Hello Humans! I’m back with my review of Flower and Garden Festival 2018! Since I am back at school, I only got to attend a few times over spring break, but I definitely got to try a lot! There are some booths that I’ve skipped but definitely will be back to try. I will be heading back down for the summer beginning of May, so I’m definitely going to hit it up a few times and try some more things before it leaves!
The Honey Bee-stro
My friend suggested I try the Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread, as it was one of her favorite menu items. I am actually sort of a picky eater, but not when it’s come to Epcot Festivals so I am willing to try everything. It has white cheddar cheese, charred vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream and Micro Watercress on flatbread. This definitely ended up being so much better than expected! I definitely recommend trying it! If you like to eat around at all the different booths, it is a great option to split with people since it is a great size for the price of $5.25!
Pineapple Promenade
Of course, the most important menu item of all, Violet Lemonade! Truly life changing. Especially for those basic photo ops!
Jardin de Fiestas
Stationed right before the main Mexico pavilion, this kitchen has great options for food and drinks that are different than the traditional offerings at the pavilion. In particular, I tried the Chilaquiles. My friend told me I liked it so I went for it. A chilequile is a dish of fried tortilla strips. It was served with chorizo, which is a spicy Spanish pork sausage, Mexican cream, and Cotija cheese. Couldn’t really tell you what all of this is, but I ended up LOVING it! I hate all things spicy, and this was spicy, but I actually thoroughly enjoyed it more than I thought and would get it again. It is a great portion size for $5.95.
Lotus House
Located right in the China pavilion, this is always one of my favorite stops for food and drinks. The Vegetable Spring Rolls tend to be on the menu every festival season, so I didn’t have them this go around, but I’ve had them before and they are a great option, especially because you get two for $4.50! I tried the Fried Chicken Dumplings with Peanut Sauce, which I absolutely LOVED. You get three for $6.25, which is not bad at all! Again, all these portions are easy for sharing with people if you want to try things in every country. My friend got the Spicy Meatballs with Crispy Tofu for $5.00, which I tried and they weren’t my favorite because they are spicy, but every one else enjoyed them!
Finally getting into drinks! The Kung Fu Punch is to die for! It comes in a regular 12 oz cup and for all the alcohol that’s in it; I think it’s worth it for $8.75. It has Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango, and Orange Juice. 10/10 would recommend – great refresher for a hot day as well.
Primavera Kitchen
Ah yes, my home pavilion. Coming from an 100% Italian family I am very picky when it comes to good Italian food, but I think the Italy pavilion overall does a solid job with paying tribute to the homeland with their food. I unfortunately did not getting around to trying the food but I definitely will next time, because the Maine Lobster Ravioli with Vodka Sauce definitely caught my eye. I do recommend the Prosecco and Moscato if you want a classic Italian drink, each are $9. It pains me to say this but they are a little over priced because you can chug the champagne flute in a few sips, but I still find myself always spending the money. If you want a drink that is worth the money, the Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila is worth $10. It comes in a 12 oz cup and is a twist on the classic marg by adding Limoncello. It is filling and good to share!
The Smokehouse Barbecue & Brews
I always tend to skip the America pavilion, but recently I discovered they actually have excellent American food and local beers! I tried Central 28 Brewing Company Sunshine Greetings Orange Hibiscus Wheat Ale from DeBary, FL. It’s $4.25 and the normal “sample” size for festival beers. I enjoyed it! I am trying to get in to more local craft beers. Next time I go the Pulled Pig, Beef Brisket, and Warm Chocolate Cake definitely are on my list to try.
Hanami
We only got around to drinking in Japan, which in my opinion is not my favorite place to drink. My friend got the Sake, which he enjoyed but I found gross! I got the Sapporo Draft Beer, which was ok, but nothing special. I never tried the Frushi that has been so popular to photograph, but this is the place to get it. I have heard amazing reviews! Next time I go the Teriyaki Salmon definitely has my eye!
Taste of Marrakesh
Again, in my opinion the Moroccan Pavilion tends to be the least popular, I got the White Sangria and my friend got the Casa Beer. Nothing special, but I do want to try the Desert Rose and the Walnut Honey Baklava.
Fleur de Lys
This is always one of my favorite stands for drinks at Food and Wine and Flower and Garden. This year, all the millennials are going nuts over the photo opportunity with the La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy with Grey Goose Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, and White and Red Cranberry Juice. It’s $10.75, which is a bit pricey, but it is a pretty good size, and it tastes as good as it looks. The Macaron au Chocolat en Succette is a large chocolate macaron on a stick with little sugar balls on it. It also tastes as good as it looks in all my photographs. I definitely will be getting both again!
Northern Bloom
Canada never fails to disappoint food and drink wise! I tried the Beef Tenderloin Tips, which paired with the mushroom sauce and potatoes and vegetables were to die for! I definitely will be getting that again. Drink wise, I got to try the Unibroue Maudite Amber Ale and the Unibroue Éphémère White Ale, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed!
So I hope you enjoyed my Flower and Garden review! I’m hoping to try even more during the month of May before it leaves for good. Until next time, see ya real soon!