Winter Garden Magazine September 2017 | Page 28

Brett Dault
One of Walt Disney World ’ s most popular and most anticipated events , the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival , returns for its 22nd year on Aug . 31 and will run for an unprecedented 75 days through Nov . 13 .
In honor of Epcot ’ s 35th anniversary , the festival will feature 35 global food and wine marketplaces , each with new sips and edible delights .
28 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2017

THEME PARK UPDATE

Growing in scope as one of America ’ s top food festivals each year since 1996 , the Epcot event gives guests a chance to mix and mingle with celebrity chefs , experience handson culinary workshops and demonstrations , and get their gourmet groove on at thricenightly concerts .
Set up around the World Showcase , individual kiosks will offer international and regional dishes to enjoy . Small plates and beverages were priced last year between $ 3- $ 8 and most give guests the chance to try specialty recipes from locations around the world . For a third year , global marketplaces will extend into Future World to offer brand-new taste sensations . Disney chefs are in the kitchen whipping up delicious new bites like the Madras Red Curry vegetarian dish and Pistachio Cardamom Bundt Cake to be on the menu at the India marketplace . At the Spain marketplace , delectable charcuterie in a cone promises to be a guest favorite .
Three times nightly , Eat to the Beat concerts — 225 concerts in all — will rev up the America Gardens Theatre stage with new musical acts and returning festival favorites spanning a broad range of eras and genres , such as rock , pop , and rhythm and blues .
“ Mix It , Make It , Celebrate It !” hands-on workshops , which debuted in 2016 at the Festival Center , return with fresh opportunities for guests to interact with visiting chefs , bakers , mixologists and other pros . Event hosts and topics will be announced soon . And the festival ’ s focus on family will spotlight inspired dishes geared toward children ’ s palates and culinary demos that inspire fun for all ages .
Popular TV chefs and other culinary icons will entertain foodies and inspire their palates at Festival Center demonstrations . Those same stars of the kitchen also will create new dishes for premium events , such as Party for the Senses grand tastings with new concepts and themes . ABC ’ s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series “ The Chew ” returns this year to broadcast five shows on Oct . 4-6 against the park ’ s iconic Spaceship