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Shula’s Steak House Announces Father’s Day Special!

FYI — it’s Father’s Day this weekend! If you haven’t made plans yet, I’ve got a great deal for ya today.

Swan&Dolphin Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Shula’s Steak House at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is offering a special for Father’s Day!

It may be last minute, but I know Dad will love a visit to this incredible restaurant (and so will you!). The steaks are out of the this world (I highly recommend the bigger-than-my-head cowboy ribeye); and the sides are not only delicious, but can feed an army. Plus, you can’t skip the awesome chocolate souffle and apple crisp for dessert.

Eat Like a Legend at Shula’s Steak House — and Get $25 Bucks Back!

Score extra points!

Make sure Dad knows he’s the MVP of your family on Father’s Day at Shula’s Steak House — AND receive a $25 gift certificate for his next visit to Shula’s at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort!

Wanna know if it’s worth the visit? Check out my most recent Shula’s Steak House review here!

For reservations or more information, guests can call 407-934-1362! Offer expires 9/15/2013. Tax and gratuity not included. Limit one certificate per table.

Are you a big steak fan? Let us know your favorite Disney steak restaurant in the comments below!

Walt Disney World Pot Roast Throw Down

By AJ 28 Comments

What makes for a good pot roast is a very subjective set of criteria in my opinion. What passes for Best! Pot Roast! Ever! for some might just be meh for others.

Dearly departed Sunday Roast at Rose & Crown

So today we are entering this hallowed comfort food ground. We are throwing down the gauntlet to decide, once and for all, where to find the BEST Pot Roast in all of Disney World! See what you think, and be ready to tell us all about your favorite!

50s Prime Time Cafe

Who makes it better than Mom? We have to kick off this homage to pot roast with a trip to 50s Prime Time Cafe!

The atmosphere here is pure 1950s sitcom kitsch, and servers are your cousins, demanding that you behave like the nice young person you were raised to be. That means NO elbows on the tables, and you had BETTER know the color of that soap if you go to the bathroom.

50s Prime Time Sign

To be sure, Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast is a reader favorite. This one is slow-cooked until there’s no need for a knife, and served on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. Smothered in a rich gravy, the roast is topped with carrots, celery, and onions for some good nutrition. And you best eat all your veggies!

Mom's Old-Fashioned Pot Roast

A way cool thing about the pot roast at 50s Prime Time is that you can [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…]

DIY Disney Recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake from 50’s Prime Time Cafe

By Kim LaPaglia 16 Comments

Welcome back guest chef Carol E. with a Do It Yourself Recipe for the Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake at the 50s Prime Time Cafe inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

A few years ago, I had an opportunity to have a meeting over lunch at the 50s Prime Time Cafe inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It was my first introduction to the restaurant, and boy did I fall in love with it!

Mom was in the kitchen cooking up nostalgic dishes like pot roast, fried chicken, pork chops, meat loaf, and other Americana favorites! Since I had never been, our friend Leni from Disney said we had to order the PB&J milkshake. Seriously, we were intrigued…the classic PB&J now combined with a milkshake? We had to try it!

It was amazing, and is seriously the reason I fell in love with this restaurant! Well, the milkshake and also the fact that your waitress yells at you to finish your vegetables and to clean your plate or no dessert for you! 😉

Ever since then, I have made it my mission to at least grab a PB&J milkshake every time I visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

I was excited…ok, actually beyond ecstatic to find the recipe for the very unique PB&J Milkshake in my Delicious Disney cookbook! Now I can have this treat anytime I want to at home! It’s seriously super easy to make and will definitely make you the most popular mom in the neighborhood!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake!

Let’s get started:

Ingredients

Makes 1 full size shake

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake Ingredients.

-2 tbsp peanut butter
-2 tbsp grape jelly [Read more…]

Guest Review: New Dish at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By AJ 9 Comments

Not only has Disney World’s Be Our Guest Restaurant just won a prestigious award, it’s also got a few new menu items!

Be Our Guest Restaurant Menu Changes Already in the Works...

Welcome Guest Author Daniel S. with his review of the new chicken dish at the Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant! The new entree replaces the Rotisserie Cornish Hen.

See a review of the full Be Our Guest Restaurant dinner menu here!

Disney World’s Be Our Guest Restaurant recently changed up its dinner menu a bit, and I got the chance to try the new chicken dish. First of all, here’s something that’s interesting to note: the new Chicken Breast Provençal wasn’t yet on the printed menu when we visited. Our waitress said it was available to order, but the hen was still reflected on the current menu handed out.

She described it as basically Chicken Parmesan without the cheese. I would disagree. The sauce had a very distinct flavor. Do not expect an Italian essence. It was a mixture of white wine and green olive, with heavy emphasis on the olive. No hint of garlic in the sauce at all.

Chicken Breast Provencal.

The chicken was [Read more…]

Review: Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

By AJ 21 Comments

Felice Anniversario di un Anno

, Tutto Gusto!

This fantastic little wine bar, located in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion, has been open for a whole year. Can you believe it?

Tutto Italia and Gusto Wine Cellar

It’s amazing to think it’s been that long — and yet, one step into the cozy spot, and you’d swear it’s been there forever. In short order, Tutto Gusto has become one of our favorite stops in Epcot.

Time to check in and see how it’s going in this rustic wine bar after a full year of serving guests!

Atmosphere

Stepping into the inviting Tutto Gusto is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of World Showcase.

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar

While the space is intimate and cozy, it’s also wonderfully dim and cool. Whether you’re escaping cold temps on a (very rare) chilly day, or you’re taking a break from the heat, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief as soon as you settle into a chair.

Once your eyes adjust a bit, you’re greeted by a comfortable, rustic setting. The bricked, vaulted ceilings immediately convey a feeling of antiquity. Couches, dark woods, and low tables invite you to sit and linger over small plates and glasses of wine.

Gusto Fireplace Area

The fireplace itself is a gorgeous decorative element.

Fireplace Area Seating at Tutto Gusto

The lighting feature made from recycled [Read more…]

Best Disney Peanut Butter Treats

By AJ 37 Comments

Um…is it seriously possible that I haven’t already written this post?!?

You guys know how much I lurve peanut butter and anything peanut buttery, so I’m pretty surprised I haven’t done this article yet for you. BUT, it’s time to correct that error!!

As you can imagine, this is such an epic post that it will encompass my favorite peanut butter treats in both Disney World and Disneyland. If you’ve ever needed a reason to visit one or the other of the coasts, but haven’t been able to come up with one…well, you’re welcome.

Get ready to crave!

Peanut Butter, Banana, and Candied Bacon Pie at BoardWalk Bakery

One of the newer PB treats that I’ve run across is the fantastic Peanut Butter, Banana, and Candied Bacon Pie. Find this incredible square-shaped tart at the newly renovated BoardWalk Bakery (read our complete review of the brand new space here.)

The pie has everything. Check out the combo of sweet-salty all smooshed together into a soft and crunchy texture.

Even though it’s brand new, it’s already a classic in my book.

Peanut Butter, Banana, and Candied Bacon Pie at BoardWalk Bakery

If you haven’t made a visit to the new BoardWalk Bakery, drop what you’re doing and go. Now. (And bring me one of these.)

Oh, and I have to show you the inside…

peanut butter, banana, and candied bacon pie cross section

That filling is like nothing you’ve ever had before… . Sigh.

Peanut Butter Brownie Creme Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich

I’ve gotta admit…this is one of my favorite sandwiches at the Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney.

While the regular sammys are great here (my favorite is the Italian Sandwich), their Brownie Frosting Sandwiches (or brownie creme sandwiches as they call them) are totally where it’s at. These come in vanilla and chocolate as well as the decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Sandwich.

PB Brownie Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich

Two super-moist, super-fudgy brownies (with chocolate chunks in ’em, too!) envelop a thick serving of peanut butter filling. And the peanut butter here isn’t whipped or light — it’s full-on peanut-butter-cup-filling.

Nice and dense, it’s the perfect consistency to stand up to the brownie. This one is a must-try.

Peanut Butter Sandwich

Ah, such an unassuming name for such a knock-em-dead treat. The Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich may be the perfect peanut butter and chocolate snack.

Made with just three ingredients — peanut butter filling, a graham cracker, and milk chocolate — it sounds so crazy simple. And yet, I cannot resist [Read more…]

The Evolution of the Kona Kone!

By AJ 14 Comments

Happy Memorial Day! It’s time to talk ICE CREAM!

I’ve got some interesting news for those of you who lurve the Kona Kone at Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Resort!

Now, if you don’t know what a Kona Kone is, this is what it used to look like…

Past Life of the Kona Kone...when it was actually a cone

A real cone, stuffed with ice cream, topped with sprinkles and a little chocolate Mickey, and surrounded by clouds of fluffy cotton candy.

But apparently that long-standing favorite needed a change — and they’ve made some updates…

NOW, they’ve taken away the [Read more…]

Disney Recipe: Strawberry Soup from Disney World’s 1900 Park Fare

By AJ 13 Comments

Some dishes are the stuff of Disney legends.

Learn About:1900 Park Fare

Grand Floridian
Disney World Restaurants

If friends tell you they’re dining in at ‘Ohana, for instance, the first words out of my mouth are “save room for dessert! You’ve gotta try the bread pudding!”

The same certainly goes for 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

While our experiences here have been varied, many readers love the place! And one dish I agree is outstanding is the cold Strawberry Soup.

Creamy, sweet, and beautifully bright pink, the soup beckons to you, and you just know you must try it. Of course, it’s hard to describe this. I’m usually not a fan of cold soup, but I couldn’t get enough of this one!

The enormous bowl of bright red strawberries, to be used as a garnish, sweetens the deal.

Strawberry Soup on 1900 Park Fare's Buffet

The first time I tried the soup, I knew that [Read more…]

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

By Heather 7 Comments

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 (FYI: Disney World’s House of Blues Gospel Brunch is available Sundays at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM!).

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 [Read more…]

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Shula’s Steak House Announces Father’s Day Special!

Eat Like a Legend at Shula’s Steak House — and Get $25 Bucks Back!