REVIEW: Africa 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The Africa booth is a mainstay at the Food and Wine Festival, some years being better than others.  Last year it was really good, but we were disappointed to not find our beloved Buttered Chicken this time.  Can they make up for it?  Let’s see in my Africa Review 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival….

Africa Booth:

I feel like Africa is one of the most under appreciated Food and Wine booths every year.  One reason is probably that Africa is all the way over to the Far East side of World Showcase tucked between China and Germany.  In fact usually during Food and Wine we like to stay at the Beach Club which is super convenient, but makes Africa the farthest possible booth for us, so we don’t get there as much as we should, but it sure is beautiful there:

You can even do a little shopping in the cute African shops before getting something to eat:

Africa Menu:

Food:

• Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato and Pap – $5.25, DDP Snack Credit  *Ziggy Recommended
• Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew with Vegan Yogurt and Quinoa – $4.50, DDP Snack Credit  *Ziggy Recommended
• Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket with Mint Raita – $4.00, DDP Snack Credit

Beverages:

• Simonsig Pinotage – $6.00
• Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz – $5.00  *Ziggy Recommended
• Ernie Els “Big Easy” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape – $5.50
• Wine Flight – $6.50  *Ziggy Recommended

Menu Review:

First thing you have to know about Africa at Food and Wine is that it’s spicy, so if you don’t like spicy stuff then you might want to move on.  I for one, LOVE spicy so this was right up my alley.  None more so than the Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips which was incredible, even better than I remember last year.  Really they blew me away!  Meat was really tender and flavorful, and definitely packed a kick of spice, along with the accompaniments.  Loved the pap which is the white stuff underneath.  It’s kind of like polenta or grits and mixed perfectly with the meat and sauce.  Great sized portion too for $5.25.  Delicious, Amazing, loved it!!!

Ok, I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t think I would like the Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew at all when I saw it.  I mean the word “lentil stew” doesn’t exactly bring amazing cooking to mind.  It was phenomenal however, really liked it!  Very thick and creamy and a strong taste of beans and lentils.  Kind of like a really good bean dip except you eat it with a spoon.  A little spicy, but nothing like the beef.  I want it back next year and I would suggest to include some naan bread with it which would be fantastic.  Must try!

Last food item in the Africa booth was the Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket with Mint Raita.  No clue what “Raita” is but it didn’t seem to make the dish that good.    I mean it wasn’t terrible, outside shell was pretty good, crunchy and flavorful.  We were all mixed on the sauce which was kinda like a tzatziki sauce, but I wasn’t impressed.  Inside was mostly all spinach, couldn’t taste a lot of cheese.  Not crazy about it but not bad either.

When I saw the words: Wine Flight, I knew I was in the right place!  This was an exceptional one too.  The Chenin Blanc was very light and refreshing.  Pinotage was a little stronger and more full tasting.  But the star of the show for me was the Sweet Shiraz!! OMG I love this wine!!  It was real fruity and smooth, sweet but not overly so.  Where can I get a bottle please????

Booth Summary and Grade:

Overall the Africa booth was out-of-this-world.  The Cheese Pocket was nothing to write home about, but the Red Lentil Stew was outstanding and the Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips was one of the best dishes at the whole 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival….so tender and love that spice!!  And that Wine Flight is one of my favs this year too!  Honestly I think Africa is seriously in the running for Best Epcot Food and Wine Booth this year and it’s a stop everyone should make.  A lot of people just run right past for some of the bigger “name” booths nearby, don’t make that mistake.  Make sure to stop by!

If you have to get just one thing: Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips

Grade:  9

Take a look at all of my 2017 Epcot Food and Wine articles.  I have a 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Info Guide with a complete Index of the Food and Wine Menus, The Top NEW Items for 2017, Top Food and Wine Booths and more…I want you to be able to have the best info on the Festival so you have a great time and don’t waste your time!

Your Thoughts:

I want to know what you think of my Africa Review: 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.  What was your favorite item?  Were you as disappointed with the Mac and Cheese as me?  What should they add next year?  Let us know in the comments section below!

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