food IS a theme park
I’m having a TON of fun at Disney World this week! And my trip has been made all the better by seeing that the construction walls surrounding the soon-to-be-open Ample Hills Creamery have come down!
Ample Hills Sign on Disney World’s BoardWalk
This “re-imagined take on the turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor” will take over the spot that was previously occupied by the ESPN Club Arcade, next door to the very-much-still-open ESPN Club.
Hooray!! Ample Hills Creamery will open on Disney’s BoardWalk this Spring!
Ample Hills Creamery Goodness
Yep, the initial speculation regarding this Brooklyn-based ice cream brand known for its creative and fun flavors (they made headlines with Star Wars ice cream) will become an actuality when this “reimagined take on the turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor” opens its first location outside of NYC — at Disney World.
…And I am BEYOND excited! I’ve been following their Instagram since the Star Wars Ice Cream debuted and I can’t get enough!!
Well, if you’re bummed that Seashore Sweets has closed, removing your option for ice cream on Disney’s BoardWalk in Walt Disney World, then you may want to pay attention to this… umm, scoop.
Seashore Sweets
According to the folks at wdwmagic.com, it seems that Ample Hills Creamery products might be served in a new ice cream shop coming to the former location of the ESPN Club Arcade (the ESPN Club is still open, but the arcade section has been closed). [Read more…]
Do you have your Advance Dining Reservation to enjoy the Flying Fish as we know it for this, its final week? Though the Flying Fish will reopen later this Fall, its refurbishment — beginning on Monday, February 1st — will bring major changes to this BoardWalk favorite. Not only is the location being “reimagined” with a new look, but the Chef’s Counter experience will offer table seating in order to accommodate more guests.
Flying Fish
Even the menu will receive a makeover (though Disney has promised that the Potato-wrapped Snapper and seasonal approach will remain. I’m personally crossing my fingers for the return of my favorite Char-crusted Angus New York Strip Steak). [Read more…]
Welcome back to the Flying Fish Cafe!
While all the dining talk on Disney’s BoardWalk has centered around the opening of the brand new Trattoria al Forno as of late, I wanted to bring you back to the Flying Fish, which is not only my favorite restaurant on BoardWalk, but also one of my very favorites in all of Disney World. Period.
During the interim between the closing of Kouzzina and the opening of Trattoria al Forno, the Flying Fish served a stint as a breakfast location, previewing some of the dishes that are now on the breakfast menu at Trattoria al Forno.
But this signature restaurant is now back to its regular dinner-only schedule, and if you haven’t enjoyed dinner at Flying Fish before, I’ve gotta say it: it’s practically a must-do.
Flying Fish
Come see what I mean…
The decor of the Flying Fish pays tribute to two things: first, the atmosphere honors its place on Disney’s BoardWalk through some insanely fun murals depicting things like turn-of-the-century roller coasters, those old school parachute swing rides, and other carnival-style attractions.
Boardwalk murals
Boardwalk murals
The theme is continued as you move further into the restaurant with a gorgeous backlit ferris wheel, and the most enviable seating space of all right underneath the circus tent.
Backlit Ferris Wheel
Circus Tent seating
The second design element plays on the star of the culinary scene here: seafood. And nowhere is that theme more evident than in the parachuting fish “flying” above as you dine!
Flying Fish!
Notice the bait hooks mixed in with some of the underwater themed lighting fixtures.
Lighting fixtures
With everything going on, you may not notice the open kitchen (unless you’re seated at the Chef’s Counter directly in front of the show), but try to take a moment to observe, since what happens in this kitchen is some of the best of Disney culinary feats in action.
Chef’s Counter in front of the kitchen
Of course, if you’re just looking for a quick dinner, the bar area is very comfortable, too.
Bar area
I have no idea if “upscale-whimsy” is an interior design term, but if it is, that pretty much sums up the Flying Fish. It manages to be both sophisticated and super fun at the same time.
The name of this restaurant gives guests an idea that there is a focus on seafood at the Flying Fish, but don’t let that scare you or anyone in your party off who isn’t a seafood fan. Remember, I said this was one of my favorite restaurants, and seafood isn’t exactly my ultimate choice in cuisine. There’s plenty of meat and pasta to go around, too.
But I’m getting ahead of myself… let’s start with the complimentary bread served with butter, which was hard to hold back on thanks to the unique touches of herbs and cheese tucked inside the nooks of the rustic bread.
Bread
My friends and I enjoyed some the bread while scoping out the [Read more…]
at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is officially open for business, and we’ve enjoyed our first dinner there!
Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s Boardwalk
The restaurant began serving breakfast and dinner yesterday to a packed house (see our Trattoria breakfast menu review here). When we left late last night, the waiting area was standing room only!
We’ll have a review of all of the dishes we tried this first time out on Monday; but in the meantime, we wanted to give you a look around the newly remodeled space. Thanks to our friend Mealtrip for bringing his fabulous photography back to the blog in this post!
Trattoria al Forno occupies the space that was previously Spoodles, and most recently the home of Kouzzina by Cat Cora. Many Disney food fans were sorry to see the Greek-themed restaurant close.
Trattoria al Forno Entrance
Now, Disney takes the space back to its original roots with a “family Italian restaurant” that has grown in its physical space and has evolved in its culinary approach over time.
Trattoria Sign at the Hostess Station
While the dining room of Kouzzina was open, basically occupying one large room, the Trattoria designers claim you’ll see smaller rooms as you travel the length of Trattoria al Forno, with subtle differences in decor signaling your progression from one room to the other.
The backstory of the restaurant holds that an Italian family ran a modest tavern and boarding house on the boardwalk, which expanded over the years into a popular restaurant. As the restaurant was growing, boardinghouse rooms were converted into additional dining spaces — each family generation adding their own touches to the menu and the restaurant’s design.
Now, in all honesty, the overall space is pretty much the same general area that it was when the restaurant was Kouzzina. There’s an entryway and waiting room, a big dining room (which Trattoria has outfitted with brick columns to indicate said “rooms”), and an open kitchen. The room used in the past as a private dining room has been included as a general dining area, but that’s pretty much the only completely separate dining room in the place. But we can chat more about that later. Let’s get inside!
Beginning in the Entrata, or entrance, the space has been overhauled to create a warm but open area with minimal detail. No more Cat Cora cookbooks or merchandise. Just a wine “wall,” very little seating, and a hostess podium.
Entrata
Stone, wood, and warm lighting accent the space. Framed wall hangings give it that “family Italian” restaurant feel. You know the deal.
Seating While You Wait
It’s very comfortable when it’s not crowded. While we didn’t have to wait long for our 5 PM advance dining reservation, the seating area was inviting.
Waiting Area
Once your party is called, you’ll travel through frosted glass doors to your table.
The open kitchen remains the restaurant’s main focal point.
Wide Shot of the Trattoria Kitchen
Kitchen
Here, you can see the open oven, which serves to anchor the Cucina portion of the restaurant. This is Trattoria’s first dining area, and offers a casual, “eat-in kitchen” vibe.
Forno Up Close
Kitchen from the Cucina, the Restaurant’s First Dining Room
Beyond the more casual Cucina, you travel into the slightly more opulent
Anytime is a good time to stop by the BoardWalk Bakery to check out the Seasonal Cupcake, and summer is no exception.
Through the Fourth of July, Boardwalk Bakery’s Seasonal Cupcake is a patriotic confection I like to call the Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake.
Red White and Blue Cupcake
The bakery case sign, as you can see, simply states “Seasonal Cupcake,” and it’s not difficult to spot the Red, White, and Blue in the case as soon as you walk in the door.
Red White and Blue Cupcakes in bakery case
These cupcakes are huge, thanks to the more than ample amount of decorations on top, featuring red and blue fondant stars as well as an explosion of white chocolate spirals that bring celebratory fireworks to mind.
There is also a small sprinkling of edible silver glitter covering the whipped topping.
Toppings on Red White & Blue Cupcake
My one moment of disappointment was when it came time to [Read more…]
And now…a recipe for a super-interesting new dessert in Disney World!
When the brand new BoardWalk Bakery reopened earlier this year, we were there bright and early on the very first morning to bring you a full account of what was new, and what was returning.
And while we found many brand new things to love, like the Lemon Meringue Tart (sigh), one of our top pics was the Peanut Butter, Banana, and Candied Bacon Pie!
Sounds pretty keen, doesn’t it?
Peanut Butter, Banana, and Candied Bacon Pie
Well, it kind of is! The combination of [Read more…]
Ah, yes — I get to write about one of my very favorite restaurants in Disney World today!! Flying Fish Cafe is located on Disney’s Boardwalk in Walt Disney World, right next to the back entrance of the Boardwalk Inn.
The entrance is adorned with a giant neon sign complete with flying fish! You can’t miss it. 😉 And once inside, you’ll be treated to whimsical decor, an incredible seasonal menu, and an awesome view of Chef Tim Keating’s open kitchen.
I think this restaurant is the perfect mix of Disney magic and star-quality food. Plus, the place is just fun to look at. There are shiny things and smooth things and fun things and colorful things all around you when you walk in. Don’t miss the jumping fire at the grills in the open kitchen!
Flying Fish Chef's Counter
From the parachuting fish on the ceiling to the colorful circus-themed mural on the walls there’s always something you missed the last time you were there. And let’s not even start talking about the draped “circus-tent” room in the back of the restaurant where you get to eat if you’re really, really lucky!
Flying Fish Cafe Tables and Murals
Parachutes and Flying Fish
Can you see the hidden Mickey in this mural? I know, I know — I point it out all the time, but I [Read more…]
The team at the Flying Fish Café at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort has announced another wine dinner! This Winery Event will take place February 2, 2012.
Special Guests
Book now to meet special guests, Jenny & Dick Dore, Marketing Director and Proprietor from Foxen Wines in Santa Maria, California.
Time
6:00 pm Reception; 6:30pm Dinner
Cost
$149.00 per person, (inclusive of gratuity) plus tax
Flying Fish Cafe Tables and Murals
Amuse Bouches: “Small Bites”
Best-suited with the Crisp Flavor Profiles of Santa Maria Valley Chenin Blanc
2010 Chenin Blanc, Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard “Old Vines”, Santa Maria Valley
1st Course
Crispy Togarashi-laced [Read more…]
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