Fall has arrived in Florida and with it, the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! This year’s theme, “Passport to a World of Flavors,” invites guests to eat and drink their way around the world Disney style. You don’t need a passport to attend, just a park ticket  and an appetite!

Over 270 chefs are sharing their talents at a multitude of seminars, demonstrations, book signings, dining experiences, etc. throughout the five week festival.  I’ve happily been attending this annual event, since its inception. As its popularity has grown, so have the crowds. Last year, the C.P.A. chefy hubby and I planned a weekend getaway to the festival. I’m not sure if it was the weekend we picked or what, but the park was packed.

Remembering the long lines from last year, I managed to pull myself away from the office Thursday and venture over to Epcot. What? It wasn’t like I was playing hooky from work or anything. I was hoping a midweek visit might be less crowded, allowing me a better chance to delightfully sample as much as I could from the twenty-nine Marketplace booths encompassing World Showcase.

I always believe in trusting your instincts. Mine in this case was correct! I encountered little to no lines at any of the booths during my eatfest. The biggest problem I encountered was deciding which items to try, before my stomach felt like it was ready to explode.

Items range in price between $2.50 – $12.75. So, which did I choose to delight in this year? I’m glad you asked!

Germany 

 Selbach – Oster Estate Spatlese $4.50

Japan

Tuna and Salmon Sensation $5.95

Morocco 

 Tangerine Mimosa Royale $6.00

Portugal

Fonseca Bin 27 Port $4.25

Cheese

Artisan Cheese Selection $4.50

                 Sterling Pinot Noir Vitner’s Collection $3.25

South Africa

Seared Filet of Beef with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce $5.00

South Korea

Boogogi BBQ Beef with Steamed White Rice and Kimchi $4.25

I would have liked to taste the Coq au Vin Sur Gratin de Macaroni, Creme Brulee au Chocolate au Lait and White Chocolate Macadamia Mousse with Dark Chocolate Pearls. Perhaps another yummy visit before the festival ends is in order?

 XOXO,

Diva With A Fork is thrilled to present Tampa’s first…

November 13, 2011

Centre Club

123 South Westshore Blvd

Eighth Floor

Tampa, Florida

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

 Admission is Free to the Public

Children 11 Years of Age and Up are Welcome to Attend When Accompanied by an Adult

*SWAG BAGS*  *DOOR PRIZES*  *DELICIOUS FOOD SAMPLINGS* 

*INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES*

This luxury showcase brings together the best and brightest event professionals in the industry, to share their products and services with people throughout the Tampa Bay area. If you are planning a Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, Quince or other Social Event, you won’t want to miss this unique, fun-filled afternoon!

Calling All Industry Professionals…Sponsorship Opportunities, Exhibitor Booths and Advertising Spaces are Now Available

To learn more, contact – Eileen@divawithafork.com or call (813) 265-2862

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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After a full day of Freshman Parent Orientation at the University of Central Florida, the C.P.A. chefy hubby and I were ready to enjoy a glass of wine and a palette pleasing dinner. There were tons of restaurants around our hotel, but we were in the mood for pasta. Game on!

My inner diva demon was on the verge of  a total meltdown. In plain English, I hadn’t eaten all day, my sugar level had dropped and a hunger headache was setting in. Time was of the essence! We whipped out our iPhones and searched Yelp for an Italian restaurant worthy of our discerning taste. Moments later, my head was in full migraine mode. I NEEDED TO EAT! “I think I’ve found a place!” my chefy hubby announced, while loading the restaurant’s address into our car’s GPS. Within five minutes we pulled up to our destination.

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