If I have my way, I’ll be walking over to Epcot in a few hours, to pass through the International Gateway, and dive into my first sampling of the All in WDW 2013 Food & Wine Pre-Festival Top 25. What should be first on my menu? How about …

13. Griddled Lobster Tail – Hops & Barley

As a first dish, this is a definite possibility. A late “entry” to this year’s “dance”, how can you argue with a freshly-prepared lobster tail? To be served with Garlic Herb Butter, I bet it’s going to be outstanding.

12. Seared Trout – Canada

Would you believe me if I said that I have never had trout? It’s true! I can’t wait to try this one … although, it is replacing one of my Canadian favorites – Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta. This fish BETTER be good!

11. Scottish Salmon – Scotland

Tables in Wonderland served this – with a helping of Le Cellier’s signature filet – at their late-July Food & Wine preview event. I have to say, I was a little bit disappointed. It was a bit on the bland side, for my taste. I’m game to give it another chance.

10. Seared Mahi-Mahi – Singapore

Last year, I said, “Very nice portion of fish that was very well cooked. The sauce was very tasty, but the rice was just ordinary. Honestly, this is another one for which I wish I had gone back for a second try.” OK. So, 2013 brings that second try. It finished at #8 on last year’s Final Top 25.

9. Taco de Ribeye – Mexico

Call this one a ‘return to what works’. Mexico served a ribeye taco in 2011. It finished at #5 on my Top 20. They switched to a filet (Taco de Filete) in 2012. It was very dry and landed at #16. Looking for redemption, Mexico?

8. Berbere-Style Beef – Africa

Beef prepared with an Ethiopian chili-pepper spice mixture and served with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato, Okra and Pap (a traditional ground corn polenta). This one sounds really intriguing. I hope I’m not disappointed.

7. Braised Beef Waffle – Belgium

Or, more accurately, a Potato and Leek Waffle with Braised Beef. Talk about intriguing! Should be interesting.

6. Mongolian Beef – China

Last year’s comments tell the story as this dish was, “Outstanding! The meat was very flavorful. The texture of the pillowy-soft bun and crispy noodles blended fabulously. It finished at #6 in 2012.

5. Shrimp Taco – Mexico

“The flavors and textures were phenomenal. I had this one three times and hope that it returns in 2013.” Hah! My wish was Epcot’s command! It’s back … and, I will be too! It was #5 last year, so I’m expecting a similar performance at this year’s party.

4. Ravioli – Italy

2012’s recipe was an “other-worldly blend of flavors – cheese, sauce, meat, pasta. It was near time for Illuminations when I tried this dish, I had a glass of red wine nearby, and we were sitting at one of those tall umbrella tables in Italy (you know the ones).  It was the perfect setting for this morsel to score big!” It did and was #3 on my final Top 25.

3. Braised Beef Short Ribs – France

I understand that this is a return item … having been on France’s menu in 2010. In the end, I’m weak when it comes to braised beef short ribs. I’m going out on a limb and guessing that if anything is going to break the “Dynamic Duo” at the top of my charts, it’ll be this dish.

2. “Le Cellier” Filet Mignon – Canada

Quoting from last year, “I should start by saying that we’ve been to Le Cellier a handful of times, but I have only ordered the filet. Call me boring, but I love filet. And, I love Le Cellier’s filet. I’m not a huge mushroom fan – actually, I’m not a mushroom fan at all – but, for some reason, having it with Le Cellier’s filet and risotto is phenomenal.” It was my #2 in 2012 and it remains there today because, as controversial as it is, it just couldn’t beat …

1. Kalua Pork Sliders – Hawaii

2011 and 2012′s “defending champion” remains on top of the “mountain”. From my 2012 comments, “The combination of the roll, the moist and flavorful pork, and the pineapple chutney are expertly pulled together with the best tasting sauce on the planet to make this my favorite Food & Wine dish.” EVER. If you want to beat it, all you marketplaces out there, you better “bring it”!

There you have it, my friends. Here IS the All in WDW 2013 Food & Wine Pre-Festival Top 25!

1. Kalua Pork Sliders – Hawaii
2. “Le Cellier” Filet Mignon – Canada
3. Braised Beef Short Ribs – France
4. Ravioli – Italy
5. Shrimp Taco – Mexico
6. Mongolian Beef – China
7. Braised Beef Waffle – Belgium
8. Berbere-Style Beef – Africa
9. Taco de Ribeye – Mexico
10. Seared Mahi-Mahi – Singapore
11. Scottish Salmon – Scotland
12. Seared Trout – Canada
13. Griddled Lobster Tail – Hops & Barley
14. Crispy Pork Belly – Brazil
15. Kimchi Dog – South Korea
16. Grass-Fed Beef Sliders – Florida
17. Lamb Meatball – New Zealand
18. Grilled Lamb Chop – Australia
19. Seared Scallop – Brazil
20. Garlic Shrimp – Australia
21. Chicken Gyro – Greece
22. Lemongrass Chicken Curry – Singapore
23. Griddled Greek Cheese – Greece
24. Beef Empanada – Argentina
25. Fisherman’s Pie – Ireland

Honorable Mentions:

• Grilled Beef Skewer – Argentina
• Roast Pork Lettuce Wrap – South Korea
• Venison Sausage – New Zealand
• Shrimp Ceviche – Florida
• Taste of Greece – Greece

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