disney food

Carb Loading at Via Napoli

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What the first meal that comes to mind for a runner the night before a big run?

Pasta, Pasta, Pasta or the infamous Carb Loading (which is pretty much a myth, but that is an entirely different post)

One of my favorite places to do some serious Carb Loading and still please the family at Walt Disney World is at Via Napoli. There was no doubt in my mind that this would be one of my dining reservations for the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend.

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Via Napoli Restaurant and Menu

Via Napoli is located in the back of the Epcot’s World Showcase Italian Pavilion, which means you get to walk through Disney’s representation of St. Mark’s Square in Venice and past the Fontana Di Nettuno which is meant to pay homage to the Trevi Fountain in Rome (great picture stop and while you are there throw in a coin, so that you will return to Epcot).

Walking in the door you instantly feel transported to a café in Italy. I love the décor, huge open space with arches and chandeliers, and colorful frescoes on the walls and ceilings.

It has three main seating areas large family style table, enclosed patio and general large room seating. With that being said, Via Napoli is a loud restaurant (like Italians who love good food and good wine). The Cast Members who serve you are all from Italy (and if you like cute Italian boys)…

The service was pretty typical for a true Italian Restaurant, they are not as attentive as most American diners would like.  I can live with this because the food is outstanding and the views are not so bad. I digress, back to the reason I am here, the centerpiece of the restaurant…

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the three pizza ovens. The ovens are named for the three Italian volcanoes, Stromboli, Vesuvio, and Etna. Pizza chefs are hard at work assembling the pies in full view of guests here. This is always an enjoyable bit of mealtime entertainment for curious foodies like myself.

I started my meal off with a glass of the House Red Sangria, after all my marathon was still a day away and I had over 24 hours to get the alcohol out of my system and hydrate. This is the only downfall of eating at Disney prior to a race…you have to limit the drinks.  My trips to Walt Disney World are about the only time that I drink. I LOVE the House Sangria and wish I could have had ordered the entire pitcher for myself.

I also paid extra and ordered the house salad.  Normally, the salad is only purchased as Family Style and there are 2 person minimum.  I told the Cast Member that I would pay the second person price, and graciously in the Italian way he did not charge me double for the salad.  The House Salad is simply delicious with its mixed greens, cucumber, pepperoncino peppers, peppadew peppers, diced tomatoes, olives, red wine vinaigrette. Of course I had to sit and pick all of the olives out first to eat, an Italian treat.

Did I mention pizza is was going to be the centerpiece of my carb loading meal? Via Napoli easily tops my list for serving up the Best Pizza as Walt Disney World. But don’t expect Dominos or Pizza Hut pizza, this is Napoli (Naples) style pizza.  Trust me, I have had the real stuff in Naples, Italy and this is pretty much a perfect replication and is magical.

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Now remember that the magic in the pizzas not only comes from the work of those three giant pizza ovens, but because the chefs use Italian flour and water sourced from a spring similar those in the Campania region. That’s right, the pizza is made from water that is either imported from Naples or calibrated to the exact pH level of that in Naples, depending on which version of the story you want to believe. Regardless, it is an outstanding thin crust that strikes the exact balance of crispy and chewy that you’re looking for in a pizza crust. The wood-fired ovens also give a healthy dose of charring to the bottom and edges of the crust. I love the crispy charred edges but younger and especially fussy eaters may not.

Via Napoli pizza is served in 3 sizes, individual, mezzo metro and large.  I ordered the individual Prosciutto e Melone Pizza and trust me when I say that it easily feeds 2-3 people.  The menu features many different topping combinations as well as a chance to build your own.  My pizza was a white pizza with fontina, mozzarella, prosciutto, cantaloupe, and arugula.  Hawaiians can have ham and pineapple, I prefer the Italian ham and cantaloupe.

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I wish I could say that I had dessert, but I was so full and had a takeout box with half of my pizza for snacking on tomorrow.  But I will leave you with pictures of a past dessert from Via Napoli, Zeppole di Caterina (ricotta cheese fritters served with whipped cream) and I promise next time there will be Tiramisù.

Via Napoli once again delivered a great meal that was perfect for my carb loading and makes me want to come back again on my next trip.

Friday Five: 5 x 5 for Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival 2017 & 2018

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40347632_686479751712198_1256641477291802624_nYesterday, was opening day of one of my favorite events at Walt Disney World, Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival.  This is the time of the time of the year where I unleash my inner foodie and throw out any kind of diet plan. One of my favorite things is to pour through the menus of each Festival Booth and stalk all the great Disney Food Facebook pages, dreaming of all the yummy sips and bites.  The menus were released a few weeks ago and I already have my list ready for my trip in 35! But before I look ahead to next month, let’s take a moment to look at back at some of my favorites (and misses) from 2017…

5 Top Bites from 2017

1 & 2 Piggy Wings (2nd year of my list) & Chocolate Picante-Dark Chocolate Mousse & Yellow cake with Cayenne Pepper, Chili Pepper and Raspberry Dust

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Roasted Pork Wings with a Korean BBQ sauce…sticky, sweet and just little after burn to remind you that you are at Flavors from Fire)  I love chocolate and heat, a yummy combination!

3. Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with a Warm Whiskey-Caramel from the Chocolate Studio (2nd Year of my list)

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Yummy and refreshing, love the cold treat on a hot day, and paired with a beautiful red dessert wine…AMAZING.

4. Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread from Ireland

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I was a little scared to try this combination, considering I am not a beer fan but I love Irish Brown Bread.  The flavor of the bread, cheese and beer together was the perfect bite of Ireland

5. Traditional Spanish Paella with Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Chicken and Crispy Chorizo from Spain

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How they managed to get every component on the plate is beyond me, plus the rice had that crispy chewy bite that normally you would be fighting to get at home.  

Top 5 Sips from 2017

1. Lenotti Recioto della Valpolicella (see picture with Nitro Truffle)

A sweet red dessert wine, probably the best red dessert wine I have EVER had and a perfect complement to the truffle.

2. Kim Crawford Frozen Wine Cocktail featuring Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand

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It was the perfect wine slushy and took the edge off of a family who decided that they wanted to ATTEMPT to crowd me out of my spot for illuminations that I had staked out for over an hour.

3. Red Moscato from Italy

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This must be the year of the sweet reds for me.  Another great vino!

4. Twinings Pumpkin Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka (2nd year)

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My favorite drink from 2016 did not disappoint…pumpkin, chai, caramel vodka fall in a glass!  I will not even admit to how many of these I drank this year. I was EXTREMELY disappointed when I was reading the menu for Ireland’s Festival Booth for 2018 and found this missing…thankfully I did not have to cancel my trip over this as has just been moved to another booth.  

5. Dragon Berry Refresher featuring Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum from the Refreshment Port

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A refreshingly light frozen cocktail, that given the opportunity I would have had more that I needed.

5 Misses from 2017

1. Bleu Spectrum (Blanc de Bleu Cuvee Mousseux with Boba Pearls) from the Light Lab

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I wanted to love this, but after 3 sips I threw it away.  It was bitter with an odd aftertaste. Light Lab is such a fun festival booth, mad scientist lab that glows in the dark.

2. Crispy Calamari with Spicy Pomodoro Sauce from Italy (see picture above on Italy’s Red Moscato)

The appearance turned me off as it seemed under fried, however the calamari was crispy but it lacked any sort of flavor at all.  The Pomodoro sauce was good, but not good enough to make up for the calamari.

3. Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce from Morocco

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Another favorite bite from 2016 that was a HUGE disappointment in 2017.  This year the fries were wet and soggy and lacked the spice in spicy.

4. Teriyaki Ginger Pork from Japan

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I guess I was expecting another version of the Piggy Wings, but this was not that.  It was dull and flavorless.

5. Beijing Roasted Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin Sauce from China

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I was so excited that this was on the menu again for 2016, but after the first bite I was extremely disappointed.  This year’s  lacked the deep rich flavor I remembered and the duck was chewy and greasy, so instead of being on the top again the duck moved to the bottom.

Looking towards the 2018 Epcot Food & Wine Festival…

So, what I am looking forward to eating and drinking in 2018 (based on menu only)? Of course, I am going for the Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle, the Pumpkin Chai with Vodka and the Piggy Wings, plus I might give a few past disappointments another chance but here is what is topping my list to try…

Top 5 Eats to Try For 2018

1. Maple Bourbon Cheesecake with Maple Bourbon Cream, Caramel & Pecan crunch (Cheese Studio)

2. The Steakhouse Blended Burger (blended beef and wild mushroom slider with brie cheese fondue, arugula, truffle and blue cheese potato chip on a brioche bun) from Earth Eats

3. Bougasta (warm phyllo dough strudel with sweet vanilla custard, lemon honey syrup and cinnamon) from Greece

4. Sweet Potato Poutine (sweet potato fries with caramel sauce, mini marshmallows and pecans) from Refreshment port

5. Korma Chicken with cucumber tomato salad, almonds, cashews, and warm naan bread from India

Top 5 Sips to Try For 2018

1, Caribbean White Sangria from Islands of the Caribbean

2. Chateau Des Charmes Vidal Ice-wine from Canada

3. La Passion Martini Slush from France

4. Fiji Apple Cocktail from Japan

5. Blood Orange Mimosa from the new Mimosa Bar

I have decided that this year, I do not have to try to eat and drink something at every booth.  Instead, I am going to get as many dishes and pours at a Festival Booth that catches my attention (and my stomach as room for).

Follow this link to the 2018 Menus…

2018 Epcot Food & Wine Market Places

What would make your list?  Share your lists in the comments!

Tammie’s Take Thursday:  Rivers of Light

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Rivers of Light is a nighttime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and is located in the park’s Discovery River lagoon surrounded by Asia, Dinoland, and Discovery Island.  The nighttime spectacular uses music, boats, floats, water screens fountains, and fire to showcase the wide and vast world of animals and nature. The show (including pre-show) lasts about 30 minutes and the stadium seats about 5,000 people per show.

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The show begins with actors? dancers? performers? moving throughout the stadium seating filled with guests toward boats that are similar to a Chinese Junk (this takes about 15 minutes).  I have to admit that I was a little confused as to what the story was and their purpose. Later I learned that these performers were shamans. (Apparently, I did not do my background research BEFORE I saw the show).   The show begins when the Shamans board the boat and begin conjuring up the forces of fire and water to reveal the incredible natural world we live in, which is projected on a huge water screen at the back of the lagoon set to a soundtrack. Lotus flower lantern floats join the boats, along with color changing floats in the shape of an owl, elephant, turtle and tiger.  Throughout the show water fountains and fire also help to move the show along.

Last fall, I was was fortunate to be able to see Rivers of Light and here is my take on Rivers of Light…

DISCLAIMER:  These are MY opinions!  I tell clients that you need to experience things yourself if you are interested, different strokes for different folks. So please see the show if you are interested and form your own opinions.

So what did I think?

Eh…it was enjoyable.

The show is visually mesmerizing and beautiful. Disney has done an excellent job with sound, light, fire, visual effects to offer a much needed evening experience in Animal Kingdom.  And I like that this make Animal Kingdom a full day park, wait no I don’t because that means more people. But…

I found the show to be slow and lacking any kind of storyline to move it along.  The show seemed all over the place and scenes that did not connect to each other. There is no grand finale, it just seems to end. I have to admit after about 10 minutes I found myself wishing I was riding Expedition Everest behind me. I can’t imagine how antsy a child could get, oh wait I can.  I was seated by several children under the age of 5 and they were done about 5 minutes into the preshow and the actual show really did not seem to interest them but for a couple of times (usually when the fire effects were in use).

There is no “Disney” in Rivers of Light.  Call me strange, but Disney has so many incredible animal stories that I would think somehow that they could incorporate the music and images from these movies.  I know Disney wants Animal Kingdom to be all about conservation and protecting the natural world, but come on you could use familiar animal characters to help tell the story.

There is  not much you might call “spectacular” in this nighttime spectacular beyond being visually beautiful.  Spectacular to me is something that keeps me on my seat and wanting more…cue Wishes in the Magic Kingdom.

So how do you plan to fit it in your day?

First, DON’T WASTE AN ADVANCED FASTPASS+ (made at 60 days) on the show.  Also, don’t use a FastPass+ while you are in Animal Kingdom unless it is the end of the day and nothing else is available.  There generally are 2 performances each evening and the Pandora being opened the days of the difficulty in getting to see the show are gone, most guests prefer to experience Pandora at night (you can do both with planning).  If you decide to go stand-by, the last performance of the day will be the least crowded. I recommend lining up standby 45-60 minutes prior to showtime during peak crowd times.

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The best way (and probably my favorite) is to get a Rivers of Light Dining Package,  I loved my meal at Tiffins!. It does not cost you any extra to get a FastPass+ along with your meal, but you must book the package as just eating at the restaurant does not get you a FastPass+. This is the safe choice to make sure that you have a seat for Rivers of Light.  And if you go this route, I would opt for the earlier showtime so that you can explore the bioluminescence of Pandora or jump in the standby line for Flight of Passage (if it was not an unreasonable wait time). If you do have a FastPass+ for Rivers of Light, I recommend being seated about 30 minutes prior to showtime.  There is a 15 minute pre-show and the area will go dim about this time.

Despite all of this I do think that Rivers of Light is worth seeing, at least once. And you can bring food and drinks in with you…so BEFORE YOU ARE SEATED pick up some cute Lotus Flower light-up food and beverage items sold at nearby stands and BECOME PART of the show.

Have you seen Rivers of Light? What are your thoughts? Please leave your thoughts, reactions and comments.

Need more tips and help planning your Disney or Universal Vacation?  Contact me today for a free, No-Obligation quote and let’s start planning.  Remember all of my services are complementary when you book your vacation with me!

Tuesdays on the Run: Running Fuel Confessions

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It’s Tuesday, so that means I am linking up with Patty, Erika & Marsha for Tuesday’s on the Run. This week’s topic is running fuel…

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Do Mickey Bars or Dole Whips count?  I am almost scared to admit it but I am not a big running fuel person.  NO LECTURES NEEDED, my body tells me all the time and I am working hard at listening.  

So let’s get down to what I know my body needs the night before a race.  Trust me that these are NOT good choices the night before a race…

In all honest, been there tried both and paid it right after my race the next day, thankfully not during the race (so sorry Chef de France bathroom).  I have since learned my lesson that water and a clean protein (grilled chicken or lean steak) accompanied by some fibrous veggies and a plain carb (usually rice) is the best bet for my body (although as you can tell I have a hard head).  

Just prior to the race as I stand around for 2 hours in my runDisney corral I like to carry along a packet of Justin’s peanut butter and a banana.  A race is about the only time I ever eat a banana and I think I do it then just because everyone else does it.  Occasionally, I will fix an instant oatmeal cup before heading out the door.

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During the race (and most training runs) it’s a couple of peppermints and a few sticks of gum.  I have tried the 3G’s (gummies, goos, gels) and find that they don’t do much for me…although the salted caramel cliff gel is AMAZING!

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Ultimately, they just end up making me more thirsty and the only time I hydrate is during water stations where I pick up a cup of water and a cup of Powerade.

Tip:   After way too many times of nearly soaking myself or choking to death, I have learned that if you squeeze the top rim of your cup and make it like a funnel you have a better chance of actually getting some liquid down your throat!  YOUR WELCOME!

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I have also tried the not so running type of fuel of skittles (thank you @tankgirl, you could have mentioned NOT to pop an entire handful in my mouth) and sour patch kids (which I quite like but they tend to get all sticky).  

On a long training run I am bad…I don’t fuel or hydrate properly the night before, prior to the long run or during the run. NO NAGGING…I know none of this is good for me or for my run and I am working to fix this issue.   It is just that I can’t stand to have anything in my hands, poor excuse since I normally am wearing a SparkleSkirt with those amazing pockets or my latest Kohls find…FILA running capris with even better pockets.  But really it comes down to my fear of carbs and sugar, which are both needed for a run but not so much my fluffy body.  

Now let’s talk about post fueling, that is MOST important, right?  Traditionally after a non- Disney race me and 5 Guys have a date.  

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And when I am at Disney, you can be certain the first things gone are those heavenly salty torialla chips and plastic cheese

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(which if you save for a treat to get you through till your next Disney race is about the nastiest stuff on earth, talk about runDisney magic).   

As I spend more time reading and researching how to train and finish a full marathon (without dying, that is the key), I know my fueling habits must change.  So I am looking forward to reading all linked up blogs to get ideas on how to deal with my challenging fueling choices…

And for the sake of all honestly, I will be scoping out all those great Disney food blogs for my post full marathon fueling.  Be honest you too runDisney so you can eat & drink Disney just like me.

 

Want to runDisney so you can eat Disney?  I can help you with both adventures. Contact me today for race bibs & runDisney packages (I can offer you presale bibs as well as insurance in case something happens and you can’t run). Then I will be your personal cheerleader and travel planner to make sure you have a magical runDisney runcation!

Tammie’s Take Thursday: Review of Tiffins

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Follow me long enough and you will find that the real reason I run and vacation at Walt Disney World is for the food.

Most days, my inner foodie is locked away.  Although I live in an area where we have more dining locations per capita than any city in the United States it is hard to unleash that adventurous foodie side of me with a Steak House on each corner, don’t get me wrong…I am “Beef, It’s What’s for Dinner” kind of girl.  Between Disney trips, you will find me pouring over menus, stalking trip reports and following several Facebook groups and blogs dedicated to Disney Food in search of the next tasty morsel I must try.   My Disney Food list often dictates my daily park schedule as I always have my dining list written before I have a trip, I am just that serious about Disney Food.  

One of my favorite things to do each trip is to splurge on 1 special meal each trip, a where I dress up and ignore the prices on the menu.  My splurge meal has to meet a few criteria:

  • Great Atmosphere
  • Interesting Food choices that push me out of my box
  • Amazing Dessert

Well that certainly narrows it down, almost every table service at Walt Disney World meets this criteria, for this trip I added that it had to be someplace new.

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Tiffins in Animal Kingdom caught my attention, although you could not tell that from how many times I made this ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation) and cancelled it in the 6 months leading up to my Heigh Ho/Bucket List trip as I just could not get timing worked out in my overall schedule.  Finally, it came down to being able to get a FastPass for the Rivers of Light performance with my meal, that WOW factor I suppose.

The first thing about Tiffins that caught my attention in my “Disney research” (aka blog lurking) was that Tiffins was more than just a signature restaurant, it’s a gallery of art and mementos gathered by imagineers while planning Animal Kingdom. If you love Animal Kingdom (minus Pandora), like I do this is the place to truly appreciate the park and look behind the scenes.  

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What is a Tiffin?  It is a fancy name (proper English-Indian) for not only a midday meal but the vessel used for the meal.  

I was running a little late to my reservation, thanks to the filming of the Disney Parks Christmas program or should I say I was a little distracted by who was filming…

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It was really hard to pull myself away from Darrius smooth voice, (I know he is Hootie, but I am a country fan) but I knew the meal I had visioned in my head for 6 months was about to become a tasty reality.

My check in went pretty quickly, since I was dining at the beginning of dinner service.  It was not long before I being lead to my table…

Tiffins is divided into 3 galleries or dining rooms.  The Grand Gallery is the largest where the animals (Tree of Life) is celebrated.  The Safari Gallery celebrates Eastern and Southern Africa and the Trek Gallery, Asia.  Tiffins also has a lounge, the Nomad Lounge which can be accessed through its own separate entrance or from the check in station inside.  The Nomad Lounge is an ode to the “What wisdom would you give to other travelers?” and it on the top of my Disney food list for my next trip because it has a different menu with lots of interesting offerings!  

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I was hoping to be seated in the Grand Gallery, but instead I ended up in the Trek Gallery which actually represents my favorite place in Animal Kingdom, Asia.  The Disney table gurus knew exactly where to I needed to be seated.  The first thing that struck me was how bright the room was, thanks to a huge wall of windows looking into the “wilds” of Animal Kingdom.  You would never know that you were in a theme park when looking out these windows.  The sunlight did dampen my celebration somewhat, but then I would have missed the beautiful view.  

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Looking around, I knew I was seated perfectly to enjoy all of the artwork and mementos.  Hanging next to me was probably the items that I take the most pictures of in Animal Kingdom (yes, even more than the Tree of Life), the Tibetan Prayer Flags.  They seemed to flutter above the corner booth.  And then there is this guy…

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And you know how much I love going on an expedition in hopes to encounter him! One thing I will do next trip, is to get up and look at each of the displays more closely than afar.  

If I was feeling uncomfortable about dining by myself, my Cast Member server Julie made sure that  those feelings evaporated from the moment I sat down.  In fact, she helped me make my first decision, what cocktail should I have…

Hightower Rocks (Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Watermelon, Sweet-n-Sour, Lime Juice). What a refreshing and light drink. Julie also brought out the complimentary Tiffins bread service.  The bread consists of Pomegranate Focaccia bread with a mix of Pomegranate, Molasses, and Olive Oil on the side. Oh my, I had forgotten what high quality olive oil tasted like which gave the dipping sauce a more savory flavor despite the molasses.  And the bread was nice, too!  I was proud of myself, as I actually paced myself with the bread plate.

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For my appetizer course, the olive oil made made want more so of course I decided upon the Heirloom Tomatos and House-Made Mozzarella (Toy Box Tomatoes, Smoked Olive Oil, Fig Vincotto). My only complaint, I wanted more!  Such a beautiful dish, not sure what the little watermelon looking things are called but they were fun!

When it was time to decide on the main course, I already knew what I was ordering months ago (although secretly I was having an inner battle with myself over the duck, next time)…

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Wagyu Striplion and House-Smoked Brisket (I told you I was a “Beef, It’s What’s for Dinner” girl) which included rainbow carrots, Peruivan Purple Potatoes, Sherry Shallot buter, and a guava demiglaze.  This was my opportunity to sample Wagyu beef, and I seized it. I was a little disappointed the appearance when this dish was served, I was expecting a lot more color.  What the plate lacked in color, the beef made up for it in flavor.  I had died and gone to steak paradise…tender, flavorful and most importantly cooked to MY perfection.  I savored each bite, thankful that the bread plate in front of me and my choices up until that point allowed me to really enjoy the meat!

Now to my favorite part of any meal…dessert!  Again, I knew what I was ordering 6 months ago because most of the time I base my Disney ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) on the dessert.  I simply had to try the…

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South American Chocolate Ganache with a beautiful glass of Zuccardi Malamado Malbec Port.  I know this looks like a very tinny serving, but don’t let the size fool you, like it did me. This was the very best dark, rich Chocolate that I have ever had. This is meant to be slowly savored!  And accompanied with the glass of wine with it was the BEST DESSERT, sorry Narcoossee’s Almond Crusted Cheesecake, you have been bumped to #2.

At the end of the meal, Julie brought me an unexpected surprise, and not it was not the check, along with my River of Light Fast Pass.  

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Remember how I said that I like to celebrate by dressing up and not looking at the prices.  Well, I did not get to dress up (thank you again Southwest Airlines) but I did not look at the prices until the check came.  

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Please do not freak out. Yes, I know this is for 1 person, but remember this was my splurge meal, my treat to myself and I don’t look at prices.  Also, it came with a FastPass and if you priced each component of my 3 course meal you would find I saved a lot going with the fixed menu. Not all Disney restaurants are this pricey, this is a signature restaurant (fine dining in Disney terms). And don’t worry, I left a very nice tip!  Trust me, the portion sizes look small and they are but I can honestly tell you I left full and not uncomfortable.

If you are a fan of Animal Kingdom, are more adventurous eater, and want a place that takes you away from the theme park craziness, I recommend Tiffins! My dining experience was a masterpiece that exceeded my expectations both in atmosphere and food.

How about exploring your inner foodie side at Walt Disney World.  I have lots of great suggestions for your next meal, and it does even have to break the bank.  Although, it is fun to splurge!  Book your Disney vacation with me, and I will make sure that your taste buds are happy!

Tammie’s Take Thursday: Satu’li Canteen

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sat3I like to think of myself as a #wannabefoodie and one of the things that I love the best about Walt Disney World is being able to explore that side of my personality. This last trip #home I challenged myself to explore new dining options, one of them being Satu’li Canteen in Pandora:  The World of Avatar, the newest “land” in Animal Kingdom. Even though I am not an Avatar fan by any stretch of the word, I have to admit that as food photos began surfacing across Disney pages I found myself intrigued and knew this would be one of my stops my next trip #home.

Satu’li Canteen is a quick-service dining location, meaning you order from a counter (or in my case, mobile ordering from the MyDisneyExperience App). In true Disney storytelling format there is a backstory. Basically, Satu’li Canteen is an old abandoned RDA mess hall that has been turned into a dining stop by ACE (Alpha Centauri Expeditions) and it welcomes all travelers to Pandora as well as serving as a cultural hub for the Na’Vi.    The restaurant is beautifully decorated with a balance of Na’Vi Art, natural elements and yes, even a few remains of the RDA mess hall.

Before I get to the food, let’s talk about ordering your Na’Vi food adventure.  Disney has created yet another way for you to bypass lines, this time ordering lines for your quick service meals… Through the MyDisneyExperience App on your smartphone you literally can get off of Flight of Passage, order your meal as you walk through the gift shop and by the time you get to the doors of Satu’li Canteen you have received your alert that your meal is ready for pick up.  But if you do this, be prepared for glares from other travelers to Pandora who are standing in line just to order. The whole ordering experience was so fast, easy and convenient that I used many more time throughout my trip…the best time bypassing the half hour wait for my Dole Whip float in the Magic Kingdom.  

 

The immersive atmosphere into Pandora does not stop at the décor, but extends to the food as well.  The food literally looks like it is from another world, but the flavors are still recognizable even for those picky eaters.  I might add that this is probably the healthiest menu at Walt Disney World.  

 SATU’LI CANTEEN MENU LINK

24174358_1858091034204079_7687925889694963672_nSo what Pandorain delights did I partake in?

For my main course, I selected the Cheeseburger Pods (steamed bao buns stuffed with ground beef, ketchup, mustard, pickle and cheddar cheese) along with a side of roast vegetable chips topped with a vegetable slaw.  I LOVED THE CHEESEBURGER PODS!  They were moist and flavorful, what a great spin on a cheeseburger!  The chips were a little soggy due to the vegetable slaw, as I was more interested in the pods and taking the perfect picture, but had great flavor.  The slaw on the other hand was a huge disappointment as it was really lacking in any flavor.  I was expecting a punch of acidity since this did not appear to be a cream based slaw, but I got nothing but the little bobo balls where a fun touch.  

For “Ber’ri” I went with the Blueberry cream cheese mousse with passion fruit curd, which honestly tasted more like lemon.  This has to be the prettiest dessert I have ever seen and has almost surpassed my love affair with Narcoossee’s Almond Crusted Cheesecake as my favorite dessert at Walt Disney World.  I wished I would have ordered several of them, perfect texture and flavor.  And even though it was barely 11 am, no judging, I had the Dreamwalker Sangria (white sangria with a hint of blue curacao and grapes for theming effects).  I was certainly not worth the $9.50 I paid for the glass, but it was fun!

The meal I had been dreaming of and planning for 6 months was more than I expected and did not disappoint.  The only disappointment was that I did not make back to Satu’li Canteen to try the rest of the menu, but that is what the next trip is for right?  

#thefoodandwineitcallsme

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I am feeling a little down this morning, but a whole lot better than my mental state yesterday over the carelessness of another passenger on my flight.  Right now I should just about be ready to start the 2017 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon…“wine over” 

I am going off to have a great day checking off experiences from my bucket list and let the #thefood&wineitcallsme.

Today’s bucket list

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The bulk of my day (and evening) will be spent in Epcot at one of my favorite events, Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival.  I am on a mission to visit each of the 35 marketplace booths and sample something from the menu over the course of the next few days.  I came close last year…I love the chance to bring out my inner foodie and be adventourous in my eating.

Remember that I am taking you along on this “working vacation” will full out social media blitz.  Content will be different on each site to make it fresh, so you will want to follow me on…

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Don’t forget, I am giving everyone*  following along and interacting, a chance to win a up to a $200 Disney Vacation Credit as well as a few daily giveaways as a thank you for being a part of my “working vacation.”  For complete rules and details…

 Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho Contest Rules & Details

I will also be doing a give away today, head over to my Facebook business page for complete details…

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I can’t wait to get the day started, so I will C U Real Soon and remember that life is always better in ears.

 

Tammie’s Take Thursday: Why I Love Fall at Walt Disney World

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I know Fall doesn’t officially start until September 21st,  but with the kids headed back to school and football starting up my mind just goes there.  Fall at Walt Disney World is one of my favorite times of the year  to be “Home”  as the crowd levels and temperatures begin to “FALL” from the peak summer months making a visit much more enjoyable. Here are some of the other reasons I love Fall at Walt Disney World…

As I write this blog entry, Fall decorations are going up. There is something inviting in the Fall tones of browns and oranges.  The parks are brought to life with fall leaves (yes in Florida), pumpkins, scarecrows and the spook-tacular decour needed for one of my favorite celebrations…

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP).  If you have never been to the party, you need to.  It is a special event ticket held on select nights at the Magic Kingdom Park.  It offers family friendly trick or treating, character meet and greets, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Holiday parade and a special Happy HalloWishes fireworks display, plus it’s a great way to bring out your inner child as everyone is encouraged to wear costumes and participate in the fun.  Wanting a more “adult” adventure then check out…

Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival held during the fall months.  During this entertainment packed event guests can taste fine cuisine and wines from more than 30 locations from around the World in addition to separately ticketed events like food & wine pairings, specialty dinners, culinary demonstrations from award winning chefs and food seminars.  Also, you can rock to some of your favorite 70s-80s-90s musical talents with the Eat to the Beat Concert Series…

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For those interested in running Disney, the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend happens in the fall…why absolute favorite race weekend of the runDisney series.  There is a distance for everyone, including the popular kids races!

And no Fall season should ever go without a few seasonal inspired treats…

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How about a pumpkin spice waffle sundae? I should really dedicate a complete article to the delicious and amazing treats available only during the fall season from candy corn ice cream, skull apples and pumpkin cupcakes to Jack Skellington caramel apples and Ghost Marshmallows.

I know you will “Fall” in love with Walt Disney World in the Fall like I have.  It’s never too late to plan a trip for this Fall…I know just the right Disney Vacation Planner who can help you experience the Fall Magic.  Contact Me Today and lets get planning…

For More Exciting Fall Information Check out the Disney Parks Blog.

Friday Fives: 5 Favorite Breakfast Dishes at Walt Disney World

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Normally I am not a breakfast person, but all that changes when I am vacationing at Walt Disney World and many days it’s my favorite meal of the day.

I love getting to the parks prior to rope drop, for those Disney newbies that means EARLY (prior to park opening) and I love taking advantage of Extra Magic Hours (EMH) in the morning (which means even earlier than rope drop).  It is amazing how much fun you can have before 10 am and how hungry you can get because of it.  Once the crowd builds later in the morning, I like to take a break and splurge a little (okay a lot) on a delicious breakfast.

A Mickey Waffle is certainly a must for at least 1 Disney vacation breakfast because who can resist smiling back at that smile?

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But there are so many other tempting yummies that also must be showcased (devoured).  So, let’s start the day off right at Walt Disney World with my 5 of my “Best Thing I Ever Ate at Walt Disney World” Breakfasts…

If I am headed to the Magic Kingdom for the morning my pick is a pre-rope drop meal inside the Magic Kingdom with Pooh and friends at the Crystal Palace, where every day you get to celebrate Friendship Day.  My favorite dish at the Crystal Palace is the Breakfast Lasagna…

 

 

Layers of Waffles, Pancakes, Pound Cake, Strawberries, and Banana Topped with Pastry Cream and Caramelized Sugar.  How is such yumminess even possible?  Trust me it is worth every calorie!

My next two favorite dishes are just a couple monorail stops away from the Magic Kingdom and make great choices for when you are park hopping or just need a break from the park altogether.  First, catch the monorail and go two stops to the Polynesian Resort and when you exit the monorail you will find the Kona Café to your left, home of the Tonga Toast…

 

2 slices of thick sourdough bread that is stuffed with bananas and then deep fried and coated with cinnamon sugar, served with a strawberry compote (and a side of bacon, you need a little protein). This sweet breakfast treat is certainly worth the extra steps you must take to exit the Magic Kingdom. Take the monorail one more stop to the Grand Floridian and the Grand Floridian Café for something a little savory, Lobster Eggs Benedict…

 

two poached eggs, lobster hash, asparagus and hollandaise sauce. This is as elegant as the surroundings it is served in.

But what if you decided to get up with the animals and you spent your morning at the Animal Kingdom?  My first choice would be to dine with “Safari” Mickey and the gang for my favorite character meal at the Tusker House.  Here you will find a buffet full of both American breakfast favorites and African inspired dishes.  Want a pro-tip?  Book your ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation) at around 10: 30 am you will get both breakfast and lunch selections. Back to my favorite dish here, Mealie Pap…

A South African porridge made from ground maize (or other grains).  Shocked you didn’t I with this choice because basically I am proclaiming my love for Grits.  I honestly don’t know what it is about this dish but I love it…of course I do doctor it up with brown sugar, lots of butter and raisins.  For a bonus at Tusker House make sure you have a glass (or several) of Jambo Juice.  Just a short 5-minute bus ride from Animal Kingdom you will find Animal Kingdom Lodge-Jambo House and Boma for even more flavors of Africa (and American for my less adventurous friends).  I love the warm rich colors of Boma, decorated to resemble a lively African marketplace.  On the buffet is my ultimate go to comfort food, bread pudding but this is not your ordinary bread pudding instead you get

 

 

French Toast Bread Pudding with Pecan Praline Sauce.  Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast? After all, it’s vacation, right?

I am looking forward to my next trip to Walt Disney World in the fall as I have 2 new breakfast locations picked out, who knows maybe one these places will be home to my next “Best Thing I Ever Ate at Walt Disney World”, breakfast.

There is a huge variety of breakfast options you can enjoy all over Disney World. No matter where you choose to start your day, here’s hoping it’s a magical one!

Want more great dining ideas?  Book your Disney vacation with me and I will help you navigate your way through the word one dish at a time.  Remember all my services are complimentary.

 

 

Friday Fives: 5 (+5) Favorites from 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

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x1Okay, I admit it…I did a little happy dance this week to burn off a few calories anticipating one of my favorite things to do in Epcot’s World Showcase, Eat & Drink Around the World because Disney released the menus of the Festival Marketplace Booth menus for this year’s International Food & Wine Festival.  During most visits to Epcot my quest to experience the flavors of the World is done in 11 eat & drink stops, but from August 31 to November 13, Disney adds 35 new stops during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival.

Guests visiting Epcot this fall will be treated to an amazing culinary adventure exploring a wide array of cooking techniques and flavors from chefs from all over the world.  This is a “foodie” paradise with tasty dishes both savory & sweet, fine wine, craft beer, spirits and other beverages.

In honor of the menu release, I am looking back at my 5 favorite flavors & sips from 2016 (and a few I will get to experience again this year in addition to all the new yummies)…

Favorite Flavors

Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel from the chocolate studio
Beijing Roasted Duck in a Steamed Bun with Hoisin Sauce from China
Piggy Wings (Fried Pork Wings) with Korean BBQ Sauce and Sesame Seeds from Craft Beers
Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-roasted Salsa from Greenhouse Guru
Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce from Morocco
  1. Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel from the chocolate studio
  2. Beijing Roasted Duck in a Steamed Bun with Hoisin Sauce from China
  3. Piggy Wings (Fried Pork Wings) with Korean BBQ Sauce and Sesame Seeds from Craft Beers
  4. Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-roasted Salsa from Greenhouse Guru
  5. Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce from Morocco

Favorite Sips

Twinings Pumpkin Chia Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka from Ireland (Bonus flavor- Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard from Ireland)
Caposaldo Peach Moscato Sweet Sparkling Wine from Italy
Frozen Spiked Chai Latte with Baileys Irish Cream
Frozen Brown Elephant from Africa Outpost
Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka from Poland (not sure that was a favorite but it was certainly interesting…like drinking literally an apple pie, chunks of apples and all)
  1. Twinings Pumpkin Chia Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka from Ireland (Bonus flavor- Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard from Ireland)
  2. Caposaldo Peach Moscato Sweet Sparkling Wine from Italy
  3. Frozen Spiked Chai Latte with Baileys Irish Cream
  4. Frozen Brown Elephant from Africa Outpost
  5. Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka from Poland (not sure that was a favorite but it was certainly interesting…like drinking literally an apple pie, chunks of apples and all)

DISCLAIMER:  I ALMOST ate and drank at every Marketplace Booth…BUT I did run a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon this weekend plus this food was consumed over the course of several days, so my rolling and teetering Around the World in a Food Coma doesn’t seem so bad.

It is NEVER too late to plan a Food & Wine or even run the Wine & Dine Half Marathon (5K or 10K) this year…I can help you with your booking and plans just email me or respond in a comment to this post!  I would love to help you discover your inner foodie. 

For more information on Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival, follow this LINK