food IS a theme park
We had a case of wanderlust this week, and instead of getting out the passport and packing, we just hopped over to spend the day in Epcot. Our journey started with some time spent in Future World, followed by a trip around the World Showcase. And boy, did we find a lot new eats and buys for you on this “trip”!
Epcot
Bonjour from Chefs de France!
Chefs de France is located, of course, in none other than Epcot’s France Pavilion. If you’ve been reading the DFB for any length of time you already know that France is a must-visit Pavilion when it comes to dining options in the World Showcase, what with Counter Service and snack showstoppers like Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie and L’Artisan des Glaces, as well as signature drinks like the Grand Marnier Orange Slush.
But the longtime favorite we’re visiting today is one of the Pavilion’s two Table Service restaurants (the other being Monsieur Paul, the signature dining option). And “longtime” is definitely the operative word, as Chefs de France has been welcoming guests since the park’s opening.
But that doesn’t mean things have stayed exactly the same over the years. In fact, our recent visit was due to some changes at Chefs de France that we wanted to check out for ourselves.
Chefs de France
The change includes a new menu, and we made a midday Advance Dining Reservation to scope out the situation. [Read more…]
We’re already back at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie!
And why not? With the huge assortment of classic pastries, desserts, soups, sandwiches… let me think, did I miss anything? Oh, right… quiche, salads, baguettes, macarons…. well, you’re gonna need more than a few trips to hit it all! Should you be a wee bit overwhelmed with your choices here (and who could blame you?), we’re here to help.
It’s more of the sweet stuff today, and we’re focusing on a classic as well as a dessert with a little twist.
The Mousse au Chocolat is our classic.
I don’t know if it’s my bias towards all things Les Halles, but the Chocolate Mousse here — both in appearance and flavor — strike me as a bit darker and richer than other mousse desserts I’ve tried.
Mouse au Chocolat
As expected, it’s light and creamy, and you can definitely call it “airy,” though it still has a bit of substance to it.
Topped off with a sprinkling of crunchy garnish, the mousse scratches that itch for [Read more…]
It’s become one of my life goals to eat my way through the entire bakery case at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France Pavilion.
And why not? This place rarely churns out a dud, even though the selection is HUGE.
Now, I do have to say, I’m quite partial to my favorites: for example, the Frangipane (puff pastry with an almond filling), which I’ve adored ever since I tried it at the Food and Wine Festival’s Parisian Breakfast last year, and the Brix aux Pommes, which has become a more recent favorite of mine.
So sometimes it’s hard to switch gears and choose beyond those. But a goal is a goal and I aim to do my readers proud! To that end, I’d like to show you a few other staples in that bakery case that I haven’t previously showcased on the blog.
Welcome back to Les Halles!
Les Halles
Les Halles
While there are plenty of savory options at Les Halles (it’s a great spot to grab soup and a sandwich), today we’re focusing on the sweet stuff. Let’s check out a few more French goodies tucked inside!
Bakery Case at Les Halles
In fact, the treats we’re checking out today are displayed side by side in there, even though they are quite different from each other. We’re trying the Parfaits aux Fruits and a little something by the name of “Duo.”
First up, the oddly titled “Duo.” Initial impression? It’s gorgeous. A smooth chocolate dome reflects the light in the bakery case and catches your eye immediately.
Duo
The small chocolate topper gives you a hint as to [Read more…]
So, here we are on our second trip to L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion in one week!
You may have seen our review of the new Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich, but we just had to make it back right away to taste their brand new flavor. Take a deep breath, ‘cuz this one is a mouthful: Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch Ice Cream.
And it’s good to be back so soon for another visit, because let’s face it – if there’s a list of places at Disney World that merit more than one trip during your vacation, L’Artisan des Glaces deserves to be on it.
That case full of 16 homemade flavors of ice cream and sorbet just doesn’t disappoint.
L’Artisan des Glaces ice cream case
Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch in the case
There are so many words in the name “Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch,” it barely fits on the menu!
Flavor Menu
Menu close-up
Fortunately, the Cast Member knew exactly what I was going for when I said, “May I have one scoop in a cup of the… um, Caramel, Cinnamon… uhh, Crumble … stuff? Please?”
Smooth. As. Silk. 😉
So, with that little tongue-twister out of the way, it was time to give it a try.
A cup of Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch
The name, of course, is a full description of a very full-flavored ice cream. You can immediately see the [Read more…]
Today, we have a real treat for you!
Monsieur Paul Restauarant in Epcot's France Pavilion
We are heading through the unassuming door and up the fabled staircase above Epcot’s Les Chefs de France to savor a meal at the newly revamped Monsieur Paul Restaurant!
Located in the France Pavilion within Epcot, Monsieur Paul was formerly Bistro de Paris. When the signature restaurant underwent refurbishment last year, it received a new name, honoring the life and legacy of legendary chef and owner Paul Bocuse.
But what else had changed? We were curious as well. And so, armed with a camera, my notebook, and an appetite, I recently made my way through the double doors to bring the story to you.
This is going to be a long one (over 50 photos!!), so settle in for a culinary journey!
As you poke around the France Pavilion and see glasses of wine and glaces for sale, you’ll encounter this sign letting you know of your (less obvious) dining options.
External Sign Showing France Pavilion Restaurants
And it’s a good thing! Because unless you know it’s there, it would be pretty easy to pass right by the entrance for Monsieur Paul, which is actually tucked back into the pavilion, wrapped behind the more prominent Les Chefs de France.
Monsieur Paul Menu Plaque
With its crisp awning cover and double doors, it blends in as just another part of the authentic themeing in the pavilion — which nearly convinces you that you’re in Paris.
Monsieur Paul -- Outside
Just like high-end restaurants that are hidden to all but those who have been let in on the secret, you won’t see any flashy signs hanging over the door. Instead, you’ll simply catch a glimpse (if you’re really looking for it) of [Read more…]
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