News! "Maelstrom Margarita" at Epcot's La Cava del Tequila

News! “Maelstrom Margarita” at Epcot’s La Cava del Tequila

It appears that Norway’s next door neighbor (well, in World Showcase, that is!) is offering a tribute to Maelstrom, which carried riders on a “High Seas Norwegian Adventure” for the last time earlier this week (the attraction was closed to make way for a Frozen-inspired refurb).

The Mexico Pavilion’s La Cava del Tequila is serving Maelstrom Margaritas to honor the beloved attraction.

Maelstrom

The Maelstrom Margarita features “Premium Ambhar Tequila blanco, mango puree, orange liquor, and agave nectar served with blueberries, habanero peppers, basil and Tajin chili powder on the rim.”

©cavadeltequila

The drink debuted on October 6th for La Cava’s “Margarita Monday,” and while we assume this drink will only be available for a very limited time, according to La Cava’s Twitter feed: “Maelstrom Margarita will be available until you stop buying it, so it all depends on you. Made in honor of the ride.”

So, if you find yourself in the Mexico Pavilion today while tasting your way around the World, stop by La Cava to raise a glass… and to remember [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Caramel Apple Funnel Cake and Mango Habanero Lime Iced Tea at Hungry Bear

By Heather 12 Comments

Tucked back in the corner of Critter Country, The Hungry Bear Restaurant is often overlooked. This quiet counter service restaurant is rarely crowded, has plenty of shaded seating with a gorgeous view of the Rivers of America, AND the food here is great too! Another bonus? They’re currently serving up the most delicious item at the Disneyland Resort.

Hungry Bear Order Kiosks

The Caramel Apple Funnel Cake is making its grand debut this year for Halloween Time — and I need it to go away soon because otherwise I will be way too tempted to eat one on each and every visit to Disneyland.

Caramel Apple Funnel Cake from Hungry Bear

Made fresh to order, a Caramel Apple Funnel Cake will set you back [Read more…]

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Pictures and Review: Farm Fresh and Hops & Barley Marketplace Booths

By AJ 5 Comments

The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is well underway, and we’re hearing from lots of you that you’re really enjoying this year’s offerings!

Welcome to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Today, we’re taking a closer look at those little outposts of deliciousness, the Marketplace Booths found throughout World Showcase. Up to this point, we’ve focused on international flair, but this time out, let’s visit two uniquely American spots — Farm Fresh and Hops & Barley.

These two spots include some of our most beloved festival offerings this year.

(Get the bacon hash. Get. It.)

The Farm Fresh Marketplace Booth

The Farm Fresh Marketplace Booth is sort of something old and something new at the same time. The marketplace actually debuted as Florida Local in 2012.

Farm Fresh Marketplace Booth

This year, Festival chefs wanted to expand the scope of the food served here. Rather than source ingredients from Florida only, they looked to showcase regional flavors. But the emphasis is still farm-to-market-fresh.

2014 Farm Fresh Marketplace Booth Menu

You get the sense that they’re taking a back-to-basics approach. Dishes are homespun, but are executed with attention to detail and bold flavors.

For example — the Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon Hash. This thing is just off the charts. I seriously ate it in, like, 30 seconds while I stood there like an idiot taking up space. It includes Nueske’s Bacon, plus lots of fresh ingredients like Sweet Corn, Potatoes, and Pickled Jalapeños. But the best part? The Hash is topped with creamy Hollandaise. Shazam.

Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon Hash with Sweet Corn, Potatoes, Hollandaise and Pickled Jalapeño

The Griddled “Yard Bird” is another fun dish. It’s pretty straightforward, actually. Chicken Thighs are seasoned and then [Read more…]

Review: Lunch at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

By AJ 25 Comments

You know I can’t stay away from this place.

Learn About:Beaches and Cream

Disney World Restaurants

It’s been a while since we’ve visited Beaches and Cream “officially” here at the DFB. What I mean is, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is one of the few spots I frequent almost every time I visit Disney World, but its been a while since I shared some of the goodness with you here on the blog.

We’re fixing that today with a little (well, actually a LOT of) lunch at everyone’s favorite soda shop, and checking out some of the options from the updated menu while we’re at it.

Ready to go? Let’s head to the middle of the Yacht and Beach Club resorts, right next to Stormalong Bay, and settle in…

Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Atmosphere

I’m not the only one who loves Beaches and Cream — not by a long shot. Over the years this little spot has become one of the most popular resort restaurants in Disney World… and I do mean “little.” Those arriving for their first visit might be struck by how small it is in comparison with most Disney World restaurants.

And, remember, speaking of small, the restaurant now offers advance dining reservations…which are recommended. While the to-go section is still open, and seats at the counter are easier to come by than tables when you’re a walk-up guest, ADRs are often necessary even during the slow seasons these days.

Beaches and Cream Dining Room

Once inside, you’ll see that the decor is bright and cheerful, with soft pastels making up most of the color scheme, and mirrors to “open up” the space a bit.

Beaches and Cream

Much of the decoration [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: October 5, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia 2 Comments

Frozen Fans — here’s another special event for you!

Frozen Fun!

The Frozen Holiday Premium Package will debut this holiday season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Plus, click below for all the details on this week’s Disney Food News…

Disney Food News

Disney World debuts a new seasonal experience — Disney’s Hollywood Studios Frozen Holiday Premium Package!
Time for another DFB Podcast! In episode 21, AJ and Brad are discussing their favorite Disney Bars and Lounges!
Check out three new Disney glow cubes just in time for Halloween in Disneyland!
Disney is taking Magical Fairytale Weddings to the next level with Wedding Cake Projection Mapping. Get a first look here!

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 restaurant closures, Le Cellier will host a New Year’s Eve dinner, Moet and Chandon Wine Dinner Menu at Flying Fish Cafe, 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 from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

DFB Reader Tim tweeted the delicious donuts with chocolate dipping sauce available at Disney’s water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach). These donuts may be mini but they are HUGE on flavor!

Mini-Donuts with chocolate dipping sauce

Facebook Friend Akemi shared the adorable Lion King waffles served at Boma’s breakfast buffet. A unique Disney waffle for the young and young-at-heart! LOVE!

Lion King Waffles at Boma

What’s your Favorite Find? We can’t wait to see it!

DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks e-Book

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2014 DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks e-Book is now available!

And in honor of our grand launch, you can [Read more…]

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic: Highlights

By AJ 5 Comments

More food and bev fun at Walt Disney World! The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns with seminars, tastings, sweets, and beverages for another year.

The Fifth Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will be held Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, 2014, from 5:30 – 9:00PM at the Swan and Dolphin Resorts in Walt Disney World. The resorts are just a short walk from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, making this event a convenient add-on to your 2014 Epcot Food and Wine visit.

Let’s take a closer look at all the event has to offer!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Causeway

Immerse yourself in this culinary festival during an evening stroll of the Crescent Lake Causeway. Food, wine, and beer lovers will find delicious options while listening to live music.

With 17 restaurants and lounges, the Swan and Dolphin resorts have a nationally-recognized culinary team that will be showing off their talents! We’ve attended the event every year since it began, and it’s a delicious way to spend the evening.

The Causeway at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic

Mulitple food and beverage stations will showcase food and drink from Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria, and Todd English’s bluezoo, among other great Swan and Dolphin restaurants.

Sip the night away with all of your favorites. And if you love wine, enjoy selections from around the world! Sommeliers will be on hand to answer all of your questions and help you to discover new favorites.

Enjoying an evening on the Causeway as I sample appetizer portions of dishes from some of my favorite restaurants is always a fun time! The Shula’s tasting station is always a popular one, and this year’s Beef Tenderloin promises to draw a crowd.

Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Sauce Bordelaise From Shula’s Steakhouse

Thirsty? There’s no shortage of beverage options, which include Wine, Beer, and Sake. Tasting stations will offer sips from all popular U.S. wine regions as well as celebrated wines from around the world.

Chefs and Beverage experts staff every station and are happy to answer all of your questions.

You’ll also have the chance to meet executive chefs from the Swan and Dolphin Culinary Team. And bluezoo’s Celebrity Chef Todd English will once more be on hand to greet guests and chat about the dishes he’s serving!

Seminars

If you’re interested in a more hands-on learning experience, consider booking

[Read more…]

New Frozen Holiday Premium Package at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Kim LaPaglia 12 Comments

Just in time for the holidays, Disney World debuts a yet another new seasonal experience — Disney’s Hollywood Studios Frozen Holiday Premium Package!

Elsa and Anna Letting It Go!

For those of you who love desserts, the Osborne lights, Anna and Elsa, and souvenirs, read on…

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Frozen Holiday Premium Package

This brand new VIP package includes reserved viewing in the Premiere Theater for the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” which could come in very handy during those packed holiday days at the parks.

Speaking of crowds, this package provides a reserved location (at the end of Streets of America) for the magical Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Osborne Lights!

You’ll also get to splurge on “free with the price of the ticket” specialty alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic beverages, and Frozen-themed desserts.

As for souvenirs, you’ll receive a unique [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: New Halloween Glow Cubes

By Heather 9 Comments

New for Halloween Time this year, the Disneyland Resort has introduced three new glow cubes for your lighted drinking pleasure.

The specialty cubes are available in the themed lands from which they come. For example, The Poison Apple Glow Cube can only be found at Disneyland Park in Fantasyland — the same area where you’ll find Snow White and the Wicked Witch, who’d like to poison her with one of these little flashing beauties.

Poison Apple Glow Cubes

You can pick up a Poison Apple Glow Cube at Maurice’s Treats or the Small World Lemonade Cart.

Poison Apple Glow Cube at Maurice’s Treats

Over in New Orleans Square, you can find Jack Skellington Glow Cubes brightening up your beverage! A Jack Glow Cube can be purchased from the Mint Julep Bar, Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans, or the New Orleans Square Lemonade Cart.

Jack Skellington Glow Cubes

Although I haven’t seen them yet, Pumpkin Mickey Glow Cubes are floating around in Disneyland drinks, too! They can be found throughout Disneyland at Carnation Cafe, Big Thunder Ranch, the Small World Lemonade Cart, the Tomorrowland Lemonade Cart, and at the Ship to Shore Food Stand, which is just across from Big Thunder Mountain. I’ll try to get my hands on one soon, so I can share a photo!

UPDATE: I spotted the Mickey Pumpkin Glow Cube for sale at the Small World Lemonade Cart!

Mickey Pumpkin Glow Cube at the Small World Lemonade Cart

In my opinion all drinks taste better with a Glow Cube in them. I’d really love a whole bowl of Poison apples for a Halloween decoration. I guess I’d better get to sippin’!

Are you a sucker for Glow Cubes? Have you seen these specialty Halloween Time additions in the parks yet? Which one is your favorite?

Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here!

New! DFB Podcast Episode 21: Disney Bars and Lounges

By AJ 7 Comments

Need something to brighten up that commute, motivate you on that walk or run, or get you through another grueling gym workout? We have just the thing!

We’ve just released our latest DFB Podcast episode. And since it’s our 21st episode, we thought we needed a little celebrating! 😉

What’s It About?

Let’s hit the bars! OK, OK, this is Disney World, so most are family-friendly, and you can find some truly amazing food and drinks when you step inside. It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind away from the sensory overload of the Disney parks.

In this episode, AJ and Brad cover some of their favorite Disney bars and lounges on both coasts, and give you lots of reasons why you may want to check a few out. Head over for a listen and let us know your picks for great bars and lounges at Disney Parks and Resorts. We also answer two listener questions and ask for new ones — so get those questions ready!

Here’s the Podcast page for Episode 21. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes!

Our favorite Sharp Cheddar Beer Fondue at Territory Lounge

We Love the Amazing Fondue from the Territory Lounge at Disney’s World’s Wilderness Lodge!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! And don’t forget — the podcast has its [Read more…]

Guest Review: Dinner at Epcot’s Biergarten at the Germany Pavilion

By Kim LaPaglia 23 Comments

A favorite place to dine at Walt Disney World is Epcot’s World Showcase.

Learn About:Biergarten Restaurant

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

With unique restaurants featuring tastes from around the globe, Epcot offers a smorgasbord of dining locations. Today, guest author Rebecca Elliott shares her dinner experience at the Biergarten located in the Germany pavilion. Prost!

Epcot is designed to replicate a permanent World’s Fair with pavilions dedicated to innovation and international culture.

Future World highlights technology while the World Showcase, on the other side of World Showcase Lagoon, celebrates international culture.

The Charming Biergarten Entry Way

There are 11 pavilions in the World Showcase, each themed and dedicated to a specific country. The décor can be old fashioned and kitschy, but the cast members, many of whom travel from their home countries to work in the World Showcase, give it an air of authenticity.

The restaurants are by far the main attraction. Many pavilions have two or more restaurants that serve food inspired by their representative countries. I say “inspired” because the food is not necessarily authentic, but it has elements of authentic dishes and is served in a fun atmosphere with incredible theming.

Instead of dining at our usual spot (Chefs de France in the France pavilion), my family and I decided to try something completely new on our most recent visit. This is how we found ourselves at Biergarten in the Germany pavilion.

When You Step Into the Dining Room, You Are Transported to a Lively Oktoberfest Party

Atmosphere

Biergarten is located in the back of the Germany pavilion, which is the fourth pavilion in if you enter the World Showcase from Future World and start from the left. Disney’s original plan was to feature a boat ride here, similar to the one at the Norway pavilion, but these plans fell through. The main entrance of the boat ride is now the dining area for Biergarten.

The setting for Biergarten is a quaint Bavarian village celebrating Oktoberfest. You are seated in the town square at communal tables, ready to enjoy traditional German music and food. It is dusk (no matter what time of day you eat), and the atmosphere is celebratory.

Stage Area and Seating

We checked in with a cast member at the hostess desk [Read more…]

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News! “Maelstrom Margarita” at Epcot’s La Cava del Tequila

Dining in Disneyland: Caramel Apple Funnel Cake and Mango Habanero Lime Iced Tea at Hungry Bear