REVIEW: The Almond Orchard – 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The Almond Orchard marketplace was brand new in 2017, but despite our anticipation we had, it didn’t end up on our list of top booths from last year.  In fact we only went once, which was more than enough.  This time The Almond Orchard is back and it’s bringing a Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip with it!  Let’s see if there have been any improvements since last year in our Almond Orchard Review: 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival….

The Almond Orchard Marketplace:

You can’t miss The Almond Orchard marketplace booth, it’s located right on the main strip on the left after entering World Showcase from Future World.

It’s full of bright colors and gives the impression of Springtime!

A closer look at the leaves though reveals that they aren’t real trees and they have plastic leaves.  Oh well, they still look really pretty…

 

 

The Almond Orchard Menu:

2017 Menu:

2018 Menu:

You can see the main difference is that they substituted out the Cauliflower Risotto from last year (which was terrible btw) for a Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip.  You’ve got me convinced already!!  Besides that all the prices stayed the same too…

Food:

• Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Pulled Chicken, Toasted Blue Diamond Almonds and Parmesan Cheese served with Nut Thins® Crackers ($5.00)
• Fire-roasted Tomato Hummus topped with Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Roasted Almonds and served with Blue Diamond Artisan Nut Thins® Multi-seeds Crackers ($5.25)
• Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae with Fresh Berries and Chocolate Almond Streusel (KA) (V) ($4.50)

Beverages:

• Almond Breeze Strawberry Smoothie (Non-alcoholic) (KA) ($4.50)
• Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne ($16.00)
• Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne ($32.00)
• Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Rosé Champagne ($21.00)

Menu Review:

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip ($5.00):

Wow is this an upgrade over the risotto from last year.  This was super creamy and loaded with cheese, chicken and artichokes.  It’s a great combination of flavors that each compliment each other.  I understand the almond crackers are included because, well we’re at The Almond Orchard, but at least a bigger size of crackers would have been better as it was hard to dip these without getting your fingers super messy.  Absolutely loved it and one of my Must-Try NEW Items for Food and Wine 2018!

Fire-roasted Tomato Hummus ($5.25):

Next we tried the Fire-roasted Tomato Hummus which was introduced last year.  It’s full of garlic and the hummus itself is very smooth.  Loved the roasted tomatoes on top, but would have liked a bit more.  Last year it was served cold and this time was no different.  I understand the Florida heat, but it needs to be served more at room temperature to bring out the creaminess.  The crackers here are a bit more hearty and made it easier to dip than with the Spinach and Artichoke Dip.  Nice light option that easily shareable too.

Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae ($4.50):

I’m not a banana guy, but I got to give props to this Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae.  The bananas were not overpowering, and it was LOADED with berries, which I can’t resist!  The chewy chocolate streusel inside were a surprise and I love the way they mix with the raspberries.  This is a great option at lunchtime when you can’t bear to think of eating anything hot and just want a refreshing, sweet treat!

 

Almond Breeze Strawberry Smoothie (Non-alcoholic) (KA) ($4.50):

We decided for the Strawberry Smoothie next, which we were pleasantly surprised by.  I love the combo of strawberries and cream, and the fact they used almond milk to make this was a nice change from a normal smoothie.  Really addicting and I could definitely go for a bigger size!  Again super light and refreshing which during the day is exactly what you need sometimes!  Try it!

 

Booth Summary and Grade:

I think The Almond Orchard has improved from last year.  They got rid of the worst thing on the menu, and replaced it with the now best thing in the Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip.  It’s an absolute must-try!  All the rest of the options are all solid too, Hummus, Smoothie and Sundae all score high marks from me.  Another underrated marketplace, make sure you stop by The Almond Orchard, especially on a hot day!

If you have to get just one thing: Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

 

The Almond Orchard Review

Overall

8.5/10

8.5/10

• Overall Grade - 8.5/10
  8.5/10

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!  Take a look at all of my 2018 Epcot Food and Wine articles including:

• 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Info Guide
• Complete Index of the Food and Wine Menus
• 11 MUST-TRY NEW items at 2018 Food and Wine Festival
• Top 10 Overall Snacks at Food and Wine
• Top Food and Wine Booths

Your Thoughts:

I want to know what you think about my The Almond Orchard Review at the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival…

• Which is your favorite item?
• Which do you still want to try?

Let us know in the comments section below!

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