Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Calling all Disney Foodies! On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will reopen in a beautifully reimagined space with a refreshed menu created by Chef Noah Estabrook and Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer. This signature dining location is known for its glorious waterside location, spectacular views, and delicious dishes. According to Disney:

The new space incorporates the concept of “land and sea” and that’s exactly what the culinary teams drew inspiration from when developing the new menu. Upon sitting down for your meal, you’ll be greeted with a recipe created by Chef Kristine specially for this location – an Artisan Boule of Sourdough made with a perfectly toasty crust and baked daily in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa bakery.

As you enter your first course, you’ll continue to be met with masterfully crafted dishes. For years, the Bisque has been a mainstay on the menu, so flavor connoisseurs will be thrilled to see it return, but now with an enhanced tableside presentation. The culinary team has also created two new starters. First up, the Beef and Ricotta Tortelloni accompanied by luscious brown butter, parsnip puree, and sultana raisins.

Next, the Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board is a fresh take on a classic featuring ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus, and house-made sausage from the sea. This plate is a true collaboration, with each component representing the style of a different chef on the Narcoossee’s team.

Moving on to the main course of your dining experience, the team has sourced sustainable seafood from both local waters and around the globe, including Chef Noah’s signature dish, the Blackened Redfish. This meal is served with a crispy chorizo-sunchoke hash with hominy, Florida sweet corn, and red pepper rouille. What makes this fish a standout is the secret blend of blackened spice which has been passed down from chef to chef of the location, with each culinary mastermind finding their own unique way to feature it on the menu.

Plant-based diners will be delighted with the Roasted Vegetable Paella featuring market vegetables, cannellini beans, and preserved artichoke finished with charred Meyer lemon. Those looking for land-based fare will savor the new Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye Chop served with creamy goat cheese-potato pave and turnips with onion jam and a touch of fig jus.

Of course, chef has kept Narcoossee’s guest favorites like the Plancha-seared Scallops with Parisian Gnocchi and Surf and Turf featuring tender filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail on the menu for new and returning guests to indulge in.

The dessert course also features a favorite that has garnered near legendary status over the years amongst diners of Narcoossee’s – Chef Kristine’s incredible Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert cherry sauce and Chantilly cream.

When developing the new additions to the dessert menu, the pastry team was inspired by bright flavors that really complement the overall experience. The Berry Pavlova, for instance, is artfully crafted with Florida fresh berries and citrus delicately placed over meringue and yuzu crémeux and finished with a tableside pour of anglaise. The Pineapple Bavarois is truly a work of art with a roasted-pineapple center and house-made blackberry-buttermilk ice cream. These dishes make for a perfect and sweet finish to a memorable evening.

This waterfront hideaway is the ideal spot to wind down with a fabulous cocktail or zero-proof beverage. The wine list has been refreshed to reflect a diverse portfolio of varietals, with Proprietor Matt Cristi and the sommeliers on his team available to help you create the perfect pairing for each dish. Our team of mixologists have also thoughtfully curated a new cocktail program, inspired by the Victorian era. A must-try is the signature Empress Lime Gimlet, a modern twist on a classic gimlet with Empress Gin, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and cold-pressed lime.

There is a dress code for this Signature Dining experience. Dinner pricing varies from approximately $35 to $60 per person and is served nightly from 5:00pm to 9:30pm. Reservations can be made 60 days in advance and are strongly recommended. For dress code requirements, pricing, the latest menu, to check availability or to make reservations, please click here.

Will you be dining at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Experience Garden Graze During EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2023

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is going on now through July 5, 2023 at Walt Disney World! If you’re like me, one of your favorites parts of any EPCOT festival are the food booths throughout the park. This year, there are more than 20 Outdoor Kitchens sprinkled throughout EPCOT offering delicious, fresh foods and beverages created by Disney chefs. If you are wondering how you are going to possibly eat it all, check out the Garden Graze to enjoy a sampling and score a reward. Here’s the scoop on this enticing experience, courtesy of Disney:

Scamper around EPCOT on this fun food stroll highlighting 10 sweet and savory offerings at the festival—all listed in the Festival Passport. After purchasing a featured item, you’ll receive a stamp in your Festival Passport.

Menu Items and Locations

  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread and Spicy Corn Chips – located at Florida Fresh
  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread and Plant-Based Cotija Cheese – located at Florida Fresh
  • Avocado Toast with Marinated Toy Box Tomatoes on Toasted Ciabatta – located at BRUNCHCOT
  • Boneless Impossible™ Korean Short Rib with Cilantro-Lime Rice, Danmuji Slaw and Kimchee Mayonnaise – located at Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible Foods
  • Impossible Lumpia with Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – located at Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible Foods
  • Chocolate Cake with Black Currant Ganache, Mixed Berry Compote and Chocolate Ice Cream – located at Trowel & Trellis Hosted by Impossible Foods
  • Potato Pancakes with House-Made Apple Sauce – located at Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
  • Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla Cake soaked in Oat Milk, Almond Milk and Coconut Milk with Toasted Coconut – located at La Isla Fresca
  • Pineapple Skewer with Tajin Seasoning – located at Refreshment Outpost
  • Cookies ‘n “Cream” Chocolate Mousse Cup – located at The Land Cart

Festival Exclusive Prize (subject to change)

  • Dole Whip and Seed Packet – located at Pineapple Promenade

Garden Graze can be completed at your leisure anytime during the festival. Once you’ve collected at least 5 stamps, bring your Festival Passport to Pineapple Promenade to complete your stroll—and receive your prize!

Will you be trying the Garden Graze during your vacation? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Amazing Amorette’s Patisserie Cake Decorating Experience in Disney Springs

Two of my favorite things…cake and Mickey Mouse! If you agree, check out this amazing cake decorating experience at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. Here’s everything you need to know to book and create your own Mickey Mouse Dome Cake, courtesy of Disney:

Master the culinary technique that goes into decorating Amorette’s signature Character Dome Cakes.

Ever since Amorette’s Patisserie opened in 2016, its Disney-themed cakes have created quite the stir. Consisting of flavored chiffon cake, mousse and fruit jelly, these showstoppers elicit a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” everywhere they’re presented.

A Delicious Lesson

Now you can take your own dessert game up a notch by signing up for a special 90-minute cake-decorating experience. You’ll gather in Amorette’s show kitchen before the shop officially opens for the day―the very same place Disney pastry artists skillfully blend artistry with storytelling in order to create some of the most enchanting confections around.

During this small group lesson your instructor will share insider stories and tips while describing the process of cake decorating from design to completion. You’ll learn how to pour glaçage and coat Mickey’s sculpted ears, tail, belt and buttons with edible paint.

A Bevy of Beverages Included

Sip on refreshments included with this experience, like specialty coffees, teas, water and select alcoholic beverages.

Magic to Take Home

At the end of this class, you’ll have a sweet masterpiece—which will be neatly packaged so you can easily take it home or back to your hotel to share with family and friends. You’ll also receive a gift from Amorette’s Patisserie as a reward for your artistic efforts.

Amorette’s Patisserie is happy to hold onto your cake that day—so you can freely explore Disney Springs at your leisure and then pick up your cake later in the day.

Price

This 90-minute experience is $199 plus tax, which covers up to 2 Guests decorating one cake.

For an extra $50 plus tax, you can add a second cake—which you can request up to 48 hours before your class reservation by calling 407-934-3500. Ordering a second cake will not change the party size (up to 2 Guests per reservation).

Other menu items may be purchased after the class.

Know Before You Go

Reservations Required

Advance reservations are required, please click here to book now and for more information.

Limit 2 Guests per reservation. A party with more than 2 Guests will need to make more than one reservation.

During the class, only participating Guests may remain in the location.

Age Requirement

Guests must be at least 5 years of age to participate.

Alcohol Policy

Alcohol will only be served to Guests ages 21 and older with a valid form of identification.

Cancellation Policy

Guests who wish to cancel their reservation should do so at least 2 days in advance. The full price of the experience will be charged for no-shows or cancellations within 48 hours of the reservation.

Class Size

Limit 14 Guests per class.

Dates & Times

Cake-decorating classes are held select mornings starting at 9:30am.

Discounts

Discounts do not apply.

Transportation & Parking

Guests traveling to Disney Springs by car will need to park in the Orange Garage—open daily starting at 9:00am. Please be aware that the Lime Garage will not be open for this experience. Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels can check with the concierge for available transportation.

Do you enjoy Amorette’s Patisserie? Will you be booking the cake decorating experience? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

First Look at Roundup Rodeo BBQ Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Howdy, BBQ fans! Raised in Kansas City, I am a huge barbecue fan, and I couldn’t be more excited to try Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney’s Hollywood Studios when it finally opens on March 23, 2023. While I love Polite Pig in Disney Springs and Regal Eagle Smokehouse in EPCOT, I’ve been looking forward to this new dining option in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for years. If you too are a BBQ lover, here’s everything you need to know about Roundup Rodeo BBQ courtesy of Disney:

Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard will welcome more toys when Roundup Rodeo BBQ opens in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios March 23. A unique collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, this one-of-a-kind dining experience will be the first “Toy Story” table service restaurant in the world. 

Like all of Toy Story Land, Roundup Rodeo brings to life the stories, characters and heart from the award-winning Disney Pixar “Toy Story” films. It is a place where guests shrink to the size of a toy and feel like they have stepped into a clever, whimsical world filled with beloved toys. 

Welcome to the Rodeo! 

Andy has created a new rodeo arena for all of his favorite toys, featuring game pieces and iconic “Toy Story” characters, stickers and more. Imagineers worked closely with Disney Pixar Animation Studios to bring the space to life, developing unique designs and artwork that can only be found in the restaurant. “We are thrilled to work with our partners at Disney Pixar Animation Studios to create this unforgettable dining experience that blends great food, storytelling and whimsy,” said Ben van Beusekom, senior artisan specialist, Walt Disney Imagineering. “A visit to this special place is a must for Toy Story fans who have come to love Andy and his toys as much as we do.” 

When guests step into Roundup Rodeo BBQ, they become Andy’s honorary toys. Arriving in the dining room, they enter a scene depicting a toy rodeo in full swing and come face-to-face with life-size figures. Jessie and Trixie take the reins in the first dining space, while Bo Peep and her sheep command center stage in the second.  

Absorbed in the action, guests are fully immersed in Andy’s imagination – and the world he has created.  

Barbecue-Inspired Fare 

Suppers on! Offering the same menu at both lunch and dinner, Roundup Rodeo BBQ will serve favorite barbecue-inspired fare in a family-style setting.   

  • Begin your feast with tender, scratch-made cheddar biscuits accompanied by sweet pepper jelly.  
  • A variety of crisp salads, such as a refreshing tomato, cucumber and pickled red onion salad dressed perfectly in white balsamic vinaigrette, set the scene for the main course.  
  • Guests will enjoy delicious house-smoked meats, including fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs, brisket smoked low-and-slow in house and so much more. A robust plant-based menu is available as well, ensuring a meal for the whole family to enjoy.  
  • And what’s a picnic without sides? Choose from traditional favorites such as potato salad, baked beans or classic slaw, or opt for more adventurous selections like grilled corn-on-the-cob seasoned with a chili-lime spice blend and topped with cotija cheese, or fried pickles.  
  • For a sweet ending, dig into dreamy desserts inspired by everyone’s favorite picnic treat: pie!  
  • An assortment of craft cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages pay homage to classic backyard picnic beverages and the flavors of childhood, perfectly complementing every meal.  

Dining reservations are required to experience Roundup Rodeo BBQ and can be made through the MyDisneyExperience app or by clicking here. Guests need both valid park admission and park reservations for Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the same date to dine.

Will you be trying Roundup Rodeo BBQ during your next visit to Walt Disney World? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day 2023 in Walt Disney World

If you will be visiting Walt Disney World around St. Patrick’s Day and are looking for a fun place to celebrate, look no further than Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs. This year’s Mighty Festival runs from Thursday, March 16 through Sunday, March 19, 2023. Raglan Road is one of my favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World for delicious food and lively entertainment for the whole family. If you’re in the area this month and looking for a fantastic celebration, here’s everything you need to know:

The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is returning to Disney Springs this month! Don your best green duds and head on over to Disney Springs to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style March 16 through March 19, 2023.

Along with a full menu of authentic Irish cuisine like Bangers & Mash and Shepherd’s Pie plus a massive selection of beer and cocktails, Raglan Road will be featuring sensational live entertainment straight from Ireland. Here’s the full line up as well as details on the featured acts you’ll be able to enjoy throughout the festival.

Elevation

Back by popular demand, Elevation is without question the most successful U2 tribute band in the world. With their huge repertoire and unparalleled experience, Elevation is the only band to call when you want to bring the most authentic sights and sounds of U2 to your audience without actually having to bring in U2 themselves. If you think this all sounds too good to be true, seeing is believing.

Clare Sands

Channeling the music of her ancestors, sixth generation fearless fiddler, bilingual singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Clare Sands is a unique force in Irish music. Creating boundary breaking Fearless Folk music inspired by her travels around Ireland and the world, Sands sings for the young and the old, brave and the bold wowing audiences with her ground-breaking traditional style and infinite energy. Enjoy an exhilarating journey of story and song full of heart, humor and hope.

Strings & Things

Hailing from Tipperary and Galway, Strings & Things are a contemporary Irish Trad/ Folk/ Roots crossover band with a large repertoire of Irish songs, airs and traditional pieces presented in a very contemporary arrangement and style. Their unique sound and high stage energy always promises a raucous evening of music and song.  They recently released their third instalment off their highly anticipated Re: Works EP, “Take the Time.”

One For The Foxes

Award-winning instrumentalists Tadhg Ó Meachair (Goitse) from Dublin & Joanna Hyde (The Hydes) from Colarado form an exciting and dynamic transatlantic duo. Through a shared deep-rooted passion for Irish traditional music, they present a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music and song in an energetic and engaging manner creating an eclectic vibe.

Men Of Aran

These two legends of the Irish traditional music world, Colin Farrell (fiddle) and Dave Curley (banjo & vocals) have toured, performed and recorded with numerous traditional Irish music luminaries. They are gifted entertainers and masters of their craft charming Raglan Road audiences with a potent mix of sublime musicianship, electric energy and a tremendous live performance.

Celtic Croí

A fresh and exciting three-piece traditional Irish music ensemble from Glasgow, Dublin and Belfast featuring Hannah McNeill (fiddle, vocals, banjo & mandolin), Blain Curtis (Guitar & Vocals) and Niall McIlroy (Guitar, whistles, flute & Vocals). All highly accomplished musicians with a wealth of musical talent and experience making for a vibrant and exciting live show of music and song.

Gobhán

Dynamic duo from Co. Down, featuring Oliver Havlin (Guitar & Vocals) and Aoife Byrne (Fiddle and Vocals). Winning numerous titles including Ulster Champions and were All Ireland Fleadh finalists. Performing all over Europe and have supported leading Irish artists Sharon Shannon and Paul Brady. They had the honour of being invited to perform for the Prince of Wales and The President of Ireland. They will keep you entertained with a mix of traditional Irish ballads and modern Irish songs.

The Raglan Road Irish Dancers

Plucked from the casts and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, will perform throughout the festival. 

Reservations are encouraged for guests who plan to celebrate at Raglan Road, where they can lift a pint, sip a cocktail, and dine on authentic contemporary Irish cuisine beginning on March 16. On St. Patrick’s Day only, March 17, Raglan Road will open at 11:00am with a $20 cover charge for guests 18 and older; (first-come, first-served—no reservations on this day only); younger patrons may enter free of charge. Please click here to make your reservations today!

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for St. Patrick’s Day? Have you ever been to Raglan Road in Disney Springs? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!