The 20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival debuts ‘Garden Marketplace’ Dining! This is such an exciting announcement of flowers meets food. Everyone knows that the Food and Wine Festival that takes place in Epcot in the fall is one of the most fabulous events of the year, and adding some food flair to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is the perfect combo. I like that it’s a little treat to hold all the foodies over until September. It’s the festival’s first year to feature garden and backyard-living-inspired food and beverage items at a dozen marketplace locations around the World Showcase promenade.

The Garden Marketplace culinary delights include Florida Fresh at World Showcase Promenade, Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure courtyard, Primavera Kitchen at Italy showcase, Hanami at Japan showcase and eight others.  The Garden Marketplace refreshing libations with beverage specialists will feature brews and beverages at food marketplaces and at Fruits by the Glass and Pineapple Promenade. As well as Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery and Dole Whip with Spiced Rum, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade and Wild Berry Slush. I can’t wait to see what the Dole Whip with Spiced Rum will be like. It’s one of my favorite must-have’s from the Magic Kingdom and now with an adult kick. The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs from March 6-May 19, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort. Here is a little taste of what’s to come. I can’t wait for March 6th!!!   Watermelon Salad Surprise at Epcot Garden Fest The new Florida Fresh garden marketplace’s Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction.

Florida Shrimp, Tomato Wine Debut at Epcot Garden Fest Florida Fresh garden marketplace features Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, fresh Zellwood Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro. Hot Sun Tomato Wine by Florida Orange Groves Winery adds a perfect kick to pair with the dish.

Mocktails for One and All Fresh fruits, herbs and veggies inspire an impressive menu of cocktails and non-alcoholic “mocktails” (l-r) Chilled Rose Blush Lemonade (The Cottage marketplace near UK pavilion), Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Pineapple Promenade marketplace) and Strawberry Slush (Florida Fresh marketplace).

  Garden Cocktails Refresh at Epcot Fest Toast the 20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival with cocktails and other beverages that begin with fresh garden ingredients. (l-r) Watermelon Passion Fruit Cocktail, Orange Blossom Pilsner (both Florida Fresh marketplace) and Blueberry Blue wine (Fruits by the Glass marketplace).

Fresh Tomatoes from Farm to Table at Epcot Garden Fest Fresh Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes are paired with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar and fresh Basil to create a mouth-watering dish at The Cottage: Savories, Trifles and Tea garden marketplace by the United Kingdom Pavilion.

Watermelon Wonder at Epcot Fest Florida watermelon and sugar cane make a statement as ingredients in the Watermelon Passion Fruit Cocktail served with Cane Vodka from Florida Distillery LLC featured at the Florida Fresh garden marketplace.

Enjoy!