Have you been to Party for the Senses? It's an evening of unlimited, chef-driven food and spirits held weekly during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. It's worth a splurge.
Pear and milk chocolate cremeux, roasted pear confit, Pear William ice cream and pistachio powder, by Jeff Barnes of Disney's Contemporary Resort Bakery
I was lucky enough to re-experience this weekend extravaganza on Saturday evening, thanks to Disney's media relations team. Since I'd participated before, I bought my husband a ticket knowing we'd get value for our investment, and we did. Similar evenings will help others indulge October 8, 15, 22, 28 and 29, 2016. Consider attending.
Party for the Senses/Photo by Todd Anderson
Each time, chefs from a couple dozen restaurants -- some from Disney World, others visiting from noteworthy restaurants around the country -- have a station apiece within a grand event space that's dramatic with a violet hue.
Each restaurant serves on appetizer-size dish -- an interesting, thoughtfully crafted plate of food. You can get as many portions of each as you wish. Meanwhile, wine and beer are poured freely at adjacent stations.
Party for the Senses/photo by Gregg Newton
I got to try a pan-roasted scallop with roasted baby fennel, almond sauce and toasted breadcrumbs from Kansas City's The Belfry, plus Asian-spiced duck breast with truffles from Cotton Row (Huntsville, Alabama), pan-seared lemongrass arctic char with duck fat-poached asparagus and mango-sambal yougrt from Asiatique (Louisville), glazed quail with ancient grains and spice yougurt from Sbraga (Philadelphia) and butter-poached lobster tail over grains of paradise with caramelized banana panna cotta and oyster root crisp from Edgardo Ruiz of Disney World's events team. For starters.
Party for the Senses/photo by Matt Stroshane
My pictures came out awful -- that sexy violet light doesn't mesh with the iPhone camera -- so I'm showing mostly Disney-provided images instead.
Party for the Senses is an indulgence. Guests need to buy Epcot tickets or passes first, then $169, $199 or $329 for the actual event, depending on the level. I'd say the $169 level is wonderful and all you'll need.
Party for the Senses/photo by Matt Stroshane
The chefs and dishes are different each time, and the entertainment changes regularly. Some nights also have specific themes. Click here for details.
Tempted? To reserve a spot, call (407) 939-3378 or click here. Indulge!