I prepared to fail at my diet this year, and I failed spectacularly.
I employed one of my close friends to help me to get in shape for my foodie weekend.
Eventually, I shed a few pounds that I regained at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Food & Wine now taking place at Walt Disney World thru November 16, is Santaland for foodies like myself.
For these few weeks, world-renowned chefs, food critics, and celebrities alike take over Walt Disney World, and are just as popular as Disney's first couple, Mickey and Minnie. (On that note, I totally screamed like a schoolgirl when I bumped into Chicago's own Chef Art Smith at Party for the Senses, opening night of the festival.)
7 Places to Wreck Your Diet Like a Boss
This year, I explored a few restaurants outside of the festival as well. I've compiled a shortlist of my seven favorite eateries, so you too, can wreck your diet like a boss.
BREAKFAST
Trattoria al Forno (Adults would love this)
This Italian eatery is authentic as you can get. Shown: cured Italian meat platter with tomatoes, Hard-boiled Egg, and Cheese with Fonduta.
Be Our Guest Restaurant, Magic Kingdom (Kiddies would love this)
Here, you're dining on fast casual fare at The Beast's castle. I strongly suggest the croissant doughnut, a fried doughnut topped with banana-caramel sauce and drizzled with chocolate.
Cape May Café (Adults and kiddies would love this)
Enjoy a scrumptious buffet breakfast with the famous Disney characters. Dress to impress for your photo with the impeccably dressed Minnie Mouse; I failed to do this.
LUNCH
The Boathouse (Adults and kiddies would love this)
Delicious seafood, vintage Amphicars, and desserts the size of Manhattan. The Boathouse is managed by Gibsons Restaurant Group and you can taste it.
The Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney's Hollywood Studios (Adults would love this)
Take a trip back to Old Hollywood in this beautiful establishment. American cuisine is served here. You must try the finely-chopped Cobb salad; it's delicious.
DINNER
Morimoto Asia Restaurant (Adults would love this)
Chef Masaharu Morimoto (of Iron Chef America) - unveiled a beautiful restaurant in Disney Springs, and the artistically arranged food is to die for.
LATE NIGHT RUMBLE (Adults would love this)
Paradiso 37
North, Central and South America compete for your taste buds in this grown-up establishment that also has a dance floor and live entertainment. (Ladies, this place also has the cutest Colombian singer ever).
You're welcome :)
Photos: Zondra Hughes.