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“Biramisu” Review and Recipe, Portobello Trattoria

Beer? For Dessert? Yes, indeed.

Despite the fact that I don’t know much about beer and I’m not a fan of tiramisu, I’m extremely glad that I got to try this combo of the two — Biramisu — at Downtown Disney Orlando’s Portobello Trattoria.

I’d known for months (over a year, maybe??) that I needed to get my butt in a chair over at Portobello to try this dessert. It’s pretty innovative, eh? Beer + Tiramisu? And the fact that they make it with a local Orlando Brewing Company porter makes it even more compelling.

Biramisu on the Dessert Menu

The local Organic Blackwater Dry Porter that’s used to make the Biramisu was new to us when we got to the restaurant, but we tried a bottle during lunch to check it out. Liked it!

Orlando Brewing Company Organic Blackwater Dry Porter

But when it was time for dessert, I was still skeptical. (Don’t worry, though; we ordered the white chocolate creme brulee, too, just in case.) I’m just not a big fan of soggy cake, alcohol-soaked anything, or beer in my dessert (as far as I knew). And isn’t that pretty much what this was?

But, if you’re like me and concerned, not to worry. If you take a look at the recipe for this stuff, there’s more [Read more…]

Holiday Treat: Bunny Cupcakes and Other Favorites at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By AJ Leave a Comment

Ready for some Springtime cuteness? In addition to the other Springtime treats being sold in Disney parks and resorts, Pastry Chef Andreas Born at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has created an adorable bunny cupcake that will be sold for a limited time only!

Bunny Cupcake!

Chef Born played with flavors (and icing) to concoct this springtime creation — a pineapple-coconut cupcake celebrating the Easter holiday. Love the pink bunny ears!

This yummy treat can be found at Starring Rolls, Backlot Express, Pizza Planet, ABC Commissary, and Studio Catering Co. from April 6 – April 17, 2012. It sells for $4.99 or a Disney Dining Plan snack credit!

While You’re There…

Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite Disney cupcakes and treats in the Studios!

Try the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake at Starring Rolls:

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake

And the Carrot Cake Cookie, found at [Read more…]

First Look! Epcot’s Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar to Open in Early May

By AJ 24 Comments

Tutto Gusto, a new wine bar

that will be adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante, is set to open in early May as part of the restaurant’s recent refurbishment.

Learn About:Tutto Italia Ristorante

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

We can’t wait to add this location to our Drinking Around the World itinerary!

Nestled next to Tutto Italia Ristorante in Epcot’s Italy pavilion, Tutto Gusto will feature a cozy 96-seat space located in the former lobby space and extending toward Via Napoli.

Atmosphere

The new wine bar will take over Tutto Italia’s former lobby space. Stone walls and floors, vaulted ceilings, and a fireplace will create the atmosphere of an Italian wine cellar.

The soon-to-be-hot-spot will be open to patrons from 11:30AM to 9PM to enjoy over 200 Italian wines and what sounds like an amazing selection of small plates and appetizers.

Gusto Wine Cellar

Eats

According to the DisneyParks Blog, this venue will be part of the Disney Dining Plan. We’re not sure yet if it will be considered a one-credit or two-credit location, but either way, this will make Italy the only pavilion with [Read more…]

Tips from the Mini-Guide: Unique Chocolates in Epcot

By AJ 5 Comments

The DFB Mini-Guide to Epcot Snacks e-book is our newest Disney dining guide! No matter how many days you get to spend noshing around this park, you’ll have to choose from countless unique treats; and this 180-page book is guaranteed to help you make those choices!

In the e-book, we feature a few of the most intriguing chocolate treats we’ve ever seen, and we wanted to share just a few of them here with you! As you tour the national treasures around the World Showcase lagoon, you’ll be tempted to try all kinds of international yumminess:

Tequila Chocolates

These chocolates found in the Mexico Pavilion have a surprise center spiked with Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila.

Tequila You Can Chew!

You’re looking at the perfect chocolate bon bon snack, take-home souvenir, and/or gift for your boss that gave you the time off to travel. 😉

Brandy-Filled Chocolates

Over in Germany, you’ll find these clever Brandy-filled chocolates. Shaped like little Brandy bottles and covered in [Read more…]

New Band Added to 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Roster

By AJ 11 Comments

For Detailed Information about the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, click here!

UPDATE: The Full List of Eat to the Beat Concerts has been announced for 2012! Check out the list here on our Eat to the Beat Concerts page!
____________________
News is starting to trickle out about who’s going to be at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival on the America Gardens Theatre stage for the Eat to the Beat Concerts!

You can keep an eye on the list with us over on our Eat to the Beat Concerts page! But the newest info we have includes the addition of Smash Mouth to the list — a new band for the Concert Series — as well as the return of Gin Blossoms, The Pointer Sisters, Air Supply, and Starship!

Let us know if you see any new tour dates for us to add to the list! 🙂

In the meantime, be sure to keep an eye on our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page; it’s being updated daily!

Guest Review: Florida Orange Groves Winery Seminar at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival

By AJ 5 Comments

It’s time to start gearing up for the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! So please join me in welcoming Vikki Hurley-Schubert & Michelle Maskaly with a review of a past Epcot Food and Wine Festival event.

Beverage seminars were offered during the 2011 Festival, including the Florida Orange Groves activity priced at $10 per person. Now, on to the review!

I’m not a fan of wine, so when my foodie buddy, Michelle, better known as The Adirondack Chick, suggested one of the seminars at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, I wrinkled my nose, sort of whined and said “OK, you’re the guest, let’s go”.

To say we enjoyed the Florida Orange Groves Winery session would be an understatement. So would calling it a typical festival wine tasting. When we sat down, the wines were already poured to tempt and tease us with their bright and fruity aromas.

Atmosphere and Info

From the start, the winery’s owner, Vincent Shook was engaging and fun. He incorporated stories about how they got started in the business, debunked several myths about fruit wines, and incorporated practical ways to use the beverage, even telling us what dishes he and his wife like to pair their favorites with.

We were surprised to learn that Florida has more than a [Read more…]

Review: White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake at Animal Kingdom

By AJ 13 Comments

We’ve featured rockin’ cupcakes from Animal Kingdom’s Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery before, and we’ve sung the praises of their brownies too, but on my recent trip, I had to sample the white chocolate elephant cupcake for myself!

Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery Sign

Kusafiri Menu - click image for larger version

While I’ve heard recently that sometimes the treats are scarce, I had no trouble finding what I came for the day of my visit. As it turns out, you sometimes just have to wait until 11:30 for the ‘cakes to be available. No worries!

And as you can see, the cupcake is still the towering showstopper that it’s always been!

White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake

I mean, this thing is HUGE. You WILL get stares as you walk around with this cupcake, so be ready to answer [Read more…]

Sunshine Tree Terrace Updates Entrees, Adds New Desserts

By AJ 17 Comments

Editor’s Note: Menu entree items are seasonal and may not be available on your visit.

I absolutely love Sunshine Tree Terrace in the Magic Kingdom, and I’m always excited to see it expanding its menu!

After years of neglect and closure, Sunshine Tree Terrace has really come into its own again this past year. The menu has bounced around a bit, but it looks like entrees are back again, and there are even new drinks and desserts! (Thanks to @MansonRepublica for the tip and menu photo!)

MENU — EARLY APRIL 2012

Sunshine Tree Terrace Menu April 2012 -- click for larger image

The menu has added:

Orange Glazed Chicken with Rice
Asian Barbecued Pork Sandwich with apple slices or chips
Tuna Salad with Croissant
Asian Salad with Chicken
Asian Pineapple Salad…and EVEN
KEY LIME PIE!!!!

These entrees and desserts are available from 11AM to 4PM. For kids, a Turkey Sandwich and PB&J have been added to the menu.

Of course, that Citrus Swirl is now officially on the main menu! And you can now also get All Natural Lemonade with Wildberry Foam (whatever that is). As you can see, Dole Whips are [Read more…]

Tables in Wonderland: La Nouba Discount, Flower Power, and The Wave

By AJ 6 Comments

There are some fun Tables in Wonderland perks and events over the next couple of months! First up, members will receive a discount on Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba tickets in Orlando’s Downtown Disney from April 17th-May 11th! Next, another Flower Power Happy Hour will be happening in May. And The Wave has another great dinner planned!

La Nouba Discount

Tables in Wonderland members will receive a discount on tickets for themselves and up to three guests at 6pm and 9pm performances Tuesday-Saturday between April 17th and May 11th, 2012.

Tickets will be Category 2, and price will be $66.75 for adults and $54.00 for kids. Call 407-WDW-SEAT (407-939-7328) to purchase tickets! (Must show current Tables in Wonderland card when picking up tickets at the Box Office.)

Click for MUCH larger image

Flower Power Happy Hour

Held in the special event space atop the Norway Pavilion at Epcot®, join your fellow Tables in Wonderland members for a cocktail hour and then reserved seating for the Flower Power concert of Herman’s Hermits starring [Read more…]

Review: Fairfax Fare and the Macaroni & Cheese and Truffle Oil (and Bacon) Hot Dog

By AJ 17 Comments

Learn About:Fairfax Fare

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

Another fun review of a new (to me) item in the parks that’s a little over the top!! Remember when we told you about the Gourmet Hot Dogs that are now being served at Hollywood Studios’ Fairfax Fare?

I finally got my chance to give one a try! Knowing I had a Mama Melrose reservation in just a couple of hours, I headed over to Fairfax Fare just in time to hit smack dab in the middle of Spring Break lunch crowds! Woo! Anyway; here’s the sordid tale…

Atmosphere

With a primo location in the shadow of Tower of Terror, the open air market vibe of Fairfax Fare makes it a terrific place to grab a bite while you’re waiting for your FastPass time or the next street show along Hollywood Boulevard.

Fairfax Fare Sign

However, if you’re visiting during a busy season be ready for the crazy that is the crowdiness of Dinney Whirl. Seriously; I waited for at least 20-30 minutes in these lines. Off the charts.

Fairfax Fare Spring Break Crowds

Once you grab your snacks here, head over to the condiment bars to the left of the building, then snack yourself a table somewhere in the sea of seats in [Read more…]

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“Biramisu” Review and Recipe, Portobello Trattoria