What Would Mr. Creosote Do? 4 Weekends at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival
- Thread starter TDC Nala
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Great foodie reviews as always. I'm not a huge whole fish eater, but your description makes it sound really really tasty. I love your Italy bag-so appropriate with the wine bottle and glass on there. Your lucky to be one of the chosen few to have one. 
OMG that looks so cool. Now how does F&W work? How much are the demos? DH said we could go next year but $$ could be an issue since we are going to Vegas in March and WDW again in Dec. I know if I go I want to do as much as I can.
I am loving your reviews. its making me more excited to go.
I am loving your reviews. its making me more excited to go.
TDC Nala
1937, what a year that was
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The demos are $8 at the door and $5 if you are a DVC member, annual passholder or Tables in Wonderland member and book ahead via the internet (and the demo you want is still available at the discounted price). Keep in mind you don't know what's going to be served until the day of the demo; that's why the fishsicle cost me $8 and the goat cheese was a mere $5.
On the main restaurant board there is a sticky thread for the food & wine festival, and in the first post there is a link to the site to book the demos ahead of time. If you're not a member of any of the eligible groups to get $5, you can still book them for $8 on that site. I heard that so far the only completely sold out demos are Todd English and Robert Irvine (probably because people are hoping they will take their shirts off)
On the main restaurant board there is a sticky thread for the food & wine festival, and in the first post there is a link to the site to book the demos ahead of time. If you're not a member of any of the eligible groups to get $5, you can still book them for $8 on that site. I heard that so far the only completely sold out demos are Todd English and Robert Irvine (probably because people are hoping they will take their shirts off)
kabuki
<font color=green>It's free if you pass out in the
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Your reviews are GREAT! 
Caymus? Why are they giving you something other then "Caymus" wines. I understand they have other vineyards but say that ahead of time. Thank you for clearing up the Conundrum talk my friend and I have been having. It is now way sweeter than it used to be and knowing it's made away from the main vinyards makes sense!
The Sushi Lolly looks amazing! Can't wait for more!
Caymus? Why are they giving you something other then "Caymus" wines. I understand they have other vineyards but say that ahead of time. Thank you for clearing up the Conundrum talk my friend and I have been having. It is now way sweeter than it used to be and knowing it's made away from the main vinyards makes sense!
The Sushi Lolly looks amazing! Can't wait for more!
BriarRosie
<font color=blue>Creator of Tag Fairy Haiku:<br>Cl
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I like the Baloney Bag!
And I have pinot envy!
The tunasicle and goat cheese with mushrooms looked fabulous. And the whole fish? Well after watching the Chefs vs. City on the Food Network, I might be able to de-bone a whole fish after watching what they were doing.
And I have pinot envy!
The tunasicle and goat cheese with mushrooms looked fabulous. And the whole fish? Well after watching the Chefs vs. City on the Food Network, I might be able to de-bone a whole fish after watching what they were doing.
Tricia1972
<font color=green>I love late night snacks<br><fon
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The bag is great! But then again, I'm a sucker for a great bag.
The tuna and fish both look divine! Now I'm in the mood for good fish for lunch, unfortunately I live in a wasteland for good restaurants. I'll just have to live vicariously through your report!
The tuna and fish both look divine! Now I'm in the mood for good fish for lunch, unfortunately I live in a wasteland for good restaurants. I'll just have to live vicariously through your report!
oybolshoi
DIS Legend
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MickeyNicki
It is pretty darn sad when a valet picks you out a
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WOW..all I can say is WOW....that fish looks insanely wonderful and now I am regretting cancelling my Kouzzina reservation....
How are the crowds? We are headed there this weekend...any chance I will see you snacking around? Where your Balogna back so I can recognize ya
How are the crowds? We are headed there this weekend...any chance I will see you snacking around? Where your Balogna back so I can recognize ya
mama03
DIS Veteran
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- May 18, 2001
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- 632
Since you have been to some of the demo's this past week. I was curious to know how long (time wise) the food demo and wine demo took? It states on our booking time as 45 minutes for wine seminars and 1 hour for food seminars. But looking at the sampling of both it does not seem like it will take that much time.
TDC Nala
1937, what a year that was
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I'll be around Epcot on Saturday and on Sunday morning. I am at Universal as of Sunday afternoon. I have to drive to Universal so I won't be sampling any booze Sunday morning. And will probably bring the bologna bag along. There'll be a dinner at Wolfgang Puck Cafe, one at the Hard Rock at Universal and a breakfast at Kona. I also have a ticket for Suvir Saran's culinary demo at 2:45 Saturday, hoping he will make something from India.
Crowds last weekend looked pretty dense but during food & wine I almost never try any attractions at all. Never had to wait long for a food sample either. The big crowds appeared to be inside the TS restaurants, a typical situation during free dining.
The demo time is not taken up with eating - it's taken up with talking. It depends on how talkative your presenter is, also on how many questions they will take. The Caymus wine guy showed a movie and took questions and it was over by 6. Doug Rodriguez was a talker and he was cooking a bunch of components so he took longer than Caymus did.
Crowds last weekend looked pretty dense but during food & wine I almost never try any attractions at all. Never had to wait long for a food sample either. The big crowds appeared to be inside the TS restaurants, a typical situation during free dining.
The demo time is not taken up with eating - it's taken up with talking. It depends on how talkative your presenter is, also on how many questions they will take. The Caymus wine guy showed a movie and took questions and it was over by 6. Doug Rodriguez was a talker and he was cooking a bunch of components so he took longer than Caymus did.
BriarRosie
<font color=blue>Creator of Tag Fairy Haiku:<br>Cl
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Again, those were Catherine's words. I can't take credit for them.
yakkin' yeti
Mouseketeer
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Oh, how I love your rating system. Thanks for the Kouzzina review. I had read some not-so-great things, but that snapper looks right up my alley. Plus, who doesn't like fried cheese?
Briarmom
Bessie Robindale<br><font color=b26b70>Larry's bee
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TDC Nala
1937, what a year that was
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2001
- Messages
- 59,190
SEPTEMBER 26, 2009
WALKIN’ WOWND THE WORLD
No, Elmer Fudd wasn’t really there.
The Country Samples In Order Of Appearance:
1) SANTIAGO, CHILE
Rock Shrimp Ceviche, $4.75
A friend reviewed this the day before and she said it had some spice to it – quick, get it before Disney gets complaints and tones it down. It might be too late. This really tasted mostly of lemon. Although lemon with tomato and shrimp is a nice clean taste. Not that it wasn’t good, but it wasn’t that hot (literally).
And once the guy ladled it out he threw in some popcorn.
Popcorn? I don’t get it. Was Orville Redenbacher Chilean?
I am thrown off by the popcorn but it still gets a Lisa. There’s some nice herbs in the broth.
2) RIO DE JANIERO, BRAZIL
Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime, $4.25
I really did like this. The shrimp are big and the sauce is tasty. It’s difficult to hold the plate and juggle a camera if there are no tables to set it down on. So there’s no photo. But I’m giving it a Monty.
3) THE MOUSE CATCH
Trio of Cheeses, $4.75
What is not to like about three cheeses? Dutch Dorothea, Italian Piave, and Spanish Mahon. Once again there is no picture. Picture in your mind some cheese wedges. They’re a pretty good size. I thought about getting some booze with them but I did not really like the booze selections at the cheese booth.
Lisa for the cheese. It’s still just some pieces of cheese. And I did not like that they did not tell me which cheese was which, although Name That Cheese is a good game to play if you can find a place to sit and linger over the cheese, which is a little difficult on a Saturday.
4) PARIS, FRANCE
Escargots Persillade En Brioche, $4.50
Sparkling Pomegranate Kir, $6.50
Now, there’s a picture.
Three little garlicky Gallic gastropods ensconced in little tiny bread bowls. I don’t know if the garlic or the bread pushes them into the Monty category but something does.
And the pomegranate kir is tasty but I think it’s too expensive. Really, that was $11 for three snails and a glass of sparkling pink stuff. I know, what isn’t expensive at Disney World.
TUTTO ITALIA FOOD & WINE PAIRING
I went to one of these back when it was Alfredos and I remember they served wild boar, and I also remember Banfi wines and more Banfi wines. It’s kind of like Disney bought Banfi or something. Waiting for Disney to combine Marvel and Banfi and have The Incredible Hulk out in the Italy pavilion sucking down Rosa Regale.
Sure enough there were more Banfi wines. There was also the Banfi wine guy who gave away tee shirts and stuff to people who could answer his questions about wine. So bone up on your wine trivia if you’re going to this one.
There were four courses and a wine accompanying each course. There was also this bread bowl.
And they would keep replenishing the bread bowl.
Antipasto Misto
A little chunk of buffalo mozzarella, a basil leaf, tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, some capicola, and several kinds of salami.
Mom said she would have liked some balsamic vinegar. I’d have to agree. They’re really good though. Tutto Italia has this on their menu.
The Antipasto was served with Centine Rosso. Most people thought this wine was okay.
Rigatoni Alla “Norma” with Crushed Tomato, Eggplant, Basil, Ricotta Salata
I don’t know who Norma is but she can make rigatoni. Full Monty
Norma’s Noodles were served with Belnero from Castello Banfi. This wine was awesome. And they’d top off your glass, too.
Fish Filet “All ‘Acqua Pazza” with Clams, Tomatoes, Capers and Olives
This translates to “Fish in Crazy Water” which describes the tomato broth. I have made Shrimp in Crazy Water before (Mario Batali’s recipe) and it was spicier than this was, although it tasted pretty darn good. I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t this the same fish Cat Cora’s place was serving (except that they forgot to take the head and tail off that one)? Yes, it’s similar. It’s another snapper, and the ingredients are pretty close. However, Cat’s fish wins Battle Snapper this time, even though with hers you have to dig out bones. This fish is tasty but it is a Lisa in comparison.
The crazy fish was served with San Angelo Pino Grigio from Castello Banfi. And it was another very good wine that we got as much of as we wanted.
Cannoli filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Orange
I love a cannoli. This one was good enough for my father to approve of and he grew up eating them in Boston’s North End. Mom agrees with me. Monty for the cannoli and for the little cocoa powder utensils which are decorative but absolutely useless. They kind of look like some Star Trek alien came along and drained the utensils of all their metallic components.
Guess what the wine was? Everyone’s good friend Rosa. However, you couldn’t get this one topped off.
ARTIST POINT
This was the only place I could get a reservation for and still make an appointment I had in the evening. The reservation was for 5:45 and it wasn’t long before we got seated. However, didn’t make it out until 8 and that was just me. Because the server bordered on incompetent my mom and my friends got left behind to settle the screwed-up bills and I had to go get a taxi.
But I do like Artist Point. I enjoy the food. But if the food is going to take an hour to get to the table, I will probably be eating the appetizers and cheese in the lounge from now on though.
Here’s a Buffalo Strip Loin
Isn’t it gorgeous? It looks like the floor tiles the way they’ve got the goat cheese polenta (you bet your bippy that’s goat cheese polenta) and asparagus set up. I am wishing that I had ordered it a little rarer. It might have made Homer status. But it’s a Burns
There was also some fresh berry cobbler with blackberry ice cream but that was wolfed down and gone within no time so there isn’t a photo of it. It’s a Lisa just because it used to be a lot bigger.
But there I can get a North Flight Martini (Grey Goose vodka and blue cheese stuffed olives). Nobody makes blue cheese olives like Artist Point does for some reason. NOBODY.
WALKIN’ WOWND THE WORLD
No, Elmer Fudd wasn’t really there.
The Country Samples In Order Of Appearance:
1) SANTIAGO, CHILE
Rock Shrimp Ceviche, $4.75
A friend reviewed this the day before and she said it had some spice to it – quick, get it before Disney gets complaints and tones it down. It might be too late. This really tasted mostly of lemon. Although lemon with tomato and shrimp is a nice clean taste. Not that it wasn’t good, but it wasn’t that hot (literally).
And once the guy ladled it out he threw in some popcorn.
Popcorn? I don’t get it. Was Orville Redenbacher Chilean?
I am thrown off by the popcorn but it still gets a Lisa. There’s some nice herbs in the broth.
2) RIO DE JANIERO, BRAZIL
Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime, $4.25
I really did like this. The shrimp are big and the sauce is tasty. It’s difficult to hold the plate and juggle a camera if there are no tables to set it down on. So there’s no photo. But I’m giving it a Monty.
3) THE MOUSE CATCH
Trio of Cheeses, $4.75
What is not to like about three cheeses? Dutch Dorothea, Italian Piave, and Spanish Mahon. Once again there is no picture. Picture in your mind some cheese wedges. They’re a pretty good size. I thought about getting some booze with them but I did not really like the booze selections at the cheese booth.
Lisa for the cheese. It’s still just some pieces of cheese. And I did not like that they did not tell me which cheese was which, although Name That Cheese is a good game to play if you can find a place to sit and linger over the cheese, which is a little difficult on a Saturday.
4) PARIS, FRANCE
Escargots Persillade En Brioche, $4.50
Sparkling Pomegranate Kir, $6.50
Now, there’s a picture.
Three little garlicky Gallic gastropods ensconced in little tiny bread bowls. I don’t know if the garlic or the bread pushes them into the Monty category but something does.
And the pomegranate kir is tasty but I think it’s too expensive. Really, that was $11 for three snails and a glass of sparkling pink stuff. I know, what isn’t expensive at Disney World.
TUTTO ITALIA FOOD & WINE PAIRING
I went to one of these back when it was Alfredos and I remember they served wild boar, and I also remember Banfi wines and more Banfi wines. It’s kind of like Disney bought Banfi or something. Waiting for Disney to combine Marvel and Banfi and have The Incredible Hulk out in the Italy pavilion sucking down Rosa Regale.
Sure enough there were more Banfi wines. There was also the Banfi wine guy who gave away tee shirts and stuff to people who could answer his questions about wine. So bone up on your wine trivia if you’re going to this one.
There were four courses and a wine accompanying each course. There was also this bread bowl.
And they would keep replenishing the bread bowl.
Antipasto Misto
A little chunk of buffalo mozzarella, a basil leaf, tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, some capicola, and several kinds of salami.
Mom said she would have liked some balsamic vinegar. I’d have to agree. They’re really good though. Tutto Italia has this on their menu.
The Antipasto was served with Centine Rosso. Most people thought this wine was okay.
Rigatoni Alla “Norma” with Crushed Tomato, Eggplant, Basil, Ricotta Salata
I don’t know who Norma is but she can make rigatoni. Full Monty
Norma’s Noodles were served with Belnero from Castello Banfi. This wine was awesome. And they’d top off your glass, too.
Fish Filet “All ‘Acqua Pazza” with Clams, Tomatoes, Capers and Olives
This translates to “Fish in Crazy Water” which describes the tomato broth. I have made Shrimp in Crazy Water before (Mario Batali’s recipe) and it was spicier than this was, although it tasted pretty darn good. I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t this the same fish Cat Cora’s place was serving (except that they forgot to take the head and tail off that one)? Yes, it’s similar. It’s another snapper, and the ingredients are pretty close. However, Cat’s fish wins Battle Snapper this time, even though with hers you have to dig out bones. This fish is tasty but it is a Lisa in comparison.
The crazy fish was served with San Angelo Pino Grigio from Castello Banfi. And it was another very good wine that we got as much of as we wanted.
Cannoli filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Orange
I love a cannoli. This one was good enough for my father to approve of and he grew up eating them in Boston’s North End. Mom agrees with me. Monty for the cannoli and for the little cocoa powder utensils which are decorative but absolutely useless. They kind of look like some Star Trek alien came along and drained the utensils of all their metallic components.
Guess what the wine was? Everyone’s good friend Rosa. However, you couldn’t get this one topped off.
ARTIST POINT
This was the only place I could get a reservation for and still make an appointment I had in the evening. The reservation was for 5:45 and it wasn’t long before we got seated. However, didn’t make it out until 8 and that was just me. Because the server bordered on incompetent my mom and my friends got left behind to settle the screwed-up bills and I had to go get a taxi.
But I do like Artist Point. I enjoy the food. But if the food is going to take an hour to get to the table, I will probably be eating the appetizers and cheese in the lounge from now on though.
Here’s a Buffalo Strip Loin
Isn’t it gorgeous? It looks like the floor tiles the way they’ve got the goat cheese polenta (you bet your bippy that’s goat cheese polenta) and asparagus set up. I am wishing that I had ordered it a little rarer. It might have made Homer status. But it’s a Burns
There was also some fresh berry cobbler with blackberry ice cream but that was wolfed down and gone within no time so there isn’t a photo of it. It’s a Lisa just because it used to be a lot bigger.
But there I can get a North Flight Martini (Grey Goose vodka and blue cheese stuffed olives). Nobody makes blue cheese olives like Artist Point does for some reason. NOBODY.
I was thinking the same thing about the tuna pops! LOL!
I don't know...for some reason, Kouzzina isn't wowing me like I was hoping it would... I don't eat fish much, so the snapper doesn't really appeal to me, but the baklava does.
Maybe we'll see you and the bologna bag the last weekend... since we'll be there for the gastronomical offerings.
Can't wait to read more of your weekend adventures!
I don't know...for some reason, Kouzzina isn't wowing me like I was hoping it would... I don't eat fish much, so the snapper doesn't really appeal to me, but the baklava does.
Maybe we'll see you and the bologna bag the last weekend... since we'll be there for the gastronomical offerings.
Can't wait to read more of your weekend adventures!
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2007
- Messages
- 5,083
I can't stop eyeballing that Buffalo Strip Loin. Looks absolutely heavenly and now I'm glad I didn't nix AP from our dining next week.
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