F&W Country by Country Report

[rosermama]

Just got back from the Food and Wine festival where I am sure I gained 20 pounds... not really. We ate at almost every country on the map; we even canceled our dinner reservations. We never had the intention to eat at each place but we love food from everywhere so why not. Thought we would share what we thought of where we ate:

Chile-
1. Shrimp Ceviche- not the best a little rubbery
2. Pastel de Choclo- smelled so freaking good I couldn’t wait to eat it and I surely wasn’t disappointed. This was one of my FAVs I told my husband he needed to learn to cook it.
3. No drinks here for us we were holding out for Brazil.

Desserts & Champagne
1. Dark Chocolate Sensation- wasn’t worth the money it was a bite if anything nothing to write home about
2. We are not Champagne drinkers nothing here

Brazil
1. Grilled pork Skewer with Farofa- this was surprisingly good, I thought the covering was going to be weird cause it was like nothing I had seen before. But the taste was amazing and we would have gone back if we had room. Certainly would order this at a restaurant.
2. Leblon Frozen Caipirinha- I was excited to see this on the menu since I couldn’t go to the seminar for Leblon. I was not let down this was AMAZING best drink on the lot if you are a margarita/ mojito type person like me. It was a like a frozen lemon lime slush the alcohol taste was really smooth and nice. It was so good I had TWO.

Puerto Rico
1. Medianoche Sandwich- again wasn’t sure what we were getting into with this one since we had no idea what it was… but it was like a variation on a Cuban Sandwich. This was very good as well not something I think you can get many places, but would be a nice addition to any burger joint on the property since it is a simple sandwich but very very tasty. A must have at the F&W
2. No drink still was on my Brazilian drink besides I don’t do cherry and no one should ever freeze a mojito that is like having a margarita frozen its just not right. I know it seems odd since I raved about the other drink but that was different I am not a caipirinha afficianado. I will say the best mojito I have ever had was on the DCL, I was complaining to a bartender about ordering a raspberry one and how gross it was and she said it is because they use nasty raspberry syrupy in it and suggested just a dribble of Chambord on top … tasted just like raspberry to me.

Argentina- WINNER For BEST FOOD in my book
1. Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce- This was MY FAVORITE DISH of the whole place hands down. The best chimichurri sauce I have ever had. I can’t say enough about this dish the meat was tender the sauce great- check it out. This was only one of two dishes we had seconds on.
2. Roasted Corn and Cheese Empanada- this was also amazing. DH and I love Central and South American food, he is a snob of course when it comes to this type of food since he is from Central America and has traveled all over and had authentic food. Both him and I really liked this empanada we split this and the beef.

Mexico- TIED For 2nd best food (other Greece)
1. Tamal de Pollo- the most important part of this was how moist the tamal was which makes a huge difference. The tomatillo sauce on top was great, could have done without the white sauce though. The second of two dishes we had seconds on.
2. Taco de Chilorio- had to order without the guac sauce as DH has grown an allergy to avocados recently out of no where. Instead we got the tomatillo sauce on it and we were not disappointed, the food was really really good and flavorful.
3. Churro- OK I lied I had 2 of these as well, but they don’t count since they are like dessert. These are the same ones they always have in the park. In my book no one makes them better, I wait all year to eat Churros at WDW. Had one at universal when we went so disappointed in it. LOVE THEM at WDW
4. Dos Equis Beer- we drink this at home all the time and nothing else looked appealing as I said before not a fan of frozen margaritas.

Next installment Poland to Brewer’s collection

 

[redzinner]

Thanks for the great Food by Country reviews. Makes it very easy to follow and decide what I want to try.

 

[mimi'sgirl]

Yay! thank you...we've been waiting for something like this. We leave in two weeks and can't wait.

 

[rosermama]

Poland (my best friend is Polish so this had a lot to live up to )
1. Golabki- Not the best I have had but very admirable try. The pork inside was to hard of a lump together. Lacked in flavor, maybe if they added some more veggies to the pork inside it would be better.
2. Not a vodka drinker didn’t try the chiller although it sounds intresting

China
1. Xinjiang Barbecue Chicken Stick- This was very good and flavorful. The chicken was moist and the BBQ sauce was right on point
2. Pork pot stickers- some of the best I have had, needed more sauce
3. Tsingtao Beer- DH very happy with this choice, he really liked the beer and asked if I could buy him some when we got home.
4. There was a stand nearby which sold other wines I had the plum wine- tasted like cough syrup DH drank most of it. IT was way too sweet for my taste.

South Korea
1. BBQ Short Rib- this is a must have, it is very good and right on point. When thinking back people asked me what I liked best this didn’t stick out to me as I was over powered by Argentina. But this is very well made dish, needs more sauce. I would recommend to anyone
2. No drink here

South Africa- one of only a few we didn’t eat at

Singapore
1. Didn’t eat anything here, although a few people around me ate the shrimp cake and loved it
2. Singapore sling- HORRIBLE mine was all gin and no mix I threw it out. They have it in one of the premixers normally reserved for slushies but this is not. I think I got nothing else but gin, DH said he could smell my drink a mile away.

Brewer’s Collection
1. Radeberger Pilsner- DH drank it and said it was good for a pilsner (he is a man of many words)

Germany
1. Sausage in roll- the sausage is very good and authentic tasting, the mustard they serve is really good. The pretzel roll is too big and cumbersome for the sausage; also we had to cut up the sausage on the roll since it is about twice as long but ¼ the width of the roll. Suggest more mustard and different roll or a modified roll.

Italy
1. Polpettinit Toscane with Breadstick – this is a meatball with red sauce and a tiny tiny breadstick. First could they get a better breadstick in there--- really. They give you a lot of sauce and nothing to soak it up with. The red sauce is a simple fresh tomato sauce which is very very tasty, some of the best sauce I have ever had. The meatball was ok.
2. Cannoli al Cioccolato- I must have been tipsy by the time I got to this stand since I kept reading this as Cannelloni (stuffed shell) not a Cannoli and was wondering why it would be chocolate. I even had to ask which was embarrassing since I am a 1st gen Italian, they looked at me like an alien which is to be expected. I make these at home with a special family recipe for the filling so I am really picky when it comes to eating them out. This one was very well made the shell was excellent. I can’t complain about the inside and would say this actually was one of the best fillings outside of my own that I have had.
3. Chianti- this is a standard brand my family drinks all the time, went well with the meatball.

 

[rosermama]

Hops and Barley
1. Boston Crab Cake- the Cole Slaw was great top notch, the crab cake was a little too fishy for me. I am used to eating my husbands from his restaurant, they use a different crab so the taste is not fishy. Besides that the cake was really good, moist without a lot of filling which is always a plus. Could be easily skipped. If you aren’t from New England I might suggest the Lobster Roll
2. Latitude 48 IPA- Indian Pale Ale- DH drank this, since we all know he is a man of many words, his thoughts good ok like Sierra Pale Ale
3. Cream Stout- very good, don’t shot me but better than Guinness. As a matter of fact for someone who grew up in CO I would compare this to Maple Nut Brown by TommyKnockers. This Cream Stout is a great dark beer, even better cause it was cold.

US- skipped this place nothing too appealing for us. DH makes bison chili at his restaurant so after the crab cake I decided not to eat another comparisson for me. The other item- I don’t do blue Cheese but it sounds good

Japan- skipped, we don’t eat sushi on the norm. We do eat at a Japanese restaurant occasionally and DH does drink Kirin Beer he really really likes it, he didn’t have it there as we were filling up.

Australia- skipped no comment

Morocco-
1. Falafel Pita Pocket- the meat inside was very good, overall it was a little dry there was not enough sauce even on a good day, was like less than a TSP. The pita pocket itself was over dry like it was left out all night. I was very disappointed in this stop.
2. Baklava- certainly made up for the disappointment in the Pita pocket. Very good large portion top notch. This is different from Greek Baklava, this is mostly honey
3. Sangria- very good very good certainly recommend it. Many people around us were drinking the mimosa and couldn’t stop talking about it, since I don’t drink champagne I skipped it. The mint tea from morocco is normally really good and I would recommend it to help your tummy move along.

Belgium
1. Steamed mussels with garlic cream sauce- DH ate this as I am allergic to them and they didn’t look appealing anyways. He loved them, said they were some of the best mussels he has had in a long time and never would have thought to eat them in a cream sauce. Then asked me to learn to make them.
2. The waffles- didn’t order them but they smelled amazing
3. Stella Artois- this is the company which but BUD, it is a good beer.

Spain
1. Taste of Spain- this was a great little plate of cheese, olives, peppers, sausage and what to me seemed like capicola (Italian ham lots of fat). This was a wonderful little snack which went great with our red wine. I loved each piece on the plate. The sausage was spicy and very well made.
2. Rioja Crianza Red- Dry red wine complimented the plate very well

 

[rosermama]

France- skipped, I have been to France many times and am not a huge fan of their food. I was disappointed to see the crème brulee was made from chocolate milk. I would recommend the Boeuf braise au Cabernet, braised beef in red wine, this is normally very good if made right.

Ireland- If you don’t stop to get some of the best fish and chips at the shop the food at the Ireland stand was pretty good.
1. Fisherman’s pie- as we were so full by this point we skipped this dish. But many people in line couldn’t stop talking about it, one guy told us he has come to epcot each day of his trip only to get this one thing.
2. Lava Cake- the desserts for the most part are the smallest amount of food for your money all over the park. This being said this was the case on this one for 2 reasons, it was small but it was so freaking good even a piece twice the size would be too small still. Very well made, moist and the sauce was outstanding. If you only get one dessert the whole F&W get this one.
3. No drink- Guinness you can get anywhere and if you have never had meade try it once

Canada
1. The Salmon- everyone ahead of me ordered this- I don’t do fish so I didn’t get it. But it certainly looked amazing and they all raved about how good it was and how tasty the fish was.
2. Cheese Soup- skip the fondue everyone told me and get the cheese soup. Well they were right this was outstanding one of the best cheese soups I have ever had in my life. TOP NOTCH
3. Moosehead Beer- medium color beer, DH drank it said it was good

Charcuterie and Cheese- Skipped

Greece- TIED for 2nd best place for food
1. Spanakopita- Very moist, flavorful, tasty some of the best I have had.
2. Chicken Souvlaki- I have never had this taste so good I can’t describe it very well here. I just suggest getting this dish. IT WAS REALLY GOOD
3. They serve mostly white wines which we don’t drink

New Zealand
1. Seared Sea Scallop- The slaw was good but the scallop was a little rubbery

15 beers for 15 years- do the flight of beers best way to go.
1. Fischner Amber
2. Flordia Larger
3. La Fin Du Monde- didn’t like this at all
4. Sessions Larger (tastes like Red Stripe)
5. Viru Pilsner

 

[rosermama]

With all the food which has been eaten and the wine tasted I would presonally like to see more countries be represented from more unique parts of the world not so much the standard flavors.

I have traveled all over the middle east and would say Iranian food is top notch and would be a welcomed addtion to the stands. Or Iraqi food, both of which are different very tasty. A couple pieces I think would stick out is the flat bread, Chicken Tika (which is what we think of as Ka****s) and rice.

If they went with a place like Afghanistan or Pakistan I would recommend the saute pumpkin, mmmm

The other area I think is under representated is Centeral America, they could do one stand to represent a couple of different countries-Guatamala - tamal wrapped in bannana leafs with pork, and garbonzo beans. El Salvador- papuosas the national dish which is like a stuffed totrilla with beans, pork and chesse. Honduras Pastelitos de Carne: deep-fried flour pastries filled with meat, rice and/or potatoes or tostones. Overall Yuca Frita is also very good

 

[DoBug]

This is great! Thank you so much for the detailed reviews. Can't wait - only 8 days to go!

 

[jedijill]

Thanks for the reviews. I leave Saturday for WDW and can't wait.

Jill in CO

BTW, do you guys have a restaurant in CO? Where is it? Always looking for new places!

 

[loveysbydesign]

thanks for the reviews! Can't wait to go!

 

[dsnyrn]

Wow great review! 3 weeks to go!!!

 

[freecia]

Thanks so much as well. I've been writing up my own to-do list and had two ideas from your review:
1) re-order my must eat list in order of booths instead of alphabetical, which is how many websites list the menus.
2) Print out your review to take with just in case I'm hit by indecision, can't figure out what the dish is (I did wonder why two booths would have baklava), or have a tiny bit of room for 1 more fantastic thing. Walk. Rest. Repeat.

And well, some things have been crossed off. Rubbery scallop? blech. Skipping the lobster roll and crab cake in favor of some other further flung foods.

 

[goodfood4ursoul]

Awesome review!
You just reinforced my decisions for Monday's lunch:
Ireland all the way !
Gonna try the mead
scallop & lobster pie and that fabulous dessert!!!

 

[rosermama]

Thanks so much as well. I've been writing up my own to-do list and had two ideas from your review:
1) re-order my must eat list in order of booths instead of alphabetical, which is how many websites list the menus.
2) Print out your review to take with just in case I'm hit by indecision, can't figure out what the dish is (I did wonder why two booths would have baklava), or have a tiny bit of room for 1 more fantastic thing. Walk. Rest. Repeat.

And well, some things have been crossed off. Rubbery scallop? blech. Skipping the lobster roll and crab cake in favor of some other further flung foods.

I listed the countries in order of how they appear in the passport book. when you walk into the World Showcase from the main part of Epcot to your left is the begining of the book Chile to your right is the back of the book 15 beers. This is only if you come across the main bridge.

Be sure to stop by the oddly placed main check in center to get your passports- This is way over in the cornor behind the mars ride. YOu want to get a book to mark your choices of eats and get your stamps from the countries.

We didn't eat the greek baklava- but it is different I belive the greek one normally has more nuts and cinnamon flavors where as the Morrocan one is more honey. I have had it in Iraq before and they put caradom and nuts in thiers every country makes it different- I suggest only one though no need to spend on both.

We started eating around 11 and it took all the way till 9 pm to get through all the countries. We did attend a couple seminars as well, I suggest split dishes most of them are more than a bite or two, this way you can get more in.

HAVE FUN!!!

 

[sasmmb]

Belgium
1. Steamed mussels with garlic cream sauce- DH ate this as I am allergic to them and they didn’t look appealing anyways. He loved them, said they were some of the best mussels he has had in a long time and never would have thought to eat them in a cream sauce. Then asked me to learn to make them.

I just saw that DisneyParks just tweeted a link to the recipe. http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/10/recipe-for-a-disney-crowd-pleaser/

 

[Skoolie]

I really enjoyed this extensive report. Thanks for taking the time to write it. I just had a few things to say or add.

Brazil
I also enjoyed the Leblon Frozen Caipirinha. at the end when it was really melty it was a bit sweet to me. Also I noticed I tend to like my drinks a little on the strong side so this was probably perfect for you since you tend to like them not as strong.

Argentina
I had the beef skewers with chimichuri sauce last year and this year, they are still just as good. One of my favorites as well.

Mexico
I usually skip this one because sometimes I'm bored by the items but this year Mexico seems like a very strong booth. I had the Taco de Chilorio and loved it. It was a bit messy but one of my favorites.

South Korea
I had the lettuce wrap which was really good. My friend enjoyed the BBQ Short Rib as well as her lettuce wrap and called it one of her favorite booths.
I tried the black raspberry rice wine which was good but I tried to make it last to the next booth and sipped super slowly at the end it was a little too warm.

Belgium
I had the mussels and they were good and I loved the garlic cream sauce. The long lines cause the mussels to be a little rushed. I didn't order the waffle but my friend did and she shared it with me. I'm so glad that waffle maybe the most underrated dish as far as choice goes because everyone has had a waffle before but this isn't to be missed.

Spain
Had the taste of Spain plate last year and loved it. I think last year the ham was serrano ham but I'm not sure if that has changed or not.

Greece
As an Orlando resident and long time F&W fest goer I'm bored with the offerings. They are the same as last year and the year before. I'd like to see something more exciting than the normal things. I know these items are popular but it would be nice if Kat Kora had some sort of offering there since her restaurant Kouzzina is nearby at the boardwalk. Just my opinion but then again I make greek salads at home all the time and my mom makes some killer Spanakopita.

Ireland
The fishermans pie is really good but you have to hit the lobster lotto. I had a bunch of lobster in mine but a friend had a lot less. So I think it varies.

the lava cakes in Ireland last year were larger but I think they were priced a little higher as well.

All in all I have yet to have something I did not like but I haven't had a chance to get back a second time. Hopefully very soon.

 

[rosermama]

I just saw that DisneyParks just tweeted a link to the recipe. http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/10/recipe-for-a-disney-crowd-pleaser/

Thanks my hubby will be so excited.

 

[TheRatPack]

We had just about everything on your list as well (minus the drinks) and I wanted to say that in previous years the pretzel sausage in Germany was much much much better. This years was just strange....like someone in charge of ordering the stuff got the wrong size sausages LOL And it was a really dry pretzel, two years ago it seems it had kraut in it? Maybe I'm mistaken but I remember it being a lot more tasty and the sausage actually fitting LOL

And this was our first year trying the Japan booth....GOODNESS that was a once in a lifetime thing for me. YUCK....I am not made for sushi. The CM was GREAT though...and talked me through each choice (no one else was at that booth ordering). She could see I was not an adventurous eater and so I ordered the California Roll.....YIKES. I had a bite and thought I had to be missing something....I mean people love sushi...so I poured some soy sauce on it and still....not going to happen LOL

The Desserts and Champagne stand also has a Dessert sampler. We got that, it had all three of the dessert choices in tiny little portions. The Strawberry Angel verrine was good, but gosh so small it was hard to really get a good taste of it. The Pear streusel pudding cake was okay, the pears tasted like they were canned though....not fresh and crisp. The dark chocolate sensation was...well just chocolate cake LOL

I also LOVED the Argentina stand. The grilled beef skewer was DELISH! My husband hated it...he couldn't even swallow it....odd as it was really really tasty. Not sure what boniato puree is but it was like mashed potatoes underneath it.....with the chimichurri sauce it was just devine! The Empanada was good too....I could eat those for lunch....roasted corn is yummy.

Germany also had the apfel strudel with karamell sauce....it was okay but we'd had it two years ago too....and remembered it so nothing new. Again, those sausages were really strange LOL

Italy had the Baked Cheese Ravioli, it was okay....a bit too much cheese for us and not enough sauce. I wish we'd tried the cannoli al cioccolato now that you mentioned how good it was....we'll have to try it next year if they do a repeat.

In Belgium the waffle was DEVINE....I make waffles at home on the weekends and OMGoodness if I could make them like that I would make them more often. That berry compote was yummy too....I would order a waffle like that at a restaurant LOL I did see they were using Carbon's Malted waffle makers...but not sure if they were using the mix?

We also tried the cheese soup in Canada and my husband finished it off....he really liked it. The nanaimo bar was yummy too...sort of like a peanut butter, coconut bar covered in chocolate.

And that Greece stand was one of our favorites too....the Chicken souvlaki was soooo good, the CM said the sauce was the real hit with that food, I guess that is what the tzatziki is? It was really garlic'y and YUMMY....we like garlic though. We tasted the Baklava here instead of Morocco and it was good but dry. More of a nutty taste and not so much sweet. Oh but we did have the iced mint tea from Morocco....it was good. I'd like to drink that everyday....it was relaxing/soothing.

Thanks for sharing your favs...and for organizing them so neatly It brought back memories of our food around the world....and also let me know I missed a lot. I'm definitely ready to go back....it was really fun. Oh and we cancelled our dinner ressies too....we were sooooo stuffed.