Food and wine lovers can rejoice with the vast array of satisfying treats awaiting them at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival being held September 30 to November 13, 2011. With seminars, special events, cooking demonstrations and dining events taking place during this festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy – especially if you like food and wine!

The Festival Welcome Center will provide you with your Marketplace Discovery Passport that will get stamped each time you dine in the International Marketplace where a world of flavors awaits you from foods to luscious wines. With your Passport you can plan your day filled with international cuisine and culinary demonstrations. Admission to Epcot Theme Park is required.

The International Marketplace features over twenty-five international kiosks where you can sample foods from six continents with regional specialties along with recommended wine and beer pairings. Countries represented include Australia, Brazil, Scandinavia, Morocco, Portugal, South Africa and many others. There is a Brewer’s Collection along with Hops & Barley for beer lovers and a Cheese kiosk along with Desserts & Champagne.

Eat to the Beat! Concert Series – While at the festival you can enjoy a variety of music from soul, rock, R&B, and jazz with artists like Taylor Dayne, Jon Secada, .38 Special or Billy Ocean to name a few. Premium events include opportunities to meet chefs, celebrity speakers or winemakers that require an additional charge but they can be booked online:

“3D” Disney’s Dessert Discoveries – Hosted by DeKuyper Cordials & Liqueurs, if you have a sweet tooth you can enjoy delectable desserts while sipping cordials and a VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Party for the Senses – You can enjoy dining while listening to popular artists and performances by Cirque du Soleil acts. This is presented by Vanity Fair, maker of premium napkins and plates.

Culinary Demonstrations – You can learn how to make your own delightful dishes when you watch a 45 minute demonstration by celebrated chefs and beverage professionals.

Mixology Seminars – You can learn how to make your own trendy cocktails at this Happy Hour where a mixologist will demonstrate and serve cocktails.

Beverage Seminars – A beverage expert or a winery representative will provide you with helpful tips while you sip wines or other beverages.

Mexican Pavilion Lunch or Tequila Tasting – You can sample tequila while dining on regional cuisine or you can have snacks while you taste your tequila.

Italian Pavilion Events – You will be able to try four different events at the Italian Pavilion from pizza and Italian beer pairings or desserts and Italian wine pairings. Others include a five course white truffle lunch with Italian wine pairings or a food and wine pairing with four courses.

French Pavilion Events – The French offer three different choices: lunch paired with wines from various regions, dinner by Chef Paul Bocuse, a 3 star Michelin chef and wines from the Rhone Valley or a tasting event of Grand Marnier.

At the Festival Welcome Center you will also find book signings by famous chefs and other food and wine experts along with celebrity cooking demonstrations. Plus you will find lots of shops that can explored throughout the International Food & Wine Festival.

Restaurants Away From Florida Theme Parks

Here are a few of ours to start off the list and reasons why ;-

Columbia Restaurant – Located at Celebration – Relax while you dine in elegance at Columbia Restaurant which overlooks Celebration’s picturesque lake and offers classic elegance in a Mediterranean style setting where diners can enjoy fine Spanish/Cuban cuisine in an old-world-style dining rooms or outdoor cafe. My favourite is the famous “1905″ Salad particularly as they prepare it freshly at your table. There are many fabulous restaurants and Celebration however this one is our favourite.

Manny’s Chop House- Located at 35496 Highway 27 is a very popular restaurant with some magnificent deals. Kids eat Free every Monday and Tuesday. They also have an early bird special Mon-Thursday 4pm-6pm. Fantastic food at great prices – great atmosphere.

Chili’s Restaurant and Bar at Championsgate – A firm family favourite offering a wide variety of excellent appetisers, fajitas, steaks, burgers – something for everyone  - at great prices.

Applebee’s on Highway 27 located at 33897 – Delicious food in this family restaurant and bar – great steaks of all types and sizes, salads, pasta dishes. We particularly liked at our last visit that they did very small desserts for $1. Just right to finish off a meal.

Finally – The Outback Steakhouse Restaurant  - located on the 192 close to marker 4. Cheesy chips and “Bloomin Onion” petals are a favourite of our’s as appetisers and just are hard to beat. Fabulous steaks, burgers and fajitas.

Send us your comments with details of your favourite restaurants and eating places outside the parks.