Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2016 Guide

Throw Your Diet Out the Window. The Epcot Food and Wine Festival Starts Now.

As if Epcot doesn’t offer enough delicious food, today marks the first day of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Each year Epcot introduces visitors to hundreds of new and exotic flavors. International stations are set up throughout the theme park, where guests can sample and savor flavors from around the world. Portion sizes are small, so you can try a few different plates without getting too full.

With so many stations to choose from, you won’t want to miss out on the best plates. Here’s the Search Princess guide to conquering the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Future World

Head over to Future World where you’ll find the Wine and Dine Studio stand. The star of the menu is the seared scallop with celery root puree and caramelized brussel sprouts, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Africa

The Africa section of the World Showcase is small in comparison to all others, so it’s easy to miss. Found between the Germany and China pavilion, the African trading post will offer snacks inspired by African staples. During the Epcot Food and Wine Festival guests can snack on the buttered chicken with micro cilantro and naan for just $5. The stand will also serve Berbere-style beef tenderloin tips with onions, jalapenos, tomato and pap for $5. Berbere-style refers to an Ethiopian beef stew. Pap is a traditional African side dish that is most similar to porridge or polenta, and made from ground maize. Pair your meal with one of three wines including Simonsig Pinotage, Indaba Chenin Blanc and Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz. Drinks cost between $4.50 and $5.50.

Australia

While Australia doesn’t have a pavilion at Epcot, they will have a booth at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2016. At the booth you’ll find a delicious grilled lamb chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies for $7.25. Love seafood? Try the grilled sweet and spicy bush berry shrimp with pineapple, peppers, onions and snap peas for $5. When you’re ready for desert you’ve got to try the yellow cake dipped in chocolate and topped with shredded coconut for $3. The booth will serve a variety of wines including a Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Dry Riesling for those who enjoy a sweeter wine.

Belgium

One of our favorite menus from the festival is offered by Belgium. Beer braised beef is served with a smoked gouda mashed potato that is to die for. The Belgiums do dessert right. Order the Belgian waffle and top it with a berry compote and whipped cream or a warm chocolate ganache with whipped cream. Alcoholic beverages include a Stell Artois Hard Cidre and Leffe Blonde Belgian Pale Ale.

Canada

One of the best snacks at the festival is the Canadian cheddar cheese soup served with a pretzel roll. The Canadian booth will also offer a wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle-butter sauce. This filet is one of the pricer snacks priced at $7.75, but it’s truly decadent. Order the Moosehead Lager or Neige premiere Apple Ice Wine from Quebec.

China

Taste traditional Chinese dishes like the Beijing roasted duck in a steamed bun with Hoisin sauce. Love noodles? Try the black pepper shrimp with garlic noodles for $5.50. The China location is one of the best at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival for alcohol. They stand will offer:

• Tsingtao Lager – $3.50
• Strawberry Plum Wine Cooler with Takara Plum Wine – $7
• Ritzy Lychee with Courvoisier Cognac VS and Smirnoff Vodka – $10.50
• Kung Fu Punch with Smirnoff Vodka and Bols Triple Sec – $8.75
• Mango Bubble Tea with Assam Black Tea and Milk – $6.75

France

In France it’s all about the Boeuf Bourguignon, a Cabernet Sauvignon-brased short rib is pared with creamy mashed potatoes for $6.25. Have the caramel and chocolate creme brulee for dessert. If you’re feeling really adventurous try the croissant aux escargots, an escargot filled croissant with garlic and parsley costs $5.75.

Islands of the Caribbean

New to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year is the Islands of the Caribbean stand. Enjoy mojo pork with black beans, cilantro rice and picked onions for $4.25. The pescado con coco is light and fresh. Seared Grouper is paired with peas and rice and topped with a coconut sauce for $4.75. For dessert, try a quesito – puff pastry filled with sweetened cream cheese and guava sauce. Pair your meal with a tropical cocktail. Options include:

• Presidente Pilsner – $3.75
• Frozen Mojito – $9.50
• Caribbean Sangria – $4.50

Italy

Pasta lovers must flock to this stand to try the Pennete all Parmigiana. Based ziti is served along chicken parmigiana and topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Try a chocolate-covered cannoli for dessert for $4.25. No Italian meal would be complete without wine, try the Fior d’Arancio Moscato Spumante, Montegrande.

Morocco

Delight your palate with flavors from the middle east. The Kefta Pocket is a pita stuffed with perfectly seasoned ground beef. The spicy hummus fries with cucumber, tomato onions and Tzatziki sauce are a great snack. Pare this meal with a Moroccan Sangria for $6.

Other Locations

Check out other pop up locations featuring Korean, Scottish, Polish, Mexican and other ethnic foods. There will also be culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars and The Chew live tapings. Buy your tickets now.