Even before the 11 a.m. opening of World Showcase, guests got an early start on opening day of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at the Festival Center, sipping Ghirardelli gourmet drinking chocolate and, yes, sipping wine by 10 a.m. at Kitchen Memories with Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, who shared stories from her own kitchen with husband John.
Out on the promenade, guests started noshing at 11 a.m. when the Marketplaces opened for business. The new Terra Marketplace just across the bridge from Future World was a happy surprise for guests we chatted with as they tasted the vegan Trick’n Chick’n Curry and the Chili Colorado. Fans from last year were lining up for the Kalua Pork Slider in Hawaii, and we overheard guests talking about other favorites: the Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie at the Ireland Marketplace, the Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw at the South Korea Marketplace, Linda Bean’s Perfect Lobster Roll at the Hops & Barley Marketplace.
We encouraged them to head over to Canada for the new Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce, and not to overdo and save room for dessert – but plenty of guests were starting there with a morning glass of bubbly and the trio of mini-sweets.
We cooled off in the Festival Center, and picked up some great tips – Andrea Robinson says she add a flourish of smoked sea salt to her guacamole for a little zip, And HGTV’s Daniell Colding (pictured above) took us on a trip around the world with decorating ideas inspired by Morocco, Sweden, Mexico and France.
So much to do, just 46 days to try it all! The festival runs through Nov. 12. Do you have a favorite taste our readers shouldn’t miss?
