**2011** Epcot Food & Wine Festival HAS ENDED. 2012 Festival 9/28 - 11/11

[redzinner]

Okay, we're heading to the Food & Wine Festival for the first time later on this week. A few questions about some of the menu items. DH & I are both picky eaters. I want to know about a few items before we spend money on something we won't like.

1) What exactly is in the Lobster & Scallop Fisherman's Pie from Ireland?

2) Is it easy to pick out the Mushrooms & Onions in the Coq au Vin sur gratin macaroni from France?

3) What is is the LeBlon frozen Caipirinha from Brazil?

4) Has anyone had the Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream with Grand Marnier yet from the Desserts & Champagne both? I haven't seen any reviews yet. Everyone raves about the Grand Marnier slush so I was wondering if this was good as well.

Thanks for all of your help!

1) Lobster & Scallop Fisherman's Pie
from Ireland Recipe
It's a chunky lobster bisque with mashed potatoes on top. Sometimes you can get a lot of seafood, sometimes not.

2) It might be easier to just eat the chicken pieces. The onions are pearls so they are easy to spot. The mushrooms will be tougher to get rid of out of the gravy. It's all good and delicious.

3) It's a frozen cocktail made with Leblon, a rum-like spirit from Brazil and limeade.

4) Can't help you with that one!

 

[jeni16]

1) Lobster & Scallop Fisherman's Pie
from Ireland Recipe
It's a chunky lobster bisque with mashed potatoes on top. Sometimes you can get a lot of seafood, sometimes not.

2) It might be easier to just eat the chicken pieces. The onions are pearls so they are easy to spot. The mushrooms will be tougher to get rid of out of the gravy. It's all good and delicious.

3) It's a frozen cocktail made with Leblon, a rum-like spirit from Brazil and limeade.

4) Can't help you with that one!

Thank you!

 

[mdrob214]

I'm looking for some information on the Italy Dessert and Wine pairing. Has anyone seen a review of that? I tried a search on this board, but got nothing. Maybe I didn't search correctly.....

 

[B'rer Karen]

I'm looking for some information on the Italy Dessert and Wine pairing. Has anyone seen a review of that? I tried a search on this board, but got nothing. Maybe I didn't search correctly.....

My mother and I did this the first week. I thought it was well done and worth the price. 4 full portions of dessert, each served with a wine, and often your glasses were refilled. We really enjoyed it.

 

[Kteacher]

Epcot Mom, or anybody else - What size wine glasses being used this year? Were they the same/similar to last year?

Thanks

Ed

larger glasses were used. Initially the pours were small but got larger as the evening progressed. It was great having the extra 1/2 hour

 

[Kathymford]

I'm looking for some information on the Italy Dessert and Wine pairing. Has anyone seen a review of that? I tried a search on this board, but got nothing. Maybe I didn't search correctly.....

We just did this last week!! I loved it; most of the wines were on the sweet side, and I thought the desserts were really good. And PP was correct, they are more than willing to refill your glasses, so drink quickly.

One thing I didn't like was it was held in the big back room, and there was zero air circulating back there, especially if you're one of the last in the room!

 

[RachelTori]

I thought I'd post some pictures for anyone interested. My only advice would be PACE YOURSELF -- we made the mistake of eating the entire dessert and after the first 2, we were pretty "full"!! These are 4 full-sized desserts!!

Tiramisu and Asti

Cannoli and Moscato Rose

Torta Di Gianduia, Raspberry Sauce and Moscato

Zeppole Di San Giuseppe and Brachetto Sparkling Red

We didn't have any problems with the temperature/air circulation in the back room the day we were there.

 

[snoopywoodstockus]

If this is listed I have missed it, and I apologize in advance.

Does EPCOT have any Day of demonstration tickets available. I remember hearing that they did last year.

We are heading down and Chef Robert Irvine is hosting a demonstration on Sunday October 23rd. I tried getting tickets they day they went on sale, but they were already sold out by the time I got through, I tried online too.

I remember hearing you could possibly get tickets day of, but am not positive if this is true. Any help is appreciated.

We ran into him last year walking through the festival last year. I cannot say enough about how gracious and accomodating he was to us. Took pictures, talked with us, etc.

 

[mdrob214]

My mother and I did this the first week. I thought it was well done and worth the price. 4 full portions of dessert, each served with a wine, and often your glasses were refilled. We really enjoyed it.

We just did this last week!! I loved it; most of the wines were on the sweet side, and I thought the desserts were really good. And PP was correct, they are more than willing to refill your glasses, so drink quickly.

One thing I didn't like was it was held in the big back room, and there was zero air circulating back there, especially if you're one of the last in the room!

I thought I'd post some pictures for anyone interested. My only advice would be PACE YOURSELF -- we made the mistake of eating the entire dessert and after the first 2, we were pretty "full"!! These are 4 full-sized desserts!!

Tiramisu and Asti

Cannoli and Moscato Rose

Torta Di Gianduia, Raspberry Sauce and Moscato

Zeppole Di San Giuseppe and Brachetto Sparkling Red

We didn't have any problems with the temperature/air circulation in the back room the day we were there.

Thank you!! Now I'm sure DH will go for it--he just has to see those photos. How long do we have to enjoy all those yummy desserts? I hope they don't rush you through.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Thanks for the pictures on the Dessert & Wine Pairing! I can't wait for mine in a little over a week.

 

[RachelTori]

Thank you!! Now I'm sure DH will go for it--he just has to see those photos. How long do we have to enjoy all those yummy desserts? I hope they don't rush you through.

Thanks for the pictures on the Dessert & Wine Pairing! I can't wait for mine in a little over a week.

Glad to help! It is a 2-hour event, but there really isn't much time between desserts so be prepared for that! Unless you have a voracious appetite, I'd suggest leaving a little on each plate!

 

[B'rer Karen]

I thought I'd post some pictures for anyone interested. My only advice would be PACE YOURSELF -- we made the mistake of eating the entire dessert and after the first 2, we were pretty "full"!! These are 4 full-sized desserts!!

Tiramisu and Asti

Cannoli and Moscato Rose

Torta Di Gianduia, Raspberry Sauce and Moscato

Zeppole Di San Giuseppe and Brachetto Sparkling Red

We didn't have any problems with the temperature/air circulation in the back room the day we were there.

I attended the same day you did and I definitely noticed the room was warm. It may have depended on where you were seated. When you come in from the main restaurant I was seated to the left where there were only single tables. If you were seated right the room was double the size and there were tables on either side of the aisle. It may be if you were closer to the door or in that more open area it wasn't so bad. But back where I was it was definitely warm.

 

[deekaypee]

Okay, we're heading to the Food & Wine Festival for the first time later on this week. A few questions about some of the menu items. DH & I are both picky eaters. I want to know about a few items before we spend money on something we won't like.

4) Has anyone had the Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream with Grand Marnier yet from the Desserts & Champagne both? I haven't seen any reviews yet. Everyone raves about the Grand Marnier slush so I was wondering if this was good as well.

Thanks for all of your help!

I had it - wrote about it briefly (but can't link to my blog here on the DIS). It's a hard thing to review, as it's pretty much what it sounds like: a serving of vanilla soft serve with a generous portion of Grand Marnier drizzled over it. Since it's not mixed together, like say a Dole Whip, it's more like a sundae with a liqueur topping.

If you like Grand Marnier, if you like vanilla soft serve, I think you'll like this simple dessert. Good portion size, too.

And just in case some people don't know - I'm a lush and tend to assume people don't drink as much as I do - Grand Marnier has a sweet, orange taste.

 

[jeni16]

I had it - wrote about it briefly (but can't link to my blog here on the DIS). It's a hard thing to review, as it's pretty much what it sounds like: a serving of vanilla soft serve with a generous portion of Grand Marnier drizzled over it. Since it's not mixed together, like say a Dole Whip, it's more like a sundae with a liqueur topping.

If you like Grand Marnier, if you like vanilla soft serve, I think you'll like this simple dessert. Good portion size, too.

And just in case some people don't know - I'm a lush and tend to assume people don't drink as much as I do - Grand Marnier has a sweet, orange taste.

Thanks! That at least gives me an idea of what to expect.

 

[hurleysweety]

Wanted to add my two cents! Have only been two days to the festival but have a quick review on what we've had so far. FYI, these are not the technical names, so I apologize!

1. Pretzel roll with sausage from Germany - delicious and hot, fresh bread, great portion size. Favorite!

2. Dessert Trio from the desserts and champagne booth - Amazing, Tres Leche was DH's fav. Had three different sets of people ask us about them in our 5 foot walk to a table. Yes, they look that good!

3. Lamington cake from Australia - By far DH's favorite of the trip. If you don't like coconut, you will not like this. Super moist, yellow cake, chocolate and covered in coconut. Winner!

4. Coq au Vin from France - not what I expected and doesn't photograph well at all. Looks like a beef strogranoff. But alas, its a delicious and mouthwatering blend of mushrooms and chicken in a creamy sauce with some of there famous mac and cheese to bring it all together. Yum.

5. Japan sushi - had both rolls, liked both. Very fresh, and love that it comes with wasabi and ginger. But nothing out of the ordinary of sushi that we eat at home.

6. Tokyo Sunset drink from Japan- Do you like pineapple and peach schnapps? You will love this. Its probably a 16 oz size too. So for $8, its a steal compared to other places where you get half the size. The drink has coconut rum, creme de banana, peach schnapps and pineapple juice.

7. Apple Strudel in Germany - Real, fresh, peeled sliced apples inside a light fluffy pastry with a sweet glaze. Yes, we'll have more of that please!

8. Salmon in Canada - DH said this was delicious, but the portion size was not worth the price. Barley salad was good too, but almost too much vinegar.

9. Tacos in Mexico - Tried both kinds, both were good, but not worth $6. They are small and we also found them to be pretty messy (what Mexican food isn't, though-haha!)

10. Lettuce Wraps in South Korea - Good amount of meat, but beware of that Kimchi! It actually somehow got into my poor MIL's eye and stung for awhile. For $3, this is a winner.

11. Cheddar Soup in Canada - Hot, fresh, and makes me want some every time I stroll by the booth. Portion size is pretty small. But its also a pretty rich soup considering you are pretty much eating a bowl of cheese.

12. Oktoberfest Beer in Germany - I didn't drink (not a beer drinker) this so I can't say too much. Other than it was finished with delight! FIL said it was lighter than expected and that the souvenir glass may not be worth the price he paid for it! The glass is plastic, not glass like it might look from afar.

13. Smoothie in Italy - Refreshing and creamy, and one of the few non-alcoholic drinks available at a booth. Also noted, this is available year round at their stand nearby for $4.95. Food and wine price of $3.50.

Going back Thursday - Can't wait to get some more food!

 

[franandaj]

So I spent over half an hour on the phone today trying to sort out my Cat Cora debacle. I explained to the gentleman on the phone that I had paid with a Disney gift card that I no longer had in my possession, that I wasn't paying $150 to not see Cat Cora, and I wanted to cancel the reservation. After a very long time on hold, he informed me that my reservation had been canceled on Oct 8 and I should see the credit on my next statement.

After everything I told him, he would say, "I understand completely". Clearly he did not. When he finally did understand I was put back on hold, and then eventually transferred to a Guest Services Coordinator. She told me by law they can only issue the refund to the card it came from. I started to get pretty exasperated, and feared I was out $300+. However, she eventually told me that Business services could most likely issue me a new card, unfortunately it was closed for the day.

In most cases they would mail me the card, but she was going to see if they could have the card waiting for me at BCV when we check in next week. She said that she would call tomorrow to let me know the outcome. Lesson learned, don't get rid of a gift card until you have completed all the experiences you purchase with them.

 

[tiggrbaby]

Wanted to add my two cents! Have only been two days to the festival but have a quick review on what we've had so far. FYI, these are not the technical names, so I apologize!

1. Pretzel roll with sausage from Germany - delicious and hot, fresh bread, great portion size. Favorite!

2. Dessert Trio from the desserts and champagne booth - Amazing, Tres Leche was DH's fav. Had three different sets of people ask us about them in our 5 foot walk to a table. Yes, they look that good!

3. Lamington cake from Australia - By far DH's favorite of the trip. If you don't like coconut, you will not like this. Super moist, yellow cake, chocolate and covered in coconut. Winner!

4. Coq au Vin from France - not what I expected and doesn't photograph well at all. Looks like a beef strogranoff. But alas, its a delicious and mouthwatering blend of mushrooms and chicken in a creamy sauce with some of there famous mac and cheese to bring it all together. Yum.

5. Japan sushi - had both rolls, liked both. Very fresh, and love that it comes with wasabi and ginger. But nothing out of the ordinary of sushi that we eat at home.

6. Tokyo Sunset drink from Japan- Do you like pineapple and peach schnapps? You will love this. Its probably a 16 oz size too. So for $8, its a steal compared to other places where you get half the size. The drink has coconut rum, creme de banana, peach schnapps and pineapple juice.

7. Apple Strudel in Germany - Real, fresh, peeled sliced apples inside a light fluffy pastry with a sweet glaze. Yes, we'll have more of that please!

8. Salmon in Canada - DH said this was delicious, but the portion size was not worth the price. Barley salad was good too, but almost too much vinegar.

9. Tacos in Mexico - Tried both kinds, both were good, but not worth $6. They are small and we also found them to be pretty messy (what Mexican food isn't, though-haha!)

10. Lettuce Wraps in South Korea - Good amount of meat, but beware of that Kimchi! It actually somehow got into my poor MIL's eye and stung for awhile. For $3, this is a winner.

11. Cheddar Soup in Canada - Hot, fresh, and makes me want some every time I stroll by the booth. Portion size is pretty small. But its also a pretty rich soup considering you are pretty much eating a bowl of cheese.

12. Oktoberfest Beer in Germany - I didn't drink (not a beer drinker) this so I can't say too much. Other than it was finished with delight! FIL said it was lighter than expected and that the souvenir glass may not be worth the price he paid for it! The glass is plastic, not glass like it might look from afar.

13. Smoothie in Italy - Refreshing and creamy, and one of the few non-alcoholic drinks available at a booth. Also noted, this is available year round at their stand nearby for $4.95. Food and wine price of $3.50.

Going back Thursday - Can't wait to get some more food!

Great review! Thanks for sharing!

So I spent over half an hour on the phone today trying to sort out my Cat Cora debacle. I explained to the gentleman on the phone that I had paid with a Disney gift card that I no longer had in my possession, that I wasn't paying $150 to not see Cat Cora, and I wanted to cancel the reservation. After a very long time on hold, he informed me that my reservation had been canceled on Oct 8 and I should see the credit on my next statement.

After everything I told him, he would say, "I understand completely". Clearly he did not. When he finally did understand I was put back on hold, and then eventually transferred to a Guest Services Coordinator. She told me by law they can only issue the refund to the card it came from. I started to get pretty exasperated, and feared I was out $300+. However, she eventually told me that Business services could most likely issue me a new card, unfortunately it was closed for the day.

In most cases they would mail me the card, but she was going to see if they could have the card waiting for me at BCV when we check in next week. She said that she would call tomorrow to let me know the outcome. Lesson learned, don't get rid of a gift card until you have completed all the experiences you purchase with them.

Wow! Glad it was finally straightened out!

 

[dgbg100106]

So I spent over half an hour on the phone today trying to sort out my Cat Cora debacle. I explained to the gentleman on the phone that I had paid with a Disney gift card that I no longer had in my possession, that I wasn't paying $150 to not see Cat Cora, and I wanted to cancel the reservation. After a very long time on hold, he informed me that my reservation had been canceled on Oct 8 and I should see the credit on my next statement.

After everything I told him, he would say, "I understand completely". Clearly he did not. When he finally did understand I was put back on hold, and then eventually transferred to a Guest Services Coordinator. She told me by law they can only issue the refund to the card it came from. I started to get pretty exasperated, and feared I was out $300+. However, she eventually told me that Business services could most likely issue me a new card, unfortunately it was closed for the day.

In most cases they would mail me the card, but she was going to see if they could have the card waiting for me at BCV when we check in next week. She said that she would call tomorrow to let me know the outcome. Lesson learned, don't get rid of a gift card until you have completed all the experiences you purchase with them.

Oh Alison. Sorry to hear you had a tough time with the gift card / ressies cancellation. Sometimes they just don't get it.

Keeping my fingers crossed that this all gets straight before you leave.

 

[dgbg100106]

Wanted to add my two cents! Have only been two days to the festival but have a quick review on what we've had so far. FYI, these are not the technical names, so I apologize!

1. Pretzel roll with sausage from Germany - delicious and hot, fresh bread, great portion size. Favorite!

2. Dessert Trio from the desserts and champagne booth - Amazing, Tres Leche was DH's fav. Had three different sets of people ask us about them in our 5 foot walk to a table. Yes, they look that good!

3. Lamington cake from Australia - By far DH's favorite of the trip. If you don't like coconut, you will not like this. Super moist, yellow cake, chocolate and covered in coconut. Winner!

4. Coq au Vin from France - not what I expected and doesn't photograph well at all. Looks like a beef strogranoff. But alas, its a delicious and mouthwatering blend of mushrooms and chicken in a creamy sauce with some of there famous mac and cheese to bring it all together. Yum.

5. Japan sushi - had both rolls, liked both. Very fresh, and love that it comes with wasabi and ginger. But nothing out of the ordinary of sushi that we eat at home.

6. Tokyo Sunset drink from Japan- Do you like pineapple and peach schnapps? You will love this. Its probably a 16 oz size too. So for $8, its a steal compared to other places where you get half the size. The drink has coconut rum, creme de banana, peach schnapps and pineapple juice.

7. Apple Strudel in Germany - Real, fresh, peeled sliced apples inside a light fluffy pastry with a sweet glaze. Yes, we'll have more of that please!

8. Salmon in Canada - DH said this was delicious, but the portion size was not worth the price. Barley salad was good too, but almost too much vinegar.

9. Tacos in Mexico - Tried both kinds, both were good, but not worth $6. They are small and we also found them to be pretty messy (what Mexican food isn't, though-haha!)

10. Lettuce Wraps in South Korea - Good amount of meat, but beware of that Kimchi! It actually somehow got into my poor MIL's eye and stung for awhile. For $3, this is a winner.

11. Cheddar Soup in Canada - Hot, fresh, and makes me want some every time I stroll by the booth. Portion size is pretty small. But its also a pretty rich soup considering you are pretty much eating a bowl of cheese.

12. Oktoberfest Beer in Germany - I didn't drink (not a beer drinker) this so I can't say too much. Other than it was finished with delight! FIL said it was lighter than expected and that the souvenir glass may not be worth the price he paid for it! The glass is plastic, not glass like it might look from afar.

13. Smoothie in Italy - Refreshing and creamy, and one of the few non-alcoholic drinks available at a booth. Also noted, this is available year round at their stand nearby for $4.95. Food and wine price of $3.50.

Going back Thursday - Can't wait to get some more food!

Sorry to hear about your mil hope she is feeling better. Thanks for the review.

 

[goodferry]

So I spent over half an hour on the phone today trying to sort out my Cat Cora debacle. I explained to the gentleman on the phone that I had paid with a Disney gift card that I no longer had in my possession, that I wasn't paying $150 to not see Cat Cora, and I wanted to cancel the reservation. After a very long time on hold, he informed me that my reservation had been canceled on Oct 8 and I should see the credit on my next statement.

After everything I told him, he would say, "I understand completely". Clearly he did not. When he finally did understand I was put back on hold, and then eventually transferred to a Guest Services Coordinator. She told me by law they can only issue the refund to the card it came from. I started to get pretty exasperated, and feared I was out $300+. However, she eventually told me that Business services could most likely issue me a new card, unfortunately it was closed for the day.

In most cases they would mail me the card, but she was going to see if they could have the card waiting for me at BCV when we check in next week. She said that she would call tomorrow to let me know the outcome. Lesson learned, don't get rid of a gift card until you have completed all the experiences you purchase with them.

Every time I make a payment to Disney with a gift card they tell me to hold on to that card until after the date it will be actually used because if there's a cancellation the balance would have to go back to that card, and I always wondered what would happen if something did happen and you didn't have the original card any longer. Hopefully it all get straightened out for you! I have taken to marking my cards with a Sharpie with how I used them and then saving them until I am SURE I don't need them any longer.