Breakfast on the Range: Whispering Canyon Cafe

Global Disney Pinvestigator is back with another round of comments and photos about a recent meal. This one, breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe, is a great read, so settle in my friends, and don’t forget to give us your comments… whispering-canyon-cafe-sign

“Once again getting to the restaurant early, we were definitely the FIRST people there (and this might have been unfortunate). I have heard of the great show the waitstaff puts on, but I was a bit disappointed. The show couldn’t really begin until the restaurant filled up a bit more, and as it was 7:50am, things weren’t as rowdy.

(Interestingly, I overheard one waiter “breaking character” to ask about the time. When her co-worker responded “8:15,” the waiter replied “Oh…I’m ready to sing, and we have to wait 30 more minutes.” I’m guessing this means that if you have a later reservation, you may get a better show, as waitstaff aren’t allowed to get loud until after 8:45 due to sleeping Wilderness Lodge Resort guests!)

Dining Room

While Whispering Canyon has a nice-sized menu for breakfast, we decided to go for the Canyon Skillet, which is all-you-can-eat scrambled eggs, biscuits, potatoes, bacon, sausage, gravy, and mickey waffles for $14.99.

OJ a la Jam Jar

All You Can Eat Skillet

It was good, standard breakfast food, but it wasn’t refilled as much as our ‘Ohana breakfast servings and the Mickey waffles arrived a bit cold. The food was fine, though I would definitely rather go to ‘Ohana for breakfast.

Plate With Mickey Waffle

Additionally, though we’d been looking forward to the Whispering Canyon’s rowdy reputation, our waiter was not that “entertaining.” While other waitstaff seemed much more “awake” (throwing straws and rounding up the ketchup), our waiter was pretty low-key. I’m sure that if I hadn’t been expecting a rowdy atmosphere I wouldn’t have been disappointed, but we were really hoping… .

In the end, I might go back for a different meal (lunch or dinner); and while I may go back for breakfast again, I found it just “OK.” I enjoyed ‘Ohana much more.

Rating: 3 of 5
Tables in Wonderland: yes
Food: 3 of 5
Entertainment/show: 2 of 5″

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

By AJ 15 Comments

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!

Food Post Weekly Round-Up: August 23rd

By AJ 1 Comment

Animal Kingdom eat here

Before we get started with the round-up, I wanted to remind everyone that Chef Cat Cora’s signature restaurant, Kouzzina, “soft” opened this week at Disney World’s Boardwalk Resort! The restaurant, replacing Spoodles, serves breakfast and dinner dishes reminiscent of Cora’s Greek heritage. Check out all of our Kouzzina coverage, including menus and food photos!

The round-up this week includes some great Disney World Food stories, including some serious cheescake-making, mini-donut eating, dairy-loving deliciousness! Here we go!

Main Street Gazette sheds light on dining at the Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France: MSG does it again! They have captured a little piece of Disney World that I’ve never experienced…and desperately hope to! Please, click on the link. You will see muenster cheese like you’ve never seen muenster cheese before. It’s breathtaking.

Mousesteps captures preparations for the Food and Wine Festival: Some fantastic photos of prep work for the Festival, including landscaping and building! So excited!

A newer blog, Disney Every Day, composed a video dedicated to Typhoon Lagoon’s Mini-Donuts: I have never seen these at Typhoon Lagoon, but you can bet on where I’m heading next time I go!

A disney-loving blogger couple, Techy Dad and The Angel Forever, try their hand at the Pop Century Resort Tie-Dye Cheesecake Recipe: That link is to their second try (I really love the step by step photos!). Click over from Techy Dad to see The Angel Forever’s blog post about their first shot at the recipe, too!

Finally, ever wonder what it looks like when someone tries Beverly at Epcot’s Club Cool for the first time?: Thanks to @teruterubouzu for this link!

Thanks for all the great, and really interesting!, round-up articles this week! By the way, Disney fans — if you come across any Disney food posts in your readings online, let me know so that I can get them into the round-up! You can contact me via email, facebook, or twitter!

For more of the latest on Disney foodstuffs, check out our Disney Food News!

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!

2009 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Pins Posted

By AJ Leave a Comment

I saw over on the Global Disney Pinvestigator blog that the 2009 F&W Festival pins have been displayed! They’ll be available for purchase on September 21st, 2009.

Here are just a few of my favorites… Be sure to check the Pinvestigator blog post for the full set!

14th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Logo Pin

14th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Mickey and Japan Pin

14th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival City Pins

Pool Bars: Banana Cabana

By AJ 5 Comments

I’ve long wanted to do a series on pool bars, and Brad over at DisneyCaribbeanBeach.com tribute website has kindly offered the photos for me to start!

Banana Cabana

Banana Cabana holds a special place in my heart as it’s always so relaxing, and I continuously find the kindest and most engaging bartenders there!

Banana Cabana Bartenders

And, as all Disney World pool bars do, Banana Cabana serves the standard Disney drinks as well as a few of its own special concoctions! Indulge in mixed drinks, frozen or on the rocks; all servings of bears; wines; and non-alcoholic drinks — including a non-alcoholic pina colada!

Disney World Drink Menu

Banana Cabana Drink Menu

When you get a bit peckish, just head inside Old Port Royale to the Market Street Food Court and visit one of the several food court locations for a bit to eat.

Banana Cabana Seating

This is a great place to watch the sunset, keep an eye on the kids in the (AWESOME!) theme pool, or just enjoy some time with your friends and family on vacation. Sit back, relax, and take in a little of that caribbean calm!

What’s YOUR favorite pool bar? I’ll add it to the list for the series! Let me know via facebook, twitter, or email!

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

Reader Favorites: Best Disney World Counter Service Restaurants

By AJ 17 Comments

Got a great question via twitter about best counter service restaurants, and I thought I’d poll the DisneyFoodBlog Facebook Fan Page members about their favorites! Here are the winners in each Disney World theme park:

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe: Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom: Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
“Pecos Bill’s” as it’s commonly called, is located in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, between Splash Mountain and El Pirata y El Perico. It’s a HUGE counter service restaurant offering burgers (including a veggie burger), wraps, chicken and taco salads, and a pulled pork sandwich along with several sides and dessert offerings. Kids’ offerings include a hamburger and a salad with chicken.

Magic Kingdom Runners Up: Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland

Sunshine Seasons Food Station Categories

Epcot: Sunshine Seasons
The runaway favorite for favorite Epcot counter service choice, Sunshine Seasons is located in The Land pavilion in Future World.

Sunshine Seasons is one of the only true “food courts” in the Disney World parks, and offers different stations for different types of food, including Asian Cuisine-inspired foods, Soup and Salads, Sandwiches, Grilled items, and Desserts. There’s also a self-serve beverage station.

In the morning, Sunshine Seasons is one of the only places to get a hot breakfast in Epcot!

Epcot Runner Up: Tangierine Cafe in the Morocco Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase
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