Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Food and Drink Must Do’s!

It was a foodie’s paradise, a drinker’s heaven, and a florist’s dream. I did the true festival excursion and now I want to share with you my top five Food and Drink Must Do’s for the 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

Tequila Flight-Blanco, Resposado, Anejo (Jardin de Fiestas in Mexico)

A tradition has been started this year with the first stop of each festival visit at Jardin de Fiestas for a tequila flight. The cost is $12.50, which is much cheaper than the tequila flight in La Cava del Tequila. The tequila brands used are Ultimo, Camarena, and Exotico, which are deliciously surprising for the price. The Anejo was the best with rich oaky notes and a creamy smooth finish. I’m not much of a shot type of person, but when in Epcot you must do the globe tour the right way.

Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro (Florida Fresh in Germany)

For the second year in a row, this scrumptious experience (yes I said experience) is still a top winner for my Flower and Garden food choices. May be it’s the southern gal in me, but the spiciness of the Andouille sausage along with the sweetness of the shrimp and crunchy sensation of the fresh bell peppers brought about pure foodie ecstasy. The dish comes out really hot in temperature, a southern must if grits are involved; however, once you’re past the scolding temps, you’re able to taste the love put into this dish.

Freshly Baked Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare (Buttercup Cottage in United Kingdom)

I know what you’re thinking…tartare anything at a ThemePark is crazy, but the Buttercup Cottage got it right! One reason is that the salmon is nicely seasoned with a hint of dill to compliment the taste. Then there’s the soft, buttery, cheesy biscuit that alone can melt in your mouth, but when the tartare is added it takes this simple dish to the next level. If you are a tartare fan, you must try this…and if you’re not a tartare fan you still must try this!

Smoked Beef Brisket with Collard Greens and Jalapeño Corn Bread (The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews in America)

Good ole America, the place where a jam-packed hearty meal is the norm…well at least in the south

During the Flower and Garden Festival you will see the huge smoker sitting next to the American booth looking like a familiar summer day in the backyard with the family. I was highly surprised at Disney’s take on this classic American meal. The brisket, tender to the fork and delightfully seasoned, was filled with juicy smoke-filled flavors that reminded me of those summertime cookouts of childhood. The collard greens were also soft and appetizing enough to make my mother proud.

Pineapple Soft Serve with Myer’s Dark Rum (Pineapple Promenade)

Most ThemeParkHipsters have probably thought “I wonder what a Dole Whip would taste like with a shot of rum??”  Well you’re in for an early Christmas gift. Disney takes that wish and makes it come true. The shot is the cherry on top of an already enjoyable Disney treat. Caution is needed as you finish this delicacy, because a strong rum infused melted pineapple finish is waiting for you at the bottom of the cup. Cheers!

If you have any Epcot Flower and Garden Food and Drink must dos, then feel free to leave a comment below. The festival ends May 18th.

Until next time, happy globetrotting Hipsters!