September 30, 2015 - On the Go in MCO

With so many great things to choose from at this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival, it was really wonderful to be able to attend a brunch held by Walt Disney World to try some of this year’s food items and beverages.

So what are we waiting for?

9 Things to Eat and Drink at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival:

You have to give the Loaded mac n’ cheese with Nueske’s® pepper bacon, cheddar cheese, peppers and green onions from Farm Fresh a try! Do you want to know what is wrong with this mac n’ cheese? Nothing! Get one ASAP! ($4.25)

The Belgium waffle with berry compote and whipped cream in Belgium is always on my ‘Must Eat’ list, because it is just the right size and sweetness level to round out the savory dishes I tend to purchase during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. This dish is Vegetarian. ($3.75)

The Escondidinho de carne, “Little Hidden One”, a layered meat pie with mashed yucca, available in Brazil has a cute name and a familiar, homey taste. This item is gluten free. ($5.00)

Now if I had to chose one dessert to eat for the rest of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the Caramel flan with rum-roasted pineapple from Dominican Republic would be my choice. The flan is light and airy, and the pineapple adds a great pop of acidity. This dish is vegetarian. ($3.25)

Love some ‘Shrimp on the Barbie’? The Grilled sweet and spicy bush berry shrimp with pineapple, peppers, onions, and snap peas from Australia is a lovely mix of flavors that you won’t want to pass up. This dish is gluten free.($4.75)

For those of you who love the liquid nitrogen craze, this year that a ‘smoking’ beverage is available on the promenade. The Smoking Hibiscus featuring Montelobos Mezcal Joven from the chew lab is an Alcoholic Beverage that is incredibly refreshing. And don’t forget to give the hibiscus bud a try! ($8.75)

New to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year is the Sustainable Chew, and their Pork Spareribs with red wine, fennel, and cheesy mascarpone grits does not disappoint. The fresh herbs cut through the smoke of the meat and add a great pop to the creamy grits. This dish is gluten free. ($5.50)

I have something to say…I love Yuca! The Soufflé de yuca: Yuca soufflé topped with griddled cheese from Dominican Republic is crazy! The firm griddled cheese with the creamy and slightly sharp yucca soufflé was an interesting and tasty combination. This dish is vegetarian. ($4.75)

I saved the best for last… My favorite alcoholic beverage at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is the Frozen Chew-tini from Sustainable Chew! It has a great consistency, slightly sweet taste, and crunch from an apple chip garnish. Be warned…these bad boys are dangerous! ($7.50)

We will be bringing you more coverage of this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival, so make sure you follow our adventures on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando Celebrates the Fall Season with Jake’s Beer Festival

Kick back and relax in a South Seas island paradise while experiencing a festival created for beer lovers, foodies and all who enjoy a good time. Enjoy more than 60 specialty craft beers, delicious food, live music by Beth McKee and more. Jake’s Beer Festival happens only twice each year and takes place under the outdoor Wantilan Pavilion at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.

Festival ticket: $35*
VIP ticket: $45*
All tickets include entry, beer, food, entertainment and self parking**.

Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando – Jake’s Beer Festival Information:

What:

Loews Royal Pacific Resort celebrates the fall season with the second Jake’s Beer Festival of 2015.Guests can enjoy more than 60 craft and specialty beers, creative and tasty foods expertly prepared by the hotel’s award-winning chefs and live entertainment under the outdoor Wantilan Pavilion.Jake’s Beer Festival is an adults (21 and older) only event.

When:

Friday, October 9, 2015 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where:

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
6300 Hollywood Way
Orlando, Florida 32819

Menu:

For even more menu information, click here.

Wurst
Grilled Mini Bratwurst, Braised Red Cabbage, House Made Pumpernickel RollSauerbraten
Rich and Savory Braised Angus Beef scented with Juniper and Allspice, Thyme and Parsley Spätzle tossed with Emmantaler CheeseCharcutière
Cold Smoked Mahi Salad, Liverwurst, German Holsteiner Salami, Butter Kase, Smoked Gouda, Whole Grain Ale Mustard, Cornichons

Fresh Baked Soft Pretzels
Four Cheese Porter FondueChicken and Waffles
Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Fresh Made Waffles, Jalapeño GlazeMini Desserts
Dark Chocolate Cupcake – Nutella Filling, Cream Cheese Frosting.
Key Lime Strawberry Shot – Coconut Mousse, Almond Nougatine.
Apple Streusel Shot – Raisin and Pistachio.

Tickets:

Tickets are $35 on-line. Limited VIP tickets are $45 on-line only and include all the benefits of a regular Jake’s Beer Festival ticket, plus exclusive access to Jake’s Clipper Room, where guests can sample additional specialty craft beers, more generous pours and firkin first drafts, plus a collectible pint glass and other extras.To purchase tickets, log onto JakesBeerFestival.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 407-503-3200 or e-mail royalpacificconcierge@loewshotels.com.