You know, my friends, sometimes Disney can’t resist throwing “curveballs” at us foodie fans. I’ve seen them do it in past years. 2017 is no different.
What am I talking about? Well, I haven’t made all that big a fuss about it for prior festivals, but they do tweak their Food & Wine menus on occasion.
So, while we’ve been laboring away – even voting one of Italy’s entrees into Round 2 of our menu selection – Epcot has removed two of their entrees and added three others!
How so, you ask? Let’s start with Italy. Their menu originally included Braised T-Bone Lamb Chops and Penne with Vodka Sauce and Shrimp. We voted the lamb further forward in our “competition”!
Well, forget that, folks. Both items have been removed from the menu on Disney’s web site to be replaced by Beef Stew with Parmesan Creamy Polenta.
Very similar in description to a very good item that Italy served in 2016 – Tuscan-style Stew with Crispy Polenta – it might be a worthy replacement. Having said that, if you were looking forward to lamb chops, visit Australia.
2016’s Tuscan-style Stew with Crispy Polenta
When Food & Wine’s menus originally dropped, one of World Showcase’s new marketplaces – The Almond Orchard Hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze – simply presented a solitary dessert.
Originally laid out as a Banana Almond Sundae layered with fresh berries and topped with dark chocolate and blueberry almonds, it is now presented as a Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae with fresh berries and crunchy chocolate oats. A bit of a tweak, I’d say.
Further, and better yet, however, the booth has added two entree-like items! The first is quite intriguing – Cauliflower Risotto with Pulled Chicken, Artichokes, Spinach and Parmesan Cheese and Aged Balsamic. I am a risotto fan, after all.
The second is a bit more mundane – Fire-roasted Tomato Hummus topped with Blue Diamond Salt & Vinegar Almonds and served with Blue Diamond Nut Thins.
What’s that mean for us, then? Well, Italy’s lamb has been removed from our “menu” of 2nd Round poll items. That country’s beef stew, as well as the aforementioned risotto and hummus, will show up this coming weekend when Part III of 1st Round voting returns!
See ya’ tomorrow, everyone! Until then, bon appetit!
It's "All in WDW" 