If you plan your visit to the Walt Disney World Resort during the first couple of months of the year, your trip will most likely coincide with the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. This festival is my favorite and I was lucky enough to spend a day enjoying the festival's food offerings during its last week. Add them to your list for next year!
Almond Frangipane Cake
If there’s one snack you must try at this festival, it’s this almond frangipane cake from Deco Delights. Made with layers of raspberry jam and Belgian chocolate, which delicately balance each other out, I consider this treat as the ultimate rainbow cookie.
Accompanied by a $5.00 price tag, this dessert is one of the better value options at the festival and large enough to be shared by two or three people. I was disappointed that this sweet treat was removed from the festival menu last year and was ecstatic to see it back for this year’s event.
Chorizo and Potato Empanada
The chorizo and potato empanada from the Vibrante & Vívido booth has been a long-time favorite snack of mine. Topped with turmeric aïoli and annatto aïoli, this snack looks as good as it tastes. However, make sure to have some napkins on standby as it can get messy.
Caprese Poutine
If you’re a fan of Caprese, the Caprese poutine from the Refreshment Port is a great option. This is my favorite festival poutine concoction made with Tuscan-spiced French fries, garlic, mozzarella pearls, basil pesto, shaved pecorino, confit tomatoes, and balsamic glaze. Although this snack is priced higher at $8.50, its ingredients taste fresh and there is topping evenly distributed throughout to experience its specific caprese flavor with each bite.
Natilla de Maiz
Although not new to the festival, the Natilla de Maiz from the El Artista Hambriento booth at the Mexico pavilion was new to me and unlike any other dessert I’ve ever tasted. This creamy corn custard topped with caramelized sugar offers a sweet gelatinous bite. I recommend heading to this booth first since it’s located at the beginning of the showcase and its line tends to be the longest.
Hazelnut S’more Cannoli
This sweet treat is exactly what it sounds like; a cannoli filled with everything you’d find in a s’more including graham crackers, toasted marshmallows, and chocolate-hazelnut cannoli cream. Although this treat is smaller, it packs flavor into every bite. I am especially a fan of its chocolate-dipped shell which adds extra texture to its flavor profile.