Dining Recon: Sommerfest

Good morning, my friends!  I hope all is well in your world.  Did you win yesterday’s $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot?  No?  Neither did I.  No retirement to Orlando for me … yet!

Hey!  Everyone has their own favorite “spot” in Walt Disney World, don’t they?  I mean, I haven’t been shy about admitting my affection for the Coronado Springs Resort’s Laguna Bar.

When truth is told, however, it is actually Epcot’s World Showcase that tops my list of favorite places to sit, people watch, and, most of all, relax when we’re on vacation.

Of course, for the most part, everyone also has their favorite pavilion in World Showcase.  Normally, I’m partial to both the United Kingdom and Norway, but I’m fond of Germany too.

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On a recent trip, I stopped by Germany at lunchtime.  Not wanting a big meal, I visited the pavilion’s Counter Service – Sommerfest – for a quick bite to eat.

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Whether it’s their savory entrees or sugary delights, there are a lot of good choices at this little counter, don’t you think?  In the name of “research”, I couldn’t resist trying two items!

First up, was a fresh-cooked Bratwurst.  Loaded with sauerkraut and accompanied by house-made “paprika chips”, it was good.

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Frankly (no pun intended), however, it (especially the bun) needed something to wash it down.  More on that in a second.

Sommerfest’s Nudel Gratin, though, was phenomenal!  If you like a good baked macaroni and cheese, select this dish.  It is excellent!

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Of course, I had to have a beverage as well.  Disney fans far and wide rave about Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen.  So, why not try it?

You have to understand, I am a fan of hoppy (somewhat “citrus-y”) beers.  I am not a fan of fruity beers.  This brew, however, was very refreshing and tasted quite good.  I’d have it again!

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All in all, a good, and much too big for my belly, lunch.  I didn’t finish the brat.

If I had one critique, to be honest, it would be Germany’s lack of seating.  This meal, I had to eat at my favorite umbrella table in Italy.  That’s OK, though.  It is another of my favorite spots!

Mmm! Hot Salted Caramel!

Good morning, folks!  Our thanks go out to All in WDW reader Denise Gagne Minear who provides us with this “Dining” Recon for Prost!

You remember Prost!, yes?  I just introduced it to you a few days ago.  Here’s a reminder – their menu …

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Well, thanks to Denise, we get to see one of these delights … along with her comments!  Phenomenal picture, by the way!  I love the nutcracker in the background.  Great photography!

Folks, here’s a cup of Hot Salted Caramel!  Take it away, Denise!  And, THANK YOU for your contribution!

“Sure, no problem!  This drink is our family Epcot holiday favorite.  It’s quite rich, so we usually share.  I wish I could recreate this from home!

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I wanted to also try the Gingersnap S’more (all in the name of research, of course), but they were out!

The service at this booth was very slow both last weekend and this weekend.  Other than that, two big thumbs up for this one!”

Do You Want To Build A Snowman?!

A cup of Hot Salted Caramel and a Gingersnap S’more aren’t the only thing you’ll find in World Showcase’s German Pavilion this year.

Although, I have to say … Prost! has to be on your “to-do” list if you make it to Epcot this holiday season.  Yum!  Take a look back at their menu!

Also found in Germany, there’s a second booth.  It’s called Glaskugel (German for ‘glass sphere’), and it’s offering its wares … glass Christmas ornaments!

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It wasn’t the kiosk, itself, that caught my eye, though.  Take a look at that “not so” snowman!  What a happy looking fellow!  I just had to snap a shot of him and his silly grin!

Have a great day, folks.  I hope the day leaves you smiling as much as “Frosty” here!

It’s Christmas Time in Epcot! Prost!

Or, should I say, “Cheers”, my friends?

I mentioned this particular German holiday gem on the most-recent episode of the WDW Main Street Podcast.  Did you catch it?  No?  Well, here you go, then.  Click this link to listen!

As is one of our “bad” habits, the show’s hosts, Doug Davis and Dennis Conroy, and I stumbled upon a favorite topic – Food & Wine.  It was Dennis’ fault, I assure you!

Anyway, in the back of World Showcase, in Germany, of course, I found some traditional holiday beverages … at “Prost!”

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It is conveniently located at the location where, only a month before, we would have found Germany’s Food & Wine marketplace … and it’s loaded with holiday “goodies”! Check it out!

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What’s your pleasure?  A Hot Salted Caramel, perhaps?  Would you prefer a Gingersnap S’more or a German Chocolate Chip Cookie?

Yum!  Regardless of what you pick, this spot is a fabulous and festive addition to World Showcase.  Great job, Epcot!

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