2008 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Reviews

[CarolA]

For those who wanted to know.

Bud was doing the seminar introduction at the one I went to yesterday.

The tickets do appear to have some purpose now. Once you get one you don't HAVE to stand in line. Most folks do still do that, but I went and sat down and got up to get in line when they started letting us in. I didn't care if I was in the "front" row. (Of course I have now been to four and the SAME person has been in the front row center seat for all of them. Got to admire that dedication!)


I actually did a culinary demo yesterday and it was very well done. I can't imagine making the dish they demo'd, but... (It was a duck dish that takes two days). I normally don't do them, but was "drafted" by the CMs as I was walking by. Several empty seats just before it started.

It did make me want to go to the chef's resturant!

 

[shovan]

What recipes did you get and could you add them to our recipe exchange in case they are not there yet? Thanks

I have Wasabi Pea Crusted Tuna with soba noodle/beet salad & asian pesto from Chris Santos. I also have Wild King Salmon with Dried Cherries and Smoked Almond Beurre Noisette by Chef Braiden Rex-Johnson. I'll go check that thread & see if they are there. These two are great & not nearly as difficult as you would think!

This year it is $20, I always purchase it, have yet to cook from it, lol.

I've bought it & have cooked from it. But I really enjoy cooking & experimenting in the kitchen. I have found that some of the recipes seem like they are missing ingredients or steps. It seems they tried to simplify some of the recipes & then they are lacking.

 

[shovan]

Tatania, I have posted those two recipes over there.

 

[Forever Fairy]

I have Wasabi Pea Crusted Tuna with soba noodle/beet salad & asian pesto from Chris Santos. I also have Wild King Salmon with Dried Cherries and Smoked Almond Beurre Noisette by Chef Braiden Rex-Johnson. I'll go check that thread & see if they are there. These two are great & not nearly as difficult as you would think!


I've bought it & have cooked from it. But I really enjoy cooking & experimenting in the kitchen. I have found that some of the recipes seem like they are missing ingredients or steps. It seems they tried to simplify some of the recipes & then they are lacking.

Thanks Webray for the price and thanks for the info. I was looking for myself as well as a possible gift for my new boss for Christmas. But based on the simplification, I may want to look for something else for him.

Keep sending in the great reviews and pics !!!

 

[Rpsemont]

I also have Wild King Salmon with Dried Cherries and Smoked Almond Beurre Noisette by Chef Braiden Rex-Johnson.

We were at this demonstration, too. This recipe is incredible! Of course, most recipes with 8 tbs of butter are

I've bought it & have cooked from it. But I really enjoy cooking & experimenting in the kitchen. I have found that some of the recipes seem like they are missing ingredients or steps. It seems they tried to simplify some of the recipes & then they are lacking.

I agree! Sometimes the recipes just don't seem complete. Even year to year the seeming same dish will have a slightly different recipe.

 

[Tatania]

We were at this demonstration, too. This recipe is incredible! Of course, most recipes with 8 tbs of butter are



I agree! Sometimes the recipes just don't seem complete. Even year to year the seeming same dish will have a slightly different recipe.

Most Disney recipes don't stint on the butter, oil and cream which is why they taste so good! I'll often cut back on the high cal stuff though and it still tastes great. That's one reason it's so much fun to be a Disney recipe collector is that the dishes generally turn out very tasty and one gets loads of complements on being a "great cook".

On our Disney recipe exchange thread we've discussed the problem of different versions of the same recipes and sometimes were able to figure out which one tastes closer to the "real thing." I'm proud that the Dis Board currently has the largest collection of Disney recipes anywhere online and I want to thank everybody who contributes and posts any recipes that they get from the Disney properties (including the Food and Wine Festival) or Cruise Ship. If it was served at Disney don't hesitate to post it. That way we have everything in one place.
Thanks again Shovan for taking the time to post your delicious recipes.

 

[Shelton123]

Newbie to F & W. I visited with my two kids (9 and 13) on Sun eve and Mon aft. 9/28 and 9/29. The only 'seminar' I attended was one at the Pearville Festival which was a quickie devoted to a very simple Pear and Goat Cheese Crostini. Aside from, that we sampled twenty-one of the different foods around World Showcase.

This is a VERY exciting time to be at World Showcase and we did make a meal out of the various snacks. Also, this was a very low attendance period, so no real line issues to contend with. If you are looking to snack around the World in place of a counter service meal, or you are pinching your pennies, then F & W is not for you. However, if you have a few extra dollars, and are thinking about F & W as an alternative to a table service meal, then it's a great, great time to go.

Also, F & W is great if you are into sharing or are willing to give it a try. I often go out to restaurants with a large group of friends and we try as much of the menu as possible. This means that sometimes we are splitting an appetizer eight ways, just for a taste. So at F & W, yes, it is possible to split most things three or four ways. If you see a plastic knife at one of the booths, don't throw it away. You may need it later when you can't find one. And, yes, even one piece of beef (at the San Francisco booth) can be cut into 3 or 4 bites. But if that is not an option for you, then F & W will get wildly expensive quickly.

The important thing about very small portions is that they need to be extremely flavorful, and I'm happy to report that Disney understands this. Aside from the leaden pear tart (ironically made with very litle pear) and the misnamed 'spicy' chicken roll from Morocco (should have been named 'dry' chicken roll), we were thrilled with most everything we sampled.

My only other suggestion is to focus on countries whose food is not already everywhere in the U.S.: Mexican, Sushi, Indian, for example, you can probably find where you live that is already cheap and tasty. Bon Ap!

 

[Dawn16]

Newbie to F & W. I visited with my two kids (9 and 13) on Sun eve and Mon aft. 9/28 and 9/29. The only 'seminar' I attended was one at the Pearville Festival which was a quickie devoted to a very simple Pear and Goat Cheese Crostini. Aside from, that we sampled twenty-one of the different foods around World Showcase.

This is a VERY exciting time to be at World Showcase and we did make a meal out of the various snacks. Also, this was a very low attendance period, so no real line issues to contend with. If you are looking to snack around the World in place of a counter service meal, or you are pinching your pennies, then F & W is not for you. However, if you have a few extra dollars, and are thinking about F & W as an alternative to a table service meal, then it's a great, great time to go.

Also, F & W is great if you are into sharing or are willing to give it a try. I often go out to restaurants with a large group of friends and we try as much of the menu as possible. This means that sometimes we are splitting an appetizer eight ways, just for a taste. So at F & W, yes, it is possible to split most things three or four ways. If you see a plastic knife at one of the booths, don't throw it away. You may need it later when you can't find one. And, yes, even one piece of beef (at the San Francisco booth) can be cut into 3 or 4 bites. But if that is not an option for you, then F & W will get wildly expensive quickly.

The important thing about very small portions is that they need to be extremely flavorful, and I'm happy to report that Disney understands this. Aside from the leaden pear tart (ironically made with very litle pear) and the misnamed 'spicy' chicken roll from Morocco (should have been named 'dry' chicken roll), we were thrilled with most everything we sampled.

My only other suggestion is to focus on countries whose food is not already everywhere in the U.S.: Mexican, Sushi, Indian, for example, you can probably find where you live that is already cheap and tasty. Bon Ap!

Would you mind elaborating on some of the booth options you enjoyed most? We're heading down in a few weeks and I'm interested in reviews of the various offerings. I've already picked out many I'd like to try and would love to hear if they measure up

 

[betterbutter]

We attended the Quintessa tasting last night, and couldn't believe that it was only half full considering how outstanding thier wine is.

It was very interesting, two Cab Sav barrel samples from different lots on the estate, and then a taste of the finished product.

 

[CarolA]

We attended the Quintessa tasting last night, and couldn't believe that it was only half full considering how outstanding thier wine is.

It was very interesting, two Cab Sav barrel samples from different lots on the estate, and then a taste of the finished product.

I was there too! Could you believe they threw away all that wine at $130 a bottle! What a shame! LOL!

I went based on someone's recommendation on this thread and WOW that was good wine! Not one I can afford but when I win the lottery... (of course first I have to buy a ticket LOL!)

 

[podsnel]

I was there too! Could you believe they threw away all that wine at $130 a bottle! What a shame! LOL!
I went based on someone's recommendation on this thread and WOW that was good wine! Not one I can afford but when I win the lottery... (of course first I have to buy a ticket LOL!)

What? This sounds BAAAAAAAD!

 

[Sandy321]

Did you have to sign up in advance for the tasting?

The reports from news stations on Chicago Food and WIne fest is they had several bottles at $100, and even a couplea t $200 (it sounded like a Party for the Senses, but the reporter said they needed more seating, and more food! HE POURED OUT the $240 cab he sampled - he wrote that it was hard, but he needed to be able to report on the various wines!! I must be a wino - I'd figure out a way to take it!!)

 

[TxDsnyGrl74]

So is it just me, or is anybody else really wanting to see more food reviews from the festival? So far there haven't been a ton and I am ready for some in depth reviews with photos (please) so I can sit and drool over my keyboard! So, please indulge me and take time out of your busy schedule and post some reviews!!

 

[BriarRosie]

So is it just me, or is anybody else really wanting to see more food reviews from the festival? So far there haven't been a ton and I am ready for some in depth reviews with photos (please) so I can sit and drool over my keyboard! So, please indulge me and take time out of your busy schedule and post some reviews!!

Since we'll both be at the Festival within a day of each other, within a couple of weeks, we'll just have to write our own reports after we get back.

 

[betterbutter]

I just woke up from a quick nap--a little too much heat and wine this afternoon made me sleepy.

So far my favorite food has been the sliced gilled beef with chimichurri sauce
at the Argentina booth.

I also liked the cheese trio at the Mouse Catch, and the Boxty in Ireland.

Sorry, no photos.

My least favorite was the Seared Beef Medallion with Cheese Polenta from the san Francisco booth. The meat was overdone and really tough and dry. If the meat had been tender, I'm sure I would have really enjoyed it.

I also wasn't knocked over by the Chilled Tomato and Garlic Soup from Barcelona. I think they used canned tomoatos with a lot of citric acid to preserve them, which made it tart and very acidic. If they had used fresh tomatos I think it would have been excellent.

 

[TxDsnyGrl74]

Since we'll both be at the Festival within a day of each other, within a couple of weeks, we'll just have to write our own reports after we get back.

Exactly! I'm soooo looking forward to going and having a break from work.

 

[TxDsnyGrl74]

I just woke up from a quick nap--a little too much heat and wine this afternoon made me sleepy.

So far my favorite food has been the sliced gilled beef with chimichurri sauce
at the Argentina booth.

I also liked the cheese trio at the Mouse Catch, and the Boxty in Ireland.

Sorry, no photos.

My least favorite was the Seared Beef Medallion with Cheese Polenta from the san Francisco booth. The meat was overdone and really tough and dry. If the meat had been tender, I'm sure I would have really enjoyed it.

I also wasn't knocked over by the Chilled Tomato and Garlic Soup from Barcelona. I think they used canned tomoatos with a lot of citric acid to preserve them, which made it tart and very acidic. If they had used fresh tomatos I think it would have been excellent.

I kind of recall having the sliced gilled beef with chimichurri sauce last year, and I agree it was one of my favorites.

I make home made chimichurri sauce at home often; I can't get enough of the stuff. I make mine with cilantro versus parsley. I'll first serve with grilled meat, and whatever sauce is left over I'll boil some pasta and make pasta salad with the sauce. It's now my favorite pasta salad.

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

Hi everyone!! I was at Food and Wine on Saturday September 27th at 11:00 am. I was flying out that afternoon so my friends and I tried to experience as much Food and Wine as we could before ME picked us up at the Boardwalk at 2:30...lol

OK, on to the food...

Ou first stop was at Greece and we tried a Greek Salad. It was light and yummy. I only had one bite because I had my eye on some other dishes, and salad isn't my thing, but she said it was amazing!!

Then it was on to San Juan, Puerto Rico where I just had to try the Plantain and Beef Casserole. I had never tried plantains before so I was looking forward to it! It was awesome! It was a little heavy, but I ate the whole portion. lol

Next it was on to Santiago Chile where I had my eye on the Dulce De Leche.. yum yum yum... It had almonds on top and was very rich..

I believe my friend had the Spicy Beef Empanada? Let me just say this booth had a terrible time moving people through. We were in line in the baking hot sun for a good 20 minutes. The empinada (if thats what it was, I was too cranky waiting on my Dulce De Leche to listen to him order) definitely was lacking in presentation. I found this pic and couldn't really tell what it was..lol I didn't eat any, and I don't remember what he said about it.. Some reviewer I am huh? lol

Up next we headed over to Shanghai China for Mango-Gingerita's...lol It was a scorcher and these frozen sweet concoctions really hit the spot!

Up next was the booth of the day. Best food hands down...Melbourne, Australia. Two of us tried the Grilled Lamb Chops with Caramelized Onion Jam, and wow!! Good amazing food!!

Another friend had the Pepperberry prawns on the Barbie with Sweet Potato Hash. These things were huge!! She said that it was the highlight of her day. Great flavor. I tried the sweet potato hash and it was well seasoned and the potatoes were nice and firm. Very good all around!

Up next my friend stopped at the Munich, Germany booth for a Regensburger sausage with Sauerkraut in a pretzel roll. The shot came out blurry because I was walking backwards trying to take a picture before he shoved it in his mouth. So, here is my picture of Tom's sausage...lol

He said it was good...lol


After taking a break at the American Experience for a while to soak up some air conditioning and allowing our food to digest, we made our way over to Montreal, Canada. We had some Cheddar Cheese Soup and Maple Custard topped with Almond Crumble. The soup was very good, very rich. And the Maple Custard was nice and sweet, and the almond crumble added texture to the gelatinous custard. It was yummy yummy.

There were so many more things that I had wanted to try, but we ran out of time and lines were long. Hope you enjoy!

 

[TxDsnyGrl74]

Thank you jadedbeauty14304 for your pics and reviews!!!

The Grilled Lamb Chops with Caramelized Onion Jam looks amazing!! I can't wait to try it.

 

[CarolA]

A few quick reviews.

No photos and I can't spell

1. Poland. Wild Mushroom Soup. Highly recommend this. Very good!
Kiebasa and Pieorgie Good as usual and they bought back the sour creme. (Sadly missing last year)

2. Canada, Cheddar Cheese soup. You know what we have here. The St. David's Merlot was very nice.

3. Turkey. Meze Excellent.

4. Brewer's Collection YEAH Tennant's!

5. France. Escargot ...so so.

6. San Francisco. I actually like the Beef Medallion with Polenta. Mine was not too tough?

7. Hops and Barley. The WORST crab cake I have ever had. Threw half of it away. Lobster Roll, good but pricey for what you get.

8. China, Chicken Sha Cha. LIked this,

9. Mexico Chilaquiles. I love these for some reason LOL!

10. Aregentia. Beef and Corn Pie. Filling, but not something I would do again.

11. Chile. Shrimp with Cilantro Salsa, Pretty good if you like the cilantro salsa. Not a lot of shrimp.

12. Puerto Rico. Mofongo. Winner of the worst thing I attempted to eat this year. Really disliked this.

13. Mouse Catch. LOVED all of the cheeses. The Dorothea was new to me and it's a keeper!

Yes, that looks like a lot, but I was there for four days! And there was more.... LOL!