Welcome to the very first edition of Tom’s Top 7, which will be a continuing countdown of my favorite (and occasionally, least favorite) things at the Disney Parks around the globe. Why seven? Well, because it’s kind of been our schtick over the last few years after constantly quoting the great Bill McKim from the original Test Track pre-show:
Anyway, with the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival for 2016 now underway, I decided it would be fun to talk about what you should be eating from the 33 collective booths and kiosks that will be inhabiting the park for just a few weeks. I managed to eat and drink every single new offering from the Festival this year, so let’s talk about what I think are the seven brand new dishes you can’t miss if you’ll be dining your way around the world this Fall.
1. Piggy Wings – Craft Beers
Like me, you will probably meander into Craft Beers looking for something to drink (or to take in that 80’s EPCOT Center goodness you can only find inside the old Odyssey center). That being said, Craft Beers is home to one of my favorite dishes this year, the Piggy Wings. These pork wings remind me a lot of the wings from Ohana, but replacing the ubiquitous chicken with tender pork. I’ve already had these twice…
2. Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse – The Chew Collective
Another dish I’ve already ordered twice is this Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a caramel drizzle. I love any dessert with peanut butter, but the light mousse mixed with the caramel flavoring is just about perfect.
3. Chilled Tomato Gazpacho – Greenhouse Guru
I’m not sure that I’ve ever had Gazpacho, but if it is this good, I will be ordering more of this in the future. Featuring lump crab meat, the chilled tomato sauce has a nice spicy kick to it.
4. Seared Scallop – Wine and Dine Studio
Scallops can be pretty hit or miss at the Festival in my experience, and this one is a definite hit. Cooked perfectly, the scallop is nicely accented by the celery root puree, Brussels sprouts, and wild mushrooms.
5. Flan de Chocolate Abuelita – Mexico
My favorite dessert at the festival this year, the Flan is a rare highlight of the otherwise forgettable Mexico booth. This Mexican custard is light and airy with a delicious and rich chocolate flavor.
6. Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli – The Chew Collective
Vegetarian dishes usually aren’t my thing, but this particular ravioli is a real winner, The ricotta cheese and zucchini are blended together nicely for a flavor combination you won’t soon forget.
7. (Yeah, Seven) Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese – Hops and Barley
As you may know, the Smokehouse booth offered at the America Adventure during their Flower and Garden Festival is a favorite of mine. I “LURVE” me some good barbecue (is this how you get better SEO?). This smoked brisket offered at Hops and Barley is better than some of the previous offerings from Smokehouse, delivering delicious and tender briskly, topped with a little onion, served over a nice-sized piece of garlic toast. I will be back for this again and again.
You’ll be glad you did!
If you get these 7 new offerings while at the Food and Wine Festival this year, you will without a doubt have a phenomenal time. Next time, I’ll go over 7 returning favorites of the Festival that are an absolute must. Now get eating!
Also, be sure to utilize our quick guide to the Festival, which will tell you what to get and what to skip at each booth!
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