Eating and Drinking Our Way Around "The World" at Epcot

For those of you who have never been to Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival, let me explain!

The part of Epcot known as The World Showcase becomes this fantastic festival from (roughly) the end of September through the middle of November. In addition to the countries that a permanent part of the showcase (Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, USA (to name a few), additional kiosks are put up in (relatively correct) geographic arrangements around the showcase. Each represented country provides tapas-size portions of food and desserts, as well as beer, wine, and/or a signature cocktail. Non-alcoholic drinks are often provided as well (such as iced mint tea or smoothies). The cost of each item ranges from $3 or so up to as much as $10 (France being the most expensive country; are we surprised?) In addition to the special kiosks, the regular countries have their standard food/beverages available as well (such as Mexican food in Mexico, margaritas, Dos Equis, etc.)

So, the idea is to wander around the world and taste different foods, wines, etc. that you might not otherwise ever get the chance to try. Or, get your all-times favorites, it really doesn't matter so long as you have fun doing it!

In addition to the food, there are usually wine and beer tastings, free samples of some countries speciality import (this year Italy had an olive oil tasting), seminars on a variety of culinary topics, live music, shows, shops to browse in, restaurants (including a world class sushi bar in Japan) and good old fashioned people watching. For a (substantial) extra fee, one can make an RSVP to attend a Wine Maker Dinner; wines of note paired with meals prepared in real time by such famous chefs as Bobby Flay.

Following is a summary of most of what we ate/drank/did while at the festival this year. Keep in mind we went four days, so, we didn't do it all in one day! Also, it is 1.3 miles around the world; we went at least twice, if not three times, every day we were there. It took us about 2 hours per trip (a bit less when it was just the two of us).

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Beef Empanada with Tomato Salsa

Mexico City, Mexico

Corn Tortilla Filled with Shredded Pork and Purple Onions

Corn Tortilla with Chipotle Chicken

Quesadilla con Chorizo

Dos Equis Beer

Fiesta Margarita (as in, I had one of these each day, first thing!)

Barcelona, Spain

Taste of Spain -- Serrano Ham, Chorizo, Manchego, Olives

Shanghai, China

Grilled Chicken with Cumin and Traditional Northwestern Chicken Spices

Ginger Mango Rita (with vodka and rum)

Cape Town, South Africa

Mealie Soup with Crabmeat and Chili Oil

Seared Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Puree and Mango BBQ Sauce

Bangkok, Thailand

Singha Beer

Munich, Germany

Nuernberger Sausage on a Pretzel Roll

Beck's Oktoberfest

Bologna, Italy

Prosecco

Chianti Placido

Vienna, Austria

Paprika Beef Stew with Bacon Dumpling

Hops and Barley (US)

Boston-style Crab Cake with Cabbage Slaw and Remoulade

New England Lobster Roll

Sam Adams Beer Tasting and LOTS of Sam Adams, in general

New Orleans, USA

Spicy Cajun Crawfish and Vegetable Stew

Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

Abita Amber Beer

Tokyo, Japan

Kirin Beer

Marrakesh, Morocco

Beef Kefta Pita Pocket

Sangria

Tangerine Mimosa Royale

Paris, France

Kir Royale

Grand Marnier Orange Slushy

UK

BEER BEER BEER (e.g., Strongbow, Boddington's)

Cork, Ireland

Lobster and Scallop Fisherman's Pie (Mr. B says this was the best thing he had the entire time)

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Bacardi Frozen Mojito

YUM YUM YUM

I wish we could go back RIGHT NOW!

Mrs. B