My Returning Favorites That I Can’t Find Outside Epcot:
– Australia’s Lamb. I’ve tried for 2 years to duplicate this pesto sauce, unsuccessfully, and I’d never have thought to put potato chips on a chop. Genius, when not served overdone.
–Africa’s Berbere Beef. Finally, they let something come out authentically spicy, not toned down (looking at you, Mexico) for tourists.
–Greece’s Griddled Cheese: Do yourself a favor and get a nice warm gooey tray of this cheese w crumbled pistachios.
–Brazil’s Pork Belly. Perfectly crisp outside, soft inside, just how Piglet would’ve wanted. Accompanied by a salsa that’s even better.
–Ireland’s Bunratty Meade. The King of Meade. Watered down, wine-like, this is not.
–Italy’s Ravioli, Dios Mio. I don’t often eat pasta, but this baked wonder is a delight. Share or be stuffed all day.
There are other returning favorites, but I can get them in a local restaurant or grocery at same or better quality:
–Singapore Chicken Curry, gyoza, bao (steam bun),black pepper shrimp, Irish Cheeses (I have a few on hand in my 'fridge), steak, cheese soup, Belgian beer.
Anything else I didn’t mention, falls somewhere in between–liked, but don’t need to have each year.
Items I Want to Try (either new or missed in past years):
–Belguim’s Waffles…one of them… to see what the hype is about. I mean, it’s a just waffle, right?
–Belgium’s Iced Coffee w chocolate liquor…yum. My two favorite things.
–China’s bubble tea…always tasty.
–France’s ribs and gratin. I tend to skip over France, maybe I’m just too full by that corner. This year I’ll try some of their rich fare.
–Japan’s Chira-something salad and sake gel
–Puerto Rico (Me Encanta) Friturias, the island’s popular street/kiosk food, a must do. Also the carne and mango rum shouldn’t disappoint.
–Dessert Trio, don’t much care what it is. I’ll take it. With a glass of Dom.
–Scotland’s Crannachan, which means “some dessert that sounds good”.
There are other new items I’ll probably try but these stand out the most.
Random Thoughts:
–Dear Germany, you have other wines to offer besides Riesling. Gewurztraminer is feeling neglected despite its floral bouquet. Thank You, PianoMinnie.
–WHERE IS THE CHEESE BOOTH?!?
–Really Disney? Can’t afford to sell whole (small) lobster tails anymore? Replacing the lobster roll w lobster alfredo (read: small amount of lobster bits drowned in sauce & pasta) seems incredibly cheap of you.
– Seems like I could just grab a few items at Morocco booth and skip Spice Road, for a fraction of the cost.
–Refreshment Outpost: The go-to for those of you with picky eaters.
–I am skipping Terra. As a recovering vegetarian, I know that veg-foods are incredibly tasty. However, I’m not spending time or money on things I can make at home. I do appreciate they have the booth, and hope that some uber carnivores will give it a chance.
–I am skipping Mexico de Mi Corazon. I can make better, more flavorful en casa. Also, the mini-pianos want to try “eating inside the pyramid”.
–I don’t do kim-chi.
–Please bring back the paneer pocket.
My spreadsheet is done, now there’s just a few questions: Do I buy a portable tray? Is this the year I’ll need stretchy-pants? Would my kids appreciate the VIP package or stare at the kids playing Agent P with envy? (Yes, they would, so I’m passing on the package, boo.)
What are your plans & thoughts?