Each year, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival has set the table for its most delectable menu yet. Course-ing a delicious 75 days this particular season, the Festival’s 35 Global Marketplaces were an homage to Epcot’s upcoming 35th anniversary. In addition to the returning Eat to the Beat concert series, celebrity chef demonstrations (including the gang from ABC’s THE CHEW), specialty dining and pairings, and Festival packages (such as the Eat to the Beat Dining package), several dining events at the Disney resort hotels are offered. Among the best: The Secrets of Flavor and Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Brunch with a Twist at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Premiering in 2015, the highlighted event is hosted at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on select Wednesdays through September, from 12:00 to 2:30. Though the cost is a whopping $126 per Guest, we decided to dig in and digest the secrets behind this lounge, its mystical libations, and tropical culinary delights.
The second of this “Head Salesman’s” watering holes, and Walt Disney World’s answer to Disneyland’s Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto opened its tiki doors in 2015. I have visited Sam often, and on both coasts, but I have to say, seeing his establishment with the lights up was an entirely new adventure. The Orlando destination’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea motif sets the stage for this adventure. The entertainment was what you would expect from the unpredictable yet hilarious “former Jungle Cruise skippers” and Trader Sam’s servers. As each course was delivered, a full description of the dish was provided by the chefs.
Hysterically, the steaming, glowing, and decorated potions appeared, the “skipper” gave animated mixology instructions.
Even better yet, we were each given recipe cards to replicate our beverage “antics” at home. Fittingly, the courses were perfectly paired with a beverage (and show) to compliment the experience.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Menu
First Course:
Hippopotto Mai-Tai with Headhunter Roll Sushi Bite
Second Course:
Tropical Shrimp Cerviche with Golden Flying Fish Caviar with Krakatoa Punch
Third Course:
Bacalao Trio (salted cod prepared three ways) with Rosita’s Margarita
Fourth Course:
Polynesian Soy Braised Short Rib with Kentucky Spiced Cocktail
Fifth Course:
Dark Chocolate “Black Pearl” with Shrunken Zombi Head
Let’s face it, I rarely head to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto for the food, but these servings were absolutely delectable. Match that with the side effects that accompany each beverage, and this special event was a hit. Once again, the skippers never steered us wrong! Going behind the scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto gave us a new appreciation for kitsch. Oh, if you are a fan of Disney storytelling and interactive dining, this event was worth the price tag. Thankfully, ‘ole Sam has done it again.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Highlights
Not full yet? Perhaps you need a taste of these:
New Global Marketplaces at 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Ireland’s Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
France’s Coq Au Vin Avec Gratin de Macaroni at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Pearl’s From Epcot’s 30th Anniversary Celebrations
[…] a good chuckle is more your desire, then head to the newly opened Trader Sam’s Grogg Grotto and Tiki Terrace for Adventureland kitsch and a libation that comes with its own routine. Uh-Oa […]