Party of 8 hits the F&W 2013 Kiosks

[poison ivy]

Hi and welcome to our Food and Wine 2013 Report!

We had an amazing 12-nt Land, Sea & Tree vacation with multi-generations in tow, which included 3 visits to the 2013 Food and Wine Festival!

I've always loved scouring the boards each year in Oct for any and all Festival Photos and wanted to pay it forward as a small way to say thank you!!

Who:
Myself Christine (Poison Ivy)
DH James (Johnny Quest)
DD Marie
DS Mark (Iron Man)
My parents: Gus and Edith



And 2 Friends:

Maryann



Cass



When:
Day 1 - Friday September 27, 2013

Booth # 22 - France
Booth #'s 21 - 18 (Belgium, New Zealand, Morocco & Japan)
Booth #'s 17 & 16 - Florida Local and Hops & Barley


Day 2 - Saturday October 5, 2013

Booth #'s 15 - 13 (American Adventure coffee cart, Italy & Poland)
Booth #'s 12 & 11 - Germany and Brewer's Collection
Booth #'s 23 - 26 (Ireland, Canada, Greece & Refreshment Port)

Day 3 - Tuesday October 8. 2013

Booth #'s 30-27 (Craft Beers, Scotland, Hawaii and Desserts & Champagne)
Booth #'s 1-4 (Terra, Brazil, Argentina and Australia)
Booth #'s 5 & 6 (Mexico and Singapore)
Booth #'s 7-10 (China, South Korea, Africa and Cheese)

Hope you'll join us!

 

[TigerKat]

Going in two weeks, can't wait to hear all about your food and wine adventures!

 

[poison ivy]

Going in two weeks, can't wait to hear all about your food and wine adventures!

Great! So glad to have you along!!

 

[poison ivy]

2013 Food and Wine Festival
Week 1
Friday - September 27, 2013

This was our arrival day and our first visit to the Food and Wine.
This also happened to be the Kickoff Day of the Festival!

We quickly picked up two things:

1) A Marketplace Discovery Passport – located various places – but mainly at the food kiosks.



This is a convenient little pocket guide, with a general overview of events.

Our friend Cass had a lot of fun using it. Here are a few pages from her booklet.










Each kiosk is represented with a list of offerings and a dedicated place for a commemorative stamp. (no prices though)





2) A Festival Brochure for the week.
Week 1 was a very short. (only 3 days)




These are Great!

With a complete up to date schedule of events for the week - BY DAY.









Plus – the all important MAP of Booth Locations!








We entered Epcot by way of the International Gateway and decided to bear Right and Eat our Way around the World counter-clockwise.

FYI - Snack credits can be used for every food item sold at the various kiosks!

First Stop

Booth # 22 – FRANCE
(located front and center under the striped canopy)





If you plan to walk around and snack at the food booths like we did, it can be a little tricky to find tables to sit down at.
With my parents being in their 70’s, I tend to prioritize this.

Note: There is a big café style seating area in the back – located inside the Boulangerie Patisserie.





A lot of people sit along the walls of the fountain & garden or on benches.



Food: (yes please!) 1 of each

Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic & Parsley Snails in Brioche) $ 5.25

If you ever wanted to try Escargot, this would be an easy intro. The compliment with the garlic, parsley and brioche makes it a very mild variation. Even JQ tried a mini bite!



Boeuf Bourguignon (Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet w/Mashed Potatoes) $ 5.50

Very large portion, fork tender and very well prepared!



Crème Brulee au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brulee topped w/ Caramelized Sugar) $ 4.00

We love this! They have offered it for many years. It is Delicious!!



Wine: Chardonnay Macon-Villages La Cote Blanche $ 5.75

I cannot vouch for this. Cass did enjoy it but the pour does look small.



to be continued...

 

[poison ivy]

2013 Food and Wine Festival
Friday - September 27, 2013

Week 1 Continued.....

1 Down - 29 To Go!

Let's keep on walking!

Moving counter-clockwise from France

Since seating is always a challenge, we hit up the next three food booths together and carried a mini feast back to our group who were patiently waiting at these beautiful tables outside the Marrakesh Market.

(this isn't the best pic but it is the covered seating area to the right. There are several empty tables around the Henna artists.)




Booth # 21 - BELGIUM





Belgium Waffle $ 3.25
with Warm Chocolate Ganache & Whipped Cream

What a Dessert! (the picture does not do it justice)
A fresh waffle, (still warm) topped with whipped cream and warm chocolate sauce. We were in Heaven!



Potato & Leek Waffle $ 4.00
with Braised Beef

This was a Sleeper Hit!! A fairly large portion of a slow roasted beef in gravy, topped with melted butter. You can't see the waffle, but it's there - fresh and delicious!



Booth # 20 - NEW ZEALAND



1 OF EACH:
(yes please!)

We loved everything in New Zealand! Enjoy!!

Steamed Green Lip Mussels $ 3.50
with Garlic Butter and Toasted Bread Crumbs



Lamb Meatball $ 5.00
with Spicy Tomato Chutney



Venison Sausage $ 4.25
with Pickled Mushrooms, Baby Arugula & Black Currant Reduction



Everyone was loving this!!

3 Down - 27 To Go!

Next up

Booth # 19 - MOROCCO



Kefta Pocket $ 5.00
Ground seasoned beef in a pita pocket.

The description says it best - a ground beef pita pocket.
We all thought it was pretty good.



Harissa Chicken Roll $ 4.95
Chicken, Roasted Corn, Cilantro, Harissa, and Cheese

This beautiful eggroll is mildly rich in Middle Eastern spice and flavor.
We really enjoyed it!



WINE:

Ksar White Wine - $ 4.00

Marie opted for the Recommended Pairing w/ the Harissa Chicken Roll.
She said it was very good and well complimented.

No Photo - Sorry!

We originally passed on this next booth expecting a few sliced rolls we can get anywhere. But we decided to revisit on Day 2.

Im posting it here to keep things in order.

Booth # 18





We sampled 3 out of 4 items and are really glad we did!!



California Roll $ 4.25
Avocado, Cucumber, Crab, mayonnaise, and Smelt Roe rolled in Sushi Rice and Seaweed.

This is a typical California Roll and what we were pretty much expecting at this booth.
(sorry for the bad pic)



Spicy Hand Roll $ 4.95
Tuna and Salmon with Chili Pepper, Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil topped with Kazan Volcano Sauce.

Excellent!!! We loved this and highly recommend. Very fresh and delicious.



Teriyaki Chicken Hand Roll $ 4.50

Excellent as well!!! You cannot go wrong with either Hand Roll. They are both very well made.



Iron Man also ordered

Sapporo Draft Beer $ 8.00

And it went right to his head! Pretty powerful.
His review: "it's good. Tastes like a beer."
Too funny.





Continued....

 

[BecBennett]

Yum, it all looks so good! What is it about small portions that makes everything look so tasty?!?

 

[DisneyDivaN]

We were there around the same time!! Loving your reviews! We loved the rolls at Japan too a very pleasant surprise!! Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[TigerKat]

The potato & leek waffle and the mussel dishes are at the top of my list along with the crispy pork belly! Enjoying working my way around the world with you!

 

[gunner2010]

I am in!

 

[poison ivy]

Yum, it all looks so good! What is it about small portions that makes everything look so tasty?!?

I know. So True. We loved bringing little samples back to the group as a surprise. It put us all in such a great mood.

We were there around the same time!! Loving your reviews! We loved the rolls at Japan too a very pleasant surprise!! Can't wait to hear more!!

Thanks so much! Glad to hear you guys were there at the same time. What a great kickoff weekend. Japan really was such a surprise hit for us too!

The potato & leek waffle and the mussel dishes are at the top of my list along with the crispy pork belly! Enjoying working my way around the world with you!

Thanks. Great choices on your must do list. Stay tuned for the crispy pork belly. Another sleeper hit! I'm really glad to have you along.

I am in!

Great! Welcome!!!

 

[suzimar57]

enjoying your photos of the F&W offerings!

 

[poison ivy]

enjoying your photos of the F&W offerings!

thanks so much! Glad to have you along.

 

[poison ivy]

2013 Food and Wine Festival

Week 1 Continued.....
Friday - September 27, 2013

5 Down 25 To Go!

All that food and wine from only 5 kiosks?!?!

Incredible!

We are en route to the American Pavilion!



For the last 2 stops of the day.

Booth # 17 FLORIDA LOCAL



We visited this booth twice on Days 1 and 2.
So I am posting the offerings together to showcase everything.


Florida Grass-fed Beef Slider $ 3.25
With Monterey Jack and Sweet & Hot Pickles

We originally passed on this Day 1 - solely based on the description.
That was until we caught a glimpse of a few as we walked by.
So we made a point to return on Day 2.

Iron Man describes it as a juicy and delicious mini cheeseburger!
Everybody loved it.

A slider this perfect deserves both sides to be represented. So Good!





Florida Shrimp Ceviche $ 4.25
with Fire-roasted Vegetables & Micro Cilantro

Visit 1 September 27, 2013

Cass enjoyed this solo and I barely managed a photo so unfortunately I cant compare the two visits.
Served Cold. She did say it was very good but a bit spicy.



Visit 2 October 5, 2013

Our preferred method in serving. This was so Delicious!
Really Fresh and Light with a perfect balance of flavor. We loved it!





WINE

Florida Orange Groves, Hurricane Class 5, Florida White Sangria $ 3.25

Apparently, Maryann ordered a glass of this, but all I could find was a photo showing the empty evidence in the background.
She was debating between the Key Limen and the White Sangria.
Her comment was, "it was ok" with a rating 7 out of 10.



Here's a better photo (courtesy of the dis)

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=49701316&postcount=62


Next UP

Booth # 16 HOPS & BARLEY

Home to some of the THE MOST EXPENSIVE MENU ITEMS at the Festival!

Our group sat down at the picnic tables set up nearby.

And quickly ordered:

1 OF EACH:
(yes please!)



We loved everything about Hops and Barley and made a repeat visit on Day 2!
So here are photos from both. Enjoy!!

Griddled Lobster Tail $ 7.50
with Garlic Herb Butter

At first glance I had my doubts and was expecting an overcooked or poorly cooked cold mediocre serving.
I am so glad I was wrong!! The photos dont begin to capture how good these are.
I cant explain how they were prepared, but the lobster was tender, delicious and fresh off the grill!!!

Our group enjoyed several of these.






Lobster Roll $ 7.50
with Lemon Herb Mayonnaise

A Fan Favorite for years. This consisted mainly of claw meat. We shared two.

#1 ran a close second.



#2 was the declared winner.



New England Clam Chowder $ 3.00
with a side of tabasco.

Another Cass solo item. She said it was pretty good.



Craisin Bread Pudding $ 3.25
with Grand Marnier Anglaise

Its served warm and slightly "gooey" in just the right part.
Despite being stuffed this was really delicious and I was so glad we tried it.




And that officially concludes our First Day at the Festival.

A few final comments:

1) While we were seated outside the American Pavilion, my parents attempted to visit the Chase Lounge. (tucked away inside the building. Open 11am park close).

This is exclusive to Chase cardholders and a their guests but has very limited capacity. They entered the que set up outside the doors and waited for a good 5-10 mins. and only moved about half way along.

So they abandoned the whole thing and unfortunately, never got back to use it.

2) With the new wristbands rolling out, there was an influx of traffic with all types of readers converging at once. The kiosks were experiencing a ton of tech problems at the point of sale.

We checked into the BWV that morning under the old system and had our mealplan placed on the KTTW cards. From there we immediately hit the Festival.

Well we quickly learned that only one key was working and sporadically at best.
Unfortunately, this could not be corrected in the countries and we didnt have time to back track to the resort or guest services to fix it.

This complicated utilizing snack credits for our group.
But we persevered and made great use of one of these!

A Festival-themed Disney Gift Card. Available throughout the parks and resort gift shops. (I purchased mine at the register of the Boardwalk gift shop just off the lobby)



You can preload it in any denomination and continue to add funds whenever you need. It was so convenient and easy to use. We were able to keep track of our spending in real time. I highly recommend it!!

3) We attended the Festival from 2-4 pm.
Dinner was early tonight (4:45pm) at Le Cellier so we hopped a Friendship Boat and quickly made our way there.
Since we were increasing our party size we had a half hour wait to be seated, which really helped given all the food we just sampled.
We were on the deluxe mealplan so we ordered a TON of food. ( Ill post some pics if anyone is interested).

Fortunately, I had a lot wrapped to go and we feasted at lunch the next day!



4) Heres what the crowds were like the first night as we walked out around 8 pm. (follow my dads hat!)



And that's a wrap on Opening Day.




Next up: Day 2 October 5, 2013

 

[sandyj55]

I am really enjoying your review...the best so far. We are hoping to go next year and this is making me really want to go!!

 

[wdwloverz]

This is awesome, I cant tell you how much I appreciate and am enjoying this!! Thank you!

 

[poison ivy]

I am really enjoying your review...the best so far. We are hoping to go next year and this is making me really want to go!!

Thanks so much! Glad you are enjoying it. I hope you get there next year. We really miss it when we aren't there. You will love it!

This is awesome, I cant tell you how much I appreciate and am enjoying this!! Thank you!

That's so great! Thanks. I'm really glad to hear you are enjoying it! You must be counting down the hours now. So jealous we're back already. Have a great time!

 

[poison ivy]

2013 Food and Wine Festival
Week 2
Saturday - October 5, 2013

Our group was coming off a fantastic week so far with a 4 nt. DVC cruise in concierge and a 1 nt. club level stay at the Hard Rock to visit Harry Potter!
We had just checked into the Treehouse Villas the day before and were loving it!

This was our second visit to the Food and Wine.

We again grab a few Festival Brochures for the week.
Week 2 was an entire week full of activities.







These are so Great!

This also happened to be the same day we had a Be Our Guest dinner rsvp at 4:45pm!
(a date I could not change to save my life!)

Which meant my parents would be Park Hopping!

This is important as they are not as mobile as the rest of the group and do not use any assistance to get around.
Walking is a big deal in Disney.

So we had to map out an easy strategy to balance endurance levels for multiple generations and provide a successful day at 2 Disney parks.

First hurdle: We were no longer staying at an Epcot Resort.
This meant we could only park for free in the Main Epcot Lot which is a long distance from the World Showcase section of the Park.

Second hurdle: the WDW Railroad was down for rehab at the MK.
So we had a long trek up Main St. and beyond to get to the BOG restaurant.

Our solution?

Valet Parking at Disney for the day.
Cost: $15.00/day
Good for one entire day at any and all Deluxe resorts – which meant we could resort hop if we wanted and didn’t have to pay twice.

We used it to park at the Boardwalk – for our Epcot visit
And to park at the Grand Floridian – for our MK visit

I cannot tell you how well this worked out and hope others will consider it in similar situations.
It was a nominal expense for this level of service, and a fantastic benefit to my parents.

Ok so let’s hit the Festival!!!
Day 2 – Saturday Oct. 5

It’s around 12pm.
Everybody was in a great mood.
Spirits were high with all the Positive Energy! (this is one of my favorite shots of my dad!)



Once again, we’re on a Boat (awesome!) Taking up various seats.
The Boardwalk is the last stop before Epcot so the majority of space was occupied.



We arrive at the park thru the International Gateway and the group decides to split up.

My parents head left toward England.
Team Ivy (that's us) heads right toward Japan and to pick up where we left off.
Maryann ventured off in a weird zigzag formation – she had a selective wine map in her head.
Cass went on her own stop and skip tour.

The plan was to meet back at the Boardwalk Lobby at 3pm and head to the Magic Kingdom.

So basically Day 2 – consisted of 4 mini-groups.

I'll showcase each group as best I can.

Team Ivy – PI, JQ, Marie and Iron Man.

Picked right back up where we last were - the American Pavilion.
Again working counter-clockwise.

First, let me just say that this place was Hoppin’ on a Saturday Afternoon.
(2nd Sat. of the Festival)

We arrived just in time for the Liberty Parade and loved watching all the spectators march in step behind them.

Check it out! (btw - excellent use of the Viking Hats!!)





On their way to Hops & Barley no doubt!
(booths are top left in the background of this next shot)



A great start to another great day!

We Skipped the Next Stop

Booth # 15 – AMERICAN ADVENTURE COFFEE CART – NEW!
(mainly because I never saw it – so no photos, sorry!)

Apparently they offer only 1 Lonely Festival Item For Sale:

Shakin’ Jamaican Coffee $ 8.49
made with Kahlua, Vanilla, and Caramel (served hot or cold)


And arrived right Here!



Smile JQ!!





Booth # 14 – ITALY



Note: I have yet to find a decent seating area in this country – but we did find one next door so stay tuned!

Food: (yes please!) 1 of each



Salsiccia e “Papacelli” Napoletani $ 5.75
Sweet Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions on Ciabatta Bread

It’s sausage and peppers! What’s not to love! So good.



These next two have blurred close-ups so I’ve substituted a few more combo shots.

Ravioli de Formaggio all’Emiliana $ 5.75
Baked Cheese Ravioli with Creamy Beef Bolognese Sauce, Parmesan & Mozzarella

Italy gets a bum rap each year for attempting to serve a ziti, ravioli or lasagna to the masses.
(and believe me this booth has a looong line!)
The compromise always falls short on quality vs. quantity. I personally do not feel the criticism is warranted.
It’s a great festival! Fun for the whole family and we love this venue so a little pasta smothered in cheese is always a big hit!
We’re an easy group. This was devoured!!!



Cannoli al Cioccolato $ 3.75
Chocolate Covered Cannoli filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate & Candied Fruit)

This is delicious! It’s a crispy dark chocolate dipped shell with a great ricotta filling. Enjoy!
(btw - I don't remember any candied fruit so it must have been minute)

Another combo shot – you can see JQ diving right in on the sausage! Too funny.



Wine: Prosecco $ 8.00

I cannot vouch for this. Marie loved it though!



Moving right along

As mentioned, we sat down at a great hidden table tucked away inside this building in Germany.
Enter thru either archway and you'll see a little counter service bar with a few tables set up.
(apparently you can get other items here too – such as apple strudel to go!)



Booth # 13 – POLAND
(the crowds were picking up)





1 of Each:
(yes please!)



Kielbasa & Potato Pierogi $ 5.25
with Carmelized Onions & Sour Cream

We love this especially when the Pierogi is just made and served hot!
They have offered it for many years. The combo is delicious!



Zapiekanki $ 3.00
Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion & Cheese Bread with House-made Ketchup

Big Hit!! This was a great surprise and a terrific bargain at $3.00! Very large portions. We loved the combination – it’s a delicious bread and cheese medley! So good!





Stay tuned! Lots more to come.

 

[Johnny Quest]

Smile JQ!!

Believe it or not, that IS a smile.

Italy's sausage and peppers was right up there with the Hand Rolls in Japan and the Chocolate Ganache Waffle in Belgium...YUM!

 

[poison ivy]

2013 Food and Wine Festival

Day 2 / Week 2 Continued.....
Saturday – October 5, 2013

10 Down – 20 To Go!

All that great food and only 1/3 of the Way Around! the World?!?

Amazing.

At this point we are hangin’ out in Germany!
(Iron Man has switched to Sprite - working to clear his head from Japan)



Booth # 12 – GERMANY



Apparently, both my group and my parents visited this booth at different times on Day 2.
We only ordered the Food. My parents only ordered Dessert.
Too Funny!
So I am posting the offerings together to showcase everything.

Schinkennudeln $ 3.25
Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese

This was so good I can’t begin to describe it.
If you love pasta and cheese – this is for you! The Gratin is awesome.
It s not a "melted cheese" sauce mixed in the way a lot of mac and cheese dishes are prepared.
It’s baked to perfection – German Style. Everybody loved it!





Roast Bratwurst $ 5.00
in a Pretzel Roll

This item has been a Festival Staple for Years, but this was the first time we tried it.
I always envisioned the same thing - a big ‘ol brat sandwich on a mini pretzel roll.
And assumed it would be too filling – which is probably why we always pass on it.

Turns out splitting it among the 4 of us only yields about a biteful and left everyone wanting more.
This was a delicious sandwich, and we won’t hesitate to order it in the future.





Dessert – review compliments of Gus & Edith

Apple Strudel $ 3.50
with Werther’s Original Karamel and Vanilla Sauce

No Picture – Sorry!

But there are tons online from many years.
2013 – served on plain white plates drizzled across with both Karamel and Vanilla sauces.

Germany had crazy lines at the food kiosk and my parents were told they could get the same strudel inside here.
(where the sign reads “Snacks”)

So they ordered it from the little counter back there and also found a table.
(this was where we sat too)




My mother only described it as “very sweet”.
I am assuming the sauce and the apples were too sweet a combination for their taste.


Our dessert?
We passed on Strudel for this place.





And ordered from the Top Shelf!

One of These



with One of These



Festival be damned! We cannot resist this Shop!

We did not patronize the next booth: (which is also in Germany)

Booth # 11 – BREWER’S COLLECTION

I only have 1 photo – it’s set up in a little garden area right next to the food kiosk.
It’s very popular. But today was hot – low 90’s which made it tough to sit in the sun.



A photo of the booth offerings can be found here: (courtesy of the Dis)

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/showphoto.php/photo/85185/title/epcot-food-wine-festival-0472/cat/1612


We are finally ready to leave Germany!
Clocks ticking and we need to get back to the Boardwalk.

Marie says she MUST stop at Brazil for the pork belly.
“Brazil? Where's that booth?” ”and what the heck's a pork belly?” “doesn’t sound very good”

Turns out it’s booth # 2 on the Map.



So we hopped the Friendship Boat from Germany right to it!
(This would be our final stop of the day.)





Take another look at that last photo.
It was actually taken on Day 3 – Tuesday, October 8 at 12:30 pm
Notice the crowds? Practically non-existent.

Now compare it to this photo
taken on Day 2 – Saturday, October 5 at 2:30 pm.
(Iron Man are you in there?) .



Which is why so many recommend visiting the festival mid-day / mid-week.

Rather than jump out of order, I’ll include Brazil with the remaining booth #’s 1 – 10 on Day 3.

But here is a sneak preview:



There were zero places to sit or stand. We were lucky to get a table in La Cantina.

We picked up a few souvenirs through 1 of 2 Port of Entry gift shops that border the World Showcase.
(this was Plaza Towers West which mainly sold items from the various countries)



I forgot to take photos – but we purchased:

1 bag of Italian Oro Gold Espresso Coffee $ 12.95
1 bag of Italian Wrapped Caramels $ 14.95
and a small snack bag of German Monster Munch $ 2.95

w/ 10% DVC Discount.

Unfortunately, we walked right by Plaza Towers East – which has a festival merchandise symbol next to it on the map.



Wish we had gone in!




Next up: Day 2 – The Others

 

[suzimar57]

as before, great photos - enjoying your TR!