What's New in Walt Disney World: February 22nd, 2014 | the disney food blog

What’s New in Walt Disney World: February 22nd, 2014

This week, we shared with you lots of fun news — from a new refillable mug design at the Disney World Resorts to supersized slushies in Epcot’s France to the face that we get another WHOLE WEEK to enjoy the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year. But there’s a whole lot more going on in Disney World that we still need to tell you about!

We’re happy to welcome you on another trip around the World with us to see what’s new!

Epcot

We spied all sorts of happenings around World Showcase! Things are already changing up a bit at Spice Road Table, with a few small changes to the menu.

The Salted Cod Croquettes are still available as part of the Mogador Sampler; however, they’ve been replaced on the individual tapas menu by Mix Grill Skewers: “Beef and Chicken with Garlic and Fresh Herbs.”

Spice Road Table Menu

Italy’s Tutto Gusto is featuring a few new “Gusto Specialties”: Meatballs Parmigiana, Meatball Sliders, Ravioli di Ricotta, and Tuscan Pork Ribs.

Tutto Gusto

Tutto Gusto Menu

Over in Germany, you can now pick up some official Werther’s Drizzle to take home with you at Karamell-Küche!

Werther’s Drizzle

Now you can make your very own cookies look like this 🙂 :

Cookies at Karamel Kuche

And have you heard the news in France? [Read more…]

News! Redesigned Refillable Mugs at Disney World Resorts!

By Wendy 31 Comments

RFID is here to stay! Your favorite refillable mugs in Disney World have gotten a brand new design!

The new mug!

OK — here’s a little background. Many of you know that Disney has a refillable mug system at it’s resort hotels: buy a mug for a certain price, refill it as many times as you want while you’re staying at the hotel.

A lot of news last August revolved around the arrival of the new Rapid Fill refillable mugs across Disney World Resorts. When they hit the shelves, the mugs had the same design as the previous non-RFID version of the mugs, with only some variation in the colors of the lids and handles.

So we’re especially excited to show you the newly redesigned mugs that have started to pop up at Disney World Resorts! The Fab Five are all there… plus Clarabelle! ;-D

Pluto joins in the fun

They’re really fun — the gang is checking into a Disney hotel! And, of course, Donald is experiencing a few “hang-ups.” ;-D

Goofy and Donald on the opposite side

There are four colors available to choose from (as opposed to three in the previous line): [Read more…]

Top 10 Disneyland Fast Food Joints

By AJ 12 Comments

Most of the time when I visit Disney, I indulge in a mix of meals. I may book a table service advance dining reservation for one part of the day, and leave the rest to chance — looking to discover new things at the parks’ kiosks and counter service spots.

Today, I’m counting down my favorite places in Disneyland Resort to grab a quick meal!

Disneyland is second to none (yep — even compared to Disney World) at putting together truly outstanding counter service, quick service, and fast food meals. And the one consistent theme that you’ll find in Disneyland counter service spots — a lot of the time, the food and venues feel like table service quality (right down to real plates!)

Let’s get started!

Plaza Inn

The Plaza Inn

is legendary for its beautiful atmosphere. Located where Main Street and Tomorrowland intersect, this charming spot has been open forever — and it’s been pleasing guests in search of a good meal all the while.

Even Walt was a fan!

Walt Disney enjoying a cup of coffee at Plaza Inn in 1966

A character meal table service location for breakfast, it morphs into a counter service buffet (sans characters) for lunch and dinnertime.

The Roast Beef and Pasta dishes here are both good choices. But ask most Disneyland food fans what the must-have dish here is, and you’ll get a resounding response: the Fried Chicken! The huge — and I mean HUGE — platter comes with three pieces of Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, a Vegetable, and a Biscuit. I shared this with a friend the last time I got it, and we still couldn’t finish!

Plaza Inn Fried Chicken

Incidentally, you should try and save room for dessert, too. (I know…I know.) When strawberries are in season, I’d definitely recommend the luscious Strawberry Shortcake!

Strawberry Shortcake

But the Carrot Cake is pretty awesome, too.

Flo’s V-8 Cafe

Dining at Flo’s V-8 Cafe within Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is an immersive experience. As with the rest of the spots in this newest Disneyland Resort section, you feel like you’ve wandered right into the animation!

But step inside the enormous restaurant, and you see all kinds of kitschy fun, inspired by the roadside diners that once peppered legendary Route 66.

Flo’s V-8 Cafe

The name of the game at Flo’s is the kind of comfort food that you’d expect to find in such spots, with spit-fired meats dominating the dinner menu. There’s also an inventive vegetarian option here — the Veggie Tater Bake!

But it’s Flo’s breakfast that we love love LOVE the most!

For a super sweet start to your day, you’ve gotta try the Brioche French Toast with Salted Caramel Sauce and Bananas. (Dessert for breakfast? you ask? Well, yeah; pretty much! But…bananas!!!)

Brioche French Toast with Salted Caramel Sauce and Bananas

Or, try the option that serves up a delicious Mexican food-inspired twist — the Chicken Tamale Breakfast with Scrambled Eggs and Salsa Verde.

Chicken Tamale Breakfast with Scrambled Eggs and Salsa Verde

And be sure to stop back by later in the day for dessert — Flo’s Signature Apple-Cheddar Pie-O-Rama is spectacular!

Pie at Flo’s

Rancho del Zocalo

The beautifully themed Rancho del Zocalo, located in Disneyland Park’s Frontierland, is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!

Gorgeous murals and lighting fixtures dominate the walls inside, while a beautiful patio covered with gauzy awnings wins our vote for best place to sit here.

Outdoor seating at Rancho del Zocalo

Following the pattern of many Disneyland counter service spots, Rancho del Zocalo is counter service with the feel of a cafeteria. Guests order their main entree, and then visit stations to pick up extra courses, like salads and desserts.

The Mexican influenced menu is small, but the ingredients and preparation are always high quality, and a cut above what we think of as fast food. One of my favorite options here is the Soft Tacos Monterrey with Fajita Chicken. (You can also get them with beef.)

Soft Tacos Monterrey with Fajita Chicken

The addition of Peppers as well as Sour Cream and Guacamole on the side makes this a winner for me. I look forward to having it whenever I have a chance to visit Rancho del Zocalo!

Hungry Bear Restaurant

If you like eating in a treehouse, then I have just the Disneyland spot for you! Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland’s Critter Country recently underwent some renovations and [Read more…]

Disney World March Dining Events: The Wave Discovery Dinner and Jiko’s Wine Dinner

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

Disney fans, check out The Wave Discovery Dinner (for Tables in Wonderland members only) and a Wine Dinner at Jiko — both events will be held in March at the Walt Disney World resort!

The Wave Discovery Dinner

Tables in Wonderland

has announced a January Discovery Dinner at The Wave…of American Flavors at the Contemporary Resort for January.

Discovery Dinner Details – click image for larger version

The Wave Discovery Dinner Details

Here are a few details for ya…

Location: The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2014 6:30PM Reception; 7PM Dinner
Cost: $110 per person includes tax and gratuity
Dress Code: Casual Evening Attire

To celebrate Central Florida’s strawberry season, this event will feature family-owned Lott Farms. Tim Mahr (Vice President of Sales for the Southern Division of Martin Ray Winery) will be the wine speaker.

New! SUPERSIZE Grand Marnier Orange and Grey Goose Citron Slushes in Epcot!

By AJ 23 Comments

We’ve got some awechum news for those of us who lurve the slushes in Epcot’s France (and that’s all of us, right?)!!

Can’t get enough of the Grand Marnier Orange Slush or Grey Goose Citron Slush whenever you head to the World Showcase?

Slush Machines in Epcot’s France Pavilion

Well listen up… France’s signatures Slushes have been SUPERSIZED!

Supersized Grand Marnier Orange Slush

Oh, AND they have an extra shot added, too! Allow me to explain…

If you visit this champagne and wine kiosk, you may spot a sign on an electric screen (my sincere apologies – I really tried to get a picture, but in the midday sun, all it shows is a reflection of those of us in line! Aaah, screens and the FL sun… 😉 ).

Champagne and Wine Kiosk in France Pavilion

Anyway, the sign reads: “Shot of Grey Goose Le Citron included in the SUPERSIZED Lemon Slush.”

By the way, while it doesn’t come up on the screen [Read more…]

Disney Recipe: Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli from the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

By AJ 4 Comments

Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe for one of my all-time favorite Disney dishes from the California Grill!

Learn About:California Grill

Disney World Restaurants

I enjoy going to this posh restaurant when I’m celebrating a special occasion, or just meeting friends for an extra special evening. And anytime I visit California Grill, you can bet that I’ll order the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli! In fact, I ordered it during my most recent visit (it’s still there after the menu revamp!) and it never fails to impress.

The smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy filling of the house made ravioli is the perfect combination with the vibrant tomato broth. So it’s awesome to know that if I find myself with a craving for it between visits, I have a great recipe to fall back on!

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli

And now, you can whip up a batch, too!

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli

California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Serves 4 to 8

Ingredients:

Clear Tomato Broth: [Read more…]

Super Snack VALUE: Naan Bread with Dipping Sauces at Art of Animation Resort

By Wendy 12 Comments

Welp, we’ve got another great Disney snack for you guys to add to your ever-growing must-eat lists in Disney World!

Learn About:Landscape of Flavors

Disney World Restaurants

Remember last year when we were all “you HAVE to try the cheesy bread at Art of Animation“?

Well the Resort’s food court, Landscape of Flavors, is back with another perfect-for-your-budget-and-your-Dining-Plan treat.

After all, this place has a strong reputation for serving options outside your typical Resort Food Court fare. Most visitors would argue that it has raised the bar for Quick Service options, particularly at the Value Resorts.When All Star Sports End Zone reopened this past December, it was easy to spy some of the areas where it took its cue from some of what’s made Landscape of Flavors such a success.

Landscape of Flavors

The Tandoori/Mongolian station, however, remains unique to the Landscape.

And there is something special tucked on the side of the menu that can be hard to spot among the listing of entrees such as Tandoori Shell-on Shrimp, Tandoori Boneless Chicken Thigh, and Mongolian Grill Beef Stir-fry or Grill Fish.

Tandoori Menu — slightly cropped (this is what happens when you’re short)

If you look just to right of the menu, you’ll see it: Naan Bread with Dipping Sauce. It’s listed as a $4.99 snack dish, and is also good for a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Naan with Dipping Sauce

Much as we want to dive in, let’s start with some logistics. The Dipping Sauces available during my visit were Coriander Sauce, Tandoori Sauce, and Mango Chutney. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. If you’d like to try all three, you can go right ahead!

BUT — here’s a little confusing twist that I have to tell you about. The friendly Cast Member assisting me asked if I wanted the “side of Naan.” I didn’t realize, in that moment, that a “side of Naan” is different from the “snack-serving” of Naan. The side, as it turns out, includes one piece of Naan. The snack portion has TWO.

SIDE of Naan

You know how I learned this? When I brought my dish up to the cash register, [Read more…]

News! Epcot Food and Wine Festival Adds an Extra Week in 2014!

By AJ 21 Comments

OK, all, we’ve got some AWESOME news!!!!

The dates for the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival (your favorite time of year and ours) have been announced, and…

THEY’VE ADDED AN EXTRA WEEK!

Yup, this year, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival will run from September 19th to November 10th — that’s 53 days of deliciousness! 🙂

Argentina Food and Wine Festival Marketplace Booth

As always, DisneyFoodBlog.com will be your one-stop-shop for all things 2014 Food and Wine Festival. We’ll be here with Booth Menus, Eat to the Beat Concert updates, Signature Dinner lineups, Food and Beverage Seminars, and more.

But for now, be sure to pre-order your copy of the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book! With over 250 pages of details, information, advice, recommendations, and photos, it will have everything you need to know to plan your best Disney dining trip ever!

And, the best news? If you pre-order your copy of the 2014 guide today, we’ll send you the 2013 guide immediately for FREE! Start your planning NOW for this Fall! 🙂 Use code CHEFS to get a $3 discount here!

For all the details on the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, check out our 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival pages!

Review: Raglan Road at Downtown Disney Orlando

By AJ 14 Comments

In the mood for comfort food with a twist? Then we have just the lunch review for you today — Raglan Road at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney!

Learn About:Raglan Road Irish Pub

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

Even though there’s no live entertainment during the day, stopping by the Irish pub for a bite of lunch is a great idea if you really want to take in the beautiful decor and have a truly relaxing meal.

If you’d like to see more about our most recent visit, read on.

Atmosphere

When we say that Raglan Road is an Irish pub, we mean it. Like, parts-of-it-were-brought-from-Ireland authentic. There’s more than just fancy Disney Imagineering going on here.

Raglan Road — Outside

Once you enter through the front doors, the hostess podium is forward and to your left. Head out the left-hand door just before it, and you’ll be seated on the outdoor patio, which boasts its own bar and often, its own entertainment.

Entrance Foyer

To your right is a charming gift shop that stocks a host of Raglan Road-themed products. You’ll also find goods from Ireland, all manner of merch bearing the logo of Guinness beer. There’s beautiful jewelry, pantry items, cookbooks, and more. It’s a wonderful spot to browse.

Gift Shop

The Master Chef here at Raglan is Kevin Dundon, and you’ll find his cookbooks — including the brand new one — at the gift shop. On my last visit, Chef Dundon was in town and came out to chat with my family! So fun! What an honor. 🙂

Kevin Dundon’s in the House!

Bar seating in this pub is extensive. With two bars, your chances of finding an empty seat are decent at night (and great during the day). And the bar is fully part of the pub — there’s no separate bar area — so you can enjoy the entertainment from tables or bars, whichever you prefer.

The bars themselves are 130 years old, and were brought to the US from Ireland!

One of the Two Bars

Other materials were either salvaged in Ireland, or were crafted there. The sense of antiquity is enhanced by plenty of rich, dark wood and brass trim.

Bar Number Two

And this is a pub! So you can expect a wide range of beer, whiskey, and other spirits available for your enjoyment. Lots of the beer options are available on tap, but selections change up regularly, so be sure to ask about the current options.

Draught Beers

The dancing podium stands in the center of the circular dining space, and solo dances by different members of the Irish step dancing troupe are performed here to live music. You can also catch dance performances on the stage in front of the fireplace, which has been enlarged since I took this photo.

Leaded glass above lets in plenty of light, and tints it in rosy, cool colors during the day.

Dancing Podium and Live Music Stage at Raglan Road

The cupola soars, letting in even more light. The high ceilings, bare wood, and tile floors also ensure that [Read more…]

News! Beignets and Elephant Ears Debut at Les Halles in Epcot’s France Pavilion

By AJ 16 Comments

We’ve had LOTS of people ask us why you can’t find beignets in Epcot’s France, but now we have reason to celebrate!

Yep! Beignets (Bugnes Lyonnaise) have arrived at Boulangerie Patisserie Les Halles in Epcot’s France Pavilion!

Les Halles

Beignets

Head inside and you’ll notice a little something special on the menu — these are here as a Mardi Gras special only. That’s right… these babies are only around until Mardi Gras to honor tradition (though we’re hoping they decide to keep them longer!).

“Mardi Gras Special”

And among all of these beautiful treats…

Bakery Case at Les Halles

… you’ll spot them in the case. Here they are!

Beignets in the Bakery Case

So, if you’re visiting France (Epcot’s France, that is) through March 4th, then you’re in luck 🙂 . Let’s dig in!

Beignets at Les Halles

They look great, don’t they? I love the way the shape of the beignets reminds me of a Mardi Gras party mask.

Beignets at Les Halles

As far as the taste [Read more…]

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