beef at the South Korea booth.

While a little bit on the salty side, this rich (due to the fatty texture of the short ribs) dish has a delicious, spicy flavor.

Korean-style BBQ Beef with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi

Korean-style BBQ Beef with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi

DFB can recommend both the vegan and regular versions.

Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese Served on Griddled Garlic Toast at Hops & Barley

OK, some barbecue can be pretty mediocre — especially at Disney, but Hops & Barley gets bragging rights for a perfect brisket. This stick-to-your-ribs grub is SO good!

Super savory and perfect with the pimento cheese, you’ll love the great texture. Eat it as-is — make sure you get a bite of the buttery toast in the mix!!

Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast

Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast

But wait. There’s another comfort food that you shouldn’t miss at Hops & Barley. Read on…

Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing at Hops & Barley

Every carrot cake that I recommend must be finished with cream cheese icing. THIS super moist (so moist it’s almost a pudding) carrot cake has now become my favorite thing at the festival because, well, WARM cream cheese icing. And don’t forget to ask for extra icing like I did in the picture below! ;-D

Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing

Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing

Hops & Barley is the new Canada for me — not-to-be-missed!

Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce at Morocco

Morocco took our breath away with this one. We didn’t expect a healthy alternative to French fries to be a show-stopper. Yet, we couldn’t stop eating them!

Unique and crispy, the Spicy Hummus Fries reminded us of falafel.

Spicy Hummus Fries

Spicy Hummus Fries

We don’t think the sauce was Tzatziki since it was red (but you Tzatziki gurus feel free to correct us in the comments!). While sweet and spicy, it had a creaminess to it.

Frozen Daiquiri Ice Pop: Strawberry Puree with French Caribbean Rhum Clément at France

Boozy popsicles are still popular at France. Made with real strawberries, this frozen blend of strawberry puree and rum is extremely refreshing.

Adding some depth to this popsicle, the distinct alcohol flavor is definitely present. Nobody’s going to mistake this one for a kiddie treat.

Frozen Daiquiri Ice Pop

Frozen Daiquiri Ice Pop

Super fun for selfies, this unique treat doubles as a cocktail. Win-win!

Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea and Caramel Shake at Ireland

You can get this one with or without caramel vodka… can’t decide? Try both versions made with Pumpkin Chai Tea at Ireland.

We know you’ll love the shake consistency that transforms this beverage into a decadent treat. Crushed vanilla wafers add to the fall-like fun.

Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea and Caramel Shake (non-alcoholic)

Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea and Caramel Shake (non-alcoholic)

This one was very creamy and thick with a prominent pumpkin flavor.

Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka at Poland

Poland bills the Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie as a beverage but we really think it’s more of a dessert. Either way, it’s fun and unique!

Frozen Szarlotka (Apple Pie)

Frozen Szarlotka (Apple Pie)

Great on these super hot, early fall days.

But We’re Not Finished Yet!

If you’re thinking, “Wait… what about my favorite dish from last year? I love the Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese at Farm Fresh. Is it gone?!?” Fret not! Remember that this is just our Best of the Fest for 2016. We’ve got pictures and pricing for every single item at the Festival, just like we do every year.

To see the full list — and pictures of EVERYTHING — be sure to click over to our Marketplace Booth page, where the provided links will take you to each booth’s individual page. That’s how you can see pictures of every single dish at this year’s Festival!

Ready to Plan for Your Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip?

The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available! This 250+-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.

2015 DFB F&W Guide Cover

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!

Order your 2016 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun!

Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price!

Want Even MORE Great Info About the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

Don’t worry… We’ll be back with MUCH more from the Festival in the coming weeks — from Seminars and Demonstrations to Special Events to Booth Reviews. In the meantime, you can check out all of the info below to prepare for YOUR visit to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index

2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations
2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule
Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon
2016 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
Food and Wine Festival 101
2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS
2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items

How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events

To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 21. Join the Disney Food Blog Newsletter to find out as soon as we do about details and booking dates! Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone.

Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents will be eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. These members will be able to book seminars and demos July 19th at 9AM. (Note: According to an official Disney World Annual Passholder website and email, booking for low-cost demonstrations begins for Annual Passholders ONLY on July 18th. We can find no other confirmation of this date, but we wanted to be sure you were aware of all possibilities!) Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details.

Chase Disney Visa Cardholders can book select special events, demos, and seminars on July 19th as well. A limited number of seats are available for the booking date. Call 407-939-1870 to book reservations with your Disney Visa Credit Card.

Sooo… which item is on the top of YOUR list of Must-Eats at the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Please let us know with a comment!

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:


View the full article

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...