Old world elegance best describes the opulent tablescape that captivated us the moment we crossed the bridge to Italy Isola located in World Showcase at EPCOT. The table was draped in rich aubergine crinkle taffeta linen.

 

 

 

Pistachio crinkle taffeta napkins accented with miniature grape napkin rings, decoratively  held each guest’s place at the table.

 

 

 

Pistachio crinkle taffeta also added panache to mahogany chiavari chairs. Bronze urns overflowed with a variety of vibrant flowers accented with ivy and twig.

 

 

 

Ornate laterns one might find at a bazaar, held candles that cast  a soft glow. The table looked as if it had popped out of a magazine. It was stunning…absolutely stunning!

 

 

 

 Interactive food stations have become a popular dining option for celebrations large and small. They enhance a party’s ambiance, while showcasing gastronomical cuisine.

 

 

 

I experienced this concept at its finest at the Platinum Anniversary celebration! The menu was a creative mix of flavors, paired with wines that complimented the epicurean experience.

 

Anniversary Dinner Menu

 

Action Station

Heirloom Tomatoes with Sweet Onions and Olive Oil

Grilled Asparagus with Piquillo Peppers

Pan Seared Angus Beef Medallion with Tarragon Demi

House Made Mushroom Bread with Butter

Paired with: Simi Carbernet Sauvignon

 

Station

Mesclun of Greens with Champagne Vinaigrette and Green Peppercorn Cream

Truffle Smashed Yukon Gold Potatoes

Merlot Braised Duck Meatballs with Onion Crisps

Roasted Poulet Rouge with Calvados Apple Jus

Grilled Flatbread with Hummus

Paired with: King Estate Ranch Pinot Noir

 

Action Station

Penne Pasta with Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper and Parmesan

PEI Mussels with Garlic, Tomato and White Wine

Pan Seared Scallops with Meyer Lemon

Ciabata Bread

Paired with: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc

 

 

 

 Always leave room for dessert is my motto. It wasn’t easy with so many delectables to try at dinner. However, I did manage to leave a crevice in my stomach for a few bites of  decadent dessert. Tiramisu, Strawberry Trifle and Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch, were just a few scrumptious offerings displayed on the shelves of a vertical station.

 

 

The sweet that had everyone’s tongues wagging, was the Flambeed Cinnamon Doughnut Topped with Coffee Ice Cream…sinfully rich and totally delish!

 

 

 

With glasses of Rosa Regale in hand, we watched as the sky exploded with bursts of color from IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. What a magnificent ending to a night I’m sure none of us will ever forget.

 

 

 

Happy 20th Anniversary to the dazzling ladies and gentleman of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings! Wishing you all many more years of making couples wedding dreams come true!

 

XOXOX,

 

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Photo Courtesy of Creative Loafing

 

 Since 1995, the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival has masterfully brought together leaders in the culinary and wine industries to tempt a plethora of taste buds. This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of the festival. If you’ve yet to experience this gastronomic extravaganza…hurry! Sunday, November 14, 2010 is the last day to enjoy this year’s festivities.

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Close your eyes and imagine the wedding of your dreams. What do you see?  Are you marrying your beloved on a gondola in Venice? Or saying your vows under the stars with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Perhaps your surrounded by your loved ones in a castle centuries old? With help from the cast of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, your dreams can come true!

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