We’re back with another fun review from the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

The festival has already been going strong for over a week, and we have lots of favorites to bring you — some returning, and some brand new!

I know you are just as excited to Eat AND Drink Your Way Around the World at the festival’s Marketplace Booths as we are here at Disney Food Blog!

Today, we’re heading to two of my favorite stops on the journey around World Showcase — Hawai’i and Ireland!

Hawai’i

Introduced only a couple of years ago, Hawai’i has quickly become a fan favorite with hearty dishes and fun drinks.

Fans of the Hawai’i booth are happy to see that two food favorites have returned in 2013! There are also some great beverage choices here.

Kona Brewing Company beers Big Wave Golden Ale and Pipeline Porter are returning. But last year’s Chardonnay is replaced by a Gewurztraminer in the wine category (YUM!). Cocktail lovers can enjoy a brand new vodka-based option!

I was very excited to sample the Kālua Pork Slider once again! During a recent chat with Epcot chefs, I learned that the pulled pork used in this dish is slow-cooked on the premises. This is the real deal! (If you’d like to make it at home, check out this fun recipe.)

Although the Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips isn’t my personal favorite, lots of guests think this is tops for fresh flavor — and it’s a great representation of an authentically Hawai’ian dish.

An exciting addition to this year’s booth line up is the Aulani Sunrise. Named after the DVC resort located in Oahu, this cocktail features sweet tropical fruit flavors and Ocean Vodka, which is made in Maui. I really loved this one, and the recipe is in this year’s Food and Wine Festival cookbook! Stay tuned… .

It pairs beautifully with the Kalua Pork Slider!

Ireland

Once again in 2013 lines are crazy long at one of the festival’s most popular marketplace stops, the Ireland booth.

The list of food offerings here is small, but one of my best of the fest options can be found at this booth. And there are also some great beverages in the line up this year.

I am a huge fan of just about all things cheese, so the Kerrygold Cheese Selection is my favorite must-have option here. It’s very simple really — just sliced cheese, chutney, and a (very little) bit of bread.

But I was so impressed by the new varieties added this year that we named it one of our Best of the Fest choices for 2013. Get the cheese! You won’t be sorry. 🙂

If you’re looking for a small portion of homestyle goodness and you love seafood, then the fan-favorite Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie is for you.

Similar to a cottage pie, but made with a creamy seafood filling, this dish always creates long lines! (Be sure to check out our recipe for Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie if you’d like to make it at home.)

But the biggest story of all at the Ireland booth is the drama caused by the announcement that the super beloved Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey’s Ganache was to be replaced by a Chocolate Pudding! Seriously — there were near riots in our comments section when we told you about this!

But guess what? The “pudding” appears to be a pudding in the tradition of the British Isles — in other words, it’s a cake! — with a warm chocolate center and a chocolate sauce. The entire dessert bears an uncanny resemblance to the chocolate lava cake from years gone by.

It’s my opinion that this is pretty much the same dessert, with a more authentic name. But I really want to hear from you guys who loved the old version: how does this one rate? Sound off below in comments!

I hadn’t tried the Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen, so I decided this was the year! It was smooth and creamy with a kick from the Potcheen, which is best described as Irish moonshine.

To aide in re-hydration as we Drank Our Way Around the World, I decided to give Seagram’s Orange Sparkling Seltzer Water a try. This is a new beverage that can be found at all of the booths this year.

While I’m not usually a fan of bubbly water, this was actually kind of nice! It is crisp and refreshing, and makes an excellent alternative to alcoholic beverages if you’re the designated driver in your group. Maybe I was just SUPER thirsty, but this was a great chaser for that cheese… .

Want More Details About the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

We work hard to keep you in the know about everything Food and Wine Festival related! Be sure to join our Disney Food Blog Newsletter for the latest information and details. And keep an eye on our 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page for updates.

News! The DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available!

This 190+-page e-Book has everything you need to know — including full-color photos and expert tips — for making your visit to the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival the best Disney trip, yet! We’ve compiled all of our best advice so that you save money, save time, and have a blast.

Use code CHEFS at check-out for a $3 discount!

Which dishes are must haves at the Hawai’i and Ireland Booths for you? Leave a comment and let us know!