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EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

Category: Table-Service

Top 6 Disneyland Bars and Lounges

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Let’s face it. Sometimes a Disney vacation can be absolutely exhausting! That’s why we like to seek out bars and lounges in which we can share fun with family and friends or relax while enjoying good food and special beverages.

Schweitzer Falls at Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar

A while back, we took a look at our Top 10 Disney World Bars and Lounges, and now it’s time to take a peek at our favorites in the Disneyland Parks and Resorts!

Here are our picks for Top Six Disneyland bars and lounges — a list that includes a little help from our Facebook Friends! Thanks for your input!

Ready to jump in? Here’s our favorite place to while away some time at the Disneyland Resort…

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

Trader Sam’s

should be your first choice for chilling out in Disneyland!

This is due to some great bartenders, unique drinks (often served in souvenir glasses), good food, and, of course, the interactive activities here. (Careful not to sit on the sinking bar stools!)

This place is an awesome tropical retreat located at the Disneyland Hotel. Check out our Trader Sam’s Review here!

Trader Sam’s Bar

While there is indoor and outdoor seating, all of the action is inside where there is limited seating (about 50 spots); so get here early as evenings may be quite crowded.

Cove Bar

Located in Disney California Adventure, the Cove Bar (not to be mistaken for Cove Cafe on the Disney Cruise Ships or the Cove Bar at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort…) is your place to escape the long lines and hot sun while enjoying great water-side views.

View from Cove Bar

Leave the thrills behind and savor specialty drinks and craft beers. The Raspberry Rain is a memorable choice! Look for an attractive menu offering my favorite, Buffalo Wings, and Lobster Nachos.

Hearthstone Lounge

Make the Hearthstone Lounge in the Grand Californian Resort a must-do in Disneyland.

Whether you are looking for some quiet alone time or bringing along friends, this cozy fireside lounge has a lodge theme and soaring ceilings that immediately relax you. And that’s before your first drink order!

Take a seat at the bar, on a cozy sofa, or at a [Read more…]

Review: The NEW Sunday Brunch at Raglan Road Pub in Disney World

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Sweet news out of Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant!

Learn About:Raglan Road Irish Pub
Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

We were thrilled late last year to bring you the news that they would begin serving Sunday brunch after the new year. After all, we here at Disney Food Blog have enjoyed both lunch and dinner at the authentic Irish pub immensely.

Later in the week, we will be bringing you more exciting news from Raglan Road about another fun meal option for Sunday dinner. But today, we’re excited to bring you the first look at all the delicious dishes we sampled at a recent media event celebrating the launch of The Rollicking Raglan Sunday Brunch.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere here is lots of fun. The pub really is an “Irish” Pub: some of the features were actually built in Ireland and shipped to Orlando for assembly.

Raglan Road -- Outside

The hostess stand is directly before you as you enter, and to the left, you’ll spy the pub patio, a great place to people watch during the mild Florida winter — or anytime of the year.

Entrance Foyer

You’ll want to check out the gift shop as well during your visit. Here you’ll find a wonderful stock of Raglan Road merchandise, but you’ll also find items that celebrate Ireland.

I keep promising myself that I’ll buy some of the beautiful sterling silver jewelry one of these days!

Gift Shop

There’s a reason that Raglan Road appears to be so authentic — it is. The bars and much of the interior woodwork came from churches and pubs in Ireland. The beautiful bars are more than 100 years old!

One of the Two Bars

The small platform in the center of the room becomes a [Read more…]

5 Things You’ve Gotta Try at Walt Disney World in 2013!

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It is a great time to be a Walt Disney World Fan, and an even greater time to be a Disney Food Fan! There has been a truly dizzying array of really unique, inventive food to come down the pike over the last year, and we can’t wait to hear what YOU think about it.

Since we are all about the eats in these parts, I thought I’d give you my two cents on the 5 Things You’ve Gotta Try at Walt Disney World in 2013 — Food Edition! Let’s do it!

Tutto Gusto

If you haven’t had the chance to stop by Tutto Gusto, the new wine bar that opened in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion last summer, I heartily recommend you get there, asap!

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar

This alluring, intimate spot has enjoyed lots of business since opening — I often find it full to the max when I visit! (Luckily, I snapped this pic on an early day!)

Gusto Fireplace Area

Following on the heels of the success enjoyed by its Mexican cousin, La Cava del Tequila, Tutto Gusto adds even more eats. Not only can you find an extraordinary assortment of Italian wines and beers, but there is also a wonderful menu of small bites to choose from.

Even non-wine drinkers can find plenty to love about this spot, which feels like it was just transported to Florida from Italy. Italian Cheese and Sausages? Sign me up!

Tutto Gusto Cheese Board

Stop in for a glass, some cheese, or even heavier pasta or panini options. The full menu from Tutto Italia next door is available here, too!

Or grab a fabulous dessert and a glass of Moscato. You won’t be disappointed.

Territory Lounge Eats

When I need a break from the [Read more…]

Review: Tutto Italia in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

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Anytime that I have an opportunity to dine in Epcot’s World Showcase, I grab it!

Learn About:Tutto Italia Ristorante
Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

There are so many wonderful restaurants here, and I’m always lamenting the fact that I haven’t been to one or another in a long time.

When I was in town recently for the New Fantasyland media event, I had some free time and decided that it was the perfect night to pop in to Italy to see how Tutto Italia was faring after its most recent renovation.

So after arranging my Advanced Dining Reservation for 8pm, I headed over to meet my friend for a late dinner amid the beautiful holiday decorations in World Showcase.

Tutto Italia in Epcot's Italy Pavilion

Atmosphere

Tutto Italia and the newly opened Tutto Gusto Wine Bar are situated in the back left corner of the Italy Pavilion (if you’re facing into the pavilion). The restaurant reopened after a renovation in early Summer and now features updated seating and the brand new wine bar next door.

Tutto Italia

Tutto Gusto is a new stop on your Drinking Around the World odyssey, and is definitely worth your time and dollars. You can see my initial impressions of Tutto Gusto in my review.

But on this night, we were headed into Tutto Italia. When the restaurant first reopened I was glad to see that not much had changed. The grand and formal space really feels like it could have been transported from Rome. The gorgeous murals made the cut (though I heard that they almost didn’t stay!).

Italia kept the murals!

And the crystal chandeliers continue to add elegance to the restaurant. Sometimes it’s a bit jarring to see people dressed in Mickey t-shirts amid all this finery, but I’m so glad that Disney has preserved some of the original vision of the World Showcase restaurants.

Italia Chandelier

Seating includes some tiny two tops (is it just me, or do you always kind of feel like you’re eating with the people next to you when you’re sitting at tables this close together?) as well as seating for larger groups and families.

Guests can also dine in a Sunroom or on the new outdoor patio!

Italia Table Seating and the Sunroom beyond

Here’s one of the biggest tables…this one’s for [Read more…]

News! Le Cellier Lunch Menu Changes

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With Le Cellier Steakhouse now a TWO table-service credit restaurant for both lunch and dinner on the Disney Dining Plan, the restaurant has changed over to an all-day menu (effective January 16, 2013).

Learn About:Le Cellier Steakhouse
Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Located in Epcot’s Canada, this signature restaurant’s all-day menu means that guests looking for a burger will no longer find one here. (Total bummer, as it was one of our favorites.) But the lobster mac ‘n cheese will now be available for lunch and dinner.

For starters, Le Cellier’s chopped lobster salad or bowl of the cult favorite Cheddar Cheese Soup are excellent choices. Don’t forget about the poutine fries, too (Hubba Hubba)!

Plus, the seasonal salad now being offered is greens with duck prosciutto, blue cheese, fig-almond cake and a soft-boiled egg.

Poutine Fries...two orders...don't judge

Entrees are still plentiful, and steak-focused. Canadian-raised beef choices include a grilled bone-in ribeye, New York Strip, and the famous (and awesome) Filet Mignon.

That Filet Mignon is a fan favorite with its white truffle-butter sauce and wild mushroom risotto.

Mushroom Filet Mignon with White Truffle Butter Sauce and Micro Chevril

Vegetarians will continue to enjoy seasonal offerings, including a winter squash ravioli with sage brown butter. And the menu includes year-round sustainable seafood by Chef Al Youngman.

For dessert, the Maple Creme Brulee and Trio of Chocolate are [Read more…]

News! January Wine Dinner at BoardWalk Inn’s Flying Fish Cafe

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The Flying Fish Café at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort has announced the first dinner for the 2013 Winery Series!

Learn About:Flying Fish
Boardwalk Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Be sure to block off Wednesday, January 30th, 2013, on your calendar for this fun and high end meal!

Kicking off the 2013 Season with Style and Elegance

Featuring the Exciting Wines of Grgich Hills Estate – Napa, California.

With Special Guest, Violet Grgich – Co-proprietor, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Violet’s passion for wine began at an early age, as she grew up accompanying her father in the vineyards and cellar.

Grgich Hills Estate

She spent her summers at the winery, doing everything from bottling line work to laboratory analysis and working in the tasting room.

Violet Grgich

After attending the University of California, Davis, Violet returned home to Grgich Hills. She’s now responsible for daily management of the winery, as well as sales and marketing. She says that she has the ideal job: “I believe that wine is part of a healthy, happy and long life. Wine brings people together and makes them happy, which makes my job extraordinarily fulfilling.”

Wines to be paired with Chef Tim Keating’s California-inspired Menu

  • Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2009
  • Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2009
  • Grgich Hills Zinfandel 2008
  • Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
  • Grgich Hills Violetta 2008

A menu from a seasonally-influenced market will be offered at the 6:15pm dinner. A reception [Read more…]

Guest Review: Vegetarian Meal at Monsieur Paul’s in Epcot’s France Pavilion

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Join me in welcoming guest author Courtney Ketzler from Omaha, NE, with a review of the brand new Monsieur Paul Restaurant. When we first published the Monsieur Paul menu, many folks were concerned about the complete lack of vegetarian dishes. Courtney found that this isn’t a problem after all!

Being a vegetarian in the real world can be hard. I live in Nebraska, and the dining choices here are, well, limited. Dining at Disney World is another story.

My boyfriend and I are vegetarians, and we both LOVE food. It’s the only art we can really consume, and Disney World is one of the best places to visit with dining restrictions. I have yet to run into a bad meal, and during my last trip, encountered some very pleasant surprises, the biggest of which being the newly opened Monsieur Paul in the France Pavilion at Epcot.

Monsieur Paul Restauarant in Epcot's France Pavilion

Atmosphere

When we arrived, there were several unhappy looking people waiting to get seated. The very frazzled looking hostess told us we were on time for our reservation, but the reservations were not on time — it might be a 30 minute to an hour wait. We were using the deluxe plan and didn’t really have any other 2 credit options, so we sat down and decided to wait.

About 10 minutes later, a very kind manager came by and offered us both Kir Royales for waiting. Of course, how could we turn that down?

Stairwell leading up to Monsieur Paul

Eats

The drinks were delicious, and we ended up getting seated within a few minutes after that. Our server was very nice, and offered to walk us through the menu. We let her know we were vegetarians, and she started to tell us about fish options. I explained we don’t eat fish, and she said she would go speak with the chef.

She came back and said “the chef has told me he will be able to make you both a salad and a plate of vegetables”. Needless to say, we weren’t too excited by how the meal was being described and were hoping for our money that it would be a bit more sophisticated. She reassured us by bringing the chef out, and as he started to describe the meal, our fears melted away.

I am going to try my best to remember everything that was described about the meal [Read more…]

Disney World Food…for MEN?

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Erin Foster is the Disney Food for Families columnist and a behind-the-scenes guru here at Disney Food Blog! Check out more of her posts here.

Not long ago, AJ wrote a post about the classic Japanese snack, Pocky, found in the Japan pavilion at Epcot.

The one tidbit of information in this post that got the most comments was the mention that among the multitude of Pocky flavors is Men’s Pocky. That’s right — Pocky, FOR MEN.

While Men’s Pocky is a product of Japanese culture primarily, this discussion got me wondering if there were any other “male-specific” foods sold at Walt Disney World.

The only other official “men’s” food I could come up with were menu items at the Garden View Lounge at the Grand Floridian:

  • The Gentleman’s Tea Platter: duck & cherry terrine, chicken & pork roulade, and country pate with a side of English Blue Stilton cheese), and
  • The Prince Edward’s Tea: the same as the Gentleman’s tea, but with the addition of scones, Devonshire cream, and a glass of port.

I’m guessing that there are special offerings for men so that the gents who get dragged to tea by their lady friends can still have their man cards intact. 🙂

Real men need special food to save them from the terror of the crustless sandwich at the Garden View Tea Room.

For those masculine types that want their foods to proclaim their Royal man status, there is no shortage of [Read more…]

Disney Recipe: Monte Cristo Sandwich from Disneyland

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It’s been a little too long since I’ve had a chance to travel to Disneyland. I can always tell when I need to schedule a trip, because I start dreaming of having a Monte Cristo Sandwich!

Monte Cristo Sandwich at Blue Bayou

This amazing sandwich is, hands down, my most favorite meal in all of Disneyland, and whether I have it during lunch at Blue Bayou, or I stop in Cafe Orleans, one thing is certain: I will make time and room for one on every single visit!

Close Up of Monte Cristo Sandwich

But if you haven’t the opportunity to journey westward, you’re in luck! Because today, we’re sharing the recipe for this showstopper right here. So go ahead and [Read more…]

News! 2013 Citricos Wine Dinners in Walt Disney World

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Fun news for anyone heading to Disney World soon!

Learn About:Citricos
Grand Floridian
Disney World Restaurants

Citricos at the Grand Floridian Resort has announced monthly wine dinners for 2013.

At this time, the first four wine dinners have been confirmed. For a special evening, book one of these fabulous events!

Dates

Jan 23rd- Willamette Valley VineyardsFeb 8th- Foxen VineyardApril 11th- Santa Barbara/Lafond WineryMay 2nd- [Read more…]

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