Bon Appétit!: The Food of Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts

The Festival of the Arts is almost over, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t spend at least a little time talking about the culinary arts. After all, Julia Child was every bit as much an artist as Vincent Van Gogh. A perfectly executed frangipane can be just as stunning as the Mona Lisa and, unlike the painting, you get to eat it (although I suppose could try eating the Mona Lisa) So, let’s take a quick tour of some of the edible artistic wonders available this year.

1. The Deconstructed Dish

Deconstructed dishes are one of the biggest trends in food right now. It’s a postmodern approach to cooking where chefs take all the elements of a classic dish, separate them, and then present them in new ways.

The Deconstructed Dish booth debuted at Festival of the Arts in 2018 and returned this year. You can get items like a deconstructed Reuben or deconstructed strawberry cheesecake, but the showstopper might just be the deconstructed BLT. It consists of crispy pork belly, tomato jam, and a soft poached egg, all artfully plated. It costs $7 and is snack credit eligible.

2. Taste Track

Taste Track, located in Future World, is serving up items like paintbrush churros (which are dipped in white chocolate dyed a variety of colors to resemble paint), but if you really want to spoil yourself get the Lobster Bacon Macaroni & Cheese. On their own, each element of the dish is delicious. Put them together and you can’t lose. Stuff them into a bread cone and you’re approaching something divine. It costs $8 and is snack credit eligible.

3. Takumi Table

Located in the Japan pavilion of the World Showcase, you can get a beautiful fish-shaped pastry called Taiyaki, but if you’re only going to get one item go for the sushi donut. Not to oversimplify the description, but it’s sushi…that looks like a donut. It consists of Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, Avocado and Masago, a citrus soy gelee and wasabi on the side (for those who like a slight kick with their sushi). It costs $7.50 and, like the other items, is snack credit eligible.

4. The Painter’s Palate

The Painter’s Palate describes it’s food as “miniature masterpieces inspired by great works of art.” There are dishes like the Pop’t Art (a sugar cookie with strawberry filling) or Smoked Salmon and Cream Gâteau with Egg Yolk Cream, Paddlefish Caviar, and Micro-herbs, but if you have to pick one, think about going with the Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts. It runs $9.50, but is snack credit eligible. The dish consists of Whipped Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese with Fresh Herbs, Chicken Salad with Shaved Fennel and Fresh Herbs, and Spicy Tuna with Wasabi and Seaweed Salad.

Of course, no matter what you choose there’s no real way to go wrong. Each location has something exciting and delicious to offer. Just remember: in the words of Julia Child, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” Bon Appétit!