the disney food blog

First Look: Walls Are Down at Carthay Circle Restaurant (Plus Full Menu Photos!)

Heather — Sun, 27 May 2012 17:25:37 +0000

It’s hard to believe that Disney California Adventure is coming to the end of its 5 year remodel and expansion. Even though June 15th is the “official” grand opening date, things are slowly starting to soft open (Mad T Party is in full swing), and the construction walls are finally coming down.

Carthay Theatre & Fountain

This weekend marked the revealing of Carthay Circle Theatre and the Carthay Fountain. Here are a few photos for you to drool over. It’s gorgeous.

Carthay Circle Theatre

A fitting tribute to the place where Walt Disney debuted his first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, in 1937, The Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure will house a table service restaurant featuring “Premiere” (get it???) cuisine. I was very excited that the menu was already posted! I’ll take the House Biscuits immediately please…

Featuring "Premiere Cuisine"

Carthay Circle Menu

Carthay Circle Restaurant Menu Close Up -- click to read larger version

Although we couldn’t peek inside the windows, the outside was still amazing to see. For such a long time all we could see the was tippy top, but now you can get a glimpse of some of the fabulous details that have gone into imagineering this beautiful establishment…

A view walking up to the front doors.

To the right of the “ticket” window is a plaque that reads:

At this theater on the night of December 21, 1937, Walt Disney introduced the world to the first full-color feature-length animated motion picture; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The rest, as they say, is history.

Historical Snow White Plaque

The front entrance looks exactly like the original theatre. The double door main entrance is patterned in a mirrored symmetrical design with an art deco mosaic on the floor. There are “ticket” windows on each side of the entrance. I’m curious if these are just “for looks” or if they will be a place to check in upon arrival for meals.

Carthay Main Entrance

Carthay Ticket Windows

In this same area, the ceiling is lined with individual art deco light fixtures.

Entrance Lighting on the Ceiling

Walking around the perimeter of the building, I noticed lots of fun details. I love the mosaic tile work — especially the boarder at the bottom of the building. The Spanish dancer is lovely too. Is that Griffith Observatory in the background???

Mosaic Tile Border

Spanish Dancer Mosaic

The back side of Carthay has me very curious. There are some balconies as well as a gated private entrance. Is this the entrance to the exclusive Club 1901?

Backside of Carthay

Gated entrance to....

Would have loved to have peeked inside, but alas, lace curtains were blocking the view.

No peeking!

Carthay Fountain

Right across the way from the theatre was the fountain. Fortunately, we got to see it during the day and again at night. It is such a lovely area. I really can’t wait until the rest of the walls on Buena Vista Street are down.

Carthay Circle Fountain

"Hidden" Speakers

Fun Fact: The panels on the fountain are actually speakers! The new Buena Vista soundtrack was already being played!

Stay tuned for our upcoming reviews of Carthay Circle Theater dinner, the Mad T Party, and more from Buena Vista Street!

Have you had a chance to see the “unveiled” area yet? Which part of Buena Vista street are you most excited about?

Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here!

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Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 27, 2012

AJ — Sun, 27 May 2012 04:41:45 +0000

Hand Dipped Ice Cream Bars at Clarabelle's Ice Cream in Disney California Adventure

We’re so excited for the latest Disney Food News, and for the news we KNOW is coming!!

Can’t wait to share some great info with you this week; but in the meantime, check out the great news we heard about last week — including a sneak peek at the sweet treats that will be offered at Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street when it opens June 15th!

Disney Food News

Here’s the latest happening in the Disney Food World this week!

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival will end on November 12 (not the 11th!), according to the latest schedule. We’ll watch for further updates!
A new Vegan Marketplace will debut at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival in Walt Disney World this year!
Enter to win great prizes in our new DFB Guide Contest! Details here…
Buena Vista Street will open in Disney California Adventure with lots of new shops, including some sweet treats at Clarabelle’s Ice Cream and Trolley Treats!
The Mad T Party debuted in Disney California Adventure on May 25th. We’ll have a review on the DFB soon!
The construction walls are officially down on Carthay Circle Theater in Disney California Adventure!

We’ve got more food news (including a NEW food tent at Typhoon Lagoon) on our Disney Food News Pin Board, where Disney Food News is updated on a regular basis!

DFB Podcast Episode 4 Now Available

We’re pleased to announce that the fourth episode of our brand new podcast has been released! You can catch it over on itunes, stitcher, or on DFBPodcast.com!

In this episode of the Disney Food Blog’s DFB Podcast, we cover the latest Disney Food News, discuss some Disney restaurants with exceptional atmosphere and themeing, answer a few reader questions, and reveal the answer to our controversial Episode 3 trivia question (as well as give you a brand new trivia question)!

And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes!

On To The Round-Up

StudiosCentral.com names the top five pool bars at Disney World!

DisneyContemporary.com visits the Outer Rim for a cocktail.

Main Street Gazette has some pub grub at Rose & Crown.

WESH takes you on several Downtown Disney date night options – great for any budget! And, written by yours truly.

Mouse on the Mind shares breakfast at an unexpected location – Pizzafari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Etsy sells Disney Parks Treats Inspired Printable Art Designs. Adorable 8×10 designs ready to customize for WDW and Disneyland fans!

Stuff From The Park shares a vintage menu from Disneyland’s Red Wagon Inn.

Disney Parks Blog gives us a peak at new cocktail glasses at Disneyland Hotel’s Trader Sam’s!

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Tips For Visiting the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

AJ — Sat, 26 May 2012 04:45:05 +0000

The 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is coming up soon, and we’re already covering the latest news about the event.

Shrimp Tacos, Rib Eye Tacos, Flan and Strawberry Lime Margarita from the Mexico Booth

You can “follow the festival” on our Food and Wine Festival page here, and start making plans to attend September 28-November 12, 2012.

This annual event showcases food, wine, and other beverages from around the globe at marketplaces set up around Epcot’s World Showcase. You can also take advantage of some of the great seminars, demos, and events going on throughout the festival!

So, to kick off our coverage appropriately, let’s take a look at our…

Fun Tips for Visiting the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Here are a few of our favorite dining tips when it comes to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! I hope they’re helpful, and that you’ll share some of your great tips, too!

1. Make It A Meal

The World Showcase Booths around the Lagoon offer some great eats in small, appetizer sizes! Save one or two (or three!) meals for “eating around the World” Showcase.

Some of the perennial favorites include: Canada’s Cheddar Cheese Soup; Australia’s Shrimp on the Barbie; Italy’s Baked Cheese Ravioli; Argentina’s Grilled Beef Skewer; Poland’s Pierogies; and Germany’s sausage. We’re hoping that griddled cheese is back in Greece this year!

Nürnberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll, Goulash and Apple Strudel in Germany

2. Take Advantage of Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations

Take advantage of low-cost Epcot Food and Wine Festival seminars and demonstrations to see celebrity chefs!

Culinary demonstrations are held multiple times per day and are usually about 45-minutes in length. Featuring professional chefs and wine presenters, you’ll watch a dish being prepared on the show kitchen stage. Watching is fun, but tasting is even better. Yes, expect to sample the finished product along with its wine pairing! In 2011, these demonstrations were $11-13.

Last year, I enjoyed dessert made by Cake Boss Buddy Valastro at a low-cost seminar!

Buddy Valastro Makes Tiramisu at an Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demo

Wine and Beverage seminars (and also similar Mixology seminars) follow the same format. The focus is on meeting a beverage expert, discovering some new tips, and sampling the featured beverage. In 2011, these seminars were $10-12. Cheers!

Mixology Seminar at the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

With your Epcot admission, you can also enjoy Authors without Borders (30-minute intimate gatherings with a famous food or wine author) or Authentic Taste Seminars (30-minute lively and informative sessions) at no additional cost.

Book Signings, Bottle Signings, and Meet ‘n Greets give festival guests the opportunity to meet celebrated authors, famed chefs, and renowned winemakers. Upon arrival at the festival, it’s always a good idea to check the daily schedule!

In 2011, HGTV Home Entertainment seminars were offered by some of great personalities such as Vern Yip of HGTV Design Star. Offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, these fun sessions were free!

Tip: Ask about discounts for Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, and DVC members — usually available on seminars offered Monday through Thursday only.

3. Include the Kids!

Have Kids? Take ‘em With You! This is a great time for kids to expand their palates without you having to pay big bucks. They can try numerous dishes around the World showcase with you.

This is a good time to note what they like, and visit a corresponding restaurant in the World Showcase for a meal later in the trip.

Think the kiddos might be bored? No worries! Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure will keep them eager to visit the different World Showcase countries while you nosh away. In this adventure (which opens in June), kids use interactive, hand-held devices to follow clues as they complete missions around World Showcase. You won’t hear one “I’m Bored” if they’re engaged in these fun quests!

Kid Favorite: Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream

4. Impress Your Friends

Impress your friends when you get home! Show off your wine-tasting certificate from the wine seminars, or learn more than you ever wanted to know about cheese at a cheese seminar…and have a wine and cheese party at your house!

Want to spend a little less? Head to a food and beverage tasting seminar like the Pizza and Beer Pairing in Italy, tequila lunches in Mexico, or the wine and food pairings in Morocco. These can offer a great education that you can share with your crowd when you get home.

All beers at the Italy Beer and Pizza Pairing

5. Indulge Yourself

Want to be truly pampered? Try a Signature Dining event with one of your favorite chefs or at one of your favorite restaurants in Walt Disney World! Victoria & Albert’s showcased the culinary talents of Chef Scott Hunnel to a sold-out group at the Grand Floridian last year!

One of many Chef's Table Desserts

If that idea blows your budget, consider attending a seminar like the new Chocolate Discoveries. Lucky participants (this was sold out!) enjoyed tasting a savory dish and desserts made with chocolate. Oh, and there were chocolate-inspired wine and cocktails too.

Think you need a few more desserts to indulge? Head to a “Sweet Sundays” event where a celebrity chef will treat you to several delectable desserts of their own creation.

More Tips From the Experts

DFB readers and Epcot Food and Wine Festival Facebook Fans shared a few more great recommendations!

Avoid Crowds

One proven method to avoid extremely long lines is to visit during a weekday and arrive early. Becca advises, “Go during the week… Weekends are crowded with locals!”

If you are visiting on a weekend, Christine C. suggests, “On a Saturday, get there early (the booths usually open early); you should be able to get more than halfway around before it gets really busy.” We like to start our tour when World Showcase first opens!

When it is crowded and table space is limited, Dee T. shares her touring tip: “Trashcans make great table tops”. I concur.

Plan Ahead

There were great ideas about planning a successful festival day, including reading about the Festival before arriving in Epcot. Cookie W. has some great tips: “Use a Food and Wine Festival passport or print out a list of all the foods at the food booths. Mark each one as you sample it and even rate it if you want. Then you’ll know what you like so you can go back for seconds.”

We’ll have a list of all menu items (many with photos!) long before the festival begins, so stay tuned here at Disney Food Blog!

Food & Wine Festival Passport Belgium

Many festival-goers (such as Mary T.) recommend setting aside more than one day to partake in the delicious food and fun events. And this is one time when you shouldn’t make any Advance Dining Reservations — save your appetite!

Enjoy the Eat to the Beat Concerts by planning your evening meal around the shows. Carol S. shares this tip, “Get a couple items [at the World Showcase booths] for dinner, go watch the concert, then get dessert.”

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Performing at Eat to the Beat

Consider booking a hotel room at the Beach Club Resort. Carol V. likes the convenience of the nearby hotel; she recommends “stay at the Beach Club so you can walk in and crawl out!”

Use a Wristlet Gift Card

You can find one of these mini-gift-cards at most Festival merchandise stores or the Festival Center. The small card has an expandable wrist wrap so that it’s easy to scan multiple times (as many of us do at the Festival).

This tip received the most shout-outs, suggesting that if you are a guest paying out-of-pocket for your eats and sips that the gift card is a must-have. Jennifer O. stated: “And I agree about using the gift card that goes on your wrist. It helps to keep you within your budget and it makes paying so much quicker.”

Click for Larger Image

First, it’s convenient. Instead of digging out other funds, you’ll have your hands free for carrying a plateful of food and glass of wine or other beverage. It’s also a good idea as a budget-saver: put the amount that you are comfortable spending on the gift card. We suggest doing this before visiting the Craft Beer booth.

Use Your Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits

If you have the Disney Dining Plan, save your snack credits for your adventure through the marketplace booths. Many of the tapas-sized menu items are a great value for DDP guests.

Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit Eligible Items

Special Diet Planning

Bonnie F. has a helpful idea: “If you have food allergy/intolerance issues, pick up the festival cookbook first and check out the ingredients. Then make a pocket list of do’s/don’ts for the kiosks.”

In both 2010 and 2011, gluten free items were available at the World Showcase booths. But it can be difficult to find out which ones are safe. We love the idea of looking at the cookbook!

2011 Food & Wine Festival Cookbook

Come Follow the Festival With Us!

We will be covering the festival from head to toe again this year, and we’ve already reported on the eat to the beat concert schedule line up. Stay tuned for more reviews from last year’s events as well as previews of this year’s events, coming soon!

Don’t forget to follow along on our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page!

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Review: Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake in Epcot

AJ — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:00:57 +0000

I don’t go to Sunshine Seasons in Epcot nearly enough. (This is true of everyone pretty much, right? )

This great spot is smack in the middle of the Land pavilion in Epcot, and offers some of the best counter service food in all of Walt Disney World. This includes some very unique desserts, and anytime I DO visit I can’t resist trying out a few new treats. Today: the Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake…

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake

This is what I would call an “attractive” cupcake (minus the condensation droplets…sorry about that…). Colorful Mickey sprinkles and dark chocolate curls, thick pink buttercream frosting, chocolate cake — admit it; you’d fall for it, too. But let’s get down to the review of what’s inside!

As my friend and I took initial bites, we debated whether the frosting (I always start with the frosting) was actually raspberry-flavored, or if it was just pink buttercream. In the end, my friend — who happens to be a pastry guru — said yes, it was raspberry. I wasn’t convinced, so if you’ve tried this one, let me know what you think!

Now, I’d been told by the cast member at the counter that the cake did have raspberry filling (YAY!), so I was excited to see what was inside… . When I split the cake down the middle, I found what was basically seedless raspberry jam…kind of like thick raspberry donut filling.

This I found encouraging, since raspberry donuts are my favorite (trumped only by lemon donuts…of which I eat the lemon filling and leave ~~most~~ some of the donut). And, sure enough, the filling was delicious.

Cupcake Cross Section

As for the chocolate cake itself, it was good, though nothing really WOW-worthy. The addition of the raspberry filling made it delicious, but we found our interest in the cupcake waned once the filling was gone and we were left with plain chocolate cake.

Filling Close-Up

To sum this one up: pretty, but ultimately not one of my favorite Disney Cupcakes.

It’s not a mix of interesting flavors like the Guava Cream Cheese Cupcake (also at Sunshine Seasons). And it doesn’t carry the flavorful heft of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake at the Main Street Bakery.

If I could only choose a certain number of cupcake contenders for the Disney World cupcake crawl, this one probably wouldn’t make the cut.

What is your favorite must-have dessert at Sunshine Seasons? Will you be adding this entry to your own cupcake crawl? Let us know below in comments!

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Favorite Finds: Star Wars Spuds

Kim — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:45:05 +0000

Sometimes we come across some seriously awesome food-related merch and we just have to share it with you. This time? STAR WARS SPUDS! And by spuds, we mean Mr. Potato Head. Yes.

As I mentioned earlier in the Star Wars snacks post, my family is headed to Walt Disney World soon. One of the main reasons that we are gearing up for a June trip is to attend our second Star Wars Weekends event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Star Wars Weekends

The first time we attended my husband RAN for a picture with a Stormtrooper, leaving his then 8-year old son in his lightspeed-wake. It’s the kind of event that encourages grown adults to recall their youthful summer days having backyard battles with makeshift lightsabers. Are you with me?!

One of my favorite places to browse while my son is on his 9th ride (seriously, I am SO not kidding!) on Star Tours is Tatooine Traders. After two galactic missions IN A ROW, I’m ready for some shopping!

Star Wars-Inspired Mr. Potato Head Toys

And, luckily, Disney Theme Parks sell exclusive Star Wars Mr. Potato Head figures. This 5-part Limited Edition set makes a great gift for your Star Wars fans!

Star Wars Mr. Potato Head Display

I wonder if this protocol droid, C-3PotatO, would help my young padawan with his manners!

C-3PotatO

Take loyal Chipbacca on your next smuggling run!

Chipbacca

C3PO and Chewbacca in Disney's Hollywood Studios

Mashter Yoda shares his wisdom — “Truly wonderful the mind of a child is.” Treat your apprentice to one of these imaginative toys!

Mashter Yoda

Collect your own bounty when you wrangle up Spuda Fett!

Spuda Fett

Boba Fett in Star Wars Weekends Parade

Darth Mash wields his double-bladed lightsaber!

Darth Mash

Darth Maul at Star Wars Weekends

So, whaddya say? Are you all ready for Star Wars Weekends?

Grab your Mr. Potato Heads at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or click the links provided to start your collection!

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Enter to Win Our “How Do You Use YOUR DFB Guide?” Contest!

AJ — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:30:26 +0000

Calling all readers and Disney food fans! It’s time for a contest!

Here at Disney Food Blog, we are all about helping you have the best dining experience possible when visiting Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. To help you with that, we have spent lots of time (and calories!!) researching and writing the most comprehensive Guides to Disney World eating on the planet.

The best part is: we get letters and emails from you all the time letting us know that the guides are helping you plan great vacations; and now, we want to hear from YOU about how you use them!

How Do YOU Use Your DFB Guide?

We’re giving away a free Disney Food Blog e-Book of your choice along with a special surprise gift! Want to be entered to win? Here’s how!

Enter to Win!
Just send us:

A picture or video* showing how your family had a great Disney World visit because of the DFB Guides! Or a pic or video of you actually USING the DFB Guides to plan or enjoy your trip!
A sentence or two describing how your Guide was helpful during your planning process, or while you were in Disney World.

Send your entry to Contest@DisneyFoodBlog.com by June 10th, 2012, and you’ll be entered to win the DFB Guide of your choice, plus a special surprise gift!

And if you’re already the proud owner of all four Guides (Smart Cookie that you are!) and are chosen as the winner, then we’ll send you a coupon code for a future Disney Food Blog e-Book, FREE (plus the special surprise gift)!

Win Your Choice of any DFB Guide e-Book, plus a little something MORE!

What Will YOU Send?

Will your entry be a video of your family in the parks? Or will it be a picture of you with your DFB Guide on your iPad, poised to make those Dining Reservations at the 180-day mark? We want to see and hear about how YOU use your DFB Guides!

And don’t forget — the DFB Store is now open for business!

How have you used YOUR DFB Guide? Send in your creative answers by June 10th!

*Note, videos should be no more than 5 minutes long.

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Guest Review: Tangierine Café in Epcot

AJ — Thu, 24 May 2012 07:45:59 +0000

Welcome back guest author Melissa Sue Sorrells Galley with a review of the Tangierine Café in Epcot’s Morocco!

Today we’re heading to one of my all-time absolute favorite places in Walt Disney World, Epcot’s Morocco at night, to do one of my all-time absolute favorite things ever: eat.

Morocco at night

Atmosphere

As you enter the Morocco pavilion, you’re immediately transported by the sights, smells, and sounds of a Moroccan marketplace, which sets the scene for the delicious meal you’re about to enjoy.

Nejjarine Fountain

Located on the France-side of the Morocco pavilion, the Tangierine Café is a jewel in the crown of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Tangierine Café menu board - click image for larger version

Tangierine Café

After you place your order at the front counter, you’ll walk down the length of the counter while the Cast Members prepare your meal. One of my favorite things about Tangierine is how authentic everything is. The meat is prepared on a shawarma spit and shaved off as needed.

Meat is cooked on a spit and sliced to order.

On this particular evening, the service wasn’t great. I don’t know if it was new Cast Members or just a bad night, but orders were coming up with missing pieces. My own meal came up without my water twice before I gave up. I’ve never experienced bad service here before, and hopefully it was just a fluke!

Once your order is up, the seating in Tangierine is part of the experience. The tables are beautifully crafted, and the chairs are made of wrought iron. If it’s crowded inside, there is some seating outside, both in the front of the pavilion as well as on the west side of the pavilion, nearer to France.

Table inside at Tangierine Café

There’s also a tiny nook of seating to the left of the pastry counter — a perfect little hideaway.

Seating nook near the pastry counter.

Throughout the dining room, you’ll also find authentic Moroccan art and artifacts, including glass lighting fixtures, plaster carvings, and hand-tiled details.

Morocco is my favorite pavilion, and the exquisite handwork is a big part of that.

Authentic works of art enhance the setting.

If you time your meal right, it also comes with a show! I was lucky — I caught two performances by Mo’Rockin, the Moroccan live band in the pavilion, on this particular March evening.

Eats

My husband and I have ordered the wraps before because they’re the perfect IllumiNations food, but tonight I ordered the Mediterranean Slider Combo.

The three mini-“burgers” are actually three pita pockets, one with lamb, one with chicken, and one with falafel. All of them included lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber spears, and tahini sauce.

The pitas came with three sides: lentils, hummus and tabouleh.

Mediterranean Sliders Combo

I went for the lamb slider first. It was simple and gamey — no frills, just good food. I’d absolutely order the lamb here again.

By the time I got to the chicken slider, the tahini had started to get a little wet, but even though my pita was drippy, the flavors were still really clean and classic. Two thumbs up for these two.

My last slider, the falafel, wasn’t quite as good. I prefer flat, patty-shaped falafel, but these were deep-fried balls. They were very crunchy and reminded me of bar food, and the flavor was kind of flat. I make better falafel at home, for sure. If I was going to order this again, I’d ask for two lamb sliders and a chicken.

The lentil salad is served cold and slightly al dente, with a nice bite to it. It’s a clean, fresh Mediterranean take on the vinegary mac salad you eat at a summer picnic. The hummus was also absolutely delicious — exceedingly creamy and sweet with roasted garlic. I was less fond of the tabouleh.

There was almost no bulgur in the salad, and it was extremely heavy on the parsley. It wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t rush back for it. Again, it’s something I make better at home.

On to dessert!

Pastry and Coffee menu

The pastry counter at Tanigerine Café is something you have to see to believe. The glass case is brimming with cookies, pastries, tarts and sweets.

Pastry Case at Tangierine Cafe

I knew what I wanted: baklava! Of course, there were three or four different flavors, including the traditional walnut, but I went with the pistachio.

I also decided to get one of their specialty coffee drinks, and I asked the Cast Member which she would recommend. She whipped me up a Kasbah Coffee — coffee with hazelnut liqueur — and told me that if I didn’t like it, she’d make me a second cup at no charge.

The most beautiful cup of coffee ever.

Luckily, I didn’t need a second visit to the counter because her advice was spot-on. The coffee at Tangierine is real coffee. It’s very strong and slightly bitter, and the alcohol added a sweet little punch. I’ll admit, I couldn’t finish it on my own!

Tangierine Coffee and Pistachio Baklava

The baklava was sticky sweet, just the way I like it. The pastry was crispy and flaky, and it was filled with pistachio pieces as well as a smooth pistachio paste.

It was literally the best piece of baklava I’ve ever had; and if I could order it again, I would not share it with anyone!

Overall

This is the best Disney counter service location you haven’t visited yet. The food is both authentic and inventive, and it’s really, truly delicious.

And you can’t beat the portion sizes for these prices. All of this fresh, delicious, fast food is a great deal by Disney standards. I wish I had more hands so I could give it more than two thumbs up!

Have you stopped by the Tangierine Café? What do you recommend we try on our next visit?

Melissa Sue Sorrells Galley works in higher education communications in upstate New York, where she lives with her husband, Robert, and her cavapoo, George. She’s is the co-editor of Mouse on the Mind.

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Dining in Disneyland: Sneak Peek at Trolley Treats & Clarabelle’s Ice Cream, Opening June 15th

Heather — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:19:41 +0000

June 15th is right around the corner and two of the places I can’t wait to get to are Trolly Treats & Clarabelle’s Ice Cream, both located on Disney California Adventure’s new Buena Vista Street.

Buena Vista Street Model

We got the chance to sample some goodies from these spots, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Clarabelle’s Ice Cream

Clarabelle’s Ice Cream will be serving up some old fashioned frozen favorites as well as some treats with some interesting toppings!

The “story” behind Clarabelle’s is that it was inspired by an ice cream shop that young Walt might have visited in the early 1920′s. “Clarabelle Cowherd” ran her bovine inspired ice cream shop where she used farm fresh dairy products and old fashioned churns to make her flavorful hand scooped ice creams. Decorated in full “cow” theme, this may have been what “Moo-ved” Walt to create the humorous Clarabelle Cow.

Clarabelle's Ice Cream

Clarabelle’s will serve hand scooped ice cream as well as a new to the resort item; chocolate or vanilla bean hand dipped ice cream bars with various topping choices that include sprinkles, chocolate pearls, nuts, and drum roll please…. POP ROCKS!

Hand Dipped Ice Cream Bars

Clarabelle’s will also serve specialty sundaes like this adorable two scooper served in a Red Trolley cup.

Red Trolley Sundae

All ice cream products at Clarabelle’s will be Dreyer’s. And while I understand that this is a company that Disney contracts with, I do wish that the ice cream here was made by a local creamery. I think this would really fit in well with the whole theming that Disney California Adventure has going on. Or even better, churn it on site. Guests would love to see their ice cream being made from “cow to cone!”

Trolly Treats

Trolley Treats will be a one stop sweet shop offering all things yummy. There will be a candy kitchen on location, which is a first for DCA; and some specialty items are already in the making.

In addition to the classic sweets that are currently offered at Candy Palace, they will also be making signature fresh-made hand pulled taffy and a variety of homemade marshmallows!

Treats will be sold in new themed “Trolly Treats” packaging; and the adorable new Red Car Trolly will be featured on lots of fun merchandise, including tee shirts, key chains, bottle openers, and even Red Car Trolley cookies!

Goodies & Merchandise from Trolly Treats

Trolley Treats will also feature the awesome “Rock Candy Mountain.” Displayed prominently in the front window, Rock Candy Mountain is a replica of an idea envisioned back in 1957 by Imagineer Claude Coats.

Originally, the sweet slopes were going to be a part of the Storybook Land Canal Boats, and the Casey Jr. Circus Train was going to travel around it in Disneyland Park. Concept art was drawn, but the project was never built.

Fortunately, Rock Candy Mountain will now get the attention it deserves. I can’t wait to see it in person!

Trolley Treats' Version of Rock Candy Mountain

AND just a little “Fun Fact” for you: If you’re riding the Buena Vista Red Car Trolley, be sure to look at the ads that are being featured on its walls. They’re for the shops located on Buena Vista Street. Here’s one for Trolley Treats!

Trolley Treats Ad Inside the Red Car Trolley

There will be lots of delicious delights available on Buena Vista Street starting June 15th! See you there!

We can’t wait to try the create-your-own ice cream bars. How about you?

Thanks to Disney for inviting me to attend this Food Preview event! While the food was complimentary, all of my opinions are my own. See more on our disclosure policy.

Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here!

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Review: Unexpected Sundaes at Hollywood Scoops

AJ — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:35:11 +0000

Beneath the Tower of Terror’s ominous shadow at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, you’ll find the fun blue and pink sign for Hollywood Scoops Ice Cream!

Now, after seeing the menu recently, I could NOT believe I’d never tried the APPLE CRISP SUNDAE!! Did you know that was there and not tell me?!?

I love all things apple crisp, so I couldn’t wait to high-tail it over there and snag this snack on my next trip!

Atmosphere

This little ice cream stand at the corner of Sunset Ranch Market channels art deco retro Hollywood in style and decor.

The lines here are often long, but since it’s one of the only places around where you can get your hand-scooped ice cream fix, it’s usually worth the wait.

Eats

I begged Matt from Studios Central to meet me in DHS (what better way to explore Hollywood Studios food than with the expert?), and we decided to sample both the Brownie Sundae and that Apple Crisp treasure.

At least I was hoping it was going to be a treasure. (Cue ominous, dramatic music here…)

Brownie Sundae
The Brownie Sundae looked great. A huge brownie cuddled with vanilla bean ice cream, blanketed in HOT hot fudge and some serious whipped cream? Awesome.

And if you’re a brownie and hot fudge sundae lover, this is definitely for you. The hot fudge is thick and super-sweet, and complements the creaminess of the ice cream well (especially when that ice cream gets a little melty). The brownie was not at all dry, which is always the big fear when you do Theme Park brownies…

The portion is pretty large, however, so if you’re looking to share, one sundae should suffice.

Brownie Sundae

On to the coveted Apple Crisp!! The sundae is served with no whipped cream or cherry; instead, it’s topped with caramel sauce and streusel! Fancy.

But, of course, I was a little underwhelmed when I saw it, and and I asked them to add some whipped cream to make it a bit more photogenic.

Ahem. Seriously. This is what happened next…

Apple Crisp

Ha ha ha!! Photogenic? Check!

Anyway, on to the review! Unfortunately, this was clearly canned apple filling, which meant that — even piping hot — it was a little “gummy.”

I did, however, really enjoy streusel, which was like a sweet, crushed up pie crust. I think I would have preferred a more cinnamon-butter-oatmealish topping, but honestly I was just impressed that they’d gotten as far as the streusel at a counter-service spot!

Apple Crisp Close-Up

The ice cream was great, and if you’re OK with the canned apple filling, you’ll like this.

Another point to note: the apple crisp was served very hot. Take care as you transport your molten apple dessert once you purchase it, and prepare for your ice cream to be all but melted in short order.

Both sundaes sell for $5.19. Other ice cream flavors here include Chocolate, Orange Sherbet, Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, Butter Pecan, and Fat-Free No-Sugar Added Vanilla.

Overall

If you’re in the mood for ice cream or a sundae and don’t have time to sit down anywhere, this is a good bet; though I might choose the cheaper homemade ice cream sandwich here instead from time to time.

And if you’re torn between ice cream and another type of dessert, don’t forget that Starring Rolls and Sweet Spells are just down the street, where you could spend less money and get a Butterfinger Cupcake or Carrot Cake Cookie (respectively).

Will these sundaes be on your list for the next visit? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!

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2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Debuts A Vegan Marketplace

AJ — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:12:13 +0000

Great news for those visiting the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival with a special diet!

As part of the World Showcase Marketplaces serving tapas-sized portions of International foods, the Festival is introducing a completely vegan kiosk this year! We’re hoping that means that special diets will be catered to more than ever before at this year’s event.

Vegan Marketplace at Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year will introduce the first ever vegan-only “TERRA” marketplace, which will include dishes like this Trickân Chickân Curry with Basmati Rice Curry with Basmati Rice.

Trickân Chickân Curry with Basmati Rice at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Stay tuned for more details about this exciting development. Here’s hoping nothing changes!

As always, Disney Food Blog is YOUR SOURCE for the most detailed information about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Check out our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page for all the latest!

Thanks to StitchKingdom.com for calling my attention to the news!

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