In the Kitchen With Minnie

In light of Mickey’s and Minnie’s imminent move out of Disney World’s Fantasyland, I thought we’d take a tour through each mouse’s kitchen to glean whatever cooking and food-related tips and tricks we can before they take up residence elsewhere. Today, we visit Minnie’s kitchen!

First stop is Minnie’s bulletin board. Located just outside her kitchen, we get an idea of the kind of diet advice she’s giving out in her magazine:

A Note From the Fairies

Minnie's Response

And diets are clearly a concern for Minnie (guess she’s working hard on keeping that mouse-ful figure!). Here’s her little invention for keeping the calories at bay — “diet cookies.” You can have as many as you want, if you can get to them through the glass!:

Minnie Invites Us to Sample Her Diet Cookies

Minnie's Diet Cookies

As we enter Minnie’s kitchen, there’s always a lot going on. This is the room where you’ll find the most interactivity in Minnie’s house, and for all her talk about diets, there’s nothing diet in here! Follow the crowd and see what Minnie’s making in her oven and microwave — there are really fun sound effects here, too:

We've Got a Cake Mixing Up for the Oven...

Another Cake is Just About to Rise in the Oven

That Cake Sure Rose Up Fast

Popcorn Flies Around the Microwave

Once you’re full of cake and popcorn, check out Minnie’s “WestingMouse” fridge to see what kinds of cheesy goodness she has today. Also, be sure to check out her favorite cookie recipe, “Cheesy Chip Cookies,” pinned up on the door.

Minnie's Westingmouse Fridge

One Side of Minnie's Fridge

And Minnie's Freezer Section

Chewy Cheesy Chip Cookies

All cheesed out? Check out what Minnie’s “put up” for the winter, along with a few of her prized cookbooks:

Minnie's Canned Goods

Minnie's Cookbooks

Interestingly, Mickey seems to have a candy company to rival Goofy’s…

Mickey's Candy Company Items

And it’s fun to see what Minnie’s collecting — teapots!

Minnie's Stores Collected Teapots Above the Cabinets

Even the pots and pans are musical here! You can hear them banging and clanging in rhythm!

Musical Pots and Pans

Finally, head out into Minnie’s sun room and see her prized buttercups…

Butter - Cups

Thanks for touring Minnie’s kitchen with us. We’ll be visiting Mickey soon, but I hear his kitchen’s being remodeled…something about a contest…

Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 15, 2009

By AJ Leave a Comment

Eat here

It makes my belly rumble to see all of these delicious posts. For those of you enjoying the Children’s Miracle Network Classic Wine and Dine Walk this weekend, I hope we get to see photos!

Big news this week comes from the Main Street Gazette blog that Taqueria del Lago, the Mexico City Food and Wine Festival stand, has become a permanent (not sure how long that will be) fixture in the Epcot Mexico pavilion! Click the link to see the menu. Thanks, Ryan!

Here are this week’s masterpieces:

Disney History Institute, Paul F. Anderson’s new (and exceptional!) blog, includes a guest post by Disney Historian Jim Korkis highlighting Macaroni Mickey Mousse. This recipe, one of Walt’s own, comes from a February 1934 issue of Better Homes and Gardens.

DisneyContemporary learns a nautical alphabet at The Sand Bar.

The Orlando Sentinel’s Daily Disney questions the staying power of Club Cool based on recent experiences.

Join Progress City USA for “an enjoyable experience in an atmosphere suited to relaxed dining” as he remembers some fantastic Disney vintage advertisements.

Theme Park Insider has an Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip Report, complete with Robert Irvine photo, for your enjoyment.

Disney and More has a fantastic article about Disneyland Resort Paris’ Last Chance Cafe Terrace. Some great photos here.

Disney Every Day shares a video of the Grand Floridian’s Gingerbread House Construction.

Dining With the Mouse, a new website that shares stories of making Disney Parks food at home, shows us her version of S’mores from 50’s Prime Time Cafe. Yum!

Also wanted to share a few posts that I missed last week, but are noteworthy:

Princess Fee at DF’82 answers a reader question about where to eat in Disneyland Resort Paris.

The Daily Mickey takes a look at the long history of the Village Fry Shop, a.k.a. The Friar’s Nook, in the Magic Kingdom.

And Zannaland reviews Epcot’s La Cava del Tequila.

A Few Pieces of News…

By AJ 4 Comments

I don’t usually post on Saturdays, but I wanted to say thank you to a few folks who have mentioned or highlighted the Disney Food Blog in websites, podcasts, and books recently. Just click on the news headlines to be taken to the media where Disney Food Blog is mentioned.

Disney Food Blog is Mentioned in A WDW Guidebook
I’m excited to announce that The Disney Food Blog has had its first (and hopefully not its last) Guidebook mention! Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers focuses on successful WDW vacations with kids ages 2-5.

Thanks to Lisa Battista at Beyond the Attractions for this honor!

Imaginerding’s Getting to Know the Neighbors Again
George Taylor over at Imaginerding kindly let me drone on and on about my love of Disney and food in his latest “Meet Our Neighbor” segment.

Thanks to George for this opportunity. If you haven’t already become a huge fan of Imaginerding, you will! Check it out soon.

WDWToday Lets DFB Help Answer a Listener Question
Thanks to the guys (and Annette!) at WDWToday Podcast for allowing me to chat with them on their episode highlighting Animal Kingdom’s Picnic in the Park!

I had a great time on the podcast — they have so much fun over there, don’t they?! If you’re not already a regular listener to this ‘cast, get on board!

Studios Central Lists DFB as a Must-Read WDW Blog
Studios Central has listed Disney Food Blog in its 13 Must-Read Disney World Blogs list. It’s a true honor to be listed among so many of the blogs I’ve been reading for years (and a few new ones that are just fantastic).

Studios Central is the premier website about Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World and covers some broader aspects of the World as well. This is a trustworthy site, and I’ve long been a fan — pop over and get acquainted if you haven’t already; it’s well worth your time.

Mr. Frank’s Wild Ride Interviews DFB About the Epcot Food and Wine Festival
Thanks to Frank over at the Wild Ride for letting me explore the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival with him via a recent Funky Friday podcast.

We had a blast chatting, and he makes this broadcasting thing look so easy — he’s a natural! Be sure to catch the show if you haven’t already — you can hear it via Reedy Creek Radio!

Do-It-Yourself Disney Food Decor

By AJ 6 Comments

A Sampling of Available Celebration Disks

I saw these for the first time on my recent Disney trip and thought they were really fun! If you’re celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or anything else, just purchase one of these little chocolate disks for $.75, smack it on top of a cupcake, and you’re in business! (Can you tell I’m a big fan of celebrations that don’t require a whole lot of planning? 😉 )

Chocolate Decorative Disks at Disney

If you don’t feel like DIY, you can always buy a celebration item pre-decorated! I found these at Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney.

Grab A Pre-Made Celebration Snack

There’s even a disk that says, “Will You Marry Me?” — I don’t know about you, but the way to my heart is definitely through my stomach…preferably via a Mickey rice crispie treat!

Children’s Miracle Network Classic Wine and Dine Walk Menu

By AJ Leave a Comment

Mickey Gets Ready to Walk

The Children’s Miracle Network Classic is offering a new twist this year in Walt Disney World — DISNEY FOOD and WINE!

From Nov.13-15, 2009, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic event will host a Wine & Dine Walk on Disney World’s Magnolia Golf Course, showcasing dishes from Disney World’s newest and most popular restaurants. This event is the season finale of the PGA Tour Fall Series, so if you have a golf-lover in your midst, you can’t miss it!

How to Get In Free
Disney Vacation Club Members can get into the Wine and Dine walk free! Simply proceed to the Will Call booth at the event and show the attendant your DVC membership card.

Disney Visa cardholders can get in free as well (and bring up to three guests). In addition, for each day that you spend $25 at the event, you and your 3 guests will receive preferred skybox seating or reserved grandstand seating on the 18th green. Seating is limited and based on a first-come, first-serve basis. To be eligible for Skybox/grandstand seating, cardmember must go to the Skybox entrance on the 18th green; mention this offer; and show receipts that indicate the Cardmember used his/her Disney Rewards Visa Credit Card, Disney Rewards Debit Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card on the day Skybox/grandstand seating is sought to make a purchase(s) of at least $25 (pre-tax), in the aggregate, on-site at the event.

Note: Ya still gotta pay for your food. See menu below!

Other Payment Options
For those who aren’t DVC members or Disney Visa cardholders, pre-event ticket sales are available through www.ticketmaster.com, and ticket booths will be located onsite during the tournament: weekly badges are $20 and daily tickets are $10.

Wine & Dine Walk Menu on the Magnolia Course
Hole No. 11
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Captain’s Grille
Offers the best flavors of New England

* Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce – $6.25
* Lobster Roll – $7.50
* Wine Pairing: Fess Parker Chardonnay – $3.25
* Beer Pairing: Samuel Adams (16oz Draft) – $6
* Bud Light (16oz) – $5.50
* Bud Light Lime (16oz) and Michelob Ultra (16oz) – $6.50

Hole No. 13
Disney’s Contemporary Resort: The Wave
Features tasty and healthy American cooking with a dash of world flavoring

* 5 Spice Chicken Wrap – $4.25
* Avocado and Citrus Salad – $3.25
* Wine Pairing: Trimbach Gewurztraminer – $3.75
* Beer Pairing: Wolover’s Organic Pale Ale – $6.75
* Bud Light (16oz) – $5.50
* Bud Light Lime (16oz) and Michelob Ultra (16oz) – $6.50

Hole No.15
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: The Turf Club Bar & Grill
Presents simple preparations with flavorful and tasty results

* Chicken and Artichoke Flatbread – $4.25
* Lamb Chops – $5.75
* Mickey Ravioli – $3.75
* Wine Pairing: Schweiger Cabernet Sauvignon – $3.50
* Beer Pairing: Saratoga Lager – $6.75
* Bud Light (16oz) – $5.50
* Bud Light Lime (16oz) and Michelob Ultra (16oz) – $6.50

Hole No.17
Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Sanaa
Provides a blend of African cooking with Indian flavoring

* Chicken with Red Curry Sauce served with Basmati Rice and Naan Bread – $4.25
* Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce served with Basmati Rice and Naan Bread – $4.25
* Wine Pairing: Conundrum White Blend – $4.25
* Beer Pairing: Kingfisher Premium Lager (from India) – $6.75
* Bud Light (16oz) – $5.50
* Bud Light Lime (16oz) and Michelob Ultra (16oz) – -$6.50

Hole No. 17
Disney’s Wide World of Sports Café
Offers rich and creamy desserts sure to please

* Gelato Cookie Sandwich – $2.50
* Wine Pairing: Magicale Sparkling Blush WinE – $3.50
* Bud Light (16oz) – $5.50
* Bud Light Lime (16oz) and Michelob Ultra (16oz) – $6.50

Putting Green
Disney’s Wide World of Sports Café
Serves classic American Cuisine with a twist

* BLT – $3.50
* Chicken Kabob – $4.50
* Wine Pairing: King Estate Pinot Gris – $3.50
* Beer Pairing: Blue Moon Belgian Wheat – $5.50
* Bud Light (16oz) – $5.50
* Bud Light Lime (16oz) and Michelob Ultra (16oz) – $6.50

Disney Snack Series: Kaki-Gori

By AJ 9 Comments

Kaki-Gori Sign

One of my favorite Disney World treats is Kaki-Gori, a Japanese dessert made with shaved ice (or “shave ice” if you’re from Hawaii) and fruit-flavored syrups.

And if you’re asking yourself, “How is this not just a sno-cone?” you’d be asking a very good question ;). I’ve actually heard that sno-cone ice is shaved more finely, but I’ve also heard that Kaki-Gori ice is shaved more finely, so, in my research, I haven’t found too much of a difference. All in all, the concept is the same.

Price List at Kaki-Gori Stand

If you’re ready to sample Kaki-Gori, head over to the Japan pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. It’s only $3.28, and you can choose from Strawberry, Cherry, Melon, Tangerine, or a rainbow collection of the flavors. You get a pretty healthy-sized serving, too!

Kaki Gori Flavors

Once you’ve got your snack, head over to the koi pond or gardens in the beautiful Japan pavilion to relax, refresh, and know that you’re eating something fat free in Disney World!

Kaki Gori

And don’t forget to grab a straw!

Sora Sushi Bar and Lounge Review

By AJ 5 Comments

Sora

On my recent trip to Disney World I was invited for a complimentary dine-around at Gaylord Palms Resort, which is a massive complex just outside of the “gates to the World.”

I’ll say in advance that I’m not usually one to leave Disney property all that much when I’m on a Disney trip. There are just too many things (including restaurants!) that keep my attention Disney-focused to spend precious vacation time elsewhere in Orlando. But visiting the Gaylord Palms was pretty eye-opening regarding what else is out there! Clearly, the chefs at Gaylord have been able to carve out a distinctive dining niche for the resort that includes interesting themed surroundings coupled with Really. Good. Food. While there, I visited four different restaurants; today’s review is of Sora, Gaylord Palms’ sushi bar and lounge. I hope you enjoy this first trip outside the gates!

Sora Entrance at Gaylord Palms Resort

The Atmosphere
Now, when I heard Sushi Bar and Lounge, I immediately thought, “Hmm…not really my speed;” even when I lived in New York City I wasn’t a “Bar and Lounge” person. But I can honestly say that this place is not at all intimidating. The restaurant has a relatively open floor plan, lined with comfy booths and offering views into the resort’s atrium and lobby (appropriate, as “Sora” means “blue sky” in Japanese). Walking into Sora doesn’t give the feel of a big city nightspot with blaring music and lights so dim you can’t see where you’re walking — it feels like a hip, but accessible place to pick up some appetizers, light dinner, and cocktails.

Sora Seating Areas

Sora Inside

The Eats
While Sora is known for its innovative sushi menu, I was glad to discover that both the adventurous and the picky will find things to try here. And it’s a fun selection. If you take a look at the menu, you’ll see what I mean. You can even order a drink based on how you want to feel — Balance, Nirvana, Opulent, Divine, Distinct… .

Sora Menu

We started with “Zen,” a delicious drink made with Zen green tea liqueur, Peach Schnapps, and Sauvignon Blanc. The presentation was stunning and the flavor was like nothing I’d ever tasted. I really enjoyed it and wished I could see how all of the drinks looked and tasted (maybe next time!).

Sora's Zen Cocktail

If you move on in the menu, you’ll see a thorough sushi and sashimi menu that includes BBQ eel and octopus along with standards like tuna and salmon. You can also choose from soups, salads, starters, or dinners, such as sea bass and duck. Try the “omakase” — the chefs will prepare something just for you based on the catches of the day and what’s fresh from the farmer’s market!

BBQ Pork Bao Bun Sandwiches

We sampled the Bao Bun Sandwiches, which offered a choice of barbeque pulled pork, vegetable and tofu stir fry, or miso glazed fresh fish of the day, served with Asian slaw, sriracha mayonnaise, and lemon chili sauce. We were served the pork sandwiches, which were “Do-It-Yourself” — fun to put together and sample with the different sauces.

Sora's Bao Bun Sandwiches

Another interesting twist Sora has introduced is offering “tapas”-style dishes like Lobster Fritters or Spicy Tuna Nachos in two sizes — “nosh” and “share.”

Overall
We were impressed with Sora. It’s difficult to make the “bar in a resort” into a destination, but the interesting drink menu and fun-to-eat dishes — along with the easygoing atmosphere — make it a great place to stop for pre-dinner cocktails or even a light dinner. If you’re a sushi-lover or a cocktail connoisseur, definitely give it a go.

Sora is open daily, serving food from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. The bar is open daily from 4:00 p.m. until midnight.

Corporals and Condiments at the Sunset Ranch Market

By AJ 2 Comments

In honor of Veteran’s Day this week, I wanted to share a few photos of what I think is a very special part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

If you’ve seen my write-up on Rosie’s Victory Garden, you won’t be surprised to see the World War II imagery and themeing carry on throughout the Sunset Ranch Market. One area that I walked by dozens of times before really looking is the condiment center next to Rosie’s All American Cafe, past the “V for Victory” and “Keep ’em Flying” signs.

Rosie's All American Cafe

Condiment Center at Sunset Ranch Market

If you look from far away, it just looks like any old condiment center, but look closely and you’ll see more. Dozens of soldiers — some wounded, some guarding, some in action — forever preparing their weapons, battleships, and fighter jets for war.

Soldier Standing Guard

A Doctor Tends to a Wounded Soldier

Look even more closely and you’ll see a collection of letters, postcards, paperwork, and historical documents themed to — or actually from — wartime.

Sailors Guard a Letter

Soldiers Watch Over Postcards

When I first found this display I looked at it for a full half-hour. I can’t imagine what other guests thought as I slowly walked around and stared at the condiment bar at Sunset Ranch Market, but this is the kind of themeing that I always hope to see: a seemingly fringe effort that adds so much to the “show staging” for those who actually take the time to notice.

Happy Veteran’s Day, Week, and Month.

Disney Food Rumor: The Victoria Room at Victoria and Albert’s?

By AJ 6 Comments

Victoria and Alberts Dining Room

Rumor has it that Victoria and Albert’s is developing a new, and even more sumptuous, offering for patrons: “The Victoria Room.”

According to a message board postings, The Victoria Room will be a dining experience even more extravagant than the Chef’s Table.

Rumored Specs
–Menu will have a 12-16 course dinner
–Experience will include all new menus and wine pairings, and level of service will be stepped up
–The number of diners in this private seating room might be limited to between 12-16
–The cost will be $295.00 per person, inclusive of the wine pairings
–As far as we can tell, this will NOT be the same as booking a private room for a party (i.e. no minimum number of guests)

Right now, there is no launch date (though there’s a hope that it will premier this winter), and, again, this is all rumor. Also rumored is a new website for V&A (Victoria_Albert.com) — not yet launched as of this posting — and a new V&A-only phone number (407-WDW-DVNA).

Unanswered Questions…
How different is this from what you get with the “private dining room” option currently at V&A? Will you be dining with other patrons, or just your group? Could the “New Years Eve” experience be the “pilot-test” of this room? Not sure yet…

Do you have info about the rumor? Would love to hear your updates, all!

Hidden Mickeys in Disney Restaurants

By AJ 4 Comments

The research for this blog began when I noticed a hidden Mickey tucked into a chair at Boma during my Animal Kingdom Lodge Culinary Tour; it’s been all downhill from there! Of course, thanks to all of the Facebook fans and twitter followers who responded to my call for “food-related hidden Mickeys” back in October!

Where possible (and if necessary), I’ve tried to include a photo of the Mickey and a photo of the surrounding area so that it’s easier to find. Not possible with all, unfortunately…

Here we go:

Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom
This was one of my earlier findings, and it’s definitely one of my favorites. You can find it on one of the decorative wooden racks in the lobby of Liberty Tree Tavern — it’s to the right and toward the back as you walk into the lobby.

Blueberry Hidden Mickey at Liberty Tree Tavern

Decorative Rack Containing Blueberry Hidden Mickey

Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Ah, the original! I’m not sure if this even qualifies as “hidden,” but I liked it! Some chairs have it, and some chairs don’t — cross your fingers that you get a good one!

Boma Hidden Mickey in Chair

TRex in Downtown Disney
One of Disney’s newer restaurants (stay tuned for my review, coming soon!), TRex includes a moving (yep–moving) Octopus Bar. Look closely at the tentacles, and you’ll see what I saw…

Tentacle Hidden Mickey at TRex

A Wider Shot of the Octopus Bar for Context

Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort
My Dad found this one, but was assured that it’s authentic! It was also mentioned on facebook (Thanks, Kristina!) as a fan favorite! Look up and to the right as you enter the restaurant to see this onion ring hidden Mickey in the decorative border.

Onion Ring Hidden Mickey at Beaches and Cream

Context Shot for Beaches and Cream Hidden Mickey

Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney
OK, this isn’t technically a restaurant, but you can get some pretty good noms here anyway! NOTE: You can also spot this hidden Mickey in the decor around the Goofy’s Candy Company section of MouseGears in Epcot! (Psst…look closely and you’ll see even more hidden characters…)

Hidden Mickey at Goofy's Candy Company

The Rest of the Hidden Characters at Goofy's Candy Company

Reader Favorites
Thanks again to those who answered the call! Here are some reader-suggested food-related hidden Mickeys!

@aryssabrooke from Twitter
At Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot, you can see how they make Mickey shaped pumpkins and watermelons.

@ArmandNoUsagi from Twitter
I have to say my favorite is at Teppan Edo, When the chef makes a Mickey volcano out of an onion.

Allison Palmer-Gleicher from Facebook
The bread Mickey head in Tony’s — over by the Lady and the Tramp picture behind the fountain.

Tinker Kell from Facebook
My favorite one is on the dog statue near the check-in desk at Mama Melrose’s.

Calling All Hidden Mickey Spotters!
I know for a fact that I haven’t seen nearly all of the Disney dining hidden Mickeys, so I hope you can help me out! Contact me via twitter, facebook, or email with a photo or remembrance of your favorite food-related hidden Mickey, and I’ll add it to this blog. The blog itself will be placed (with great honor) in the special posts section in the right-hand column so that you can keep tabs on the updates.

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