Kouzzina

Disney World’s Kouzzina by Cat Cora To Close September 30, 2014

We got a little bit of news from a DFB reporter today that you may love or hate:

Cat and Mouse to Part Ways in September

Kouzzina by Cat Cora, the Greek/Mediterranean restaurant located on Disney’s BoardWalk in Walt Disney World, will be closing its doors in September 30, 2014. Kouzzina replaced former Mediterranean restaurant, Spoodles, in 2009.

Kouzzina Open Kitchen

The spot will be closed in September and re-opened at an unspecified date as another restaurant. No word yet on what type of food will be served, but Cat Cora’s name will not be attached to the new dining location.

Waffles topped with Mascarpone Cheese at Kouzzina

While we weren’t huge

[Read more…]

Tips from the DFB Guide: Top 5 Disney Dining Plan One-Credit Values for 2014

By AJ 13 Comments

Now that you’ve booked your 2014 Disney World vacation, it’s time to make your Advance Dining Reservations.

But which restaurants are worthy of your precious Disney Dining Plan credits?

What’s the DDP? The vacation package add-on called the Disney Dining Plan is a pre-purchased meal plan. Based on the plan you choose, you’ll receive a certain number of credits to be utilized during your Disney stay. (Remember your college meal plan? Yeah; it’s kinda like that!)

Many table-service meals in Disney World cost one credit per person, but are you getting the best value?

If you reeeeeeally want to get your money’s worth, stick to the one-credit restaurants, order the most expensive meal on the menu, and maximize your savings! Let’s get to the DFB guide’s top picks for best value at “one table-service credit” Walt Disney World restaurants.

Remember: this is primarily based on food cost, but we have taken atmosphere and food quality into consideration a bit as well. We don’t want you eating at a bad restaurant, after all. 😉

Tutto Italia

Offering regional specialties, Tutto Italia is located in Epcot’s Italy pavilion. With dinner entrees costing about $30, and a pricey dessert topping $13, your one meal here is a great use of a table service dining credit!

Braised Meatballs and Shortrib

features Mediterranean cuisine showcased on a menu created by Celebrity Chef Cat Cora. A dinner at this BoardWalk restaurant can be costly. With a $35 grilled steak entree and $10 desserts (Baklava!!), Kouzzina is a smart choice for your dining credit use!

Baklava Dessert at Kouzzina

Teppan Edo

is a fun Hibachi restaurant in Epcot’s Japan pavilion. Order the $32 Filet Mignon and a dessert at $5-7 to make the most of your table service credit.

Steak and chicken at Teppan Edo

Les Chefs de France

Located in Epcot’s France pavilion, Les Chefs de France serves up delicious cuisine. Dinner entrees cost $20-35 with desserts about $9 each. Use your table service credit here for a memorable meal.

Creme Brulee at Chefs de France

Rainforest Cafe

While Rainforest Cafe gets mixed reviews, [Read more…]

“The Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney!” Breakfast!

By AJ 166 Comments

We’re back for more fun with a brand new version of our hit series, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney”!

With your awesome input, we had tons of fun exploring our favorite Disney food categories a looong time ago. But Disney keeps adding amazing new dishes, treats, and foods! And so, it’s time to revisit these questions and add some of our new, and enduring, favorites to the mix!

Today, we’ll get the day started off right just like we should — with some delicious Breakfast! I’ll let you know a few of my favorites…and then it’s your turn to chime with in YOUR votes for “The Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney — Breakfast”!

Let’s get to crackin’! (Like…eggs. Crackin’ eggs. Get it? 🙂 )

Waffle with Whipped Mascarpone at Trattoria al Forno

It’s a breakfast classic coupled with a dessert indulgence… the Waffle with Whipped Mascarpone at Trattoria al Forno on Disney World’s BoardWalk!

Trattoria al Forno Waffles

The generous dollop of smooth, rich, whipped mascarpone topping the crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside waffles provides a truly decadent way to start the day. With espresso flavoring the cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder on top, it’s much like eating a tiramisu-topped waffle.

Waffle Topping — Up Close

And look… you can see the vanilla bean specks dotted throughout the cream!

Waffle Topping — Inside

Upon first glance, you may — like I did — think something’s missing, and you may be tempted to request some syrup on the side. Don’t.

Waffle — Cross Section

This one’s terrific just as it is.

Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe

Classics become so for a reason. In Disney food circles, classics = awesomeness (and often over-the-topness) that just about everyone loves.

Case in point: Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe.

Tonga Toast with Bacon

Thick, fluffy bread is stuffed with banana yum, before it’s battered and deep-fried. After a roll in a ton of [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Coffee!

By AJ 2 Comments

Aaaaaahhhh…Coffee

. Some of us simply can’t get the old motor cranking in the morning without it! And there have been some changes to the coffee world in Disney parks these days!

We thought it would be fun to show off some of the pictures that YOU have captured of java in our regular feature, Disney Food Pics of the Week. Thanks to those readers who shared with us a little of their Disney trip by posting on Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza, our Flickr group!

If you’d like to get in on the fun, head over to Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza on Flickr and join the group. We’d love to see even more of your great food shots! Let’s see what you’ve found!

Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte at Main Street Bakery

The real victory for many coffee lovers at Disney parks has been the opening of Starbucks in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The first location opened at Walt Disney World transformed fan favorite Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom to a mix of part bakery, part retro coffee shop.

While reviews have been a somewhat mixed, many guests are super happy to stroll down Main Street USA with their favorite Seasonal Iced Latte in hand!

Photographer: ernobrn0918

Pumpkin Spice Latte from Main Street Bakery

Vacuum Pot Coffee at Victoria & Albert’s

But then, if you are looking for the most prestigious pot of coffee anywhere in all of Walt Disney World…well, you just knew it would be Victoria & Albert’s that delivered, right?

This is coffee as theater, my friends, and it’s just as dramatic and delicious as it looks.

Photographer: Spikey1967

Cona Vacuum Pot from Victoria and Albert's

Press Pot Coffee From Kouzzina

Kouzzina

is Chef Cat Cora’s Greek-leaning restaurant at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. In relatively short order, this [Read more…]

Review: Breakfast at Kouzzina in Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

By AJ 15 Comments

Let’s head to one of my highly recommended breakfast spots — Kouzzina, at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn!

Learn About:Kouzzina

Boardwalk Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

This casual, but classy restaurant is carries the name of celebrity chef Cat Cora, and features a menu with a Mediterranean influence that celebrates Cora’s Greek heritage.

Kouzzina has won critical acclaim, and has long been one of our favorite stops for breakfast in all of Walt Disney World. So on a recent trip there, we decided to drop by and see what was new…and there was one thing that I’m STILL dreaming about today! I can’t wait to tell you about it!

Read on!

Atmosphere

Entering Kouzzina from the almost carnival-like atmosphere of Disney’s BoardWalk, you immediately sense a shift in mood. Kouzzina has a decidedly refined atmosphere, but with many rustic touches. It’s almost like urban-meets-farmhouse.

Menu Cover

In the entryway, there are shelves with mementos and cooking vessels. We spied this Hidden Mickey, which is a nice reminder that although Cat Cora is the chef, you’re still at Disney.

Entryway Decor Featuring a Hidden Mickey

Since a renovation last year, you can find lots of Cora-rific goodies for sale in the lobby of the restaurant.

A List of Available Merchandise

Some of the Cat Cora Merchandise for Sale

Once your name is called and you head into the restaurant, you’ll see another result of the recent renovation. Olive Oil — Greek Olive Oil, to be precise — is used as a hip decor element. Personally, I think this is a little too contemporary for the more “farmhouse-y” feel of the restaurant, but that’s why I’m not an interior designer I guess.

Olive Oil Bottles

While the art wall of olive oil bottles provides the urban touch, lots of dark wood in the dining room brings the rustic feel to the party. Walls with dark wood wainscoting match booths, tables, and beamed ceilings. Lighter wood planks cover the floor. All in all, the hard surfaces and high ceilings can make for a loud space, but the overall feeling is comfortable.

Seating

Bright light is filtered at the windows through white curtains. It really is a very relaxing spot for breakfast in WDW! A good contrast to what you’re about to experience in the parks! 😉

Windows

Be sure to look up, too. The light fixtures are really beautiful, with an almost Middle Eastern look.

Beautiful Light Fixture

And the painted tin ceiling carries the feeling of antiquity through the space.

Light Fixture From Another Angle

The open kitchen draws the eye, however. It’s always entertaining to watch [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: August 25, 2013

By Kim 1 Comment

We’re finally in the know about the California Grill opening date!

New sushi options at California Grill!

Get ready to make your Advance Dining Reservations beginning August 26 (tomorrow!) for the restaurant’s September 9th opening date (and beyond)! We can’t wait to see the results of the restaurant’s renovations as well as sample new menu items!

Also, if your resort’s food court is an important element to your Disney World vacation, please review the news on the temporary closing of the All-Star Sports End Zone food court.

Don’t miss this week’s news. Time to catch up on your reading…

Disney Food News

Interesting and delicious news this week!

We’ve got the details on Disney World’s California Grill reservations and opening date!
Guests staying at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will find the End Zone Food Court closed for renovations.
Check out this review of the new FastPass+ system for Be Our Guest Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Kouzzina by Cat Cora at the BoardWalk Resort is now offering a Prix Fixe menu.
Try the new Double Chocolate Funnel Cake at Epcot’s Funnel Cake Stand in the America Pavilion.
Check out some Tiki Room merchandise at Disneyland and Disney World!

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 The Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney Orlando, Food of Life Event at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, and more.

DFB Reader Finds

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!

In our Reader Finds showcase this week — two new dessert options from Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom! Thanks to Reader Kaitlyn for sending in these gorgeous photos!

The first is a trio — a warm pecan cake with caramel sauce, a triple chocolate mousse, and a meyer lemon tart.

Dessert Trio at Cinderella's Royal Table!

And check out a new signature dessert: [Read more…]

Disney World’s Kouzzina Now Offering Prix Fixe Menu

By Kim 10 Comments

At Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, Kouzzina by Cat Cora is now offering a Prix Fixe Menu.

Learn About:Kouzzina

Boardwalk Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

This five course dinner includes some of Kouzzina’s chefs’ favorites and specialties.

Note that beverages are an additional cost unless you are paying with the Disney Dining Plan (non-alcoholic beverage included).

It’s important to know that substitutions will not be offered, so guests with special dietary concerns should opt for the regular menu.

Mezze Pikilia
Goat Cheese Sto Fourno
Lamb Soutzoukakia
Sautéed Shrimp
Spiced Hummus

Greek Hummus and Spreads at Kouzzina

Soupa kai Salata
White Truffle Avgolemono
Horiatiki Salata
Dolmades

Palate Refresher

Duo of Signature Piata
Fisherman’s Stew
Slow Braised Short Ribs
Smoked Feta Mashed
Seasonal Vegetables

Kouzzina Short Ribs

Glyka Pikilia
Mini Budino, Sour Cherry Spoon Sweet
Walnut-Pistachio Baklava
Duo of Pagota

If you are dining a la carte and wish to try one of the above dishes, these items will also available individually. Guests in your party may choose from the a la carte or prix fixe menu and not all guests have to choose from the same menu.

The Prix Fixe menu is now available for $69.00 per person or one table-service credit per person for Disney Dining Plan guests.

In addition, the standard Disney Dining Plan will accrue a surcharge of $18.53 and guests with the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan will pay a surcharge of $4.54. Discounts will apply, and an automatic gratuity will only be added for parties of six or more guests.

While Advance Dining Reservations are suggested, they are not necessary in order to order from the prix fixe menu.

What’s your favorite dish at Kouzzina? Will you order the Prix Fixe menu on your next visit?

Guest Review: Culinary Demos at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By AJ 10 Comments

It’s time to start getting excited about the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Today, we’re whetting your whistle as guest reviewer @MealTrip joins us with mini-reviews from four culinary demos presented at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Read on and learn what to expect this year at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival culinary demos.

The Culinary Demonstrations held at the Festival Welcome Center (the old Wonders of Life Pavilion), provide a great gateway for those looking into any of the extra “pay to attend” events at the Food and Wine Festival. At $12 to $15 per person, per seminar, they really are one of the best values at the festival.

Festival Center - Outside View

A representative from the winery, a chef, and an interviewer are present during the experience to talk about the wine you’re sampling, and actually prepare a version of the dish in an on-stage kitchen. In most cases, there’s also time to get a few questions from the audience answered. (Okay, again for the realists out there, there’s a much larger kitchen behind the kitchen on stage, where your food is being prepared at the same time.)

While it is recommended that you reserve a spot early (booking begins on August 13th for everyone; August 9th for Tables in Wonderland and DVC members, Golden Oak Residents, and Annual Passholders), you can also check in at the Festival Center when the park opens to see what’s still available for the day.

Demo and Seminar Check In

On to the fun stuff, a recap of a few events from the first week of the 2012 festival…

Celebrity Chef Cat Cora Culinary Demonstration

Details: Chef Cat Cora

from Kouzzina – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Dish: Seared Shrimp with Spiced Hummus and Peppedew Relish. Wine: Brampton UnWooded Chardonnay.

We’ll start our little recap with the Iron Chef herself, Cat Cora.

Chef Cat Cora.

Chef Cora’s dish was [Read more…]

Food Challenge: The Disney Food Blog Waffle Crawl

By AJ 17 Comments

It’s been a while since we’ve had a good Disney Food Crawl around here, don’t cha think? Let’s take care of that right now!

My friends, gather ’round — for we are about to carb load like never before!

Introducing…

The Disney Food Blog Waffle Crawl!

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Waffles are just for breakfast. But you’d be only half right! There’s plenty of waffle-ness to be had at all hours of the day throughout Walt Disney World, believe it or not.

But since this one is definitely going to challenge your stamina, I heartily recommend you plan to cover two days with this one, and enlist the help of some able-bodied and empty-stomached friends. Sharing will be beneficial! 😉

So what are you waiting for? Grab your butter and syrup and let’s go!

Sleepy Hollow Waffle Sandwiches

We’re starting at the Magic Kingdom first, since some of our favorite waffles can be found here!

When I’m looking for a treat at Disney World’s very first park, it’s pretty hard to imagine finding anything as rockin’ as a waffle from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. And of all the amazing choices available, the Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle usually wins out with me!

Nutella Waffle Sandwich With Fruit

A fresh-from-the-iron waffle, malty and thick and still warm, is slathered with Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread. Then it’s heaped high with a mix of fresh bananas and berries. It’s big enough to share — if you want to! 😉

Looking for a more savory waffle experience? My second favorite is the Spicy Chicken Waffle, an sweet-and-spicy Asian riff on fried chicken and waffles that is nothing short of incredible. (We’ll have a full review of this one coming up soon on DFB!)

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow

You may think you don’t want [Read more…]

Best Disney World Restaurants for Brunch

By AJ 24 Comments

One of my favorite Disney Dining tips for saving money in Disney World is to exchange two meals for one — especially when you’re trading breakfast and lunch for an awesome brunch!

In the past, a main planning focus for many guests has been getting to the parks early so that they can grab fastpasses for favorite rides — or ride things before the crowds arrive.

But now that MyMagic+ is going to make reserving later-in-the-day ride times that much easier, you might be able to take a few days to sleep in — and save some dough at the same time!

So I’m adding to our Best Disney Restaurants Series and outlining a few of my personal favorite places to start the day off slow at Walt Disney World. I can’t wait to hear your suggestions, too!

Trattoria al Forno at the Boardwalk Resort

In spring of 2017, Trattoria al Forno introduced a brand new character brunch experience called the Bon Voyage Character Breakfast. And this character breakfast isn’t just about the princesses. In addition to character meet and greets with Rapunzel and Ariel, diners also get to meet Flynn Ryder and Prince Eric, making this one of the only character meals with princes!

Prince Eric

And the food is pretty exciting, too! Pastries and entrees are designed to reflect themes and icons from Tangled and The Little Mermaid, making this meal as fun to look at as it is to eat! We particularly enjoyed the Tower of Pancakes meant to represent Rapunzel’s tower!

Pastry assortment

Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Your African adventure begins the moment you arrive at this exotic resort and take in the splendor of the lobby. As you make your way to Boma, dark woods and thatched roofs mingle with the delicious smells to make you feel like you’ve entered an African marketplace for breakfast.

Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge

The buffet here is stocked with popular brunch options like omelets, pancakes, french toast, bacon, sausage, carved ham, breakfast potatoes, cereal, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs; but they also serve up more multi-cultural dishes, including African pastries, quinoa porridge, and bobotie — a type of quiche.

Seriously, you could totally go for that cinnamon roll right now, couldn’t you??