2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

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2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Recipe: Piggylicious Cupcake from The Smokehouse Booth

There have been lots of memorable dishes from the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

But one that we continue to hear you rave about is a return dish from 2014 — the Piggylicious Cupcake from The Smokehouse: Barbecues and Brews Booth!

The Smokehouse: Barbecues and Brews

The cupcake made a BIG impression on us from the first time we tried it. And it’s definitely addictive, with that sweet salty combination of flavors.

But we all know that the trip to Disney isn’t always possible. And even if it is, the Flower and Garden Festival will wrap up in just a few weeks.

Piggylicious Bacon Cupcake From Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

So I’m really happy to share this recipe with you today on the blog! Because once you hear about a Disney cupcake that combines bacon, cake, and maple frosting…well…there’s no way you’re NOT gonna want to make this!

Piggylicious Bacon Cupcake

The Smokehouse Barbecues and Brews Outdoor Kitchen

Makes 24 Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For Cupcakes: [Read more…]

2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Recipe: Burnt Ends Brisket Hash from the Smokehouse Outdoor Kitchen

By Brooke 4 Comments

Flowers are not all that’s blooming at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! This event — which is happening right now through May 17 — combines the best of all things: Spring and some truly Awesome Dishes! (For a complete run down of our Must-Eat Treats from this year’s Festival, click here.)

The deliciousness comes courtesy of the Outdoor Kitchens. The kiosks, situated throughout World Showcase, provide guests with the opportunity to taste some fresh flavors of the season as well as some regional fare.

Smokin’ at the Smokehouse

You’ll find fan favorite Smokehouse: Barbecues and Brews located in the America Pavilion, serving up delicious regional barbecue favorites. We love their Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw, their new-this-year Smoked Debreziner Sausage, and their Piggylicious Cupcake!

But they’ve also introduced a brand new flavor sensation: Burnt Ends Brisket Hash!

Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños from the Smokehouse Outdoor Kitchen

I was excited to see the dish at the Flower and Garden Festival. Hash is having kind of a moment (it’s that whole retro thing), and we absolutely loved the Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon Hash featured at Farm Fresh during last year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

The dish is both delicious and thrifty: it’s a great way to use up those “burnt ends” that result from low and slow smoked brisket.

So if you find yourself barbecuing Texas-style — and really, who doesn’t?? — then give this one a try to use up leftovers. Personally, they had me at White Cheddar Fondue. 🙂

Burnt Ends Brisket Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeño Peppers

Smokehouse Outdoor Kitchen

Serves 4-6

Ingredients: [Read more…]

First Look! 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival MUST-EAT Treats!

By AJ 13 Comments

It’s HERE!! Spring has sprung and the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival has officially begun, bringing all the topiaries, musical fun, and FOOD along with it!

We’ve been spending the day taking in the sights, and — more importantly 😉 — all the tastes at every single one of the Food Booths! You can see the full menus for this year’s booths here!

For the third year running, the Flower and Garden Festival is offering Outdoor Kitchens (food booths similar to the Food & Wine Festival Marketplace booths), with a springtime focus on fresh-from-the-garden flavors.

Now, we’d like to show you some of the best of this year’s best! So, grab your passport and LET’S GO!

2015 Flower and Garden Passport

Botanas Botanico

has made its debut! This Outdoor Kitchen is brand new to the Festival this year, featuring South American dishes, with an emphasis on Venezuelan classics. You can find it between the France and Morocco Pavilions.

Botanas Botanico

We’ve got two standouts here that we want to let you know about right away! Cachapas con Queso is a sweet yellow corn pancake topped with Farmer’s Cheese. This just-sweet-enough dish is pleasantly rich, too.

Cachapas con Queso

The White Corn Arepa doesn’t disappoint, either, with the tasty braised beef providing lots of bang for the buck.

White Corn Arepa

That said, we’re happy to say that everything at this new booth was fresh and delicious!

Quinoa “Naanwich” and Kale Salad

Head to Urban Farm Eats for the Quinoa “Naanwich,” a nice vegetarian surprise packed with flavor, thanks to the arugula pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.

Quinoa Vegetable “Naanwich” with Arugula Pesto and Oven-Dried Tomatoes

A salad as a DFB favorite? Who woulda thunk 😉 ? We were pleasantly surprised by the full range of flavors presented in the Kale Salad with the dried cherries and goat cheese, along with a nice crunch from the hearty helping of almonds.

Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Almonds, and Goat Cheese with White Balsamic Vinaigrette

We also reeeeeeally enjoyed the Crispin Blackberry Pear Cider here, finding it fresh, and fairly dry.

Crispin Blackberry Pear Cider

The Ice Pop

It was love at first sight — and taste! — with the Ice Pop cocktail-on-a-stick at Fleur de Lys! A cold and delicious mix of Grand Marnier Peach Raspberry Liqueur, Vodka, and Iced Tea — all wrapped up in a nostalgic package!

A Grown-Up Ice Pop Debuts at the Fleur de Lys Outdoor Kitchen in the France Pavilion

Pineapple Dog

You do NOT want to miss the Pineapple Dog at Pineapple Promenade! We’re happy to declare it as outrageously good, thanks to the [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 3, 2015

By Wendy 7 Comments

We’re taking a quick trip around all four Disney World Parks and then making stops at several Resorts, where a lot of food news seems to be taking place as of late!

But we’re starting our “World”-wide tour at Downtown Disney, and taking a peek at how things are shaping up as the transition towards “Disney Springs” continues on. And we may even take a sneak peek at something coming to our friends in Disneyland on the west coast.

Disney Springs mural

So, are you ready to see What’s New? Good! Because in the words of Peter Pan, “Here we GOOOOOOO…”

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

Okay, so we’ve mentioned it a couple of times recently, but that’s because we’re happy that BabyCakes has a new home in Downtown Disney! Located at The Landing of what will be Disney Springs, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC has been up and running since 1 pm on Sunday, February 22nd.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery storefront

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

Erin McKenna

Samoa Donut

Featuring gluten-free and vegan baked goods, this is great news for guests on some dietary restrictions. Read our opening day review here!

Flour and Sugar

Speaking of baked goods, Flour and Sugar is a little kiosk that can be found on the newly opened Marketplace Causeway. It sells pre-packaged cookies inspired by various cities in the Sunshine State.

Flour and Sugar

We tried the Siesta Key Key Lime S’more, and we’ll have a review here for you soon!

Key Lime S’more

Disney Springs Construction

All in all, things really seem to be picking up speed in Downtown Disney with the Causeway completed, allowing an easy stroll from spots around T-Rex to the Rainforest Cafe side at the Marketplace.

The Marketplace Causeway

Light post on The Marketplace Causeway

Disney Springs sign

We’ll be sure to take a little tour along the path when we’re back with our Flour and Sugar review! The next thing we have our eyes on? Look for [Read more…]

WDW Swan and Dolphin Resorts Announce Spring Savings and Easter Character Meal

By Kim LaPaglia 5 Comments

As the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival gets underway, we have more spring news for you.

Pineapple Dole Whip

If you’re still looking for a place to stay while you attend the Festival, you’ll want to check out the springtime savings available at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts. From March 4 – May 17, 2015, guests will save up to 40% off!

For guests vacationing April 1-8 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, a full schedule of Easter-themed activities awaits. With meet-and-greets with the Easter Bunny, glow-in-the-dark and traditional Easter egg hunts, bunny hop races, arts and crafts, and a poolside showing of the movie HOP, the young and young-at-heart will find plenty to do when taking a break from the enchanting gardens in Epcot.

Other featured experiences during the week include a special Easter Bunny basket delivery to the room on Easter morning and an Easter dinner buffet at Garden Grove Cafe with Disney character appearances on Sunday, April 5, at 5PM. Additional costs apply for both.

This resort is within easy walking distance of both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and provides [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 1, 2015

By Kim LaPaglia 1 Comment

As Downtown Disney continues to transform to Disney Springs, we are thrilled to report on the return of BabyCakes NYC products where Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC now resides. This is huge news for Walt Disney World guests with special diets!

Erin McKenna’s Bakery is now open

And while many of us are experiencing freezing temperatures, we can’t help but dream about visiting the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. This year’s Outdoor Kitchens have some exciting menus sprouting up!

For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below!

Disney Food News

First review and photos for Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Downtown Disney. Great news for fans of BabyCakes NYC!
We have full menus for the Outdoor Kitchens, coming soon to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World!
Bradley Falls at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is featuring a Thai Pork Sandwich with Asian Cucumber Slaw on the current menu.
Is Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom closing? This rumor may become reality. Get your Dole Whip at Sunshine Tree Terrace!
Macadamia Nut Treats for sale at Disney’s Polynesian Village.
New Communication Cards — let the waitstaff know if you want to participate (or not) in the antics — at Whispering Canyon Cafe.
New Disney cookbook hits the shelves at Disney Parks.
The Cinderella Premium Popcorn Bucket is coming to Hollywood Studios in March to celebrate the release of the “Cinderella” live-action film!
New menu items debut at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney Orlando.

Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, Dining Events at Four Seasons Orlando, Fairfax Fare at Disney’s Hollywood Studios no longer serving breakfast, Special Menus at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen for Orange County Restaurant Week, New Menu at Maya Grill, and more!

We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go.

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Do you start your morning with a Disney coffee mug? Yep, we thought so!

Facebook Friend Nicola showed us this “cup of magic”. Yum!!

A cup of magic

And Eugene, another Facebook Friend, shared his brew in a Starbucks mug from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015

We recently launched The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2015-16 Disney vacations, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans while in Disney World.

The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 490 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World.

It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBStore.com to pick it up!!

For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2015 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!

Note: If you purchased the 2014 Guide last year, scroll down for details on repeat purchase discounts.

Here’s Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2015 Guide:

Over 490 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!
An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and lounges
An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis [Read more…]

News! 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival FULL Food Menus!

By AJ 10 Comments

We have big news from Epcot today!

The 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menus are Finally Here!

With just a week to go before the opening of the 2015 Flower and Garden Festival, we have the full list of menus for the super popular Outdoor Kitchens! Mark your calendars — the Festival lasts from March 4 through May 17.

These Outdoor Kitchens, which are similar to Marketplace Booths that dominate the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, feature delicious small plates that allow you to taste fresh flavors from the garden.

We Loved This Violet Lemonade at the 2013 Flower and Garden Festival!

We Loved This Violet Lemonade at the 2014 Flower and Garden Festival!

There are lots and lots of new things to try. A brand new Outdoor Kitchen will debut in 2015. Botanas Botánico will be located between the France and Morocco Pavilions and will feature food and drink with a Venezuelan influence.

Sadly, we’ve also confirmed that one of our favorites, [Read more…]

Sneak Peek! Ice Pop Frozen Cocktail Coming to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

By AJ 9 Comments

It is less than one month until Epcot officially welcomes Spring with the 2015 Flower & Garden Festival beginning on March 4, 2015!

Even among all the gorgeous topiaries and fun Garden Rocks Concert Series, what we at the DFB look forward to most is the Outdoor Kitchens. They’re similar to the Marketplace Booths at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, offering plates and sips in appetizer portions allowing you to sample a wide variety of flavors throughout your World Showcase stroll.

And today, thanks to the twitter feed of L’artisan des Glaces, we’ve got a glimpse of a new offering coming to the Outdoor Kitchen in France: the Ice Pop Frozen Cocktail!

Ice Pop Frozen Cocktail © L'artisan des Glaces

It’s Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach, vodka, and iced tea. While [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 1, 2015

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

We love the cupcakes at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this week’s fun find was the new Simba Lion Cub Cupcake!

Lion Cub cupcake

In other news, find out why the Starbucks Epcot mugs were pulled from shelves, details on the Flower and Garden Festival, and more!

For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below!

Disney Food News

Kusafari Bakery in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is home to some pretty memorable cupcakes. We’re trying the Simba Lion Cub Cupcake while seeing what’s become of some old favorites!
We have some new details today about the 2015 Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World’s Epcot — including a new Outdoor Kitchen, menu details, and the Garden Rocks Concert Lineup!
If you’re looking to complete your collection of Disney Starbucks “You Are Here” mugs, you may be in for a wait, as Disney World pulls the Epcot version off of shelves. Find out why here.
We’re trying a campfire classic at Herbie’s Drive-In at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios: S’mores!

Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, and more!

We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go.

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Disney vacations offer some of our favorite hearty meals. Let’s take a look at savory plates sent in by our Facebook Friends. On the Disney Fantasy, Narda enjoyed this turkey and dressing entree.

Turkey and the fixings on Disney Fantasy

Or maybe we should throw in a sweet with our savory?! Yep, I think so too. Darren sent in a picture of the Lobster Roll and Blueberry Cobbler from Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom. That cobbler looks ah-mazing!!!

Lobster Roll and Blueberry Cobbler

Do you have a favorite sweet or savory? Share your Disney food photos!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 Grand Launch and Discount

We’re celebrating the grand launch of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2015-16 Disney vacations, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans while in Disney World.

It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBStore.com to pick it up!!

For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2015 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!

Note: If you purchased the 2014 Guide last year, scroll down for details on repeat purchase discounts.

Here’s Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2015 Guide:

Over 450 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!
An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and lounges
An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis [Read more…]

News! New Botanas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen Debuts at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Plus Garden Rocks Concert Line Up

By Brooke 11 Comments

It’s exciting to think that we’re just a little over a month away from the start of the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival!

We’ve always enjoyed this beautiful special event, but now it’s right up our alley since they added Outdoor Kitchens to World Showcase. Similar to Marketplaces Booths at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, they offer tapas-like dishes and sips of all kinds of interesting beverages. It’s super sweet to sample and stroll as you take in all of the gorgeous gardens!

We’re anxiously awaiting all of the puzzle pieces to fall into place about this year’s menus, but today, we have a couple of new details!

New Botanas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen Coming to World Showcase

First and foremost, the FOOD! A brand new Outdoor Kitchen will debut in 2015. Botanas Botánico will be located between the France and Morocco Pavilions. This is the area that was occupied by the Brazil Marketplace Booth during the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, so we’re wondering if this will be a featured gathering spot of sorts.

We’re Wondering if the Puerto Rico Marketplace Booth from the Food and Wine Festival May Do Double Duty as the Botanas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen During Flower and Garden!

From the menu, we’re guessing that the influence will be South American in general, and Venezuelan in particular. At any rate, we can’t wait to see the set up!

Speaking of the menu, we already have a few details. Dishes here will include [Read more…]

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