F&W, Halloween & Christmas-and all the food in between! Updated 4/6

[sbprincess]

Wednesday – November 7th (Breakfast)

Wednesday morning I only had one thing on my agenda.

We hadn’t gotten to ride yet because we hadn’t been to Epcot early. It had to be remedied! We woke up and went straight to Epcot, through the gates, to The Land, immediately got fast passes for later and jumped in line for Soarin’! After our first ride, we got a little (okay a lot of) breakfast at Sunshine Seasons. This was our first time ever eating here. Yes, ever. We usually eat in World Showcase. I’ve always heard great things but it has just never happened.

There aren’t many choices for breakfast in my opinion. There’s the same breakfast platter that’s served in all the food courts and sweet stuff like danishes, muffins, etc. But we had counter service credits to burn. At this point, I had worked out which meal we would use which credits (snack, QS, TS) so we didn’t waste any. There was one menu item though that was different. That’s exactly what we both got! The Breakfast Panini with Eggs, Bacon, Roast Pork, and Cheese served with Breakfast Potatoes.

This was pretty tasty. The whole thing was warm and fresh. The pork gave it a very interesting flavor. The potatoes were good too. Brian and I could have easily split this and been satisfied. I’m positive that I didn’t finish this. I’m not sure I would make a special trip for it, but if I’m in the area and need breakfast, I would get this again maybe.

Just for fun, I’ll include a picture from the F&W Welcome Center. If I remember right, this was sculpted from chocolate. We thought it was cool!

Up Next: Final Food & Wine booths for lunch!

 

[SRiley1985]

This was pretty tasty. The whole thing was warm and fresh. The pork gave it a very interesting flavor. The potatoes were good too. Brian and I could have easily split this and been satisfied. I’m positive that I didn’t finish this. I’m not sure I would make a special trip for it, but if I’m in the area and need breakfast, I would get this again maybe.

That looks pretty good. We normally eat breakfast at our resort before we head out but I might have to make an exception for that sandwich. Plus, everything is better with fried potatoes

 

[francis6306]

I am SO excited that your CG meal was so perfect!! I can't wait to eat there… ONE DAY!!! It will happen, I just KNOW it! Did I show you the link to the plans for the "Undisclosed Orlando Restaurant" I saw online? Funny… in the pictures of how it will look, they managed to leave the castle right there…

Sunshine Seasons was really good when we ate there for dinner on our trip in 2010. That panini looks good… but, we know *I* will never eat it. Corey on the other hand would probably LOVE it. That sounds right up his ally… well, except for the cheese. He's funny like that.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Loved your review of CG - it is out favorite restaurant at The World and one of the top 2 or 3 in the world (our abo****e favorite is Gotham Bar & Grill in NYC). That table you got was perfect!

Our next trip will be after the remodel (and there better not be any delays pushing said opening past mid-October!) - we are definitely both nervous and excited for it

 

[disney212]

I am late the party (I guess better late than never)! Loving your report, sound like you and your DH and the same tastes as my DH and I. Loving your pictures and descriptions!

 

[sbprincess]

That looks pretty good. We normally eat breakfast at our resort before we head out but I might have to make an exception for that sandwich. Plus, everything is better with fried potatoes

Hi! The panini really was good. And I'm not normally big on potatoes for breakfast but thiers were great!

I am SO excited that your CG meal was so perfect!! I can't wait to eat there… ONE DAY!!! It will happen, I just KNOW it! Did I show you the link to the plans for the "Undisclosed Orlando Restaurant" I saw online? Funny… in the pictures of how it will look, they managed to leave the castle right there…

Sunshine Seasons was really good when we ate there for dinner on our trip in 2010. That panini looks good… but, we know *I* will never eat it. Corey on the other hand would probably LOVE it. That sounds right up his ally… well, except for the cheese. He's funny like that.

It would just be perfect if we get to move there and take you guys on your first time to CG! I don't remember you sending me a link for that...I'm curious now.

I know - everytime I write about something that involves pork I'm a little sad that you'll never get to try it I've wanted to try SS for lunch or dinner but we're either there during F&W or in WS instead. Maybe one day.

 

[sbprincess]

Loved your review of CG - it is out favorite restaurant at The World and one of the top 2 or 3 in the world (our abo****e favorite is Gotham Bar & Grill in NYC). That table you got was perfect!

Our next trip will be after the remodel (and there better not be any delays pushing said opening past mid-October!) - we are definitely both nervous and excited for it

I am dying to take my DH to NYC! He's never really been and I have only been once. Disney keeps taking priority though

Oh - I hope it doesn't get pushed beyond your trip dates! I feel the same way - nervous but excited! I guess we just have to hope. I'm okay with changes for the better. But I don't want a complete overhall. The little I have seen looks promising though. Fingers crossed!

I am late the party (I guess better late than never)! Loving your report, sound like you and your DH and the same tastes as my DH and I. Loving your pictures and descriptions!

Hello and welcome! How about we say you're "fashionably" late...? Thanks for joining in!

 

[sbprincess]

Wednesday – November 7th (Lunch)

This was our last scheduled day in Epcot – boo hoo! There were still so many F&W items I wanted to try too. But we were at the point in our trip that food didn’t have the same appeal as it did at the beginning. You know the feeling, right? “Is it really time to eat again??” But somehow we managed to find room…or our bodies expanded to make room. That’s a depressing thought. We did split pretty much everything you’re going to see though. That helped a lot!

ANYWAY! This day’s weather was nearly perfect for finishing up F&W! It was slightly windy but the temperature was around the high 60s/low 70s and it was sunny. Yea! Since we had started around Canada the other day, we chose the other direction on this day.

First up – the beef empanada in Argentina. We both liked this a lot. It was a little spicy but not bad. I thought the portion was quite generous.

Next, the Taco de Filete with Cascabel Pepper Sauce and Scallions Served on a Flour Tortilla from Mexico. Again, we both thought this was really good. I remember Brian saying he wanted another one of these but I talked him out of it. He felt bad that I didn’t get to try as much last year so before we had started this day, he agreed that I could pick whatever I wanted. Two of anything really wasn’t in my plan!

I almost broke my plan with this next item though! The Mongolian Beef with Chinese Steamed Bun (China, duh ) – might have been my favorite item from F&W…definitely top three! I suggested we get another on our way out if we still wanted one later. This didn’t happen because we were full. It’s a shame though because we did have a few duds coming up. The beef and sauce on this was so flavorful!

This next item was totally me. I’m not even sure Brian tasted it. It’s the Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket from South Africa. Honestly, it tasted exactly like the spinach and paneer cheese I had gotten at Landscape of Flavors (AoA) previously. It was a huge portion though and I had loved it at LoF! I didn’t realize it would taste exactly the same. But I enjoyed it anyway!

We passed a few booths after this that we had either tried last year (Germany) or didn’t have much interest in (Korea). The next item on my list was the Zapiekanki-Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House Made Ketchup from Poland. I asked for no ketchup since I don’t really like ketchup. This was very tasty but not anything special really. Not sure if I’d get it again but there wasn’t anything wrong with it. Maybe a tad greasy.

This next item was more for Brian. The Salsiccia e “Papacelli” Napoletani (Sweet Sausage, Red Pepper, Ciaibatta Bread) from Italy. The whole thing was really good though. I had a small bite of the sausage and let him have the rest. He let me have the peppers. Yummy! I really wanted some Prosecco but it was $8! I couldn’t do that for such a small glass when I knew what it tasted like already. Boo.

This next item was probably my most anticipated choice that absolutely did not live up to the hype. From the Hops & Barley booth - Linda Bean’s Lobster Claw Cuddler Chilled with Herb Mayonnaise. The bun was just standard white bread and the lobster was…meh. Maybe I don’t know enough about lobster. I don’t know. I was certainly glad I had used a snack credit instead of paying $6.50 for it. I was wishing I had gotten the pumpkin mousse instead. I don’t have a picture but I also got a Samuel Adams Cream Stout. I think the label “cream” had me thinking it would be sweet. Granted, it was a very nice portion for $6.25. And admittedly, I’m not much of a beer drinker. But I took just a few sips and was done. Brian also couldn’t take the bitter flavor. I’ll stick to cider or mixed drinks from here thanks!

Now this next item I also had very high expectations for. The Sukiyaki Beef Pan (Marinated Thinly Sliced Rib Eye with Sauteed Onions and Teriyaki Sauce Served in a Bun). I had read RAVE reviews for this. Unfortunately, we both thought it was just okay. The Mongolian Beef Bun in China put this to shame in our opinion. Oh well, at least we got to try it!

Last F&W item was also my choice. The Créme Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait from France. This was really good. As I’ve said, I do like chocolate but I’m more of a vanilla person. I would have probably enjoyed vanilla more but it was crème brulee. You can’t really go wrong with a good crème brulee, no matter what the base flavor is.

So that’s it for Food & Wine 2012! I thought this year’s experience was so much better than 2011. The weather was better and we were able to sample more because of my pre-planning. I know we’ll return again another year though. Maybe 2014? Looking back I do wish we had maybe planned one more afternoon for it. I know I missed more desserts than I would have liked. I wanted to try the Lamington from Australia, the Mussels from Belgium, the Corn Arepa from Florida, the Lamb Meatball from New Zealand, and the items from Terra. And I wish we could have gone back for the beef in China, the Spanakopita from Greece, the sausage, peppers, and onions from Morocco, the pork slider in Hawaii, the Lobster pie in Ireland, and Coq au Vin in France. So I guess there’s my list of favorites.

If you’ve never been to F&W, I highly recommend it! We preferred November to October. We avoided the weekends and crowds weren’t bad at all. I think I forgot to mention it but the night we went to Teppan Edo (on a Saturday), the crowds were INSANE! We were so glad we had an ADR and weren’t eating at the booths. Seriously, avoid weekend nights at all costs. I’m not even sure I would do it if that was my only choice of time to experience it. It was that bad. But it really is a perfect way to spend an afternoon at Epcot during the week!

Up Next: A few World Showcase staple snacks

 

[francis6306]

I want to do F&W!!! We've GOT to win the lottery so we can go more often!!!

 

[archdandy]

Mmmm! Everything looks so delicious. I'm actually thinking about changing around some of my ADRs now I can't wait to see the rest of your meal pictures. Oh and we are one of those couples who go and see a movie at least once a trip too!

 

[francis6306]

Happy Birthday to my best friend!!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I don’t have a picture but I also got a Samuel Adams Cream Stout. I think the label “cream” had me thinking it would be sweet. Granted, it was a very nice portion for $6.25. And admittedly, I’m not much of a beer drinker. But I took just a few sips and was done. Brian also couldn’t take the bitter flavor. I’ll stick to cider or mixed drinks from here thanks!

Sorry you didn't like the beer. Ironically "Cream Stouts" or "Milk Stouts" actually are on the sweet side - for beer. The key with beer is that bitterness - some beers do a better job of balancing it than others

Also, for some people "Cream Stouts" are too sweet .... guess that is why there are 31 flavors of ice cream

If you’ve never been to F&W, I highly recommend it! We preferred November to October. We avoided the weekends and crowds weren’t bad at all. I think I forgot to mention it but the night we went to Teppan Edo (on a Saturday), the crowds were INSANE! We were so glad we had an ADR and weren’t eating at the booths. Seriously, avoid weekend nights at all costs. I’m not even sure I would do it if that was my only choice of time to experience it. It was that bad. But it really is a perfect way to spend an afternoon at Epcot during the week!

Glad you enjoyed F&WF - it is totally what we plan all of our trips around. Didn't make it in 2012 but are planning to go this year

 

[CSI:Jude]

Love this food report. Thank you for doing it. We were in WDW the exact same dates, what a small world this is and in world showcase the same day. We loved the beef rendang from Singapore booth. It was scrummy. Karamel shop is still the best though I have a massive sweet tooth.
I'm looking forward to reading more

 

[CSI:Jude]

Duplicate post

 

[princess aleya]

Great reveiw can't wait to hear more.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I realize you wrote about it a month ago, but... isn't the California Grill just the best?! That was our favorite meal from our last vacation, hands down! Every course was awesome, our server was great, and the view can't be beat! I was so disappointed that our next trip is during their refurbishment - but I can't wait to try it once it's open again!

Thank you for your great reviews! I'm especially excited to try Kouzzina for breakfast due to your enthusiasm (and the fact that you liked it enough to go there twice!).

I look forward to your next review!

 

[we3travellers]

Okay....so NOW I'm afraid I have to put some pressure on you to keep on going We've been hangin' long enough! Seriously though, I know doing a TR or DR takes alot of time and stamina, hence why I have never done one, but you've been doing such a wonderful job and there are still a few coming up that I can't wait to hear about! Hope all is well with you.

 

[francis6306]

Okay....so NOW I'm afraid I have to put some pressure on you to keep on going We've been hangin' long enough! Seriously though, I know doing a TR or DR takes alot of time and stamina, hence why I have never done one, but you've been doing such a wonderful job and there are still a few coming up that I can't wait to hear about! Hope all is well with you.

I'll let her know that you said that!!! She thinks that she can just post and disappear! But it's a good thing I have her phone number!!!

 

[sbprincess]

So sorry for keeping you all waiting!!! We have had a very hectic month. Between Valentine's Day, my birthday, a long weekend trip visiting my family, and our 5 year wedding anniversary, it has been nonstop for us. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no time to post at work (darn job)! And now, this weekend, we had tickets to all the ACC Tournament games! (Championship game today - woo hoo!!!) That has been a blast but this girl is TIRED!! I'm naturally a home-body so I'm out of my comfort zone here I WILL finish this report very soon!!!

I want to do F&W!!! We've GOT to win the lottery so we can go more often!!!

Totally! We really do NEED to do it together one day.

Mmmm! Everything looks so delicious. I'm actually thinking about changing around some of my ADRs now I can't wait to see the rest of your meal pictures. Oh and we are one of those couples who go and see a movie at least once a trip too!

Oh, pressure! I really have told the truth though. I hope any changes you make live up to our experience!

Glad to know we're not alone on the movie thing. We love it too...especially on a long trip!

Sorry you didn't like the beer. Ironically "Cream Stouts" or "Milk Stouts" actually are on the sweet side - for beer. The key with beer is that bitterness - some beers do a better job of balancing it than others

Also, for some people "Cream Stouts" are too sweet .... guess that is why there are 31 flavors of ice cream



Glad you enjoyed F&WF - it is totally what we plan all of our trips around. Didn't make it in 2012 but are planning to go this year

I guess "for beer" is the key element of that sentence. Just not having much experience with beer, it's been hard to find one I like.

We did get to do F&W two years in a row. But I'm going to be very bummed this fall knowing that we can't attend. We'll make up for it when my DH finishes school though!

Love this food report. Thank you for doing it. We were in WDW the exact same dates, what a small world this is and in world showcase the same day. We loved the beef rendang from Singapore booth. It was scrummy. Karamel shop is still the best though I have a massive sweet tooth.
I'm looking forward to reading more

Isn't it funny to see TR/DR you shared dates with?! The Karamel shop always smells so great. We haven't had much from it but I always hear great things! Thanks for joining in!

Great reveiw can't wait to hear more.

Thanks! More is on the way!!

I realize you wrote about it a month ago, but... isn't the California Grill just the best?! That was our favorite meal from our last vacation, hands down! Every course was awesome, our server was great, and the view can't be beat! I was so disappointed that our next trip is during their refurbishment - but I can't wait to try it once it's open again!

Thank you for your great reviews! I'm especially excited to try Kouzzina for breakfast due to your enthusiasm (and the fact that you liked it enough to go there twice!).

I look forward to your next review!

I hope you like Kouzzina as much as we did! I almost always hear good things about breakfast. I know dinner is a little more "controversial"

I also cannot wait for CG to open again. But it will be a while before we can go back. I can't wait to READ about it though!

Okay....so NOW I'm afraid I have to put some pressure on you to keep on going We've been hangin' long enough! Seriously though, I know doing a TR or DR takes alot of time and stamina, hence why I have never done one, but you've been doing such a wonderful job and there are still a few coming up that I can't wait to hear about! Hope all is well with you.

Alright, alright! Please see the top of this post for my lame excuses I really do try and do my best, especially on the TS restaurants. I want to be able to do them justice for anyone who takes the time to read. Thanks for the push!

I'll let her know that you said that!!! She thinks that she can just post and disappear! But it's a good thing I have her phone number!!!

Yeah, yeah. I have nothing more to say to YOU!

 

[sbprincess]

Wednesday – November 7th (Snacks)

So, we had pretty much had our fill of Food & Wine. It was a little sad to know this was our last day in Epcot. I still had one tried and true favorite I wanted to get and Brian wanted something sweet from France. Remember the Napoleon I did NOT get to have earlier in the trip?? Yep, he was about to get his. I was a little torn because I wanted School Bread. What to do, what to do????

Okay, so this really wasn’t a life altering dilemma. Let him get his napoleon and I’ll get to have a few bites. Obviously.

A thing of beauty, people. The cold vanilla custard between crispy sheets is just heavenly. How do they keep the phyllo, or whatever it is, so crispy?? It’s quite a monster. And definitely more than one person needs. But then again, who NEEDS dessert? That is definitely not the point. I highly recommend this one.

We sat on the ledge of the garden outside Chefs de France and indulged ourselves! Brian really did have the majority of it. But I had enough to satisfy me.

We slowly made our way around World Showcase to Norway. It was such a pretty day. According to my picture time stamps, about an hour after leaving France, we were in Norway. I’m sure we stopped in some shops along the way. But here is our last treat from Epcot. I know School Bread has a lot of lovers and a few haters. Again, I love this. I am a huge fan of vanilla and coconut. Granted, the bread part can be a little dry sometimes. It must be from keeping these refrigerated. But it’s never been bad. The coconut and custard filling ALWAYS make up for it.

This reminds me of a recipe I've made several times for coconut cream bars. In case anyone is interested, here's the recipe. These are fabulous! Martha Stewart's Coconut Cream Bars

Up Next: Boma…er, Wolfgang Puck Café? What???