Drinking Around the World | the disney food blog

Review: New Sake Mists at Kabuki Cafe in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion

We’re coming to you today from Kabuki Cafe!

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

This pretty but understated snack stand in Epcot’s beautiful Japan Pavilion is easy to pass by, unless you know about Kakigori — the Japanese Shaved Ice that is Kabuki Cafe’s star treat (it’s also a spot to grab a super quick Sushi snack for your Showcase stroll).

Fans of Kakigori know that the Shaved Ice typically comes in your choice of fruit flavors like Strawberry, Melon, Cherry, or Tangerine (or you can try ‘em all with the Rainbow option). You can get it with or without the Sweet Milk Topping, but that’s about the only twist available to this classic icy cold snack.

Until now… thanks to the addition of Sake Mists to the menu!

Kabuki Cafe

Unlike the regular Kakigori, these drinks — as you’ve likely deduced from the name — are for adults only. They pair the Shaved Ice with alcohol, and Blood Orange, Chocolate Cherry, and Coffee are your flavor choices. [Read more…]

Friday Happy Hour: Beet, and Blood Orange Margaritas at Epcot’s La Cava del Tequila

By AJ and the DFB Team 9 Comments

Looking for a unique margarita? Well, look no further than La Cava del Tequila!

Learn About:La Cava del Tequila

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Tucked inside Epcot’s gorgeous Mexico Pavilion, this cozy tequila house was once considered something of a hidden gem. While it’s definitely still a gem, it can no longer really be considered “hidden,” judging by the lines that can easily extend out the door. In fact, these lines were likely part of the recent change in hours for La Cava, which now opens at 11:30 am (as opposed to the previous Noon opening). AND you can grab a quick ‘rita after Illuminations if you’d like; closing time has now been extended to 9:30 pm.

La Cava has well-earned a solid reputation for its impressive selection of tequila, some freaking amazing Queso, and a staff with passion and knowledge about all things related to tequila as well as creative margarita concoctions.

And what’s better than a margarita from La Cava? Why, that would be TWO margaritas from La Cava!

So join me as I try an old favorite — the Blood Orange Margarita — along with a newer selection that was just begging for a taste test: the Beet Margarita.

La Cava del Tequila

But first… remember those lines I mentioned? These days, this joint is pretty much always jumpin’… the shot below serves as an example of the packed house on my recent visit. [Read more…]

Review: Wine Flights and Artisanal Cheese Plate at Epcot’s Weinkeller

By AJ 19 Comments

OK, I LOVE THIS!!!! It’s been on my list to get over here for-EVER and review this little gem for you guys, so let’s get to it!

(::Leans in conspiratorially to whisper…::) Tell me… have you ever spent much time at the Weinkeller in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion?

Germany Courtyard

Well, git on over there. Cause it’s got some stuffs.

Atmosphere and Eats

Tucked in next door to Die Weihnachts Ecke Christmas shop (it’s also a neighbor to Biergarten Restaurant), if you walk through the Weinkeller too quickly, you may think it only sells bottles of wine along with some odds and ends like German cookbooks, chocolates, and a few other souvenirs. [Read more…]

Great New Drinks to Enjoy at Disney World

By AJ 9 Comments

Well, I guess it’s time… Florida sure had a beautiful “winter,” but as much as I’ve tried to deny it over the past few weeks, we’re back to the time of year when it’s not unusual to see the thermometer (otherwise known as my weather app) climb back up into the 90s.

One good thing about all that? It’s the perfect excuse to cool down with some cold beverages! And since we’re looking at hanging out in the heat until… oh, until the end of the 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival in, like, November, now is as good a time as any to check out some highly recommended sips!

So today we’re stopping at two Disney World Parks, one Resort, and Downtown Disney to check out some of the latest and greatest concoctions. We’re focusing primarily on some killer cocktails, but we’ll end with a little something for kids (and kids at heart!), too!

So grab a straw and a teeny-tiny umbrella, because we’re starting with a new vacation must-have…

Spikey Pineapple

We’ve just gotta dive in with this new gem at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: the Spikey Pineapple.

Spikey Pineapple

While most of the drink menu at the Tiki Terrace is the same as that inside Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, you can ONLY enjoy the Spikey Pineapple outside on the Tiki Terrace… and it is well worth a special visit.

Why? Because this is Pineapple Soft-Serve (Dole Whip!) served in a sippable form and spiked with Barbancourt Pango Rhum.

Spikey Pineapple menu description

If you’re a fan of Dole Whip (and especially the rum-spiked Pineapple Soft-serve at the Epcot Food & Wine and Flower and Garden Festivals and in Animal Kingdom), or just fantastic tropical vacation drinks in general, this one is a must-try!

Tamarind Margarita

What’s a post about drinks in Disney World without mentioning one of the greatest watering holes this side of the Mississippi (and, OK, the other side, too)? Over in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion, La Cava del Tequila sets the standard for incredible and creative margaritas served alongside high-end tequilas.

La Cava del Tequila Sign

And while the debut last fall of the Maelstrom Margarita (created in tribute to the now-extinct Maelstrom attraction formerly housed in Mexico’s neighboring Norway Pavilion) receives a lot of well-deserved buzz, it’s the Tamarind Margarita, which debuted last summer, that really knocked our socks off in a recent visit: Ambhar Blanco Tequila, tamarind pulp, orange liquor and agave nectar with a chili powder rim.

Tamarind Margarita

The tamarind and agave make this one incredibly sweet — without being too sweet (I hate too sweet), thanks to the tamarind tang, and the chili powder rim provides some kick. This one well earns its place beside the beloved Avocado Margarita. And Horchata Margarita. Oh, and the Wild Passion Fruit… 😉

Dark & Tropical Stormy

Inside at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, though, we’re loving the Dark & Tropical Stormy: Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, fresh lime juice, Ginger Beer, and Falernum.

Dark & Tropical Stormy on the Trader Sam’s menu

It’s the unique and bold taste of the ginger beer that makes this one stand out, giving it a sweet spice while the layered pour allows the rum to have its own moment as well.

Dark & Tropical Stormy

Another fun feature with many drinks inside the Grotto are toppers themed to the beverage. The Dark & Tropical Stormy’s is understandably windblown 😉 …

Dark & Tropical Stormy umbrella

Batten down the hatches and grab one!

Raspy Old Fashioned

We’re taking a trip over to Downtown Disney for our next one and stopping at Raglan Road.

Raglan Road

Understandably, lots of folks stepping into Raglan Road fancy a pint, and the [Read more…]

Review: Maelstrom and Tamarind Margaritas at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion

By AJ 6 Comments

I know, I know… we’re officially well into the second full week of 2015 already(!).

Learn About:La Cava del Tequila

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

And that probably means it’s time for me to stop wishing everyone a “Happy New Year.” But when I think of places I like to toast big occasions such as the arrival of a brand new year (or, you know… a Tuesday), it should come as no surprise that La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion is at the very top of my list.

So I’d like to take one last opportunity to toast 2015 with you here on the blog with a couple of margaritas from The House of Tequila… the Tamarind Margarita and the Maelstrom Margarita!

La Cava del Tequila Sign

La Cava del Tequila entrance inside the Mexico Pavilion

But first, we’ve got to take care of what might be the second most difficult thing to do at this popular tequila haven… and that’s find a seat.

Seating in La Cava

Backs of chairs

No matter where you sit, all signs point to the star of the show… tequila! From the mural on the wall depicting the tequila-making process, to the huge array of bottles of tequila spotlighted at the bar.

La Cava Wall Mural

La Cava del Tequila Bar

So, what’s the MOST difficult thing to do at La Cava? Naming your poison. You’ve got your choice of over twelve specialty margaritas, and that doesn’t even begin to touch on the selection of straight tequilas.

Now, you know I love the Avocado Margarita.

Avocado Margarita

Other frontrunners for me include the Horchata and the Wild Passion Fruit. But on my most recent visit I just had to start by raising a toast to a much loved (and now extinct) EPCOT Center attraction with the Maelstrom Margarita.

You may recall (of COURSE, you recall 😉 ) last October, when the Maelstrom attraction [Read more…]

Review: La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion

By AJ 16 Comments

Aaaahhh

, La Cava del Tequila… what’s a trip around World Showcase without walking inside your doors?

Learn About:La Cava del Tequila

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Well, we’re back, and we’re here to celebrate a very special birthday…La Cava del Tequila just turned five years old! For a place that’s still relatively new (in Disney World terms, anyway), it sure has earned its place on the absolute MUST list ever since opening its doors in August 2009.

We’re celebrating this special occasion with a few of my favorite things (cue the song!) and branching out with a few sips I’d never tried before.

As the saying goes, it may be “5 o’clock somewhere,” but we’re just happy when it’s 12 o’clock at La Cava del Tequila!

La Cava del Tequila Sign

“We Open at Noon”

Is it noon yet 😉 ? Then let’s step in!

Atmosphere

Small and cozy (and often crowded due to its well-deserved reputation), there’s still plenty for the eye to take in. Obviously, the tequila gets the spotlight – both figuratively and literally!

La Cava Tequilas

When you first walk in, [Read more…]

Review: Pomegranate Lime Frozen Mojito and Empanadas at La Cantina in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion

By Wendy 12 Comments

Happy NATIONAL MOJITO DAY, EVERYONE!! OK, I’ll be honest. We’d PLANNED to share this post with you on the ACTUAL National Mojito Day, but a big news item came up and we had to bump it. So this is our STAND-IN National Mojito Day. I hope that works for you. 😀

Learn About:La Cantina de San Angel

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Still, crazy how time flies, isn’t it? I remember last Mojito Day like it was yesterday! It feels like I was just putting up my Mojito Tree, baking mojito cookies and singing all my favorite mojito carols…

Oh, wait, was that just me?

Anyway, on this day as we gather with family and friends to celebrate Mojitos all around the world ;), we thought we’d show you a mojito in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion that has more than a bit of a twist… the Pomegranate Lime Frozen Mojito found at La Cantina de San Angel.

La Cantina Sign

La Cantina Drink Menu

The drink serving is huge – it fills every inch of the glass and beyond, as you can see. (At $11.50, I should hope so.) As a bonus, it’s also looks terrific!

Frozen Pomegranate Lime Mojito

A traditional Mojito is a mix of fresh mint, lime, club soda, sugar, and white rum on the rocks. The Pomegranate Lime Frozen Mojito has… well, it’s got lime 🙂 . And pomegranate!

Tequila – as opposed to rum – is the featured liquor here, and I can’t say I picked up one hint of mint. What I did pick up on was a refreshing blast of cold, fruity sweetness nicely balanced by the tart lime.

Pomegranate Lime Frozen Mojito

For all my joking about Mojito Day traditions, I’m actually not a huge mojito fan myself, so this version is far more up my alley.

You know what goes well with a tart-and-sweet beverage like this? Something

[Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 27, 2010

By AJ Leave a Comment

The Frito Kid

It’s been another big week in Disney Food news! Here are a few of our favorite stories from the past few days:

Animal Kingdom welcomes the Taste of Africa Street Party this summer. This event is free to park guests. Click the link to learn more!
Lots of new 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival info, including: a list of 2010 International Marketplace booths, timing for many of the Food and Wine Festival events, and more! Check our “Breaking News” section of the 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival info page for details
Tables in Wonderland July Events were announced, including two more dinners IN the Great Movie Ride

Also, just some quick reminders:
1. Disney Food Blog now has a Flickr Group — Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza! If you’re a flickr user, come peruse and post Disney Food pics!
2. The Disney Food Blog Foodie Fest is scheduled for October 3rd, 2010! Save the date, and sign up for The Disney Food Blog newsletter for all the latest updates on this and other Disney Food Blog events.

Now, on to the round-up!

Kevin Kidney, whose blog is one of the most interesting things in the Disney space, has sent me into Disney Food heaven with this post on the Frito Kid. You MUST (must, must, must) click this link of Jim Campbell’s Frito Kid “interactive experience.” Just drop the coin in the slot to sample a taste of Disney history. (Click here to read the history of the Frito Kid. To see more of Jim Campbell’s work, click here.)

Cookie Madness (hands-down one of my favorite baking blogs of all time) has put together a new recipe for Minnie’s Bakeshop Inspired cookies! Yum!

The Disney Blog has details on Adult Cooking Classes in Disney World’s Downtown Disney on July 10th, 2010! If you go, send pictures! 🙂

Party Through the Parks has taken Drinking Around the World to a new level.

Main Street Gazette Heads to two rarely-open Magic Kingdom counter-service spots!

Scott Joseph Orlando shares a rumor that the Empress Room might make a reappearance — for one night — this Fall.

50's Prime Time Cafe Malted Milkshake

Touring Plans had a foodie kind of week on their blog! Two of my favorite bloggers showcased favorite treats in Disney World and a meal at the 50’s Prime Time Cafe!

The English Disney Blog reviews dinner at the California Grill.

Chip and Co. posted a video about the central Disneyland Resort bakery and the work they do throughout the resort.

WDW Public Affairs released info about a Disney World-sponsored Chef’s Gala raises $170,000 for a local United Way Chapter. Thanks to StitchKingdom.com for the tip.

The Disney Website has a couple of fun interactive games for kids that will help them learn about food groups and how to choose healthy foods. I liked Mickey’s Mess Hall and Lilo’s Luau — just watch the animation and click to train for and play the games.

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Review: New Sake Mists at Kabuki Cafe in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion

Friday Happy Hour: Beet, and Blood Orange Margaritas at Epcot’s La Cava del Tequila