We were last visiting the great country of Germany during our first half of the 2011 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! If you recall, we were evaluating the price of a painted ostrich egg (which has nothing to do with food... unless you like to eat ostrich eggs). However, we also stopped to chat with two German guys who seduced us with yummy chocolate-caramel strawberries. *Yum!* Refer back to my previous Part I entry for more info!
A Continuation of the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival: Passport to a World of Flavors
(Photo by author)That brings us to Poland.... which we skipped... Italy (also skipped), Fife & Drum (which I have no idea what this was exactly, but they had Red Stag Lemonade for sale there... also skipped), and Hops & Barley. As I stated before, we weren't in the mood for beer, but I do know that my Uncle Terry waited there in line for the Linda Bean's Perfect Maine Lobster Roll (which he said was delicious and you get a nice piece of Lobster) while "Johnny Depp" opted for a second margarita (he had to walk all the way back to Mexico), and the rest of us decided to take a break in AC at the United States where they have a nice American Pride movie/play that makes my Aunt Amy cry every time at the very end. (Every time!) It is a very prideful play.
But enough about my crazy family... After the break we all passed Singapore (we were starting to get tired... well, and slightly broke) and headed for Japan because "Johnny Depp" and I were in the mood for sushi.
Japan: I think this country gave you a good deal for your money. "Johnny Depp" and I went for the Spicy Tuna Roll, which was three generous pieces with wasabi, ginger, and soy sauce. We pondered the Tuna and Salmon Sensation, but backed out at the last minute. Uncle Terry saved the day, however, and ordered the Sensation with a tall glass of Masumi Junmai Ginjo Sake. Everyone, except for my uncle Terry, was in agreement that the sake tasted like smoked ethanol... but we all did enjoy our sushi! (Except for Aunt Amy who refused to try anything "unusual" or "exotic.") ;)
Tuna and Salmon Sensation with Sake
(Photo by author)
Spicy Tuna Roll
(Photo by author)New Zealand: There was fun for all in New Zealand. Actually, there was just fun for me because I was really the only one interested in the Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara-Red Curry Puree and Apple Radish Salad with a side glass of Mohua Sauvignon Blanc. (I'd stand in line anywhere for a glass of NZ Sauvignon Blanc!) The sea scallop dish was one of my favorite that we tasted throughout the day. The curry-apple combo went really well, and I very much enjoy scallops. The Sauvignon Blanc was also a beauty: grassy, pear, lemon drop, and lightly acidic, bone dry. It was so refreshing in the mid-day sun!
Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara-Red Curry Puree and Apple Radish Salad [half-eaten]
(Photo by author)
Morocco: We stopped in Morocco to 1) use the restrooms and 2) observe the beautiful mosaics. But we opted out of the Kefra Pocket, Harissa Chicken Roll, Baklava, Sangria, and Royal Mimosa. For some reason, we weren't digging it.
Getting full!
(Photo by Aunt Amy)
Portugal: Perhaps Morocco was overlooked because it was right next to Portugal, and a few of us had our eyes set on the Calamari Salad with Fennel, Smoked Paprika, and Olive Oil. Again, this dish was too "exotic" (aka fishy) for Aunt Amy, but the rest of us enjoyed it. I really liked all the flavors, but it lacked the fennel/anise flavor that I was expecting (based on the description). Aunt Amy did buy a glass of the JM Da Fonseca Periquita Moscato, which we were all surprised to find out it was dry. Periquita is a grape that is often used for port in Portugal, but many Moscatos are made semi-sweet. Although the floral nose was there, the dryness of the wine really made it seem thin, sour, and bitter. However, the Fonseca Bin 27 Character Port was loved by all: ruby in color, sweet, creamy, and alcoholic.
Calamari Salad!
(Photo by author)
Belgium: I waited in the super long line at Belgium for the chocolates. Now... Belgium also had Steamed Mussels, Belgian Waffles, and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur Iced Coffee, but I just wanted the chocolate. After the long wait, I finally got a box of 2 Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles, which I have to admit, weren't worth the buy... or the wait. Should've gotten the waffle... that smelled divine!
Belgian Chocolate
(Photo by author)France: A country after my own heart, but yet, we didn't wait in the country's line for Escargots. Instead, we went straight to the French bakery line to buy Almond Triangles and Creme Brulee. Do I even need to explain the delight these foods give us?
Almond Triangle Pastries - An Aunt Amy Favorite
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Creme Brulee
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The Crew Enjoying the French Scenery
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I wanted to note how much I like visiting France. There's me in the mirror!
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Ireland: Another must-see-this-country. We waited for the Lobster and Scallop Fisherman's Pie while Aunt Amy opted for the Bunratty Meade Honey Wine. The Lobster and Scallop Fisherman's Pie was so good that we ate half of it before I realized I forgot to take a picture. The Honey Wine - eh. It was oxidized and I couldn't get past that.
Lobster and Scallop Fisherman's Pie - Mashed Potatoes on Top, Stew Underneath!
(Photo by author)
Canada: Our last stop for food throughout the day was for Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta. For some reason, I was digging this dish and I also wanted to try it with Canada's Neige Bubble (made with apples!). The chicken sausage was another one of my favorite dishes only because it had so much unique flavor. The bubbly was also refreshing. It was like drinking highly carbonated cider!
Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta and Neige Bubbles
(Photo by author)
That means we skipped Greece, Desserts & Champagne, Hawaii (which was a new addition for 2011), and the Craft Beers stand. But we did capture some of the more important parts of the festival - including the main building that featured all the bottles shared throughout the countries and several seminars about food, wine, and beverages!
Funky Wine Gear Found at the Festival
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The 2011 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Logo Glasses
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Cool Wine Art EVERYWHERE
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The Wine Store for Your Buying Pleasure
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Remember this? The Canadian [Apple] Bubbles! - Super Neat Bottle, by the way
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Cool Food Demos
(Photo by author)If you're lucky, you'll catch Starship playing old hits that we can't forget! And what's even more impressive is that it is actually the real Starship!
Starship Rocking Out: Eat to the Beat
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Blurry, but Priceless. Some People Are Always Young!
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As you walk out of EPCOT (before or after the fireworks), make sure you take a long look at the lasting sunset that floats high above the lake, and that gleaming ball! I hope you enjoyed the synopsis of EPCOT's festival. If you'd like more information on some of our experiences or things we tasted, please email me at dmg1214@vt.edu. Cheers!
Sunset
(Photo by author)
The EPCOT Ball
(Photo by "Johnny Depp")
Hi! Stumbled across your blog while Googling the EPCOT wine festival. Any idea if you can purchase the wines from the festival if you're not in the park? I REALLY want some of that Neige Bubble - it was delicious! :)
ReplyDeleteI will have to find out where you can buy this, as it's a Canadian wine, so finding it will depend on where the winery exports the wine. In the mean time, check out their website... it is beautiful:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lafacecachee.com/index_en.html
To follow up on this... The Neige Bubble is not yet available in the U.S. The EPCOT festival was a test market for the wine, and they are looking to start distribution in the U.S. in April 2012. However, the apple ice wine "NEIEG" is distributed to 30 states within the U.S. I hope this helps. For more information on where you can purchase, I would contact them directly. They are very helpful!
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