Welcome to our weekly series, Travel the Fest. We will showcase different countries featured in EPCOT’s Food + Wine Festival and share our picks for what to eat and drink. We hope you enjoy this series, and check back every Monday for the newest post!
Travel the Fest Week Four: China and Japan
The countries represented in EPCOT’s World Showcase provide such a great sampling of the cultures the world has to offer. Every time I visit a country represented in EPCOT I realize the accuracy of their depictions. I have not yet been to China or Japan (they are high on my list!) and have only made it to Southeast Asia. This weekend I was in EPCOT and I always am so excited to be in the China and Japan pavilions because it is like a living travel guide to visiting these countries! The Wine and Food Festival only adds to the atmosphere. Everyone loves Chinese and Japanese food!
China Pavilion at Epcot
China
I am intrigued by every part of the China pavilion from the store, restaurant, gardens, entertainment and movie. I am always drawn to the Terracotta Warriors and have to take a peek at them every time I am in EPCOT (which is a lot!). The Terracotta Army or the “Terracotta Warriors and Horses” are a collection of sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huangdi, the self-declared first emperor of China in 221 BC. This Terracotta Army was interred over 2,000 years ago near Xi’an and discovered in 1974. It contains thousands of sculptures in pits in a 22 square mile area still mostly unexcavated. The contents of these pits reinforce the war-mongering necessary to conquer China, but more importantly show evidence of a civil administration system, standardized weights and measures and a uniform writing script. Our Traveling Gal, Carol was lucky enough to be in China and visit the Army in person. I hope to follow soon!
Tomb Warriors display at China Pavilion in Epcot
Japan
While I love eating outside in the Japanese gardens and enjoying the entertainment and the zen tranquility, my favorite is Mitsukoshi. I love the department store and all its different products. I have read many books stocked in the store and purchased many of their kitchen items along with a few bags. The youngest traveling gal, Ashley has bought lots of Hello Kitty over the years! I always find something new and interesting to look at. Mitsukoshi was founded in 1673 with most of its stores in Asia, one in Rome and the only North American store at Walt Disney World. The flagship store in Tokyo’s upscale shopping district of Ginza features a two story dining hall and fresh food market. There are floors and floors of clothes, beauty, food, restaurants and entertainment. I cannot wait to make my first purchase at the Mitsukoshi in Japan, but I am happy I have lots of practice experience in EPCOT!
Mitsukoshi @ Japan Pavilion in Epcot
China is an essential part of the Food and Wine Festival with a booth and updated menu every year. I like Nine Dragons, but love the opportunity to sample something new. The following are the selections this year:
Food
- Beijing Roasted Duck in Steamed Bun with Hoisin Sauce
- Gaoli Beef Slider
- Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles
- Chicken Pot Stickers
Drink
- TSINGTAO Beer
- Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling
- Ritzy Lychee with cognac and vodka
- Happy Peach with peach liqueur and dark rum
- Kung Fu Punch with vodka and triple sec
- Mango jasmine tea with popping bubbles
Japan is another mainstay booth at the Food and Wine Festival. It is always crowded and with good reason! The choices this year include:
Food
- Spicy Hand Roll: Tuna and Salmon with Kazan Volcano Sauce
- Teriyaki Gyoza Bun: Steamed Bun filled with Chicken, Vegetables and Sweet Teriyaki Sauce
- Miso Udon: Steamed Shrimp, Vegetables, and Noodles in a Spicy Broth
Drink:
China gives me the opportunity to have the Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles paired with the Riesling. China is always a budget-friendly booth with large portions. I am also partial to anything that gives me an excuse to eat noodles! I will switch gears with something a little lighter in Japan. I will have the Miso Udon. It allows me to have my noodles, but with a nice, light broth. This is a recipe I will be recreating for one of our healthy recipe posts! I will pair the Miso Soup with Sake. I only drink Sake that is recommended at a Japanese restaurant or by our good friend from Japan, David. I am never able to pick it out on my own!
