It’s one of the most perfect times of the year for foodies! Everyone loves Epcot International Food and Wine Festival during the fall and to add even more culinary experiences to your delight is the fabulous Food and Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Bonnet Creek. Happening every weekend until November 12th. The great thing about these amazing weekends is that you can come out for an evening or completely immerse yourself in a weekend retreat. They also have complimentary transportation to the Disney Theme Parks if you are a resort guest. It is one of my favorite resorts to stay and the service I receive always feels like home.
I was able to attend a special sneak peek into the tasty offerings that any serious epicurean would be doing their happy food dance to. Let me walk you through the dishes we tasted.
The Taste of Bull & Bear
Fridays & Saturdays, 6pm-10pm
Experience an exclusive four-course tasting menu comprised of exquisite food and wine pairings- prepared by the illustrious chefs of Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Speciality MENU
Carved Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Ash, Purée of Charred Eggplant, Confit Potato with Juniper Berry Salt, Madeira Demi
Richard Brown, Chef D’Cuisine Bull & Bear & Rafael Frederick, General Manager, Bull & Bear
The Taste of La Luce
Fridays & Saturdays, 6pm-11pm
Exclusive four-course menu with recommended wines featuring the best of La Luce. I love La Luce. Their menu has something for everyone and is made with comfort ingredients that make you want to order one of everything. The Olives are AMAZING, try them you won’t regret it. Specialty MENU
Ravioli Al Nero Di Sephia, Crab, Tomato, Fennel Brodo
Chimay Braised Beef Short Rib: Risotto, Porcinis, Melted Leeks, Butter Squash, Horseradish Gremolata
The Taste of Zeta Asia
Fridays & Saturdays, 5pm-10pm
An exciting epicurean journey awaits as you explore perfect pairings of their favorite Asian-inspired dishes with sake or beer. Zeta also has a great happy hour if you are looking to meet up with friends earlier in the evening or a start to a date night.
Specialty MENU
Kanji Signature Roll: Spicy Salmon, Cucumber, Avocado, Tobiko, Siracha
Mont Fuji Roll: Crab, Avocado, Cucumber, Hamachi, Salmon, Tuna, Wasabi Aioli, Tobiko
Sip, Swirl & Savor – A Wine Tasting Experience
Fridays & Saturdays, 5pm-7pm
Right outside of La Luce come sample an array of wines which as a compliment to the Taste of La Luce dinner menu. It’s a great opportunity to learn about wine from an experienced sommelier.
Macaron Bar
Myth Bar
Fridays & Saturdays, 7pm-10pm
Assortment flavors of macarons hand-made by the resort’s world-class pastry team. These macarons are perfectly made and I could eat a dozen of them myself.
Bar du Chocolat and Champagne Tasting
Peacock Alley
Fridays & Saturdays, 7pm-10pm
THIS table is what sweet dreams are made of! I am telling you if you love treats then this experience is not to be missed! A decadent selection of a la carte chocolate treats hand-crafted by Waldorf’s world-class pastry team. A selection of champagnes are also available.
Bar du Chocolat
Live Entertainment
Fridays & Saturdays, 6pm-10pm
Peacock Alley
Cocktail Creations
Saturdays, 4:30pm-5:30pm
Peacock Alley
Muddle, mix and sample! Partake in an interactive experience creating your very own specialty cocktails.
Bull & Bear’s Spicy Margarita: Patrón Barrel Select Añejo Tequila, Green Chartreuse, St. Germaine, Organic Agave, Lime Juice, Gracias A Dios Mezcal, Avocado, Egg White
Royal Tea
Peacock Alley
Sundays, 2pm-4pm
This Royal Tea is the best one that I have been to in Central Florida. If you would like to read about my experience HERE. I could sit there all day in the glory of finely-prepared tea sandwiches and house-made pastries while sipping premium hot tea and listening to live piano music. They do require reservations 24 hours in advance.
For more information and to book your room for Food & Wine Weekends visit
http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/food-wine/ & http://www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com/activities/food-wine
I was a guest of the Waldorf Astoria for this tasting. As always, all opinions are my own.
