Dominican Republic Brings Island Rhythms Back To 20th Annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival

Country's booth makes much-anticipated return to iconic festival with an all-new menu, live dance and more

News provided by

Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

Dec 21, 2015, 12:00 ET

Dominican Republic, Dec. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism was thrilled to return to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – which celebrated its 20^th anniversary Sept. 25-Nov. 16 in Orlando, FL – after an eight-year hiatus. The booth's much-anticipated return brought back authentic Dominican flavors and Caribbean heat, giving guests the opportunity to awaken their senses through a selection of traditional cuisine, drink and more, along with experiencing unparalleled Disney-style events.

Dominican Republic's return to the festival for the first time since 2007 was lauded by national publications, local outlets and bloggers alike – including USAToday, Yahoo!, The Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Examiner.com and many others – with combined coverage resulting in more than 25 million impressions. Ready to show off its smiling island culture to the event's estimated 1,663,140 attendees over the course of 53 days, Dominican Republic showcased elements of its rich culture through gastronomy, entertainment, artistry and history in an expansive space, designed to offer a glimpse into the six key touristic destinations of Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, La Romana-Bayahibe, Puerto Plata, Jarabacoa-Constanza and Samana. Each space depicted the diverse beauty of the region, along with highlights of key attractions. Sounds of live merengue entertainment radiated from the space, capturing the ears of passersby and drawing them in with the beats of the beloved music of the country.

Sight and sound were not the only senses captivated. Dominican Republic most importantly offered visitors an authentic taste of the country with an all-new menu featuring the dishes Pescado con Coco (seared grouper, pigeon peas with rice and coconut sauce), Yucca Souffle topped with griddled cheese, Lechon Asado (roasted pork with traditional mangu, pickled red onion and avocado) and Carmel Flan with rum-roasted pineapple. Famous traditional beverages featured national-favorite Presidente beer and cocktails mixed with world-renowned Barcelo rum.

In addition to the outdoor presence, Dominican Republic offered mixology classes and was spotlighted as part of the marketplace indoor culinary demonstrations, with famed Dominican chefs demonstrating an assortment of authentic recipes. Guests interacted with the chefs to learn the art of Dominican cooking, taking the recipe with them to try at home. To top it all off, the country participated in Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival's sensational Party for the Senses, a tribute to the sensory arts, every Saturday during the festival's duration.

For more information visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

About Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic's first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to approximately five million global visitors in 2012. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Dominican Republic boasts 28 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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CONTACT:
BVK Public Relations for DR Ministry of Tourism
Annie Holschuh: (414) 247-2140 / [email protected]

SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism