Dining in Disneyland: Catal Review

The next review in our Dining in Disneyland column from Heather Sievers!

I’ve dined at Catal in Downtown Disney, Anaheim, a few times, but this last visit was definitely worth writing home — I mean to you guys — about. The funny thing about this dinner is that we were going for a light, inexpensive dinner; we were just going to share something or get a few appetizers. Nothing major. I wasn’t even sure it would be review worthy, but I did bring my camera, just in case… . Well, that all changed when we sat down and cracked open our menus. We decided to go big!

Atmosphere
Catal is located smack in the middle of Downtown Disney, Anaheim. It is a [Read more…]

Wild Africa Trek: Snacking on the Savanna

By Erin 10 Comments

Update: Current pricing is $189 – $249.Disney Food for Families columnist Erin Foster finds a surprising end to her recent Wild Africa Trek in Disney’s Animal Kingdom…

I signed up for Disney’s brand new Wild Africa Trek at the Animal Kingdom because I wanted to check out the nifty new rope bridge and get up close and personal with crocodiles and hippos; I wasn’t in it for the food. The booking agent on the phone mentioned something about a snack, but that barely registered with me. I had taken other backstage tours at the Animal Kingdom and the snack was serviceable but unremarkable granola bars and pretzels.

Atmosphere
Because of this, I was taken by surprise when we arrived — after two hours of hiking and animal observation — at the tour break point and found a meal being set. We were on a new boma (not to be confused with the restaurant Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge) constructed in the middle of the African savanna, in full view of the Kilimanjaro Safari jeeps. The boma is a covered, stage-like private animal viewing area with bathrooms, comfortable chairs, binoculars, and best of all — amazing food.

The presentation couldn’t be lovelier. Our wonderful tour guides (thank you Megan and Laura) set our chilled metal camp cups and carafes of cool water and tropical juice. I believe this is the same blend they [Read more…]

Disney Dream Dining: Animator’s Palate Finishing Touches

By AJ 9 Comments

While Animator’s Palate is also a restaurant on the Disney Magic and Wonder Cruise Ships, it has been re-imagined for the Disney Dream. Thanks to Sarah Holodick, we have some photos of the finishing touches to the restaurant!

Wide Angle View of Restaurant -- click for larger image

Remember, we’re in the middle of Disney Dream Week here on the Disney Food Blog! I set sail tomorrow and can’t wait to come back with even more fun news of Dining at Sea. But first — those finishing touch photos I promised… [Read more…]

Disney Dream Dining: Food Photos From the Royal Palace

By AJ 13 Comments

Royal Palace Restaurant on the Disney Dream Cruise Ship

Hey all! The countdown has begun! The Disney Dream Dine Around begins in just one day, and I’m still eagerly accepting your questions about dining on the Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship.

Got Questions?
So far I’ve got some great dining questions to investigate — even one about Dole Whips! If you have a question about dining on the ship, send it my way via twitter or facebook!

But In The Meantime…
Now, while I’m still anticipating my sailing, cast members and friends are returning from even earlier cruises bubbling over with positive reviews of the ship’s restaurants and food!

You can expect much more where this came from, but here’s a little photo blog of one friend’s meal at the Royal Palace restaurant on the Disney Dream, which was his favorite of the three rotational dining restaurants! Clearly he dined on some incredible food; let’s take a look… [Read more…]

Review: New Caribbean Burger at Caribbean Beach Resort

By AJ 12 Comments

Reported recently was the addition of “designer burgers” to several counter service restaurants all around Walt Disney World! We had the chance today to try the Caribbean Burger, featuring sweet plantains, fried onion straws, and pineapple barbecue chutney.

This 1/3 pound Angus burger can be found at Old Port Royale’s Market Street Food Court at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Just head over to the “Broiler” area and order one up 🙂

Caribbean Burger with plantains, fried onions, and pineapple barbecue chutney

So let me let you in on a little secret — I was pretty sure I was going to hate this burger. No kidding. I’m not a big fan of meat and fruit together, and adding in [Read more…]

Waldorf Astoria Orlando: Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends in February!

By AJ 4 Comments

Ladies and gentlemen, let the romance begin! During two weekends in the month of February, you can escape with your favorite person — or just treat yourself! — to an incredible indulgence of chocolate, wine, and pure luxury.

And because you’ll be within the big purple gates of Walt Disney World, you’ll have easy access to your favorite theme parks, too!

Dates: Feb. 12-13; 19-20

Room rates:
Feb. 12 weekend: Starting at $289
Feb. 19 weekend: Starting at $309

Reservations: 1-800-WALDORF or www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com

Here are just a few of the events you can explore as an overnight guest at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando during their Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends… [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 16, 2011

By AJ 1 Comment

Bruce Might Entertain Diners at Animator's Palette on the Disney Dream

Woo-hoo! I’m off to WDW today, everyone! We’re starting the DFB DISNEY DREAM WEEK today, so expect a liberal peppering of cruise-related info as we “sail” through the next few weeks.

I’ll be embarking on (is that how you say it? embarking on? or is it just embarking?) the Disney Dream on Wednesday, but watch our twitter and facebook accounts for updates from WDW over the next three days, too!

Now, here’s the news!

Be sure to listen in to the WDW Today Podcast where we preview the restaurants on the Disney Dream!
There’s a new menu at Village Haus in Disneyland! We’ll have a review soon!

And now, on to the round-up!

Yesterland, one of my favorite Disney sites on the web, is just back from Aulani with gorgeous photos and a back story for the AMA AMA Beachfront Restaurant!

WDW for Grownups details some fun, unique wine experiences in Disney World.

A Wedding Cake Blog does Disney again with a peek at some red velvet wedding cupcakes!

Studios Central reports on dining vegetarian in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Main Street Gazette goes to Babycakes NYC and samples some of the delicious products from this gluten-free bakery in Downtown Disney Orlando!

Hostess Blog has some great pics of an UP themed birthday party, complete with cute foodie favors and a balloon-tastic cake.

The Sacramento Bee ran a story about 5 UC Davis students who created a new snack for Disney called Mickey’s Pocket Pies; check out the recipe here!

Disney Parks Blog lets us know what it’s like to be a sommelier in Disneyland!

Guest Review: Epcot’s Electric Umbrella

By AJ 7 Comments

Roving reporter Sarah Holodick is back with her review of Epcot’s Electric Umbrella!

While waiting for a culinary demonstration during the Food & Wine Festival, I started to get a little hungry. Yes, I was fully aware of the numerous kiosks stationed all around World Showcase. The truth is, [Read more…]

Tables in Wonderland Accepted at Several Quick-Service Spots and Lounges

By AJ 13 Comments

This update in from DFB columnist Erin Foster, who’s walking the World right now!

Disney World’s Tables in Wonderland discount program (formerly the Disney Dining Experience program) is available to Florida Residents and Annual Passholders for a fee, and offers a 20% discount on food and beverage at select locations.

Tables in Wonderland Membership Card

You can now get your Tables in Wonderland discount at the following quick service locations and lounges. There is no gratuity charged at the quick service restaurants, so the 20% off is pure savings.: [Read more…]

Guest Review: Disneyland’s Golden Vine Winery Port and Bleu Cheese Tasting

By AJ 7 Comments

Thanks again to Chelsi Murphy, who wrote our great review of the Flying Fish Chef’s Counter, for providing yet another interesting look at a Disney dining experience. This time, she takes us to Golden Vine Winery at Disney’s California Adventure. Take it away, Chelsi!

Golden Vine Winery, the Wine Bar connected to the Wine Country Trattoria at Disney’s California Adventure, is a great place to take a break from a busy day at the parks. My husband and I love to stop by and take a look at their ever changing menu and speak with their knowledgeable staff, a few who came from Mondovi when Robert Mondovi built the original restaurant.

Click for larger image

One of the best ongoing deals the wine bar has to offer is the Port and Bleu Cheese tasting. Price for this is $12.50 plus tax, and you receive 3 one-ounce pours of port paired with 3 different blue cheeses, fruit compote and crackers. They also do the pairing with 3 types of chocolate, but we were told the cheese out sells the chocolate 10 to 1.

Port and Bleu Cheese Tasting

The first Port poured was Sandeman Founders Reserve Ruby Port, paired with Point Rayes Blue Cheese
from California. The Second was 2004 Sandeman Late Bottle Vintage Ruby Port, paired with Maytag Blue Cheese from Iowa. The third pour was Sandeman Tawny, aged 20 years, paired with Gorgonzola Dolce.

Bleu Cheeses and Fruit Compote

Our favorite was the Tawny –- it tasted like butterscotch in the glass! But all three were excellent ports and pairings with the cheese. We also thought that it was an excellent price to get to try three amazing cheeses and a flight of port.

Port Varieties

The Wine Bar opens at 11:30 AM and also has beer and sodas for those who don’t drink wine. The staff is always happy to help you out with any questions you may have if you want to try something new.

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