2009 Epcot Food & Wine Festival - General Reviews & Observations

[MickeyNicki]

First stop was Puerto Rico..DH wanted to try the ham croquettes and when he saw some people with the chicken and rice dish he told me to get one of those too! The ham croquettes were fabulous...not greasy and the sauce that came with them was delish...I had one bite of one and DH ate the rest and promptly got back in line for another plate! The chicken and rice was terrific too, large serving, lots of white meat tender chicken, loaded with peppers, capers and spanish olives..we loved it!

Next stop was Chile, we tried the Corn and Cheese Arepa. It was a bit weird, like a sweet pancake with cheese on it...nothing special and I would not get it again.

Greece was our next stop and the winner of the best food at the F&W festival...so far I ordered the Greek salad, large portion and it was served with a soft pita and it was excellent. The spanakopita was great as always but the chicken souvlaki was incredible, super tender white meat chicken, excellently seasoned and just enough tzatziki sauce served on a large soft pita..we will def visit this place tomorrow.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Next up was the NY Wine Adventure and DH wanted to try the Ice Wine. It was super small, so sweet I could not stand one sip but he are going to buy a bottle to bring it home when we go back to Epcot tomorrow.

At Ireland Todd wanted to try the cheese plate...BLECH....first of all the chutney tastes like air freshener, the bread is a dry piece of wood and the cheeses are all dry and very strong, almost bitter...this booth was a bust for us. Here is a pic of the Fisherman's Pie too.

I popped into the tea shop in England and bought my first pumpkin thing the entire trip...Pumpkin Chai Tea! Going to try it tonight when we get back to the room.

DH wanted the chocolate milk creme brulee from France, he loved it! Super creamy and wonderful

Over to NOLA for some wonderful chicken gumbo...careful as it is spicy but oh so good. The bread pudding was excellent and the portion was a good size. The cocktail they have is a fruity one made with bourbon.

At Germany we had the sausage on a pretzel roll...expected sauerkraut too but it isnt served with it and DH was bummed...very good though and very big!

A peach oolong ice tea from Lotus Blossom to cool us off...great stuff!

At Poland I wanted the Chopin Raspberry Cooler...I had it last year and yeah it was sweet but I liked it..not this year...it was sooo sweet and super tart and just gross...DH finished it off for me...what can I say, he is like Mikey, he will eat anything.

And before we left for a break we stopped at the GG stand for a slushie...love these little suckers. We each had one but I took the picture of Todd's as it was easier, you know with me balancing our tote bag, the F&W gift card, the drink and the camera!

 

[AllisonG]

WOW! Great pictures and great tips. I am counting down the days till we get there. 28 and counting!! Thanks to everyone for their efforts of writing and putting all the photos up. You are getting all of us who haven't been yet very excited about going.

 

[DisneyEveryDay]

Looking for more reviews...

I have a bunch of reviews on my blog if you're looking for more reviews and photos...

Here's the F&W Festival Merchandise in a Video http://www.disneyeveryday.com/2009-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival-merchandise/

Here's a Review of The Beer Hop http://www.disneyeveryday.com/the-beer-hop-at-the-2009-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/

This is the Cast Preview Review with Photos http://www.disneyeveryday.com/cast-...9-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/

Here's Round Two pictures http://www.disneyeveryday.com/the-epcot-2009-international-food-wine-festival-round-two/

And here is my latest review with even more pictures http://www.disneyeveryday.com/the-2009-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival-round-three/

If you have any questions or requests feel free to ask. I'm a Disney Local and would be more than happy to make another research trip!

 

[onelilspark]

Wegmans makes it. You have your choice of salted or unsalted pretzel rolls. They will do in a pinch!

Throw it in the microwave for 15 seconds...drool.............

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I haven't seen a lobster roll posted yet I'm surprised (and what is my obsession with the darn thing?)

 

[DisneyEveryDay]

I tried the Lobster Roll last year and did not like it. So I am afraid to give it another GO.

 

[Tatania]

I haven't seen a lobster roll posted yet I'm surprised (and what is my obsession with the darn thing?)

My sister and I split the lobster roll because they let use a SC - which is a great deal. We thought it was good this year. The lobster was fresh and not overcooked plus they were quite generous with it.

 

[TDC Nala]

Sorry, I'm not going near the lobster roll - I don't like lobster much and I detest mayonnaise.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I tried the lobster roll in 2007 and 2008, in 2007 I liked it, in 2008 I didn't care for it so much. I didn't bother trying it again this time, since I had a limited number of snack credits, and I don't feel it's worth the $7 price tag.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I tried the Lobster Roll last year and did not like it. So I am afraid to give it another GO.

Ditto this, we tried it in 07 and 08 and it was gross both times, nothing like a real NE lobster roll

 

[Inkmahm]

I have a bunch of reviews on my blog if you're looking for more reviews and photos...

Here's the F&W Festival Merchandise in a Video http://www.disneyeveryday.com/2009-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival-merchandise/

Here's a Review of The Beer Hop http://www.disneyeveryday.com/the-beer-hop-at-the-2009-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/

This is the Cast Preview Review with Photos http://www.disneyeveryday.com/cast-...9-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/

Here's Round Two pictures http://www.disneyeveryday.com/the-epcot-2009-international-food-wine-festival-round-two/

And here is my latest review with even more pictures http://www.disneyeveryday.com/the-2009-epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival-round-three/

If you have any questions or requests feel free to ask. I'm a Disney Local and would be more than happy to make another research trip!

Thank you! It's been so busy at work, reading these reviews for a few minutes each day has been my only relaxation. I'll probably get to reading these links tomorrow- thanks again!

 

[PNO4TE]

Throw it in the microwave for 15 seconds...drool.............

You would know, you Rochester live-er you! We lived in Brighton for about 4 months in 1983. We liked it a lot! And it gave us all Wegmans. And you!

 

[Tatania]

Any pics or reviews of the second PFTS yet?

 

[betterlatethannever]

Any pics or reviews of the second PFTS yet?

Ok, I’ll post a review of Oct 3 Party for the Senses - “Celebrating Comfort Foods With A Twist”. I usually leave the reviews to those with better writing skills.

There wasn’t much comfort food IMO, or there was a heck of a lot of twist involved

The wine view room really did seem to take the crowd away. Waiting outside, there wasn’t a mass of people. The inside waiting room had a lot of four person sit down tables which people did claim, allowing us to get near the front by the curtain.

The venue was not color coordinated this year. It was geometrically arranged (square oval, etc.) So there were big geometric shapes hanging above each station.

It wasn’t very crowded. We don’t try and find a table. We don’t sit. But we could usually (60-70% of the time) find a high top table to use near each station. It was a little more challenging this year since there weren’t as many wineries as in the past. Sometimes, we would have to backtrack to a winery if we wanted to pair a wine with the food. There were 18 food stations and 11 wineries.

Band- Acts of Congress - Others have posted that this was a good band. I didn’t notice. Couldn’t even tell you what they played. I am very focused (oblivious) when it comes to food and wine

This year is the return of the programs. However, in the past, the programs, and signs at the stations, were usually 99+% accurate. This year, in one case, the winery rep took the sign listing the wines down because they were wrong. Other winery reps just said “ignore the sign” – here is what we have. A winery that was there (Hahn), wasn’t in the program (and the sign at the station had the wrong city in California).

Below is the program menu. Our rating (1-5; 5 being the greatest thing since sliced bread) is in parentheses.

P.S. You may notice that there is nothing below a 3 rating for the food. This could be because the food was pretty good, or that we were still in shock from the Jiko dinner two nights before (i.e. just about everything at the PFTS was better than Jiko).

SQUARE
Lahsen Abrache & Samad Benzari, Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant, Epcot
Tangine of Lamb (3-3.5)

Nick Pastis, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Epcot
Warm Rock Shrimp Cocktail with a Potato Bacon Frittata and Bib Lettuce Sauce (3)

Juan Serrano, Citrico’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Chorizo and Shrimp Ravioli with Opal Basil Cream (3.5)

Wines & Spirits
Allan Scott Family Winemakers, Marlborough, New Zealand
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough Pinot Noir
Marlborough Riesling

Leblon Cachaca, Brazil
Brazilian Strawberry Lemonade
Caipirinha Americana

State of Jalisco, Mexico Tourism Board
Margarita

OVAL
Paige Weibley, Disney’s Water Parks
Grouper Cheek Short Stack with Red Eye Gravy (3.5-4)

Kit Miller, Tusker House Restaurant, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Spinach Lasagna Pinwheel with Lamb Sausage (4)

Jose Luis Camarillo, Mexico State of Jalisco
Beef Tenderloin with Portobello Mushroom, Goat Cheese and Tequila Sauce (4-4.5)

Desserts

Richard Ruskell, Montage Resort & Spa, Laguna Beach, Ca.
Dark Chocolate Crème and Espresso Caviar

Aiden Dwyer, Bakery, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Cookies & Cream Supreme
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
Espresso Cappuccino Lattes

Twinings Gourmet Tea Bar, Est. 1706
A variety of New and Classic Twinings Premium Teas (served hot or ice)

Wines & Spirits

Alpha Domus, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Unoaked Chardonnay
Navigator Bordeaux Blend
Voignier

Beam Global Spirits & Wines, Deerfield, Il.
Knob Creek
Maker’s Mark Manhattan

Sterling Vineyards, Mendocino, Ca.
Sterling Sauvignon Blanc Organic
Sterling Chardonnay Organic
Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon Organic

TRIANGLE
Larry Walker, Events, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Angus Beef Braised Short Rib Dumplings with a White Cheddar Corn Pudding (3-3.5)

Matt Gennuso, Chez Pascal Restaurant, Providence, RI
Slow Roasted Brined Pork Belly with Molasses Baked Beans, Brown Bread and Pickled Cabbage (3-3.5)

Bob Waggoner, Host of the PBS TV Show: U Cook with Chef Bob, Charleston, SC
Goat Cheese Mousse with Roasted Baby Golden Beets and Micro Arrugula in a Blood Orange Vinaigrette (3 – for what we ate. It didn’t look like what was described)

Charles D. Dolson IV, Magic Kingdom Park
“Denver” Lamb Ribs, Fried Potatoes and Braised Greens (3.5-4)

Desserts

Noah French, Setai Hotel, Miami, FL
New Style Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Parfait

Mustapha Khetem, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Production Bakery
Passionfruit Strawberry Short Cake

Andrea Zelen, American Brownie.com
A (huge) selection of chocolate

Wines

Hahn Family Wines, CA
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Smith/Hook Cabernet

South African Wine Export Co., South Africa
Springfield Chardonnay
Springfield Sauvignon Blanc

Hall Wines, Napa Valley, CA
Hall Sauvignon Blanc
Hall Cabernet
Mall Merlot

??? (flag shaped symbol)
Andrew Selz, Chef Selz, Inc. Spanish Fort, AL
Pacific Rim Braised Short Ribs over Wasabi Lobster Grits (4-4.5)

Pascal Oudin, Pascal’s On Ponce, Coral Gables, FL
Pan Roasted Breast of Squab “Dolce Forte” with Date Compote (4)

International Cheese Selection

Hosted by IGOURMET featuring:
Shamrock Cheddar Cheese, Manchego Cheese, Regina Blu Cheese, Provolone Piccante Cheese, Cotswold Cheese

Wines

Milbrandt Vineyards, Wahluke Slope, WA
Traditions Riesling
Tradition Merlot
Legacy Merlot

Concha Y Toro, Santiago, Chile
Marques Cabernet Sauvignon
Marques Carmenere
Casillero Sauvignon Blanc

HEXAGON
Steve Chiappetti, Viand, Chicago, IL
“Chiappetti Spaghetti “ (Stuffed Baked Spaghetti Bites) (4)

Brian Rodgers & Paul Napoli, Olivia’s Café, Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Deconstructed Venison Pot Pie with Roasted Vegetables (4)

Dominique Macquet, DOMINIQUE’S On Magazine, New Orleans, LA
Sauteed Diver Scallops on Hearts of Palm and Peeky Toe Crab Relish with Grapefruit Scotch Bonnet Mojo (3.5-4)

Mike Dillard, Walt Disney World Park Event Operations
Chile Spiced Mahi on a Warm House Made Tortilla with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa and Fresh Cilantro (3.5)

Wines

Emiliana, Santiago, Chile
Natura Sauvignon Blanc
Natura Carmenere
Coyman Red Reserve Malbec

Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Wine Cellars, Finger Lakes, NY
Dr. Konstantin Frank Riesling, Dry
Riesling

STAR
Stephen Lawlor, Cape May Café, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort
Wild Turkey and Smoked Duck White Bean Chili (3)

Josh Noid, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
“Wild’ Pig in a Blanket” (Wild Boar Tenderloin with Forest Mushrooms, Savory Pastry and Crabapple Cranberry Ketchup) (3-3.5)

International Cheese Selection

Hosted By Irish Dairy Board featuring Kerrygold Cheeses:
Dubliner Reserve Cheddar, Blarney Ivernia, Dubliner Stout and Cheddar Whiskey, Salted and Unsalted Butter

Wines & Beers

The Boston Beer Company, The Brewers of Sam Adams Beer, Boston, MA
Sam Adams Boston Lager
Sam Adams Octoberfest
Sam Adams Light

Trivento, Mendoza, Argentina
Select Torrontes
Select Malbec
Golden Reserve Malbec



Ed

 

[onelilspark]

You would know, you Rochester live-er you! We lived in Brighton for about 4 months in 1983. We liked it a lot! And it gave us all Wegmans. And you!

I live really close to Brighton I'm a transplant, I honestly don't know what I did before Wegmans

And with that list from the Comfort Foods PFTS, I would have been disappointed. No dressed up Mac & Cheese, no fancy fried chicken...sorry, but when I think comfort foods, that's what I think! C'mon, a grown up grilled cheese with a fancy tomato based soup...YUM! None of that there I'm not sure I like the "themes" for the PTFS.

 

[i3utterfli82]

Thank you so much Betterlatethannever, I cannot wait until 10/17 PFTS!!

Also I had the lobster roll this year and it was not too good...def. not worth $7.xx (I used a snack credit though)

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Any pics or reviews of the second PFTS yet?

I pretty much agree with what betterlatethennever said, it didn't seem as crowded as past parties, and the foods didn't really seem like comfort foods with a twist for the most part. I thought the desserts were the clear winners of the night, as well as a few of the savory items. There seemed to be quite a few items that were a little too spicy for me, but considering what they were, wasabi and cocktail, not suprising. I tried a lot of what was offered, and nothing was bad.

I will be doing a full review, with pics, but I really enjoyed the night, I loved the wine view lounge upgrade, and it was a wonderful event as always.

I think that next year though I may skip PFTS and try some other events instead. That's not against the party, it's just that there's other stuff I'd like to try, and I don't have the time and money to fit in everything.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I live really close to Brighton I'm a transplant, I honestly don't know what I did before Wegmans

And with that list from the Comfort Foods PFTS, I would have been disappointed. No dressed up Mac & Cheese, no fancy fried chicken...sorry, but when I think comfort foods, that's what I think! C'mon, a grown up grilled cheese with a fancy tomato based soup...YUM! None of that there I'm not sure I like the "themes" for the PTFS.

Grilled cheese with tomato soup was actually the amuse bouce in the lounge.

 

[Dizzyworld]

I live really close to Brighton I'm a transplant, I honestly don't know what I did before Wegmans

And with that list from the Comfort Foods PFTS, I would have been disappointed. No dressed up Mac & Cheese, no fancy fried chicken...sorry, but when I think comfort foods, that's what I think! C'mon, a grown up grilled cheese with a fancy tomato based soup...YUM! None of that there I'm not sure I like the "themes" for the PTFS.

I agree too. I was a little disappointed that except for the amuse bouce there wasn't anything else that reminded me of comfort foods.

We did love the desserts too especially the one with peanut butter. I'd love that recipe.