food IS a theme park
Just in time for Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, add another must-have to your collectible list!
Cozy Cone Motel Dinoco Oil Can Sippers, ©Disney
Disney will roll out supa cute Oil Can Sippers during the [Read more…]
Today, we are heading back to Disneyland for some inspiration in the kitchen!
I recently stumbled upon this brilliant recipe by Rumbly Tumbly. While my attention perked up as soon as I saw a recipe for one of my favorite Disneyland Treats, the Matterhorn Macaroon, I was even more excited to see that one of my DFB posts had inspired the author to try her hand at recreating the treats in the first place!
Disneyland’s Matterhorn Macaroon
Shannon’s version looks so much like the original and sounds so chewy, moist and delicious. I’m definitely inspired to try my own hand at these giant treats!
Inspired by the Original Treat at Disneyland
Makes 12 Macaroons
Ingredients:
1 cup room temperature butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract
1 cup sweetened, shredded coconut – see note below for how to prepare coconut
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 bag of Wilton Bright White Candy melts
decorators sugar for sprinkling
Instructions: [Read more…]
There’s an iconic dessert in Disneyland that everyone’s got to try at least once. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue offers giant cookie bakes for dessert, which are amazing; but they also offer a S’mores Bake built for a crowd!
Big Thunder Ranch BBQ
We had a chance to sample this dessert firsthand a while back.
S’more Bake at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue
What makes this version of s’mores so fantastic? It takes your indulgence to the next level by making it on a base of Brownies. Brownies.
For ease, this recipe calls for a Brownie Mix to get you started. But you should absolutely feel free to substitute your favorite brownie recipe if you’d like to make the brownies from scratch. Either way, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be awesome.
Enjoy!
Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 (10.5-ounce) box fudge brownie mix
1 (1-pound) bag large marshmallows
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons hot fudge sauce, warmed
8 graham crackers
Instructions: [Read more…]
Whenever I’m in need of a trip to the Park that Started It All, but don’t have the time to jet off to California, I love to check out YOUR shots on Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza, our Flickr group. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, head over there! It’s the perfect way to get your extra Disney food fix. 🙂
Today, I thought I’d share some of our best reader photos of favorite dishes in Disneyland.
Disneyland Dole Whip Float
Let’s take a closer look at a few of our favorites in this latest installment of our Disney Food Pics of the Week Series!
Photographer: Michael Greening
There are a couple of different spots in Disneyland that I must check out every time I visit, and one of them is Cafe Orleans. A trip just wouldn’t feel complete with at least one Monte Cristo Sandwich, and an order of Frites to share (HA!). (Michael did it right here, with two sauces!) And while you’re at it, you have to try Disneyland’s famed Mint Juleps at least once!
A Stop at Cafe Orleans for Frites and a Mint Julep
Photographer: Kirsten Marie Hutton
There was never a better caption for a pic — “It’s not a trip to Disneyland…” — without a stop at the Corn Dog Truck! Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs are one of the DL treats that is a [Read more…]
has taken over the Backlot area of Disney California Adventure, and with it come some pretty tasty snacks. Let’s head inside of Olaf’s Snow Fest and see what Arendelle has to offer.
Olaf’s Snow Fest
The lighting inside of Olaf’s Snow Fest is very pink, so it made for a tough photo spot. Adorable nonetheless though! A snack area in the corner is set up so that visitors to Arendelle can recharge after playing in the snow. Although there is only one spot to order, the area is organized to look like separate food booths with different offerings.
Arendelle Eats
The menu is set up in the center of the snack area.
Snow Fest Menu Board
On my recent visit, I tried just about everything they had to offer!
Arendelle Offerings
The first [Read more…]
St. Patrick’s Day
is TODAY! (Are you wearing green??) And if you’re looking to join in the celebration of all things Irish, we have some great suggestions for observing the holiday at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District!
Say Cheers with Green Beer!
Whether you’re after delicious St. Paddy’s Day-inspired dishes, or entertainment to stoke the festive spirit, here’s what you need to know to celebrate the Luck o’ the Irish at the popular spot!
Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar started the party earlier! During the entire month of March, guests can enjoy their homestyle Corned Beef Reuben served on a rustic Marble Rye Roll. The sandwich comes with Uva’s Garlic Shoestring French Fries. Pair the platter with Red Trolley Irish Red Ale by Karl Strauss.
Shaved Corned Beef Reuben and Trolley Irish Red Ale at Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar
Crossroads Restaurant at House of Blues will offer lots of options for hungry guests in search of a hearty Irish feast. Look for menu additions such as Corned Beef Sliders, Cheese Soup featuring Guinness, Fish and Chips, and a Reuben Sandwich made in the traditional style with Corned Beef. Add [Read more…]
Okay. So I tried to come up with the Top Three Disneyland Restaurants for First Timers. But there was no way I could limit my picks to just three. So then, I said, hey, let’s try for the Top Five.
Even still.
So in the end, I cut myself off at Eight. 🙂
Matterhorn!
There is so much good food in Disneyland. Really, it was super hard not to just give you a list of pretty much every restaurant there, and call it a day.
But if you must narrow it down, these are the restaurants that I love. These are the spots that I’d go to every single time if I could. (And mostly, I do.)
Heading to Disneyland, or just dreaming about a pilgrimage there? Check out my picks for the places you have to visit during your very first trip. Whether you’re looking for a meal or a snack, you can’t go wrong with putting these spots on your list.
If I could only eat at one spot in Disneyland for the rest of my life, I’m fairly sure that spot would be Cafe Orleans. Located on New Orleans Square, it’s offers some of the beautiful patio seating that Disneyland is known for.
Outdoor Patio at Cafe Orleans
But I’m going to be honest — Cafe Orleans claims the distinction of offering not just one or two, but three of my favorite Disneyland dishes. (And that’s pretty much all I ever eat there.) First, when you visit here, I insist you order the Pommes Frites. Tossed with Garlic and Parmesan, they’re served with a Cajun Remoulade ramekin. I also insist you order TWO remoulades. At least. Per person.
Cafe Orleans Pommes Frites
While I love their gumbo here as well, it’s the Monte Cristo Sandwich that I can’t live without. Pockets of bread layered with Ham, Turkey, and Swiss Cheese are lightly battered and deep-fried. Served with Berry Puree for dipping, this is pretty much something everyone should eat at least once in life.
Monte Cristo at Cafe Orleans
Not a meat-eater? There’s also an All-Cheese Version. No. Seriously. There is.
Behold. The Three-Cheese Monte Cristo. Did I mention the Double Creme Brie?
Three-Cheese Monte Cristo at Disneyland’s Cafe New Orleans
But save room for dessert — because you can’t pass on the Mickey Beignets served with Dipping Sauces.
Mickey Beignets with Sauces
Have this meal just once, and you can say “I’ve been to Disneyland” properly as far as I’m concerned.
But Cafe Orleans has an older, slightly more posh sister — Blue Bayou. And while I usually skip it in favor of Cafe Orleans, if you’re visiting the ‘Land for the first time, you really need to experience this place.
Because more than anything, Blue Bayou is an experience; it’s as much an attraction as a restaurant.
Blue Bayou Atmosphere
Because the restaurant is fashioned to look like a verandah on a river’s edge. Look below you into the water, and you see travelers, en route to explore the mysteries of the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Honestly, the food is less important here to me than the “view.” I have enjoyed the New Orleans Signature Gumbo. And in this setting, it’s even better.
New Orleans Signature Gumbo
And yep, to be honest, I like to order the Monte Cristo here, too!
Le Special de Monte Cristo Sandwich
It’s a little fancier (and more expensive), but just as delicious.
Some of my Disneyland dining choices are obviously sentimental; either I love the restaurant, the food, or both. But it’s not like they’re the tip-top of the culinary pyramid or anything. But then, there’s Napa Rose.
Start Your Napa Rose Adventure With a Glass of Wine on the Outside Patio
Nestled inside Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Napa Rose stands as a testament to fine California fusion cuisine, inspired by fresh farm-to-market ingredients.
Chef Sutton’s Chili Base — Even Base Ingredients are Created in House From Scratch
Chef Andrew Sutton is in charge here, and his menus make use of the freshest items. Prepare to be [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: River Belle Terrace no longer serves breakfast as of February 10, 2016, and is now a table service restaurant for lunch and dinner.
You’re in the Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland!! And you’re ready to kick off a fun-filled day of park touring, thrills, and lots of character interaction. These are the streets that Walt himself walked, the Park that started them all!
But how do you ensure that your day gets off to a great start? By kicking it off with the most important meal of the day!
There are tons of iconic snacks and delicious meals that we love to enjoy every time we visit Disneyland. But there are also some terrific breakfast options, too. Today, we’ll take a closer look at some of our favorites.
If it’s a leisurely, sit-down breakfast you’re looking forward to, you can’t go wrong with Steakhouse 55. Located in Disneyland Hotel, this restaurant has been around nearly as long as the Park itself. It offers a quiet and elegant way to start off a day of Disney fun.
Steakhouse 55 in Disneyland Hotel — A Quiet Way to Start Your Day
Sometimes, I really love the option to fill up on a big breakfast, and then snack or eat lightly through the rest of the day. And there’s a no more luxurious morning splurge than a beautifully cooked plate of New York Steak and Eggs!
New York Steak and Eggs
You can also customize your breakfast a bit and Build Your Own Omelette. Choose three from a list of fillings to make your breakfast totally unique.
Choose to Build Your Own Omelette
Add some of those delicious Roasted Potatoes, and you’ll be fueled up for hours of Disney fun.
Other times, my first priority is to get into the Parks super early, and then find a bite to eat. After all, there’s something truly magical about being one the of the first people in!
When I’m more interested in touring than spending precious time waiting for my order to arrive, I head to River Belle Terrace. And actually, there are two reasons that this is one of my favorite Disneyland breakfast spots. First off, the patio area offers gorgeous views of the Rivers of America. For me, this is such a serene way to start my day.
View from River Belle Terrace
Although it’s a counter service spot, this isn’t food that you eat on the go. Comforting options like Biscuits and Gravy demand that you stop long enough to enjoy your meal.
Of course, you can’t enjoy breakfast here without at least one Mickey Pancake! Enjoying one while watching for the Mark Twain Riverboat to paddle by is Disney Bucket List stuff!
Mickey Pancake
But don’t pass up the chance to try the [Read more…]
has taken over the Disneyland Resort, and with it comes new entertainment, activities, shopping, and fun eats!
The Snowberry Twist has debuted at Maurice’s Treats and it’s a pretty tasty addition to the other “Twists” that they serve up!
Maurice’s Treats in Disneyland’s Fantasy Faire
The Snowberry Twist is $3.89; it’s blueberry filled and topped with edible glitter and blue sugar crystals.
Snowberry Twists on Display
It’s hard to see in the photo, but the edible glitter is in the blueberry filling. This treat is pretty & delicious!
Snowberry Twist Close Up
Snowberry Twists are sort of a hybrid of a croissant and a jelly donut. The pastry is flaky and served up warm. They are also generously sized and perfect for sharing. The blueberry filling is not overly sweet or artificial tasting. I definitely enjoyed the flavor. It’s no Pumpkin Twist, but it was still great! The filling is also thick, making the twist easy to eat without getting too messy!
Snowberry Twist Close Up
If you’re a Frozen Fan, I suggest grabbing a Snowberry Twist and settling in for a showing of Frozen at the Royal Theater. If you’re not a Frozen fan, grab one and get the heck out of that area!
Regardless, twists from Maurice’s Treats are not to be missed. It’s a great little snack stop in the heart of Fantasy Faire.
Have you been to Maurice’s Treats? Do you have a favorite twist? Are you looking forward to trying the Snowberry Twist? Let us know in the comments below!
Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here!
Okay, you lucky Californians (and anyone who might be visiting Disneyland the first week of March)…
FIVE Disneyland restaurants are participating in Orange County Restaurant Week!
Running for just one week, March 1-7, 2015, Restaurant Week features 100 of the best Orange County restaurants offering special discounted prix fixe menus.
Led by Chef Marcel St Pierre, Disneyland Hotel’s Steakhouse 55 will return to the event this year.
Three courses will be offered for $50 (an optional wine pairing is available for an additional $35):
Guests will choose from among the following for their Starter Course: Hearts of Romaine, Chilled Tiger Prawns, or Creamy Onion Soup.
Entree options include: Grilled Petite Filet Mignon, Pan-roasted Double Breast of Chicken, Slow-roasted Prime Rib, Fava Bean & Rye Crusted King Salmon (all served with sautéed French green beans and Delmonico potatoes). Per Disney, vegetarian options will be available upon request.
And, of course, there’s still dessert! Choose from Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee or Chocolate Mousse Cake.
Inside the Cool and Serene Steakhouse 55
Also participating in Restaurant Week are Naples Ristorante, Tortilla Jo’s, Catal, and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney Anaheim. Check ocrestaurantweek.com for menu information as it becomes available.
Reservations can be made by [Read more…]
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