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Food Post Weekly Round-Up: September 19, 2009

Eat here

LOADS of food posts this week! Everyone must be as excited as I am about the Food and Wine Festival starting on Friday and writing subconcious food posts as a result!

Before we begin, the big Disney Food news this week includes the grand opening of Kouzzina, the Wishes Dessert Party extension through January 2, 2010, and the D23 Expo reveal of upcoming Magic Kingdom Fantasyland restaurants! Be sure to check out these stories if you haven’t already.

And now, here we go!

The LA Times reports a new food stop in Disneyland that will open September 25th, and serve turkey legs, chimichangas, and corn on the cob.

The Orlando Sentinel shares a fantastic grand opening Kouzzina photo gallery and restaurant review.

The Orange County Register reports the resignation of Michael Jordan, Master Sommelier and General Manager of Disneyland’s Napa Rose.

The Touring Plans Blog asks “Does Free Dining Always Save You Money?” and comes up with some intriguing results.

Disney Food Blog facebook fan Scott Dickison posted a photo and some info about the new shrimp platter dish at Columbia Harbor House in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The meal is $9.69, and comes with fries and coleslaw.

The WED Page remembers The Empress Lily Riverboat character meal, complete with great photos!

Main Street Gazette posts about one of my favorite meals in Disney World: Casey’s Corner hot dogs.

Save Pleasure Island speculates about some possible restaurants rumored to be headed for Downtown Disney.

My Disney Mania has a report from Club 33, direct from guest reporter Donald Duck!

Disney Every Day reminds us about Cast Member Day at the Food and Wine Festival — cast member or not, you can sample some of the Festival offerings a day in advance!

Thanks for the great food writing, everyone!

Kouzzina Grand Opening at Disney World’s Boardwalk

By AJ 12 Comments

Mickey and Cat

Kouzzina (Greek for “Kitchen”) was opened this morning by Chef Cat Cora and her staff, to a huge cheer of “Opah!” Believe it or not, this is Cora’s FIRST signature restaurant — I’m so excited it’s at Disney World!

Celebrity chef Cat Cora prepares dishes prior to the grand opening of her first signature restaurant

Kouzzina Exhibition Kitchen

Open for breakfast and dinner, the Kouzzina’s menu includes “time-honored recipes passed down from my ancestors, as well as my favorite Greek and Mediterranean dishes that my family loves,” Cora told Disney PR. For breakfast, try steel-cut cinnamon oatmeal, blueberry orange granola pancakes, or the stacked Kouzzina breakfast with two poached eggs, kalamata olive toast, artichoke spread, sweet potato hash and bacon or chicken sausage.

Prior to dinner, sample “Cat’s Ouzo-tini,” Mediterranean sangria, and her own wine label, Coranation, featuring California wines. For an appetizer: calamari, goat cheese-stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie, and Spiro’s (Cat’s Dad!) Greek Salad. Entrées include cinnamon stewed chicken, traditional whole fish, and Pastitisio — a Greek “lasagna.” (See full Kouzzina menus here.)

Kouzzina Ouzo-tini featuring Absolut vodka, Metaxa ouzo, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice and pomegranate served in a sugar-rimmed martini glass shaken and served tableside

Kouzzina Spiro's Salad: tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, kalamata olives and feta

Kouzzina Spanakopita

Kouzzina Cinnamon-stewed chicken, with tomatoes, herbed orzo and Mizithra cheese

Kouzzina Whole Fish

Kouzzina lamb burger, dressed with olives and feta, with a side of sweet potato fries

Kouzzina Pastitisio, with bucatini pasta, cinnamon-stewed meat sauce, and béchamel sauce

Kouzzina Baklava with Pistachio Gelato

The restaurant replaces another Mediterranean spot on the Boardwalk, Spoodles, recently closed to make way for Cora’s new spot. The kitchen will be presided over by Chef Dee Foundoukis.

Kouzzina Chef Dee Foundoukis

According to Disney’s press release, Cora began working with Disney in 2008 by creating a Disney Video on Demand series to showcase ways to help families develop more healthy eating habits. Cora has been a featured chef at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and at Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland Resort.

Be sure to check out other Kouzzina Food Photos from the restaurant’s soft opening in August!

All images copyright Disney.

Disney Food Weekly Round-Up: September 6th

By AJ Leave a Comment

Animal Kingdom eat here

It’s so much fun to see all the food posts each week. There are some great photos this week, too!

Also, just a reminder that the Lucky Fortune Cookery opened in Disney’s California Adventure on the 4th! Head over and check it out — there have been some cool menu changes!

Now, on to the Round-Up!

LoadedCouchPotatoes review La Cava del Tequila, complete with amazing photos!

Main Street Gazette walks us through his re-creation of 50’s Prime Time Cafe meatloaf! Again, lots of photos for you visual learners!

Disney and More guides us through the re-imagineering of the Theme Building Encounter Restaurant at Los Angeles airport. This is some concept art you’ll want to see. Absolutely incredible stuff.

Progress City USA remembers the Melvin the Moose Breakfast Show from Fort Wilderness.

Home by the Sea reviews Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort. Some really beautiful food shots here!

TouringPlans takes an end-of-summer look at the two “lounges” of the Polynesian Resort Tambu Lounge and Barefoot Pool Bar. Nothing like summer by the sea!

Orlando Sentinel reminds us that there will be trick or treating this halloween — for free! — at Disney World’s Downtown Disney!

Have a great week and Labor Day holiday everyone! Enjoy these amazing blogs, and be sure to let me know when you come across a good Disney food post this week!

Tables in Wonderland/DVC/Annual Passholder: 2009 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Discounts

By AJ Leave a Comment

dining Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival offers Tables in Wonderland, Disney Vacation Club, and Annual Passholder Member discounts:
Members have a special opportunity to purchase discounted advance tickets to the culinary demonstrations and wine/beverage seminars at the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, taking place September 25 – November 8, 2009.Beginning Wednesday, August 26, a limited number of discounted tickets will be available for Members to purchase online in advance of the general public. The discounted rate is $5 a person (regularly $8 a person) while they last. (Events are expected to sell out.) Please note that the discount won’t be available at the event, so advance purchase is required to get the discounted rate. Discounted tickets, if available, may be purchased until 24 hours before the start of any individual session.

The culinary demonstrations and wine/beverage seminars, which last about 45 minutes, let participants learn from featured chefs and wine presenters, pick up a few tips and taste the featured items. Everyone must have a ticket to attend, and attendees must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

To register for the culinary demonstrations and wine/beverage seminars at the discounted rate, visit http://www.register123.com/profile/web/index.cfm?PKwebID=0x173908616f

Thanks to Pinvestigator Cody at the Global Disney Pinvestigation Blog for this info (DisneyFoodBlog has to renew its Tables in Wonderland, apparently!).

D23 Expo Foodie-centric Auction Lots

By AJ 1 Comment

The D23 Expo Live Auction lots were announced yesterday, and there are a couple that I think you foodies will enjoy! Looking forward to hearing feedback from all of you Expo-ers!

Napa Rose Chef Andrew Sutton

LOT 13: Private Cooking Lesson & Dining Experience with Chef Andrew Sutton
(Bidder, plus eleven (11) guests)

“La piece de resistance! Join Executive Chef Andrew Sutton of the award-winning Napa Rose as he leads a hands-on cooking and learning experience in the show kitchen of the beautiful Napa Rose restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa. Then enjoy a quintessential dining experience recounting your
day’s cooking accomplishments.

Also included in this auction lot will be six (6) bottles of wine provided and signed by John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios and Principal Creative Advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering. John and his wife Nancy purchased an historic Sonoma Valley winery and vineyard property back in 2002; since then they and their family have lovingly transformed the property into a state-of-the-art, ecofriendly, family-run winery.

(Experience must be completed by February 28, 2010, and must take place on a Saturday morning. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. For your safety, closed-toe shoes and long pants are required.)”

LOT 28: Progressive Dinner – Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort and Downtown Disney® District
(Bidder, plus five (5) Guests)

“Start off the night with cocktails and delicious appetizers at the famous House of Blues® Restaurant. Then let Catal’s executive chef and events team create a signature soup and salad duo plate featuring the freshest ingredients to please your palette.

catal logo Hungry for more? Choose from a menu of flavorful offerings at our renowned Steakhouse 55 restaurant at the Disneyland® Hotel. Their succulent menu will leave your mouth watering!

steakhouse55 Logo Then take your taste buds on vacation…Jazz on over to Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, a savvy representation of New Orleans’ dual legacies – food and music – served up in a whimsical setting depicting the charm, ambiance and hospitality of historic and contemporary New Orleans. Enjoy the view from our Jazz Balcony as our chef prepares an assortment of petit desserts artfully displayed for your indulgence. Sip on a Jazz Kitchen coffee or enjoy from our selection of after dinner drinks as our staff roll out our signature dessert, prepared table side just for you and your guests. Jazz Kitchen Logo

(Experience must be completed by February 28, 2010. Experience is not valid on the following dates: 9/19/09, 10/1/09, 10/2/09, 10/31/09, 11/26/09, 12/4/09 – 1/3/10. Participants must be 21 years of age in order to consume alcoholic beverages. Package can only be redeemed with Disney’s package and cannot be used separately.)”

About The Auction…
Event Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009
Event Time: 7:00 PM
Event Location: Anaheim Convention Center – Anaheim, CA
Event Summary: Disney enthusiasts will have the opportunity to bid on unique Walt Disney Studio and Theme Park experiences, tours, artwork, props and more.

Ticket Sale Information:
Admission to the D23 Expo Live Auction is included in all D23 Expo tickets. There will be an additional “Auctioneers Package” fee required for guests who wish to participate (i.e. bid on items) in the auction. Tickets for the D23 Auctioneers Package are $40 each. With this pacakge, you will receive preferred floor seating, ONE (1) D23 Expo Live Auction Commemorative Catalog, ONE (1) D23 Expo Live Auction Paddle, and ONE (1) D23 Expo Live Auction Limited Edition Pin.

It does not look like this auction will benefit any charitable organization.

For more information on the auction and a link to other available auction lots at the D23 Expo, visit the D23 Auction 2009 web page.

Best Disney World Restaurants for Romance

By AJ 20 Comments

Thanks to DisneyFoodBlog readers on facebook and twitter, we’ve narrowed down the top three “Best Restaurants in Disney World for Romance.” These were runaway winners, folks — no other restaurants received even close to the number of votes these did.

And I think they’re spot on, actually; though I’ll also mention some much-loved runners-up just in case these are booked when you call to reserve that special Anniversary or Honeymoon dinner.

#1 Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
There are several notable things about V&A’s: 1.) It’s the only AAA 5-diamond restaurant in Orlando (and one of only a handful in Florida), 2.) It’s the only Disney World restaurant where children (under age 10) are not welcome in the dining room, and 3.) Its chef’s table is the hottest ticket around (more on that later).

At Victoria and Albert’s, service is a prix fixe six-course meal including the freshest ingredients flown in from all over the world. Each table is constantly attended by two servers, and harp music gently fills the small, 65-person dining room.

tomato and cheese salad

Should you prefer something even more grand and exclusive, you can call six months in advance to book the Victoria and Albert’s Chef’s Table. Seated at an ornate table inside the kitchen, you and up to nine of your friends can indulge in a meal designed specifically for you.

Victoria and Alberts Chefs Table

Chef’s Table Champagne Toast

One of many Chef’s Table Desserts

#2 California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
California Grill is one of my very favorite restaurants in Disney World, and I have to say that it’s most romantic while the sun is setting behind the Grand Floridian Resort and the wide Florida sky turns every shade of purple, pink, and orange.

California Grill Sunset

That said, many will disagree with me and say that it’s most romantic during the Wishes Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, when the lights are dimmed and the music is piped into the dining room.

The View From Our Table Just Before Wishes Fireworks

Either way, California Grill, sitting on the 15th Floor atop the Contemporary Resort, offers incredible views and truly delightful food. Sample one of the many flatbreads, the market-inspired soups, or the sushi that the restaurant’s known for. They’ve also recently added an Ostrich dish to the menu that I hear is quite good!

California Grill Bar

Some of our favorite dishes are the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli appetizer, a California Grill favorite, which has been on the menu since the restaurant opened; the delicious Filet Mignon; and the famous Banana Creme Brulée. Recently we tried duck and bison dishes, which were incredible!

All Natural Duck Two Ways

#3 Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House
Folks, I have to say this is probably my personal vote for most romantic restaurant in Disney World. In fact, we love it so much that we decided to spend our Valentine’s Day here this past February!

Jiko is dark — very dark — and beautiful. Where other restaurants have fireworks and shows, Jiko has a simple wall in the back of the restaurant that slowly changes color throughout the night to mimic the African sunset.

Jiko Sunset Wall

There’s much more about the Jiko decor in a previous blog post, but let it suffice to say that the dark, glossy wood, and brilliant colors are quite sensual.

Jiko View

On to the food, Jiko’s chefs have long given Disney guests credit for wanting to experiment. The menu reflects African staple ingredients used in simple, but creative ways. The filet mignon is always a winner. Even if it doesn’t come with the mac and cheese, you can order it as a side dish.

Filet and Mac and Cheese at Jiko

Thanks again for all of your votes! If you don’t see your favorite in the top three, surely you’ll see it in the honorable mentions below. If you’d like to add your favorite, let me know by posting a comment on this blog. You can also contact me via email, facebook, and twitter (see the links at the beginning of this post!)

Honorable Mentions
Other restaurants that made the DisneyFoodBlog fan list for most romantic were:
Bistro de Paris at Epcot’s World Showcase
Le Cellier at Epcot’s World Showcase
San Angel Inn at Epcot’s World Showcase
Tutto Italia at Epcot’s World Showcase
Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Todd English’s blue zoo at the Dolphin Resort
Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Les Chefs de France at Epcot’s World Showcase
Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Grand One Yacht, available for charter and private dining at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Thanks again, everyone!

Check out the other “Best Disney World Restaurants” in our series!

Starting Oct. 27th: Make Your Disney Dining Reservations 180 Days in Advance

By AJ 8 Comments

Easier to Get at 180 Days Out?

It’s time to start thinking about your food 6 months in advance again, my friends! It’s being widely reported that, starting October 27th, 2009, Disney Dining reservations can be booked 180 days in advance of your check-in date.

Don’t forget that you can now book online! Also, you can find maps and menus on the Disney website.

Happy planning!

Spotlight: Yachtsman Steakhouse

By admin 10 Comments

Yachtsman Steakhouse is one of those Disney Resort restaurants that I didn’t even know was there for several years. Then one day I caught Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel eating steak at some hoity-toity restaurant during the Yacht and Beach Club “Great Hotels” special, and I knew I had to try it!

Restaurant Forum Plaque

I was lucky enough to do so during Disney’s first free dining stint several years ago. It’s now become a standard in our Disney restaurant rotation whenever we need a special treat or celebration.

Located in the Yacht Club Resort, Yachtsman Steakhouse is a high-end dinner spot with a view of Stormalong Bay. Specializing in delicious grain-fed beef steaks, the restaurant has a glass-walled butchering room where guests can actually see their steaks being prepared!

Butchering Room

Led into the restaurant past the open kitchen, guests can catch a glimpse of the dessert offerings before being seated in a dining room furnished in sturdy knotty pine, leather, and brass. If you’re lucky enough to be seated in my favorite section – the semi-circular room with plenty of window tables – be sure to take a glance upward at the simple, elegant chandelier above.

Open Kitchen

Dining Room

The View From Our Favorite Table

Chandelier

As I said, this restaurant is a permanent fixture on our “fancy places” rotation; and I will say that spots only get on that list when we know we can expect excellent service, fabulous food, and a comfortable atmosphere. We’re picky, and this place fits every one of our guidelines.

That said, there are always little changes and updates being made to the menu. Desserts are tweaked, the cheese plate is rotated, and even steak offerings can be different from time to time (we were sorely missing the boneless rib eye), but we always walk out happy. It’s like a miracle.

This evening, we ordered our dinners and were faced with the first change: weird butter. Usually, Yachtsman brings a basket of gorgeous onion and sourdough rolls along with a HUGE pat of butter topped with sea salt. Today, the butter was in a dish with oil and balsamic vinegar. Butter’s my favorite, so I was a bit concerned; but this stuff was amazing. Yes! Please add weird oil and balsamic vinegar to my butter!

Yachtsman Steakhouse Onion Rolls and Roasted Garlic

Sourdough Rolls

Butter with Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, and Salt

We moved on to salad and my cheese plate. The salad was simple and elegant; the cheese plate was delicious as always. I know I owe you guys a cheese plate blog, which I’ll do soon, but for now, here’s the pic and description of the plate.

Cheese Plate

Cheese Plate Descriptions

Caesar Salad

From there, we enjoyed our entrees (…steak) and extra order of fries (what can I say? We were in the mood for fries!). My steak — the Cowboy Steak — was a bone-in rib-eye. I substituted gratin potatoes for the fried onion strips on the menu.

Cowboy Steak and Potato Gratin with White Diamond Cheddar

Yachtsman Filet with Mashed Potatoes

French Fries

At this point, you can imagine we were stuffed, so we skipped dessert. But no worries; I took a shot of the dessert tray for you!

Desserts

Here’re the specs! Enjoy!

Dinner menu here. All other menus (including wine and dessert) can be found here.

Disney Food Post Weekly Round-Up: Part II

By admin Leave a Comment

Here’s the second in this week’s Round-Up series! Thanks to everyone out there covering such great Disney Food topics!

Main Street Gazette bids farewell to Spoodles: Main Street Gazette designer Eric Hoffman provides a tribute to Spoodles and memories of his family’s most recent meal there.

Scott Joseph discusses Party for the Senses changes and Paradiso 37: Legendary food critic Scott Joseph gives his view on this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival Party for the Senses updates as well as his review of Paradiso 37.

The Orange County Register analyzes Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue menu changes in Disneyland: Scroll down through the article to catch the info about the barbecue. It follows some other interesting info about Disneyland’s recent changes and construction.

SoloFriendly recaps her trip to Tangierine Cafe: SoloFriendly reviews the very popular counter service restaurant in World Showcase’s Morocco pavilion — and explains why the name has that weird spelling!

StitchKingdom shares the new Cap’n Jack’s All-Day Menu: WDW’s Downtown Disney has added Cap’n Jack’s to its list of all-day eateries.

Disney Food Post Weekly Round-Up: Part I

By admin Leave a Comment

There were so many good food posts this week that we’re splitting the blog into two parts! We’ll cover the first half of the round-up today, and the second tomorrow. Onward!

etckt discusses Dining Options at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: A hearty look at restaurants in the studios, complete with etckt’s remarkable photography.

The Orlando Sentinel notes some suggestions for Cheap Eats in Disney World: Good budgeting and money-saving tips from readers, including my favorite: eat a late breakfast and schedule a late lunch to take advantage of restaurants’ lower prices.

SoloFriendly reviews the WDW Downtown Disney’s Planet Hollywood: SoloFriendly contributes two reviews this weekend (one today, one tomorrow). Here, see inside the giant globe that is Planet Hollywood!

Main Street Gazette posts a new look at Victoria and Albert’s: The Grand Floridian’s (and Disney World’s) flagship restaurant is known for its precision…until today!