This Epcot Flower and Garden Outdoor Kitchen epitomizes the springtime festival

While the stunning topiaries capture the Disney magic, the food excites the palate and inspires guests long after the Pixie Dust has faded from view. After sampling a wide array of plates, this Epcot Flower and Garden Outdoor Kitchen was the hands down winner of the festival.

Each season, the Disney chefs prepare a bounty of food offerings during the annual Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. While many people cannot wait to enjoy the first bite of Fruitushi, the new, innovative, and creative plates have people lining up in the queues throughout the festival’s complete run.

A returning concept, the Epcot Farmer’s Feast captures the essence of the springtime festival. The rotating menu allows guests to return time and again to experience a new dish. Even though there are similarities to some of the dishes, it is a celebration of the garden with each plate.

For example, risotto was a common thread with the three different menus, but each one showcased both the versatility and the seasonality. The first offering focused on peas. The green jewels folded into the creamy risotto were like discovering little treasures in each bite. Contrasting the rich veal, it was a delightful juxtaposition.

The final menu of the festival featured a pork tenderloin with a corn risotto. The corn’s sweetness contrasted by the char on the pork is superb. It got everyone excited for summer cork and offered a new take on summer barbecue.

In some ways, this specific Outdoor Kitchen served a bigger purpose beyond providing a delicious plate of food. It inspires Disney guests to see food differently.

For example, that corn on the cob is a summertime staple, but it can be mixed into a luscious risotto for a more refined meal. That concept can be a good way to ensure that no food is wasted or it gives new light to a classic ingredient. The key to keeping food exciting is to see new ways to use those ingredients.

Additionally, these dishes show that risotto can be the backdrop to various ingredients. Summertime corn can be followed by hearty winter squash or some earthy mushrooms. There are no limits to how this one element can be transformed.

As the 2024 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival comes to an end, the deliciousness is not tabled till 2024 Food and Wine Festival. Look to the garden, the farmer’s market, or even the grocery store shelves to find some seasonal produce. Those in-season food options offer a bountiful opportunity to explore flavor and creativity. And, that concept is as magical as a sprinkling of Pixie Dust.