Today we press forward taking down more booths at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and there are definitely some new favorites on the list.
The Active Eats booth is another of the themed kitchens in the Culinary Corridor area of Future World West.
This booth returns to the F&W Festival with three menu options – two savory and one sweet(ish).
- Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers, and Green Onions (kid friendly) ($5)
I don’t know what about mac ‘n’ cheese covered in bacon makes it “active eats” qualified but I’m not going to argue. I’m just glad to see this back at the booth this year because it is incredibly delicious. It’s also very rich – the bacon serving is generous and permeates the taste of the entire dish – which makes it sharing-with-friends-friendly if you’re open to those sorts of things. Like last year, definitely don’t miss this. It’s also a great value at only $5.
- Spice-crusted Verlasso® Salmon with Warm Lentil Power Salad, Crushed Avocado, and Sherry Vinegar (gluten free) ($5.75)
This is new this year and instantly hit my favorites list. Good salmon is not easy to come by and this is good, good salmon. Cooked perfectly, mild, and slightly crisped on the outside and sitting on a bed of crisp cabbage and warm lentils with a very, very generous serving of “crushed avocado” (=guac) on top to gel it all together. This was wonderful and a refreshing change after the delicious but heavy mac ‘n’ cheese – not to mention another great value at $5.75.
- Active Eats Energy Bar Bites: A mixture of Chocolate, Nuts, Dried Fruit, and Dates (vegetarian, kid friendly) ($3.75)
Loved these. They’re definitely a healthy “dessert” option – sort of Larabar® taste meets fudge/brownie texture. The base is definitely date heavy so they’re very rich, and they sit on a tart swirl of berry that does well to cut the sweetness. Definitely heavy so another great item to share. And a great value at just $3.75.
- M.I.A. Beer Company HRD WTR Pineapple Coconut Hard Sparkling Water, Doral, FL ($4.25)
As someone who enjoys a cold beverage in the evening but doesn’t enjoy not fitting into her jeans, I’m a huge fan of these hard sparkling waters that have become so popular lately. If you’ve had any of the brands that you can find in stores, this drink won’t be any surprise to you. Light and ice cold and sparkling, no sweetness at all but with a refreshing hint of pineapple and coconut, this drink is a nice low carb option for those of us still hoping to hit the pool after we’re finished stuffing our faces at Food & Wine.
All in all, one of my favorite booths this year.
Active Eats: Check.
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