food IS a theme park
Tables in Wonderland Members
– this one’s for you! Announcing the Splitsville Luxury Lanes DINE AROUND!
Splitsville in Downtown Disney
When:
Thursday, February 20, 2014
6:00-8:00pm
Where:
Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Downtown Disney’s West Side
Price:
$90.00 per person, including tax and gratuity
This special event will feature some of Splitsville’s finest foods (with paired beverages!).
Sushi at Splitsville
Cheeseburger Slider
It will also feature [Read more…]
So, let’s say you’ve just polished off an assortment of tapas and Mediterranean wine at Spice Road Table, the newest restaurant in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion. Perhaps you enjoyed the Lamb Slider or Salted Cod Croquettes, accompanied by Spice Road’s Signature Sangria, but maybe you still have a little room left for something sweet.
Or maybe it’s just a warm day in Florida, and you need a little something cool and refreshing as you stroll around World Showcase.
In either case, you’re in good hands, because Morocco’s new Juice Bar has an assortment of Chef-created ice cream available… and it’s worth a stop!
Spice Road Table and Shops in the Morocco Pavilion
The newest structure in the Pavilion serves several purposes: first, it is the home to Spice Road Table, and we invite you to take a look at our Photo Tour from opening day to get an idea of the entire space and some of the stunning detail (and don’t forget to check out our menu review, too!).
Spice Road Table
Additionally, it houses a retail area, a station to receive a traditional Henna tattoo (“The Art of Henna”), and the space we are visiting today, the Juice Bar!
Facing the lagoon, you’ll find the Juice Bar on the far right – the first thing you approach coming from the Japan Pavilion. The entire space serves as a lovely extension of the Pavilion, and the various features only enhance its already festive marketplace feel.
The Juice Bar
Well, it’s called a “Juice Bar,” but upon closer inspection [Read more…]
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Announcing the arrival of young royal Sofia the First to Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios… and joining Her Highness is fellow Disney Junior star, Doc McStuffins!
Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First
Hollywood and Vine
That’s right! Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins have joined their pals Jake from “Jake and the Neverland Pirates” and (AJ’s favorite 😀 ) Handy Manny for the Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine character meal.
AJ’s Favorite! Handy Manny at Hollywood and Vine Restaurant
Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates
Not only do the characters mix and mingle, but Play n’ Dine also features “musical moments” where all the kids are invited to sing and dance along (while Mom and Dad can keep on eating)!
Sofia and Doc McStuffins bring a few new [Read more…]
I have to say, I LOVE my Earl of Sandwich email updates. And when I got this one, my family and I headed over for dinner that very night!
For a limited time (I’m not sure how limited) Earl of Sandwich is offering 4 new menu items: The BBQ Chicken Sandwich, a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, Bacon Mac n’ Cheese, and Brownie Bark.
These items are currently available in Disney World AND Disneyland, and I’m happy to say that I was able to try out all 4 items and I’m here to report back!
I ordered the BBQ Chicken Sandwich on white bread and thought it was delicious. I almost never ever stray from my favorite, the Holiday Turkey. While this is on the menu though, I might just have to switch back and forth on alternating visits.
BBQ Chicken Sandwich
The sandwich is full of chicken smothered in sweet BBQ sauce. It also has red onions, which were not at all overpowering. I normally ask for no or “easy” onions, but I totally forgot when I ordered, and the amount on the sandwich didn’t bother me at all.
Topped with cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro, I’d love it if this sandwich made its way permanently to the menu.
BBQ Chicken Sandwich Close Up
My husband went with the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. After trying mine, we both realized that the BBQ Chicken was [Read more…]
As Downtown Disney begins its transformation in earnest into what will be Disney Springs, signs of change are popping up everywhere!
Disney Springs artwork on construction walls
Disney Springs artwork on construction walls
Disney Springs artwork on construction walls
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the two (that’s right… two) areas that are adding Starbucks locations for guests to grab their skinny half-calf extra hot no foam sugar-free vanilla lattes.
Starbucks arriving at Downtown Disney in the spring
We thought we’d give you a glimpse of their future homes so you can know where you’ll be able to find your triple venti upside-down Caramel Macchiato after polishing off a Full Montague at Earl of Sandwich.
First up: Starbucks at the Marketplace. This location will be [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: The Cheshire Cake Cups have been discontinued as of late Summer 2015. We’ll update you if/when they’ll return (because there will be shouts of rejoicing.)Oooooh, we’re talkin’ CAKE TODAY!!!!!
Okay, okay — so technically, National Cake Day was yesterday, apparently. But since we had so much fun with National Pie Day last week, I thought it would be awesome to start sharing some of my favorite Disney cakes. (I’m pretty shocked I haven’t done a cake post before — so much goodness to talk about!)
So here’s the deal with cake at Disney. It can take many forms… . And we’re going to include a bunch of ’em! In honor of National Cake Day, let’s take a look at some of our favorite entries into the category of cake!
I recently discovered Cake Nirvana at Disney. Because, in my universe, eating cake is usually a thinly-disguised, socially acceptable way to consume as much frosting as possible.
If you’re giving me a piece of cake, I’m getting a corner piece, with as many frosting roses as possible. That’s just how I roll.
So it’s always pretty great when a bakery can get on board with the “Frosting is the Whole Point!!” perspective. And Cheshire Cafe at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has done just exactly that.
With their beautifully themed Gourmet Cake Cups, you can choose from a Vanilla Cheshire Cake Cup or a Mad Hatter Mocha Cake Cup. Characters from Alice in Wonderland are silk-screened onto a sweet round of white fondant and top each of the cake cups. (Sometimes. Sometimes you don’t get the characters. But who cares.)
Themed Cake Cups at Cheshire Cafe
THIS is what you get when you order. Confetti cake. FROSTING. Confetti cake. FROSTING. Confetti cake. F R O S T I N G!!!!!!
Cheshire Cake Cup at Cheshire Cafe
Yep. That’s all frosting on top. There’s no cake there my friends. And it’s glorious. Thick, bakery buttercream that’s so sugary it’ll make you sick. LOVE!
Frosting!!
I know a lot of you don’t have the love affair with frosting that I do, but for those who feel the same — you’re welcome! 😀
And how could we pay homage to cake without mentioning the original single serving cake? We are talking Disney Cupcakes, of course!
One of my favorites from way back at the beginning of the Cupcake Renaissance is still around and garnering rave reviews — the Butterfinger Cupcake at Starring Rolls Cafe!
Butterfinger Cupcake at Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This is one monster chocolate cupcake that you must experience to believe. Well, the cake is chocolate. And so is that incredible fudgy middle. But the pile of frosting on top is pure heavenly vanilla, topped with a crown of [Read more…]
It continues to be be chilly out there, guys!
And I don’t know about you, but when it’s cold like this, all I want is some comfort food!
One of my favorite homestyle desserts in all of Epcot is Sticky Toffee Pudding, which you’ll find at the Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room, located in the UK Pavilion of World Showcase in Epcot.
This new British classic features a cake that is very moist in the British “pudding” tradition. It’s topped with the combo of Butter-Rum and Vanilla Custard Sauces, making for a sweet ending that’s hard to resist!
Sticky Toffee Pudding from Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in Epcot’s UK Pavilion
This is definitely one that you can enjoy anytime the fancy strikes you with this awesome recipe!
Epcot’s UK PavilionIngredients:Custard Sauce [Read more…]
So the big news from last week was the opening of a brand new counter service spot at Downtown Disney’s House Of Blues — the Smokehouse!
While we’ll be sure to stop by from time to time, it’s been a while since we reviewed the main house here as well! Let’s check out the dining room at Crossroads at House of Blues at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney for lunch.
We were surprised by the quality of food on our first visit. While just about everything was good, the classic Buffalo Chicken Wings and the White Chocolate Bread Pudding were the real standouts.
But since our last visit, House of Blues has partnered with celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez to completely overhaul the food offerings. While the emphasis at House of Blues is still on live music, the new Crossroads menu has taken the previously Southern-tinged menu in a slightly different direction.
As I mentioned, if you haven’t been to House of Blues since the Crossroads menu came to the Walt Disney World location, you won’t find the surroundings to be much different than before. The menu didn’t coincide with a revamp of the restaurant itself.
In Blues We Trust!
Funky, rustic, slightly dark, and whimsical…those are the words that come to mind. You’re supposed to feel as though you happened upon House of Blues on some country road while traveling through the Deep South. And they succeed with transporting you.
Folk Art Outside
Like other Downtown Disney restaurants, House of Blues features multiple bars. The outside bar is a great spot to grab a drink and hang out with friends before or after a performance. It features “hand-lettered” menus and tole painting, as well as brackets and other finishes that appear to have been salvaged and repurposed.
Outdoor Bar
Next to Crossroads Restaurant, you’ll find the Club, which is the main performance venue for House of Blues. The hall holds up to 2,000 guests, and draws top-name talent regularly. It’s a great place to see a show if you haven’t had the chance.
Club — House of Blues Concert Venue
In addition to other performances, House of Blues also offers a regular Gospel Brunch. Held each Sunday at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm, you can read our review of Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District here.
Gospel Brunch Information
But, snazzy musical performances would have to wait for another day. We were here for lunch, and we were hungry.
We made our way into the restaurant and were greeted with more folk art. At the hostess stand, you get a healthy dose of this interesting fusion. Gothic arches and cherubim call to mind a place of worship.
Entrance
Seating is nothing fancy — just utilitarian wooden chairs and tables.
Seating
Even booths are wooden. Nothing cozy here in the way of seating, but the booths are [Read more…]
There’s a new counter service joint in Disney World!
Welcome to The Smokehouse!
Find out all about the new House of Blues Smokehouse Barbecue stop here!
We also encourage you to take a look at all the NEW Disney Food news from around Walt Disney World! You’ll find new cupcakes, menu items, and more!
As you head out on your walk, run, or Sunday drive, be sure to take DFB’s new podcast episode along!!
We have even more Disney Food scoop, just follow the links below!
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 a short refurbishment for Good’s Food To Go and Victoria & Albert’s and restaurant closures!
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!
We are continually amazed by the creative efforts of our Facebook friends. When you’re craving a Nutella Waffle from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, use this tip from Vanessa!
Nutella Waffles at Home
DFB Reader and Facebook friend, Christian, shared Big Thunder Mountain themed treats: “Chocolate Crunch cookies from Tokyo Disneyland! Part of a resort wide variety of candies & gifts to bring back to friends & family.”
Big Thunder Mountain Souvenir Cookies!
We love your Disney food finds!
Headed to Disney World soon? Pick up our 2014 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book for $4 off using code DINE! With this pre-order, you’ll get the 2013 Guide instantly — for free!
This comprehensive e-Book offers over 400 pages of expert information, color photographs, advice, reviews, and details about Dining in Disney World. And these awesome bonus items are included:
Pick up your copy today with code DINE for a $4 discount! As a downloadable PDF, the [Read more…]
What’s new in your favorite Disney World “chomping grounds”? What’s changed? Read on to find out what we’ve checked out recently!
The biggest change over the past week has been the addition of The Smokehouse to Downtown Disney’s West Side. This stop for all-things-barbeque features a lovely outdoor seating area and the chance to enjoy live music.
The Smokehouse
Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with House-made Cole Slaw
Live music!
Signs of bigger changes to come can be spotted all over Downtown Disney as the area delves into its transformation to Disney Springs … and when I say “signs,” I mean actual signs.
We’ll be sharing more in a future post, but the artwork all over Downtown Disney give us an idea of what guests can look forward to in the future.
Artwork depicting the future Disney Springs
Artwork depicting the future Disney Springs
Artwork reflecting the West Side Starbucks, opening Spring 2014
A smaller change – yet nearly as significant for fans of “Earl’s” 😉 – is that Earl of Sandwich has added [Read more…]
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