A Culinary Conversation with Chef Kevin: Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2023

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2023 brought together a dazzling fusion of food, music, and creativity—and this year, it featured an incredible lineup of over 15 unique Food Studios offering inspired bites from around the world.

I had the chance to sit down with Chef Kevin, one of the creative forces behind this year’s festival, to dive into what makes the culinary experience at the Festival of the Arts so special.

A Festival Where Food Becomes Art

Chef Kevin shared that each dish at the festival is designed not just to taste great but to look like a work of art. “The team really leaned into using color and plating techniques this year,” he said. “You’ll see it everywhere, especially with the vibrant dishes at Figment’s Inspiration Station.”

Speaking of new favorites, Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey made its debut, delighting guests with playful and colorful bites and beverages that ignite the imagination. It quickly became a must-visit stop for festival-goers looking for a burst of creativity on their plates.

Highlights from Around the World

Chef Kevin also highlighted the debut of Moderne, another exciting addition for 2023. Moderne invites guests to experience an avant-garde menu featuring innovative dishes like the Angry Crab — a crispy soft-shell crab paired with green papaya salad, mango-Sriracha fluid gel, and coconut-lime foam.

“It’s all about pushing boundaries,” Chef Kevin explained. “We want guests to explore new textures, flavors, and ideas with every bite.”

The Artist’s Table at the American Adventure pavilion also rolled out a refreshed menu, including the crowd-favorite Duck and Dumplings with smoked duck breast, ricotta dumplings, petite vegetables, and duck jus—a beautifully comforting yet elevated dish.

Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine

For guests looking to add an extra layer of fun to their culinary journey, Chef Kevin recommended taking part in the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. This playful stroll invites guests to sample seven vibrant dishes across the festival. Collect five stamps in your Festival Passport, and you’ll be rewarded with a complimentary Artist Palette Cookie at the end.

“The Walk is a great way for families to explore different flavors together,” said Chef Kevin. “And the prize is definitely worth it—the Artist Palette Cookie is as delicious as it is fun!”

Bringing Art to Life, One Plate at a Time

Chef Kevin left us with one last thought: “At the Festival of the Arts, food isn’t just something you eat. It’s something you experience. Our team’s passion shows in every plate, and we hope every guest leaves feeling a little more inspired.”

More Sam’s Disney Diary from the Epcot Festival of the Arts:  2018. Top 20 of 2020. Victor Espinola. Suroit in Canada. Trevor Carlton Visual Arts. Lebendig Rocking Germany.