2021 Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
While things may seem a bit different this year, with masks and social distancing, we could still count on one thing to delight – the 2021 Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. We could go on and on about the topiaries and musical performances, but we know why you are here. Another year and another thank you to the amazing Chef Ashley for taking time to meet with me.
You want to know about the food options. As always, please remember that suppliers and ingredients might change. Something that seems safe now may not be later on. Always speak to a chef if you have questions. Also, remember that there is an inherent risk of cross contamination at the food booths.
The items listed (GF) are the ones shown that way at the 2021 Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. All other items either are GF, just not listed as such, or can be made that way by omitting an ingredient.
Bauernmarkt Farmer’s Market
Potato Pancakes (GF) – gluten-friendly pancake mix contains potato starch and soy, and just eggs – dairy free dish – we found this to be good but slightly gummy
Potato Pancakes with Ham (GF) – same as above, omit the sour cream for dairy free – this way was the more enjoyable option
Cider House
House-Made Potato and Cheddar Biscuit with Salmon Tartare – omit the biscuit for a gluten-friendly option – the salmon was delish
Citrus Blossom
Meyer Lemon-Poached Lobster Salad with Grapefruit-Rosé Vinaigrette, Yuzu-Marinated Hearts of Palm and Avocado-Yuzu Panna Cotta (GF) – this naturally gluten-friendly dish has sugar in the lemon gel, dairy in the avocado panna cotta – we preferred last year’s lobster tail on a stick
Citrus-Braised Pork Belly with Kumquat and Carrot– although not listed, there is no gluten or soy in this dish, however, there is sugar in the kumquat and carrots, butter in the carrots – we found this to be an enjoyable dish
Festival Favorites
Watermelon Salad (GF) – omit feta for dairy free, there is sugar in the pickled onions
Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and Smoked Pork Belly Slider – omit bread and the cheese sauce for a gluten-friendly option, there is brown sugar in the meat rub, corn in the sausage, and soy, egg, and corn in the BBQ mayo
Flavor Full Kitchen
Grilled Baby Vegetables with Hummus Cream and Red Pepper Coulis (GF) – there is soy in hummus and coulis, no sugar, dairy, or corn
Salmon – omit farro risotto for this to be gluten-friendly, there is no corn, dairy, or sugar, however, there is edamame (soy) – we did not try this dish this year since it was similar to last year
Fleur de Lys
Macaron au Chocolate en Sucette: My favorite item at the festival is the large macaron lollipop. I contact them through Instagram to order a large quantity without the decorations to make them gluten-friendly.
Honey Bee-stro
Tupelo Honey and Sweet Corn Spoon Bread (GF) – the corn bread is soy and gluten-friendly, but it does contain corn, sugar, eggs, and butter
Jardin de Fiestas
Once again we say hats off and thank you to Mexico (and Chef Ernesto) for bringing us THREE gluten-friendly dishes – just please remember dessert next year!
Tostada de Cochinita: Braised Pork on a Crispy Corn Tortilla (GF) – you can omit the corn tortilla if desired, as well as the beans – the pork is so good it stands on its own as a yummy keto and paleo-friendly treat
Taco Vampiro: Braised Beef on a Corn Tortilla (GF) – one of this year’s festival favorites, you can omit the corn tortilla, corn salad, and jack cheese to enjoy the braised beef
Sope de Chorizo: Plant-Based Ground Chorizo on Fried Corn Dough (GF) – we were surprised at how great this dish tasted with the avocado mousse
La Isla Fresca
Lamb Curry with Sweet Plantains and Rice (GF) – there is corn starch and coconut but no soy, gluten, tree nuts, or sugar (we did not try this dish as it was similar to last year)
Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce (GF) – one big change this year is the switch from margarine to butter, make it soy-free but it does contain dairy, cornstarch, and coconut – these shrimp were wonderful
Magnolia Terrace –
We did not try either dish this year.
Cajun-style Roasted Oysters – no soy, sugar or corn, but contains butter and gluten – you can omit the crumbs to make it gluten-friendly, just be prepared to wait a few minutes while they make it fresh
Pecan Praline – this is gluten-friendly although it does contain sugar, heavy cream, and butter
Northern Bloom
These items were similar to last year, so we did not try them – you can check out last year’s blog for photos.
Seared Scallops (GF) – the sauce has dairy and soy, no corn or sugar in the dish, the potatoes contain brown butter
Beef Tenderloin Tips – omit sauce for gluten and dairy free, there is also dairy and corn in the potatoes
Refreshment Port
Popsicle Trio (GF) – the popsicles contain dairy and egg – sadly, no one in my party ever wanted to share these with me
Sunshine Griddle
We did not try either dish this year.
Shrimp and Grits – omit gravy for a gluten-friendly dish, it has corn and dairy, but no soy
Corned Beef Brisket Hash – there is no gluten in this dish, as it is made with the same mix as used for the potato pancakes in Germany, however, there is dairy and egg in the Hollandaise
Taste of Marrakesh
Shakshuka: Moroccan Baked Eggs in a Spiced Eggplant and Tomato Stew – contains egg, dairy, and gluten, but you can omit the bread for GF
Trowel and Trellis
Corn (GF) – corn, soy, and butter in this dish (my daughter’s favorite)
There you have it, the 2021 Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival gluten-friendly options. Enjoy