© Disney

It’s almost that time of year again, that’s right Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Disney released some new information about the festival now in its 18th year from Sept. 27-Nov. 11, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.

What’s new…

A new kiosk featuring the country of Scotland.

Brazil kiosks returns after a year hiatus with a new menu.

Nightly Eat to the Beat concerts will be back and five bands will make their festival debut this year.

Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog will return for a third year.

More celebrity chefs

I am looking forward to another year of culinary goodness. The idea of a new kiosk and added musical acts is a great way to keep the party going. This year I will be returning to cook it up with the retro rad girl herself, Chef Emily Ellyn for her Kitchen Memories luncheon. It was an epic experience and we are totally excited to be there once again!

Here is Disney’s official release….

Fresh for 2013:

New marketplace debuts; favorites return -Traditional flavors with a twist will pair with beers, meads and Scotch at the new Scotland Marketplace designed by Walt Disney Imagineering.  Scottish officials were so impressed with the hit Disney film, “Brave,” that they contacted festival planners about participating in this year’s festival.  The Brazil Marketplace returns by popular demand with an exciting new menu following a one-year hiatus.  Hawai’i is back with its flavorful Kalua Pork Slider, and Terra, which debuted last year, returns with vegan favorite Trick’n Chicken Curry.

Fan favorites rock the house at Eat to the Beat! Concerts – “We Got the Beat” with the Go-Go’s (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) and four other musical acts are set to make first appearances at Eat to the Beat nightly concerts.  Also new to the festival stage: Edwin McCain (Oct. 10-11), The Manhattan Transfer (Oct. 12-13), Spin Doctors (Oct. 31-Nov. 1), and Christopher Cross (Nov. 2-3) Nineteen bands are slated, with STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas kicking off the concert series Sept. 27-29.  Returning fan favorites include The Pointer Sisters, Smash Mouth, Boyz II Men, Sister Hazel, Air Supply, Hanson and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Celebrity chefs cook and dish - Renowned chefs like Warren Brown, Paula DaSilva, Gale Gand, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine, Dean Max, Rock Harper, Jeff Henderson, Art Smith, Buddy Valastro, Allen Susser, “Cake Boy” Eric Lanlard, Duskie Estes and John Stewart, Donald Link, Bryan Voltaggio and Emily Ellyn share their talents during culinary demos and premium events.

Festival Welcome Center buzzes with activities – Guests can make the most of complimentary Authentic Taste seminars.  Culinary demonstrations and wine seminars feature new tastes and sips for a nominal fee.

Reserved culinary events draw foodies — Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers like Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson as they participate in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

Other festival highlights include:

• More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country
• A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport to be stamped at each international marketplace visited for the perfect scrapbook souvenir.
• Party for the Senses grand tasting events Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2 featuring tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment.
• Premium events including “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery on select Fridays, Cheese Seminars on Saturdays and Sweet Sundays on Sundays.

Included with your Epcot park admission: the Authentic Taste seminars, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Remember you will need to make special advanced reservations for The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission.  Guests will be able to call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations after an August date is announced.  Information and reservations for select events and programs will be at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.

“Iron Man 3” is back in theaters and totally doesn’t disappoint. The hot and ever quick Robert Downey, Jr gives another awesome performance in this blockbuster sequel.  It starts out where “The Avengers” leaves off where Tony Stark is experiencing some issues that he must learn to deal with as well as a crazed terrorist that is threatening the President. He is on a mission to stop it and whoa do the special effects go into overdrive. I was so impressed with the effects and action sequences in this film. It’s a definite must see in theaters to get the full around effect.

My favorite part of this movie is Robert’s quick, hysterical one liners especially in scenes with a boy he meets along the way. I don’t want to give away too much but make sure you stick around after the credits for a special extra scene. Here is the full synopsis and characters for “Iron Man 3”….

Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce & Shane Black and is based on Marvel’s iconic Super Hero Iron Man, who first appeared on the pages of “Tales of Suspense” (#39) in 1963 and had his solo comic book debut with “The Invincible Iron Man” (#1) in May of 1968. The film releases May 3, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

“Like” IRON MAN 3 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ironman

“Follow” IRON MAN 3 on Twitter: @Iron_Man

Visit the website: http://marvel.com/ironman3

Taste some local eats from the Sunshine State! This Florida Fresh kiosk in Epcot’s World Showcase was refreshing. The shrimp and grits dish was my favorite of this year’s culinary offerings. It had the perfect heat kick to it. We also tried the Watermelon Salad and the Angel Food Cake with fresh local berries. Everything was on point and scrumptious. I liked the fact that on a warm day all of these dishes weren’t heavy and easy to eat. If you are feeling adventurous try one of the non-grape wines: carrot or tomato.

Here’s the complete kiosk menu…

Florida Fresh

Florida Fresh is located on the Mexico side of World Showcase Promenade.

Food:

• Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, BW Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction (Try It Selection)
• Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, and Cilantro
• Angel Food Cake with macerated Florida Berries (Try It Selection)

Beverages:

• Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves
• 40 Karat Carrot Wine from Florida Orange Groves
• Orange Blossom Pilsner from Orange Blossom in Orlando, FL
• Strawberry Slush – non alcoholic
• Dasani Water
• Seagram’s Orange Citrus Sparkling Water
• Minute Maid® Light Lemonade
• Honest Kids® Super Fruit Punch

Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, and Cilantro

Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, BW Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction

Angel Food Cake with macerated Florida Berries

Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves & 40 Karat Carrot Wine from Florida Orange Groves

Dole Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum

Did I have you at Dole Whip? This refreshing fan favorite has been plussed with Siesta Key Spiced Rum and it is awesome. It’s so exciting to see how Disney has added the food kiosks that are normally out during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in the fall for this spring’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. You can read more about the announcement here and get a complete list of the food and beverage kiosks here. They are also adding a Garden Passport: A Guide to Flora, Food and Fun this year as well. I love this idea so much, it helps to navigate the festival with ease. Listing all the topiaries, gardens, play areas, food and more. You can pick up your passports at the Festival Center and along the kiosks on the World Showcase.

 Pineapple Promenade has some tasty offerings especially if you are a big fan of pineapple like I am. Not only do they have the sought after Dole whip but they have Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Pineapple Fruit Cup, Samuel Adams Cream Stout and the fabulous Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic). This lemonade has such a unique flavor that was so good! I had to have two of them. Not to mention the pretty edible flowers that they garnish it with. Too cute!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Dole Pineapple

(Click on the images to make them larger)

Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade

The Cottage: Savories, Trifles and Teas in UK has a huge variety of hot and iced British teas and beverages inspired by English roses. We enjoyed the Peach Cold Brewed Iced Tea, it had good flavor but needed to be sweeter. I had to try all the food choices at The Cottage, everything looked so yummy. We tried the

•  Potato, Chive and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare and Sour Cream
• Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar and Basil
•  Baked Goat’s Brie with Kumquat Chutney

The Cheddar Cheese Biscuit was so flaky and warm. It practically melted in with the Salmon Tartare and was a great combination. Heirloom Tomato Salad was refreshing but just your regular kind of salad. Now, the Baked Goat’s Brie with Kumquat Chutney was AMAZING! I wanted to drink the Chutney by itself it was that good. I can’t wait to go back and have another.

What do you think of the new food kiosks addition to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival?

Save $3 off to Central Florida Home & Garden Show
or
Win free tickets, VIP front row seats and a meet and greet with Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes.

The Central Florida Home & Garden Show will be here next weekend, March 22-24, returning to the Orange County Convention Center in the South Concourse, Hall SB facing I-Drive. From the front door to the back yard, guests will find the area’s largest selection of the latest products and services for the home, all under one roof. Save $3 off full-price adult admission when purchasing online at www.CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com.

Friday, March 22 is FAMILY DAY, a celebration of all things home and family. In the midst of spring and Spring Break, now’s the time to bring the kid out in all of us. Join in special activities and gather tips for a family-friendly home.

But wait, there’s more! Here’s your chance to win a 4 tickets to the show, good for admission any time during show hours (see www.CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com for details).

If you win the 4 tickets, you will also be entered in to win a grand prize: VIP front row seats to see Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes during his Saturday 12 noon stage appearance, followed by participation in a group meet and greet with Jason.

Jason Cameron

Want to enter the contest? It’s easier than you think! Leave us a comment below and briefly tell us what your favorite do-it-yourself project was! Sound simple? It is! Anyone can enter and anyone can win! The winner will be selected at complete random based on the entries below. Go ahead, enter now, it only takes a second!

Connect on Facebook, Twitter (@FloridaHomeShow), Pinterest (pinterest.com/homeshows/) for up-to-the-minute show details, discounts and fabulous home improvement tips. Visit the show’s blog at www.HomeAndGardenBlog.com.
Hashtag: #FLHS13

*Parking:
Parking is $8 per car per day with a valid Florida ID in the adjacent lots off Universal Blvd. and International Drive.

This giveaway ends on 03/20/13.

*** CONGRATULATIONS Ginger! We will email you the information! ***

I was compensated with tickets to the Central Florida Home & Garden Show in exchange for posting this contest and discount ticket opportunity.

12 marketplaces offer culinary specialties inspired by the gardens around the World Showcase as well as wines and beers pairings at each marketplace. Here is a complete list of the kiosk food and beverage line-up.

Florida Fresh

Florida Fresh is located on the Mexico side of World Showcase Promenade.

Food:

• Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, BW Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction (Try It Selection)
• Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, and Cilantro
• Angel Food Cake with macerated Florida Berries (Try It Selection)

Beverages:

• Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves
• 40 Karat Carrot Wine from Florida Orange Groves
• Orange Blossom Pilsner from Orange Blossom in Orlando, FL
• Strawberry Slush – non alcoholic
• Dasani Water
• Seagram’s Orange Citrus Sparkling Water
• Minute Maid® Light Lemonade
• Honest Kids® Super Fruit Punch

Fruits by the Glass

Fruits by the Glass is located in World Showcase Plaza.

Beverages:

• Watermelon Passion Fruit Cocktail (served with Cane Vodka from Florida Distillery LLC)
• Wild Berry Slush – non alcoholic (Try It Selection)
• Sea Dog Blue Paw Wild Blueberry
• Mango Mama, Mango Wine from Florida Orange Groves
• Blueberry Blue, Blueberry Wine from Florida Orange Groves
• New Planet™ (Gluten Free) 3R Raspberry Ale from Boulder, Colorado
• DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Chardonnay
• DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir
• Dasani Water
• Seagram’s Orange Citrus Sparkling Water
• Minute Maid® Light Lemonade
• Honest Kids® Super Fruit Punch

The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews – The American Adventure

From March 8-17th in honor of St. Patrick’s Day a chocolate cupcake of green colored peppermint buttercream adorned with a white chocolate hat and Mickey ears made of two vanilla wafers dipped in dark chocolate.

©Disney

From March 18-31st for Easter, a pineapple-coconut yellow cupcake with white buttercream. Topped with coconut shavings, candy Mickey shaped confetti with white chocolate bunny ears and pink polka-dot bowtie.

©Disney

Can’t wait to try one!!!

Hey Local Orlando Peeps! There is a great foodie event taking place tonight in Winter Park called Chili for Charity. My good friend and fabulous Retro Rad Chef Emily Ellyn will be a judge to this fun chili cook-off. So come out for a great cause and some tasty eats.

Here is all the info…

Back by popular demand, the Rotary Club of Winter Park presents Chili for Charity. Unlike traditional chili cook-offs, this event features creative chili presentations with a “Winter Park attitude.”
Local restaurants and caterers will compete for the coveted Peoples’ Choice award and have their dishes evaluated by a select panel of judges. Live entertainment by Papa Jack Express, drinks, dessert and a live auction led by American Fundraising Auctions round out the evening at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market.
Net event proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Winter Park Foundation, which provides grants to more than 30 local charities each year. Over the last 20 years the club has donated more than $640,000 to charities serving the Winter Park community.
Click here to learn about event sponsorships.

When & Where
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Winter Park Farmers’ Market
200 W. New England Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789

The Chili
Check out who will be competing for bragging rights in the Peoples Choice competition.
B & B Junction
Fiddler’s Green
Four Rivers Smokehouse
fresh.
Hillstone Restaurant
John & Shirley’s Catering
Miller’s Orlando Ale House
Sodexo – Rollins College
Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q
The Bistro on Park Avenue
The Tiffany Deli
Tolla’s Italian Deli & Cafe
Whole Foods Market
Winter Park Fish Company

The Auction
Check out some of the amazing prizes to be auctioned off at Chili for Charity.
San Francisco Wine Country
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and winery tours in the famous Napa Valley. Become a connoisseur as you sample a wide variety of delicious wines when you explore the wineries and quaint towns with their unique boutiques and restaurants. Two lucky winners will enjoy this and so much more.
Escape to Ireland
You and a companion will jet to always-green Shannon, Ireland for a fabulous seven day, six night vacation of a lifetime. You’ll relax, surrounded by countryside so green and lush it will forever be your idea of paradise.
The Best of Spain
For sightseeing, sun and relaxation there are no two better places than exciting Barcelona and the sun-kissed island of Mallorca in the sparkling Mediterranean. Now these two places combine in one great week-long adventure for the lucky couple who wins this incredible trip to the best of the South of Spain.
The Pleasures and Treasures of Tuscany
Learn to cook in the heart of Classic Italy, Tuscany. Explore and savor the sights, sounds and tastes of the surrounding region as you become a world-class chef.
Other prizes include: A one year family YMCA membership, authentic City of Winter Park “Drive With Extraordinary Care” sign (24 x 36″) and a wakeboard package including vest, ropes and related equipment.

Tickets
All-inclusive tickets are $25 each or $225 for 10 in advance and $30 each at the door.
Become an event Patron! Patrons receive 2 tickets to the event, event lanyards, early admission, a chili survival kit and recognition on the event webpage and program. Cost: $125.
www.chiliforcharity.org
Please note that tickets will not be mailed and will be available for pick up at Will Call at the event. Event held rain or shine.

Today on the Disney Parks Blog, food writer Pam Brandon announced a terrific initiative called Disney TRYit campaign. It’s a new approach to get kids to try fun, new healthy dishes that have great ingredients with an interesting twist. It’s part of Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living program.

Recently, Executive Chef for Epcot Jens Dahlmann added new dishes for the younger guests’ palette for Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. He says that if you present the dishes in appealing ways like the Frushi’ (fruit sushi) they will be more inclined to try more exotic dishes like the Watermelon Salad with arugula and feta cheese. It gets them to take the chance to try something they normal would not want to eat.

Frushi’ (fruit sushi) © Disney

I think this is a refreshing idea and hope it’s received with a warm reception. So many parents want their children to eat healthy and those who are foodies truly want their children to explore new foods outside of chicken nuggets and mac n’cheese.

Looking over some of the food choices I say it’s a variety of cuisine. I do think that the goat cheeses and beets may be a hard sell. I know most adults who won’t go near those foods with a ten foot pole. Overall, I am pleased to see Disney stepping it up with healthy choices that are appetizing and also encouraging children to step out of their food comfort zones.

Look for the TRYit logo on these various dishes in the Garden Marketplaces and Festival Center. The festival runs from March 6 – May 19:

• Beet Lollipop (Intermissions Café in the Festival Center)
• Wild Berry Slush (Fruits by the Glass)
• Baked Goat’s Brie with Kumquat Chutney (The Cottage, United Kingdom)
• Frushi (Fruit Sushi) (Hanami, Japan)
• Lasagna Primavera (Primavera Kitchen, Italy)
• Potato Pancakes with house-made Apple Sauce (Bauernmarkt, Germany)
• Spring Pancake with Grilled Chicken & Green Apple (Lotus House, China)
• Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, BW Farms Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese & Balsamic Reduction (Florida Fresh)
• Angel Food Cake with macerated Florida Berries (Florida Fresh)
• Ratatouille Tarte with Goat Cheese (L’Orangerie, France)
• Moroccan Sweet Pancake (Taste of Marrakesh, Morocco)
• Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar & Basil (The Cottage, United Kingdom)

Love is in the air in the Disney Parks. As part of Limited Time Magic, this weeklong (February 11-17) Valentine celebration is filled with events for couples, friends and families. Here are some of the magical events taking place at the Walt Disney World Resort.

•Blushing Castle: At dusk, hues of pink, red, lavender and blue bathe Cinderella Castle with themed lighting synced to musical melodies adding to the ambiance.
•Dinners for Two: Candlelit dinners for two with prix fixe menus at select restaurants during the most romantic week of the year. Specially created menus at Artist Point (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort); The Wave of American Flavors (Disney’s Contemporary Resort); Hollywood Brown Derby (Disney’s Hollywood Studios); and Yachtsman Steakhouse (Disney’s Yacht Club Resort) make an ideal setting for a romantic evening. To book visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/WDW-DINE.
•Valentine’s-themed Takeaways: Limited-edition pins, plushes, newly-designed apparel and Vinylmation available at select merchandise locations.
•Romantic Setting: Guests will feel the romance at every turn, as banners proclaiming True Love, heart-shaped signage and sweetheart-themed décor adorn Magic Kingdom Park.
•Royal Gathering: The rare opportunity to get a photo with Disney Princes as they escort their Princesses to enchanting character greeting locations.

One thing I really enjoy during special events and holidays at the Walt Disney Resort is the prix fixe menus. This is a great way to experience Disney’s unique cuisine with specialty changes. I know for most of us who travel to the resort frequently we have our favorite spots, but this is a fun treat. Artist Point, Hollywood Brown Derby, Shutters, The Wave and Yachtsman Steakhouse have some great menus prepared and you can view them here.

Chocolate & Strawberry Sweetheart Dessert © Disney

And here are some of the “Limited Time Magic” surprises at Disneyland Resort:

• Cupcake Lovers: Chefs have prepared a specially themed Valentine’s dessert: a chocolate cupcake with raspberry mousse filling and dark chocolate mousse frosting. It will be available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café in Disneyland park; Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café and Pacific Wharf Café in Disney California Adventure park; and Disneyland Hotel Coffee House.
• Romantic Setting: Guests will feel the romance at every turn, as heart-shaped signage and sweetheart-themed décor adorn Disneyland park, making it an ideal place to celebrate Valentine’s week.
• Blushing Castle: At dusk, hues of red and pink will bathe Sleeping Beauty Castle, with projections of flowers and hearts.
• Floral Heart: A giant floral heart makes a sweet setting for a Valentine photo, in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park.
• Valentine Wishes: Flowers, garlands and decorative doves will create a second ideal photo location around Snow White Wishing Well near Sleeping Beauty Castle. At night, magical lighting adds a romantic touch to the wishing well and Snow White Grotto.
• Disneyland Sweethearts: Also near Town Square, guests will find a photo location with resident Disneyland sweethearts – Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck.
• Dinners for Two: Romantic dinners for two with prix fixe menus will be offered at select restaurants during the most romantic week of the year.  Specially created menus at Blue Bayou and Café Orleans in Disneyland park, Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure park, Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel or Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa make ideal choices for a romantic evening. To book call 714-781-DINE (714-781-3463).
• Valentine’s-themed Takeaways: Limited-edition pins, plush, newly designed apparel and Vinylmations will be available at select merchandise locations.
• Ears for your Sweetheart: The classic Disneyland ear hat gets a total glitz makeover just in time for the most romantic time of the year. It will dazzle your Valentine and become the most sophisticated pair of ears in your collection.
• Royal Romance:  Guests will enjoy a rare opportunity to get photos of Disney Princes as they escort their Princesses along The Royal Walk in Fantasyland. In New Orleans Square, guests will find another pair of sweethearts, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.
• In Search of True Love: Guests may also encounter the Wandering Wallflowers, Lady Tremaine and Cinderella’s Stepsisters, in search of “true loves” of their own.

For more information about “Limited Time Magic,” guests may visit www.LimitedTimeMagic.com or search for Twitter hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic.