Review: Two NEW Baked Pasta Dishes at Animal Kingdom's Beastly Kiosk

Review: Two NEW Baked Pasta Dishes at Animal Kingdom’s Beastly Kiosk

Well, we knew things would be changing at Animal Kingdom in short order, but I don’t know if we quite expected this…

As the park revs up for the much-anticipated (and delayed) reopening of Flame Tree Barbecue in early July, the kiosks that have been serving as temporary locations for Flame Tree items are starting to change again, too.

That includes Beastly Kiosk, which you’ll find in Discovery Island just outside of the entrance to Asia. [Editor’s note: Since the posting of this article, the Beastly Kiosk has been renamed, and is now Eight Spoon Cafe.] This small snack stand has been serving up three Flame Tree entrees, which was a definite departure from its typical menu of Mickey and Jalapeño Cheese-stuffed Pretzels (along with the occasional appearance of Corn Dogs on peak crowd days).

Well, the pretzels have indeed returned (woot!), along with two brand new items. Beastly Kiosk is now serving Baked Pasta Marinara with Mozzarella and — wait for it — BAKED LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE!

Beastly Kiosk

What?!??!

New Beastly Kiosk menu

Why delay? Let’s dive right into that Lobster Mac, shall we?

Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

Let’s talk portion first: if you’ve visited any booths at Epcot during the Food and Wine Festival or Flower and Garden Festival, you’ll be familiar with this size dish. They’re definitely on the smaller size and not full-sized entrees, which is why you’ll see them listed as a snack credit (!!!!!!!! LOBSTER MAC IS A SNACK CREDIT!!!!!!!) on the Disney Dining Plan. If you’re not familiar with the size, hopefully that picture of my fork near the dish will give you some perspective.

With a dish this rich, the

[Read more…]

Disney Springs News! Details About The Edison and the Opening of Vivoli Gelateria

By AJ 8 Comments

More and more information continues to “spring” forth (hee hee!) regarding the future dining venues for Disney Springs.

However, “dining” might be too limited a word for it, when you consider the newly-released details specifically regarding The Edison.

Concept Art for The Edison at Disney Springs ©Disney

While this “Industrial Gothic” style restaurant and bar isn’t slated to open until 2016, it seems entertainment will play a HUGE role alongside the American food and craft cocktails. Early informational releases informed us the venue would feature cabaret and live music. But a fuller picture is emerging as we are now learning that contortionists, palm readers, and DJs are all anticipated be part of the scene.

According to Disney, the theme of the upcoming Disney Springs location will revolve around an electric company in the 1920s and will reflect the original Los Angeles location’s dedication “to a resurgence of old-world style, sophistication and romance.”

Additionally, underneath The Edison’s 35-foot ceilings the restaurant will be divided into themed areas such as “The Tesla Lounge,” “The Patent Office,” and “The Radio Room.” (Does that final name make anyone else harken back to the Radio Broadcast hosted in the Library of the Adventurer’s Club?) The divisions follow in line with the building footprint of The Edison’s Los Angeles location.

Layout of the original The Edison location in LA. Copyright The Edison

The Edison will operate under [Read more…]

New! Tree of Life Cupcake at Animal Kingdom’s Kusafiri Bakery

By Wendy 12 Comments

Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery

is a simple , unassuming window-only bakery in Animal Kingdom’s Africa that boasts a LOT of cupcake goodness.

Learn About:Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery

Animal Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

So, do you remember a few months ago, when we talked about some cupcake shake-ups at Kusafiri? To refresh your memory, a new (at that time) cupcake had joined the line-up: the Lion Cub Cupcake, featuring none other than Simba himself with a mane made of frosting.

At the same time, though, we found out that two other stars in the Disney cupcake realm had received a bit of a makeover, which left us slightly underwhelmed (the Zebra Cupcake and the White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake).

Well, there have been some more changes in Kusafiri’s cupcake world! First and foremost, with many thanks to DFB reader Cate C., we have a picture of the new Tree of Life Cupcake available now! Looks like this one’s for the chocolate lovers out there 🙂 .

Tree of Life Cupcake

Cate shared that while this one was good, she preferred the passion fruit Simba cupcake overall. (Here’s our shot of that cutie, as a reminder 🙂 ).

Lion Cub cupcake

But wait — there’s more news to share… take a look at [Read more…]

2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival News: Menu for Mexico Tequila Tasting Lunch

By AJ 11 Comments

We have some exciting news today for you about the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We’ve confirmed that Tequila Pairing Lunches in the Mexico Pavilion are back as part of the Special Events line up!

I had the chance to attend the luncheon a while back. It was a great way to spend the afternoon — sampling tequila, and learning how this versatile spirit can pair beautifully with different menu items.

In anticipation of this year’s lineup, our friends from the Mexico Pavilion recently held a tasting to determine just what would make the menu cut.

We’re excited to share some menu descriptions straight from La Cava del Tequila! Let’s take a closer look.

Menu Planned for the Tequila Pairing Lunch at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

When I attended the Tequila Pairing Lunch, we enjoyed four courses, paired with three different tequilas as well as Agovera Liqueur. (This event is not for the faint of heart. 🙂 )

Display Table at Entry of Luncheon

As of the writing of this post, the lunch will include four courses paired with tequilas. But please keep in mind, the dishes are subject to change! Anything is possible between now and Festival Go-Time on September 25!

Your journey through the world of tequila will start with a Flautas de Carnitas — a mini crispy Flauta filled with Pork Carnitas and accompanied by Avocado, Cream, Queso Foam, Roasted Serrano Pepper, and Tomato.

Flautas de Carnitas

The next course, Sopa de Chile Poblano y Calabaza, will be prepared with Roasted Poblano Pepper, Zucchini, Cilantro, Queso Fresco, and Guajillo Pepper Oil.

The Main Entrée will be a combination of Mar y Tierra— Pan-Seared Snapper and Sirloin — served with a creamy [Read more…]

Review: Disneyland’s Bengal Barbecue

By AJ 12 Comments

Did you know that Bengal Barbecue (Disneyland skewer spot extraordinaire) just turned 25 years old?

Bengal Barbecue sign

So, what better way to celebrate than a stop for some — okay, make that ALL — the skewers on the menu (and maaaaaybe a few other treats to boot)! That’s exactly what I did on my recent trip to Disneyland.

Say hello to the big ol’ scary Tiger, because we’re FINALLY heading back to Bengal Barbecue! (I missed you!)

Atmosphere

So, what’s the scene like in this Adventureland spot? Well, you’re pretty much looking at it 😉 .

Bengal Barbecue sign

Bengal Barbecue ordering area

Ok, that’s not entirely true. There are a few umbrella-covered tables nearby, but portability is really the name of the game here (in essence, it’s a kiosk). Still, even for a space this small, it’s certainly not without a few Disney details.

Zebra carving

Hi, Mickey!

And the food itself plays a part in creating the atmosphere, too, since you can watch Cast Member grill masters at work, creating your order with a side of char-grilled smells wafting through the air. This chick, by the way, was awesome.

Bengal Barbecue grill

And what are they grilling [Read more…]

Cheap(er) Disney Stuff! Twice Upon a Year 40% Off Sale Happening Now…

By Wendy 1 Comment

There is just a little time left to get in on some great online deals at the Disney Store!

Sale items have been marked up to 40% off for the summer version of the Twice Upon a Year Sale. We couldn’t resist peeking around and checking out some of the cuteness.

As per usual, some of our favorite items come from the Home & Decor section, since that’s where all the kitchen goodies reside online…

Mickey Mouse Dimensional Mug

Um…super cute. I simply couldn’t pass up showing this Mickey Mouse Mug to you. They also have Goofy, Minnie, and Pluto versions! Adorable.

Summer Fun Mickey Mouse Pitcher

Just in time for all those cold beverages you crave on hot summer days! I don’t know which part of the Summer Fun Mickey Mouse Pitcher I like best. The front… [Read more…]

Spotted: Jerrod Maruyama Disney Film and Park Mugs

By AJ 12 Comments

So. much. cute.

Have you seen the latest Jerrod Maruyama mugs on any of your own Disney trips this year? I most recently noticed these in Epcot’s Mouse Gears, but you can also find them in Magic Kingdom’s Emporium — or just about anywhere on Disney property that sells mugs, basically.

Jerrod Maruyama Mugs

Jerrod Maruyama is the artist behind the Hipster Mickey line, among others, and he’s super fun to follow on Instagram. But what I really like about these mugs in particular is the way his designs pick up on some truly iconic Disney moments and images.

For instance, the Pinocchio Mug features so many memorable moments from the film. I can’t help but think of the artwork in Pinocchio Village Haus when I look at it.

Pinocchio Mug

Like the others, the amount of detail packed into the Bambi Mug is pretty incredible. Plus, it’s somewhat hard to find Bambi merchandise in the parks, so points for that, too!

Bambi Mug

I know it’s inspired completely by the film, but the colors of the Dumbo Mug remind me of life under the circus tent at Big Top Treats.

Dumbo Mug

I’ve saved my favorite for last: the Disneyland Mug. It shows Disney characters enjoying [Read more…]

Review: California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort

By AJ 46 Comments

Time to check in on one of Walt Disney World’s most popular signature dining spots — California Grill.

Learn About:California Grill

Disney World Restaurants

Located atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Grill has become nearly as well known for its stellar views as its market-inspired food. And those two factors can make this a tough table to book.

My last visit here, however, when the restaurant had just reopened after an in-depth refurbishment, was somewhat disappointing. At the time, I chalked it up to the kitchen having an off night; after all, I had enjoyed incredible dining here many times before.

I decided it was time to check in again. So we booked an early Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) on a recent visit, and up we went.

Atmosphere

If you’ve never visited California Grill, then there’s one thing you should know: you don’t just head to the 15th floor. Your journey actually starts on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary where you check in. Even if you’re just heading to the first-come, first-served Lounge, this is your first stop.

Second Floor Check In Desk for California Grill

You’ll then be escorted via a private elevator to the 15th floor. In this way, staff act as gatekeepers for the popular spot. If left unattended, it would get pretty busy up there, especially around Wishes-at-Magic-Kingdom time.

Once you make your way upstairs, a bank of Wine Fridges greets you straight ahead.

Entrance and Wine Fridges

You walk through the Lounge and Bar to get to the restaurant’s main seating area. That sounds as though these are different spaces; they aren’t. Basically, with the exception of a few private dining rooms, the restaurant features an open floor plan, accentuating the sweeping views and retro-meets-modern vibe.

California Grill Bar

If you find yourself without an ADR, there’s still hope. You can sit in the Grill’s Lounge and order from the menu, or just enjoy Drinks, Sushi, and Appetizers. Be forewarned, though: it’s not uncommon for this area to reach capacity as the night goes on. Here at 5PM, though, it was pretty bare.

California Grill Lounge

Wrap around to the main seating area, and you see that nearly every table commands an excellent view of the surrounding landscape, including Magic Kingdom and the Resorts situated around Seven Seas Lagoon.

Seating varies here and includes both tables and chairs and booths.

Seating

There are also a selection of tables that mix banquette and chair seating. Note that white tablecloths and cloth napkins are the norm here, lending to the upscale air of sophistication.

Table for Two

Booths are somewhat unique in that they are located in the middle of the floor. That means that you can enter from either side, and there will be traffic on both sides of your table, similar to what you find at Jiko. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it does mean that your booth won’t be as secluded as you might like.

But the view outside of the windows isn’t the only thing you have to look at.

California Grill Kitchen

The well-orchestrated, professional hustle and bustle that’s happening behind the counter in the on-stage kitchen can be fascinating as well.

Prepping for Dinner Service

Although we will focus today on the food here, the sweeping, panoramic vistas certainly bear mentioning. You can see for miles!

The View

And that’s one of the biggest draws of California Grill — this view, especially when it comes to [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 7, 2015

By Brooke 1 Comment

It’s been another busy week in Disney news!

Vivoli Gelateria Opening Soon in The Landing Area of Disney Springs

As we look around and see friends and family celebrating the kickoff to Summer, we are also ramping up to another busy season of fun in the Parks.

Hold onto your hat as we check out more breaking news on the Disney Springs front as well as updates to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine schedule. Read on to learn the latest!

Disney Food News

Vivoli Gelateria is opening later this month in The Landings at Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs)!
Also on the Disney Springs front (can we just commence to calling it that??), The NBA Experience (and Restaurant) has also been announced.
More Booths and Special Events have been confirmed for the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
Testing of an all-inclusive, one price for Disney World Refillable Mug is currently taking place at Port Orleans Resort.
We’re discerning fact from fiction was rumors swirl around upcoming Disney Dining Plan changes.

Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events,
and more!

We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go.

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Today, we’re featuring some lighter eats at the Parks!

@CosplayForJedi shared this delicious dish and tweet with us about his vegan meal at Yak and Yeti: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Yak and Yeti hooks it up for the vegans.”

Vegan Options at Animal Kingdom’s Yak and Yeti

@TheRaz2007 also checked in with some fresh flavors from Magic Kingdom’s Tortuga Tavern (yep, it’s opened right now!)

Lunch at Magic Kingdom’s Tortuga Tavern

Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us!

Deal of the Week: 2015-2016 Disney World Vacation Must-Have E-Book Sale!

Do you have a Walt Disney World Trip on the books for this year? Woohoo!! There’s nothing more exciting than counting down the days to your next Walt Disney World Trip!

But, even the most spontaneous Disney fan knows that planning ahead is the key to a stress-less vacay. And that mantra is absolutely true when it comes to dining.

If you really want to dine in the hottest restaurants, you pretty much have to plan ahead. Be spontaneous, of course. But get a couple Advance Dining Reservations in place.

But which ones?

That’s where Disney Food Blog comes in, because we are all about the planning!!

You already enjoy our reviews, news, and tips daily on our Blog. But did you know — that’s JUST the tip of the iceberg. Because we have lots more to share with you in our complete line of DFB Guides.

If you’re ready for a fun, easy way to personalize eating and drinking your way through Disney, then check out the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book.
Fully updated for your 2015-2016 adventures, the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 490 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subject — Eating Your Way Through Disney! So you save time and money as you enjoy planning one of the most important parts of your trip. 😉

And to thank all of you for your support of DFB, we are offering extra savings on our most popular DFB Guide right now. Just enter promo code 2015 at checkout and you’ll save $4 off of our cover price of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book!

But if you’d like to enjoy even more detail, check out another great offer.

DFB Everything Bundle SALE!

If you’d like even more great information, pictures, and tips, then the DFB Everything Bundle is the right fit for you.

And to get you ready for that next big trip, we are offering the DFB Everything Bundle for $15 off the already low price! It’s like getting an entire book for free. Just enter promo code Everything15 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.

The Everything Bundle includes, well, Everything! When you purchase this special bundle of DFB Guides, you’ll get it all: [Read more…]

Recipe: Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Lady and the Tramp with Bella Notte Sangria!

By AJ 1 Comment

Those lovable pooches, Lady and the Tramp, will celebrate their 60th Anniversary next week! And they still look so young!

And to kick off the event the right way, D23, the official Disney Fan Club, will be launching their very first Fanniversary, Home Edition.

If it sounds like big fun to you, then head over to [Read more…]

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