Welcome back, Germany!  After a two year absence, it’s about time you returned to Epcot’s annual Springtime food-fest!

Of course, you probably could have done better than a Roasted Bratwurst.  Having said that, the brat’s accompanying Curry Ketchup did get me intrigued … for a brief moment.

Actually, when it comes to Bauernmarkt’s offerings, I think I’m going to give their Chicken Fricassee a try.  Oooh.  Spoiler there.  It’s in Bob’s Top 10!

Hmm.  A fricassee.  According to “Mr. Google”, a fricassee is halfway between a saute and a stew.  I can’t wait to see what you’ve got going on there, Germany.  Please. Don’t disappoint!

I frankly don’t know whether to class this next dish as an entree or a dessert, but Bauernmarkt is tossing one other item into the mix.  It’s enticing, I’ll admit, but is Egg Battered Toast with Cherry Compote a fancy way to say German (er, French) toast?

My disdain for Italy’s festival efforts has become legendary.  Maybe disdain is too strong of a word.  Very strong disappointment?  Yeah, that fits better.

What’s my axe to grind as far as poor Primavera Kitchen is concerned?  Well, it dates back to Italy removing an extremely tasty baked ravioli from their Food & Wine menu several years ago.

I absolutely loved that ravioli!  Every pasta dish they’ve sold since has been “ho-hum”.  In fact, last year’s Cheese Manicotti was incredibly unimpressive.

2015’s Cheese Manicotti

Hey, that’s high praise, actually.  In 2014, I called that very same item “over-cooked, dry, and pretty flavorless”.  Let’s hope 2016’s Stuffed Egg Pasta delivers much, much more.

Of course, if this year’s pasta doesn’t rescue Italy from the doldrums of dining, maybe their Chicken Parmigiana will bring them back to culinary respectability.  Honestly, I’ve had Food & Wine’s Chicken Marsala.  I don’t have high hopes.

Now, we’re going to get down to real business!  Let’s grab some BBQ!  The Smokehouse at World Showcase’s American Adventure is where it’s at!

Truthfully, this kitchen’s Pulled Pig Slider is outstanding.  Typically served with slaw and described this year as coming with with Crispy Onions, I can’t wait to “dive in”!

2015’s Pulled Pig Slider

In 2015, we experienced Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash.  Sounds like a great concept, doesn’t it?  Looks tasty, eh?

2015’s Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash

It replaced a much better dish – 2013 and 14’s Smoked Beef Brisket.  Sadly, in comparison to the brisket, the simple hash was a big disappointment.

2014’s Smoked Beef Brisket

New this year, The Smokehouse is also serving Smoked Pork Ribs.  I have to admit, like you (I’d bet), Mrs. All in WDW and I have some experience enjoying ribs.

In fact, we have a very dear friend who makes the best smoked ribs we’ve ever had.  Will you stack up, Epcot?  We’ll see.

Festival-goers just love Hanami’s Frushi.  I have to admit.  It is a refreshing and tasty little morsel of “sushi”.  Frankly, though, I never know whether to call it an entree or a dessert!

2015’s Frushi

With so many festival delights to choose from among, some dishes just flat-out can’t make this diner’s limited menu.

Take Japan’s Chicken Edamame Bun, for instance.  It was in one of my early Top 10’s.  In the end, it just couldn’t make the final cut!

Why?  Well, I simply had to include Hanami’s Beef Teriyaki Udon.  Thin-sliced beef, onions, and noodles tossed on the grill with soy and ginger?  Count me in!

Wow!  I’m full, folks.  That’s enough for today!  One more preview installment tomorrow, followed by my Pre-Festival Top 10, and then the dining can begin!

Yes, my friends, Mrs. All in WDW and I are going to end our week at Epcot – dining on delicacies, enjoying the wonders of World Showcase, and posting pictures of food!  Yay!