food IS a theme park
It’s no surprise we find ourselves often at Wine Bar George when visiting Disney Springs!
Wine Bar George
Between their heavenly burrata and yummy seasonal offerings (hello there DOLE WHIP Frozcato!), they continue to deliver delicious options that keep us coming back again and again.
The following is a guest post by my good friend Daniel Wanderman of WanderDisney.com. WanderDisney is a website (and instagram account!) dedicated to building a database of Disney related locations across the world, categorizing them and putting them on a map to make it easy for you to visit the next time you’re traveling the world or looking to expand your Disney knowledge. Daniel has been a friend since the early days of DFB and I’d be grateful if you’d take a peek at his amazing site!
The Carnevale festival takes place every year on the streets and canals of Italy’s island city of Venice. Dating back to the 12th century, Carnevale celebrates a political victory of the Republic of Venice. Upon hearing news of the win, the citizens took to town squares (or piazzas) to celebrate with music and dancing.
Dancing at Maria & Enzo’s Carnevale!
The festivities became so popular that this turned in to an annual event for the few weeks leading up to Lent each year. [Read more…]
It’s (almost!) time!! Wine Bar George will open on Saturday, May 19th in Disney Springs!!
Wine Bar George
And we have a SNEAK PEEK of the newest spot in Disney Springs, owned by Master Sommelier George Miliotes! [Read more…]
Yesterday, we gave you a bunch of brand new news to process about the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
While we updated you on deets about NEW and returning Food and Wine Marketplace Booths, we’re also sharing some of the ways that Disney will celebrating this 20th Anniversary Milestone!
Some of the biggest news about this year’s Festival is that Marketplace Booths are expanding into Future World. Last week, we told you about two new Chew-inspired Marketplaces — Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab. The Booths will be located in an area called Next Eats. Today we’re learning that this area will likely be located near the Epcot Character Spot in FutureWorld, steps away from The Land Pavilion.
We are also learning more about the other two Future World booths located in the Artistry of Wine and Cheese area. These sister spots will be located on [Read more…]
It’s time once again to look in on one of my favorite “hidden” spots in Epcot — Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar!
Tutto Gusto, located on the left as you travel through the Italy Pavilion toward Via Napoli at the back, hasn’t been open for very long. But in the short span of three years, Tutto Gusto has become a part of the fabric of World Showcase.
With its commitment to offering small plates that feature authentic Italian cuisine, Tutto Gusto has continued to be a DFB favorite. But you know me — I’m never content to continue recommending a spot unless I know for sure that it still deserves to be recommended!
So, in the name of research, a friend and I headed there to grab a light dinner during a recent visit to Walt Disney World. We tried some new things and revisited some favorites. Let’s check it out.
Although the sign for Tutto Gusto is perched high and prominent, it’s still sort of easy to miss it if you aren’t looking for it. You may mistake it for another entrance to neighboring Tutto Italia, if you notice it at all.
Tutto Italia and Gusto Wine Cellar
The entrance sits back a little, but Cast Members are usually flanking the door, and you’ll also notice the menus posted outside. Pay attention and you’ll find it.
Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
Walk in and (after your eyes adjust to the darkened area) you’ll notice that the bar is front and center, serving as the small venue’s main feature.
Gusto Bar
Wine is king here, but you’ll also find an increasingly interesting array of Italian craft beers. Tutto Gusto also offers a full liquor bar. Check out the Italian-inspired cocktail menu, or order your favorite. Whatever you’re looking for, they can make it.
Gusto Bar
Because this is a wine bar, however, much of the real estate is given over to vino. Amuse yourself as you wait by checking out the ever-changing variety of Italian wines that are available by the glass or bottle.
Wine Fridge
Wine Fridge
But Tutto Gusto has more to offer than just beverages. From the get go, I prized this spot for their amazing array of small plates. There’s a display of some of the offerings to whet your appetite.
Antipasti Showcase at Tutto Gusto
As is usually the case when you’re dining anywhere in the Disney universe, be sure to look up! The details of a spot usually include some really cool lighting, and Gusto is no exception.
Wine Bottle Lighting
You will find that Tutto Gusto can reach capacity rather easily — hence those Cast Members stationed at the doors. There isn’t a ton of seating here, but what you do find is rustic, cozy, and fairly comfortable. It is a little “close”, however, so if you prize privacy or personal space, you may want to look at the couch options.
Gusto Table
Speaking of…you’ll find more comfy seating flanking the fireplace, another nice focal point in the small space.
Gusto Fireplace Area
Tables and stools here are low and well padded. It’s a great place to relax and catch up with friends, or to just take a breather from the bright sunshine.
Fireplace Area Seating at Tutto Gusto
And it truly is a beautiful location. Personally, I think they hit the themeing out of the park. Don’t you love the brick ceiling?
Tutto Gusto Seating
Having shown you around, I’m ready to get down to the serious business of [Read more…]
Fun news for anyone heading to Disney World soon!
Citricos at the Grand Floridian Resort has announced monthly wine dinners for 2013.
At this time, the first four wine dinners have been confirmed. For a special evening, book one of these fabulous events!
Jan 23rd- Willamette Valley VineyardsFeb 8th- Foxen VineyardApril 11th- Santa Barbara/Lafond WineryMay 2nd- [Read more…]
Normally I write about Disney Food for Families. This means I share tips about dining with children at Walt Disney World.
Sometimes a glass of wine hits the spot after a long day in the park!
But I’m here now to acknowledge that Mom and Dad are also an important part of a Disney family vacation, too. Oh gosh, am I even allowed to say that? 🙂
Don’t tell my kiddos, but sometimes, after a long day of hunting for FastPasses, adjudicating squabbles, masterminding wait-time entertainment, and taking the brave one (why is there always a brave one?) on Tower of Terror for the third time in a row, yes sometimes Mommy needs a evening unwind, facilitated by a little drinkie-poo. Yep, sometimes old Mom needs a glass of wine.
Wine and other friendly alcoholic beverages are, of course, readily available at restaurants and lounges throughout Walt Disney World. Heck, you can now even get yourself a nice Pinot Gris in the Magic Kingdom.
But often the place you most want your relaxing drink is where you can, you know, actually relax. You want your adult beverage in your hotel room, when the pups are asleep. You want to be able to shower off the day, put your feet up, snuggle in front of a non-G-rated movie, and enjoy your vino in your jammies.
Can’t do that in the bar downstairs unless you’re in the mood for some unwanted attention from security.
Chilled wine by the bottle, for sale in the Saratoga Springs gift shop
The obvious solution is to bring a bottle of wine to your room. And, having always thought of everything, Disney is ready to accommodate.
ALL the Walt Disney World hotels sell a selection of bottled beers, wines, and spirits in their gift shops or food courts. Even better, all the Disney hotels now have in-room refrigerators provided free of charge. You can keep your hooch cool without having to make a PJ-clad run to the ice machine down the hall. (Is it super obvious that I’ve done this on more than one occasion?)
The selection of bottled alcohol varies quite a bit from resort to resort and from week to week. But generally you can find several brands of domestic and imported beer, basic hard liquors, and a handful of red, white, and rose wines. The deluxe resorts also often have chilled champagne in their refrigerator cases.
To give you an idea of what you might expect, here are some photos of the alcohol selection taken at various Disney World resorts over the [Read more…]
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!
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!
Thanks again to Amanda Tinney for the fantastic Sanaa Review yesterday! To accompany that piece, we’re thrilled that our friends at Cork’d.com have put together a list of highly-recommended wine list suggestions, and have even explained specifically why these wines will complement the unique menu of Indian and African cuisine at Sanaa.
Sanaa Wine Recommendations
The Sanaa wine list has a rich focus on South African wines, but also highlights some great options from around the world, including offerings from Italy, California, and New Zealand.
Sanaa Wine List -- Subject to Change -- Copyright Disney -- Click for Larger Version
2008 Martin Codax Albarino: A crisp, refreshing, and highly acidic grape varietal, Albarino is most often found in the Northwest of Spain’s *Rias Baixas* region. Because these wines are so aromatic and flavor filled, they pair really well with the intensely flavored, aromatic cuisines, such as Indian. Martin Codax is one of the most recognized wineries in Rias Baixas, producing consistent and well-received Albarino year after year.
2008 Boutari Moschofilero: Moschofilero isn’t your everyday Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. This grape has made a name [Read more…]
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