Food & Wine festival is one of my favorite times at EPCOT. I love the energy and excitement that goes along with trying different foods and wines from around the world. I enjoy the classes and tastings and everything about it! The World Showcase is my trip around the world when I need a travel fix and the Food & Wine Festival just adds to the international vibe. As a devotee of a plant-based diet, the fest can be a bit of a challenge. It is usually one of the few times during the year I bend and eat seafood. I am especially disappointed they did not bring back Terra, the vegan booth. Oh well, no use in looking back!
The Traveling Gals Tip: Select wines, beers or ciders. The cocktails tend to be heavy in syrups, sugars and other additives. I myself prefer to stick to trying new wines!
The following are my suggestions for healthier fare:
Australia – Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with pineapple, peppers, onions and snap peas
Dominican Republic – Pescado Con Coco: Seared Grouper, peas and rice with coconut
Greece – Vegetarian Moussaka with Gardein sausage crumbles
Hawai’I – Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips
Japan – Spicy Tuna and Salmon Rools and Miso Udon with steamed shrimp, vegetables and noodles
Patagonia – Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri
Disney in general seems to slowly be coming around to healthier options mostly via allergy friendly offerings. For the most part I still bring most of my own food, but I dine out at least 1-2 times per trip and have been finding it easier to make special requests and obtain healthier meals. The addition of the Erin McKenna’s BabyCakes vegan bakery at Downtown Disney (or should I say Disney Springs!) is key. It is the best place to go for a healthy treat or to stock up to bring back to your room. I especially recommend the vegan scone with vegan butter. It is fabulous! It may take some planning ahead, but it is very possible to eat healthy at Disney and the Food & Wine Festival!
-Kary
Food and Wine entrance décor photo credit
Sushi rolls photo credit
