News! Raglan Road Master Chef Contest Winners Announced

Word is in — the five winning finalists have been chosen in the Raglan Road Master Chef Contest, sponsored by Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant!

Learn About:Raglan Road Irish Pub

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

The home cooks were chosen from a very competitive field, according to Raglan Road Master Chef Kevin Dundon. “There were lots of entries, and it was difficult to choose just five winners,” Dundon said. “I was struck by the breadth of recipes that were so creatively demonstrated. I was also really impressed by the level of effort made by all the entrants. I’m looking forward to seeing our five winners at Dunbrody House.”

The five winners are:

Janice Epaillard of Mount Dora, Florida
Aaron Van Swearingen of Winter Park, Florida
Colleen Kerney of Orlando, Florida
Heather McBroom Walker of Scottsdale, Arizona
Linda Rohr of Darien, Connecticut

Finalists will fly from Orlando on May 21, arriving in Dublin on May 22. They’ll spend the first day of the visit in Ireland’s capital city — taking in sights and touring the Guinness Brewery, before enjoying dinner at the Michelin-Starred restaurant L’Ecrivain. The group will then journey to County Wexford, home of Ireland’s Hook Peninsula, where they’ll spend the rest of the trip at Dundon’s Dunbrody Country House Hotel.

Dunbrody Country House Hotel

The luxury hotel, located in an 1830s manor house, is also home to Chef Kevin’s Cookery School. There, the finalists will [Read more…]

Friday Happy Hour: Lava Flow at the Barefoot Pool Bar at Polynesian Village Resort

By Wendy 4 Comments

Well, wouldn’t you know it?

Learn About:Barefoot Pool Bar

Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

Right after I visited the Polynesian Village Resort’s Barefoot Pool Bar when it reopened along with the refurbished Lava Pool and I reported that the specialty drink menu hadn’t changed…

It changed.

Well, that’s not entirely true :). Everything you could previously purchase at the Barefoot Pool Bar is still available (that means the pool bar standards like the Captain’s Mai Tai and Banana Cabana). In fact, they’re all still prominently listed on the main menu.

Barefoot Pool Bar

Barefoot Pool Bar menu

But, lo and behold…. just days after my visit, I heard about some all-new (and if I understand correctly, mostly exclusive) drinks at the Barefoot Pool Bar!

You can spot the descriptions on a stand-up sign, and fans of the Polynesian will get a kick out of reading the well-themed drink names as much as the descriptions with titles like the Pago Pago Pain Killer, Niue Rita, Lava Flow, Tonga Tea, and Samoa Sunrise. Just click on the image below to enlarge and read the item descriptions. I love that the Samoa Sunrise features POG Juice!

Specialty Drink Menu

I didn’t see this menu at all on my previous visit, but whether that’s because they were not being served yet since the pool bar had just reopened or I’d missed the roving sign, I’m honestly not sure.

Ah, well… it’s here now, and so are we! So, let’s have a drink, shall we? We’ll go with [Read more…]

News! Allergy Friendly Culinary Demos at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By AJ 1 Comment

We have breaking news today about the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival — and the our first news of this year’s Low Cost Culinary Demonstrations and Seminars lineup!!

And stay tuned to the end of the post, because you could win a trip to Walt Disney World during this year’s event!

We all know that Disney is committed to serving guests with food allergies. Today, we’re learning that Mylan, the company that produces the EpiPen® (with which, if you have food allergies, you’re probably familiar), will be sponsoring the first ever culinary demonstrations at the Food and Wine Festival that are free of the top eight food allergens!

Living With Food Allergies Culinary Demonstrations at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The demos will be part of the EpiPen® On Location™ initiative, “a national call-to-action for those living with potentially life-threatening (severe) allergies and their caregivers to understand the importance of avoiding allergic triggers and having access to two epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EpiPen® (epinephrine injection) Auto-Injectors, at all times — whether at home, school, work or on vacation.”

Chef Amanda Freitag

These events are scheduled to take place at the Festival Center throughout the days of October 2-4. Chef and restaurant owner Amanda Freitag will prepare dishes free of the top eight allergens — milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Chef Freitag lives with her own food allergy, and has become an EpiPen® On Location™ Ambassador, as she shares her own experience in a professional kitchen.

In addition, Auggie Maturo, who plays Auggie Matthews on the Disney Series Girl Meets World, will be on hand with his family to offer his best advice for navigating life with severe allergies.

Auggie Maturo from Disney’s “Girl Meets World”

We’ll share more information about these events soon! It’s possible that the culinary demonstrations with Chef Freitag will be part of the Low Cost Seminar and Demonstration line up that is such a popular part of the festival each year. As such, there will be a charge for these events.

Win a Trip to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

To help spread awareness about the serious issue of food allergies, Mylan will give away a three-night/four-day vacation for four to visit the 2015 Epcot Food Wine Festival! Three grand prize winners will be awarded a vacation that includes: [Read more…]

Review: Green Tea Plum Slush at Joy of Tea in Epcot’s China Pavilion

By AJ 12 Comments

We’ve stopped by the Joy of Tea kiosk in Epcot’s China Pavilion several times…because it’s awesome.

Learn About:Joy of Tea

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

So you may know by now that it’s packed with much more than tea, despite the name. I mean, sure, you can absolutely grab an iced or hot tea depending on the weather or just your personal preference. But it’s also got a decent snack selection for such a small place (I love the Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream), and an “appetizer sampler” of sorts with their Lucky Combo, which allows you to try all three hot snacks (BBQ Pork Buns, Curry Chicken Pockets, and Egg Rolls) along with a soft drink and some ice cream.

You’d think that would about cover it! But you’d be wrong ;). Because there is a whole slew of specialty drinks here including some adult beverages, which is what we’re trying out today.

Joy of Tea

You’ll spot the choices under “Alcoholic Beverages” (natch), and they include the Mango Gingerita, Canto Loopy, Peach Snap!, and Green Tea Plum Slush, in addition to beer and wine. (Oh, and don’t forget the Tipsy Ducks in Love.)

Joy of Tea menu

I went with the Green Tea Plum Slush with plum wine, since I know it’s a guest favorite at the park. I really enjoyed the Strawberry Oolong Tea Slush here many moons ago, so I had high hopes for this one. I mean, plum wine? Sure — sign me up! I love that stuff.

Unfortunately, those hopes were [Read more…]

Coming Soon! Dinoco Sippers to Debut This Month at Disney California Adventure

By Brooke 11 Comments

Just in time for Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, add another must-have to your collectible list!

Cozy Cone Motel Dinoco Oil Can Sippers, ©Disney

Disney will roll out supa cute Oil Can Sippers during the [Read more…]

News! Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Opening in Disney Springs this Fall

By AJ 11 Comments

And the Disney Springs food news just keeps on coming!

Most recently, we waited for the opening of The Boathouse and its jillion dollar steak. Next up? The anticipated summer opening of Morimoto Asia. And now we’ve just received word that Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will be opening in The Landing section of Downtown Disney (which will soon be Disney Springs) this fall!

Hangar Bar Concept Art ©Disney

So who, exactly, is Jock Lindsey and why do you care? He’s none other than the pilot for Indiana Jones from the famed movie series, so an aviation theme will (naturally!) play a huge part. According to Disney, Jock’s pet snake Reggie (“Why did it have to be snakes?”) will somehow have a major part in the story of the Hangar Bar as well.

A boat that may be incorporated into Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar

Guests will have the chance to check out walls packed with vintage travel posters and aviation equipment as they drink and dine… and may even spot a few back-and-forth letters of Jock and Indy’s on display around the 150-seat space.

Hangar Bar Concept Art ©Disney

Outdoor seating will also be available on Jock’s steamboat… docked, of course! You wouldn’t want to run into any of the Boathouse’s amphicars on the water, now, would you?

Cocktails and tapas will be the focus of the menu, with drinks like [Read more…]

Fun Find: Flavored Moonshine in Epcot

By AJ 11 Comments

You know how I’m always going on and on about the huge variety of food, drinks, and cuisine around Epcot’s World Showcase? I mean, you can find just about anything and everything, which is why I talk about it ALL the time, like it’s my job or something.

Oh, wait… it IS my job.

I guess somebody’s gotta do it! 😉

Anyway, I really do mean that you can find everything… and here’s my proof (ha ha — PROOF! I crack me up). Did you know that you can stock up on your supply of Moonshine at Epcot?

Backwoods Moonshine

Yep! The Port of Entry and Disney Traders gift shops (those are the two gifts shops at the entrance to World Showcase between the Canada and Mexico Pavilions) carry an assortment of the whiskey beverage.

They’ve actually been available for some time now (and are, of course, being incorporated into many a cocktail around property due to the popularity of moonshine right now), but I only recently paused to take a look at the [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: the IRON MAN Waffle at Pizza Port

By Heather 6 Comments

The Avengers have taken over theaters this month, and they’re currently starring in some pretty awesome treats over at Disneyland’s Pizza Port.

Pizza Port

These Heroic Treats are currently available for a limited time.

Heroic Treats

I am a sucker for anything sparkly, so after seeing a photo of the Mark V Iron Man Waffle Cake online, I had to get over there and try it for myself! SO SHINY!!!!

Sparkly Iron Man Waffle Cake

For $6.99, you can dine on your very own Tony Stark! The waffle cake is a blend of red velvet cake and waffle batter. The eyes and mouth are made of cream cheese frosting.

Iron Man Waffle Cake

The edible gold glitter is [Read more…]

Spotted: Mickey Waffles and Ice Cream Bars… for Your Dog!

By Wendy 4 Comments

We know… if you were able to bring Fido on your Disney World vacation, you totally would. You would probably even sneak him a bite of your Mickey Waffle under the table at your resort food court as you start out each day before heading into the parks. After all, you love nothing more than starting the day with a Mickey Waffle, so why wouldn’t he?

Well, now your dog can have one of his very own! Our friends at Mickey Fix let us know about this awesome Mickey Waffle Pet Chew Toy, and it can be yours (well, Fido’s, really!) from the new Disney Tails line found on DisneyStore.com!

©Disney

But why stop there? Wouldn’t he just love his own Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar Chew Toy, too?

©Disney

There are actually several chew toys available, though not all of them feature food. How about [Read more…]

Review: The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

By Wendy 3 Comments

Welcome back to Saratoga Springs Resort!

Learn About:Artist’s Palette

Disney World Restaurants

Saratoga Springs is a Disney Vacation Club Resort, with easy access to Downtown Disney by boat, bus, or foot path. Tucked into the main building that houses reception, a merchandise shop, and the Turf Club Bar & Grill (the resort’s Table Service restaurant and lounge), you’ll also find the Counter Service option for Saratoga Springs: The Artist’s Palette.

Having really enjoyed dinner at The Turf Club Bar and Grill a few months ago, I was looking forward to spending a little more time checking out The Artist’s Palette.

And since the hunt is currently on for the Triple Crown with “American Pharaoh” leading the way after winning the Kentucky Derby, what better time to visit this equestrian-themed resort once more?

Building housing Artist’s Palette and merchandise shop

The Artist’s Palette Sign

Atmosphere

While Saratoga Springs Resort itself is themed after upstate New York — a place known for spas and horse-racing (hence, the Turf Club), The Artist’s Palette is modeled to resemble a city artist’s loft.

The Artist’s Palette Indoor Seating

Wood and brick walls, along with a lofted ceiling and lots of windows, provide a peaceful, simple setting that allows the bold and colorful lighting fixtures to really pop. I don’t know if this was the intention, or maybe it was just having painting on my mind due to the theme, but all the primary colors remind me of paint colors on a white palette just before mixing.

Signature Lighting Fixtures

Lighting Fixture

Naturally, large pieces of artwork complete the scene.

Artwork and Lighting

Artwork

During your visit, be sure to check out the work of any little budding artists staying at Saratoga Springs ;).

Artists of the Day

Work of an Artist of the Day

Outside, you can find a few tables — not to mention rocking chairs — as well.

Outdoor Seating

These overlook the main pool area, and face the beginning of the waterfall at High Rock Springs. Overall, it manages to feel calm and serene, even while being the busiest area of the resort.

View from outdoor seating

High Rock Springs

And, since we’re outside, I’ll show you something that has absolutely nothing to do with food ;). This one’s for my [Read more…]

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