Guest Review: Shutters at Disney's Vero Beach Resort | the disney food blog

Guest Review: Shutters at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Today we welcome back D.J. Jones with our very first Vero Beach Resort review — take a look at Shutters Restaurant! Feel free to join in more of D.J.’s adventures at his blog The World of Deej.

On the final evening of our recent trip to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, my wife and I were faced with a food dilemma. Do we keep things casual and have the final meal of our trip at Shutters, or do we go out with a bang, as we’d originally planned, and dine at the more upscale Sonya’s?

Given that I had not worn shoes of any kind in over three days, I was in no mood to put on flip flops, much less get “dressed up;” therefore Shutter’s became the obvious choice.

Shutters Restaurant -- photo copyright Disney

Atmosphere

Upon entering Shutters, the first thing one will notice is the restaurant’s awesome exhibition kitchen. I always love watching the action of a working restaurant, although I’m sure those behind the counter would prefer to be out of guests’ view.

The bustling kitchen

In addition, the décor is quick to remind guests that this is a beachfront setting, however the numerous sailboat models and other fixtures feel more New England than they do Florida. Overall, the atmosphere of Shutters is [Read more…]

New Dates for 2011-2012 Disney World Free Dining Packages

By AJ Leave a Comment

Did your check-in date fall within the Free Dining Offer? If not, you should check again! The Free Dining Packages being offered for the remainder of 2011 and part of 2012 now apply to different dates.

There are also new codes to use when booking!

See New 2011-2012 Disney World Free Dining Dates here!

NOTE: Guests who have already booked under the old dates will have their current bookings honored. No need to change dates if you’ve already booked.

Menu Additions: Columbia Harbour House and Cosmic Ray’s

By Kim LaPaglia 31 Comments

As of August 24, 2011, two quick service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom have added new items to their menus. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland and Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square are debuting the following eats:

Over at Columbia Harbor House, you’ll now find Baked Salmon with Couscous, Lobster Roll, Broccoli Peppercorn Salad, and Steamed Fresh Broccoli.

Lobster Roll -- Pic courtesy Betsy Bates

New Menu! Click for larger image.

Thanks to Scarlett Ashley for the menu pic and to Betsy Bates for the lobster roll pic!

Cosmic Ray’s is now serving a [Read more…]

5 (New to Me) Disneyland Discoveries I Couldn’t Wait To Share

By AJ 20 Comments

Well, I’m going to be honest with you. I’m looking through the thousands of pictures I took over my 6-day trip to Disneyland and I want to write about ALL of it RIGHT NOW!

The Hungry Bear Blueberry Pie is a Thing of Beauty

Since I obviously can’t do that, and I can’t bring all of you over to my living room to look through a slide show (we don’t have enough Doritos), I’ve decided to highlight five of my favorite discoveries here. I know that some of these are already near and dear to you lucky local Disneylanders, but they were new to me on this trip, and I loved ’em.

Each of these will be showcased in detail in longer review posts coming up over the next few months, but I couldn’t wait to share some of my personal new favorites with you ASAP!

Red Velvet Roulade

Over at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen we found plenty of new favorites. From the beignets to the garlic cheese bread, almost everything we tried was a winner.

But I have to say we were very pleased that we switched our dessert order last minute to this Red Velvet Roulade. Moist, rich red velvet cake stuffed with incredibly creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. The perfect ending to a great meal.

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Red Velvet Roulade

Plaza Inn Fried Chicken

I know — you’re shocked that I’ve never tried this before! I am, too! What an incredible piece of poultry this is.

A huge portion of golden brown fried chicken is supplemented by [Read more…]

Disney-Linked Presenters Host Chicago Cooking Demos

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

Chicago natives will want to join in a day of fun for the family at the “Good Health is Always in Fashion,” event on August 26, 2011, which will highlight good nutrition through cooking demos and seminars!

Culinary demos will be hosted by Pam Smith, the longtime host of the demonstrations at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.

Pam Smith Presents at Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demo

Cooking Demos

Pam Smith, the nationally recognized nutritionist (author of The Energy Edge) and culinary consultant, is scheduled to host the complimentary cooking demonstrations, including Fresh, Innovative, and Tasty (FIT) demos from local and celebrity chefs!

11:00 am Chef Ryan Hutmacher
12:00 pm Chef Tom Douglas
1:00 pm Chef Meg Colleran Sahs
2:00 pm Chef Randy Zweiban
3:30 pm Chef John State

Disney Food fans will recognize one of the presenters — Chef John State! Currently the head chef at Seasons 52 in Schaumburg, Illinois, Chef State oversaw the opening of [Read more…]

Battle of the Disney Chocolate-Covered Sandwiches

By AJ 27 Comments

It was over a year ago that I first shared my chocolate-covered peanut butter sandwich experience here on the Disney Food Blog.

And since enjoying that one-of-a-kind snack, I’ve found that it’s rarely available in Walt Disney World anymore — even though you can find it regularly in Disneyland (when it’s not selling out in the span of a few hours) at Pooh Corner in Critter Country and at the Candy Palace on Main Street. It’s also at the Candy Shop in Disney California Adventure.

What you can still find regularly in Walt Disney World (and in Disneyland) are the the chocolate-covered s’mores, the sister candy to the peanut butter sandwich. They look exactly the same, but inside they’re oh-so-different!

I figured we should highlight both of these and see which one you guys prefer (be sure to vote in the poll at the end of the post!).

Chocolate-Covered S’more

Major points to this option since it’s so regularly available on both coasts! The s’more is made up of [Read more…]

Menu Announced for the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic!

By AJ 5 Comments

As you know, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic is back this year with even more seminars, food, and tastings — and we’ve got the MENU below!

The Second Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will take place Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 5:30 – 9:00 pm. Food and wine lovers can immerse themselves in this culinary festival while strolling the Crescent Lake causeway. Savor culinary delights from the resort’s award winning restaurants and lounges while listening to live music. With 17 restaurants and lounges, the Swan and Dolphin resorts have a nationally-recognized culinary team that can’t wait to show off their talents!

Causeway Tasting Booth Info and Menu

Choose selections from over 30 stations that showcase food and drinks from Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria and Todd English’s bluezoo, among other great Swan and Dolphin restaurants.

Select your favorite beverages from options such as wine, sake, beer, and cocktails created using liquid nitrogen (check out our experience with these liquid nitrogen cocktails here!).

Liquid Nitrogen White Russian Dippin

If you love wine, vintages will be offered from around the world including regions in France, Italy, California, and Australia. With over 70 certified wine sommeliers and more than 1,400 wine selections, this beverage team has a lot of knowledge to share!

Dessert will include selections made by two-time World Pastry Champion, Chef Laurent Branlard, the hotel’s executive pastry chef.

Here are a few of the menu items you’ll be able to explore:

Todd English
Friday: Browned Butter Basted Lobster Roll
Saturday: Browned Butter Basted Lobster Roll

todd english basted lobster roll

Shula’s Steakhouse
Friday: Carved New York Strip, Creamed Spinach
Saturday: Carved New York Strip, Creamed Spinach

shulas new york strip

Cib’s Smoke Shop
Friday: Carolina Style Pulled Pork, Southern Coleslaw, Parker House Roll, Fried Pickles , Ranch
Saturday: Smoked Pork Belly, Texas Toast, Baked Bean Foam

cibs smoke carolina pulled pork

cibs smoked pork belly

Todd English’s bluezoo
Friday: “Shrimp Cocktail” Steamrollers
Saturday: Heirloom Beet Salad, Goat Cheese Fondue, Candied Walnuts, Ice Spinach

bluezoo shrimp cocktail steamrooler-Heirloom Beet Salad

bluezoo Steamroller

bluezoo heirloom beet salad

Cabana Bar and Beach Club
Friday: Pork Carnitas: Braised Pork, Sofrito, Pita, Pico de Gallo, Iceberg Lettuce
Saturday: Crab Eggroll: Blue Crab, Cabbage, Ginger, Sweet Thai Chili, Soy

cabana pork carnitas

cabana crab eggroll

Laurent Branlard
Friday & Saturday:
Saint Honore — Vanilla Cream Puff, Whipped Cream
Coconut Macaroon — White Chocolate Coconut Mousse, Lime Cream
Lemon Berry Bubble — Lemon Curd, Berry Compote
Orange Caramel Baba — Caramel Cremeu,Caramel Sauce
Intense Dark Chocolate Cake — Flourless Sponge, Dark Chocolate Mousse
Choconut Tartlet — Chocolate Cremeux, Peanut Mousse, Caramelized Peanuts
Tasting Station: Bananas Foster, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Coconut Fondant Cake

The Fountain
Friday: Falafel: Chickpea Fritter, Tahini, Traditional Garnish
Saturday: Falafel: Chickpea Fritter, Tahini, Traditional Garnish

fountain falafel

Il Mulino New York Trattoria
Friday: Italian Meatball Sandwich
Saturday: Hand Cut Tagliatelle, Braised Lamb Ragu, Pecorino Romano

Il Mulino Meatball Subs

il mulino italian meatball sandwich

il mulino hand cut tagliatelle

Garden Grove
Friday: Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Sliders, Shredded Iceberg, Pickle Chip, Old Bay Aioli, Sesame Rolls
Saturday: Rock Shrimp “Po Boy”, French Bread, Tomato, Old Bay Remoulade

garden grove jumbo lump crab cake slider

garden grove rock shrimp po boy

Kimonos
Friday: Dragon Roll: Crispy Shrimp, Tuna, Avocado
Saturday: Spicy Yellow Fin Tuna, Nori, Seasoned Rice

Kimonos Dragon Roll

Wine Shop
Friday & Saturday: Find a wine you love at one of the booths? Make sure to visit the wine store offering bottles for purchase from each booth to take home.

Beverage seminars

And don’t forget to sign up for a Beverage seminar to enhance your experience! Offered each day from 4:30-5:30 p.m. These classes will be taught by certified experts in hour-long sessions.

Choose from Wine Blending; Modern Mixology; Riesling Rendezvous; Base to Bubbles; Beer, Please!; and All Things Sake. There is also a new seminar — Spanish Wines — that is sure to be a wonderful learning experience.

Cocktail 101 classes will also be offered throughout the two-day event. Purchase tickets here!

Swan and Dolphin Causeway

Entertainment

Expect some great live entertainment all weekend long! Groups will include Four Divo, The Groove Masters, The Current, and The Beu Sisters.

Tickets

Advance purchase event-only tickets are available for $65 for unlimited food and beverage samples on the causeway. Seminars are an additional $35 per person, per class, and require a causeway festival ticket require as well. Purchase tickets here.

Disney World Dolphin Resort

Hotel and Event Packages

Book your all-inclusive package by calling 888-828-8850 to make your reservation or book online. Packages available at the WDW Swan and WDW Dolphin include:

Package 1:
Includes accommodations for 2 adults and 2 event passes. Rates start at $255*

Package 2:
Includes accommodations for 2 adults and 2 causeway event passes plus 2 passes to one of the educational seminars. Rates starting at $329*

I’ll be at the Classic! See you there!! (And don’t forget to check out our other posts about the 2010 and 2011 Food and Wine Classic!)

Don’t Forget! There’s a Deal for Disney Food Blog Readers!
Disney Food Blog readers can receive a special rate and free upgrade at the Dolphin Resort on any length stay between Oct. 1-9, 2011! See details on this great deal here! Note: this will be a separate deal from the packages listed above and does not include causeway tickets.

* Rates are per room, per night based on double occupancy. Package is good for two adults only and not available for individual guests.

Disney Cruise Line: Backstage in the Kitchen!

By Kim LaPaglia 5 Comments

Disney Food Blog Editor Kim L. reports on some of the behind-the-scenes magic you may never see on the Disney Cruise Line!

On one of my Disney voyages, I had the opportunity to tour the Kitchen Galley aboard the Disney Magic. During this behind-the-scenes sneak peek at culinary magic, I gained even more respect for the dining staff — they make it possible for passengers to dine (around the clock) on delicious cuisine.

Directory of Restaurants - click image for larger version

Disney Cruise Line Backstage Food FAQs

Let’s take a look at how food is prepared — in massive quantities — on the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic Ship!

How do things work in the Galley?
This particular galley anchored between Lumiere’s and Parrot Cay restaurants has a serving team of 225 people.

Among this large staff, there are 7 Chefs de Cuisine, 120 Cooks, 50 Galley Stewards (they keep the prep areas clean), and a 6 person team in the Dish Cleaning area. Plus, a Fish Prep Room is downstairs. Three section heads oversee each area including Veggie, Fish, Meat, and Sauce Prep Stations. While guests are on Castaway Cay, there is a 10:30 a.m. inspection by the Captain.

And I feel [Read more…]

More 2011 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Pins

By Kim LaPaglia 3 Comments

Commemorate your visit to the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival with exclusive merchandise! Take a look at these adorable pins which will be sold at the festival. Warning: Pin collecting and trading can be addictive!

Mickey and Pluto love the Morocco marketplace! This pin will be sold to Annual Passholders (must show ID).

Mickey in Morocco

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy share a meal at the Festival in this fun boxed set.

Sharing a meal at the Food and Wine Festival

Donald Duck and his nephews enjoy pasta and apparently [Read more…]

Tips from the Mini-Guide: Food & Wine Festival Customized Touring Strategies

By AJ Leave a Comment

The DFB Mini-Guide to the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book is our new guide that will help you get the most out of your visit to the 2011 Epcot Food & Wine Festival, no matter how many days you get to spend noshing around the World. Don’t forget to use code CHEF at the check-out for your $2 discount!

Booking is now available for seminars, demos, and events at the Food and Wine Festival. Call 407-WDW-FEST to book the events you’d like to experience.

Food and Wine Festival Customized Touring Strategies

No matter how long you get to spend at the festival, we have touring strategies to make the most out of your visit. These include:

One Day Strategy
Two Day Strategy
Visiting With Kids
The Festival on a Budget
Just the New Stuff

And with these strategies, we’ve included our favorite tips and tricks to make sure your visit is smooth sailing! The most important tip? [Read more…]

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