Escaping Parental Commitments Overtly Today

...Otherwise known as an E.P.C.O.T. Date Day for me and Scott. We have had wonderful babysitter throughout the past few years, but unfortunately they come and go. This past year it has been difficult to obtain one so we take advantage of Friday school days. Several times we have dropped off the kids in the morning and “sneaked” off to one of the Mouse’s theme parks. Our personal favorite by far IS EPCOT, and today we could not resist the temptation of exploring the culinary delights from so many different countries. We had samples a couple of weeks ago from the 10K race, and felt compelled to try the real deal. I highly recommend at least exploring this once. And please note, there is a Mouse price tag that goes with it. My advice is to go with another person or group and share. It will allow you the ability to try so many different items, and if you do find one you just love, well – then go back and get more! But I promise you, if you circle the entire World Showcase eating from each booth, you will NOT have any room left. Our gastronomic adventure began at one of our favorite countries, New Zealand, where we dined on scallops and a lamb slider (My personal favorites)…. Seafood pie from Ireland…. Bread pudding with pralines from New Orleans (Sorry, but the French Quarter makes the best!)… Crab cake and the Sam Adams 14th Anniversary beer from Boston… Barramundi from Australia (Just as good as the Aussies make it!)… Beef tenderloin with Mango BBQ chutney, sweet potatoes and a red wine from Goats do Roam all from South Africa (THE best all around combination!)… Red Snapper, cheese and chorizo from Spain (Not my thing – Scott loved it.)… Fiesta margarita from Mexico… A cheese arepa and mojito from Chile (I did not want to share!)… and then Scott and I decided to go back to Ireland for THE best dessert out of all the countries – Chocolate Lave Cake!!! Another delight I did not want to split. Between the small portions and walking the park, it is definitely a way to “have your cake and walk it off too”! I think we have established a new tradition, and plan on picking another day next year to enjoy the International Food and Wine Festival. Anyone interested in joining us next year?! Just know, I’m NOT sharing the Lava Cake!!! ;-)