food IS a theme park
Recently, we let you know that Cove Bar’s beloved Mickey’s Fun Wheel cocktail is now available at Alfresco Tasting Terrace (FYI — Neverland Tea and Black Pearl are available now, too!) — and now we’re helping ourselves to some tasty little appetizers at this relaxing and beautiful lounge in Disney California Adventure Park.
Lovely Signage at Alfresco Tasting Terrace
What’s a Disney foodie to do when the parks close, but she’s still raring to go? Hit the BoardWalk, baby!
And while you can pretty much always count on seeing me sitting in the back of Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar editing photos til 2AM, there’s another bar on the BoardWalk that is so fun and unusual that you’ve got to check it out at least once!
Abracadabar opened just over a year ago, and it’s been enticing guests ever since. The backstory is that this was the gathering place for BoardWalk magicians and entertainers decades ago — and that the magic is still in the air. (I mean, you’re at Disney World so Disney magic is everywhere already! But this is magic magic!)
You can experience the Abracadabar magic nightly (the bar opens at 4PM), and it’s accessible via the BoardWalk and via hallways to both Flying Fish and Trattoria al Forno, so you can start or finish your meal here easily!
The exterior of Abracadabar fits with the BoardWalk theming while also giving a hint to the vintage magic you’ll find inside.
AbracadaBar
We got an unexpected look at the construction of BaseLine Tap House in Disney’s Hollywood Studios today. The construction walls, which normally hide this very un-magical work from guest view, were down, presumably due to the approaching hurricane.
BaseLine Tap House — which will serve beer, wine, and appetizers — will reside on Grand Avenue, a new-ish area that’s designed to capture “the spirit of Downtown Los Angeles.” We say new-ish because it’ll mostly be located in the remnants of Streets of America.
BaseLine Tap House Logo and Signage
Let’s take a look! So far there’s lots of stylized fencing and lamp posts.
Wrought iron fencing and light post work
Welcome to Wine Country!
Alfresco Tasting Terrace Menu
Nestled above Wine Country Trattoria is the Alfresco Tasting Terrace in Disney California Adventure. This little haven for wine lovers and Disney fans alike is #OnTheList this week! [Read more…]
Cove Bar‘s job is to remind you that you’re in the Happiest Place on Earth, over and over again. And it does that job well.
Cove Bar Sign
That’s why it’s #OnTheList this week!
Time to dig into another delicious dish at Raglan Road!
The authentic Irish pub, located at Downtown Disney in Orlando, is one of our favorite spots for its warm atmosphere and fantastic live entertainment. But the food is incredible too. Fans obviously agree that it’s the total package — the pub was awarded Best Restaurant honors by Orlando Magazine earlier this year.
And Chef Kevin Dundon has knocked it out of the park on this one. (Well, he does that quite often, but that’s beside the point.) I first had Smokie City — a chunky, hot, cheesy dip that features potatoes and the rich flavors of smoked fish — at the recent Signature Dinner that I attended at Raglan Road. Chef Kevin was on hand to present each course, and while they were all first rate, this one was my favorite. I loved it so much that I made it for a recent family dinner!
Smoked Haddock, Potato, Tomatoes, and Vintage Dubliner Cheddar Bake — Up Close
And after you read about it, I think you’re going to want to make it, too. So here’s the recipe!
Smoked Haddock, Potato, Tomato, and Vintage Dubliner Cheddar Bake
Serves 4
If you can’t find smoked haddock, go for an all-natural, firm smoked fish such as cod or coley. I also used Irish cheddar cheese.
Ingredients: [Read more…]
Now and then we like to explore the lesser-known hang-outs at Walt Disney World. Tucked into the main building at Coronado Springs Resort and specializing in awesome tequilas (they’re run by the same folks who run Cava del Tequila!) Rix Lounge is a unique place to unwind!
Rix Lounge Entrance
We’ve got a photo tour of this fun nightspot for you below, but first I have some super fun news to share for those of us who love tequila and beverage tastings!
Rix Lounge will host their first ever Tequila Tasting on Saturday, March 30th, at 8pm! A tequila ambassador (Hilda, maybe?) will guide guests through the history and production process of tequila, the different types and categories of tequila, and of course a tasting.
Rix Tequila Tasting
I’m guessing this will be a LOT like the tequila tastings from the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which have now been turned into full blown tequila lunches! The tasting will include Milagro Select Barrel Silver, Partida Reposado, and Gran Centenario Añejo. A delicious Sangrita will be the finishing touch.
Tickets are available to the general public (ages 21 and up) at $30 per person in advance, or $35 per person at the door. A table reservation is required.
Now, for those of you who haven’t ever been to this little-known Disney hot spot, let’s take a gander around! Here’s a photo tour for ya!!
Rix Lounge Decor
Many special events are held at Rix Lounge, including kid birthday parties and romantic weddings! So, check the schedule before planning your evening. There is [Read more…]
Let’s raise a glass to Lisa Davis for this fabulous review of Tutto Gusto’s wines, cheeses, and more! Tutto Gusto is a new wine bar serving small plates and meals in Epcot’s Italy pavilion.Tutto Gusto
Wine Cellar in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion is the second venue of its kind in Epcot. Having experienced the joys of drinking and dining in Mexico’s La Cava del Tequila, my husband and I anxiously awaited the opening of Tutto Gusto.
We were finally able to visit in early June, one month after it officially opened.
Tutto Gusto Entrance
Tutto Gusto is much larger than La Cava del Tequila, but still retains a small/intimate atmosphere. The decor and lighting help to make you feel as if you just walked into the wine tasting room of a winery in Italy. (Editor’s Note: See a photo tour of Tutto Gusto here!)
You can sit at a table in the main area by the food case and wine display, or in a more intimate setting by the fireplace. There are several table sizes to accommodate different sized groups.
Fireplace Room at Gusto
Gusto Seating
On our visit, we were able to walk right in and be seated, which was a pleasant surprise considering the wait times we typically have at La Cava del Tequila. There were two greeters at the entry — whom we initially walked right by on our way in — to provide us seating options.
Since it was just the two of us, we chose a loveseat by the fireplace. On a side note, we believe we came at a great time, having arrived at 7 p.m. on a Friday, just after a severe late-afternoon thunderstorm that cleared the park.
The fireplace area is separated from the [Read more…]
After a short renovation, Downtown Disney’s centrally located UVA Bar, an extension of Catal, is back in biz with a fresh new look.
They were closed when I walked by, but I just had to snap a few photos for sharing! I love the bright colors and new seating. Can’t wait to try some of the new menu items as well.
Downtown Disney's UVA Bar
Sign me up for some Fried Chicken and an Orange 50/50 Shake please!
UVA Bar New Menu
The round booth style seats and long community-like tables are a [Read more…]
Tutto Gusto, a new wine bar
that will be adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante, is set to open in early May as part of the restaurant’s recent refurbishment.
We can’t wait to add this location to our Drinking Around the World itinerary!
Nestled next to Tutto Italia Ristorante in Epcot’s Italy pavilion, Tutto Gusto will feature a cozy 96-seat space located in the former lobby space and extending toward Via Napoli.
The new wine bar will take over Tutto Italia’s former lobby space. Stone walls and floors, vaulted ceilings, and a fireplace will create the atmosphere of an Italian wine cellar.
The soon-to-be-hot-spot will be open to patrons from 11:30AM to 9PM to enjoy over 200 Italian wines and what sounds like an amazing selection of small plates and appetizers.
Gusto Wine Cellar
According to the DisneyParks Blog, this venue will be part of the Disney Dining Plan. We’re not sure yet if it will be considered a one-credit or two-credit location, but either way, this will make Italy the only pavilion with [Read more…]
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
