CUAIRSITNE
SIGNATURE DINING
AT EPCOT
Takumi-Tei
By Margaret Word Burnside and Aaron R. Fodiman
Photography courtesy of Disney Parks Food & Beverage & Margaret Word Burnside
An American Wagyu strip steak is paired with a Japanese A-5 Wagyu strip steak,
enabling diners to compare the two beefs prepared in exactly the same manner.
Disney World’s record of amazing
food service made us eager to
dine at Takumi-Tei, one of their
newest restaurants, which is
located at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot.
We often reflect on the fact that some of
the finest restaurants in the country are
just a short drive from the Tampa Bay
area. At Takumi-Tei, or “house of the
artisan,” exquisite décor celebrates the art
of Japan and nature through the elements
of water, wood, earth, stone and washi
paper with handcrafted workmanship. An
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sake pairings. It took us more than four
hours to experience this special treat that
should never be rushed for a multitude of
reasons, but most of all, because each dish
must be savored by both eye and palate
and time is needed to be able to consume
each precious morsel.
We began with a glass of Piper
Heidsieck Brut sparkling wine that the
chef paired with an otoshi quick nibble
he created that evening for us. This tasty
bite-sized portion prepared us to eat what
was served without asking much detail,
overall tranquil setting is enhanced by the
servers who silently appear to bring food,
utensils and beverages. We had a Zen-like
experience in the best use of the word.
We dined in the Water Room, a
stunning setting with bubbling water
gliding over a rock wall near seating for
eight diners at a long table that seemed to
flow from the outcropping of the rocks.
This exclusive room is used solely for the
Kaiseki Chef’s Table tasting menu of nine
courses, which costs $200 per person with
an additional charge of $100 for wine and
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