Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano | the disney food blog

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Tucked into the back of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, an Italian restaurant with a very special theme.

Atmosphere
What is the theme, you ask? “Where Italy meets California in the heart of the Backlot,” of course. What does that mean? Well… most of us don’t really know or understand what it means… but here’s the general backstory: Mama Melrose moved from Italy to Hollywood to pursue acting, but was persuaded by friends to open a restaurant instead. (At least, this is one of the stories I’ve heard.)

So the kitschy “Italian home-cooking” restaurant — which would be at home in New York City’s Little Italy with its checked tablecloths, mis-matched furniture, and pizza oven — is (strangely) augmented by scads of Hollywood memorabilia from Mama’s collection. [Read more…]

Disney World Bakery Throw Down: Boardwalk Bakery

By AJ 8 Comments

Welcome to the third bakery in our Disney World Bakery Throw Down: The Boardwalk Bakery!

Atmosphere
Located on the Disney World Boardwalk, the Boardwalk Bakery is within walking distance of many of Disney World’s hotels and attractions. It’s a great place to take a break from a day in either Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or just head downstairs from your hotel room at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas!

Boardwalk Bakery Entry

As you approach the bakery, the windows will remind you what’s available…

…and who’s responsible!

Along the windows, you’ll see several outdoor tables and chairs. Be sure to snag them quickly; this is the bakery’s only seating! Of course, you could always stroll along the boardwalk with your purchases and find seating along the way.

Boardwalk Bakery Seating

Head inside the double doors and you’ll be greeted by a small space bordered by baked goods and condiment counters. Look over the counter to your left, and you might see some Disney bakers making specialty items for one of the resorts, or even a wedding cake!

Boardwalk Bakery condiment counter

Eats
You’ll find options for any time of day on the Boardwalk Bakery menu, from breakfast baked goods to salads to sandwiches.

Boardwalk Bakery Breakfast Menu

Boardwalk Bakery Lunch and Dinner Menu

Refrigerators to your right will hold drinks, sandwiches, and salads:

Cold Items and Drinks

Salads

Salads and Fruit

The long glass display cases will be chock full of goodies and custom cakes:

Muffins, Danish, and Cupcakes

Sweets of all Sorts

Boardwalk Bakery Cakes

Mickey Cake

And the bakers’ racks will be slowly filling up with freshly baked items:

Muffins cooling on the bakers' racks

While waiting for your order, take a peek at the wall behind those bakers’ racks to see the detailed images of baked goods painted on the tiles. As usual, Disney spares no expense when it comes to detail!

Also, take a few minutes to look beyond those counters and see some real bakers at work; this is one of the few places to see a real behind-the-scenes look at the type of baking that happens in Disney’s biggest, busiest, and most professional bakeries! I wasn’t kidding about that wedding cake I mentioned earlier — they really do make them here!

Vote For Your Favorite!
Thanks for joining us as we visited the third of the five Walt Disney World Bakeries we’re showcasing on the Throw Down! First was Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery, second was Boulangerie Patisserie, and we’ll be highlighting the other two throughout the month.

You can vote for your favorite right here:

What's Your Favorite Bakery in Walt Disney World?

Boulangerie Patisserie (Epcot) (40%)
Main Street Bakery (Magic Kingdom) (27%)
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe (Epcot) (13%)
Boardwalk Bakery (Boardwalk) (11%)
Starring Rolls Bakery (Disney's Hollywood Studios) (8%)
Other (1%)

Loading ...

If you have a stand-out favorite bakery, weigh in with your comments via twitter, facebook, or email.

In January, I’ll post the results, along with any reader insights as to what makes those particular bakeries so special. If you have another bakery you like better, vote “other.” (I’d love to hear what the “others” are as well!)

Disney Food History: Disneyland’s Carnation Ice Cream Parlor

By AJ 11 Comments

As many of you know, Disney Company and Disney parks history is of great interest to me, so when James (a.k.a. @DisneyNorth) sent along this fantastic menu, I couldn’t wait to share it with you.

Here’s a short quote from his email, describing his vintage find:

Thought you may find this item interesting. I bought it recently on eBay. It is a 1962 Carnation Ice Cream Parlor menu from Disneyland, that doubles as a postcard. Check out the prices on some of those sundaes!!!

Menu

In addition to the burgers, franks, and grilled cheese, the restaurant showcased sundaes created to highlight different parts of Disneyland, like Frontierland’s Old Timer, made with Peppermint Stick ice cream; and Fantasyland’s Snow White Sundae, made with Vanilla ice cream, coconut, and marshmallow topping.

Here are the images of the menu; you can click each photo for a larger version.

I love that the sandwiches are “delightfully” garnished with cottage cheese; and that the Mammoth Matterhorn Mountain sundae, “One of the world’s largest sundaes,” with 5 scoops of ice cream, sliced pineapple, 5 different sundae toppings, sliced banana, chopped almonds, whipped cream and cherry, costs just $1.00.

This description is to the right of the menu when the postcard is fully unfolded:

Here’s the postcard back of the menu ($.03 postage!):

Carnation Ice Cream Parlor History
Carnation Ice Cream Parlor opened with Disneyland in 1955. An outdoor dining area was added in 1977, and the restaurant was closed in 1997. The indoor area now houses the counter-service Blue Ribbon Bakery, and the outdoor area survives as the Carnation Cafe, serving table-service meals.

You can read a great memory of the Carnation Ice Cream Parlor’s final day over on mouseplanet.

Thanks, James!

Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 27, 2009

By AJ Leave a Comment

Eat here

Welcome to the last Disney Food Post Round-Up of 2009! Here’s the latest news and some great stories about Disney Food posted on the web this week:

NEWS
Possibly a new Pizza Place in Italy?

More thoughts about restaurant changes in Italy and Mexico from Progress City USA.

Citmagazine reports that Disneyland Paris is launching 16 private theme park dinner events for groups. Thanks to Chip for the link!

WDW Daily News reports that Veranda Refreshments is now open in Disney World’s Adventureland. The seasonal spot is supposed to be open at least for the next week.

STORIES
WDW Central visits Epcot’s Club Cool.

Imaginerding makes Geppetto’s Gingerbread Cookies for the holidays!

Global Disney Pinvestigation has some amazing photos of Christmas in Disney parks as well as a great pictoral review of Christmas Pins past and present.

Disney Parks Blog has a mouth-watering photo of a Disney holiday treat!

Main Street Gazette highlights Disney World’s Kona Cafe. Also, starting very soon, you can look forward to the the Main St. Gazette featuring Disney food articles every Wednesday!

Chicken Soup for the Disney Foodie Soul II

By AJ 2 Comments

christmas mickey mouse M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S !

I want to wish everyone a happy, safe, Merry Christmas. And for this first Disney Food Blog Christmas post, I wanted to share a few more of the heartwarming stories I’ve received from readers. These are their own wonderful Disney food memories, shared in their own words. I received these in response to our first Chicken Soup For the Disney Foodie Soul post, which featured several WDW Moms Panelists.

E N J O Y ! H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S !

From Jackie via email

On our most recent trip of August 2009, we celebrated both my children’s birthdays at Disney World. For my ten year old, autistic son, who adores Winnie the Pooh and Friends, what better place than the Crystal Palace? For once, we felt like a ‘normal’ family when my son interacted with Winnie during his cake presentation. Andrew blew out his candles and went and gave Winnie a great big squeeze. The smile
on my son’s face was precious and during that special moment Andrew was with us in our world and out of his daily world of anxiety, fear and frustration. Only at Disney do we all relax and have a fantastic time. My son comes into his own and opens right up, enough so that his always has language bursts of development.
Thank you Disney for the peace and joy and progress we experience when visiting.

From Kristin via email

My favorite Disney Dining memory took place during the weekend of the surprise 60th birthday trip I took my mom on.

Birthdays With Cinderella

It was her FIRST trip to Disney World. Yes, at age 60! We enjoyed an early morning at Super Soap Weekend, but I had plans for her at the Magic Kingdom later that night. I planned a birthday dinner for her at 1900 Park Fare. I had let them know of her birthday ahead of time so she had a tiara to wear during dinner. Cinderella spent extra time with her and discussed her lovely tiara. After we had finished eating, Cinderella and our waitress delivered the mini-castle cake I had ordered before we left for the World. Mom was in tears as they delivered the beautiful little cake, perfect for the two of us to share. We sang happy birthday to her, and she said “This is truly the best birthday I’ve ever had!” Doesn’t get any better than that!

From Chris via email

My Disney memory didn’t happen at a signature restaurant, although I’ve had a lot of great meals at those. It happened at Pecos Bill’s. In 2007 we took a trip to Disney with my in-laws. My sister-in-law usually vacations at rustic yoga retreats, so Disney was way out of her comfort zone. To make her feel more at ease, she asked to do the cooking at our rental house. Daily, we returned from the parks to very
healthy, and okay, very boring meals. After a few days, I was dying for some real food. One night, she kindly watched our infant twins while my husband, older child and I went to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party where, away from the watchful gaze of my SIL, I made a beeline over to Pecos Bill’s for a pulled pork sandwich. Unfortunately, when I got out, the parade had started and my husband and son were across the street. At first I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to join them, but I soon realized what an advantage I had. It was my son’s first trip and the look on his face was priceless. If it hadn’t been for my pressing need for some pulled pork, I wouldn’t have seen his reactions. It ended up being a perfect moment.
And the sandwich wasn’t half bad either.

From The Lill Family via email

I would like to suggest for a very special occasion, a family dinner at Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table! You won’t find a better meal anywhere on property. Victoria & Albert’s is an AAA Five Diamond restaurant for a reason! The food and service is exceptional. Having dinner in the main dining room is wonderful as well. Dining at Victoria & Albert’s is an experience that you will always remember… and want to repeat!

From James via blog comment

Even for those who visit a Disney properties just one time, most families would say
that they have shared a lovely “magical memory” and that’s the magic of Disney. Many
of the cast members go well out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and to
“spread the pixie dust”, especially for children and those who are celebrating a
special occasion.

Our own magical memory is watching Chloe at three years old walk in her first parade with the characters at ‘Ohana. I was following a ways behind with a video camera and at first she was very hesitant (her first time walking somewhere without mom or dad) but Eeyore moved in right behind her and helped her around the restaurant twice,and all the time encouraging her to shake the maracas and enjoy the parade. He was so nice and helpful to our daughter. Eeyore was my favorite character while growing up, and I’m so thankful that he made that moment special for not only her, but to us as well. 🙂

For more Holiday Disney Foodie fun, check out the compendium of Christmas posts from this season on the Disney Food Blog.

Caution: Hot Cheese!

By AJ 41 Comments

UPDATE: Sadly, Disney has removed its hot cheese dispensers from its counter-service locations as of June 2015. You may still be able to order plastic cheese as a topping for your snacks from cast members directly.
_________________________

Hot Cheese Dispenser at Casey’s Corner

Since spending a year in Switzerland, my family’s traditional Christmas Eve dinner has been fondue. There’s just nothing better, in my opinion, than an entire meal centered on hot cheese and an accompanying carb.

So, while I’m at the in-law’s this year for Christmas Eve and therefore don’t get to partake in the fondue with Mom and Dad, I’ll post a food blog about another version of hot, melty cheese in honor of my family’s traditional meal.

Cheese Fries at All Star Movies

What’s The Cheese?
If you’ve been following the Disney Food Blog, you know that one of my favorite Disney treats is a big plate of cheese fries; but you can’t find the gorgeous, bright yellow cheese just anywhere. This exalted condiment is the consistency of melted plastic, and the number of places to find it on property is shrinking.

Where’s The Cheese?
I used to find the hot cheese dispensers at every counter service spot — Casey’s, Electric Umbrella, Cosmic Ray’s, Pecos Bill’s, etc. Lately, I’ve only found the cheese at Casey’s and Pecos Bill’s in the park, but I have found it over at the All Stars and Pop Century food courts!

Spot Awaiting Hot Cheese at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

Here’s a quick primer:
Casey’s and Pecos Bill’s in the Magic Kingdom: Unlimited hot cheese can be self-served from dispensers in the fixin’s bars.
All Stars and Pop Century Food Courts: Get cheese fries. Ask for an extra cup of cheese if the amount of cheese on your fries is stingy (and…how could it not be?)

Extra Cheese for Dipping at All Star Movies

Why Do You Like The Cheese?
I have no idea. It’s not as good as the queso I’ve been sampling since moving to the southwest, and I truly have no idea what this stuff can possibly be made from. It doesn’t look like there are any natural products in there! But, for some strange reason, I’m addicted to that bright yellow delicousness.

If you agree, let me know. I’d love to hear from others who love this strange add-on.

If you’re against me, let me know that, too! How can you avoid the siren call of the hot cheese calling out for a dip from your fries?

Stop the Presses: New Pizza Place in Disney World?!

By AJ 15 Comments

Don’t get too excited; we don’t know too much yet, but MousePlanet has reported the following:

It appears that a new pizzeria will be coming to Epcot’s Italy pavilion. A construction permit has been filed for construction of the new pizzeria, naming the Patina Group as the owner/operator of the facility. Patina also owns and operates Tutto Italia.

This would be a welcome addition, as WDW has — shall we say — never been especially known for it’s pizza…

Resort Specialty: Mom’s Night Out at Pop Century

By AJ 10 Comments

Update: Fried Chicken is served on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday is now Meatloaf night; Thursday and Friday evenings offer turkey dinners.

Many of the Disney Resorts have specialty food items for which those hotels are uniquely known. Disney’s Pop Century has several of these, like the famous tie-dye cheesecake, but there’s one fun foodie twist that I’m not sure everyone knows about:

Pop Century Favorites

The “Mom’s Night Out” meal fits perfectly into the resort’s theme, which highlights famous and popular toys, inventions, and productions from the 20th century. In this case, “Mom’s Night Out” refers to the nights when Mom went out to the PTA meeting or bowling league, meaning Dad and the kids got to have TV dinners! Except this isn’t just any TV dinner — and it sure doesn’t taste like it came out of the microwave.

Head over to Pop Century’s food court from 4-10pm any night of the week to sample the Mom’s Night Out dinner — Saturday, Sunday, and Monday feature fried chicken; Tuesday and Wednesday bring turkey; and Thursday and Friday are pork. The best part (in my opinion) is the fresh cornbread with each meal.

Pop Century Moms Night Out Menu

Which is your favorite Mom’s Night Out meal? And let us know of the other “resort favorites” you’ve seen and tried!

Top Three Milkshakes in Disney World

By AJ 37 Comments

Editor’s Note: We’ve amended this earlier post to reflect that Beaches and Cream does now accept Advance Dining Reservations. milkshake

There are plenty of places to grab a milkshake in Disney World, but there are a few that are spectacular. Pulled from an informal reader survey taken earlier this year, here are the top contenders:

50’s Prime Time Cafe
The 50’s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is well known among Disneyphiles as the place where television, formica, and fun reign supreme.

At this clever cafe, the focus is on food straight from Mom’s Kitchen, and your meals are served by your “cousins,” “aunts,” and “uncles.” You can choose from 1950’s favorites, including meatloaf, fried chicken, and pot roast.

And after your meal, the dessert menu comes to your table. But this is your normal dessert menu — it’s a viewfinder. You remember, those pictorial toys that you used to view images of the Grand Canyon and Disneyland when you were a kid? That’s the one! Except, this time, you get to see the yummy desserts available at the restaurant. (Almost as good as the Grand Canyon, no?) One of those desserts is arguably the most delicious malted milkshake I’ve ever had. Very thick and served in a tall glass, with the extra in the shake cup on the side, you might just need that spoon…

50’s Prime Time Cafe Malted Milkshake and Viewfinder

Beaches and Cream
One of our favorite restaurants is Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort near Epcot. This place is reminiscent of a mid-century soda shop, complete with mirrored walls, a long counter for seating, pastel tiled floors, and wrought-iron tables.

What you order here is burgers, fries, hot dogs, onion rings, and a french dip sandwich if you’re feeling fancy. But the real reason to head to Beaches and Cream isn’t for the fried food (though it’s delicious); it’s for the ice cream! Beaches and Cream is famous for its giant sundaes, including the Kitchen Sink, which includes scoops of every flavor of ice cream, every single topping, candy bars, oreos, and a whole can of whipped cream.

We usually intersperse our sundae orders with an occasional milkshake order. Served in a soda fountain glass (you get the extra on the side here, too), you’ll be instantly transported back in time to your days at the drugstore.

Beaches and Cream Milkshake

Sci-Fi Dine In
This is a restaurant like no other. You sit in a car. It’s dark — very dark. There are hilarious, old-fashioned B movies playing on a massive screen in front of you. Yet you’re eating spinach and artichoke dip? Indeed!

This place, found in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is true Disney Imagineering at its best. You’re meant to feel as though you’re sitting in your convertible at a 1950’s drive-in, and, amazingly, it all works! Well-trained CMs weave in and out of dozens of parked cars — in the dark — taking orders, bringing food, bussing tables, and never getting in the way of the movie trailers playing on the screen. It’s a fun, interesting, and exciting meal, to be certain.

And though I can highly recommend the cheesecake for dessert, the truly authentic dessert is the milkshake! Any flavor is delicious, and a wonderful ending to a delicious meal.

Sci Fi Milkshake

Let Us Know Your Thoughts
Have you tried one of these milkshakes, or do you have an idea for a contender for the top three? Let me know by leaving a comment on the post! Would love to hear from challengers!

Photo Credit: SanctumSolitude

Disney World Bakery Throw Down: Boulangerie Patisserie

By AJ 16 Comments

Welcome back to the Disney World Bakery Throw Down! Today we’re highlighting the second bakery in the Throw Down: the France pavilion’s Boulangerie Patisserie.

Boulangerie Patisserie Epcot

Atmosphere
The bakery, which specializes in breads and sweet pastries, is located toward the back of the France pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. (Just follow your nose, and you’ll find it!) As you would expect from a World Showcase shop, it’s themed to look like a bakery native to a small French village. Welcoming window displays draw you inside, and bistro tables line the sidewalk outside.

Seating Outside the Bakery

Inside, you’re greeted by a lovely baker’s rack full of delicious-looking baked goods, baking paraphernalia, and a wide-open French cookbook, giving you the idea that the bakers are hard at work at the ovens.

Baker's Rack at Bakery Entrance

Themeing at Boulangerie Patisserie

Keep walking to your left, where your eyes are invited to take in rows and rows of sugary, frosted pastries and savory sandwiches and cheese. The bakery is set up with two identical showcases on either side of a long aisle. This lets twice as many people through at once, but you’ll often still encounter lines… this place is popular!

Eats
Before you take a look at any of my bakery eats photos, you must go over to Ryan Wilson’s Main Street Gazette post about the Boulangerie Patisserie. It’s headlined with one of the most tempting photos of the bakery’s goods I’ve ever seen…

Now that you’ve whet your appetite, here we go down the center aisle of the Boulangerie Patisserie! We start with a few savory items, such as those delicious cheese plates, quiche, rustic ham and cheese tartine, baguettes with jambon (ham) and fromage (cheese), and cheese-filled croissants.

Savory Items

Cheese Plate

Ham and Cheese Baguette

From there, you hit the gorgeous pastries — cakes, pies, pain au chocolat, croissants, apple tarts, eclairs, cheesecake, napoleons, creme brulee, and more:

Creme Puffs

Nid d'abeille

Raisin Swirl

Chocolate Cake

Creme Brulee

Raspberry Schuss

Napoleon and Cheesecake

Apple and Raspberry Turnovers

Chocolate Eclairs

Lemon Tarts and Chocolate Mousse

Apple Tart

Chocolate Croissants

Once you reach the end of the showcases, you’re able to order a drink and pay for your items.

Boulangerie Patisserie Drink Menu

There is seating on the sidewalk outside and inside the marketplace outside of the France film:

Indoor Seating Near the Bakery

If you can still walk with all of those baked goods in your belly, head out to the beautiful perfume shops on the other side of the pavilion, visit Belle and the Beast in Belle’s library, or head over to watch Impressions de France in the theater at back of the pavilion. Have a wonderful day in Epcot!

Vote For Your Favorite!
Thanks for joining us as we visited the second of the five Walt Disney Bakeries we’re showcasing on the Throw Down! The first bakery highlighted was the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery, and we’ll be highlighting the other three throughout the month.

You can vote for your favorite right here:

What's Your Favorite Bakery in Walt Disney World?

Boulangerie Patisserie (Epcot) (40%)
Main Street Bakery (Magic Kingdom) (27%)
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe (Epcot) (13%)
Boardwalk Bakery (Boardwalk) (11%)
Starring Rolls Bakery (Disney's Hollywood Studios) (8%)
Other (1%)

Loading ...

If you have a stand-out favorite bakery, weigh in with your comments via twitter, facebook, or email.

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED