I was kindly invited to a complimentary dine-around at the restaurants at Gaylord Palms Resort the last time I was in Orlando, Florida (you can see my photos and description of the Sora Sushi Bar here).
Gaylord Palms Resort is just a few miles away from Disney World’s main gate, and is a quick taxi ride or drive away from any Disney park or resort. On my evening at Gaylord Palms, one of the most impressive restaurants I got the chance to sample was a Gaylord brand signature spot, Old Hickory Steakhouse.
Atmosphere
For those who haven’t been to Gaylord Palms Resort, the many guest rooms surround a huge indoor atrium separated into the resort’s three distinct themed areas — Key West, St. Augustine, and the Everglades. Old Hickory Steakhouse is located in the Everglades district, which is evident in the architecture and decor of this completely stand-alone restaurant.
Old Hickory Steakhouse, (c) Gaylord Palms Resort
Old Hickory Steakhouse is a traditional and upscale restaurant, with a chef who’s Continue reading →
I mention Boma around here a LOT. It’s a breakfast and dinner buffet over at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort, and it’s a great buy for adventurous eaters who want to try something a bit outside the fold from burgers and ribs. And for people who do prefer burgers and ribs, Boma can be a fun and delicious step out of your comfort zone. Thanks to our friends at AKLResort.com for collaborating on this post.
While dishes on the Boma buffet change daily, there are a few authentic African options that are available more often than not. Picky eaters (including myself) are often scared off by unfamiliar names or ingredients that aren’t found in the typical American diet, so I’m going to use a post to showcase some of these items, tell you what’s in them, and show you pictures. Sometimes a little familiarity is all it takes for these dishes to be worth a try the next time you’re at Boma!
Pap and Chaka Laka
Pap is a dish made from corn flour, butter, and water, and is seasoned with salt and pepper. It’s a staple of African cooking almost everywhere. Chaka Laka is a spicy South African vegetable relish that often features peppers and chiles, beans, and other vegetables, and can be flavored with curry powder. Pap is very often served with some sort of meat or vegetable relish/topping — when you try this, you know Continue reading →
Also, if you didn’t see it already, be sure to check out our first ever Disney food photo quiz. You can see the answers at the bottom of this post. Now, on to the round-up!
Disney and More reminds us that Disney Legend Walt Peregoy’s artwork is currently being exhibited at the Chocolate Bar in Encino, CA. I call this a food post because of the location. I think it works. Walt is best known for his work on 101 Dalmatians.
Stuff From the Parks shares a cool Haunted Mansion “I Scream” ice cream spoon from the 1969 Haunted Mansion grand opening promo. Learn more about the “I Scream” promo from this Imaginerding post.
2719 Hyperion is able to take its eyes away from the goodies and document the decor at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios Beverly Sunset Sweet Spells shop (also known as the Scary Apothecary).
Some of you listened to the Healthy Eating in WDW episode of the WDW Today podcast last week, but there’s still a lot of information and tips for those of you who’d like to — or have to — start eating a bit healthier while you’re on vacation.
Even if you just want “not to go overboard,” (I feel your pain.) the tips, menu options, and “eat this not that” suggestions will help!
General Advice:
First thing first. These are tips everyone already knows, but we sometimes need a reminder or two…or three.
Look for fresh, not processed foods: You can find fruits and veggies in every theme park. When you’re in a resort food court, consider a salad, boiled egg, or pita and hummus.
Learn to be a “bother:” Order sauces on the side, substitute veggies/fruit for fries, ask that your meat not be cooked in butter, or see if you can order a half-portion of an entree for less money.
Watch portion size: Disney likes to give you your money’s worth when it comes to food, so be aware when you order. Make a meal out of an appetizer, and when you splurge on a rich entree or huge dessert, share with someone else at the table.
Eat breakfast: Breakfast is going to be one of the easiest and cheapest meals to eat healthily in a restaurant, so book mid-morning breakfast ADRs and fuel up with eggs, veggies, and wheat toast. Plus, there’s no temptation of ordering dessert!
Call ahead: If you’re eating at a set-menu restaurant or want healthier, or no-sugar-added dessert options, call or write to Disney ahead of time (SpecialDiets@DisneyWorld.com, or 407-824-5967).
Sanaa's Menu is Full of Delicious, Healthy Choices
No Matter Where You Eat…
…there’s going to be something there that won’t eventually kill you Here are a few menu options Continue reading →
Disneyland Annual Passholders will be able to purchase reduced-price, advance tickets starting today for Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival special events, including winemaker dinners, a new Brewmaster Dinner, and the Festival finale celebration “Taste Food-Wine-Life.” To purchase, log into Disneyland’s AP Special Offers Page.
Here’s the food news of the week, highlighted here on the Disney Food Blog:
Here are a few menu options 
Disneyland Annual Passholders will be able to purchase reduced-price, advance tickets starting today for 
