food IS a theme park
You already know that Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is, well, magical. From sunrise to sunset and beyond, it’s beautiful from almost any angle.
Cinderella Castle
And now our icing wishes have come true (naturally!) at Gaston’s Tavern.
There are a lot of still new things to enjoy at Animal Kingdom, and today we’ve got the scoop on a few of them!
Over at Tiffins, the much-lauded signature restaurant that embraces travel and adventure, diners may experience not one but two prix fixe menus! The first prix fixe option is designed for busy days — days when the restaurant has lots of ADRs lined up. Offerings include Braised Wagyu Pozole and Grilled Swordfish.
Tiffins “Busy” Prix Fixe Menu
We’re coming to you today from The Market at Ale & Compass!
Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “Great! But where’s Ale & Compass?” The Market at Ale & Compass is located in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. You may already be familiar with Ale & Compass Lounge, which sits near the Captain’s Grille (which is currently closed for refurbishment — guests can enjoy Captain’s Grille dishes at its temporary location in Ariel’s).
The Market at Ale & Compass, however, is located right by the Fittings & Fairings gift shop (which is… umm, also closed for refurbishment 😉 , with a reopening planned for July. Change is the name of the game ‘round these parts!).
With the exception of the Yacht & Beach Club’s pool bar, Hurricane Hanna’s, the Yacht Club has been without a Counter Service option, with guests relying on nearby choices at the neighboring BoardWalk Inn and Beach Club.
Sign for The Market at Ale & Compass
The Market at Ale & Compass is here to change that… and it’s been a long time coming. Step inside!
The Market at Ale & Compass has been established in half of what was the Fittings & Fairings gift shop (the other portion of the space will once again operate as a merchandise spot once it reopens in July). [Read more…]
Wow… we’re gearing up for a LOT of new experiences coming to Walt Disney World in the coming weeks. Next month, the new “Happily Ever After” nighttime spectacular will make its debut in Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom will unveil an entire new LAND with Pandora — The World of AVATAR!
“Happily Ever After” Concept Art ©Disney
But, as always, there is plenty taking place in the here and now in Disney World, too. So, let’s take a look around the parks and resorts to find out What’s New!
Check out the half-adorable, half-creepy new Panda Caramel Apple in Zuri’s Sweets Shop! (That thing really needs pupils.) [Read more…]
Happy Sunday! We hope you’re enjoying this late-summer weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s Food Post Round-up!
Cinnamon Roll — Another View
Summer might be winding down, but that means we’re just a few weeks away from the start of the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We have a preview of a few of this year’s Marketplace Booths, including the all-new Greenhouse Guru booth.
We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in…
Nothing hits the spot quite like that decadent treat, a Disney Cinnamon Roll. Whether you’re enjoying one of these mammoth pastries for breakfast with your coffee, or as an afternoon snack, it’s been one of my favorites forever!
It’s unfortunate that some of the very best ones, like the Main Street Bakery Cinnamon Roll and the Sticky Bun at Kouzzina, are no longer available.
But there are still so many delicious options available out there! Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites, and then you can share with me which ones you like the best. [Read more…]
Alright guys, today we’re taking it back. Like, waaaay back! Who remembers Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom BEFORE it was a Starbucks location? Well, we do, and we think about it more than we’d like to admit.
And you know what one of the best things was about the old Main Street Bakery? The cinnamon rolls, otherwise known as the undisputed breakfast of champions! Seriously, just look at this.
Main Street Bakery Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing!
And I know that the cinnamon rolls at Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland are supposed to be the same. Well. Okay. Whatever you say, Disney.
But whatever the reason, those old Main Street Bakery ones are still my favorite. And I do wish you could still get them — and all those scoops of extra icing! Yum! Well, no matter. Because we have the recipe! And knowledge is power.
Main Street Bakery cinnamon roll cross-section!
So I can make them anytime I’d like. And now, so can you. 🙂
Walt Disney World’s Main Street Bakery
Yield: 16-18 Rolls
Cinnamon Rolls
1/2 cup warm water
2 packages yeast
2 tablespoons sugar [Read more…]
Let’s head to one of my highly recommended breakfast spots — Kouzzina, at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn!
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!
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…]
Are you ready for an awesome new treat??
Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich!
Check out the fantastic new Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich at Epcot’s L’Artisan des Glaces in France!
And while you’re in Epcot, don’t forget to enjoy all of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival offerings! We just had a whirlwind trip, and we’ll continue to bring you festival coverage throughout the event!
There’s also some important news that I don’t want you to miss. Be sure to check out the NEW cancellation policy coming to ALL Walt Disney World table service restaurants.
Let’s check out the rest of the news…
Read on!
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 a New Dining Room on the Disney Magic, 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!
We’ve got some fun sweets this week!
Reader Morgan sent this message: “Who wants a cinnamon roll from Gaston’s? YOU DO NOW! Buahahaha!”
Cinnamon Roll at Gaston's Tavern
Here’s another sweet [Read more…]
Today, we are sharing with you some brand new treats that we’ve discovered at one of our favorite spots in Animal Kingdom, Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery!
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery Sign
This tiny spot has a huge cult following (and I’m right at the front of the line) for their amazing baked goods, like the White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake and the Paw Print Brownie.
But they’ve just debuted a couple more snacks that have me counting the days until my next Disney trip!
The fantastic new treats go beautifully with the already stellar (though limited) list that you could find there previously. Some of the items are available all day, while others are only available in the afternoon.
Kusafiri Bakery Menu -- Click to Enlarge
Let’s take a look at a couple of the new items!
First up — a pastry that is perfectly named for noshing at Animal Kingdom. That’s right, folks, we have Elephant Ears for you today.
Elephant Ears
The enormous pastries, made from puff pastry layered with a [Read more…]
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