food IS a theme park
Holidays Around the World
at Epcot is a celebration of the Season as it is recognized around the globe!
Holidays Around the World
Holiday traditions from various cultures are expressed through decorations, stories, music and food, while additional events include the nightly Candlelight Processional and a holiday version of the evening spectacular IllumiNations — Reflections of Earth. [Read more…]
Today, we’re grabbing lunch from a pop up seasonal spot in Epcot! And this one involves Grilled Cheese!!
You know these kiosks…often you’ll find them closed (and sometimes not even there!) if you’re lucky enough to visit during less busy times of the year.
Epcot!
But since we’re smack dab in the middle of Spring Break, we’re seeing lots of extra food around the Parks to help feed the hungry crowds and minimize wait times at regular Counter Service and Table Service Locations.
Thanks to readers Daniel Wanderman and Megan McQuillan for letting me know recently that we needed to get over to Epcot’s Taste Track to check out an incredible menu of Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. I can’t wait to show you these!
If you’re looking for Taste Track, hang a right as you’re facing Test Track, and head back toward Future World. If the kiosk is serving, this is where you’ll find it.
Taste Track
You won’t find much in the way of seating — as in tables and chairs — but there are the same highboy tables that you see scattered around World Showcase, especially during the Flower and Garden and Food and Wine Festivals.
Tables Near Taste Track
More Tables
There are also some benches shaded by umbrellas situated a short walk away. And there are a few low planters with walls that conveniently double as both benches and tables.
For a landmark to get your bearings, Cool Wash is directly behind you if you’re facing the Taste Track kiosk.
Cool Wash, Across from the Taste Track Kiosk
Everything on the menu sounded pretty fantastic and we were excited to sample a range of things. Let’s check out what we chose.
For such a small booth, there’s a surprisingly diverse menu offered here!
With three different Gourmet Grilled Cheese Selections, plus Soup and Salad options, this could be a stop for the whole family. There are also some fantastic Craft Beer Selections. Because Grilled Cheese and Beer.
Taste Track Menu — Click to Enlarge
I thought the Kids’ Meal option of Grilled Cheese on Goldfish Honey Wheat Bread was fun, too. I tried to snap a pic from the family behind me; alas, they must have been hungry because they snatched it too quick. 🙂
When it came down to it, my friend and I decided to sample all three of the “grown up” options. We began with the [Read more…]
Menu news just keeps coming! Slowly but surely, menu details are trickling out about this the food and drink options for the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.
Just a couple of days ago, we shared with you some of the new food items that are scheduled to appear in the Outdoor Kitchens around World Showcase. Today we’re bringing you an update on a few of the drinks you can look forward to sampling!
And check out a beautiful and delicious dessert option in France — plus some fun news about FREE cooking demos at this year’s Festival!
We were thrilled to bring you a first look at a fun new option debuting in the Fleur de Lys Outdoor Kitchen. And today, we have another gorgeous pic to share!
I had the chance last week to sample a couple of the new offerings that will be at the Fleur de Lys Booth this year! The Ice Pop features a combination of French Peach Iced Tea, Grand Marnier Peach Raspberry Liqueur, and Vodka. It’s going to be perfect for those warm Florida Spring days!
You can absolutely taste the Grand Marnier and Vodka in this one! It’s amazing — even if you’re not an iced tea fan! And the texture isn’t exactly “frozen” due to the alcohol, so it’s very easy to eat.
A Grown-Up Ice Pop Debuts at the Fleur de Lys Outdoor Kitchen in the France Pavilion
And while we told you about the brand new Macaron Guimauve à la Fraise (Strawberry Marshmallow Macaron) that will be offered at Fleur de Lys, today I’m sharing a first look!
Macaron Guimauve à la Fraise (Strawberry Marshmallow Macaron)
It’s a great celebration of the fresh Florida Strawberry Season that’s underway right now. The crunchy-and-soft cookie and the marshmallow are super-sweet, but the strawberry inside is still a bit tart. It’s an amazing contradiction in flavors.
The name of the game is Fresh Flavor in the Outdoor Kitchens for 2015. Look for fruits and veggies to be featured everywhere — even in the libations!
Key Limen Wine from Florida Orange Groves has been a Festival feature in the past (we’ve seen it at the Food and Wine Festival, too). But this year, there might be something a little different on the horizon, as Key Lime Sparkling Wine is set to debut at the Florida Fresh Kitchen. We are also looking forward to another fun fruit-based option — Ace Pineapple Hard Cider.
Ace Pineapple Hard Cider — the First Pineapple Cider in the World and Perfect for the Flower and Garden Festival!
In addition, there will be a Sparkling Pineapple Wine; look for both at the Pineapple Promenade Kiosk.
New cocktails are also set to debut. We’re getting our first look at the La Tizana that we told you about previously. A fruit punch that’s inspired by the flavors of Venezuela, the bright punch includes Orange Juice, Lime Juice, Banana Puree, and Grenadine. It’s garnished with chopped fresh fruit. Find it at the Botanas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen, a new booth to the Festival this year.
Edgy Urban Eats will feature the Urban Mary, which takes cues from the classic Bloody Mary recipe. Spicy Tomato Juice, Lime Juice, and Worcestershire are mixed together and garnished with a Pickled Green Bean and Micro Greens.
New Beverages Set to Debut at the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Include Pineapple Cider, La Tizana, and an Urban Mary
And something that we love this year — La Tizana and the Urban Mary are available with or without alcohol, so you can enjoy the beverages regardless of your preference. Opt for a splash of RHUM Orange Liqueur to La Tizana, or add shot of Vodka to the Urban Mary.
Look for lots of interesting Craft Beer options as well, like the Shipyard’s Maple Bacon Stout at Barbecues and Brews.
The Mexico Pavilion will also provide market-inspired fresh flavors in some of their artisan Margaritas. We’re looking forward to sampling the Blueberry Pomegranate Margarita at Jardin de Fiestas Outdoor Kitchen in the Mexico Pavilion. Other fun options that will be available include a Tequila Liqueur Flight and [Read more…]
This week, all! The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival kicks off THIS WEEK!
It seems like we’ve been counting down, bringing you previews, and talking about it forever, so it will be so fun to hit the ground and begin trying all of the new dishes and returning favorites!
And this year, the festival has been extended to a record 53 days. That’s more than seven weeks to experience this great event.
We love showing you what you can expect from the Marketplace Booths that surround World Showcase. (For all of the Marketplace Booth Menus, be sure to visit our Main Booth Page.)
Today, let’s take a closer look at a couple favorites…
Originally introduced in 2005, the Hops & Barley Booth serves as the upscale taste of American food for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. You’ll find the extra large kiosk situated in the courtyard of the America Pavilion.
Hops & Barley Booth
While the marketplace began as a celebration of New England food and Samuel Adams beer, they’ve widened the scope a bit with food and beverages from all across the country.
And, as the name implies, there are a few different beers to sample here. But while the booth has been all about Sam Adams beer in the past, now you can sample other craft brews as well as wine.
While the Cheese Booth will be on hiatus in 2014, we’re happy to see one of its offerings pop up here at Hops & Barley — the Artisan Cheese Plate!
Trio of Artisan Cheeses
The trio includes some familiar faces from cheese plates around Walt Disney World, including Purple Haze Chèvre Goat Cheese and Cave Man Blue Cheese.
Purple Haze Chèvre Goat Cheese
Caveman Blue Cheese
Also migrating from another marketplace is the Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider. The burger was previously featured at the Florida Local Booth. But for 2014, Florida Local has morphed into Farm Fresh.
The Mini Burger gets new life with a fun new topping — Pimento Cheese! Creamy and spicy, this is a great addition to the lineup here!
Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Pimento Cheese
We’ve looked forward to Lobster dishes at Hops & Barley in the past. This year, we’re happy to say that it returns once more! Find it in the [Read more…]
We hope your family has enjoyed a festive holiday weekend! And the celebration continues here at the Disney Food Blog with Christmas in July. That’s right, some of the 2014 Candlelight Processional narrators have been announced. See if your favorite narrator is on the list!
Epcot’s Candlelight Processional
Are you headed to Disney World this summer? Check out the new Frozen Premium Package at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a VIP Frozen-themed dessert party and more!!
You’ll find more Disney Food News by clicking on the links below!
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 restaurant closures, a Garden View Tea Room renovation this summer at the Grand Floridian, new summer dinner dishes at Carthay Circle, and more!
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!
I’m famished. Let’s take a look at some mouth-watering entrees from Disney World’s Epcot. Here’s a delicious tweet. Tracey shared her Via Napoli pizza. YUM!
Pizza at Via Napoli
Seafood Fans, here’s one for you from DFB Reader, Andrew! This Broiled Salmon can be found at Les Chefs de France in Epcot.
Broiled Salmon at Les Chefs de France
Well, now I’m even more hungry. Still I appreciate the great photos. Keep ’em coming!
This week, we announced the Grand Launch of the Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition! And to continue the celebration, we’re offering a $3 discount for a limited time! Use code Epcot2014 at check-out!
We’ve updated our detailed snack guide to help you find the best eats (and treats!) in Walt Disney World’s Epcot. You’ll see some of your old favorites as well as some snacks that you might have missed. We’ve kept most of the snacks in the $1-5 range, but there are a few big spenders in there. (Yep, that turkey leg or frozen mojito is gonna cost you!)
There is absolutely no waiting to satisfy your snack cravings! This guide is an instantly downloadable PDF guide with over 290 pages of information and advice on over 150 delicious snacks that you can savor in Disney World’s Epcot. Download your copy right now, and start planning!
This guide is guaranteed to help you better plan your snacks and treats in Epcot, or your money back — we all know that treats in Epcot are just as important as a FastPass+ for Soarin!
The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book includes: [Read more…]
Drink beer, do good. Sounds like the perfect way to enjoy the Fourth of July!
To that end, we have some fun news for readers who enjoy exploring the world of craft beer!
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, in conjunction with Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing, will offer eight Cigar City selections when they stage a “Taproom Takeover” at Cabana Bar and Beach Club July 2-8!
Cabana Bar and Beach Club
Guests of the hotel can enjoy Cigar City’s regionally brewed beer and cider on all eight of the Cabana Bar and Beach Club’s taps. A selection of Cigar City Brewing’s beers will also be available at the Dolphin’s Lobby Lounge.
And on July 4, the endeavor will take on a charitable twist. One of the beers that will be available is Homefront IPA, and a portion of the proceeds from its sale will be donated to Operation Homefront, an organization providing services to military families across the nation.
Homefront IPA
This special brew is crafted in collaboration between several American microbreweries — Cigar City Brewing among them.
In addition to Homefront IPA, beer and cider selections will include [Read more…]
Let’s face it. Sometimes a Disney vacation can be absolutely exhausting! That’s why we like to seek out bars and lounges in which we can share fun with family and friends or relax while enjoying good food and special beverages.
Schweitzer Falls at Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar
A while back, we took a look at our Top 10 Disney World Bars and Lounges, and now it’s time to take a peek at our favorites in the Disneyland Parks and Resorts!
Here are our picks for Top Six Disneyland bars and lounges — a list that includes a little help from our Facebook Friends! Thanks for your input!
Ready to jump in? Here’s our favorite place to while away some time at the Disneyland Resort…
should be your first choice for chilling out in Disneyland!
This is due to some great bartenders, unique drinks (often served in souvenir glasses), good food, and, of course, the interactive activities here. (Careful not to sit on the sinking bar stools!)
This place is an awesome tropical retreat located at the Disneyland Hotel. Check out our Trader Sam’s Review here!
Trader Sam’s Bar
While there is indoor and outdoor seating, all of the action is inside where there is limited seating (about 50 spots); so get here early as evenings may be quite crowded.
Located in Disney California Adventure, the Cove Bar (not to be mistaken for Cove Cafe on the Disney Cruise Ships or the Cove Bar at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort…) is your place to escape the long lines and hot sun while enjoying great water-side views.
View from Cove Bar
Leave the thrills behind and savor specialty drinks and craft beers. The Raspberry Rain is a memorable choice! Look for an attractive menu offering my favorite, Buffalo Wings, and Lobster Nachos.
Make the Hearthstone Lounge in the Grand Californian Resort a must-do in Disneyland.
Whether you are looking for some quiet alone time or bringing along friends, this cozy fireside lounge has a lodge theme and soaring ceilings that immediately relax you. And that’s before your first drink order!
Take a seat at the bar, on a cozy sofa, or at a [Read more…]
The Disney Fantasy was christened in New York City this week, and eager passengers await their first voyage on the newest Disney Cruise Line ship!
We wanted to share a few of the specialty cocktails you’ll find on board — you know we’re all about prioritizing any on board credit you may have received! 😉
The Fantasy’s adults-only restaurants, Palo and Remy, will offer some delicious ways to complement your meal!
The uber-posh French restaurant, Remy, features a cocktail that is expertly handcrafted at your table. The signature cocktail “Collette” combines Taittinger Champagne and pear vodka, then is garnished with fresh blueberry, dried apricot, and mint leaf.
We loved this one! 🙂 The cool science-y part? When vodka is mixed with champagne, the champagne loses its bubbles! The sugar being released from the piece of candied apricot re-creates the effervescence! Taste? Incredible.
Collette Champagne Cocktail
Remy also boasts two wine lists! A special list of nearly 200 wines features vintage French wines, and Remy’s Vault holds the exclusive list with rare wines from around the globe. The latter lists includes a 1947 Château Cheval Blanc, which was the wine requested by the food critic from “Ratatouille” and retails at $25,000 per bottle. You’ll also find a 1961 Château Latour, which was also featured in the film.
Bottles from the Vault are presented by a white-gloved sommelier in an elegant velvet box with the wine on a silver-plated plaque.
White Gloves found near the Remy Vault of wines
Check out our review of Remy aboard the [Read more…]
Halloween Themed Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
Happy Halloween weekend! Let’s skip the tricks and get right to the treats — beer, food, wine, candy, and appetizers are all in the news this week.
And don’t forget to stop by the Main Street Bakery to get your homemade ice cream cookie sandwich on their specialty Halloween cookies! 🙂 Here we go…
Read on for this week’s Disney Food news highlights!
Find more Disney news on our Disney News Pin Board, updated regularly with Disney Food News both big and small!
We’ve passed the midway point of the festival, but there’s still a LOT of eating to do! Here are a few ways to stay up to date:
Stay tuned to our continuing coverage of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival over on our Epcot Food & Wine Festival Pages!
The Disney Food Blog’s Guide to Dining in Walt Disney World features 250 full-color pages of information, planning suggestions, tips, and details about eating in Disney World.
According to The Clothspring, “The money saving advice in this book pays for itself! You get insider tips and expert advice on food in Disney. Author AJ Wolfe, also author of the Disney Food Blog, has compiled the best, easiest to follow guide on Disney food you will find on the market.”
Read the rest of the review here!
Before planning YOUR Disney World trip, order your copy here!
DisZine
features an awesome Halloween sale at the Swan and Dolphin Resort in Walt Disney World! Book now for several months out and get an added “treat!”
WESH.com features some delicious pumpkin-y goodness in an article about Disney World Halloween Treats and Tips (by yours truly!!)
Eating (and Drinking) Around the World takes us on a fun tour of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
Cinderella's Carriage at Dallas Arboretum Pumpkin Patch
The Dallas Arboretum highlights their 2011 fairytale theme in the pumpkin patch. Check out the amazing Cinderella’s Pumpkin Village.
Main Street Gazette samples an old-fashioned candy apple at Candy Cauldron in Downtown Disney!
AllEars.Net shares Deb’s bits and bites from her last WDW trip! Find out Deb’s faves and not so favorite eats! Don’t forget to take the AllEars 2011 Food and Wine Festival survey here.
WDWRadio has us craving fried chicken with this recipe for Buttermilk Fried Chicken from the Pop Century Resort!
Disney by Mark reviews the September 30 Xante Mixology seminar at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
Disney Parks Blog has a great video about a new dish at Remy on the Disney Dream:
Raglan Road in Disney World’s Downtown Disney area wants to share their passion for beer!
This restaurant and pub offers over 50 types of beer, many of which are imported from Ireland due to an increase in craft beer production. And with the popularity of Craft Beers increasing, Raglan Road is proud to offer new and exciting brews.
For example, stop in to sample the “Home-Grown Organic Beer Flight,” which is made locally by the Orlando Brewing Co. Or try the seasonal Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale, a refreshing brew with a hint of spice flavor.
Pumpkinhead’s awards include a 2008 European Beer Star Silver Medal and 1st Place at the 2007 California Brewers Festival. And since this beer pairs well with fall food, be sure to order one at Raglan Road’s specialty Thanksgiving meal!
You can see the full list of Raglan Roads available brews on their beer menu.
According to Raglan Road, [Read more…]
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