Dine Around the World in One Day

Warning!!!… Do not read this blog if you are hungry! Are you still reading? Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. What’s better than going to a theme park for the day?… How about to going to a theme park for the day while wandering around and feasting on worldly delights?! I recently went to the Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival in Orlando, Florida and it was a day filled with gluttony!

We started the day off with frozen Mango Margaritas from Mexico along with a stop at the Scandinavian booth for the infamous Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries. Booths were scattered throughout the entire park featuring countries all across the globe. Our next stop was at Australia for a Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies. It was the BEST lamb I have ever had before! We met a friendly couple along the way and they recommended Argentina’s Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée, so we made a stop and also grabbed a Beef Empanada. Is your mouth watering yet? We needed to get a second wind so we sipped on Belgium’s Godiva Chocolate Liquor Iced Coffee and continued our journey. Next came Canada’s Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce. Need I even say anything about that? Okay, I will elaborate for a moment… Just imagine the most delicious food melting in your mouth, because that is what we experienced! The beauty of this particular event is that if you try something you don’t love you are not obligated to suffer through an entire course. They divvy out trial sized portions of each option, which is perfecting for sharing.

Other delicious treats included Ropa Vieja with Cilantro Sauce and a Bacardi® Frozen Dragon Berry Colada from the Caribbean Islands, Mongolian Beef with a Chinese Steamed Bun from China, Créme Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait along with a Sparkling Pomegranate Kir and an Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush from France, Schinken Nudel (Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese) from Germany, Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey’s Ganache from Ireland, a Spicy Hand Roll (Tuna and Salmon with Chili Pepper, Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil Topped with Kazan Volcano Sauce) from Japan, a Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a Pita Pocket) and Baklava from Morocco, a Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara Red Curry Puree and Apple Radish Salad from New Zealand, a Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Carmelized Onions and Sour Cream from Poland, Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and “Singa” Sauce from Singapore, and Seared Filet of Beef with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce from South Africa. WHEW!

Don’t forget, that’s just the food. In between stuffing our faces we explored the park and enjoyed most of the rides, which gave us time to digest! The festival typically begins towards the end of August and lasts through mid November, which is perfect for enjoying Orlando’s milder autumn season. All you need is a one-day pass (or longer if you choose) and you are free to enjoy the park and purchase dishes that catch your eye. I hope to see you there next year!