AJ | the disney food blog

Eight New Churro Flavors in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney!

There are NEW Churros in town!!!!

Yep — Disneyland’s Downtown Disney has introduced yet another “well, will you LOOK at THAT?!” treat (not unlike my new favorite — the frozen cheesecake on a stick!). (Seriously, Downtown Disney Anaheim, you guys have some snackerific winners on your hands.)

The California Churros cart is offering churro fans 8 new flavors!!! Check ’em out: Cinnamon Sugar, Pineapple Whip (??!?!??!??! Is this like a Dole Whip in a Churro??! That’s almost as good as a Cheesy Blaster!), Milk Chocolate, Apple Cinnamon, Strawberry Cream, Salted [Read more…]

Review! New Club Cool Flavors in Epcot!

By AJ 29 Comments

Club Cool has debuted several new soda flavors

for guests to sample!

This fun, FREE option in Disney World’s Epcot has always been a dedicated fans’ pit stop in the middle of a hot, exhausting touring day (even though I really do miss the old “walk-through-a-glacier” entryway! That blast of cool air was awesome!).

The main goal of coming here is either to indulge in some of the more palate-friendly Coca-Cola beverages from around the world, or to trick friends and family members into trying one of the more bitter options — Beverly!

Speaking of — fans of Beverly don’t need to worry. The favorite Italian aperitif is still on tap.

But several options have been retired, and the new flavors include beverages from Zimbabwe, Thailand, South Africa, and Peru.

Club Cool Sign

Here’s a peek at the Club Cool choices!

New Flavors at Club Cool

Our friend @MealTrip tried them all, and wasn’t all that impressed. He much preferred the previous watermelon (China) and apple (Mexico) flavors to these.

But he went through and took pics of each new flavor so that you’d be able to see what you’re in for! 🙂 (Note: the see-through cups were used so that you could see the characteristics of each flavor. Club Cool still only offers the small, paper cups for the drinks.)

Fanta (Pineapple): This pineapple version is from Greece and has a sweet flavor with no caffeine. There are more than 90 flavors available in 180 countries. Fanta debuted in Europe in the 1940s and was introduced in the United States in the 1960s.

Pineapple Fanta from Greece

Fanta (Melon Frosty): This flavor of Fanta hails from Thailand and is the number one soda in that country.

Thailand Fanta -- Melon Flavor

VegitaBeta: Launched in Japan in 1992, this is a non-carbonated beverage with the flavors of apricot and passion fruit. This is also rich in beta carotene, which gives the beverage a bright orange hue.

Non-Carbonated VegitaBeta from Japan

Bibo: A fruit flavored, [Read more…]

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: Clam Chowder from the Hops & Barley Marketplace Booth

By AJ 1 Comment

We have another delicious dish for you today from the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! It’s time for some CHOWDAH!!!

One of our favorite creamy soups is featured at the Hops & Barley Marketplace Booth in Epcot’s America Pavilion. Traditional New England Clam Chowder, with its creamy, potato-based goodness, is the perfect meal for sweater weather.

Hops & Barley Booth

And since sweaters probably aren’t what you’ll be wearing if you have this dish at Walt Disney World, we’re giving you the recipe today so you can make it once you get home!

New England Clam Chowder

And don’t forget — today’s the LAST DAY to enter our Epcot Food and Wine Festival Cook Book Package contest! All you have to do is subscribe to the DFB Newsletter and you’re entered to win a 2012 and 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Cook Book package! Click here to enter!

New England Clam Chowder

Makes Approximately 8 Cups

Ingredients: [Read more…]

Photo Tour and Review: NEW Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge in Disney World!

By AJ 28 Comments

Um…this is why I LOVE writing this blog. It’s completely a group effort!

Learn About:Hollywood Brown Derby

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

Yesterday, DFB readers Jacquie Symonds and Alan Cohen sent over some AWESOME pics of the brand NEW (i.e. JUST opened yesterday and they were the second people to eat there!!!!) Hollywood Brown Derby Patio Lounge!

We reported on this fun-ness on Tuesday, and we’re so excited to share an inside look with you today! Huge thanks to Jacquie and Alan!

Atmosphere

The Patio Lounge is on the Brown Derby’s never-usually-used patio (natch) out in front of the restaurant. There’s an entrance next to Starring Rolls Cafe!

Ribbon Cutting!!

Guests will be seated both indoors and outdoors, so it’s still a good option even in the rainy or cold weather. Outdoor seats are under umbrellas and feature iron furniture with padded backrests.

A bar stands ready nearby to crank out all of those specialty drinks!

Patio seating at Brown Derby Lounge

Indoors, you’ll be seated in padded, dark wood chairs along tile flooring.

Inside Patio Seating at Brown Derby Lounge

Remember, no reservations are needed for this new location. If you’re at the Studios in need of some hearty eats, head on over!

Eats

The menu here is full of delicious options created by Hollywood Brown Derby chefs, so you know you’re getting high-end eats and drinks!

The small plates and desserts menu includes yums like duck confit tacos, Prince Edward Island mussels, and strawberry champagne cheesecake… .

Small Plates and Desserts

Jacquie and Alan tried the Sliders — Wagyu Beef with Cognac-Mustard Aioli, Smoked Gouda Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado; and House-made Chorizo with Chipotle Mayo, Manchego Cheese, Pickles, and crispy Onions for $15.00. This looks like a great deal!!

Wagyu Beef with Cognac-Mustard Aioli, Smoked Gouda Cheese, Bacon, and Avocado; and House-made Chorizo with Chipotle Mayo, Manchego Cheese, Pickles, and crispy Onions

Here’s a peek inside, because [Read more…]

Review: Columbia Harbour House at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By AJ 47 Comments

Today, we are enjoying lunch in one of my very favorite corners of Magic Kingdom — Columbia Harbour House!

Learn About:Columbia Harbour House

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

This restaurant is an original fixture of Magic Kingdom, although it opened way back in 1971 as Nantucket Harbour House. It was soon re-christened Columbia Harbour House, which echoes references to both Disneyland and the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. (Pause for sigh of nostalgia.)

Without knowing better, you may be tempted to pass right by this quick service spot, thinking that it’s a garden variety bastion of fried food. But while there are some battered options here, you’ll also find some lighter fare that’s worth a closer look. (Actually, I think the fried stuff is pretty rad, too.)

Menu Posted at the Entrance

Today, we’re exploring that fabled upstairs dining room, and we’re ordering up one of the eatery’s classic combos!

Atmosphere

With its long-standing history and incredible attention to detail, Columbia Harbour House should not be dismissed as just another counter service spot.

One of the most interesting things to note about the restaurant is, in fact, its outside view. From the Liberty Square Side, it appears to fit in perfectly with its environs. It reminds me of a spot right on the harbor of some quaint New England town.

Outside View

But be sure to approach the restaurant from its Fantasyland side as well for a completely different view, which is decidedly more European. From that side, it looks like something straight out of Bavaria.

Columbia Harbour House -- Fantasyland View

Once inside, you definitely feel like you’ve [Read more…]

News! Hollywood Brown Derby Patio Lounge May Be Opening Soon in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

By AJ 15 Comments

We have a fun rumor to share!

Learn About:Hollywood Brown Derby

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

We’ve heard through the grapevine that the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is opening ‘The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge’ soon — possibly even this week!

The new lounge will be located on the existing patio at the Hollywood Brown Derby, but seating will be on a first come, first served basis. No reservations are required!

This sounds a lot like the great additions of Tutto Gusto and Cava del Tequila in Epcot as well as the Lava Lounge in Downtown Disney.

Patio at Brown Derby

A no-reservation option that still offers some great eats and good drinks!? I’m in.

Eats

Speaking of eats, the menu items at the Lounge are coming from the restaurant’s appetizer menu. You’ll be able to choose from Artisinal Cheeses, Brown Derby Sliders, Duck Confit Tacos, Prince Edward Island Mussels, Charcuterie Board for two, and Brown Derby Shrimp Cocktail.

Andouille-Crusted Prawn Over Black Diamond Cheddar Grits, Wilted Greens, and Ancho Oil

While enjoying some great food you’ll also be able to sip on [Read more…]

Review: Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

By AJ 18 Comments

It’s been a while since I’ve slept in a camper, cabin, or tent, but that doesn’t stop me from loving Trail’s End Restaurant!

Learn About:Trail’s End Restaurant

Disney World Restaurants

Located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, the down-home spot is one of my favorites for many reasons — but delicious food and reasonable prices top the list.

While I love lunch and dinner at Trail’s End, I hadn’t visited for breakfast before, so I decided it was time to do just that on a recent trip.

Atmosphere

Getting to Trail’s End is half the adventure. It’s located waaaay at the back of the resort, in the area known as the Settlement.

Now, wait. To be fair, adventure is kind of a generous word. It’s actually kind of a pain to get here. Maybe that’s why I like it so much — it’s rarely too packed!

If you’re coming here via bus from a theme park, or via your own car, you’ll park way up at the front of Fort Wilderness and have to take some internal buses to get back to the Settlement. That’s why I prefer to get to Trail’s End and the other Fort Wilderness restaurants via boat from Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Lodge, or the Contemporary — much less intensive on the travel end, and more enjoyable as well.

On this morning we took the bus, so we had some sight-seeing to do on our way from the bus stop back to Trail’s End… .

Welcome to the Settlement!

It’s not uncommon to see horses at Fort Wilderness, where there are carriage and wagon rides available.

Ft. Wilderness Activities

Pioneer Hall shares space with our destination. I love this place! It looks like a giant log cabin. The surrounding by tall pines and live oaks dripping in Spanish moss really give it the feeling of a pioneer settlement.

Pioneer Hall

Pioneer Hall is home to several popular destinations at Fort Wilderness. You’ll find Mickey’s Backyard BBQ close by. But it’s also where you’ll head for an evening of down home fun at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue!

Pioneer Hall -- Up Close

Just past the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue venue, you’ll find our destination for the morning — Trail’s End table-service restaurant. This location shares [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: October 27, 2013

By AJ Leave a Comment

Love treats? With Halloween this week, we’re all about stocking up on candy.

Fun New Chocolate Boxes!

On your next visit to Disney, try the new CHOCOLATE candy boxes! So clever!!

Don’t forget Disney Food Blog is giving away two sets of Epcot Food and Wine Festival Cookbooks from the 2012 and 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festivals!

Check out the rest of this week’s news from Disney restaurants!

Disney Food News

New candy boxes are on the shelves at Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts!
Food Trucks will debut in early November at Downtown Disney Orlando!
Check out a review of ALL the Vegetarian Dishes at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival
Private Dining available at the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Uzima Springs Pool Bar.

Of course, there’s more! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including Rocky Road Caramel Apple at Disneyland, Earn a Free Sandwich App at Earl of Sandwich, and more!

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other edible 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!

Facebook Friend Timothy shares his mini-review of the French Regional Lunch at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival: “Attended the French Regional lunch at Monsieur Paul’s on Sunday. Cotes du Rhone wine from Jean Luc Colombo. The food and wine was superb, a well done event. We started with the Amuse-Bouche. Next was the Saucisson in brioche, greens and Port reduction. Mr. Paul’s vinegar chicken, Grautin Dauphinois, chanterelles, this was unbelievable. Emmental cheese and last Saint Honore, caramelized apricots, light vanilla cream, pistachio ice cream. I cannot believe I had room for this it was soooo good.”

Saint Honore at French Regional Lunch

And DFB reader Katie tweeted [Read more…]

2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Review: Grand Marnier Tasting — Taste, Shake, and Indulge Like the French

By AJ 5 Comments

Today, we are heading back to the France Pavilion for another fun 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival review!

One of the things that I love the most about the festival, year after year, is the inclusion of hot trends. Often, these reach far beyond just food and wine.

In the last few years, mixology has continued to gain popularity as people look to perfect their cocktail-making skills. And we’ve really enjoyed seeing the trend play out at the festival with the introduction of mixology demonstrations and special events.

During my recent visit for opening week at the festival, I had the opportunity to attend the Grand Marnier Tasting. This special event — officially named Taste, Shake, and Indulge Like the French — takes place on Saturdays during the festival, from 2:30-4PM, at Monsieur Paul.

Monsieur Paul Restauarant in Epcot's France Pavilion

Note that many folks have had Disney reservations agents tell them that the tastings are full, or non-existant, when actually there are still seats available. This may be due to guests asking for the Grand Marnier event instead of referring to its actual title — Taste, Shake, and Indulge. Definitely an understandable mishap, but just an FYI.

Atmosphere

Finding Monsieur Paul is a bit tricky. You enter the posh restaurant through this unassuming little door toward the back of the France Pavilion. (If you’d like to see a bit about Monsieur Paul, read my dinner review here.)

Monsieur Paul Entrance

Enter through the small door, and your eye is immediately directed upward via a winding staircase. And that’s good, because that’s where you’re going! (There’s also an elevator if you prefer.)

Monsieur Paul Entrance and Staircase

Once upstairs, you’ll notice a relaxed yet refined vibe that tells you you’re in an upscale restaurant — but your comfort and enjoyment are what is most important.

Monsieur Paul Seating

Banquettes and cushioned chairs are comfortable places to spend the afternoon. Seating is assigned, so you will most likely be making some new friends during the event!

A Very Comfortable Seating Arrangement

Eats

“Eats” is a bit of a misnomer here. We will be eating. But the star of this show is Grand Marnier in all its glory.

When I arrived, I was greeted with a [Read more…]

Review: Chocolate Chip Cookie Hot Fudge Sundae at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor in Disneyland

By AJ 4 Comments

Ah, Disneyland. Gorgeous weather, original park dreamed up by Walt himself, and home of some seriously fantastic ice cream treats. Today, we’re stopping by the recently-renovated Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street USA to check out one of their house specialities!

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor -- Outside View

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor has long been a fixture on Main Street USA, and guests can often expect to encounter long lines here as they await their turn to order their favorite cone, cup, shake, or sundae.

But with some extra added touches, you may soon find that it’s well worth the wait. Plus, we have a tip for minimizing line time… .

Atmosphere

It’s very likely that you’ll smell Gibson Girl Ice Cream before you spy it. There’s some serious freshly baked waffle cone-age happening inside, after all!!

Waffle Irons The Gibson Girl

Step inside, and you’re immediately greeted by a “sorbet” palette (get it?!? the hits keep on comin’). Pink, mauve, and pale green/blue combine to provide a pleasing Victorian feel.

The swirling dark wood pattern reminds me of filigree, in contrast to a backdrop of pastel, marbleized stained glass.

Decor

Turn-of-the-century, Victorian touches extend above and below as well. Ornate brass chandeliers hang from intricate ceiling medallions, and the ceiling design mimics tin tiles.

Ceiling Lighting Fixture

Striking wall sconces softly illuminate while adding a powerful decor punch.

Additional Lighting

And, if you peer out the painted window at just the right time, you may just spy a [Read more…]

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Eight New Churro Flavors in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney!

Review! New Club Cool Flavors in Epcot!