Table-Service | the disney food blog

7 Underrated Disney World Appetizers (You’ve Gotta Try These!)

We were chatting in my house about some of our favorite Disney World appetizers and realized that we don’t hear people talk about these seven very often! Are they underrated? Simply unknown? Who knows. Either way, I want YOU to know about them, because they’re quite yummy indeed.

1. Citricos: Arancini-Crispy Risotto
This appetizer, with Italian Sausage, Quattro Formaggi, and White Truffle Aïoli, is different. And that’s what I love about it. Fried risotto. Cheese. Sausage. It’s like a little ball of comfort. I love that this is the way I begin my slow, relaxing meals at Citricos.

Citricos Arancini-Crispy Risotto

2. Beaches and Cream: Chili
Simple. Straightforward. The best chili on property. If you disagree, let me know your favorite!

3. Liberty Tree Tavern: Tavern Fried Cheese with Marinara Sauce
You may think these are just cheese sticks. But you’d be wrong. See those little pudgy ones on the side? Curds. Curds! DeeeLISH! There’s a completely different flavor here than your standard chain restaurant cheese sticks; at least WE think so!

Liberty Tree Tavern Fried Cheese

4. Le Cellier: Spicy Chicken and Chipotle Sausage with Roasted Corn Polenta and Sweet Onion Jam
While patrons (including me!) rave about Le Cellier’s cheddar cheese soup and trio of breadsticks, we were blown away when we tried this chicken and chipotle sausage. The corn polenta adds just the right texture to compliment the sausage. It’s a meal in itself, but don’t forget you’ve still got steak coming!

Le Cellier Spicy Chicken and Chipotle Sausage with Roasted Corn Polenta

5. Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room: Meat and Cheese Selection for Two
All you have to do is take one look at this beautiful board and you know it’s delicious. Black pudding, Stilton baked into a flaky pastry, sharp Cheddar, mushroom-infused Brie, candied walnuts, gherkin, a little pot of onions — it’s a little bit of everything. Truly, the best “cheese plate” I’ve found in Disney World to date. Pair this with a cup of the potato and leek soup, and you have an unforgettable meal. Thanks to WDWforGrownups.com for the photo!

Rose and Crown Dining Room Cheese and Meat Plate

6. ESPN Club: Patriot Clam Chowder
Liberty Tree Tavern has great clam chowder, too, but as they’re already on the list we wanted to mention our runner-up clam chowder at the ESPN Club! Brimming with clams and potatoes, we always order it with LOTS of oyster crackers…

7. California Grill: Potato Celery Soup
Unfortunately, this is seasonal. But I’m hoping it’s back next Winter! We were skeptical about California Grill until we dipped our soup spoons into this rich, flavorful, creamy soup. I wish words could explain how decadent this stuff is, but, alas, we’ll just have to hope we can fit all of the Disney Food Blog readers into a meet-and-greet at Cali Grill next February. For a hint of the recipe, check our California Grill review post.

California Grill Potato Celery Soup

There you have it! Our favorites, so far! Clearly we haven’t tried everything on every menu, so if you’ve got a contender, let me know by posting a comment. Thanks in advance!

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.

2009 Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages

By AJ Leave a Comment

Candlelight Processional (copyright Disney)

Please Note: According to MousePlanet, Disneyland’s Candlelight Spectacular will be a hard ticket event for D23 Charter Members only, with an additional price tag of $275. The following information is rumored for Disney World ONLY.

Stitch Kingdom is reporting that this year’s Candlelight Processional Dinner Package at Disney World includes access to a reserved area to watch Illuminations: Reflections of Earth! This added benefit might just make it that much more worth it to book a Dinner Package!

The site also lists all of the specifics regarding the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package, including costs and times for the different tiers of restaurants:
Tier I: Biergarten and Garden Grill
Tier II: Nine Dragons, Restaurant Marrakesh, Rose and Crown, and San Angel Inn
Tier III: Chefs De France, Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Teppen Edo, Tokyo Dining, Tutto Italia

Word on the street (e.g. the message boards) is that booking this year will be on the regular 90-day schedule, and that Processional Dinner Packages will not be available via the online booking system.

As of right now, the Candlelight Processional will be offered November 27 – December 30, 2009, at 5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 pm.

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!

Kouzzina Food Photos!

By AJ 5 Comments

Thanks to @GoofyBeast, here are a few great photos — including food shots! — of Kouzzina on Disney’s Boardwalk:

Kouzzina Lobby

Kouzzina Dining Room

Kouzzina Sampler: Prawns and Chicken on Skewers, Olives, Spiced Cashews, Dolmades, Tzatziki, Hummus and Pita

Spanakopita

Fisherman's Stew

Red Snapper

First Photos of Kouzzina by Cat Cora

By AJ 4 Comments

Some of our favorite WDW websites are starting to report from the Boardwalk that Kouzzina is indeed in soft opening — and they have photos!

Cedric Chang guest blogs for AllEarsNet — he was the FIRST GUEST at Kouzzina during its soft opening: Cedric’s Adventure at Kouzzina

Orlando Attractions Magazine has photos from inside the dining room: Kouzzina photos and blog by Jackie and Matt Roseboom

WDWMagic has a great opening day gallery of the outside signage and some inside shots: WDWMagic Kouzzina photo gallery

Mousesteps.com has some outside shots of the Boardwalk with the Kouzzina signage: Kouzzina and Boardwalk outdoor shots And a great review with TONS of photos and a couple of videos: Kouzzina breakfast review and restaurant photos/video

Kouzzina Menus Now Available on Disney Website

By AJ Leave a Comment

boardwalk-inn

Check out the actual menus for Kouzzina by Cat Cora, now in soft opening at Disney World’s Boardwalk:

Dinner Menu
Breakfast Menu
Dessert Menu

Make a reservation at: (407) WDW-DINE (Hopefully online reservations will be available soon here.

Food Blog Weekly Round-Up: August 16

By AJ 1 Comment

Animal Kingdom eat here

Thanks for this weeks food posts, all!

Theme Park Insider offers some Advice for First Time Visitors to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival: Wondering how many days you should plan to spend at the Festival or when you need to book your chosen Party for the Senses before it sells out? Find out here.

ImagiNERDing remembers the Haunted Mansion “I Scream Sundae”: Promotional food from way back when…great images on this one, too!

The Orlando Sentinel recounts a not-so-pleasant experience at Yak and Yeti: If you’re looking for vegetarian options, you may have to “ask around.”

DLRPToday takes a look at the Disney Blockbuster Cafe refurb in Disneyland Paris: Check this out for some cool photos of the upcoming “pirate” room!

LaughingPlace reminds us that Mexico’s La Cava del Tequila will be opening August 28th: 70 types of authentic tequila and exotic and unique-blended margaritas? Sounds good to me!

Main Street Gazette lists Disney spots serving Egg Rolls: I love this idea! Pick your favorite Disney food and list where you can find it! (DisneyFoodBlog scribbles notes…)

CakeWrecks shows us Castle Cakes!: These AREN’T Cake Wrecks…I promise. Be sure to check out the Cinderella Castle cake!

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!

‘Ohana Character Breakfast: Mickey and Friends

By AJ 7 Comments

Pinvestigator Cody, of the Global Disney Pinvestigator Blog, is back with another round of comments and photos about a recent meal. This one, breakfast with Mickey and Friends at ‘Ohana, is one of his favorites; you’ll see why when you see these amazing photos! Thanks, Cody! sign-11

‘Ohana means “family,” and the restaurant stretches that feeling throughout the meal! Opening at 7:30am, we arrived at 7:20 for a 7:40 Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR). There were about 20 families in front of us waiting to check in, but we were the second family to be seated (they really do pay attention to those ADR times!)

'Ohana Breakfast Open Kitchen

The hostess took us to our table, giving us a short tour of the restaurant along the way. We briefly stopped by the open kitchen where the hostess took our appetizer plate from the rows and rows of Pineapple and Cinnamon Raisin Bread (both are delicious, by the way), explaining that giving bread to family is one of the ‘Ohana customs celebrated at the restaurant.

Pineapple Bread and Cinnamon Raisin Bread

We sat at our table, which included a great view of Cinderella Castle.

view from 'Ohana

Right away, a server came out with our “POG Juice” — Orange, Pineapple, Guava! It was delicious.

POG Juice

Not less than 5 minutes later, we got our food. It’s served family-style at ‘Ohana, with all-you-can-eat bacon, eggs, sausage, and potatoes.

breakfast

Another server also came around regularly with a bowl of Mickey Waffles, hot out of the “iron.”

Mickey Waffle

Additionally, we received a small fruit platter, with pineapple, cantaloupe, grapes, and more.

'Ohana Fruit Platter

Finally, the characters made their appearances! They were great and spent an equal amount of time at each table. Every 30-45 minutes is the ‘Ohana Family Parade, where the characters invite everyone to dance and sing and “shake!”, all to the song “Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride.”