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EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Author: AJ

UPDATES! Food Photos of Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menu Items (Plus New Marketplaces!)

By 28 Comments

Awesome news! We’re just as excited as you are that FOOD will be featured at this year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival (March 6-May 19), and now we have PICTURES!!

UPDATE: See the full list of food and beverages available at the festival here!

Below, you can see the updated menu (with extra menu items AND marketplaces added in red in the lists below) and photos of some of the eats you can expect to find a the Festival! See this post for previous details!

Menu Items Will Include:

  • Dole Whip with Spiced Rum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, fresh Zellwood Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro

Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, fresh Zellwood Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro

  • Angel Food Cake with macerated Florida Berries

angel food cake with macerated berries

  • Watermelon Salad with Pickled Red Onions

Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction

  • Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw

Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw

  • Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes are paired with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar and fresh Basil

Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes are paired with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar and fresh Basil

  • Sweet “Frushi” made with Fresh Fruits and Coconut Rice
  • Hot Sun Tomato Wine, Watermelon Passion Fruit Cocktail, Orange Blossom Pilsner, and Blueberry Blue wine

Watermelon Passion Fruit Cocktail, Orange Blossom Pilsner (both Florida Fresh marketplace) and Blueberry Blue wine (Fruits by the Glass marketplace)

  • Nonalcoholic drinks will include chilled rose blush lemonade, frozen desert violet lemonade, and strawberry slush

Chilled Rose Blush Lemonade (The Cottage marketplace near UK pavilion), Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Pineapple Promenade marketplace) and Strawberry Slush

Marketplaces Will Include:

To showcase these goodies, 12 specialty themed marketplaces will be set up around Epcot. These will include:

  • Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure
  • Florida Fresh at the World Showcase Promenade
  • Primavera Kitchen in the Italy Pavilion
  • The Cottage: Savories, Trifles and Tea garden marketplace at the UK Pavilion
  • Pineapple [Read more…]

Top 6 Disneyland Bars and Lounges

By 9 Comments

Let’s face it. Sometimes a Disney vacation can be absolutely exhausting! That’s why we like to seek out bars and lounges in which we can share fun with family and friends or relax while enjoying good food and special beverages.

Schweitzer Falls at Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar

A while back, we took a look at our Top 10 Disney World Bars and Lounges, and now it’s time to take a peek at our favorites in the Disneyland Parks and Resorts!

Here are our picks for Top Six Disneyland bars and lounges — a list that includes a little help from our Facebook Friends! Thanks for your input!

Ready to jump in? Here’s our favorite place to while away some time at the Disneyland Resort…

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

Trader Sam’s

should be your first choice for chilling out in Disneyland!

This is due to some great bartenders, unique drinks (often served in souvenir glasses), good food, and, of course, the interactive activities here. (Careful not to sit on the sinking bar stools!)

This place is an awesome tropical retreat located at the Disneyland Hotel. Check out our Trader Sam’s Review here!

Trader Sam’s Bar

While there is indoor and outdoor seating, all of the action is inside where there is limited seating (about 50 spots); so get here early as evenings may be quite crowded.

Cove Bar

Located in Disney California Adventure, the Cove Bar (not to be mistaken for Cove Cafe on the Disney Cruise Ships or the Cove Bar at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort…) is your place to escape the long lines and hot sun while enjoying great water-side views.

View from Cove Bar

Leave the thrills behind and savor specialty drinks and craft beers. The Raspberry Rain is a memorable choice! Look for an attractive menu offering my favorite, Buffalo Wings, and Lobster Nachos.

Hearthstone Lounge

Make the Hearthstone Lounge in the Grand Californian Resort a must-do in Disneyland.

Whether you are looking for some quiet alone time or bringing along friends, this cozy fireside lounge has a lodge theme and soaring ceilings that immediately relax you. And that’s before your first drink order!

Take a seat at the bar, on a cozy sofa, or at a [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Brownies

By 3 Comments

I always find instant inspiration when I take a look at the reader photos in our Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza on Flickr. We’ve featured our picks for Best Disney Brownies on the blog before, but it’s always fun to see what you guys love the most!

Dad’s Brownie Sundae

Dad’s Brownie Sundae

at 50’s Primetime Cafe is an over-the-top treat. Love the caramel popcorn garnish!

Photographer: WinnieAtePooh

Dad's Brownie Sundae at 50's Primetime Cafe

Paw Print Brownie

This fun shot of the adorable Paw Print Brownie at Animal Kingdom’s Kusafiri Bakery makes me want to hop a plane and head there right now!

Photographer: TheAviator1992

Paw Print Brownie at Kusafiri Bakery

Brownie Cupcake with Mint Frosting

Looking for a [Read more…]

News! Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menu Items Announced

By 25 Comments

UPDATE:

Check out this updated post featuring MORE menu items and PHOTOS of the food that will be available at the 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival!!
____________________________________________

Awesome news! We reported late last year that the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival would be expanding their specialty food offerings this year. And according to the Orlando Sentinel, there have been a few menu items announced for the highly anticipated Garden Marketplace booths at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival this year (March 6-May 19)!

For the first time, the Flower and Garden Festival will offer multiple food booths featuring regional goodies from the United States and some of the World Showcase countries.

Menu Items Will Include:

  • Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, fresh Zellwood Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro
  • Angel Food Cake with macerated Florida Berries
  • Watermelon Salad with Pickled Red Onions
  • Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction
  • Sweet “Frushi” made with Fresh Fruits and Coconut Rice
  • Nonalcoholic drinks will include chilled rose blush lemonade and strawberry slush

AND….

Dole Whip with Spiced Rum!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, please!!

Marketplaces Will Include:

To showcase these goodies, 12 specialty themed marketplaces will be set up around Epcot. These will include:

5 Things You’ve Gotta Try at Walt Disney World in 2013!

By 23 Comments

It is a great time to be a Walt Disney World Fan, and an even greater time to be a Disney Food Fan! There has been a truly dizzying array of really unique, inventive food to come down the pike over the last year, and we can’t wait to hear what YOU think about it.

Since we are all about the eats in these parts, I thought I’d give you my two cents on the 5 Things You’ve Gotta Try at Walt Disney World in 2013 — Food Edition! Let’s do it!

Tutto Gusto

If you haven’t had the chance to stop by Tutto Gusto, the new wine bar that opened in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion last summer, I heartily recommend you get there, asap!

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar

This alluring, intimate spot has enjoyed lots of business since opening — I often find it full to the max when I visit! (Luckily, I snapped this pic on an early day!)

Gusto Fireplace Area

Following on the heels of the success enjoyed by its Mexican cousin, La Cava del Tequila, Tutto Gusto adds even more eats. Not only can you find an extraordinary assortment of Italian wines and beers, but there is also a wonderful menu of small bites to choose from.

Even non-wine drinkers can find plenty to love about this spot, which feels like it was just transported to Florida from Italy. Italian Cheese and Sausages? Sign me up!

Tutto Gusto Cheese Board

Stop in for a glass, some cheese, or even heavier pasta or panini options. The full menu from Tutto Italia next door is available here, too!

Or grab a fabulous dessert and a glass of Moscato. You won’t be disappointed.

Territory Lounge Eats

When I need a break from the [Read more…]

News! A la Carte Menus at Pepper Market in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

By 9 Comments

Recent changes at Pepper Market at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort have resulted in brand new lunch and dinner menus at the food court.

Learn About:Pepper Market Food Court
Disney World Restaurants

Over the past several months, Pepper Market has gone through a series of menu changes. Prior to December 2011, the counter service spot offered a unique cafeteria-style experience, allowing guests to select their meal from a wide array of items. In early 2012, the restaurant switched to a buffet service; and on January 1, 2013, the new a la carte menu went into effect.

While the restaurant’s popular all-day buffet (and never-ending burritos) is gone, the meal is still a Quick Service credit on the Disney Dining Plan, and the lunch and dinner menus are varied and interesting.

Pepper Market Entrance

Guests can still expect a healthy assortment of Mexican- and American-inspired dishes, including the popular burrito with steak, rice, and beans … and a lot of delicious cheese sauce!

The burrito at Pepper Market is a crowd pleaser.

Here’s a peek at the new, a la carte breakfast and dinner menus (lunch is still [Read more…]

Review: Tutto Italia in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

By 17 Comments

Anytime that I have an opportunity to dine in Epcot’s World Showcase, I grab it!

Learn About:Tutto Italia Ristorante
Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

There are so many wonderful restaurants here, and I’m always lamenting the fact that I haven’t been to one or another in a long time.

When I was in town recently for the New Fantasyland media event, I had some free time and decided that it was the perfect night to pop in to Italy to see how Tutto Italia was faring after its most recent renovation.

So after arranging my Advanced Dining Reservation for 8pm, I headed over to meet my friend for a late dinner amid the beautiful holiday decorations in World Showcase.

Tutto Italia in Epcot's Italy Pavilion

Atmosphere

Tutto Italia and the newly opened Tutto Gusto Wine Bar are situated in the back left corner of the Italy Pavilion (if you’re facing into the pavilion). The restaurant reopened after a renovation in early Summer and now features updated seating and the brand new wine bar next door.

Tutto Italia

Tutto Gusto is a new stop on your Drinking Around the World odyssey, and is definitely worth your time and dollars. You can see my initial impressions of Tutto Gusto in my review.

But on this night, we were headed into Tutto Italia. When the restaurant first reopened I was glad to see that not much had changed. The grand and formal space really feels like it could have been transported from Rome. The gorgeous murals made the cut (though I heard that they almost didn’t stay!).

Italia kept the murals!

And the crystal chandeliers continue to add elegance to the restaurant. Sometimes it’s a bit jarring to see people dressed in Mickey t-shirts amid all this finery, but I’m so glad that Disney has preserved some of the original vision of the World Showcase restaurants.

Italia Chandelier

Seating includes some tiny two tops (is it just me, or do you always kind of feel like you’re eating with the people next to you when you’re sitting at tables this close together?) as well as seating for larger groups and families.

Guests can also dine in a Sunroom or on the new outdoor patio!

Italia Table Seating and the Sunroom beyond

Here’s one of the biggest tables…this one’s for [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 20, 2013

By Leave a Comment

How’s your 2013 going?

Beignets Now in the Magic Kingdom at Tomorrowland Terrace!!

Mine’s going great — there’s so much happening food-wise at Disney parks and resorts right now, and so much coming down the pike!!

We’ve got a TON of great news for you on the round-up today, including a review of the brand new Les Halles Bakery in Epcot’s France, the dates for the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, a peek at the Tomorrowland Terrace’s new breakfast menu, the new all-day menu at Le Cellier, and more!

To quote Peter Pan, “Here we gooooooo!!”

Disney Dining News

Catch up on food news from Disney…

We’ve got additional food news, including Citricos Italian Wine Dinner at the Grand Floridian, restaurant closures, Martha’s Vineyard Menu at Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Habit Heroes re-opens in Epcot, Spirit of Aloha closing for brief renovation, and LOTS more, on our Disney Food News Pin Board! Head over and check it out!

Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other awesomeness — in or from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Sara McCaslin tweeted one of our favorite Disney indulgences – cheese plates! This one is from the Flying Fish Cafe.

Flying Fish Cheese Plate

And via email, we received this message from Susan Tribelli: “I have to say my husband, who is a culinary school graduate, thought the Grand Floridian cafe had gone downhill, but we got the fish, which I thought was super good.”

Red Grouper at Grand Floridian Cafe

DFB Podcast Episode 12

For our podcast listeners (and those of you who aren’t listeners, yet, but are about to become listeners!!), we have the 12th episode of the DFB Podcast ready for downloading!

In this episode we cover the latest Disney Food News and have a discussion about dinner shows in Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

We also answer a couple of listener questions, and reveal the answer to (and winner of!) our Episode 11 trivia question.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes! (We love your comments, reviews, and feedback!

Take a listen from the DFB Podcast Episode 12!

On to the Round-Up!

WDW for Grown-Ups

shares four delicious breakfast options at Walt Disney World.

Cake Wrecks features adorable cakes including Wall-E and Piglet. Sweet!

Studios Central looks into the origin of Toluca Legs Turkey Co. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney Hipsters laments about the lack of good vegetarian eats at the Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom.

Yesterland returns to Disneyland’s Blue Ribbon Bakery!

Eating (and Drinking) Around the World re-visits favorite Disney dining adventures from 2012.

DisneyParks announces a Robert Olszewski Product Release & Signing for the Plaza Restaurant/Plaza Ice Cream Parlor sculpture. Wow!


Chef Emeril Lagasse Showcases Orlando Restaurants in “Emeril’s Florida”

By 5 Comments

Fun news for food TV lovers — celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse, has kicked off his brand new show, “Emeril’s Florida,” with a focus on Orlando restaurants.

Featured in the show are the Ravenous Pig (one of my favorites!), ICEBAR Orlando, Emeril’s Orlando, Vines Grille & Wine Bar, and the pastry chef from Rosen Shingle Creek. The show premier aired Sunday, January 6, at 10:30am.

Emeril Lagasse

Emeril’s Florida is brought to viewers via the partnership of Visit Orlando, VISIT FLORIDA, and Chef Emeril Lagasse. Focusing on wonderful Florida destinations and unique dining opportunities, the show airs on the [Read more…]

News! Le Cellier Lunch Menu Changes

By 37 Comments

With Le Cellier Steakhouse now a TWO table-service credit restaurant for both lunch and dinner on the Disney Dining Plan, the restaurant has changed over to an all-day menu (effective January 16, 2013).

Learn About:Le Cellier Steakhouse
Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Located in Epcot’s Canada, this signature restaurant’s all-day menu means that guests looking for a burger will no longer find one here. (Total bummer, as it was one of our favorites.) But the lobster mac ‘n cheese will now be available for lunch and dinner.

For starters, Le Cellier’s chopped lobster salad or bowl of the cult favorite Cheddar Cheese Soup are excellent choices. Don’t forget about the poutine fries, too (Hubba Hubba)!

Plus, the seasonal salad now being offered is greens with duck prosciutto, blue cheese, fig-almond cake and a soft-boiled egg.

Poutine Fries...two orders...don't judge

Entrees are still plentiful, and steak-focused. Canadian-raised beef choices include a grilled bone-in ribeye, New York Strip, and the famous (and awesome) Filet Mignon.

That Filet Mignon is a fan favorite with its white truffle-butter sauce and wild mushroom risotto.

Mushroom Filet Mignon with White Truffle Butter Sauce and Micro Chevril

Vegetarians will continue to enjoy seasonal offerings, including a winter squash ravioli with sage brown butter. And the menu includes year-round sustainable seafood by Chef Al Youngman.

For dessert, the Maple Creme Brulee and Trio of Chocolate are [Read more…]

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