I can't believe it has been a month since my last post. Since it has been sooooo long there is much to tell you. First of all I am not at Prime Time at Hollywood Studios I am at Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. I am in the German zone and have had the pleasure of working in Belgium, Poland, and Hops and Barley ( the American kiosk) so far. Our zone has about 14 different countries each with something new to offer. I've also had the pleasure of dining and shadowing at California Grill. Both experiences were amazing. For dinner I had an artisnal cheese platter with pluot gel, honey comb, medjool dates, and caramelized walnuts. Next, there was a braised adobo pork flat bread with queso fresco, black beans, and nopales pico de gallo. It was phenomenal and I was so thrilled to see nopales ( cactus) on a menu, they are my new favorite food. After we sampled some of the sushi which california grill is known form, tuna poke ( a cubed tuna with an uzu and miso vinaigrette and green seaweed salad), the sashimi, and tar tar ( with sesame seeds, black sea weed, and sesame oil sauce). The sushi is prepared to order, it is extremely fresh, and a pleasure to eat the dish with your eyes first and then your pallet . For the entrees we had the yellow tail snapper with dungeness crab risotto, corn, snap peas, and choron. If I haven't said this before I am NOT a fish person and I find myself constantly laughing because 4/5 times that I have dined at the signature restaurants I have ordered fish. The snapper was outstanding it was flaky, firm, and paired delightfully with the creamy risotto. The snap peas and corn added a pleasant pop of texture and freshness. And to round it all off I had a unique chenin blanc from South Africa which amazingly transformed itself through out the night with each of the different foods it was paired with. We also had a cast iron seared bison with truffle mac and cheese, toy box squash, cipollini, smoked bacon, and glace de viande. For dessert, there was a deconstructed smore. Featuring a madagascar vanilla bean marshmellow, lava cake, a sable cookie with peanut butter gelato. It was fun and delightful way to finish the meal. And as we finished dinner we were able to view the fireworks from magic kingdom. For those who haven't visited the contemporary, the restaurant is on the 15th floor and offers a wonderful view of magic kingdom and the castle.
This week has been crazy between work, school, and people leaving. I worked 66 hours, had to study for a test =(, and had to attend 3 farewell events for some friends who have been here since the beginning of my program. Let me say, the first time you have to say goodbye to someone close it is quite difficult. However, as time goes by I find it easier to let go. Maybe its Disney or maybe its because I'm growing up and realizing that people are meant to be in your life when they are supposed to be and if you are meant to see them again then you will. So I've decided from now on I'm not going to lament when people leave me, instead I will cherish the fact that I had the opportunity to get to know them and relish in the time that I have had.
Hmm as far as food and wine goes, there are 30 plus kiosks with countries from all over. Each country features 1-3 dishes from that land and a beverage to pair with them. There is also a plethora of demonstrations, food shows, mixology sessions, and party of the senses. Party of the senses is my goal. It is a huge party with strolling buffets feature a variety of specialty cuisines. There is live music, celebrity chefs, and cirque du soleil performers. They are every other weekend and the tickets are bought way in advance so they only way to get in is if your a local or if you plan on working it. So everyone keep your fingers crossed because that is my next objective. Wishing you all well and being seeing you soon.
peace,
Ally
