Narcoossees | the disney food blog

DIY Disney Recipe: Crème Brûlée from Narcoossee’s — Blowtorch Optional!

Please welcome DFB guest chef Carol E.! She’s tempting us this week with a delicious Crème Brûlée recipe from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. So, let’s dig in…

My husband and I love exploring Disney restaurants since we are lucky enough to have Walt Disney World in our backyard. On one of my birthdays, he surprised me with dinner at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!

An evening at the Grand Floridian's Lobby.

I can still remember the taste of the real vanilla bean in the crème brûlée! It was so rich and creamy. Nothing like anything I had ever tasted. The perfect ending to the perfect meal!

Our recent dessert at the Grand Floridian!

Disney Creme Brulee Recipe

I want to share with you that wonderful memory of crème brûlée filled with the taste of fresh vanilla bean and topped off with a lot of Disney magic!

I found the actual recipe from the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in the Cooking with Mickey and the Disney Chefs cookbook.

Before we get started, I do want to warn you that this is a plan ahead recipe. You need at least 3-4 hours in the fridge, but better if left in overnight before serving.

I have never made crème brûlée before, so at the end of the recipe below, I posted a few extra notes that may help you if this is your first time making it, too. By the way, this is my first and only batch so far, and it turned out perfect!

Let’s get started! Here’s your shopping list:

Ingredients — Makes 8 Servings

-2 Cups Heavy Cream

-1/2 Cup Milk

-1 Cup Sugar Plus a 1/4 cup for Sprinkling

-2 Vanilla Beans

-6 Large Egg Yolks

Ingredients for Creme Brulee Recipe

Instructions

-Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

-Take 2 bowls and separate 6 egg yolks from the whites. Place the egg yolks in the large mixing bowl. Set mixing bowl aside. (Keep the egg whites to make a fantastic egg white omelet tomorrow.) 🙂

Egg Separating

-Take 2 Vanilla Bean pods and cut in half lengthwise with a very sharp knife. Scrape seeds with the tip of the knife.

Vanilla Bean Pods

Cut Pods Lengthwise and Scrape Seeds

-In a 2 quart saucepan, bring the heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla beans and vanilla bean seeds just to a boil over medium heat. Mix all of these items together, but don’t [Read more…]

Best Disney World Restaurants for Brunch

By AJ 24 Comments

One of my favorite Disney Dining tips for saving money in Disney World is to exchange two meals for one — especially when you’re trading breakfast and lunch for an awesome brunch!

In the past, a main planning focus for many guests has been getting to the parks early so that they can grab fastpasses for favorite rides — or ride things before the crowds arrive.

But now that MyMagic+ is going to make reserving later-in-the-day ride times that much easier, you might be able to take a few days to sleep in — and save some dough at the same time!

So I’m adding to our Best Disney Restaurants Series and outlining a few of my personal favorite places to start the day off slow at Walt Disney World. I can’t wait to hear your suggestions, too!

Trattoria al Forno at the Boardwalk Resort

In spring of 2017, Trattoria al Forno introduced a brand new character brunch experience called the Bon Voyage Character Breakfast. And this character breakfast isn’t just about the princesses. In addition to character meet and greets with Rapunzel and Ariel, diners also get to meet Flynn Ryder and Prince Eric, making this one of the only character meals with princes!

Prince Eric

And the food is pretty exciting, too! Pastries and entrees are designed to reflect themes and icons from Tangled and The Little Mermaid, making this meal as fun to look at as it is to eat! We particularly enjoyed the Tower of Pancakes meant to represent Rapunzel’s tower!

Pastry assortment

Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Your African adventure begins the moment you arrive at this exotic resort and take in the splendor of the lobby. As you make your way to Boma, dark woods and thatched roofs mingle with the delicious smells to make you feel like you’ve entered an African marketplace for breakfast.

Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge

The buffet here is stocked with popular brunch options like omelets, pancakes, french toast, bacon, sausage, carved ham, breakfast potatoes, cereal, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs; but they also serve up more multi-cultural dishes, including African pastries, quinoa porridge, and bobotie — a type of quiche.

Seriously, you could totally go for that cinnamon roll right now, couldn’t you??

Boma Breakfast Pastries

Be sure to try some of the specialty [Read more…]

DFB Readers Choose! Best Disney Restaurants for Quiet Dining

By AJ 38 Comments

Need a relaxing date night? Have a sleeping baby? Want to simply get away from the crowds and the bustle of the Disney parks for a while?

We asked our friends on the Disney Food Blog Facebook Page for their recommendations on quiet dining in Disney World and Disneyland, and we want to hear YOURS, too!

The locations mentioned the most in Walt Disney World were: Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

In Disneyland, Facebook Friends gave the most shout-outs to Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park and Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Resort.

Best Disney World Restaurants For Quiet Dining

Let’s take a peek at these top Disney Food Blog reader choices for quiet dining in Disney World!

Jiko

For romance, delicious dishes, and a peaceful meal inspired by low lighting and a calming water feature view, head over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jiko.

Jiko View

Facebook Friend Adhiraj G. recommends “Jiko later in the evening! great view, great service and quiet (in a relaxed sort of way)!”

Filet and Mac and Cheese at Jiko (Mac and Cheese can be ordered by request)

A window-side table offers a beautiful view during daylight hours while savoring the gourmet cuisine. Keep an eye on the soothing “sunset wall” at the back of the restaurant, which cycles through the [Read more…]

Disney World Crème Brûlée Gallery

By AJ 36 Comments

I’ve had numerous requests from folks asking for a round-up of where you can get Crème Brûlée in Disney World, and finally we’ve put this gallery together!

Garde Manger Caramelizes Creme Brulee

For those who haven’t indulged before, classic Crème Brûlée is a dessert created from baked and cooled custard topped with (usually) blowtorched sugar forming a candied crust.

Disney pastry chefs have bent over backwards figuring out how to put their own personal touch on this decadent recipe… Let’s take a look at some of the interesting ones!

Please note that Disney dessert menus change all the time, so some of these may no longer be available on your visit.

Be sure to let us know in the comments below about your favorite Crème Brûlée desserts in Disney restaurants!!

White Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Check out Portobello‘s yummy version! The white chocolate shavings really made this dessert!

White Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Pistachio Crème Brûlée

A classic at Tony’s Town Square in the Magic Kingdom is this beloved Pistachio Crème Brûlée. And I fully agree with it’s cult favorite status — it was delicious!

pistachio creme brulee

Pistachio Creme Brulee

Key Lime and Regular Crème Brûlée Duo

Narcoossee’s

serves this dessert as a duo — two for one deal!! The true winner is the Key Lime — it’s the perfect dose of tart and tangy with the [Read more…]

Walt Disney World New Year’s Eve Dining and Special Events

By Kim LaPaglia 4 Comments

Ringing in New Year 2012 from Walt Disney World? It’s going to be a memorable night! Call 407-WDW-DINE for holiday dining information and reservations! Here are some of your options for dining on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day:

Disney Resorts and Event Spaces

Boardwalk

Atlantic Dance Hall
Dance into the New Year at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk
8 p.m. to 2 a.m., ages 21 and up.

Video DJ Tony Zapulla will play hits on the main dance floor. Beverages will be for sale from three different bars. There will be limited viewing of Epcot’s fireworks.

$37 (gratuity not included) for access to the main floor of the Dance Hall.
$80 for a VIP ticket that allows guests entrance to a private 2nd floor area with guaranteed seating and access to a private upstairs balcony for “limited” viewing of the fireworks. In addition, you’ll be able to indulge at a Dessert Station and private VIP bar. Cocktail service will also be offered.

Dress Attire: Business Casual or Formal

Parking:
Parking passes for the self parking lot will be given with advance purchases. Parking not guaranteed to be available for same day purchase.
Contemporary Resort
Chef Mickey’s (New Year’s Day brunch)
California Grill will host an evening of elegance!
$550 per person.

View of Castle from our California Grill Table

Entertainment will include casino-style games, live music and Disney characters. Enjooy food stations and beverages while watching [Read more…]

You Know You’re Eating In Disney World When…

By Kim LaPaglia 38 Comments

Let’s face it. There are a few foodie experiences at Walt Disney World and Disneyland that we don’t normally find at our hometown restaurants!

We thought it would be fun to put a few “You know you’re eating in Disney World when…” thoughts together, and we’d love to hear your additions!

Leave us a comment with your own “You know you’re eating in Disney World or Disneyland when…” experience! 😉

You Know You’re Eating In Disney World When…

There are strangers eating in the back seat of your car.

Who's in the Back Seat?!?

You memorize the color of the soap in the bathroom while your kids willingly set the table.

Setting the table

You can’t wait to take a bite out of a mouse ear.

That's better!

You get bragging rights for eating dinner while watching fireworks.

Fireworks and castle from Narcoossees

You ask a yellow bear if [Read more…]

Review: Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

By AJ 23 Comments

Learn About:Narcoossee’s

Grand Floridian
Disney World Restaurants

It’s quiet, it’s refined, the food is decent, and it’s one of those “hidden gems” when it comes to seeing the Magic Kingdom fireworks!! What more could you ask for? 😉

Narcoossee’s boasts prime real estate at the Grand Floridian resort on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and has some of the best seafood on Disney World property.

Atmosphere

Getting to Narcoossee’s can be a bit of a trick — maybe that’s why it’s still not all that difficult to get an ADR here!

The restaurant is located at the end of the Grand Floridian transportation boat dock, which means it’s about as far from the front door of the lobby (and the monorail) as you can get! If you wind up taking a boat there, it’ll be easier; but since Narcoossee’s is a signature dining location, you’ll likely be a bit dressed up, so a boat from the theme park might not be the best choice. 😉 Once you arrive at the lobby, ask a Cast Member how to get there. It’s much easier than trying to follow signs or a map.

Narcoossees Sign

Upon arriving at the restaurant, you’ll walk past the Chef’s vegetable and herb garden, which lines each side of the entry sidewalk to the resort. (Oh yeah, remember that Narccoossee’s is outside the main lobby, so bring your ‘brella if [Read more…]

Celebrate with a Chocolate Cinderella Slipper

By Kim LaPaglia 13 Comments

Learn About:Cinderella’s Royal Table

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

There are plenty of ways to celebrate with dining at Walt Disney World. And especially fitting for little princesses, romantic couples, and chocolate-lovers, the Cinderella Slipper Dessert is a decadent way to celebrate your special occasion. This dessert is exceptionally rich, and I suggest ordering one to share!

Celebrate Like Cinderella

Indulge in the chocolate slipper at Cinderella’s Royal Table, the Grand Floridian’s table-service restaurants (Citricos, 1900 Park Fare, Grand Floridian Cafe, Narcoossee’s, Victoria and Albert’s), or during afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge overlooking the beautiful Grand Floridian courtyard. You may also enjoy it at the Contemporary Resort’s restaurants California Grill and The Wave.

But you’ll need to pre-order this special treat (and lock in an Advance Dining Reservation at the restaurant of your choice!). See below for specific resort/restaurant phone numbers.

For guests dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom, your slipper special-order will be a white or milk chocolate “glass” slipper filled to the brim (and beyond) with chocolate mousse. A raspberry coulis and fresh berries are artistically added to the plate.

chocolate slipper

Grand Floridian diners will receive a white chocolate version filled with delicious cream and crowned with raspberries. Accompanying the slipper is a [Read more…]

Tables in Wonderland: July 2011 Events

By Kim LaPaglia 7 Comments

Tables in Wonderland

has announced July 2011 events! Details can be found below the photos. Click on photos for larger version!

click on image for larger version

Sunday Brunch at Narcoossee’s

Featuring the Wines of Domaine Chandon-Moët & Chandon USA

Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Date and Time: [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 22, 2011

By AJ Leave a Comment

Star Wars Weekends Specialty Popcorn Bucket

We’re reporting from Walt Disney World this weekend, and over the past couple of days I’ve racked up about a hundred new things to share with you! Better get your stretchy pants, my friends!!

This week in Disney food news:

Here’s what’s happening in the World of Disney Food this week…

A brand new specialty dining experience,Dine with an Animal Specialist, debuts at Sanaa!
The specialty popcorn bucket you see to your right comes filled with caramel corn during Star Wars Weekends in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios! —>
A Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake makes an appearance at Boardwalk Bakery!
We report on the 2012 Disney World Free Dining package announced for UK residents
Bayside Brews is confirmed to open this summer in Disney California Adventure!
Check out our guest review of the new Fork and Screen Theater in Downtown Disney Orlando.

DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Reviews

Thanks to Magical Kingdoms for publishing a great review of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Here’s what they had to say…

The 250 pages cover pretty much everything you need to know about dining at Walt Disney World, and even those who have made multiple trips may learn something new by reading this book.

See the full review here

. And get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining right here!

And now… on to the round-up!

The Passporter Moms Podcast this week is all about Disney food, and guess who they asked to join them? Thanks to Jennifer and Sara for letting me talk about my favorite subject with them!

Yesterland bids farewell to Pizza Oom Mow Mow in Disney California Adventure.

Fatherhood…Video Games…and Ice Cream shares what it’s like to be Prince of the Day at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

DisneyContemporary.com leads us to some fun (and romantic!) Contemporary Resort dining options for grown-ups.

Main Street Gazette reviews the Steakhouse Salad at the Contempo Cafe.

All Fare’s Food Blog features a guest article (by yours truly 😉 ) about dining aboard the Disney Dream.

Around Disney highlights upgraded menus at Disneyland.

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