Known as the “Spice Queen,” celebrity Chef Aarti Sequeira brought her zesty wit and culinary wisdom to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival on Nov. 17 with a fabulous “Sunday Brunch with the Chef” event.

Born in Bombay, India; raised in Dubai, UAE, and now hailing from Southern California, Chef Aarti showcases a true international and multicultural flare, whether cooking on her own shows, or on any of the myriad of cooking competition shows in which she hosts, judges and competes.

Ironically, most of her early background has been behind the camera, studying film and TV in college and working as a producer for CNN.

But the world was not to be denied its Spice Queen. After earning her culinary certificate from The New School of Cooking in Culver City, Calif., Chef Aarti started a popular blog and web TV show called “Aarti Paarti.” And then a little push from friends and family urged her to audition for “The Next Food Network Star.”

SPOILER ALERT – She won!

And the rest, as they say, is history.

We caught up with Chef Aarti recently who gave us some tips on spice trends and a recommendation from her book Aarti Paarti: An American Kitchen with an Indian Soul.

The 24^th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs through Nov 23, 2019. A culinary mashup of global cultures and gourmet innovation, the Festival brings irresistible bites, sips, entertainment and family fun to Walt Disney World Resort. This year’s Festival added a dozen extra days, expanding the foodie celebration to a delicious 87 days.

Epcot guests can begin with the aromas and flavors of more than 30 festive global food and beverage destinations that extend from Future World to encircle the World Showcase promenade. Guests also can explore opportunities for special tastings and pairings, plus premium dining events featuring chef personalities.

For more information on the Festival, check out TasteEpcot.com and keep checking back to the Disney Parks Blog for more Festival updates!