©DisneyScroll down through each of the 12 "Garden Marketplace" Festival Booths to read our regularly updating reviews and photos of the food and drinks as well as prices for each item. Check back often as we'll be trying several items over the course of the event.
Click here to read about some of the special experiences and seminars available this year.
Let us know what you think of the drinks, food and events in the comments section.
• Watermelon Salad - $3.50
With pickled red onions, BW Farm baby arugula, feta cheese and balsamic reduction.
• Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits - $5.50
With andouille sausage, sweet corn, tomatoes and cilantro.
• Angel Food Cake - $3.25
With macerated Florida berries.
• Florida Orange Groves Hot Sun Tomato Wine - $3
• Florida Orange Groves 40 Karat Carrot Wine - $3
• Orange Blossom Pilsner - 6oz. $3 | 12oz. $5.50
Review 3-9-13:
Watermelon Salad
Fresh, an explosion of summery flavors topped off with a savory yet tart balsamic dressing. The onions, arugula, feta and watermelon all combine into that perfect summer salad. This was a stellar hit of the event.
Shrimp & Stone Grits
Another hit of the event. Three large seasoned shrimp (tails on, unfortunately) on top of a bed of creamy grits with bits of sausage, corn and tomatoes. We could've made an entire meal of this. Perfectly cooked & seasoned shrimp with the creamy and savory grits make this a must-get of the event.
40 Karat Carrot Wine
Very much like an earthy flavored Chardonnay with a carrot aftertaste.
Hot Sun Tomato Wine
Holy wine gods this is insane. If you don't love the taste of a raw tomato, this isn't for you. A strong, overpowering tomato flavor with a lightly spicy, peppery kick in the aftertaste. This wine has some bite - both in crazy flavor and spice. The most unusual drink of the event without a doubt.
• Taco de Carnitas - $4.95
Pork carnitas topped with Tamarindo salsa, served on a flour tortilla with pork rinds.
• Tostada de Jaiba - $5.50
Crab tostada served with Chipotle mayo and Valentina salsa.
• Flan de Guayaba - $3.50
Guava custard.
• Corona Light Draft - $8.25
• Rosita Margarita on the rocks - $8.50
Tequila, triple sec and rose infusions.
• Organic Tequila Flight - $13
Blanco, Reposado, Anejo
Reviews: Coming Soon!
• Watermelon Passion Fruit cocktail - $7.50
• SeaDog Blue Paw Wild Blueberry - 6oz. $3 | 12oz. $5.50
• New Planet 3R Raspberry Ale - $6.75
Gluten Free, 12oz.
• Florida Orange Groves Mango Mama - Mango Wine - $3.25
• Florida Orange Groves Blueberry Blue - Blueberry Wine - $3.50
• DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Chardonnay - $3
• DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir - $3.25
Review 3-9-13:
Watermelon Passion Fruit Cocktail
A refreshing frozen drink with a heavy pink lemonade flavor. Doesn't taste too much like watermelon but tasty and refreshing nonetheless. We noticed that in Disney's promo photos, this drink was not a frozen blended drink, but a regular cocktail. Interesting. We bet they realized it'd be cheaper to make it blended.
New Planet 3R Raspberry Ale
Weird. Seriously, that was the first word out of both of our mouths after tasting this oddity. Words just can't do this justice. This does not taste like a beer in any way, shape or form. It's light, moderately hoppy, with the slightest hint of raspberry and a heavy, odd flavor we can't put our finger on. Heck, if we didn't already know it was raspberry we wouldn't have tasted it. Stay away from this odd tasting beer. (Yes, it's gluten free but other gluten free beers don't taste like this.)
Florida Orange Groves Mama Mango & Blueberry Blue Wine
We clumped the reviews for these into one because they are both very similar. They each have an overpowering "so intense it can't be from nature" mango and blueberry flavor. The mango is sweeter and not very dry, and the Blueberry is slightly drier. As long as you're on a tasting expedition, these tiny cups are fun if you feel like some interesting flavors.
• Dole Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum - $6.25
• Pineapple Dole Whip Soft Serve - $4
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake - $2.75
• Dole Pinapple Fruit Cup - $1.50
• Sam Adams Cream Stout 12oz. - $6.25
Review 3-9-13:
Dole Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum
Well, here it is. The holy grail cocktail of Disney fans. To have a Dole Whip with rum. We got a very small cup, maybe 4" high, filled up with that familiar twirl of Dole Whip. This is where the cast member pours a mere splash - that's right, not even close to a full shot - of the spiced rum. It's because of the pathetic splash of rum that we can't recommend this for their insane price point of $6.25.
However - because of the unique, "I've always wanted to try this" aspect of this drink, we understand that you'll order it anyway. So go ahead and enjoy. Hey, it's still a delicious Dole Whip in the end.
Sam Adams Cream Stout
Slightly dark, lightly hoppy with a caramel hint and a creamy finish. A good beer when you feel like a heavier brew.
• Potato, Chive and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit - $4.25
With smoked salmon tartare and sour cream.
• Baked Goat's Brie with Kumquat Chutney - $4.50
• Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes - $3.50
With house-made mozzarella, Minus 8 vinegar and basil.
• Chocolate Trifle - $1.50
• Berry Trifle - $1.50
• Ginger and Tea Trifle - $1.50
• Trio of Trifles - $3.75
• Poema Cava Brut Rose - $5.25
Review 3-9-13:
Baked Goat's Brie with Kumquat Chutney
One of the stars of the event (and it was our first item) is the Baked Goat's Brie with Kumquat Chutney. We also had the luck of getting ours fresh straight from the oven. Warm, gooey, soft cheese in a light, flaky crust. If you eat one thing at the event, this is it.
Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes
We love a good heirloom tomato and these tomatoes are certainly tasty. But, and bear with me because I'm no math wiz, 3 slices of tomato plus two slices of cheese don't equal $3.50, do they? Unfortunately, the tomatoes were also left completely without any seasoning. I could've been much happier with my over-priced produce had I been able to throw on a dash of salt.
Poema Cava Brut Rose
Moderately to heavily dry with a slight sweet flavor. Nothing spectacular, but not terrible either. If you like a dryer champagne you'll enjoy it.
• Tarte a la Ratatouille et Fromage de Chevre - $4.50
Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions and tomato tart with goat cheese.
• Terrine Campagnarde, Baguette - $4.75
Country style pate served with baguette and cherry compote.
• Verrine Charlotte au Peches - $5
Caramelized peaches with rosemary and light vanilla cream.
• La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush - $9.75
Grey Goose orange vodka, St-Germain Elderflower liqueur, with white and red cranberry juice.
• Muscat Petillant, Sparkling Muscat - $7.50
Charles de Fere
• Chardonnay, White Burgundy - $5.75
Macon Villages Georges Duboeuf
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux - $5
Beau-Rivage
• Kronenbourg 1664 - $7
Review 3-9-13:
Tarte a la Ratatouille
The ingredients sounded great together, but we're not sure what went wrong. It's like Italian food on a diet. Bland, boring and lacking any flavor or excitement. Not even a savory comfort food like the German dishes. We'd recommend skipping it.
La Vie Rose Frozen Slush
A light, flowery flavor that's not too overpowering to your tastebuds. A delicious new sister cocktail to the other Grey Goose slushes. Get this one while it lasts!
Muscat Petillant, Sparkling Muscat Charles de Fere
Lightly sweet and delicate. (It's especially good mixed into the slush!)
• Spiced Lamb Kebab - $5
With vegetable couscous salad.
• Harissa and Lemon Confit Chicken - $5
Drumettes with chermoula and cucumber salad.
• Baghrir - $3
Moroccan pancake with honey, almonds and Argan oil.
• Desert Rose - $6
Sparlking wine with pomegranate liqueur.
• White Sangria - $5
• Guerrouane Red - $4
• Casa Beer - $6
Review 3-9-13:
Harissa and Lemon Confit Chicken Drumette
A great moderately spicy curry flavor that penetrated the chicken down to the last bite. We prefer our chicken drums a bit crispier than this one was served, but it was still a delicious snack.
• Frushi - $4.50
Fresh strawberries, pineapple and cantaloupe rolled with coconut rice, atop a raspberry sauce sprinkled with toasted coconut and whipped cream.
• Chirashi Hanazushi - $6
Grilled salmon, cooked shrimp and crab stick served over a bed of fragrant ginger rice with volcano and dynamite sauce.
• YakiSoba Pan - $4
Fresh grilled carrots, onions and cabbage with Japanese noodles and teriyaki sauce served on a bun with mayo and Beni Shoga.
• Green Tea Flan - $4.50
Silky custard with macha green tea and caramel glaze.
• Yuzu Rita - $8.50
Frozen blend of tequila, triple sec, lime and a hint of Yuzu.
• Fruit Sake - $8.50
Peach infused sake.
• Hana Awaka - $8.50
Sparkling sake.
• Frozen Kirin Ichiban - $8.50
Innovative draught with a refreshing frozen lime topping.
Review 4-6-13:
Yuzu Rita
If you feel like a pretty good sized cup of a slightly citrusy slush, you've ordered the right thing. If you were looking for a good margarita, well, keep on moving and pick up one in Mexico.
• Pulled Pig Slider with cole slaw - $5.50
• Smoked Beef Brisket - $6.75
With collard greens and jalapeno corn bread.
• Rocky Road Brownie Mousse - $3
• Mama's Little Yella Pils - 6oz. $3.50 | 12oz. $6.75
Czech style pilsner.
• Liberty Ale - 6oz. $3.50 | 12oz. $6.75
Anchor Brewing Co., India Pale Ale.
• Red Ale - 6oz. $3.50 | 12oz. $6.75
Orlando Brewing Co., Organic
• Blackwater Porter - 6oz. $3.50 | 12oz. $6.75
Orlando Brewing Co., Organic
• The Original Rib Shack Red Wine - $3
• Beer Flight - $13
Mama's Little Yella PIls, Liberty Ale, Red Ale, Blackwater Stout
Review 3-9-13:
Beef Brisket with Collard Greens and Jalapeno Corn Bread
Oh boy, did this one ever go wrong. We were looking forward to this booth, the delicious scent of smoked meat wafted through a few countries to becon us over. Unfortunately, pictured below, is the biggest disappointment of the event. We love a good beef brisket, and this one was practically inedible. The cut was literally 80% fat. Of course, some fat is expected on brisket, but we couldn't find more than a bite or two of anything edible. Had this smoked for hours, as it should have, you would've ended up with about an ounce of really delicious BBQ. The collard greens are just so-so, and the nothing-to-write-home-about jalapeno cornbread was the best part. We highly recommend you skip this entree. We threw away 3/4 of our $6.75 plate. What a waste.
Pulled Pig Slider
We also love a good pulled pork sandwich, and unfortunately Mickey hasn't figured this one out either. While it's not nearly as bad as the brisket, it certainly wasn't winning any awards. Plain, and lacking any seasoning we reached for the nearby BBQ sauces. Hmmm, no labels...home made sauce? Apparently it is! I can't imagine Kraft would slap their name on this ketchup with a dash of liquid smoke. We're not sure if the "spicy" bottle was just mistakenly loaded with the same sauce or if on-property "spicy" just doesn't have any discernable heat level.
Considering they have the huge smoker out front, we know they wanted this to be a big hit. Unfortunately they just can't do BBQ - yet. Hopefully the chefs learn from this event and bring us some kick-ass BBQ next year (The best thing we can say about Epcot's BBQ attempts this year is that you don't have to drive too far to get something good. If you want some great BBQ and still want to be inside a theme park hit SeaWorld & Busch Garden's BBQ events, or go to Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ or 4-Rivers BBQ in Orlando).
Beer Flight
If you are familiar with our reviews by now, you know that we don't like overly hopped beers. We found all 4 of these to be not to our liking.
Mama's Little Yella Pils - Rather bitter, just a hint of sweet before it finishes off with a skunky aftertaste.
Liberty Ale - Sorry IPAs, we're not big fans. For goodness sake, the Britts didn't even add that much hops to make it taste good, it was to keep stuff from growing in the beer on its long trip to India! Like all IPAs, in our humble opinions, overly hoppy and not much else to it flavor wise.
Red Ale - Better than the previous two, still moderately hoppy but with a light malty, carmel taste. Think of a Killian's with double the hops.
Blackwater Porter - Rich, malty and smoother than the others. The best one of the bunch, but still too heavy on bitter hops to be called balanced.
• Asparagi con Aragosta all'Ortolana - $7.75
Green asparagus, lobster, garden cocktail sauce.
• Lasagna Primavera - $6
Spinach lasagna, green peas, zucchini, mushrooms, broccolini, béchamel and fresh tomatoes, with garlic and basil leaves.
• Panna Cotta al Limoncello - $5
Limoncello flavored panna cotta with wild berries.
• Fontana Candida, Pinot Grigio - $8
• Castello di Querceto, Chianti - $8
• Bosco del Merlo, Prosecco - $10
• White Peach Bellini - $11
• Strawberry Rossini - $11
• Italian Primavera - $11
• Birrificio del Dudcato - Nuova Mattina - $10
Spring Saison ale.
• Birrifico Le Baladin - Nora - $10
Specialty Ale.
• Birra del Borgo - Rubus Lamponi - $10
Specialty Wild Fruit Ale
• Beer Flight - $15
Reviews: Coming Soon!
• Savory Bread Pudding - $3.75
With spring peas and wild mushroom ragout.
• German Meatloaf Sandwich - $3.75
With sweet mustard and fried shallots.
• Potato Pancake - $2.75
With house made apple sauce.
• Hugo - Charles de Fere "Organic" Brut - $6.50
With Elderflower and mint.
• Krombacher Hefeweizen - 6oz. $3.50 | 12oz. $6.75
• Florida Avenue American Wheat Ale - 6oz. $3.50 | 12oz. $6.75
• Krombacher Hefeweizen - 6oz. $3.50 | 12oz. $6.75
• Goose Island Brewing Co. Honker Ale - 6oz. $3.50 | 12oz. $6.75
• Blue Point's Toasted Lager - 6oz. $3.50 | 12oz. $6.75
• Beer Flight - $13
Florida Ave. American Wheat Ale, Krombacher Hefeweizen, Honker Ale, Toasted Lager.
Review 3-9-13:
Savory Bread Pudding
A wholesome comfort food mix of a soft square of bread covered with a mildly salty gravy with peas and mushrooms. Simple and satisfying for everyone.
Meatloaf Sandwich
This is like an oddly-shaped hot dog in a bun. Ever have a spam sandwich? It's kinda like that. The sweet, rich mustard was a perfect accompaniment that gave it a nice punch along with the crunch of the fried shallots. An odd sandwich, but we kinda liked it.
Germany Beer Flight
From left to right
Florida Ave. - Very plain and light, not much flavor in any way, much like a Bud Light.
Krombacher Weizen - An unfiltered brew, with citrus and coriander flavors, similar to a Blue Moon or other Belgian ales. Best one of the bunch to us.
Toasted Lager - Moderately hoppy and slightly carmel flavored.
Honker - Very hoppy, with a bitter aftertaste. Not very drinkable at all.
Got several beers you don't really like? Do what we did and make some "Pub Blends" just start mixing those beers together. Oddly, mixing two crappy beers together often times makes for something half-way decent.
• Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries - $3.50
• Spring Pancake - $4.50
With Grilled chicken and green apple.
• Pan-Fried Vegetable Bun - $3.75
• Kung Fu Punch - $7.50
Vodka and triple sec with mango and orange juice.
• South Sea Storm - $7.50
Guava with light and dark rum.
• Plum Wine - $5
• Tsing Tao Beer - $6.50
• Peach-Oolong Bubble Tea - $4.75
Review 3-9-13:
Kung Fu Punch
This cocktail lives up to its namesake. A crisp and refreshing mix of vodka with mango and orange juice. Light, delicious and poured very generously. As if you took McDonald's orange drink and mixed in some rum. A good value for the price and just way to easy to drink. Highly recommended.
South Sea Storm
Another hit from the China booth. Hang on because this storm is a ferocious one. A mix of guava juice with light rum and Myers's Dark rum make this a savory, rich cocktail. Did we mention we love the bartenders here? Yeah, the dark layer on there, Myers's; and plenty of it. Another great valued cocktail for the price.
Located inside the Flower & Garden Festival center.
• Grapes - $3.39
• Fruit & Cheese Plate - $6.49
• Vegan Trio - $6.19
• Southwest Chicken Wrap - $6.99
• Tuna Salad with Pita - $6.99
• Italian Salad - $8.99
• Asian Tuna Salad with noodles - $10.49
• Beet Lollipop - $.99
• New Planet 3R Raspberry Ale - 12oz. $6.25
Gluten-free
• Blue Point's Spring Fling - 12oz. $6.25
• Florida Orange Groves Mango Mama - Mango Wine - $3
• Florida Orange Groves Blueberry Blue - Blueberry Wine - $3.25
• DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Chardonnay - $2.75
• DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir - $3
• Poema Cava Brut Rose - $5
Reviews: You may find some of these items reviewed in their respective booths listed above.
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©DisneyLots of new stuff to see coming to this year's festival. We're most excited to see what the Festival-themed Food & Beverage locations will be offering. Looks like we're getting "Flower & Wine" or, if you prefer, "Wine & Garden" this year!
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The new 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.;)
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The new Florida Fresh garden marketplace melds fresh flavors to offer Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction.
PartyThroughTheParks
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