the disney food blog

Dining in Disneyland: Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch at House of Blues

Heather — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:55:17 +0000

The House of Blues has been rockin’ the stage with a Sunday Gospel Brunch since the flagship location opened its doors in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in November of 1992.

As part of their year long 20th Anniversary celebration, the Sunday Gospel Brunch has been revamped with a Kirk Franklin twist.

Gospel Star and Grammy Award winning performer Kirk Franklin has been working closely with the House of Blues to hand select gospel performers and song sets at each location; making the show somewhat personalized to each House of Blues venue.

And with the new shows come new menu items, too! The Kirk Franklin Gospel Brunch debuted on Mother’s Day and I was lucky enough to be invited to attend with my family.

House of Blues Downtown Disney Anaheim

Atmosphere

Located in the heart of Downtown Disney next to Tortilla Jo’s and across from Ralph Brennen’s Jazz Kitchen, The House of Blues, Anaheim, is a two story venue that features table service meals as well as concerts; sometimes simultaneously. Today I will be sharing solely about the Gospel Brunch. But not to worry, I plan to go back for a review of the “regular” menu in the near future (and AJ has a review coming up soon of the new menu at Disney World’s House of Blues)!

Sunday brunch at the Anaheim location is offered at both 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. When you arrive at the podium, simply let the host/hostess know you are there for the Gospel Brunch. Depending on how close to your brunch time it is, you will be asked to either step aside and wait there for a few moments or be told to head up the stairs for a drink while you wait for the doors to open.

Hostess Podium

If you are asked to go upstairs, there will be beverages awaiting you. Coffee, tea, and orange juice were complementary.

But if you are looking for an adult beverage such as a mimosa or bloody mary, hold your horses for a few because there is something inside that might just knock your socks off. If you can’t wait until you get inside for an adult beverage, there is a full bar in this waiting area.

Waiting/Reception Area Beverages: Coffee, Tea & Juice

While you’re waiting you can check out some of the kitschy decor. I loved these brightly painted bottles that lined the top of the bar.

House of Blues Decor

You can also kill time playing with the signature fans they pass out to you (which is exactly what my boys did). AND by the way, they pass them out for a reason: it’s a bit warm inside the venue. I noticed it was much hotter downstairs where most of the bodies were than upstairs in the balcony where we sat.

Kirk Franklin Gospel Brunch Fans

When the doors “officially” open, there are several hosts and hostesses that will explain to your group how the brunch works. You’ll be given you a tour of the buffet and will then be shown to your seats. Seating options will depend on your party size. Much of the seating is “family” style at several long tables, which are located on the first floor directly in front of the stage.

Family Style Seating

There are also “bar” type seats located around the room of the whole first floor. These are good for small parties of two or three, but to me, it seemed like much more than that would make it hard to be able to chat with your party.

The upstairs balcony, where we were seated, consisted of small tables as well as the same bar type seating as downstairs surrounding the balcony so that you were looking down on the stage.

Balcony Seating

The photo below is pretty grainy (sorry, my fault) but it gives you an idea of the small tables where we were seated. It was absolutely perfect for my family of four.

We had two of the small table tops that were scooted together. I LOVED the balcony seating for a few reasons: 1) The air seemed cooler up there, 2) Much more mellow, & 3) A great view.

Balcony Table Seating

This is a view of the stage from the balcony bar seating. I thought it was perfect.

Stage View from Balcony Seating

Now that you know your seating options, let’s jump right into the food!

Eats

After your host/hostess shows you to your seats, you are free to start filling yourself with yummy goodness from around the room.

The buffet is set up downstairs on either side of the stage and family style seating. What I love about the buffet set up is that it is divided into several stations – even more so than other buffets that I’ve been to. The stations were small and organized, making it easy to get food and not have to wait forever in long lines.

Baked Goods

The “main” breakfast food type area had the longest line, which I believe is due to the fact that it’s the first food station you see when you walk into the room. If the line looks long, hit another station first and come back to this one. This station is where you can pick up your typical breakfast favorites including baked goods, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, french toast, etc. Although I didn’t have the stomach to sample everything, I did manage to get a wide variety of items and have no complaints!

The Baked Goods consisted of various muffins and bagels. There were several to choose from including blueberry and poppy seed muffins (see photo above) as well as bagels in plain, garlic, and raisin.

Next up was a gorgeous variety of fresh fruit. It was presented beautifully and even my husband noted how sweet and fresh the fruit platter was. I had some pineapple and some watermelon. It tasted just as fresh as it looked.

Fresh Fruit Platter

Make sure to get lots of fruit on your plate to balance out the next item. Sticky Buns! The Sticky Buns were so photogenic, almost like artwork. But I am sad to say that they were a little dry.

I know they are different from a cinnamon roll, but with a little (or a LOT) of frosting added they would have been amazing. Still completely beautiful though!

Sticky Buns

Next to the Sticky Buns, we’ve got Scrambled Eggs paired with Bananas Foster French Toast. The scrambled eggs were cooked to perfection; fluffy and flavorful.

Scrambled Eggs

The Bananas Foster French Toast was a huge hit with my family. Sweet caramel flavor with a hint of banana, it was basically dessert!

Bananas Foster French Toast

The hash browns were nicely seasoned and I loved the addition of the red and green bell peppers.

Hash Browns

The last item in this section is the bacon and sausage stop. Here is where you’d find my kids; stacking their plates sky high with crispy bacon and sausage links.

Bacon and Sausage for DAYS...

The next closest buffet station featured BBQ Chicken, Sauteed Veggies, and Mac n’ Cheese. I didn’t try the BBQ Chicken, but it looked great!

BBQ Chicken

The Veggies and Mac n’ Cheese were both amazing.

Sauteed Veggies & Mac n' Cheese

The Mac n’ Cheese, though, was so special that it deserves its own photo. Large, cooked to perfection elbow noodles were creamy but not too rich, cheesy but not to strong. This dish was my absolute favorite. Love, love, loved it.

My new favorite Mac n' Cheese!

This station also had a Jambalaya, but with the red heat lamp I couldn’t get a photo that justified its beauty. You’ll just have to go and see it for yourself!

Beside the glorious Mac n’ Cheese table, there was a small salad bar with three types of salad-ish dishes: Caesar Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, and a Greek Salad.

Salad Trio

Next up is the carving station. Here you will find an adorable meat carver ready to serve you your choice of turkey breast, beef brisket, or both! This table also had an assortment of condiments such as Honey Mustard and if you want to make yourself a little meat sandwich there were fresh dinner rolls here as well!

Carving Station

To the left of the carving station you will find a made to order omelet station. Here, you can build the perfect omelet using ingredients such as sausage, bacon, cheese, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and more.

Omelet Station

My favorite station was the Chicken and Waffles station. Endless fried chicken strips and mini Belgium style waffles that are made right before your eyes.

Chicken and Waffles Station

The fried chicken strips were the perfect mini size to go with the mini Belgium waffles. Tender white chicken breast centers with a crispy fried outer layer. I smothered mine in Maple Syrup!

Fried Chicken Strips

At the Chicken and Waffles station you have multiple options for toppings. Choose from Maple Syrup, Housemade Buffalo Sauce, or Country Gravy to customize your plate of fabulousness. If you aren’t in the mood for savory, grab some fresh strawberries and whipped cream to top your waffles.

Chicken and Waffles Toppings

At the Chicken and Waffles Station you can also pick up some fresh biscuits, which I did, and smother them with gravy to make a side order of delicious biscuits and gravy.

Fresh Biscuits

The final food station is the Dessert Table. Here you’ll run into several fantastic treats. From Mini Key Lime Pies, to Red Velvet Cupcakes, Carrot Cake, Cheesecake, and Bread Pudding, you’ll easily find something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Dessert Table

I tried three of the items on the table: the Mini Key Lime Pies, the Bread Pudding and the Carrot Cake. My very favorite though, was the Mini Key Lime Pie. Tart lime filling topped with sweet cream, garnished with a little jelly lime candy, it was the perfect little treat after stuffing myself with the buffet items.

Mini Key Lime Pies & Red Velvet Cupcakes

The Bread Pudding was also really great; moist and sweet, my whole family really enjoyed this one.

Bread Pudding

The Carrot Cake was also tasty and I appreciated that the cake to frosting ratio was perfect!

Carrot Cake

Adult Beverage Options

Remember how I told you to wait for your adult beverages until you got inside? Well, here’s that thing that I told you would knock your socks off.

For an extra fee, you can visit the Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar. Select your vodka and Bloody Mary mix, then choose from several different condiments to build your drink to your liking. There are two types of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, A-1 Sauce, a variety of olives, celery, okra, peppers, limes, and more. This my friends, is a genius idea.

Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar

The Bloody Mary Bar is definitely a hit with the crowd. The bartender was busy every time I looked his way.

Drinks from the Bloody Mary Bar

Not a Bloody Mary fan? No worries. The full bar serves all that and then some; including some old school classics with a twist.

PBR with a Shot of Whiskey Anyone?

Entertainment

Now that we’re fed and full, let’s talk entertainment.

The Gospel Show starts one hour into the brunch and closes out the event after one hour of performing. If you still have room, the food stations remain open, so keep on keepin’ on if you need to. My family and I were stuffed, so we found some stools with a great view (you can move around to empty seats in the balcony if they are available) to take in the show.

The show starts off with a video intro by Grammy Award Winning Gospel Singer and brunch namesake, Kirk Franklin.

Kirk Franklin Video Intro

When Kirk is done speaking, the curtains open and appearing on stage are the gospel group Tony Jones & Emerge. Full of energy and tons of talent, this amazing group of men and women will have you clapping and singing along within minutes.

Tony Jones & Emerge

The set list consisted of several songs, but my favorite was a fun version of Lean on Me originally performed by Bill Withers. Tony Jones & Emerge had the whole house singing along with them.

More Details

Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch is only offered on Sundays, and depending on the location, it varies how often (some only offer Sunday Brunch every two weeks). Times vary per venue as well. Some offer two time slots each Sunday while others have just a 10:00 show. You can find a complete schedule for all House of Blues locations here.

The brunch is a two hour experience, and closes with a one hour long gospel performance. It’s an all ages event costing $18.50 for children ages 3-9 and $40 for anyone 10 and up. Children under the age of 3 are free. The event often sells out. I strongly recommend purchasing your tickets far in advance, especially if you have a large party and want to sit together. Tickets for the Anaheim House of Blues can be purchased here.

A portion of the proceeds from the Gospel Brunch goes to The International House of Blues Foundation, which supports youth music and arts programs. So… buy some tickets, eat some great food, have some fun all the while supporting a great youth music and art program. Sounds good to me!

Overall

I can definitely recommend Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues. My whole family enjoyed the show (even my almost too cool for everything, soon to be 12 year old). I think it’s a great event to attend for a special occasion, birthday, family get together, Father’s Day (just around the corner!), etc. And I think it would be really fun to go with a big group. The food was definitely on par and there was something for everyone; very family friendly. Pretty sure my kids ate their weight in bacon. Buffets can often be hit or miss. This one was a hit!

Have you attended the House of Blues Gospel Brunch? What did you think? Do you plan to check out the new Kirk Franklin one? Let us know in the comments below.

A big thank you to The House of Blues for inviting my family and me to spend Mother’s Day at the Kirk Franklin Gospel Brunch. For more information on visiting the House of Blues, take a peek at their site here.

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News! Spirit of Aloha Dinner Menu Update at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Kim — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:00:46 +0000

You’ll find south seas flavors at the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show featured at Disney’s Polynesian Resort! And we’ve heard about a few menu updates!

The Luau-style feast offers all-you-care-to-eat goodies along with a Hawaiian themed dinner show on the stage in front of you.

Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show Menu Updates

We got word recently of some menu changes and updates, which don’t sound half-bad! Here are the deets…

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Menu! Click image for larger version.

Bread

No changes have been made to the Pineapple Coconut Bread!

Polynesian Pineapple Coconut Bread

Salads

Mixed Greens with honey lime vinaigrette (an old favorite from ‘Ohana) have taken the place of the tropical mixed greens with mango poppyseed dressing. In addition, a Mango Slaw and Soba Noodle Salad have been added.

Main Course

Selections for your main entree now include Aloha Pulled Pork. BBQ Pork Ribs and Roasted Chicken are still on the menu as well. Accompanying your entree, you’ll now receive Jasmine Rice with Nori and a Vegetable Medley.

Dessert

Warm Pineapple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce takes the place of the Kilauea Volcano Delight dessert. I’m hoping this is the same awesomeness that’s served at ‘Ohana!

Pineapple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Kids Menu

A Kids Meal is available upon request.

Do you like the changes made to the menu? Chime in now!

Thanks to Team Tizzel for sending us this info!

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New! Barbecue Glazed Pork Shank at Disneyland’s Edelweiss Snacks

AJ — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:30:45 +0000

Big news for Disneyland meat-eaters!!! Edelweiss Snacks is now featuring a brand new “snack-on-a-stick!”

Edelweiss Snacks in Disneyland

Yep, this small, “Alpine” snack kiosk in Disneyland Park is known for offering Jumbo Turkey Legs and a view of the Matterhorn. But now it’s got something extra unique to offer to hungry passers-by…

Stop by Edelweiss Snacks!

Please welcome…the Barbecue Pork Shank!

Pork Shank is HERE!

Similar to the roasted pork shank offered at Gaston’s Tavern in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, this hearty menu item is sure to be a BIG hit!

Pork Shank at Edelweiss.

It’s massive in size (and in calories, we imagine), and you can only find it here at the moment! I can’t wait to try it for myself!

Pork Shank Close Up.

A huge thanks to DFB readers Irene and Shea for letting me know about this extra-special addition to the Disneyland snack menu. I wonder if it will pop up in other locations…

Are you in the market for a barbecue-glazed pork shank? Would you choose it over a Disney turkey leg? Let us know in the comments!

Thank you to Peter S. and DFB Disneyland Columnist Heather Sievers for sending over these great pics!

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56 Must-Read Disney Dining Secrets from Disney Food Blog

AJ — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:55:58 +0000

Disney may be the Happiest Place on Earth, but nothing can wreck the happy faster than poor planning.

This is especially true when it comes to one of the most important parts of your trip — eating!

After decades of Disney dining, we’ve perfected some expert tips and advice to get the most out of your Disney World visit.

Today, we’re sharing our 56 Must-Read Disney Dining Secrets to ensure that you have the magical visit of your dreams!

Top Disney Dining Secrets

Let’s get started!

1. Make dining reservations. Even if you don’t follow any other piece of advice, we can’t say this emphatically enough. To fully appreciate the truly entertaining and delicious array of Disney Dining offerings, you must make advanced dining reservations. If you wait until you arrive at Disney to make table service arrangements, you may miss out on many of your top picks because they will be booked.

Book Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant 180 Days in Advance to Guarantee a Table

2. BYOP (Bring Your Own Pepsi). Yep. Those of you who are die-hard Pepsi drinkers will be sad to note that any and all Disney establishments will not carry Pepsi products. It’s a Coke-only zone here! So either bring your own Pepsi, or plan to take a trip to a nearby gas station, convenience store, grocery store, or drug store to pick up your stash. You can also order it and have it delivered directly to your hotel from Garden Grocer.

No Pepsi Here.

3. Don’t miss the must-eat items! After years of eating Disney goodies, we here at Disney Food Blog have amassed quite a list of “must-eat” treats in Disney parks and resorts. Cult favorites like Dole Whip Floats, Zebra Domes, School Bread, and Mickey Bars are high priority when you’re visiting the Happiest Place on Earth. To read up on our favorites, head over to our Best Disney World Restaurants Page for some great “Best Of” posts like Best Cookie Snacks in Disney World, favorite Disney ice cold snacks, Disney’s best grilled cheese, and more! And if you’re headed to Disney World for the first time, you must read our Best Disney Restaurants for First-Timers article — very helpful!

Dole Whip Float! A Must-Eat snack for every Disney guest.

4. Make your reservations 180 days prior to your visit whenever possible. Nope — it’s not enough to just make reservations; you need to make them as early as possible. For most restaurants, that’s 180 days prior to the date you’re seeking. If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, you can book all of your reservations for up to 10 days beginning exactly 180 days before the first day of your trip.

5. Don’t pay for food you don’t want. One of my favorite Disney Dining tips is to be a squeaky wheel when you need to be. Disney is very good at customizing meals, and at counter-service restaurants, your customized meal might even save you some money! For example, if you’d rather have just the sandwich with no sides, the price will likely be lower. So if you’d rather not have the extra food that comes with the entree, let them know and expect a lower price.

Want your burger sans fries? Ask for it solo and you may save some dough!

6. Get free ice water during those hot summer months. And any other time as well! Most Disney counter-service restaurants will give you a free glass of ice water when asked. This can come in handy when you don’t want to spend extra money on a drink with your meal, or when you’re dying of thirst on those hot Disney days!

7. Research your dining options. There is a dizzying array of dining options at Disney — everything from ultra upscale haute cuisine, to restaurants offering incredible themed experiences. Take your time and research your options — Disney Food Blog has dedicated Disney World restaurant information pages for every single restaurant and kiosk in Disney World that includes menu details, our reviews, and more. While you’re planning, take into consideration park hours for the days of your visit as well. Using the Disney Dining Restaurant Search Tool is a great way to ensure that your pick meets all of your needs.

Research to find out about great experiences like the Victoria and Albert's Chef's Table

8. Consider the pace of service when you’re making dining decisions. Some Disney signature restaurants (the most expensive spots on property) can have a relaxed pace of service, like Citrico’s or Artist Point. This may be great for a date night, but not so wonderful if you have tired children or are trying to keep a tight schedule. Take into consideration the pace of service when you book, and consult Disney Food Blog’s Disney restaurant reviews for details on what to expect.

9. Save on dining costs by eating a big, late breakfast. If you’re looking to stretch your dollars, one of our favorite suggestions is to eat a big breakfast at one of the many table service restaurants offering a morning meal. Generally, breakfast is less expensive than other meals, and by starting your day off with a full stomach a little later, you may eliminate the need for lunch altogether. Another relaxed alternative is combining breakfast and lunch, and choosing a brunch option.

Waffles topped with Mascarpone Cheese at Kouzzina will Keep You Satisfied

10. Embrace snacks, even as alternatives to meals. There are some seriously substantial snacks to be found all over Disney! Many, like school bread in Epcot’s Kringla Bakeri Og Cafe, can take the place of a meal altogether. In this way you accomplish two goals — you get to try snacks and save money!

School Bread as a Meal? Yes Please!

11. Eat during off hours. Not a big fan of crowds, or looking to get into a booked up restaurant? Consider eating during off hours. Booking a very early or late meal, or taking in a counter service spot between traditional meal times can greatly reduce your wait, and you might even get to try a few restaurants that you thought you’d have to skip.

12. Hit up resorts for meals. While it’s a lot of fun to eat in the parks, consider booking meals at nearby resorts. Spots like Kona Cafe at the Polynesian or The Wave at the Contemporary are a convenient monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom, and can even offer a respite from the heat and crowds.

Sticky Wings from Kona Cafe Make for a Delicious and Relaxing Lunch

13. Research the Disney Dining Plan to see if it meets your needs. There are deeply divided opinions regarding the value offered by Disney Dining Plans. Our suggestion? Research it. If you always like to eat the most expensive foods, it may just save you money. Or the convenience of having much of your food paid for ahead of time may be more valuable to you than savings. For more advice, check out advice on pros and cons of the Disney Dining Plan.

14. Book a character meal. If amassing character photos and autographs is a priority for your family, then be sure to book a character dining experience. You have to eat anyway, so again, this is a meal that does double duty. And instead of you waiting in long lines, the characters come to you. And don’t skip this option if you’re kid-free — lots of adults-only parties have an awesome time at character meals!

My Favorite! Handy Manny at Hollywood and Vine Restaurant

15. Choose the right character meal for your group. There are LOTS of character meal choices in Disney World, and you want to be sure that you pick the best one for your brood. For example, if you have a pre-schooler in the group, the Hollywood and Vine Play ‘n Dine with Disney Junior characters might be perfect. If you have a little princess, she may want to hang out with other princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Have all boys? Maybe Winnie the Pooh characters or Mickey Mouse himself would be the best choice. Check out this great primer on how to Choose the Best Disney Character Meal for your Family for insights.

16. Visit at slower times of the year to avoid crowds. While slow times at Disney are becoming more rare, there are still a few times during the year that you can go when the crowds are lower. Booking your visit in September, early January, early February, or May can lead to shorter lines and more dining options available.

There's nothing better than an un-crowded restaurant in Disney World!

17. Consider purchasing a Tables in Wonderland card. If you’re a Florida resident or a Disney Passholder, be sure to check out the Tables in Wonderland discount card. Good at many locations throughout Disney, the card offers a savings of 20% on meals, and includes alcoholic beverages.

18. Make plans to visit the Epcot Food and Wine Festival least once. What began as an event to draw crowds during a slow part of the year has turned into a premiere culinary event with demonstrations, special dining opportunities, and fantastic marketplace booths. Anyone who loves to eat should plan to visit the Food and Wine Festival at least once! And to help with planning your Food and Wine Festival trip, pre-order the 2013 DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and get the 2012 for free!

Dessert Trio at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

19. If dealing with a food sensitivity or special diets, have it noted on the reservation and then mention again at the podium. Disney is one of the most accommodating resorts that we’ve experienced when it comes to special needs diets. If you have any food sensitivity ranging from allergies to intolerances and beyond, let them know. Note it at the time of the reservation if you book by telephone, and mention it again at the time you check in. The restaurant’s chef will see to it that you are in good hands. For even more information on dining with special diet needs, see our Disney Dining resource page.

20. Get a little something for free. Believe it or not, you CAN get something for nothing in Disney World! Disney candy shops and other stores regularly offer free samples of their wares — from caramel corn to caramel apples to fudge, cotton candy, and more! A few of our favorite spots to scope out for samples are the Confectionery on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, Big Top Treats in New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, and Prairie Outpost and Supply in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom.

Caramel Corn Samples

21. Save some dough by bringing your own eats. The easiest way to avoid high theme park food prices or to avoid the headache that can result from a special diet is to bring your own less expensive eats from home (or from your hotel)! Disney does have rules and regulations about bringing food into the parks, but for the most part, bringing in snacks, small coolers, non-alcoholic drinks, and other goodies is allowed. See details about bringing food into Disney parks here.

22. Take a Restaurant Tour. Enjoy a little education with your sustenance! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers free culinary tours of its restaurants every day at 4pm. This usually come with a little taste test of some of the more popular items, so be willing to sample! See details of the AKL culinary tours here.

Tour the gorgeous Jiko and learn the story behind the themeing

23. Be prepared for cost. Here’s a newsflash: Disney is not cheap. But that’s okay, because it’s a vacation, and you’re getting a lot more for your money than just food. Take into consideration the service, as well as the atmosphere, grounds, and themeing, and expect that you will pay more for a meal here. Understanding this ahead of time could alleviate some sticker shock when the check comes.

Prices can be steep at Disney World restaurants

24. Try underrated restaurants. There are many, many restaurants at Disney. Sure, getting into the super popular ones, like Epcot’s Le Cellier, might be difficult. Don’t be afraid to try a few spots you’ve never heard of. Some of our favorite meals have been at spots that tend to fly under the radar, like Boatwright’s at Port Orleans (check out our dinner review here.)

The Incredible Jambalaya at Boatwright's

25. Nosh at a lounge or bar in place of a sit down dinner. I love meeting friends for drinks and bites at many of the lounges, bars, and pubs located throughout Disney. They offer some delicious eats, and great alternatives to busy table service or counter service restaurants. If you find yourself hungry and you don’t have a reservation, check out the bar menus at spots like the Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Or stop in Epcot’s Rose and Crown Pub for an English Bulldog. You won’t leave hungry, I guarantee.

Our favorite Sharp Cheddar Beer Fondue at Territory Lounge

26. Fill up at a buffet. Buffets represent some of the best value at Disney, because they are always all-you-care to eat. They’re also a fantastic option for groups whose members have wide variations in taste, or for picky eaters. For these reasons, a breakfast or dinner buffet can be a wise choice if you’re looking to maximize your budget, or you appreciate meals that offer a wide variety of foods. In addition to buffets, there are other family style restaurants, like ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom which also offer an all-you-care-to-eat format. This is also a great option for family with growing, ravenous teenagers!

Breakfast Pastries from one of our favorite buffets -- Boma in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge!

27. Take home snacks like fudge as souvenirs and gifts. Take home Disney food for extra special souvenirs. Whether you want to take a little pixie dust home for yourself, or bring a little something home in your suitcase to someone you love, Disney Authentic Parks snacks or classic treats like fudge will keep the magic going for just a little while longer.

Fudge Makes a Tasty Take Home Treat

28. Eat off property to save money. When you’re in Disney World, you’re a captive audience…and food prices are going to be higher than they are in the surrounding areas. As a result, a great way to save some cash on dining when you’re in the World is to get “out of the World” for a while! Head over to a chain restaurant nearby to spend significantly less on your meal, or head to a grocery store to pick up grab and go eats.

29. Time your reservation in Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom for afternoon parade time viewing. Book your lunch reservation at Animal Kingdom’s Yak and Yeti or Tony’s Town Square at Magic Kingdom at just the right time, and you can take in one of the afternoon parades from the comfort of an air-conditioned table, rather than a hotter-than-hot street curb.

Watch the Jammin Jungle Parade from Yak and Yeti Restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom!

30. Book a meal during Wishes or Illuminations for a great view of fireworks. Likewise, booking your dining reservation to coincide with fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom or Epcot can make for an extra special evening. For the best viewing of Magic Kingdom’s Wishes, check out restaurants at hotels bordering Seven Seas Lagoon. One of our favorite spots for delicious dining and beautiful views in a laid back atmosphere is Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian. For viewing Illuminations at Epcot, our favorite spot is the front patio at the Rose and Crown.

Fireworks and castle from Narcoossees

31. Don’t forget about other restaurants on Disney property. There is a tendency to overlook restaurants on Disney property that aren’t in Disney hotels or theme parks. Some of the best meals that we’ve had have been at the restaurants of the Swan & Dolphin Resorts, such as Todd English’s bluezoo and Shula’s Steakhouse. Likewise, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Bonnet Creek offer fantastic options, like Bull and Bear Steakhouse and La Luce, and reservations are often easier to get than they are at Disney restaurants. You might even find that these spots offer slightly less expensive dining than Disney-owned spots. The popular Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney is a great example.

32. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask. If you have any questions about the food or the menu at a restaurant, don’t be afraid to ask your server about it. Disney restaurants offer great flexibility for the most part when it comes to making substitutions or accommodating dietary needs.

Disney chefs are more than willing to discuss special dietary needs with you one on one

33. Gluten free and vegan celebrations are possible, thanks to Babycakes NYC. Gone are the days when requiring a gluten free diet means that you can’t have your cake and eat it, too. With advanced notice, Babycakes NYC, located at Downtown Disney, can deliver a celebration cake to any Disney restaurant for your special occasion.

34. Consider booking a dinner that combines food and entertainment. There are plenty of options available at Disney if you favor a “dinner with a show” approach. The Spirit of Aloha at Disney’s Polynesian and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Ft. Wilderness are well known options.

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue!

35. Bring water if you don’t like Florida tap water. Many visitors to Florida share something in common — a dislike for the tap water. If this is an issue for your family, you might want to bring bottles of water with you. Whether you ship them ahead, or have them delivered to your door from a delivery service like Garden Grocer, you will have the water you prefer, and will save money over buying it in the resorts or parks.

36. Know which restaurants to check out if you don’t have a reservation. Think you’re sunk for a decent meal if you didn’t book ahead? Think again. With so many quality restaurants located in the resort, you can always find restaurants to check out if you don’t have a reservation. You just need to know where to look. Check out our suggestions for alternatives to some of Disney’s most popular restaurants!

There's more than one spot to meet Ariel -- find out some good alternatives to the super popular restaurants!

37. Have a couple healthier-for-you options in your back pocket. Even though you’re doing a ton of walking during a Disney vacation, those Mickey ice cream bars can add up, and so can the pounds. Be sure to have a couple of tips for healthy eating in Disney World if this is something that’s important to you or family members.

38. Skip dessert. Table service, that is. Adding dessert for two to your table service bill can easily bump up the cost quite a bit (like, up to $20+!). If you’d like a little something sweet but are looking to save money, consider skipping dessert at the restaurant and grabbing a treat at a specialty store or kiosk. From custom made ice cream cookie sandwiches to chocolate-covered treats, there are all sorts of sweet endings outside of the restaurant — and the walk might do you some good, too.

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich for Dessert!

39. Get the most out of your Disney Dining Plan. If you’ve chosen to purchase a Disney Dining Plan, your planning isn’t over yet! Every year we scope out the best ways to get the biggest bang for your buck with your Disney Dining Plan credits. Check out our Disney Dining Plan Tips section here!

40. Scope out great restaurants for vegetarian options ahead of time. Whether you are a vegetarian or you just like to work in the occasional meatless meal, it’s good to have an idea about good restaurants for vegetarian options. Granted, just about every Disney restaurant will offer something those favoring a plant-based diet can eat — but some are way better than others.

Yummy vegetarian bento box at Flying Fish Cafe!

41. Order necessities from Garden Grocer and have them delivered to your hotel. If you’d like to save some money or eat some meals in your room or villa, you no longer have to worry about driving or taking a cab off property. Now, you can order packaged items, fresh fruit and veggies, drinks, and any other grocery item directly from GardenGrocer.com and have it delivered right to your hotel room! This is a great option especially if you have special dietary needs in the family.

42. If this is your first Disney trip, don’t underestimate the magic of your dining experience. Even though you may have visions of Space Mountain and character autographs for your first visit to Disney World, first time visitors shouldn’t overlook the importance of planning meals wisely. With incredible themeing and unique dishes, Disney dining has the potential to be every bit as memorable as the rides and attractions that you encounter. Check out our suggestions for Best Disney Restaurants for First Time Visitors!

Don't forget to ask for a TV table on your visit to 50s Prime Time Cafe! And keep your elbows off the table...

43. Decide ahead of time if refillable mugs are a good bargain for you. Are you an ardent soda, tea, or coffee drinker? Then you’ll definitely want to do the math to decide if refillable souvenir mugs are a bargain for you. The mugs, which are for sale in resort counter service locations and gift shops, come with a steep price tag if purchased separate from a Disney Dining Plan. Be sure that your number of refills and beverage preference make this a good deal — unless you’re just happy to go home with a super cute mug.

Current Refillable Mugs

44. Plan ahead for dining on arrival and departure dates. You may not give it much thought, but planning meals for arrival or departure days can be tricky business. Unless you are an annual passholder, you may not want to pop into the parks for a meal on a half (or less) day. Give some thought to resort options for dining so that you aren’t burning a park day on your pass unnecessarily. Check out our best tips for Disney dining on your arrival and departure days, and don’t forget to read the awesome “traditions” that many of our DFB readers have developed for their arrival day!

45. Know where to go if you run out of baby food. If you’re visiting with an infant and you run out of baby food at Disney, have no fear. There are many options, both inside the parks and out, that ensure you’ll have as many strained peas and peaches as you need to keep your little cherub happy as a clam.

Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center

46. Can you have fun in a Disney restaurant that doesn’t feature characters? You bet. Think that the only restaurants where you find entertainment are spots with characters or dinner shows? Think again! There are several options throughout the resort that offer amazing entertainment without characters. For a buffet that can’t be beat, head to Biergarten in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion for fun live music and dancing.

Playing the Alpenhorn at Biergarten

Or for upscale pub food and incredible dancing, check out Raglan Road at Downtown Disney. This authentic Irish Pub offers traditional Irish music and dancing nightly while you dine — and during Sunday brunch as well.

47. When all else fails, order in. If you’re tired of having to hunt and gather your food, then have your food come to you with Disney pizza delivery. All resorts, even the values, have fresh, made-to-order pies available at the touch of a button, which can be a welcome option after a long day of park hopping.

48. See what Special Events will be happening during your trip. During certain times of the year, you may be lucky enough to enjoy a special event at Disney! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in Disney World and Mickey’s Halloween Party in Disneyland, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Disney World are definitely worth attending — even though it costs a bit more for the ticket. During the holidays, Disney opens specialty food and beverage kiosks all over the parks that feature yummy cold weather treats (check out our DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays for all of the details!).

Disney red and green holiday swirl soft serve at Magic Kingdom during the Christmas Season!

And our favorite, the International Epcot Food and Wine Festival, happens every year in the Fall and offers incredible eats and drinks! Definitely save some stomach space for these!

49. Have picky eaters? Many of us visit the parks with folks who’d rather eat chicken nuggets for every meal than try something new…and that’s OK! Disney is a safe haven for those with specific likes and dislikes. Check out menus before you make your dining reservations and plans to be sure there’s something that everyone can eat. Remember that it doesn’t matter if the approved food is an appetizer, side dish, or kids’ menu item — it can be served in adult entree size for an added cost. Here are a few more tricks and tips for Disney dining with picky eaters.

Adult Portion of Chicken Nuggets and Mashed Potatoes at 50's Prime Time Cafe

50. Do date night in Disney. Think that you must have kids to be allowed to do Disney? Wrong! Disney World isn’t the #1 Honeymoon destination in the world for nothing! This place can be very romantic…on any budget. Plan ahead to treat your favorite person to a signature dinner at a fancy restaurant, have a romantic picnic on the beach in the moonlight, take a fireworks cruise complete with snacks, or share ice cream and a ride on the carousel!

51. Keep an eye open for special, limited time only eats. This year, Disney’s running its Limited Time Magic promotions in Disney World and Disneyland. That means that, from time to time, you’ll find specialty eats and treats that are only available for a limited time. These will usually be advertised via a placard at counter service restaurants, or on the menus at table-service restaurants. But even if you’re headed to Disney next year or later, you’ll still find specialty menu items for different holidays and promotions, like the red velvet pancakes at Kona Cafe on Valentine’s Day!

This Worms and Dirt Cupcake was only available during "Earth Week" in April!

52. Take advantage of dining and merchandise discounts. At many times of the year, dining at Disney’s counter-service restaurants outside of popular dining hours will merit you a discount coupon for a variety of merchandise locations. For example, eat at Pecos Bill’s in the late afternoon and your receipt might include a coupon for a discount on Disney merchandise at the Emporium on Main Street and several other locations. It’s another great reason to avoid the Disney restaurant crowds and dine at off-times. There are several other dining discounts that are available to you as well. Check out our Disney Dining Discounts page for details.

53. Consider visiting during a “free dining” season. Disney World’s “free dining” promotion offers guests the chance to book a Disney Vacation Package with a free Disney Dining Plan during certain times of the year. While saving money with the Disney Dining Plan alone can be difficult, our calculations show that taking advantage of the free dining promotion can save you some dough in certain circumstances. Free dining is most often offered during early Fall months. Here are the details on the 2013 Disney World Free Dining promotion.

54. Include your companions in the dining planning. Traveling to Disney with picky eaters, disinterested teenagers, first timers, a stressed out spouse? The best way to ensure that everyone has a great time at the World is to make them all feel invested in the trip planning. And who doesn’t want to give their opinion on food? Share menus, reviews, and restaurant options with the family or your other traveling companions and get their feedback and favorites. This is an especially great idea for budding chefs!

55. Order a cake to celebrate a special occasion. When it’s time to celebrate that anniversary, birthday, graduation, or new job, consider ordering a custom cake to make the occasion that much more special! You can order a cake ahead of time (with all the bells and whistles) or order a cake when you arrive at the restaurant. We’ve got all the details you need about ordering a cake in Disney World right here.

Birthday Cake from Wilderness Lodge Bakery

56. Plan a magical picnic. There’s nothing more fun than discovering a secret hideaway on Disney property where you can avoid the crowds and relax for a bit. Some of our favorites include the Disney resort hotel beaches — especially when everyone else is at the parks! Instead of fighting the masses of Disney guests for a table in a restaurant, pack some sandwiches and create your own oasis in the Happiest Place on Earth for lunch or dinner. We highly recommend the beaches at Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, or Fort Wilderness. Lounge by the lake, enjoy your goodies, and take a moment to refresh before heading back to the parks. For a particularly romantic occasion, bring a bottle of wine and some grapes and cheese to the Polynesian Resort beach around sunset and stay for an incredible view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks!

Have a Picnic at the Polynesian Resort!

Want More Great Disney World Dining Tips?

Above, we’ve listed just a few of our top suggestions for having a fantastic Walt Disney World dining experience from start to finish. With a little planning and flexibility, your trip can be just as awesome as you’ve dreamed it would be.

For even more tips on getting the most out of your Disney Dining experience, pick up a copy of our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book! You’ll find over 400 pages of expert and experience-based advice, tips, and suggestions for every facet of Disney dining, ensuring that you have the best Disney vacation possible!

Hundreds of photos will show you exactly what to expect!

Pick up your copy here, and remember to use code 2013 to get $4 off TODAY!

What are your top tips for Dining at Disney? Let us know by leaving a comment!

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Snack Series: NEW Viking Mousse from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in Epcot’s Norway

AJ — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:00:40 +0000

It’s about time to check in at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe and see what’s new!

Learn About:
Kringla Bakeri og Cafe

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

The quaint little bakery and sandwich shop may be small in size. (Seriously. Tiny.) But it’s big on offerings!

In fact, it features some of the most unique and beloved treats in all of Disney World for many guests.

In addition to some fantastic sandwiches, there are some pastries here that have achieved Disney Food Blog legendary distinction…

Step Into Norway's Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe For Some Delicious Treats!

We’ve talked extensively about how awesome that creamy, custardy, coconutty schoolbread is here. And you can’t forget the rice cream, jam filled waffles, and lefse.

New! Viking Mousse

But recently, I stopped into the shop to see what was new (updating our Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks, of course!), and a different treat caught my eye.

And how could it not? I mean, look at the awesomeness that is Viking Mousse.

Viking Mousse Display

There was no way I could walk away from this. C’mon, people. It has HORNS! I couldn’t wait to bust inside and check it out.

And in truth, this is actually a fairly simple dessert: a chocolate mousse dome, twin tuile cookie horns, and a garnish of toasted coconut.

Viking Mousse -- Up Close

But once you get a fork into it, you realize that the outer coating is a thin layer of dark ganache covering the mousse center. There are no surprises; just deep, rich, chocolate mousse. And that was fine with me.

Viking Mousse-- Inside

Because really, does everything need a filling? The mousse is the consistency of a thick, whipped ganache. Super decadent. And beyond that, anything else would be overkill.

So just in case you can’t tell yet, I thought this was a thoroughly fun addition to the already beloved bakery in Norway! It has everything — it’s delicious, it’s a good portion size that won’t leave you feeling too heavy, and it’s pretty stinkin’ adorable. It’s certainly not the most original dessert that I’ve had at Disney. I mean, mousse with cookies. But the clever themeing makes this something really special. So if you are craving chocolate at Epcot and I can definitely recommend this delicious dessert.

What’s YOUR must-eat treat at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe? Share your story in the comments below!

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DIY Disney Recipe: Cheesecake Brownie from Disney’s BoardWalk Bakery

AJ — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:55:28 +0000

Welcome back guest chef, Carol E.

The Very Famous Cheesecake Brownies from Disney’s Boardwalk Bakery are next up for our DIY Disney Recipe series!

As Disney fans know, the BoardWalk Bakery in Disney World was closed earlier this year for refurbishment. Since we couldn’t have bakery date nights for a while, I was happy to find the recipe for Boardwalk Bakery’s very famous Cheesecake Brownies in the Delicious Disney Desserts cookbook to help get us through!

Now with the grand reopening, I thought it would be fun to share this recipe with you! (Be sure to check out AJ’s FULL REVIEW of the new BoardWalk Bakery here!)

The NEW Boardwalk Bakery -- three times the size of the old one!

Here’s what the new Cheesecake Brownie looks like now…they made it a tad bit more gourmet!

Cheesecake Brownie on display!

Just a heads up, this recipe is super easy to make, but it is a make ahead recipe. There’s a lot of baking time required and it really needs to sit in the fridge overnight in order to chill down enough to serve!

Brownie Ingredients

Serves 12

Brownie Ingredients.

-2 cups sugar
-1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
-2/3 cup cocoa powder
-1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
-1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
-5 eggs
-2 sticks butter, melted
-1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cheesecake Ingredients

Cheesecake Ingredients.

-3/4 cup of sugar
-3 tbsp corn starch
-4 8-ounce boxes of cream cheese
-1 tbsp lemon juice
-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-2 eggs
-2 tbsp heavy cream
-2 tbsp sour cream

By the way, you are about to learn how to make homemade brownies from scratch…you will never need a box mix again!!

Brownies Directions

Let’s get started on the brownies:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

-Sift together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.

Let's make brownies!

Brownie Ingredients in Bowl.

Brownie Ingredients Mixed in Bowl.

Step 2: Combine the wet and dry ingredients.

Brownie - Wet and Dry Ingredients.

-Beat flour mixture and eggs on low speed using an electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally and mixing until smooth.

Mixing Brownie Ingredients.

Brownie Ingredients - Mixed.

-Slowly add melted butter and beat until just combined; do not overmix.

Add melted butter.

-Fold in chocolate chips with a spatula. Do not use the mixer for this portion.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 3: Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan.

Grease pan.

Step 4: Transfer batter to prepared baking pan and bake. About 30 minutes.

Brownies in pan.

-Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

Baked brownies.

Cheesecake Directions

At this point, it’s time to move onto the Cheesecake batter…I can tell you that it is super hard to take the pan of freshly made brownies out of the oven and set them aside to cool instead of cutting into the delicious, amazingly perfect brownies that have your entire house smelling like a chocolate shop. BUT, set them aside to cool and finish the recipe. I promise you, the full recipe is worth not giving up half way through just to enjoy your brownies!

Let’s get started on the cheesecake:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

-Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

-Cream sugar, cornstarch, and cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Scrape the sides of the bowl to mix in all of the ingredients.

Cream ingredients.

-Add lemon juice and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.

Add lemon juice and vanilla extract.

-Add eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl with each addition and continuing to mix thoroughly with mixer.

Add eggs one at a time.

-Fold in heavy cream and sour cream with a spatula. Do not use the mixer for this portion.

Fold in ingredients.

Step 2: Spread batter on top of already baked brownies.

Spread batter atop brownies.

Step 3: Bake until cheesecake is lightly browned and firm, about 55-60 minutes. The edges will lightly brown and the center stays pretty white…don’t wait until the entire top lightly browns or the pan of brownies and cheesecake will be overcooked.

Fresh from the oven!

-Cool completely. It will actually start to deflate as it cools!

Cheesecake deflates as it cools!

Step 4: Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Because this dessert is soooo thick and dense, I found it better to leave it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Chilled Cheesecake Brownie.

To serve, cut it into fancy triangles or squares and serve with whipped cream and chocolate sauce…Enjoy!!!

Cheesecake Brownie Presentation.

Cheesecake Brownie - enjoy!

Seriously, we just learned how to make homemade brownies from scratch AND homemade cheesecake from scratch. Individually these recipes are gold, but together this is the most amazing dessert on all of earth! I mean come on….brownies + cheesecake= AWESOME!!!

Cheesecake brownies make a great birthday cake or a “let’s plan our next trip to Disney” treat or “Today is Monday” treat… It’s actually perfect for just about anything! This dessert is so good that you may not ever be allowed to bring something else to the family potluck ever again…just get ready for the royal treatment, because you’ll soon be famous after making and sharing this dessert!

A Few Lessons I Learned

As with all recipes, you usually find helpful ways to make it easier to make them. This section is filled with helpful hints that I learned while making this recipe and doing research on some of the ingredients! I hope they help you, too!

-If you have a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment to cream your ingredients for the cheesecake! That way you don’t have to constantly try to get all the ingredients unstuck from the whisk attachment!!!

-Creaming your sugar, cornstarch, and cream cheese means combining ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved. Basically you whip the ingredients together until they are completely mixed.

-If you don’t have a sifter, use a fork to mash out all the clumps and combine all ingredients together in the brownie dry mix BEFORE adding any liquid ingredients. Otherwise you’ll have pockets of dry mix in your brownies after baking.

-You’ll want to make sure you add the brownie and cheesecake mixtures to the pan evenly for consistent cooking AND consistent size slices when you go to serve. Make sure all edges and the middle are spread out pretty evenly throughout the pan.

-To cut perfect edges, use a large, sharp knife and run the blade under very hot water for each slice you make. It will give you perfect, restaurant worthy slices every time!

Do you love the BoardWalk Bakery’s Cheesecake Brownie too? Let us know in the comments below!

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News! Citricos and Flying Fish Cafe Wine Dinners Announced at Walt Disney World

Kim — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:00:18 +0000

Here’s some fun news if you’re headed to Walt Disney World this Spring or Summer!

Citricos at the Grand Floridian Resort has announced two more wine dinners for 2013! And Flying Fish Cafe on Disney’s BoardWalk will host a wine dinner May 31st!

Flying Fish, a signature restaurant at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort.

If you’re looking for a special evening, a wine dinner at Citricos or the Flying Fish Cafe is sure to be memorable!

Citricos Wine Dinners

Thursday June 6th — Reata Winery. Wine Maker Nori Nakamura will be hosting the event.
Thursday August 22nd — Jax Vineyards. Hosted by Alexis Rose Depe.

Each exclusive event offers only 10 seats in the private Chef’s Domain dining room. Celebrate your special event, or a fabulous date night while in Disney World!

Details and Booking

Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Price: $155 (includes gratuity) plus tax
Reservations: Call 407-824-3988 or email Keith Gimbel at Keith.Gimbel@Disney.com. A credit card is required to guarantee your seats.

Sparkling Wine at Citricos!

Flying Fish Cafe Wine Dinner

The Flying Fish Café Team will host another Winery Series Event scheduled for May 31, 2013.

Special Guest: Mr. Tony McClung, General Manager of Copain Wines from Healdsburg, California
Times: 6:15pm, Dinner 6:30 pm

A small, family-owned winery founded in 1999, Copain Wines is dedicated to producing top quality wines. Their wine making techniques are “Old World” in style with a minimum of intervention. Specializing in high quality Syrah and pinot noirs, fruit is sourced from different vineyards ranging from Mendocino County to Santa Barbara and many in-between.

Degustation Menu
Amuse Bouches

Tastino of Artisan Salume, Prosciutto,
Marcona Almonds & Crispy Rillette-stuffed Olives
Tous Ensemble Rosé 2011

1st Course
Roasted Triple Sweet Zellwood Corn Bisque
Corn and Bacon Beignets, Florida Rock Shrimp & Serrano Ham Cracklins
Tous Ensemble Chardonnay 2011

Second Course
Fennel Pollen and Herb-roasted Maine Lobster
Saffron Arancini Torta, Spiced Nebrodini Bianco and Fennel
Brousseau Chardonnay 2010

First Entrée
“Teriyaki” Yellowfin Tuna
Confit Moulard Duck Legs, Asian Mushrooms and Golden Beets
Monument Tree Pinot Noir 2010

Second Entrée
Super Slow-Cooked Kurobuta Pork Belly & Sliced Tenderloin
Berkshire Bolognese-laced Gnocchi, Pecorino Toscano Stagionato
Halcon Syrah 2009
Along with a Special Surprise Selection from the Winery

“Cheese as Dessert”
Poached Pear, Fresh Chèvre & Kiln-dried Fig Creation
Aged Chèvre Frico, Truffled Balsamico and Honey
Arrowhead Mountain Library Selection Zinfandel en Magnum 2000

Seating is limited to 32 guests. Call 407-939-5102 or 407-939-2398 at your earliest convenience to reserve space for this Special Event.

Cost: $165.00 per person, (inclusive of gratuity) plus tax

If you plan to attend one of these exclusive events (or already have!), we’d love to hear about it!

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Spotted! Princess Candy at Disney Parks

AJ — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:00:26 +0000

It’s always fun to take a look around the shops at Walt Disney World and Disneyland just to see what’s been added since I was there last.

This time, it was two brand new bags of Disney Princess-themed candy. Varieties include Gummi Butterflies and Rock Candy.

Princess Candy -- Rock Candy and Gummi Butterflies

Clad in pink bags with an assortment of princesses on the front, the bags actually have little crown-shaped windows so you can see the treats before you purchase them.

On the other side of the bags you’ll see the nutritional information and ingredients. Note that each bag contains approximately three servings.

Gummi Butterflies Nutritional Info

Rock Candy Nutritional Info

Gummi Ingredients

Cute and colorful, this would make a great treat for a princess who’d like a sweet that’s durable in the heat, and it’s great that you can have a few and tuck some away for later.

And with the “Disney Parks Authentic” logo, these would make a great take home souvenir as well!

Which Disney Princess Candy would your little princess choose? Leave a comment below and let us know!

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News! California Grill Reservations Now Available on Certain Dates in Fall 2013

AJ — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:19:51 +0000

For those (like me!) who have eagerly been awaiting the news about booking a reservation for the post-refurbishment California Grill restaurant in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, we’ve got a few new details for you!

Snagging a Table by the Window at California Grill is an Absolute Must!

While there’s no solid date for California Grill to re-open yet, reservations ARE currently available on November 18th. The reservations agent I spoke to said that booking times were also available after this date. (This means that for the next couple of days, you’ll need to have a Disney resort reservation and be calling at exactly 180 days out, using your opportunity to book 10 days after your check-in date in order to make a reservation.)

It’s my guess that they cannot open reservations earlier in the year until they have the final opening date set, but that they’ll be coming soon!

Availability is always subject to change, but I wanted to be sure those of you eager to book were made aware of every last detail. As is often the case with new reservations opening up, your experience could be different (you can see in the comments that some folks have not been able to book) — but keep calling and keep trying.

Don’t forget to check out our recent posts about the new California Grill Menu!

Oak-Fired Three Meat Meatball will be a new Appetizer at California Grill

I’m looking forward to booking my reservation in September as soon as they open up those earlier dates! Please note that this information is subject to change!

Thanks to DFB reader and friend JoAnn C. for the heads up!

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Review: Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

AJ — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:55:56 +0000

You know how much we love the food at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge around here. All of the restaurants here — Whispering Canyon Cafe, Artist Point, and even Territory Lounge — offer incredible food in unique settings.

Learn About:
Roaring Fork

Disney World Restaurants

But despite my many trips to Roaring Fork, I just realized I’ve never put together a full review for you guys!

Located conveniently mere steps away from both the lobby of the hotel, as well as the pool area, Roaring Fork is a great place to grab a quick meal or snack on the go as you head out for a swim or to the parks.

Atmosphere

Entering into Roaring Fork, you get that same Pacific Northwest Territory adventure vibe present all around Wilderness Lodge, with more of a hint of the rustic here.

It’s awesome how the signage around Wilderness Lodge has a sense of flow to it. You really do feel like you could go outside and hop into a white water raft, bound for some rapids!

Roaring Fork Sign

There’s an abbreviated menu board located outside so you can tell at a glance if the selections here will appeal to you.

Menu Outside of Roaring Fork -- Click to Enlarge

One thing to note about Roaring Fork is the fairly small inside seating area. There are more tables outside near the pool deck, however. And I’ve never had a problem securing a table. (Sometimes it’s fun to take your food out to the beach and have a picnic, too!)

Indoor Seating Area

Because Wilderness Lodge is surrounded by lots of water and forest, you probably are a little more prone to see natural wildlife here. Friendly reminders on the outdoor tables caution you against sharing your meal with the birds…or the occasional warthog. (That churro cracks me up.)

Warning on Outdoor Tables Not to Feed Animals

Time to head in and explore our options!

Eats

Much like the dining area, the restaurant service area is quite small. But it really isn’t small on options and unique goodies. This is one of those awesome spots that offers some truly one-of-a-kind goodies on Disney property.

Queue and Ordering Area

This teeny tiny menu gives you the lowdown on what you can get all day at a glance. Don’t worry; I have bigger versions of the lunch and dinner menu! But just in case you wondered about breakfast — and you’ve heard about those amazing specialty Mickey waffles! — I wanted you to see the morning offerings.

Breakfast and Lunch Menu -- Click to Enlarge

We were here for lunch, however, so we were choosing from the combination lunch and dinner menu. The first board featured an array of Sandwiches, Salads, Pasta, and Kids’ Meals. There were a couple of hot items to choose from here, but most of the choices on this board were cold.

Menu -- Sandwiches, Salads, Pasta, and Kids' Meals -- Click to Enlarge

On the next menu board, there offerings from the grill as well as Flatbreads and other hot items.

Note that there are different serving times for the various categories of food. Most of the items on the first board are only available until 10 p.m. Grilled items are available until 11 p.m., and flatbreads can be ordered here until midnight.

Menu -- Grilled Sandwiches, Flatbreads, and Kids' Meals -- Click to Enlarge

There were a couple of display sandwiches in the case, so you could see what you were getting before you ordered.

Display Sandwiches -- Turkey and Dill Havarti

Display Sandwiches -- Ham and Cheddar Panini and Barbecued Pork and Slaw Sandwich

There was also a plate that displayed options available as side items for the Kids’ Meals. I personally love these visual aids. I think it’s a really great way to help guests see their options and it’s especially helpful when you’re trying to help kids choose.

Kids' Side Items Options

The menu also featured a Pasta Creation of the Day and a Chef’s Flatbread of the Day. Boards describing your choices for these items are displayed separately.

The pasta sounded pretty tasty — Pasta with Sausage and Creamy Marinara Sauce.

Another Chef's Special -- Pasta with Sausage and Creamy Marinara Sauce

The chef’s flatbread did as well — a Veggie Pesto Flatbread with Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese. I think this would make an excellent vegetarian option. But I had something with a little more red meat in mind…

Chef's Special -- Veggie Pesto Flatbread

There are no fancy self-serve kiosks here, like you’ll find at Contempo Cafe (check out their ordering process here) or Captain Cook’s Snack Company (you’ll find a lots of pics of their kiosks here).

Nope, you order here the old-fashioned way: you step up to one of the two counters and tell the human person there what you would like from the menu board above their heads. And they magically make it right before your eyes.

Sandwiches are freshly made to order — something I always appreciate, even if it does require a little waiting. That means you can make sure than any dietary needs or picky eater concerns are attended to.

Sandwiches Are Made Fresh To Order

While you’re awaiting your order, you can have a look around at what else is available. Admittedly, the space doesn’t flow very well, but it’s normally not very busy, especially in the middle of the day.

To the right of the ordering counters, you’ll find a selection of self-serve soups. On the day we visited you could choose from Minestrone or Roaring Fork Chili.

They’re available for a Disney Dining Plan snack credit, which is pretty awesome, since they could easily make light meals.

Soups -- Available as a Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit

Beyond the soups, you’ll also find the bakery case — one of my favorite stops! For this, my friends, is where you’ll find DFB favorites like the Carrot Cake and S’mores Cupcakes, as well as the Magic Cookie Bar.

Other delicious looking pastries, cookies, and brownies are also available.

Bakery Case with Some DFB Favorites!

To the left of the ordering counter, you’ll find additional cold grab and go selections sharing space with some bottled beverages, including beer and wine.

Additional Grab and Go Cold Items

Up close, you can see the detail on the Roaring Fork Veggie Salad, which looking pretty delicious.

Grab and Go Veggie Salad -- Up Close

Another fridge houses bottled water, energy drinks, soda, and lemonade.

Bottled Drinks

Kids’ items are neatly displayed beneath a cooler with some other grab and go options.

Kids' Picks Items

A stand in the middle of the space offers up an assortment of items, ranging from breakfast cereal and fresh fruit to wine, chips, fresh fruit, and Mickey krispie treats.

Grab and Go Snack and Sides

And if you need an ice pop or Mickey ice cream bar or sandwich fix, you’ll find those here, too.

Ice Cream Novelties

This handy placard provides a quick reminder about what items are covered under the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan.

Disney Dining Plan Information

Once you’ve made your selections and you have your food, proceed to the check out area where the cashier will tally your bill and provide you with cups. Pay, and you’re on your way to the next station.

Check Out

Even though the space is small, the seating area actually contains two microwaves, in addition to the standard toaster. These are super handy for heating up items that you’ve brought with you, or toasting your bagel or bread.

Microwave and Toaster

You’ll also find an assortment of jams, jellies, and peanut butter.

Microwave, Jams, and Jellies

A Fixings Bar provides additional toppings for your entree. There are also lemon wedges here for drinks.

Fixings Bar

Salad dressings, sauces, and standard condiments are displayed in a neat and orderly fashion.

Additional Condiments

A self-serve beverage station ensures that you have access to a set of standard beverages. This is also your stop for refilling your refillable souvenir mugs during your stay.

Coca-Cola Self-Serve Fountain Drink Station

Standard Nescafe coffee is available, as is iced tea, and you’ll find creamer in a dispenser. There are no gourmet coffees available here…yet! And we expect the Nescafe to be gone soon, if it isn’t already.

Coffee Station with Creamer and Condiments

Hot chocolate and a standard selection of Twinings tea are also provided.

Hot Chocolate and Tea Selection

After I chose my drink, I was ready to sit down and enjoy my selection.

Of all the menu items, the sandwich that really stood out was the Roast Beef and Blue Cheese. All of the sandwiches on this portion of the menu board could be ordered with a side of Cucumber Salad or House-made Chips.

You know how much I love Wilderness Lodge’s house-made chips. So I’m pretty sure you can guess which one I chose! (Now, if I could just have gotten my hands on some Truffle Aioli…)

Roast Beef and Blue Sandwich

And I have to tell you — this sandwich was pretty incredible. A generous portion of sliced roast beef is topped with tons of crumbled blue cheese. There’s a bed of lettuce in there to give it a little texture, and the bread is tender focaccia.

The only way this could have been any better is if they had pressed it under the panini iron for a couple of minutes.

Roast Beef and Blue Sandwich -- Up Close

Next came dessert! I decided to go with two options — one for now, and one for later (“later” being five minutes later…as I got into the car to drive back to my resort).

So by now, we know each other well enough that you get my carrot cake obsession. I love it! And the Carrot Cake Cupcake here is one of the best examples of this dessert anywhere at Disney.

Carrot Cake Cupcake

It’s not flashy, and doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles or fancy fillings. It’s just classic, moist carrot cake, topped with rich, creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. And lots of it. Which is probably the kicker for me.

I also think the garnish of candied carrot shreds is pretty interesting, although they looked a little different this time — more dehydrated than soaked in sugar syrup. Still, this was awesome, and it’s totally worth a trip to Wilderness Lodge if you love carrot cake like I love carrot cake.

Carrot Cake Cupcake -- Inside

I also snagged a Magic Cookie Bar, which I saved for later (the aforementioned car trip).

Magic Cookie Bar

When I first tried this killer bar cookie after tips from DFB readers sent me looking for it, I couldn’t wait to share it with you! (We even gave you a recipe in case you wanted to make some at home.) But it’s so good that it’s worth showing you again.

Magic Cookie Bar -- Unwrapped

A graham cracker crust is layered with coconut, nuts, chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips before the whole thing is smooshed together and baked.

Magic Cookie Bar -- Up Close

The result is a rich, chewy cookie bar that is so much better than the sum of its parts. Really. These are incredible! And the sprinkles give it a nice little pop of color.

Magic Cookie Bar -- Up Close

This was a super satisfying meal, and dining outside at Wilderness Lodge among the beautiful pine trees and view of the lake was a perfect escape from the bustle of the parks.

Overall

I know I’m repeating myself, but I just love Wilderness Lodge. It’s such a gorgeous hotel anyway, but then you add in all of the fantastic restaurants, and it is just such a special place to visit. Really, I think I could probably spend an entire Disney visit just exploring the menus at this hotel. And even Roaring Fork, with its “we aim to please” menu, offers some delicious and unique items.

If you are looking for a place to escape the madness of Magic Kingdom for a quiet lunch, I urge you to skip the monorail queue and head straight for the boat that takes you to Wilderness Lodge. It may be just a boat ride away, but you’ll feel like you’re in another world.

What’s your favorite Roaring Fork menu item? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

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