Howdy, foodies!  Yes, every festival has “winners”.  Of course, each Epcot “bash” also has “losers”.

We’ll cover all of the entrees that excelled to some degree or another – and, thereby, made my Final Top 20 – over the next few days, but, for now, let’s discuss Food & Wine’s so called …

“Dishonorable Mentions”

It’s hard to believe that Disney could ever deliver something dishonorable, isn’t it?  2017’s biggest “loser” was tough, chewy, hard to cut, and horrible.  Frankly, I never expect much from Australia’s lamb, but even I was saddened by the portion we received.

Having said that, for Mrs. All in WDW to be so discouraged by their Grilled Lamb T-Bone that she clearly voiced her disappointment and displeasure to a Disney chef?  Well, that speaks volumes to me.  The dish is a dud.  Avoid.

My initial report sums this one up the best.  “I’ll never learn my lesson, folks.  This heat-lamped hot mess was nothing but fat.  Looks good, but it wasn’t.  As a result, I didn’t even bother to finish it.

It’s a shame, I tell you.  Brazil’s Crispy Pork Belly, when fresh(!) and prepared properly, is really good.  Poor form, again, Epcot.”

I saw one YouTube walk through of Food & Wine where the host indicated that Thailand’s Seared Shrimp and Scallop Cake were pretty darn good.  That wasn’t my appraisal.

As much as I was looking forward to this dish, it disappointed me … greatly.  I found the cake to be way too “fishy” tasting.  Plus, the accompanying pasta was pretty bland and tasteless.  Another dud.

Craft Beers is serving a Zesty Cheeseburger and Cheddar Cheese Macaroni Handwich.  Sounds innovative and interesting, eh?

My opinion?  The “bread” really was more of a shell than it was a bread.  It totally overpowered what little bit of ingredients filled the cone.  Pass.

More sauce, China.  Please.  Mrs. All in WDW commented that she was surprised I didn’t enjoy this item.  I do like steamed buns, after all.

I had high hopes for this Spicy Chicken Bao Bun, but its chicken was dry, dry, dry.  The steamed bun just made it drier.  A generous helping of spicy sauce?  That’s what it needs.

The Wine & Dine Studio’s 2017 Seared Scallops paled in comparison to 2016’s presentation.  Let’s let the pictures tell the story.

2016’s Seared Scallops

2017’s Seared Scallops

Sure, they served two scallops this year.  A big plus!  Unfortunately, the mushrooms and cauliflower purée overpowered the dish.  2016’s recipe was much more enjoyable.

When I reviewed Farm Fresh’s Crispy Chicken with Griddled Cornbread, I said that I’m not going to discourage you from trying it.

Having said that, my particular portion wasn’t prepared well.  The chicken was overdone.  The cornbread was crumble-apart dry.  I’m sure that they’ll get better as the festival rolls forward, but, for me, this serving was a complete failure.

There.  I’m glad that’s over with.  I really hate calling anything Disney-related “bad”, but I feel obligated to provide you with my honest opinions.  Hopefully you’re all OK with that.

Stop back tomorrow, everyone!  Then, we get to cover the “good”.  We get to unveil the 2017 All in WDW Epcot International Food & Wine Festival FINAL Top 20!

Finally, I get to share with you my list of recommendations.  What should you eat during your visit to Food & Wine?  That advice starts tomorrow!