Tonight, we joined a number of Walt Disney World chefs in the backstage catering kitchen at Epcot for an overview of cuisines from restaurants all across the “Vacation Kingdom.” From fine dining to quick service, we received a taste of the classics as well as what’s new on the menu. Each dish was paired with a wine chosen by Disney’s sommeliers. It was a pretty awesome event! 😀
The group entered the catering kitchens through a “special” backdoor.
While waiting to enter, we were greeted with flutes of champagne.
As we walked into the venue, a colorful spread of fresh produce, fish, cheese, and wine welcomed us to the event.
The dinner took place inside Epcot’s backstage catering kitchens. Cooking stations with wine pairings were set up all around the room for members of the media to sample at their leisure.
To be honest, I was surprised by the high-quality fare offered at the event this evening. I was actually expecting somewhat unhealthy theme park food, but everything served was really tasty. Epcot Executive Chef Jens Dahlmann explained that their menu is evolving with an increasing number of healthy choices. It definitely showed tonight!
Fun Facts about Disney Dining:
- There are more than 475 places to dine at the Walt Disney Resort. More than 6,000 different food items are available.
- More than 300 sommeliers currently work in Disney restaurants.
- More than 30 tons of fruits and vegetables are grown at The Lawn pavilion at Epcot and served in Disney World restaurants.
- More than 3.3 million chocolate-covered Mickey Mouse ice cream bars are sold every year!
- More than 700,000 pounds of unused, prepared food is donated annually through the Disney Harvest program to feed the homeless in Central Florida.
Here’s just a sampling of what was offered tonight:
Rock Shrimp Crab Cake
Pan-seared Wild King Salmon with Crisp Rice Galette, Cucumber Salad, and Lemon Grass-Black Bean Sauce
Spicy Sashimi-grade Tuna Tartare with Cucumber, Daikon, and Pepper Salad, Avocado-Wasabi Sauce and Crisp Lotus Root Chips
“Fisherman’s Stew” Grouper Cheeks, Shrimp, and Scallops with Fennel Confit and Ouzo Butter
Banana-Toffee Baked Alaska
Tiramisu Gelato Over Espresso and Amaretto Zabaglione
In addition to enjoying a whole slew of wonderful food tonight, I also chatted with a couple of my blogger idols:
Jaden of Steamy Kitchen
And Lori of A Cowboy’s Wife! 
I’m such a dork, but I was totally star struck by these ladies! I love both of their blogs!
Tonight’s event was such a great time! It really enjoyed learning about the cuisine at Disney and Epcot– and, of course, trying so many delicious foods and wines. I couldn’t ask for a better way to kick off the Pillsbury Bake-Off®! 😀
More to come!
