My friends, I’m very sad.  When it comes to Epcot’s 2017 Holiday Kitchens, I must, unfortunately, pass the food festival baton over to my podcast partner – John Peters.

All of my dreams of Mongolian beef, sauerbraten, and other savory delights have been dashed.  Regrettably, another “real life” obligation has trumped our December trip to Orlando.

Never fear, however.  John has us covered!  Mrs. All in WDW and I might not be there to try the delicacies in person, but we’ll be there in spirit!

In the meantime, if I had been able to grab a taste of Epcot’s holiday celebration, here was how I ranked my target list:

1. Mongolian Beef Bao Bun – Shanghai Holiday Kitchen – China Pavilion
2. Sauerbraten – Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – Germany Pavilion
3. Seared Salmon with Crown Royal Whisky Glaze – Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada Pavilion
4. Seared Pork Tenderloin – American Holiday Table – American Adventure Pavilion
5. Traditional French Canadian Tourtiere – Yukon Holiday Kitchen – Canada Pavilion
6. Slow-Roasted Turkey with Stuffing – American Holiday Table – American Adventure Pavilion
7. Slow-roasted Pork Shoulder in a Corn Masa – Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen – Mexico Pavilion
8. Roasted Pork with Smashed Yuca – Feast of the Three Kings
9. Chinese Barbeque Pork Rice Bowl – Shanghai Holiday Kitchen – China Pavilion
10. Pasta in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce with Pancetta – Tuscany Holiday Kitchen – Italy Pavilion

Alas, John will have to devour that menu for me, but guess what?  He’s already given it a start!  Can he make it through all ten dishes?  We’ll have to see.  Take it away, my friend!

By John Peters

Hello, food fans!  My wife and I stopped by Epcot after my Sunday shift at Animal Kingdom a week or so ago, and sampled some of their holiday best!  Great food, everyone!

First, we tried American Holiday Table’s Slow-Roasted Turkey with Stuffing.  It was very tasty!

Then, we dropped by Bavaria Holiday Kitchen for a serving of their Sauerbraten.  Also, outstanding!

Bob published my holiday report last year, and if you read it, you know that I said, “Big difference between this [festival] and Food & Wine.  The prices and serving sizes are both bigger.”  Take a look back at 2016’s pictures!

Well, the biggest difference from last year, folks, is the portion.  Where, last year, they were huge, this year, they are much more Food & Wine-like.

Better yet, the prices are size-appropriate!  For example, in 2016, the slow-roasted turkey cost $11.25!  The sauerbraten was $12!  The prices, now, are $5.25 and $6.00, respectively.

Great improvement, Epcot.  Much more enticing and much more affordable.  Good work!  If you’re in the neighborhood, everyone, stop by World Showcase.  Food & Wine is gone, but delicious cuisine is still flowing!