Have The Munchies? Florida Festivals Serve Up Specialties From Six Continents

By Georgina Cruz

Ask most travelers and they will tell you that moments enjoying local cuisine turn out to be among the most memorable of a trip. Who can forget tasting a Neapolitan pizza fresh and hot from the oven in Naples, Italy; tacos and enchiladas in Mexico; sushi and tempura in Japan; or a frosty cold beer in Germany?

Each year Florida serves up a varied menu of culinary festivals and events around the peninsula that showcase specialties from around the world. So when Treasure Coast residents get a case of the munchies there is plenty to satisfy it nearby, and with international flavors.

Among the festivals is one of the nation’s –and possibly the world’s—biggest culinary events: Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival Presented By Corkcicle at Walt Disney World in Orlando. This festival, from July 14 to Nov. 19, offers a series of International Marketplaces featuring tapas and dishes from six continents as well as wines, beers and other beverages from around the world. The “Eat to the Beat!” concert series is free and a popular part of the festival, and it is presented at the America GardensTheatre in the park’s U.S. pavilion.

Have The Munchies? Florida Festivals Serve Up Specialties From Six Continents

During the festival, visitors stroll in the World Showcase section of the park tasting offerings in the countries represented in the Marketplaces including Japan, China, Morocco, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and Norway. My mouth is watering already! The festival also offers special events with celebrity chefs, culinary demonstrations, seminars and tastings.

Some of the events of the festival are included in admission to the park; others are ticketed. Cost of the tapas typically runs from $5 to $9 each. Info: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival | Walt Disney World Resort (go.com).

Another popular culinary event in Orlando is the Annual Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, at Marriott’s Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin on Disney property. The festival, this year on Nov. 11-12, features a street party, tastings, themed areas and food seminars including pasta making, and beverages, including Italian wines. Info: www.FoodandWineClassic.com.

Have The Munchies? Florida Festivals Serve Up Specialties From Six Continents

Other popular Florida destinations, in addition to Orlando, also offer culinary events during the coming months, including the ones listed below. As in the case of all special events, dates are subject to change, so it is recommended to verify them before planning a trip.

Fort Lauderdale – Dine Out Fort Lauderdale offers at least three course Prix fixe menus ($35 or $45) at a variety of top restaurants in the city including international flavors at Café Ibiza during August and September. Info: Dine Out Lauderdale | Restaurant Months (visitlauderdale.com).
The Palm Beaches – The second annual Restaurant Month invites one and all to enjoy Prix fixe menus at a variety of restaurants in Palm Beach and surrounding areas during the month of August. Among participating restaurants serving up international flavors is Galley at the West Palm Beach Hilton where Chef Guillermo Eleicegui highlights his Argentine roots in delectable beef empanadas and churrascos. Tickets are not necessary to take advantage of the discounted dining, but reservations are recommended. Info: The Palm Beaches Restaurant Month | The Palm Beaches Florida.
Miami – Oktoberfest celebrations feature German beer, foods, music and dances in Miami and surrounding areas at various times including weekends in October. Among popular celebrations of Oktoberfest are those at the German-American Social Club Oct. 14-15-16 and 21-22-23. Info: Home | German-American Social Club (gascmiami.org).
St. Augustine – The Annual Greek Festival, presented by the Holy Trinity Greek Church Oct. 7-9, will offer the aromas and tastes of Greek specialties –baklava, anyone? Dancers in traditional dress are scheduled to perform. Info: 25th Annual St. Augustine Greek Fest | St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL (floridashistoriccoast.com) or www.staugustinegreekfestival.com.

Have The Munchies? Florida Festivals Serve Up Specialties From Six Continents

Pensacola – The Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival, Sept. 23-25, is one of Florida’s biggest, celebrating the bounty of the sea at Seville Square in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy such delights as seafood chowder, oyster croquettes, soft-shelled crab, coconut shrimp, Caribbean-style crab cakes and more. The event also offers a crafts fair, live music and culinary demonstrations. Info: https://www.pensacolaseafoodfestival.com/.

Have The Munchies? Florida Festivals Serve Up Specialties From Six Continents

Tampa – The Tampa Riverwalk International Food & Crafts Festival presents international culinary specialties, arts and crafts, music and an activities área for children at Waterworks Park in the Riverwalk area on Nov. 12-13. Info: Tampa Riverwalk International Foods and Art Festival 2022, an Event in… (festivalnet.com).