Good Taste

There’s still time to partake of the longest food festival in the country, the 19th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Breaking records this year by stretching to 53 days, the international sampling extravaganza started in mid-September and ends Nov. 10. 

From free meet-and-greets with winemakers and cookbook authors to the extravagant Party for the Senses (priciest ticket is $299 for a seat in the private wine lounge—final Party on Nov. 1), there’s a special event for every Epcot ticket holder (park admission extra). But the real attraction drawing 1 million-plus foodies a year is the world-spanning bites. 

Ranging from $4 to $8, food at the mini-serving Marketplaces arranged around the World Showcase lagoon allows visitors to indulge in items from an eclectic array of nearly 30 countries. This year, new entry Patagonia, showcasing the flavors of Chile and Argentina, presents sustainable Verlasso salmon with peppery arugula chimichurri; the Puerto Rico Marketplace is cooking ensalada de carrucho conch salad (pictured above) and slow-braised carne Guisada; and the refreshed menu at France spotlights a savory escargot tart and classic boeuf Bourguignon.

New to the Fest is an after-hours “Late Nights Live!” street party on Thursdays that costs $79 and includes park entry for the event, six food samples, musical performances and a romantic view of Epcot’s World Showcase after dark.

407-939-3378,
epcotfoodfestival.com 

—J.H.