Best of the Fest!
I've had the Best time celebrating at Epcot International Festival of the Arts this week! I have eaten to my heart’s content. And while this festival is not most known for its cuisine, I have to say, in my opinion this festival has the best food offerings! So, I thought, with the inspiration of my friend Jen, a list of my “Best of the Fest”!
From Germany at its Pastoral Palate booth, I fell in love with the live band AND the Black Forest cake! It features Chocolate Mousse with Morello Cherries and Chantilly Cream. The bitterness of the dark chocolate outer coating combines perfectly with the tart cherries and Chantilly cream dome top! It’s definitely a must try!
I heard O’Canada calling me when I saw the menu for its Gourmet Landscapes booth! I just had to try the Wild Mushroom Risotto! As if that description is not enough, it’s topped with truffle shavings and a Zinfandel reduction. I was so delighted with this dish and it’s literally huge chunks of wild mushrooms! If you are a mushroom fan, this dish is yummy perfection!
I am always intrigued by the deconstructed dishes. So of course we had to head to the Deconstructed Dish booth for the deconstructed BLT! This was anything but an ordinary BLT! Pork belly, onion bread pudding, watercress espuma, and tomato jam….out of this world! All of these flavors came together for a serious depth! So yummy!
I admit, I love festivals for their out of the box food offerings. So, although I love a good grilled cheese and tomato soup, I kinda rolled my eyes and decided that I was going to try it just to leave room for other, more interesting choices. BUT, after I read there was a grilled cheese option with fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese, I was sold. Ok, the cute little can of soup was part of it too, but don’t judge me. The tomato soup was bright and fresh drizzled with a bit of cream AND perfect for dipping!! I’m so glad I got this extraordinary grilled cheese combo!
My favorite of the fest this year comes from the Goshiki booth in Japan! Donut shaped sushi with salmon, tuna, shrimp, cucumber, and sesame seeds over a plate decorated with wasabi aioli, Siracha aioli, and eel sauce……and NO SEAWEED! And this is the main reason I crown it king! Most of you know I have this thing with seaweed….so it was beautiful, delicious and perfect for me!!
The festival of the arts ends in just a few days, so you may not have time to visit this season, but this is a great reason to plan a trip at the beginning of the year! It typically runs from mid to late January to the same in February. And while there may be more hype over other festivals, this one has my artist heart AND my tastebuds!!!
