EPCOT’s New Festival of the Arts is a hit. The new event is already attracting good sized crowds to enjoy the many art-themed booths and seminars. As has become de rigur at the other festivals, the event features food kioks around the World Showcase promenade.
Prices and portions are larger than what you usually get at the Food and Wine Festival and the dishes do trend to the more composed. Unlike the more established events there are only 6 kiosks.
We were able to sample a few dishes from the food studio kiosks:
From E = AT^2 the Classic Reuben with shredded corned beef, thousand island dressing, picked red cabbage, and a rye curl. This may not satisfy your urge for a full reuben sandwich, but it was tasty.
From Decadent Delights the Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie with Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream
Masterpiece Kitchen: Charcuterie Palette with Artisan Cured Meats, Nueske’s Smoked Duck Breast and Cheese. Took a while to prepare, but we really enjoyed this dish.
From Painter’s Palate: Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts featuring Whipped Herb Cream Cheese with Sea Salt, Chicken Mousse with Fresh Herbs and Everything Bagel Seasoning, and Spicy Tuna with Sriracha Mayonnaise and Sesame Seeds. Your eyes expect sweet, but instead its a savory treat. The spicy tuna option was my favorite.
Margherita Flatbread with Basil Pesto and Balsamic Drizzle. A palate of fresh flavors
Pop Eats! Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder
The Artist’s Table: Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and a Parmesan Crisp. Tasty even if our scallop was a bit overcooked.
Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk, Dark (non-alcoholic). Decadent, delicious.
In addition to the food studio kiosks, various permanent locations around the park have special entrees for the festival.
The festival runs for 5 more weekends through February 20 with things to do Friday through Monday. Here’s a new video from Disney promoting the event:
Will you make it to the inaugural season?