Although I’ve already written a full description of Epcot’s 14th Annual International Food & Wine Festival with all it’s wonderful gastronomical delights, special events and seminars. I also noted my Top 5 Must-eats and even shared how to enjoy the Wine without the Whine. As the opening date of the festival approaches, I thought I’d take another moment to go over what’s new this year at the festival. From Disney’s Food & Wine Festival Page:

Bangkok, Thailand — Location: Africa Outpost • Chicken and Coconut Soup, with Mushrooms, Lemongrass & Ginger • Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp • Beverage Selection: Singha Beer

I love anything coconut and cannot wait to try this. Thai food is one of my favorites – I only wish they had Thai iced tea to go with it!

Rio de Janiero, Brazil — Location: Showcase Plaza • Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime • Grilled Pork Skewer with Farofa • Beverage Selection : Leblon Frozen Caipirinha

Ooh, more coconut! Despite it most likely still being quite hot and humid, I’m still looking forward to trying soups and stews, so you know it must be worth it at the festival! I have no idea waht Leblon Frozen Caipirinha but a quick google search tells me it’s the Brazilian national cocktail and is a combination of muddled lime, sugar, and Cachaça (Brazilian rum made from distilled cane sugar), frozen in this case. Count me in!

Desserts & Champagne — Location: Showcase Plaza • Austrian Gugelhupf (Austrian Bundt Cake) • Strawberry Shortcake • Frozen Grand Marnier Parfait, Orange Coulis • Champagne • Beverage Selection: Moët & Chandon Wines: Impérial, Rosé Impérial, Nectar Impérial, Nectar Impérial Rosé

Hmm…I’ll have to be sure to save some room for this stop. Strawberry Shortcake (if done right with actual shortcake and not pound cake) is one of my favorites. Grand Marnier is another. (see photo) What better way to test out your gourmet chops with a sampling of some of the best Champagnes around? I really need to stop writing these updates on an empty stomach. Let me just say that I cannot wait to get to the Food & Wine Festival this year, and if you have the chance to visit during this time period, you will not regret it. In addition to the items noted as “new” on the offerings list this year, existing kiosks do like to switch things up a bit and try out new items, so be sure you check out all the locations to find your favorites! What would be first on your list to try?