Theme Park Foodie

Five Reasons to be Excited about Tutto Gusto

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

On April 5th, Walt Disney World released details about Epcot’s newest addition opening in May, Tutto Gusto. A wine bar located between Tutto Italia and Via Napoli, Tutto Gusto will offer Disney guests the chance to relax and unwind after a day touring the world showcase in an intimate setting. The dining location will seat 96 visitors, and the interior decor will feature stone walls and floors, vaulted ceiling and a fireplace; upon stepping into the location, guests will feel as though they have stepped into a traditional Italian wine cellar. The wine bar will be open from 11:30 am until 9:00 p.m., and more than 200 Italian wines will be available. A small-plate menu designed to take guests on a “culinary tour of Italy” includes Affetati (cured, sliced meats), Formaggi (Italian cheeses), Panini (sandwiches), Piccoli Piatti (small plates), Cavatappi (a delicious style of pasta) and Dolci (sweet).

So, that being said, what’s so exciting about yet another Epcot restaurant? Here are the top five reasons we are excited about the opening of Tutto Gusto!

5. It’s Disney
This reason is a little weak, we admit, but think about it - how many bad dining experiences have you ever had at Disney World? In all of my visits to the parks, I’ve only had one bad experience. That’s saying something! Disney is renowned for its impeccable quality and attention to detail, and you can bet that Imagineers and the Culinary staff alike are working to make Tutto Gusto an unforgettable experience for Epcot guests.

4. The Small-Plate Menu
While Epcot’s World Showcase seems to offer LIMITLESS culinary opportunities, it can sometimes be a challenge finding just the right spot to eat. Dining in the Showcase is almost a required part of the experience, but sometimes guests are not hungry enough to sit down for a full meal. In that case, their choices are either walk-up restaurants such as Katsura Grill (Japan) or Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway) OR to make a reservation at one of the nicer restaurants and only have and appetizer and drinks. While the quick service restaurants are nice, their atmospheres are far different from the upscale restaurants. At the same time, guests hoping for lighter fare may feel strange simply ordering an appetizer or two and lingering in one of the nicer dining locations. The small-plate menu offered at Tutto Gusto will be the best of both worlds; the opportunity to dine in a themed dining location while enjoying just the perfect amount of food.

3. The Wine
For many people, Epcot is as close as they are ever going to get to visiting Italy. For those guests, Tutto Gusto will offer what may be the once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy the vast selection of wines that are so strongly linked to the country’s culture, tradition and history.

2. In the words of @PartyTTParks (Party Through The Parks)…
There is now one more stop to visit during your Drink Around the World challenge!

1. The Food!
Though we only know a few details about the new restaurant’s menu, we absolutely cannot wait to try the food. Small plate offerings include prosciutto de Parma, creamy burrata cheese and mussels with white wine, and cavatappi pasta in three variations: tomato and bufala mozzarella; shrimp, chilis, garlic and tomato; and arugula, potato, pancetta, tomatoes and asiago cheese. The savory names of these dishes alone have us counting the days until we can give them a try!

Be sure to keep your eye out for more information on Epcot’s newest addition. The restaurant will be opening in early May, so stay tuned for details!

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