food IS a theme park
Cat and Mouse
According to @DisneyParks on twitter, Cat Cora’s “Kouzzina” restaurant — the replacement for Spoodles — will be opening on September 17th.
You can book reservations at 407-WDW-DINE or online starting July 24th.
There are two restaurants in Disney World that people either love…or hate! And it’s not because of the food; it’s because of the service. Not that 50’s Prime Time Cafe and Whispering Canyon Cafe have bad service; you simply have to know what to expect.
Disney incorporates “story” into all of its theme parks, rides, hotels, and restaurants. And in these two particular restaurants, the “story” is that you’re being served in an atmosphere that calls for a little less dignity and a few more pranks.
50's Prime Time Cafe
50’s Prime Time Cafe
The 50’s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has long been the place to get fried chicken, meatloaf, chicken soup, and other mom-a-rific favorites. The story here is that you’re eating in Mom’s kitchen, and that your server is some sort of relative — aunt, cousin, uncle, brother…you get the idea.
To make this “comforts of home” story even more real, Disney has trained its cast members at 50’s Prime Time Cafe to treat their customers as family. They bring around photo albums to show the table and ask about Aunt Betty and Cousin James. But they also tell customers to keep their elbows off the table, finish their vegetables, and set the table!
Of course, if you don’t decide to follow directions, punishments which range from slightly embarrassing to hilarious may ensue! Should you find yourself pinning a sugar packet to the wall with your nose, standing in the corner, or singing “I’m a Little Teapot” — with motions — in front of a restaurant full of your new best friends, don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Whispering Canyon Cafe Warnings
While Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge doesn’t have quite the same reputation for humiliation as does 50’s Prime Time Cafe, you will definitely experience your fair share of pranks here!
Cast members adopt specific personalities, complete with wacky nicknames, that harken back to the old west. There’s not a lot of respect for niceties around these parts. You may have napkins and straws thrown at your table, and making a cell phone call from your seat probably isn’t smart — your waiter might want to have a word with the person on the other end! Of course, the last thing you want to do is ask for ketchup… unless, of course, you really like ketchup! (I won’t post specifics, but if you request the info via the “contact us” button above, I’ll give you the low-down.)
So you think you might want ketchup...?
But the games and pranks are all in fun, and kiddos have a great time at this restaurant. There are sing-a-long songs, hobby horse races, coloring pages, and other games. And, of course, the repeat-after-me vows to “stay up as late as I can,” and “never, ever go to Universal Studios.”
So Go Have Some Fun!
I think that a lot of folks who dislike these restaurants simply aren’t prepared for the type of service that’s customary. Once you know what you’re in for, you can be ready for it…and even have a few zingers ready for retorts! That said, if “interactive” service isn’t for you, just let your server know that you’d rather watch the fun rather than be a part of it. Shouldn’t be a problem in either restaurant. Enjoy!
Photo Credits:
Ketchup: EdenPictures via flickr
Prime Time Cafe: JoshMcConnell via flickr
Special Thanks to WildernessLodgeSite.com
So MANY fantastic food posts this week…you’re in for a treat! Here we goooooooo!
Deb Koma at All Ears interviews Marianne Hunnel, manager of culinary programs for the 2009 Food and Wine Festival: Hopefully I’m hiding my jealousy…is it working? 😉 Read this if you’re planning on heading down to the festival in Sept/Oct/Nov! There’s also a prelim lineup of events so you can get an idea of how you’re going to have to work your current dining plans around the Food and Wine collection of seminars and events.
Disney Geek Dad discusses his Top Seven Favorite Snacks at Disney World: A great list, including some you wouldn’t find on typical lists — anyone up for some Figaro Fries?
Main Street Gazette highlights A Recipe from Epcot’s France Pavilion: But they didn’t find it in any restaurant… . A heartwarming and interesting post; just what you’d expect from this fantastic website.
SoloFriendly visits Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney Hollywood Studios: Continuing the string of great Disney food reviews by SoloFriendly; you won’t be disappointed this week either.
Kati’s Kupcakes shares photos of her Alice in Wonderland Cupcakes: An adorable group of cupcakes, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and, of course, the Queen of Hearts. You can see more of Kati’s Kupcakes on her website.
DVCbyResale highlights the Boardwalk’s Flying Fish Cafe in this week’s “Main Course” segment: Some delicious food photos from a restaurant that’s often overlooked.
All Ears makes the list twice with this review of the Kidani Village Poolside Dining service: One of the first of its kind on Disney property, I hope it continues! I love the idea of room service by the pool…
One of the most enjoyable ways to spend an evening is with dinner at a great restaurant followed by a beautiful Disney fireworks display. The best way to spend an enjoyable evening is to have the great dinner DURING the fireworks display!
There are several Disney restaurants from which you can see either Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After or Epcot’s Illuminations. Here in Part I of our “Restaurants for Fireworks Viewing” series, we’ll look at restaurants from which you can see Happily Ever After.
Happily Ever After is the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks display. It usually takes place at 9:00PM, but it can be earlier or later depending on time of year and the MK’s schedule of special events. The Happily Ever After soundtrack is piped into the restaurants, so hearing the accompaniment to the fireworks will not be a problem.
‘Ohana‘Ohana
, one of the two table-service restaurants at the Polynesian Village Resort, has arguably the best view of Happily Ever After from any restaurant. With a wall of windows facing the castle, directly across Seven Seas Lagoon from the Polynesian, the view of Happily Ever After is head-on — just as you’d see it on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom (only farther away).
See that blue spot in the middle? That’s the Castle from our ‘Ohana table.
The second picture isn’t the best — the castle looks a million miles away — but trust me that it’s a great show from ‘Ohana. Definitely worth booking. And speaking of booking, you’ll want to book a reservation about 30-45 minutes prior to the scheduled time for Happily Ever After. When you arrive at the podium, request a “Fireworks view” table. They cannot guarantee it, but they’ll do their best. If you happen to be seated in one of the few tables from which you can’t see the fireworks, you’re free to move during the show to stand in an area of the restaurant offering a better view.
Also, note that if you don’t get a reservation for around fireworks viewing time, the Polynesian Village Beach is another great spot to view Happily Ever After.
‘Ohana is a casual dining establishment; standard park-wear is acceptable here.
Narcoossee’s
Narcoossee’s, in the Grand Floridian Resort, sits over to the left-hand side of the Magic Kingdom. Several window tables offer a great view of the Happily Ever After fireworks show.
View of Castle From Narcoossee’s
Narcoossee’s also has an outdoor viewing area along the railing outside of the restaurant. This will offer a great view if you’ve not yet been seated at your table. Again, book a reservation about 30-45 minutes prior to the scheduled start time for Happily Ever After.
Narcoossee’s is a bit fancier than ‘Ohana; you might want to dress up a bit.
California Grill
California Grill, on the Contemporary Resort’s 15th floor, is often thought of as the quintessential Happily Ever After viewing spot. The restaurant offers its outdoor viewing deck in addition to the views from the wall of windows in the restaurant.
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
View of Castle from our California Grill Table
That said, California Grill isn’t my favorite location for Happily Ever After viewing, as the vantage point is strongly to the right of the castle. As a result, many of the fireworks launched from a mile or so behind the castle are skewed and don’t appear as they would when watching the show from directly in front. However, California Grill definitely has my vote for best food of the three!
Note that if you can’t book a reservation around fireworks time (these fill up fast) but get a reservation at some other time that evening, you are welcome to return to the 15th floor observation deck to view the fireworks at their scheduled time. Also, James comments below that the bar at California Grill has non-reservation seating, so you might get lucky with a seat at the bar if you hit the Contemporary at the right time. (This seating is first-come, first-served.)
California Grill is another Disney signature dining location, so it’s pricey…and dressy.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR RESTAURANT WISHES VIEWING
While these three are clearly the front-runners in dining reservations, you can also see glimpses of Happily Ever After from Magic Kingdom’s Plaza Restaurant, Crystal Palace, Casey’s Corner, and Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station.
Interesting “views” of Wishes can be had from Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella Castle and Pinnochio’s Village Haus in Fantasyland. While the fireworks are exploding above your head (not necessarily in your view, of course), you can see the flares being released from the tops of Magic Kingdom buildings around you. You won’t be able to truly experience Happily Ever After, but it’s a unique view for anyone who has an interest in pyrotechnics, engineering, or fireworks in general.
Restaurants in the Magic Kingdom from which you can see very little — if any — of the Happily Ever After Fireworks display are: Liberty Tree Tavern, Tony’s Town Square, Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Tortuga Tavern, and Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Cafe.
Check out the other “Best Disney World Restaurants” in our series!
Some really interesting Disney food posts around the web this week! You’re gonna love ’em!
SoloFriendly Reviews Spoodles: This restaurant will be replaced by Cat Cora’s Kouzzina this fall, so make your reservations quickly! SoloFriendly writes a glowing review.
PRD3000’s Revenge at 50’s Prime Time Cafe: Finding a way to “fight back” after being stuck in the corner singing “I’m a Little Teapot” for putting elbows on the table. Talk about needing a fastpass for the bathroom… .
WatchMeEat Tries Out Lottawatta Lodge at Blizzard Beach: Most of this post is about Blizzard Beach (which many of you will find interesting, I’m sure), but if you just want to see food, scroll down for pics. Great review of Blizzard Beach, to boot!
Kevin Kidney Details the History of Disneyland’s Birthday Cake Room: While it may be a stretch to include on a food blog, this is a really interesting article for you Disney history nuts out there. At least it has “Birthday Cake” in the title.
Beaches and Cream
Editor’s Note: Beaches and Cream is not serving breakfast at this time.
From the Disney Rumor Mill:
It’s being reported that Beaches at Cream at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be serving a counter service breakfast selection starting this Friday, July 10th, 2009.
Reports say that menu items will include platters with eggs, bacon, and toast; or pancakes and bacon. Also available will be omelets and children’s platters.
At 11AM, the service will be turned over to the standard table-service lunch menu (and will then count as a table service credit on the dining plan).
Guest writer James Chapman from touschezmickey.com just returned from a Disney World trip and reviewed the Polynesian Resort’s Kona Cafe and its famous Tonga Toast. Thanks, James!
The Kona Cafe is an easily overlooked oasis that has more than one special treat for a hungry family; but one especially wonderful treat is Tonga Toast, a cinnamon and banana-infused slab of toast!
Tonga Toast
A thick, sweet strawberry compote makes that first bite all the more inviting (and filling). For those on a diet (forget about it), this meal can easily feed two people, and for those who order a more traditional breakfast of eggs, grits, and wheat toast, the tonga toast may be shared as a treat for the whole family.
Kona Cafe offers a traditional American fare for both breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and provides a pleasant, Polynesian decor. Even with the larger table service restaurant, ‘Ohana, directly next door, the Kona Cafe menu and atmosphere offers an excellent experience, and I would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone visiting Walt Disney World!
Aloha!
Greetings from your favorite alien!
, formerly the Disney Dining Experience, is a fantastic dining discount program available to Florida Residents and Disney World Annual Passholders. As a part of the perks of membership, Disney has begun offering a series of “Discovery Dinners” at Disney Contemporary Resort’s The Wave Restaurant. Here’s the info on the upcoming dinner:
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Wave Restaurant is delighted to offer a special series of dining events for the Tables in Wonderland Members. Chef Dylan Schauwecker and Sommelier Steve Shepherd will be welcoming three individuals with a great vision for the future at The Wave’s next Discovery Dinner. Bert Roper is an Inductee at the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame. He is a lifelong citrus farmer and world renowned inventor in addition to being a visionary. Mr. Roper has joined with Tim Blank who is an expert in Hydro-Organic food production to create a rooftop hydroponic garden in downtown Winter Garden, Florida. This working garden located on top of the Winter Garden Theatre represents their vision on how to create sustainable agriculture that can help feed our planet. Tim Blank is President and CEO of an international sustainable food production company called Future Growing. Guests will be sampling products grown in hydroponic towers that sit 4 stories above downtown Winter Garden. Lastly from Opici Wine Company, Donna Perrin will be joining us. Donna was integral in assisting with the selection of the wines for this discovery dinner and will be sharing her knowledge of these wines with our guests.
Reception
–Kilroy Sparkling Shiraz, Barossa Valley
–Cured Pork Crostini with Sweet Potato Brandade
–Gingered Kobe Beef Sliders with Grilled Jicama and Onion
Salad
–Warwick Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch
–Poached Lobster Salad, with local Hydroponic Greens, Avocado, and a Tomato Vinaigrette
Appetizer
–Hill of Content Pinot Noir, South Australia
–Cold Smoked Muscovy Duck with Caramelized Georgia Peaches over Brioche
Entree
–Rustenberg Chardonnay, Stellenbosch
–Wild Sockeye Salmon with a Citrus Beurre Blanc, Israeli Couscous, grilled Asparagus, Artichoke and Santa Sweet Tomato’s
Dessert
–Mt. Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling, Clare Valley
–Summer Fruit Shortcake with Purple Micro Basil Sorbet and Sweet Summer Salad
Cocktails: 7:00 p.m. Wave Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, First Floor
Dress Code: Casual Evening Attire
Dinner to follow in the Restaurant
$92.00 per person, includes tax and gratuity
FOR RESERVATIONS:
Please email [email protected] with your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party. You will be notified on a first come first serve basis and your credit card will be taken over the phone. The event will be limited to 50 Guests.
SAVE THE DATES:
§ Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival: September 25 – November 8, 2009.
§ Tables in Wonderland will continue The Wave Discovery Dinner series in November 2009.
A lot of people think that the only thing to eat in Disney World is burgers. In fact, I hear lots of folks lament that they couldn’t exist solely on all that junk food, and that’s one of the big reasons why they don’t vacation in Disney World.
Well, lucky for us, there is a variety of food (both high- and low-brow) to eat in Disney World. But I have to admit, they can and do make some pretty mean burgers! While they’re pretty much good everywhere, there are a few places that stick out in my mind.
Here’s a quick look at my top three:
Le Cellier Entrance
1. Le Cellier Grilled Angus Chuck Burger: You might have to sell your firstborn to actually get a reservation at Le Cellier, but once you’re in you can get this yummy burger for just $12.49. Le Cellier is deservedly known as a steakhouse, and someone at your table should absolutely order the famous Filet with Mushroom Risotto; but if you like burgers, this is a grand opportunity.
Le Cellier Burger
What makes this one so good is the Black Diamond Cheddar melted on top. The cheese has a strength to it and the flavor will knock you out. Definitely worth a try.
Note, however, that this is only available at lunchtime at Le Cellier.
Grilled Angus Chuck Burger topped with house-made onion ketchup and your choice of cheddar or blue cheese $12.49
Liberty Tree Tavern Entrance
2. Liberty Tree Tavern Angus Chuck Cheeseburger: Another one that’s only available at lunchtime, the Liberty Tree burger is one of those unexpected surprises. While I’d been a die-hard pasta fan there for awhile, I tried the burger one day and was so impressed I had to split it with the rest of the table.
Liberty Tree Tavern Burger
Thinking it was a fluke, I ordered the burger several more times after that initial visit and have been wow-ed every time. You know how you’ve got that great hometown diner or restaurant that you keep going back to? This is what Liberty Tree Tavern lunch has become for me.
And, please, get the fries.
Angus Chuck Cheeseburger topped with bacon and cheddar or mushrooms and provolone, served with fresh fruit or tavern fries $11.99
3. Beaches and Cream Cheeseburger: And finally, the Beaches and Cream burger! While this one’s pretty flat, pretty thin, and pretty standard, the Beaches and Cream burger wins a mention for being an authentic burger in an authentic diner.
Beaches and Cream
You just don’t get more nostalgic than this.
Compliment the masterpiece on a plastic plate with some big ol’ greasy onion rings, or the lightly seasoned fries that are always perfectly crispy at Beaches and Cream. (You have the option to order fresh fruit as a substitute for the fries.) And don’t forget to save room for the malted milkshake, banana split, or Kitchen Sink for dessert!
Cheeseburger – – A juicy beef patty served on a fresh baked bun. Single $8.99; Double $11.49
Now, Let’s Eat!
Hopefully this little beef-based culinary tour has whet your appetite for some delicious burgers at Disney World.
Beaches and Cream Burger (photo (c) Brett Young)
While WDW may be the land of junk food, don’t write it off as a stereotype too quickly! Judge for yourself.
If you know of a “best burger” that I’ve missed, let me know about it in the comments section below!
Boma's Zebra Domes
The Little Dessert That Packs a Punch
Disney theme parks have their iconic treats (think Dole Whips and Mickey Bars), but the Disney World resorts have theirs as well. One of the most well-known and documented of these is the coffee-kahlua flavored Zebra Dome made famous by Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma Restaurant.
Animal Kingdom Lodge's Boma Restaurant
While these take a while (many ingredients and even more steps) to make, the outcome is pretty extravagant. I’ve often found that people either passionately love these little desserts or vehemently hate them. You rarely find someone in between!
These are great to make for your next dinner party, or, if you’re wild and crazy, for your 4th of July Barbecue! (You KNOW that’s what you were thinking! Be honest!)
Now, the flexipan domes the recipe calls for seem really expensive! Does anyone have any good alternatives?
Where to Find ‘Em
Zebra Domes are a staple at Boma, a table-service buffet restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge (call 407-WDW-Dine for reservations). But due to popular demand, you can also purchase them in the quick service location, The Mara, as a grab-and-go item.
Zebra Domes Grab-and-Go at The Mara
Recipe
1 pound milk chocolate
¼ cup espresso coffee
5 egg yolks
¼ cup + 1 tablespoon sugar
6 sheets gelatin
½ cup Kahlua Liqueur
4 cups heavy cream
¾ cup white chocolate ganache
¼ cup dark chocolate ganache
sponge cake (store-bought or your favorite recipe)
1. Melt milk chocolate.
2. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks.
3. Mix yolks with sugar.
4. Soften gelatin leaves in cold water.
5. Mix gelatin with Kahlua and coffee. Set bowl over hot water bath to dissolve the gelatin.
6. Fold ⅓ of whipped cream into the chocolate.
7. Add the yolks, then the gelatin mixture.
8. Fold in the rest of the cream.
9. Pour mousse in flexipan domes almost to the top.
10. Place sponge circle (¼” thick yellow cake cut in a circle) on top. Leave in the freezer to set.
11. Once hard, unmold and place in glazing racks.
12. Make white chocolate ganache and chocolate ganache.
13. Put chocolate ganache in a pastry bag. Ladle white chocolate ganache to cover each dome. Simultaneously, pipe a stripe design of chocolate ganache over the dome.
14. Refrigerate to allow the glaze to set.
15. Decorate the bottom edge with coffee crunch.
16. Place a chocolate covered coffee bean on the center of each dome.
Note: One sheet of gelatin is equal to one teaspoon of unflavored powdered gelatin dissolved in ¼ cup of water.
The Mara photo courtesy of AKLResort.com.
Recipe from Key Ingredient. Also, here’s a good ganache recipe just in case you don’t have one handy… .
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