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EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

Tag: Epcot

Coming Soon! Gusto Wine Bar in Epcot’s Italy!

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We have some exciting updates on the renovations taking place in Epcot’s Italy right now! A brand new wine bar is coming to town, and we have some details on what Tutto Italia will be like when it comes out of renovations!

Gusto Wine Bar

Gusto Wine Bar

will be unveiled April 28th. This will be a brand new entity created next to the restaurant. The look and feel will be reminiscent of an ancient Italian wine cellar, complete with stone walls and floors and exposed brick arches throughout. The space will feel as though it’s underground, with a dark atmosphere, wooden furniture, and wine barrels supporting the bar counter!

The best part? There will also be a “dining area” with vaulted ceilings, glass wine container, and a large fireplace! (Our guess is that only appetizers and “tapas” will be served here — much like in La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico…but that’s just a guess!)

Tutto Italia Refurbishment Updates

As you know, Italy’s Tutto Italia is currently closed for refurbishments. When the restaurant is unveiled again on April 28th, Tutto Italia will retain the original murals, coffered ceiling, and wooden/glass doors it currently has; however, guests will be treated to an entirely new [Read more…]

Review: Japan’s Outdoor Sake Bar

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Epcot’s Japan has been evolving over the past few months! The Yakitori House has re-opened as Katsura Grill, featuring a broader menu and some more authentic Japanese dishes; Kabuki Cafe is open as a take-away kiosk offering not just Kaki Gori, but also Miso soup, sushi, edamame, and other goodies!

But another little spot opened in Japan with little to no fanfare — a new outdoor sake bar located at the base of the steps to Katsura Grill.

Sake Bar

While many folks will just walk right past this spot without necessarily noticing it, I urge you to stop by and try out a few of the items there. While I do enjoy the indoor sake bar in Mitsukoshi Department Store, this outdoor location offers a few more “introductory” sake drinks that I think you might enjoy!

Atmosphere

Like I mentioned, this location could potentially fade into the background. With similar clean-lined architecture and neutral tones to the surrounding area, it’s easy to just walk right by.

Sake Bar

But this little spot offers a fun menu and an even more accessible stop on your tour to Drink Around the World! Plus, it’s a good introductory spot to try sake — a drink that is becoming [Read more…]

Review: Epcot’s La Hacienda de San Angel

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Learn About:La Hacienda de San Angel
Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

It’s been over a year since Epcot’s newest Mexican restaurant, La Hacienda de San Angel, opened its doors to great fanfare.

Our first visit there (when it first opened) was good, but not entirely memorable; so we were eager to give this spot a second try. And this time we brought along AJ’s Mom and AJ’s Dad to get their feedback!

Atmosphere

La Hacienda is a beautiful restaurant. The contemporary decor, look, and feel of the place gives off a polished, sleek Mexico-inspired vibe without being kitschy and stereotypical. The high ceilings and simple furnishings give the space a fresh, light, airy feel; but the furniture is solid and steady — a fun contrast!

Carved Wood Tables

I think it’s got one of the most soothing vistas on Disney property — a long-windowed look out onto the World Showcase Lagoon and [Read more…]

Guest Review: Epcot’s Tutto Italia

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Learn About:Tutto Italia Ristorante
Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Join me in welcoming back guest author Aaron Crum with a review of Epcot’s Tutto Italia! Grazie Aaron!

This classic Italian restaurant is tucked back behind the tower in Epcot’s Italy, and as soon as you see the sign out front and enter the lobby you know you are in for a special treat.

We had reservations at lunch, and while I stayed outside to snap a couple of photos, the rest of our party went ahead into the lobby.

By the time I headed in, our party was already seated at our table. We were promptly greeted by our waitress and a welcoming basket of bread and olive oil.

Tutto Italia Sign

Lobby

Atmosphere

The restaurant itself has a quaint feel to it, and the walls are lined with “replica” Italian paintings.

Seating Area

If you happen to be at the restaurant when it isn’t busy, it can be very romantic and relaxing. However, with such a [Read more…]

Chips and Queso “To Go” at La Cava del Tequila

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Learn About:La Cava del Tequila
Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Do you feel that? That’s the pure and utter joy that I feel about being able to give you this super fun news.

You know I love La Cava del Tequila. You know it’s one of my favorite places in Walt Disney World, with its cozy seating areas, top-of-the-line margaritas, and fun atmosphere.

I’ve talked about this spot on the blog before, but just wanted to share a few more fun photos with you! The line of tequilas…

Cava Bar

The cozy lighting…

Cozy Cava Lighting

And these guys. I mean, how can you NOT love this place when they have things like this as decor? I mean…what are these things?

Cute Mexican Decor

Cava Decor

Anyway, La Cava just did something last week that makes me love them even MORE than I already did (I didn’t think it was possible!). During my research trip for the new DFB MiniGuide to Epcot Snacks, I stopped into Cava to check out the appetizer menu (it’s been changing consistently all year).

La Cava del Tequila Food Menu 10-2011

My favorite item — Queso with Jalapeno — was still on the menu, but I knew I didn’t have time to sit and order. So I asked if it would be possible to [Read more…]

Snack Series: Guava Cream Cheese Cupcake at Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons

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Learn About:Sunshine Seasons
Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

We found another awesome new cupcake to share with you! (Well, we found three awesome new cupcakes to share with you, but we’ll focus on this one for today…)

Sunshine Seasons in the Land pavilion of Epcot’s Future World is a quick-service restaurant with ample seating and a large, varied menu. It’s a favorite of DFB readers (and me!), and often wins the top spot when it comes to beloved counter-service restaurants!

It deserves this honor, too! There are plenty of options on the menu, including fresh and unique items. Choose from one of five varied menus!

Epcot's Sunshine Seasons

Sunshine Seasons Menus -- click for larger image

On my visit last week, though, I headed straight for the Bakery area! I’d heard from a few DFB readers about the new Guava Cream Cheese Cupcake, and I knew I had to try it!

When I got to the bakery case, this lovely item was staring (literally — kind of looks like an eye, doesn’t it?) back at me!

Guava Cream Cheese Cupcake

The cupcake is only available here at Sunshine Seasons — a unique addition to this fun location’s menu!

The cake is moist vanilla — very rich for a vanilla cake, in fact. On top is a mound of light cream cheese frosting (when I say “light,” I don’t mean low-calorie — it just had a more [Read more…]

Review: Katsura Grill

By 26 Comments

The day is finally here! I get to review the new Katsura Grill at Epcot’s Japan pavilion!

Photo Copyright Disney

This spot opened last week in the former location of the Yakitori House in Epcot’s Japan pavilion. Yakitori was not necessarily a fan favorite, but I always found it to be a nice, out-of-the-way place to dine on passable Asian food while taking a bit of a break from the crowds of the World Showcase.

At Katsura, the location and look of the restaurant is still largely the same, so you get to take advantage of that relaxing, “away from the main drag” feeling while dining on a relatively new menu.

Atmosphere

Katsura Grill is pretty much Yakitori House with a new, sleek, modern look when it comes to atmosphere. There are digital menu boards, a “Wendy’s-esque” counter ordering set-up, and a “clean lines” feel to the place now, but the general vibe really hasn’t changed all that much. 🙂

Counter

You still have the option of [Read more…]

Disney Food Holiday Gift Ideas, Part 3

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I don’t know about you, but I’m making lists and checking them twice! Holiday shopping is in full swing!

Each week, we’re sharing a few gift-giving ideas that are lots of fun for the Disney and/or food fans in your life. Stay in your warm, cozy home and shop from your favorite comfy chair!

Walt Disney Gumball Machine

This Walt Disney Limited Edition Gumball Candy Machine dispenses small candy including gumballs. While it can be set for complimentary dispensing, the gumball machine will accept all coins!

Nostalgic gift!

Mickey Mouse Sandwich Maker

Imprint your favorite character on your sandwiches

! This is the perfect way to bring Mickey to your family meals.

Mickey Mouse!

Disney Cookbooks

Two great cookbooks by Disney Food writer, Pam Brandon, and the Disney Chefs! Don’t forget to check out our other favorite cookbooks here!

Delicious Disney and Chef Mickey can also be ordered online!

Great recipes!

Share the Magic Mickey and Friends Serving Plate

Serve your holiday treats on this fabulous Disney plate! It’s perfect for cookies, crackers and cheese, or.. [Read more…]

New! Epcot World Showcase Drinks and Eats T-Shirts

By 8 Comments

Thanks to @Jobber99 (Jon Chua) we have pictures of two new World Showcase shirts being sold in Epcot. Whether you enjoy drinking, eating, or both (like us! ;-D) around the countries of World Showcase in Epcot, these shirts show off the specialties of each nation.

Drinking Around the World

While these shirts tour World Showcase clock-wise, you can start in Canada or the UK with a Guinness at Rose & Crown or a steak at Le Cellier — we won’t tell. 🙂 We’re equal-opportunity World Travelers.

Eating Around the World

Yep, we pretty much [Read more…]

News! Holiday Gluhwein is Back in Epcot’s Germany

By 5 Comments

In Epcot’s Germany pavilion, a Christmas market, or Christkindlmarkt, was recently spotted! Serving Gluhwein by the glass (or bottle!) and Radeberger Pilsner by the bottle, this warm and inviting location is a great place to hang out for some holiday cheer!

ChristkindlMarkt

As we reported last year, Gluhwein, or mulled wine, is served hot with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and citrus. It’s a full-bodied wine with a mix of sweet and spice!

Gluhwein in Epcot's Germany

Traditionally, this spiced wine is heated to about 170 degrees. Warm up your [Read more…]

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