Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 18, 2014

We’ve got lots of news to catch up on! Here we go…

Epcot Food and Wine Festival information is starting to trickle in, including a new marketplace booth, celebrity chefs, and new special events.

A Walt Disney World Free Dining offer opened to the general public for select 2014 vacation dates. And Jedi Masters and young padawans are enjoying the new Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine Character Meal at Hollywood and Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Star Wars Dessert Plate

Click on the links below for details and more food news from Disney!

Disney Food News

Check out the news on the new Patagonia Marketplace Booth at Disney World’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival in 2014!
The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concerts have been announced!
Join Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy, Stormtrooper Donald, and Ewok Chip and Dale for the debut of Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine Character Meal at Disney World’s Hollywood and Vine!
Check out the R2-D2 and Darth Vader lunch bags with special effects… just in time for Star Wars Weekends at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!
Check out the After Hours Wind Down Event at Epcot’s Rose & Crown Pub in Walt Disney World. Food samples and beer included!
Find out about Mac and Cheese, Mine Trains, and more in What’s New Around Disney World!
Friar’s Nook in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has introduced Pot Roast Macaroni and Cheese to their menu.
Take a look at the Blue Raspberry Slush found at Pinocchio Village Haus in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom!
Raglan Road Irish Pub in Walt Disney World has just been given top honors by Orlando Magazine. Read all about it here!
Free Appetizer or Dessert at Emeril’s in Orlando!

Of course, there’s more! 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, Cinco de Mayo Tastings at La Cava, and more!

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!

Le Cellier in Epcot continues to impress diners! This pic was shared by DFB Reader Diandra: Filet Mignon, of course! Notice the NEW pea risotto!

Filet Mignon at Le Cellier

And DFB Facebook Friend Rebecca cooks up her own version at home. Looks delish!

Homemade Version of Le Cellier’s Filet Mignon

To get you started in your home kitchens, check out the recipe for White Truffle Butter Sauce!

Thanks for sharing your mouth-watering finds with us!

The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book Deal

We’ve got more snacks! The 2014 Edition of The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is now available!

It’s time to snag your copy! The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is one of the many fun and informative Disney Dining e-Books offered by Disney Food Blog! Now we’ve updated our best-selling DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book for 2014 with even more great information, photos, and…yep!…snacks!

We’ve made this guide instantly downloadable. It’s a PDF guide with photos, information, and advice on well over 150 delicious snacks (over 50 more than in our previous edition!) that you can savor in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. This guide is guaranteed to help you find the best snacks and treats for your family while visiting the Magic Kingdom, or your money back — we all know that treats at the Magic Kingdom are just as nostalgic as our first flight on Dumbo! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 🙂

The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book includes:

Full-color photos of over 150 of our favorite snacks
Current prices and Disney Dining Plan snack credit status
Snack locations
“Hidden treats” and add-ons that aren’t published on menus or that aren’t widely known
Disney Food Blog reviews of all snacks
Tips and tricks from experienced snack eaters
Special Bonus items you’re going to love! (Of course…how could we not include these?)

Know what you’re getting BEFORE using a precious snack credit or spending limited vacation dollars.

Whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, healthy, or something in between, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book tells you where to find a snack to match your craving!

To thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $2 off its already discounted purchase price for a limited time! Order your copy now for only $8.95 (regularly $10.95). The price will go up this week, so grab your copy now! To secure the discount, use code MAGIC14 at the check-out.

For more detailed information and screen shots from the e-Book, head over to DFBGuide.com! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 🙂

Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How!

Great three awesome e-Books bundled for over 30% off! Limited time only…

Bundle for greater savings!

Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers:

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014, PLUS
The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks,
The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, AND
The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks

All three are being sold together for the first time –and for a massively discounted price. Just $35.95 instead of the regular price of nearly $60.00.

Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review over 500 Disney World snacks (!!), but also showcase some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for over 40% off here.

Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here!

Thanks for your support of the DFB!

R2D2 Measuring Cup Set

On to the Round-Up!

Mickey Fix

showcases an R2D2 Measuring Cup Set. Let R2D2 back you up in your kitchen; he’s a useful utility droid!

PassPorter Moms Podcast features Disney food news! Brought to you by AJ!

Eating (and Drinking) Around the World highlights this summer’s Taste of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.

AllEars enjoys A Perfect Petals Brunch at Epcot. Vera Bradley fans will want to check out the new Disney-themed bags!

The Atomic Grog discusses Trader Sam’s coming to Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort.

The Buffalo News focuses on the restaurants in Epcot’s France pavilion. Includes interview with Chef Jerome Bocuse!

Star Wars Weekends: Darth Vader Popcorn Bucket

By AJ 8 Comments

It’s finally here! Star Wars Weekends have officially begun!

Star Wars Weekends!

And while they brought back an assortment of themed cupcakes and drinks (you’ll see all the reviews on DFB next week!), I had to show you probably the best souvenir so far…

Darth Vader Popcorn Bucket

Yep! Vader’s helmet has officially made its way to being a popcorn vessel!

I know you guys are with me in being big fans of the fun new popcorn buckets Disney has been introducing for holidays and special events, and I figured this one would quickly be a MUST-HAVE on many of your “bucket lists.” (Ha ha ha!!)

So even if you’re a rebel, consider crossing to the Dark Side to grab your own Vader popcorn bucket…we won’t tell! 😉

Vader Bucket with Popcorn

Get yours for [Read more…]

Disneyland News! Rock Your Disney Side 24-Hour Event Menu Items (Did Someone Say Red Velvet Funnel Cake?!?)

By Kim LaPaglia 3 Comments

Rock YOUR Disney Side! Disneyland’s and Disney World’s 24-hour event takes places May 23-24, 2014, from 6AM to 6AM. To keep the party going, special menu items will be featured throughout the parks!

If you plan on dining at a table service restaurant, make your reservation now!

Disneyland Rock Your Disney Eats

Table-ServiceCarnation Café

: Fried Sampler Plate with crispy fried zucchini, crunchy onion rings, and those addictive fried pickles.

Blue Bayou Restaurant: Pan-seared New York pepper steak topped with asparagus, poached egg, lump crab meat, Cabernet and Béarnaise sauces with potato galette.

Quick-Service
Plaza Inn: Fried Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and Mickey Waffles at Disneyland’s Plaza Inn!

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café: Super Sub Sammie with salami, cappicola, prosciutto topped with kicky arugula salad, whole-grain mustard and citrus aioli on a French roll.

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor: Black and White Ice Cream Sandwich with hand-scooped vanilla ice cream between chocolate chip cookies with a white and dark chocolate drizzle and mini chocolate chips.

Rancho del Zocalo: Street Taco Trio with beef, chicken or carnitas on corn tortillas with cilantro and onion and topped with salsa casera or salsa verde. Also lightly fried sopes (fried masa cakes) with refried beans, beef, chicken or carnitas, shredded cabbage, cotija cheese and drizzled with salsa casera or salsa verde; or pozole, a mild chile and pork stew with hominy, garnished with shredded cabbage, julienned radishes and oregano.

French Market Restaurant: Shrimp Po’ Boy with crispy popcorn shrimp, mayo, sliced tomato and shredded lettuce with oil and vinegar, served on a toasted potato roll with house-made potato chips and fresh fruit.

Village Haus Restaurant: “Pastram’boli” Flatbread: cheesy roasted garlic flatbread with beef pastrami, caramelized onions and pickles and topped with a Dijon mustard sauce. Also try the apple berry flatbread with poached apples on sweet cream cheese topped with fresh berries and mint.

Apple Berry Flatbread

Hungry Bear Restaurant: Sweet and Spicy Hot Dog on a jalapeño cheddar roll with honey mustard and sautéed onions and peppers.

Harbour Galley: Turkey Tortilla Soup with roasted corn and black beans, garnished with sour cream, pico de gallo and fried tortilla strips.

Sweet Snacks
Stage Door Café: Red velvet funnel cake with cream cheese frosting (WHAT?!??!), raspberry and mango funnel cake a la mode, and blueberry and kiwi funnel cake a la mode.

Bengal Barbecue: two sweet skewers – brownies and crispy cereal squares.

Mint Julep Bar: Super Power Punch with sprite, a shot of cotton candy and Dessert Pear gourmet syrup.

Breakfast Bites
Café Orleans: Bananas Foster French Toast made with thick-cut brioche that’s battered and grilled then topped with caramelized bananas and caramel sauce. Bacon on the side. Also a Mickey-shaped [Read more…]

News! Patagonia Booth Debuts, and More 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Details!

By AJ 14 Comments

It’s that time of year again! The first details have officially begun trickling out about the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Be sure to stay tuned to our Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page for all the details. And join our DFB Newsletter to be the first to know about menus, booking dates, and prices!

Today, we’ve got updates on special events, Eat to the Beat Concerts, new and returning booths and menus, and more! Let’s go…

Patagonia Booth Debuts; Brazil Booth and Farm Fresh Marketplace Return!

We’re excited to report that a new Patagonia booth will be debuting at the 2014 Festival! And returning will be the Brazil Booth and a new Florida Fresh Marketplace booth — along with over 25 others!

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Patagonia Booth
I know what you’re thinking. What? Patagonia? Like the outdoor clothing brand? (OK, maybe you aren’t thinking that, but I sure was.) Anyway, Patagonia will feature flavors from Argentina and Chile, like sustainable roasted Verlasso salmon, quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri. Will this mean that the Argentina and Chile booths will disappear? Only time will tell… .

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Brazil Booth
Back again this year, the Brazil booth will introduce guests to the Moqueca de Pescado — a fresh tilapia dish featuring coconut lime sauce and steamed rice.

The Brazil Booth Returns to the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Here are our pics and review from the 2013 Brazil Booth; and though Disney says the menu will be totally new, I’m hoping they bring back the frozen Caipirinha!

LeBlon Frozen Caipirinha at the Brazil Booth in 2011

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Farm Fresh Marketplace Booth
The Farm Fresh Marketplace will replace the Florida Fresh booth. At Farm Fresh, guests will be treated to a new “Bacon and Eggs” dish featuring applewood-smoked, pepper-coated bacon, sweet corn, potatoes, Hollandaise, and pickled jalapeños!!!

Florida Fresh Booth will return to the 2013 Festival

Eat to the Beat Concerts

Brand new bands

will debut this year at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concerts! Check out all of the confirmed 2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Dates here!

New to the festival this year include Jo Dee Messina (Sept. 19-21), Fuel (Oct. 9-10), and Los Lonely Boys (Oct. 25-26)! Rick Springfield is back!!

Celebrity Chefs are Back

Don’t forget to plan time to see your favorites this year! Returning and debuting are Chefs Warren Brown, Rock Harper, Jennifer Hill Booker, Erika Davis, Paula DaSilva, Gale Gand, Dana Herbert, Jamie Deen, Jerome Brown, Dean Max, “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, Allen Susser, Duskie Estes and John Stewart…among others!

Buddy Valastro at a 2011 Culinary Demonstration

You’ll be able to see these fan favorites at [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Glow Drinks!

By AJ 5 Comments

We’re back with more Disney Food — er, Drink — Photo fun today, thanks to our fantastic readers who contribute to Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza — our Flickr page!

Speaking of Disney Drinks, it’s time to talk Glow Drinks! I can’t help it — I absolutely love these things!

Lunar Landing Glow Drink at Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant

You do too, it seems! Let’s see a couple of your best shots featuring Disney’s world-famous glow drinks that we found on Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza!

Light & Colours at Disneyland Paris

Photographer: Hilary_JW

For our first glowing cocktail, we’re going all the way to France! Yep, that’s right. they even have them at Disneyland Paris! If you’re interested in picking one up on your next trip, head to The New York City Bar at Hotel New York, and ask for the Light & Colours. A combination of raspberry vodka, green apple liqueur, and fruit juices, this sounds refreshing, and looks fantastic!

Light & Colours Cocktail from Disneyland Paris

Tropi-Glow Cocktail at The Wave

Photographer: MGiordano1

This lovely shot of the Tropi-Glow Cocktail, formerly found at The Wave of American Flavors in Disney’s Contemporary Resort makes me want to run right there, right now, and order their [Read more…]

Spotted! R2-D2 and Darth Vader Lunch Bags… with Special Effects!

By Wendy 8 Comments

‘Tis the season… and I’m not talking about Christmas! Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are upon us (starting TOMORROW!!), and some extra fun Star Wars themed merchandise is arriving along with them. And when that merchandise is food-related?! Well, that’s all the better!

Check out these cool R2-D2 and Darth Vader lunch bags I saw at Tatooine Traders (the store next to the Star Tours attraction in Hollywood Studios) and Writer’s Stop! I don’t remember these from last year, so while I’m not sure if they’re new, they are new to me…

Darth Vader and R2-D2 lunch bags

Now, when I say “cool,” I do mean that I think they are neat, but these padded lunch totes are also thermal for keeping your food cold. Score.

Thermal feature

But the best thing about them is that they have special effects!

Light and sound effects

I’m partial to the R2-D2 bag.

R2-D2 lunch bag

R2-D2 lunch bag side view

R2-D2 lunch bag handle

Part of that is because I love him, but also the effects are pretty great. When you press the indicated button on top of the bag, you suddenly hear R2’s signature beeps and boops… but, get this: his lights also flash!

Flashing lights

The best part? You can order your own here!

Darth Vader’s helmet bag has no lighting effects, but when you press the button you hear [Read more…]

Review: Blue Raspberry Slush at Pinocchio Village Haus in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By Wendy 8 Comments

For all the attention that the extremely well-themed dining spots in New Fantasyland receive, Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom’s original Fantasyland is certainly not short of its own charms.

Learn About:Pinocchio Village Haus

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

There are even a few special surprises to know about if you pop in here for lunch or a snack! We’ll tell you about those later!

But even if you don’t intend to partake in one of the flatbreads – this spot’s main entrée – it’s worth a stop to at least pop in and take a look at some of the artwork that covers the walls, especially for fans of classic Disney animation.

A similar Pinocchio restaurant is included in several of the Disney parks around the world, and all of them feature incredible themeing like this!

Geppetto Mural

“Give a little whistle”

One small touch that I appreciate at Pinocchio’s is how characters from the film are often incorporated into a few of the offerings; in particular, it’s the slushes as of late.

Previously home to Pinocchio’s Punch and Jiminy Cricket’s Slush, the menu currently features Lemonade Slush, “a favorite of Pinocchio’s,” and Blue Raspberry Slush, “a favorite of the Blue Fairy.” (By the way, it’s not designated on the menu, but these slushes are good for a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.)

Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Slush

Being nothing if not a complete sucker for stuff like this, I placed my order for the Blue Fairy’s favorite, the Blue Raspberry Slush! And, WOW… is this thing ever BLUE! It is every bit as blue as Jiminy Cricket’s Slush was so very, VERY green.

Blue Raspberry Slush

You’ll find a frozen Blue Raspberry beverage over at The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland, as well as a few other spots all over the Parks (think Drinkwallah in Animal Kingdom, or Peevy’s Polar Pipeline in Hollywood Studios). However, their hue is closer to an icee-style slush that you may be familiar with, like this…

Blue Raspberry Frozen Beverage at The Lunching Pad

The Blue Fairy’s Slush is a decidedly bold and nearly cobalt blue, and it comes topped with whipped cream drizzled with raspberry syrup. It’s actually sort of pretty if you can get past the un-naturalness of the whole thing 😉 .

Blue Raspberry Slush

Whipped cream and raspberry drizzle

The flavor of the raspberry drizzle is a lighter flavor much like blue cotton candy. Once you get beyond the whipped cream, though, there is not one thing [Read more…]

Review: A Lunch Stop at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France

By AJ 20 Comments

Time to head to my favorite French bakery this side of Paris — Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie! (I know we’ve been here a lot lately, but there’s SO much to tell you about!)

Learn About:Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

The bakery relocated to the back of Epcot’s France Pavilion last year, and gained quite a bit of real estate in the process. And it’s a good thing — because it has continued to grow in popularity through the years.

Anyway, I sampled a pastry there last Fall that I’ve returned for time and time again…and it’s finally time to tell you about it! At first glance you might be unimpressed…but ohmigosh as soon as you try it you’ll be a convert! Let’s goooooo!

Atmosphere

If you haven’t meandered through the France Pavilion lately, you should! There have been some interesting changes to this corner of World Showcase.

Les Halles

The area that formerly housed the Boulangerie Patisserie is now L’Artisan des Glaces, home of some of the best ice cream you’ll taste in Walt Disney World.

And the back of the France Pavilion now houses Les Halles.

Les Halles

The move greatly expanded the ordering area, giving guests a little elbow room. But the cases are still mirror images of one another — pick either the right or the left, and you’ll see the same offerings.

Ordering Area

One of the most popular things about the move has been the addition of some indoor seating. It’s not much and it’s usually hard to find a table on a busy day, though. Fortunately, you can still head back outside to dine at one of the small cafe tables in the open air, Paris-style. 🙂

Les Halles Seating

There are menu boards above that give you the rundown on what’s available. But the cool thing about Les Halles is that you can [Read more…]

Review: Pot Roast Macaroni and Cheese at Friar’s Nook in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By Wendy 9 Comments

When the menu at Friar’s Nook received a New Year’s makeover, Mac & Cheese-loving hearts went all aflutter over the spins on this classic comfort food.

Learn About:Friar's Nook

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni and Cheese debuted alongside of Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Balsamic (and a more traditional take topped with Panko crumbs arrived as well).

So, changes at Friar’s Nook aren’t entirely unexpected, but we have to admit that we were a little surprised to spot another one so soon: The Blue Cheese Macaroni was recently replaced on the menu with Pot Roast Macaroni and Cheese.

So, prepare yourself for a bowl of comfort food topped with hearty helping of… MORE comfort food!

Friar’s Nook Menu

Pot Roast Macaroni and Cheese

The first thing I noticed was the topping on this dish is less involved than its counterpart, the Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese. Where the Bacon Cheeseburger Mac is topped with ground beef, bacon, lettuce and tomato, the Pot Roast Mac & Cheese is topped with simply that: a pile of pot roast on top of the macaroni.

Pot Roast on the top

Things started out great: the pot roast was very well-prepared. Tender and juicy — and mine had very little in the way of fat. OK, not that that’s huge concern when you’re eating beef-covered mac and cheese ;), but my point is, the meat was really good, and actually tasted homemade.

Pot Roast closeup

The second component is, of course, the Mac & Cheese. There is even more cheese to this mac & cheese than the name implies. For those accustomed to the mac & cheese found at buffets around Disney property, or commonly offered as a Kids’ option, there seems to be more shredded cheese in addition to the melted cheese sauce that we’re used to.

Mac & Cheese underneath Pot Roast

Extra cheesy mac!

While the flavor is outstanding, and the cheese tasted great with the pot roast, the extra cheese lends a heaviness to this dish that [Read more…]

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