Drinking Around the World | the disney food blog

2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Scotland and Brazil Booths

Excitement is building for the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! And we know that you’re looking forward to it just as much as we are!

We’re keeping track of the Food and Wine Festival marketplace booths and menus carefully, and I wanted to share a preview with you today!

As always, the culinary team at Epcot is striving to keep this classic event fresh and exciting by introducing some brand new Marketplace Booths to the mix. New for 2013 is another entry from the United Kingdom, the Scotland Marketplace Booth! And after a year long hiatus we’re also excited to see a return of another South American hotspot, the Brazil Marketplace Booth!

Let’s take a closer look at what these two marketplaces will offer this year’s festival guests.

Scotland Marketplace Booth

While we are still awaiting our first pictures of what the Scotland Marketplace Booth will actually look like (soon!), we are excited already to know some of the fun additions that the menu will bring to this year’s festival.

And check out the new stamp from the Scotland booth that guests will be able to get in their Food and Wine Festival passports! (It’s in the bottom right hand corner of the slide.)

Scotland Booth Information

The menu offers some intriguing new flavors for guests!

2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Scotland Booth Menu

Seared Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette
Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties (Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes)
Scottish Banoffee Tart with Bananas, Scottish Whisky Toffee, Walkers Shortbread Crumbles and Sweet Cream
Innis & Gunn® Original Beer
Loch Lomond Cocktail featuring Glenfiddich® 12 year
Glenfiddich® Scotch Flight (12, 15 and 18 year)

Seafood lovers are already looking forward to the inclusion of authentic Scottish Salmon.

Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette

And the Scottish Banoffee Tart will feature a pleasant kick courtesy of Glenfiddich Whisky Cream! I can’t wait to try this one!

The Scottish Banoffee Tart will be part of the NEW Scotland Booth at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in 2013

I have no idea what to expect from the Vegetarian Haggis, but you know I’ll be first in line to try it!

The other real standout here will be a number of [Read more…]

News! FULL 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and Booths Announced!

By AJ 7 Comments

Hooray! We’re happy to share the great news that the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Menus are now available!

See the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and Start Planning!

As always, we have individual pages created for every single booth, including the menu and food photos of repeat items and even some brand new dishes!

Head over to our 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Menus and Photos page to see the full booth menus!

In the meantime, I’d love to share with you some of the brand new menu items at this year’s festival…

Some new additions to this year’s booths are:

The South Korea Marketplace brings another great option with a really fun addition, the Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce.

Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce and Kimchi

Brand new desserts at the Desserts & Champagne Booth include a Chocolate Orange Cupcake, Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake, and [Read more…]

DIY Disney Recipe: Konk Kooler from Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay

By AJ 19 Comments

Welcome back guest chef Carol E. with a Do It Yourself Recipe for the Konk Kooler, an exclusive adult beverage for Disney Cruise Line guests visiting Castaway Cay.

School was supposed to train us all for the real world, right? Then how come we don’t get summer, Christmas break, spring break and other various holidays off in the real world? They prepped us for real life and then took it all away when we graduated! 🙂

You might agree that summer time is the worse. We’re stuck sitting at work, when we could be on vacation…like visiting Orlando or Anaheim or better yet, sailing on a Disney Cruise!

Well here’s to figuring out how to have summer break even when we are working and can’t take a vacation!

Luckily for you, I think I may have found the solution!!! 😉 Thanks to my first ever Disney cruise last year, I was introduced to the Konk Kooler…the signature drink on Disney’s magical private island — Castaway Cay (Bahamian word pronounced Key).

Relax on Castaway Cay!

There is no place like Castaway Cay, with it’s beautiful beaches, kids area, and a private adult only beach where you can really enjoy a Konk Kooler!

Mickey and his friends are there, and we even saw Captain Jack Sparrow walking the beach!

Mickey loves Castaway Cay!

The Konk Kooler is a fantastic drink, and I was so happy to find the recipe in my Cooking with Mickey and the Disney Chefs cookbook!

Konk Kooler as served on Castaway Cay

It’s super easy to make and will only take a few minutes until you are ready to enjoy summer nights in the backyard imagining you are setting sail with Mickey and friends! Let’s get started:

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

Konk Kooler Ingredients.

-1/2 ounce dark rum
-3/4 ounce light rum
-1 ounce passion fruit juice [Read more…]

Review: Rita’s Baja Blenders at California Adventure in Disneyland Resort

By AJ Leave a Comment

Ah, frozen beverages, how I love thee. Today, we’re headed in to Disney California Adventure in the Disneyland Resort for some sweet-tart frozen deliciousness! Ready to hit up Rita’s Baja Blenders in Pacific Wharf? Let’s go!

Rita's Baja Blenders at Disney California Adventure

Here at Rita’s you can get drinks or drinks. And some chips maybe.

Choose from regular Lemon-Lime or Strawberry Margaritas, or opt for the Grand, which comes with a “splash of liqueur” and a slightly higher price tag.

There’s also a non-alcoholic version available called the Tropicool.

Menu -- Click to Enlarge

If you absolutely must have something to soak up that tequila, there are a few varieties of chips available.

Chips Available at Rita's Baja Blenders

My friend chose the classic Lemon-Lime Margarita with Salt. Now, maybe I’m just a sucker for a pretty garnish — but I thought this looked pretty tasty for a [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Pina Coladas in Disney World

By AJ 4 Comments

It’s time to check in with our awesome reader/photographers over at Disney Food Photo Extravaganza! And we’re starting Happy Hour a little bit early here on DFB today…

Pina CoLAVA

First up, this seriously beautiful Pina CoLAVA from Petals Pool Bar at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. We agree with the photographer…if you like “Getting Caught in the Rain” this is totally the drink for you!

Photographer: Obelix_22 (Margo Rioux)

Pina CoLAVA from Petals Pool Bar at Disney's Pop Century Resort

DragonBerry Colada at Epcot

No discussion of Disney adult drinks would be complete without a trip to the (sigh) Epcot International Food and Wine Festival! This DragonBerry Colada may be diminutive in size, but it’s delicious and packs a punch! And with World Showcase as the backdrop, how can you go wrong? (Click here for the recipe so you can make these at home between Food and Wine Festival trips!)

Photographer: Kelly Tressler

Dragon Berry Colada from the Caribbean Marketplace

Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada

If you like your Pina Coladas without the punch of rum, Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is the spot for you! Along with amazing Tonga Toast and the Big Kahuna, you can score a creamy Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada that’s just right for [Read more…]

What Should I Do in Epcot on a Kid-Free Night?

By AJ 13 Comments

Check out this great DFB reader question we received a while back!:

I am traveling to Orlando on business and will be in Epcot for one evening. What would you suggest that I do with this rare dining opportunity? Normally, my family accompanies me on this trip, but this year, I’m looking forward to a kid-free night in the park!

There are TONS of great options for a kid-free night in Epcot. I’ve got a couple in mind, but I can’t wait to hear what YOU would do!

Evening at Epcot is Extra Magical!

But also, as much as we all love our families, it’s fun sometimes to have a little grown up time in the parks.

And if you’re a parent who hasn’t had a chance to do that, we still bet that you’ve got a couple of great suggestions dreamed up just in case! So share your suggestions for a dream night in Epcot in the comments section below!

As for what I would do? After about six rides in a row on Maelstrom, Spaceship Earth, Soarin’, and Test Track in a row, here’s what I’m thinking food-wise…

Tutto Gusto for Dinner

For dinner, I would choose Tutto Gusto. The wine bar, one of the newer additions to World Showcase’s Italy Pavilion, features a wonderful menu of tempting small plates — and you don’t need a reservation to dine there! Also, it’s very solo-diner friendly.

You can see a recent Tutto Gusto review right here!

One of Tutto Gusto's Cheese Boards

The atmosphere is cozy, and the [Read more…]

Ten Best Frozen Drinks in Disney World

By AJ 39 Comments

It’s getting hot out there, guys!

And sometimes, when it feels like it’s 100 degrees and you’re sweltering in line, you need more than a cold drink. You need a frozen drink!

Fortunately, there are lots of palate-pleasing options found in all corners of Disney World. And we’ve got great options whether you’d like to go alocholic or non-alcoholic! Refreshment is just a menu choice away…

Today, we’re taking a closer look at our very favorites!

Frozen Lemonade

Sweet-tart and chilly, Frozen Lemonade calls to mind seaside treats from our favorite resort towns. And there’s nothing like it for reviving you on a super hot, sticky Florida day.

The secret is in the balance. A too-sweet treat can leave you feeling not so great while you’re standing in the bright sun. That little kick of sour rounds out the flavors and makes the beverage a true refresher.

Raspberry Lemonade Slush at Magic Kingdom

If you’re a lover of frozen lemonade, I have great news for you: there are tons of different varieties to try around the parks and resorts! You could make your own personal frozen lemonade crawl. (Hey! That’s a great idea…)

One of our favorites is the Raspberry Lemonade Slush that you find at Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe, located on the outskirts of Fantasyland. You can find a similar drink across the castle hub at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland. And if you’re looking for frozen lemonade in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can find an awesome, slurpee-type version at Herbie’s Drive-In.

If you prefer your frozen lemonade with a little kick, one of our favorite adult versions is available at Animal Kingdom’s Dino Diner Snacks. The Frozen Bacardi Raspberry Rum Lemonade has been inspiring random cravings for me ever since I tried it. 🙂

Frozen Bacardi Raspberry Rum Lemonade at Animal Kingdom’s Dino Diner

Check out other locations to score frozen lemonade slushes when you’re parched in the parks.

Dole Whip Float

Part beverage, part Dole Whip soft serve, this is one of Disney’s classic must-eat treats! The Dole Whip Float combines sweet-tart soft serve pineapple goodness with pineapple juice to provide one of the most refreshing icy drinks in the Kingdom.

Breakfast of Champions!

You CAN get this with vanilla or orange dole whip as well — either choice will cut the tartness a bit. But I prefer pineapple-on-pineapple, myself! Find this great treat at Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland.

Ice Cream Martinis

Looking for a new entry on your Drinking Around the World card? THE newest frozen drink concoction in Disney World can be found — where else? — World Showcase!

Head to Epcot’s newest eatery, L’Artisan des Glaces in the France Pavilion for the beautiful and crave-inspiring Ice Cream Martini.

Ice Cream Martini from L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion

The drink-sundae fusion is made by combining [Read more…]

Review: The Tambu Lounge in Disney’s Polynesian Resort

By AJ 28 Comments

Today we’re headed to one a lounge that’s achieved cult favorite status among Disney fans in the know like you guys — The Tambu Lounge!

Located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, this is one of my favorite spots in the entire resort to kick back, relax, and enjoy an adult beverage while awaiting my table at ‘Ohana. But what you might not know is that Tambu also serves up some tasty island-inspired pub grub as well.

It had been a while since I’d indulged in the menu here, so when the opportunity arose (in the form of a huge impending rainstorm) I knew just the place to hide away!

Atmosphere

Tambu Lounge is located in the open air atrium lobby of the Polynesian Resort. It actually serves as the waiting area for Disney guest-favorite restaurant ‘Ohana, and it’s also a stone’s throw from Kona Cafe, the resort’s other table service restaurant. This makes Tambu the perfect place to indulge in before dinner cocktails. But I had another idea in mind.

Since the space is open, the same decor that serves for the rest of the resort is found here as well. Dark walls, tikis, thatched roofs, and folk art serve to signal that you’ve traveled to Polynesia. And because this is Disney, you’ll often see guests of all ages here.

Tambu Lounge at Disney's Polynesian Resort

The comfortable, airy lounge features floor-to-ceiling picture windows that look out on the lush garden paths of the resort, and you can just catch a glimpse of the water through the trees. If you haven’t started the relaxation process by the time you hit Tambu, this spot is likely to get you moving in the right direction.

Eats

As I said before, normally Tambu is a Disney first day tradition for me. Either I’m awaiting my table at ‘Ohana, or I’m grabbing a Lapu Lapu before heading to the Polynesian’s beach to watch Wishes from my favorite spot. 🙂

But today, I was all about noshing, and I couldn’t wait to check out the menu. We started, of course, by taking a look at the Specialty Drink Offerings.

Tambu Specialty Drink Menu

Although Disney has switched to a resort-wide beverage list for many of their bars and lounges, you can find some unique specialty cocktails at several of the resorts…and I’m so glad Tambu has kept several of theirs!

All the drinks are delicious, but nothing says “kicked back and relaxed” to me like that Lapu Lapu!

Lapu Lapu at the Polynesian's Tambu Lounge

This is one of my all-time favorites in Disney World. Served in a hollowed-out pineapple, it’s a delicious blend of dark rum and tropical fruit juices. In my opinion, it’s [Read more…]

My Favorite Food Kiosks at Walt Disney World! What Are Yours?

By AJ 20 Comments

I get lots of emails and questions about the food I personally love in Disney World, and today I’m sharing some of my favorite Disney Food Kiosks!

You know the ones — those cute little structures that are almost restaurants, but not quite? Here are a few of the BIGGEST TASTES you can get at the smallest places in Disney World! 🙂

I hope you’ll share some of your favorites in the comments, too!

Aloha Isle

There is no way I could have a list of favorite kiosks without putting Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle right up front! The welcoming little stand, located in Adventureland, is home to one of Disney’s most beloved treats, after all.

Aloha Isle

That’s right — we’re talking Dole Whips!

And whether you like yours in float form, swirled with vanilla, or are you’re a purist, most Disney fans don’t consider their trip complete until they’ve made at least one stop here.

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

As for me, I prefer about one visit to Aloha Isle for each day I’m at Disney. 🙂 No kidding, even though I’m usually eating non-stop on every Disney trip, this is one snack I never skip.

Fife and Drum

At the midway point while you’re walking around Epcot’s World Showcase, you’ll encounter another of our favorite stops, Fife and Drum.

This unassuming little stand looks like just another drink stop, but be sure to swing by and check out the menu for some seriously fun eats. Fife and Drum is home to some items you won’t find anyplace else! But there are not-to-be missed classics here as well, like the cult favorite Smoked Turkey Legs.

Fife and Drum Tavern

If you’re a pretzel fan, you have three different varieties to choose from. The stuffed Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel has a great spicy kick! And you’ll also find the sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel (decadent!) and the Mickey Soft Pretzel (cute!) here, too. This is one of the few places in Disney World to find all of these kinds of pretzels sold in one spot.

UPDATE: Please note, you can still find all these pretzels in the American Adventure Pavilion; however, they are now located at the Block and Hans Craft Beer kiosk.

Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel!

There are also some amazingly tasty drinks here as well. We’ve told you about the Jim Beam Red Stag Lemonade, a wonderful little frozen drink with a punch, thanks to black cherry-flavored bourbon.

You can get your root beer float fix here, too, made with vanilla soft serve.

Root Beer Float

But the piece de resistance of slushies can also be found in this humble spot: I give you the American Dream! This incredible frozen drink combines [Read more…]

Coming Soon?? Personalized Glasses at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion

By AJ 4 Comments

We’ve got a fun update for you tequila fans out there!

Learn About:La Cava del Tequila

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Nestled inside the pyramid at the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot, La Cava del Tequila is one of our favorite hang-outs in Walt Disney World.

This place is well known for awesome margaritas, a relaxing atmosphere, and my very favorite queso in all the land!

And it looks like more unique fun may be on the horizon at La Cava.

This tweet from the uber-popular Epcot bar hints at a new merchandise option…

Tweet from La Cava.

Check it out!

Cheers!

Me personally? I’d rather have my personalized margarita glass, but maybe we can make this do double duty.

We’ve emailed for more info and will keep you updated on what we find out…

What do you think about purchasing a personalized glass at La Cava?