2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival News: Menu Items, Events, and Chefs

Once again this year I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Chef Marianne Hunnel, a long-time Disney Chef who has been in charge of development for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival for the past 7 years!

For a bit of background on Chef Hunnel as well as some info about how the Epcot Food & Wine Festival comes together each year, be sure to read our 2011 interview of Chef Hunnel!

She’s truly one of the most joyful and delightful people I’ve ever spoken with — you can tell this woman is passionate about the Festival and about making sure that Disney guests are pleased with their experience, and that she has a blast doing her job.

Chef Marianne Hunnel

2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Taste Your Way Around the World

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival theme this year is: Taste Your Way Around the World, and it will take place from September 28th through November 12th — a whole 46 days!

As always, you should keep an eye on our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page for details throughout the summer. We’re updating all the time over there so that you have the latest news and information.

And, luckily, Chef Hunnel was able to tell us some interesting details that we get to share exclusively with you today! Here are a few fun secrets and tips to keep in mind if you’re headed to Epcot this Fall!

New and Returning Items at the World Showcase Booths

While many of the fan favorite menu items will be returning (yep — the Canadian Cheddar Cheese soup is back!), some booths will feature past menu items with a “twist,” says Hunnel.

For example, the steamed mussels at the Belgium booth will be slightly different than guests remember.

And it sounds like the Australian lamb chop will return with a mint pesto sauce this year (subject to change, of course).

Belgian mussels with garlic and cream

Germany will introduce a twist on the ham and cheese spaetzel with a new schinken noodle gratin dish.

Also, New Zealand has traded in the lamb slider for a lamb meatball with tomato chutney.

There will be around 12 dishes that will be completely new to the World Showcase Marketplace Booths this year! Here are just a few…: [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 17, 2012

By AJ Leave a Comment

Um…what an AWESOME WEEK!

Cars Land and Buena Vista Street became a reality in Disney California Adventure over in Disneyland Resort, Heather — our intrepid columnist and resident Awesome Spice — risked life and limb to get hundreds of photos and try dozens of menu items for some rad reviews (and there are more to come, my darlings; SO many more to come!), I got the chance to interview Chef Marianne Hunnel about the big doin’s happening at this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival (more on that tomorrow!), and…my big brother got married!!

I should totally buy a lottery ticket…

While I’m off doing that, why don’t you read up on the latest:

Disney Food News

Disney foodiness this week…!

Bazillion-picture photo tours, food pics, and back stories for Clarabelle’s Ice Cream, Cozy Cone Motel, Flo’s V-8 Cafe, and Ghirardelli at Disney California Adventure!
New treats at the Main Street Confectionery!
Tipsy Ducks in Love drink, now being served in Epcot’s China pavilion at the Joy of Tea. Includes Jim Beam and chocolate!
So Tasty! Vinylmation series are now on sale!

We’ve got more food news (including Father’s Day dining at Orlando’s Downtown Disney and the D23 Sip & Scream Event…plus LOTS more) on our Disney Food News Pin Board, where Disney Food News is updated on a regular basis!

Dad’s Day Sale on the Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining

In honor of great dads (including my very own “AJ’s Dad,” who’s friggin’ awesome), we’re finally having a sale on our 2012 edition of the Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book. (I know — it’s been forever, right? Sorry about that.)

This week only, use code “DAD” to get 20% off this 300-page, fully portable e-Book. (FYI — It looks smokin’ on your iPad!)

SO, snap up the book and DON’T MISS ANYTHING for your next Disney World trip! Especially not the sweet money-saving tips!

On to the Round-Up

Eating (and Drinking) Around the World

visits the new Sundowner Celebration at the Animal Kingdom.

Main Street Gazette noshes on the Chilled Summer Roll at the Animal Kingdom.

Walt Disney World for Grown-Ups stops by the pool bars at the Grand Floridian resort.

A Wedding Cake Blog shares an awesome Star Wars inspired Groom’s Cake!

AllEars.Net spots a “hidden Mickey” at Epcot’s Teppan Edo!

Disney by Mark dines at Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot’s Canada pavilion.

Running at Disney visits the new Tutto Gusto wine bar in Epcot!

Disneyland had an awesome feature of the Head Chef over at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland a while back! I’ll be reviewing a couple of items here in the next week or two!

New in Disney World: Mickey Ear Hat Brownies, Chocolate-Covered Pineapple, and More!

By Erin 17 Comments

During my recent Walt Disney World visit, my first stop in the Magic Kingdom was, as always, the Main Street Confectionery.

Most of the usual yummies were right where they should be (I’m talking to you Krispie Mickey Heads and mint chocolate fudge). But I did notice a few recent additions to the Confectionery offerings.

Mickey Ear Hat Brownies

First up in the refrigerator case, I noticed something labeled “Brownies $3.95.”

These cute-as-a-button treats are shaped like little Mickey ear hats. Fun! They come in four flavors: raspberry (red swirl), mint (green swirl), all chocolate (white swirl), or, gasp, English toffee (toffee bits on top). I opted to try the mint version.

Mint ear hat brownie.

As with all Mickey-shaped items, I opted to eat the ears first. Unfortunately, I was so busy eating the ear that I [Read more…]

Disney Food Blog Dad’s Day Sale!

By AJ Leave a Comment

My friends, It’s been a loooooong time since we’ve had a sale on our 2012 edition of the Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book. And because my Dad’s so awesome (many of you know him as “AJ’s Dad” of course), we’re doing a big ol’ sale for Dad’s Day!

I also think you’re awesome, and I don’t want you to miss ANYTHING on your next trip to Disney World.

Soooooooo… starting today, for one week only, use code “DAD” to get 20% off this 300-page, fully portable e-Book. (It looks great on your iPad!)

The best part is (well, no, the best part is all of the detailed info and incredible food photos — if I do say so myself — but this next part is pretty cool too…) that the book is guaranteed to give you your money’s worth or we’ll give you your money back! No questions asked! (Well, I’ll have silent questions about why you didn’t like it, but I won’t actually ask them. That’s between you and you.) 😉

SO, snap up the book and DON’T MISS ANYTHING on your next Disney World trip! Especially not the sweet money-saving tips…those things are awesome…

In summary:

DFBGuide.com

Code “DAD” at check-out

20% off the purchase price ($14.95 instead of $18.95!)

Don’t Miss Anything in Disney World

(I feel like the guy at the beginning of Soarin’…) [Read more…]

First Look! Clarabelle’s Ice Cream Opens In Disney California Adventure

By Heather 17 Comments

A few weeks ago, we shared our excitement about Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, opening up today on Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street.

Well, it’s time to hop on the Red Trolley and take a ride to check it out. Be sure to notice the fun ad for Clarabelle’s while you’re in the trolley. See you there!

Red Trolley Stop #1 at the Entrance to Buena Vista Street

Clarabelle’s Back Story

From the moment I heard about Clarabelle’s, I was really looking forward to checking it out. It has a fabulous little back story.

In the early 1920’s, it’s said that a young Walt Disney often visited an ice cream shop run by “Clarabelle Cowherd.” The bovine-obsessed Clarabelle ran her ice cream shop using farm fresh dairy products, and used old fashioned churns to make her flavorful hand scooped ice creams.

It’s said that she was the inspiration for Disney’s humorous Clarabelle Cow character. And I love that Clarabelle’s story is a part of the decor of this new ice cream stop on Buena Vista Street!

Clarabelle's Signage with Ice Cream Cone Inspired Light

Outdoor Wall Signage

Located smack in between the new Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Cafe and Trolley Treats, Clarabelle’s is a walk-up counter service spot to get some traditional Disneyland Resort goodies as well as something totally new to the parks’ menus: The Hand Dipped Ice Cream Bar.

Clarabelle's Menu

Atmosphere

Clarabelle’s is tiny. With just three registers to place an order, I think on a hot day this cow-crazy cone shop is going to be an E-Ticket attraction sized line.

Don’t let it’s size fool you, though, because imagineers were able to pack some very snazzy decor into a [Read more…]

Review: Tangierine Cafe’s Grown-Up Slushies in Epcot

By AJ 13 Comments

Learn About:Tangierine Cafe

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Nestled in the back of Epcot’s Tangierine Café, you’ll find a lovely little spot that serves pastries and an assortment of coffee drinks, some laced with liqueurs.

At the same counter, you will also find a variety of grown-up slushies that prove to be very alluring on a hot (insert the season here) Florida day.

Sips

As I headed to the counter to try one of the flavors — termed daiquiris — I wasn’t really sure which one I was feelin’ of the coffee, tangerine, and strawberry options.

I had tried the Tangerine Daiquiri YEARS before, and had really enjoyed it. (If you’ve ever had the Moroccorita, the consistency is very similar.) But maybe it was time to broaden my horizons.

Since I was being all wishy-washy, the helpful cast member gave me samples to help seal the deal — one Tangerine, and one Strawberry. (Helpful cast members are the BEST.)

Samples of Tangerine and Strawberry Slushies

Now, I can’t promise that you’ll score samples, but it never hurts to ask!

The Tangerine was delicious and refreshing, but I found the Strawberry to be a little sweet for my taste. So, being the weirdo that I am, I asked for a combo Tangerine-Strawberry Daiquiri. Our helpful cast member continued to be [Read more…]

First Look: Flo’s V8 Cafe Revs Up for Business in Disney California Adventure!

By Heather 17 Comments

A few weeks ago, I was able to get a media sneak peek and food preview of Cars Land.

While we were there, every single attendee was in awe of its landscape, then we were blown away even more when we were led into Flo’s V8 Cafe for a tasting!

Flo's V8 Cafe Signage

At that time, no photos were allowed. But, guess what? After 5 years, the time has come, the walls are down, and Flo’s is open for business!

Flo's Entrance

Flo’s V8 Cafe was modeled after a Route 66 stop called Midpoint Cafe in Midpoint, Texas.

And the backstory in Cars Land is that Flo’s caters to the growing number of Route 66 visitors and race fans coming to Radiator Springs, with a “showroom” dining area that overlooks the Radiator Springs Racers attraction. This is one of the amazing views…

Watch the Radiator Springs Racers and enjoy the view while you dine at Flo's!

Atmosphere

The minute you walk into Flo’s, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. To me, it felt like the scene in Back to the Future when Marty enters the soda fountain to find his dad, George McFly sitting there.

You’re in complete awe of the music, the colors, the decor; everything. Flo’s is, in fact, so gorgeous that they have a Photo Pass photographer set up with a tripod out front to take pictures of people in front of the restaurant!

Here’s some of the fun outside “decor” that makes Flo’s so much fun to [Read more…]

Review: NEW Tipsy Duck Drink in Epcot’s China Pavilion

By Erin 34 Comments

There’s a new drink at the Joy of Tea stand in Epcot’s China Pavilion — Tipsy Ducks in Love!

Joy of Tea

The cast members at Joy of Tea were selling this VERY enthusiastically. It’s basically iced coffee and tea, plus whipped cream, plus a generous pour of Jim Beam, plus chocolate.

Tipsy Duck

I don’t normally drink bourbon, but the cast members were so, well, enthusiastic about it, that I decided to give it a [Read more…]

Cars Land First Look! Sally’s Cozy Cone Motel in Disney California Adventure

By Heather 14 Comments

Walking through Cars Land, you literally feel like you’ve stepped into the movie Cars. I honestly do not see how it would be possible to improve the themeing for this new area of Disney California Adventure.

Cozy Cone Motel Sign

Every single detail was well thought out and taken directly from the movie. The experience I had while strolling the streets of Radiator Springs is definitely how I’d imagine jumping into a movie screen and becoming an animated extra would be (OK, maybe I’m a little weird imagining myself as an animated character, don’t judge…)!

The Cozy Cone Motel is perhaps one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen “come to life.” In this post, we’ll walk through each of the Cones, then take a look at the special Imagineering details at the Cozy Cone Motel as well as an “after dark” photo tour of the amazing neon and lit-up cones here! Here we go!

Atmosphere

I got the chance to review some of this food at the media preview a couple of weeks ago, but being there was totally different!

My first thought when I walked up to the Cozy Cone Motel was, “Man I wish I could actually stay here.” It looks exactly like the movie; I mean everything from Sally’s office (aka hotel lobby) to the actual cones, which are perfectly sized to make us humans feel like, well, cars.

Sally's Office

My second thought? “Woah, those are some serious long lines!”

The Cozy Cones are apparently the place to be!

But don’t you worry, I will be back very soon to give all of the cones a try…. In the meantime, check out our previous review, and feast your eyes on the amazingness that is the Cozy Cone Motel!

The Cones

We’ll go through each of the cones in order, so you know what to expect!

Cone #1: Churros
The Churro Cone serves up churro bites with cinnamon-chocolate sauce, regular & cinnamon-spiced hot cocoa, and Ramone’s “Pear of Dice” Soda made with dessert pear syrup, mojito syrup, and Sprite. Coca Cola products are also available here.

Churro Cone

Churro Cone Menu

Cone #2: Ice Cream Cones
This is the place to grab a soft serve ice cream cone in vanilla, chocolate, or vanilla/chocolate twist. You also have the option to “dip” it in chocolate!

“Route Beer” floats in souvenir cups as well as [Read more…]

Fun Find: The Disney Cupcake Guide Infographic

By AJ 25 Comments

If you know anything about us here at Disney Food Blog, then you know we are PASSIONATE about our Disney cupcakes! …That’s an understatement, actually…since we’ve even created our very own 2011 and 2012 Disney Cupcake Crawls!

Well, today, I bring you the most beea-utiful “infographic” that I have EVER set my eyes on. Why so lovely, you ask? Because it’s ALL ABOUT CUPCAKES. DISNEY cupcakes, to be specific. Take a look…

Emma from A Pinch of Pixie Dust has done an [Read more…]

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