Tag Archives: Dining

Jul 7 2017

2017 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival First Details Released

Great news fellow foodies! Recently the first details of the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival were released and it looks like it is going to be another fabulous event. Here’s the scoop courtesy of Disney:

Epcot International Food & Wine FestivalA record number of global food and wine marketplaces – 35 in all –will sizzle with new edible delights to celebrate 35 years of Epcot during the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival August 31 – November 13, 2017. The annual Disney culinary tour of flavors will expand in 2017 for a longer-than-ever 75-day run.

Growing in scope as one of America’s top food festivals each year since 1996, the Epcot event will run for 13 additional days of inspired sips and bites throughout the park’s World Showcase and Future World. Guests will have a chance to mix and mingle with celebrity chefs, experience hands-on culinary workshops and demonstrations at the Festival Center, and get their gourmet groove on at nightly Eat to the Beat concerts.

Here’s the latest festival buzz:

  • New marketplaces will be announced this summer. In addition, India (2009) and Spain (2010) marketplaces will return for an encore. For a third year, global marketplaces will extend into Future World to offer brand-new taste sensations. Disney chefs are in the kitchen whipping up delicious new bites like the Madras Red Curry vegetarian dish and Pistachio Cardamom Bundt Cake to be on the menu at the India marketplace. At the Spain marketplace, delectable Charcuterie in a cone promises to be a guest favorite.
  • Three times nightly Eat to the Beat concerts – 225 concerts in all on the America Gardens Theatre stage — will rev up the World Showcase vibe with new musical acts and returning festival favorites spanning a broad range of eras and genres such as rock, pop and rhythm and blues.
  • “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops, which debuted in 2016 at the Festival Center, return with fresh opportunities for guests to interact with visiting chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros. Event hosts and topics will be announced this summer.
  • Popular TV chefs and other culinary icons will entertain foodies and inspire their palates at Festival Center demonstrations. Those same stars of the kitchen also will create new dishes for premium events such as Party for the Senses grand tastings with new concepts and themes.
  • Festival focus on family will spotlight inspired dishes geared toward children’s palates and culinary demos designed to inspire family fun.

Throughout the festival’s 75-day run, park guests can pair wines, beers and ciders with savory and sweet dishes as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade using their complimentary festival passports as a guide.

As guests explore, they’ll find something for everyone in the family:

  • A Ratatouille-inspired adventure will return as Chef Remy gives families a chance to play together during this culinary scavenger hunt.
  • The complimentary Back to Basics Festival Center weekend series will share epicurean tips and tricks from the pros. Book and bottle signings by some of the world’s top vintners will be scheduled, and The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli, will offer guest samples.
  • Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars will offer daily learning and tasting opportunities at the Festival Center. On select Saturdays, Cheese Seminars will be a fromage aficionado’s delight.

Bookings for premium festival events will open this summer:

  • Party for the Senses grand tasting events will showcase creative bites and palate-pleasing sips from eminent chefs and beverage experts plus new live entertainment.
  • Resort premium events will include a Grand Floridian Brunch with a Twist and Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef.
  • Specialty Dining and Pairing events will be on tap at a number of World Showcase participating restaurants.

Included with Epcot Admission:

Back to Basics series, book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Festival Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. When a reservation booking date is announced this summer, guests can call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at EpcotFoodFestival.com. 

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If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?
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Mar 17 2017

Beauty And The Beast Inspired Fun At Walt Disney World

Great news “Beauty and the Beast” fans! If you love the classic animated hit or the new live-action film, there are tons of “Beauty and the Beast” inspired experiences for you and your family to enjoy in Walt Disney World during your next vacation. Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of Disney:

On March 17, the much anticipated live-action film “Beauty and the Beast” premiered in theaters nationwide. Fans looking to celebrate the classic fairy tale need look no further than Walt Disney World Resort, where there are a multitude of unique “Beauty and the Beast” experiences just waiting to say “bonjour.”

Here are a few options:

Tale as Old as Time: Guests are invited to be a part of the story at Enchanted Tales with Belle in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests are transported through an enchanted mirror to Beast’s castle. They’re just in time to help Lumiere and Madame Wardrobe host a very special surprise for Belle. The audience gets to play various characters from the film to re-tell the story of how Belle and Beast met just before she has dinner with Beast.

Song as old as Rhyme: Guests can also interact with the story and the music from “Beauty and the Beast” with several entertainment options at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom Park.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

  • Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage! immerses guests in a Broadway-style show where Belle, Gaston, Beast, Mrs. Potts and other characters perform songs and scenes from the classic film. The 25-minute performance takes place daily at the Theater of the Stars.
  • A sneak peek of the upcoming live-action film is screening at the theater inside of the Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream attraction now through March 26. Guests also can see Belle’s iconic yellow ball gown and the Enchanted Rose from the live-action film in a gallery exhibit inside the attraction.

Magic Kingdom Park:

  • Belle and Beast lead off the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade as it loops from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A. This sight-and-sound spectacular celebrates the magic of Fantasyland with several Disney friends and colorful floats. Parade kick off is 3 p.m. daily.

Put Our Service to the Test: Soup du jour, hot hors d’oeuvres, Walt Disney World restaurants only live to serve. Guests can find several “Beauty and the Beast” dining opportunities throughout the theme parks and Disney Springs.

  • Be Our Guest Restaurant: This one-of-a-kind dining experience can be found inside Beast’s castle in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. Be Our Guest brings the story of “Beauty and the Beast” to life with atmospheric and culinary delights. It features an elegant ballroom, a Rose Gallery and the infamous West Wing for diners, with snowy views of the French countryside. Guests can even try the Grey Stuff, which is sure to be delicious. Beast, the master of the castle, meets with diners in his study after their meal. The French-style restaurant serves quick-service breakfast and lunch, and full-service dining for dinner.
  • Gaston’s Tavern: This French-style lodge is decorated with hunting trophies and other keepsakes dedicated to Gaston. Guests can sit in his fireside chair, complete with signature antler décor, and sip on LeFou’s brew, a frozen apple juice beverage infused with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with mango foam. The Tavern, located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park, also serves a variety of pastries, including the signature giant cinnamon roll. The strapping Gaston himself can be found meeting adoring fans outside the Tavern as well.
  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: Guests can dine with several Disney Princesses, including Belle, in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot. Guests of all ages can visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner in this medieval castle setting, mingling with the princesses who pose for photos and sign autographs.
  • Guests also can find unique pastries inspired by the Beauty and the Beast story at several locations, including the Enchanted Rose cake at Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs and a Belle-inspired vanilla cupcake at Main Street Confectionary at Magic Kingdom Park.

A Beauty but a Funny Girl: Belle meets her fans in the France Pavilion at Epcot. Topiaries in France shaped like Belle, Beast and other “Beauty and the Beast” characters are showcased during the International Flower and Garden Festival, which runs now until May 29.

Royal Treatment: Little princesses also can get the royal Belle treatment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, located at both Disney Springs and inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. Fairy Godmothers-in-Training transform young guests with princess costumes, hairstyles, nails and more.

Happily Ever After: For brides-to-be, there are endless ways to include “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired touches to their big day thanks to Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons. Brides can customize everything from their wedding décor to the menu to wearing a Belle-inspired gown.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you seen Beauty and the Beast?
Will you be enjoying some of these experiences? Please leave a comment!

Mar 9 2017

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day 2017 In Walt Disney World

Raglan Road

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 in Disney Springs. This year’s Mighty Festival runs from Thursday, March 16 through Sunday, March 19.

Raglan RoadThe Raglan Road Mighty Festival is not your average celebration; this is a fun-filled bash that is sure to get you in the spirit even if you aren’t Irish! There are performances by Irish artists including Young Dubliners, The Byrne Brothers, HaHaLena Band, The Raglan Roots Coalition, Swingin’ On The Gate, Rollickin’ Rua, Jennifer Lyons, plus some of the best Irish dancers that you’ve ever seen. There is complimentary face painting for the kiddos and lots of giveaways making this an event the entire family can enjoy. And of course, what’s a party without delicious Irish food and a huge selection of craft beers and cocktails.

The Mighty Festival runs from 4pm – 1:30am on March 16 and from 12pm – 1:30am on March 17, 18 and 19. On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older.

Here’s a look at the entertainment schedule:

Schedule Courtesy of RaglanRoad.com

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for St. Patrick’s Day?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Feb 28 2017

Epcot’s 2017 International Flower And Garden Festival Dining Packages Now On Sale

Book Garden Rocks Concert Dining Packages Now!

Guests may purchase Dining Packages to reserve a seat at select Garden Rocks Concerts during the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. These packages include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the concert performances held on the same day. There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner packages available. Breakfast starts at $39 for adults and $23 for children, lunch starts at $39 for adults and $15.50 for children, and dinner starts at $53 for adults and $17.50 for children. Each meal includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage (or buffet depending on the location selected). Prices do not include tax, gratuity, or the required park admission. Participating restaurants include Akershus Royal Banquet, Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room, Coral Reef Restaurant, Biergarten Restaurant, The Garden Grill Restaurant , Nine Dragons Restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh, Spice Road Table, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Les Chefs de France, Tokyo Dining, Teppan Edo, Tutto Italia Ristorante, and La Hacienda de San Angel. Guests may call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations or book online by clicking here. Hurry – Availability is limited!

Dining Packages are available:

  • March 3-6, 10-13, 24-27, 31
  • April 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24
  • May 5-8, 19-22

Garden Rocks concert performances are held each Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the Festival. Show times are at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm each evening at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot’s World Showcase.

Performers on Dining Package nights (click here for the complete schedule):

  • March 3-4: Jon Secada “Just Another Day”
  • March 5-6: Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX “Grand Illusion”
  • March 10-13: The Pointer Sisters “I’m So Excited”
  • March 24-27: Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
  • March 31-April 3: Little River Band “Reminiscing”
  • April 7-10: Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
  • April 14-17: Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”
  • April 21-24: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
  • May 5-8: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • May 19-22: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”

Heading to Disney World soon?

501 WaysIf you are planning a vacation to Disney World during the holiday season, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you attended a Garden Rocks concert? What did you think?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 27 2017

Full Menus For The 2017 Epcot Flower And Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchens

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

This year the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be held for 90 days from March 1 through May 29. The theme is “Fresh Epcot” and once again this springtime event will feature beautiful blooms, exciting entertainment, and loads of delicious drinks and dishes. A few of the highlights are:

  • Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalDisney themed topiaries
  • Magical gardens and exhibits
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series
  • Fun festival themed merchandise
  • Entertainment for the kids
  • Festival Event Center offering hands-on demonstrations
  • Outdoor Kitchens with delicious drinks and dishes

Outdoor Kitchens

The Flower & Garden Festival will feature fifteen outdoor kitchens very much like what you see at the Food & Wine Festival in the fall. This year’s kitchens include The Berry Basket, Northern Bloom, Pineapple Promenade, Fleur de Lys, Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market, Taste of Marrakesh, Hanami, THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews, Primavera Kitchen, Florida Fresh, Lotus House, Jardin de Fiestas, Urban Farm Eats, Cider House, and La Isla Fresca. Be sure to pick up a Garden Passport and get stamped at your stops along the way. Passports will be available at the Festival Event Center, all Outdoor Kitchens, plus select merchandise locations. With just a few days until the kick off of the festival, Disney has released the menus. Better grab a snack, you’re about to get very hungry!

The Berry Basket

  • Lamb Chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique
  • Field Greens with Fresh Strawberries, Blue Cheese, Strawberry Vinaigrette and Spiced Pecans (vegetarian)
  • Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepper Berry Sorbet (vegetarian)
  • Founders Raubeaus Pure Raspberry Ale, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Island Grove Blueberry Moscato, Hawthorne, FL
  • Twinings® Green Tea Berry Mint Julep (non-alcoholic version also available)

Northern Bloom

  • Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon (gluten-friendly)
  • Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables
  • Nanaimo Bar Trifle
  • Maple Popcorn Shake with Crown Royal Maple Whiskey – NEW!
  • Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic) – NEW!
  • Unibroue Maudite Amber Ale, Chambly, Québec – NEW!
  • Unibroue À Tout Le Monde Saison, Chambly, Québec – NEW!
  • Unibroue Éphémère White Ale, Chambly, Québec – NEW!
  • Beer Flight

Pineapple Promenade

  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
  • Pineapple Soft-Serve (vegetarian)
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Maui Brewing Company Pineapple Mana, Hawaii
  • Pineapple Soft-Serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)

Fleur De Lys

  • Tarte à l’Onion Alsacienne: Alsatian Onion Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme and Rosemary on a Flaky
  • Puff Pastry Crust (vegetarian)
  • Poulet aux Écrevisses, Riz Pilaf: Baked Chicken with Crawfish served with Rice Pilaf
  • Macaron Chocolat Framboise: Large Raspberry Macaron with Chocolate Fudge and Raspberry Jam (gluten-friendly)
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy: Grey Goose Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice
  • Kir Pomegranate, Sparkling Wine, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
  • Brut de Pêche: Natural Peach Sparkling Wine
  • C’est La Vie: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blend
  • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

  • Potato Pancakes with House Made Apple Sauce (vegetarian)
  • Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions and Herb Sour Cream
  • Currywurst with Paprika Chips (gluten-friendly)
  • Roasted Bratwurst with Curry Ketchup and Paprika-spiced Chips
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries
  • Hugo-Charles De Fere “Organic” Brut with Elderflower and Mint
  • Paulaner Original Munich Lager
  • Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen
  • Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager
  • Beer Flight

Taste of Marrakesh

  • Merguez “Hot Dog” Sausage: Spicy Beef and Lamb with Sautéed Onions and Green Peppers
  • Home-Made Falafel with Pickled Beet and Turnip, Tomato Salad and Tahini Sauce
  • Baklava (vegetarian)
  • Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur
  • White Sangria
  • Guerrouane Red Wine
  • Casa Beer

Hanami

  • Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry and Melon rolled with Raspberry Coconut Rice,
    sprinkled with Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream on the side (vegetarian)
  • Ahi Tuna Poke Sesame Ginger
  • Beef Teriyaki Udon: Thin-sliced Beef, Onions and Noodles tossed on the grill with Soy and Ginger
  • Sapporo Premium Black Lager
  • Kirin Ichiban Pale Ale
  • Matcha (Green Tea) Sake Cocktail
  • Amabuki Kurenai Junmai Sake
  • Ozeki Shin Junmai Sake

THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews

  • Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw
  • Smoked Pork Ribs with Black Bean and Corn Salad (gluten-friendly)
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños
  • Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-Salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans (vegetarian)
  • Zen of Zin Old Vine, California
  • Orange Blossom Pilsner, Orlando, FL
  • 3 Daughters Phantasmas Spicy DIPA, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, Clearwater, FL
  • Beer Flight
  • Frozen Lemonade with Firefly Blackberry Moonshine
  • Frozen Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)

Primavera Kitchen

  • Antipasto Misto: Cerignola Olives, Sweet Soppressata and Salami, Ovolini, Mozzarella, Sweet Roasted Peppers, Ciabatta Bread
  • Meatball Parmigiana: Hand-made Beef and Veal Meatballs, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmigiana, Fresh Basil
  • Strawberry Tiramisu: Ladyfingers, Mascarpone Cream and Marinated Strawberries topped with Strawberry Sauce
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco
  • Corbinello
  • Moscato
  • Bellini: Sparkling Wine and Peach Purée
  • Rossini: Sparkling Wine and Marinated Strawberries
  • Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
  • Moretti Lager L’Autentica
  • Moretti La Rossa

Florida Fresh

  • Carne Asada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
  • Shrimp and Stone-ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro (gluten-friendly)
  • Florida Larder Board: Orlando-made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, Country Pâté and House-made Pickles
  • Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Key Lime Sparkling Wine, St Petersburg, FL
  • Tampa Bay Brewing Company Quat Seasonal Fruit Ale
  • Barley Mow Brewing Company Mirth and Merriment Golden Ale, Largo FL
  • Florida Beer Company Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale, Cape Canaveral, FL
  • Beer Flight
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Tamiami Florida Gin
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
  • Fresh-Squeezed Watermelon Juice (Non-alcoholic)

Lotus House

  • Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wrap
  • Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries (vegetarian)
  • Vegetable Spring Rolls (vegetarian)
  • Oolong Peach Bubble Tea
  • Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango and Orange Juice
  • Dragon Pearl: Beer, Honey, Cream and Tapioca Pearls
  • M.S.G: A cooler of Mango Wine, Strawberry and Ginger Ale
  • Plum Wine Cooler
  • Tsingtao Lager

Jardin De Fiestas

  • Chile Relleno de Picadillo: Battered Poblano Pepper filled with Ground Beef covered with Tomato Sauce and garnished with Queso Fresco and Toasted Almonds
  • Brocheta de Pollo con Salsa Morita: Grilled Chicken with Red and Green Bell Pepper served with Salsa Chile Morita and garnished with Micro-cilantro and Edible Flowers
  • Tres Leches: Vanilla Sponge Cake, Cajeta, Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk and garnished with Orange Zest
  • Hibiscus Margarita
  • Elderflower Pineapple Margarita
  • Watermelon White Sangria
  • Pacifico Draft Beer with Kahlua Floater

Urban Farm Eats

  • Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, B&W Gourmet Farms Baby Arugula, Feta and Balsamic Reduction (gluten-friendly and vegetarian)
  • Seared Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragoût, Spring Vegetables and Fingerling Potatoes
  • Crabless Cake with Crispy Vegetable Slaw, Lemon Vinaigrette and Old Bay Remoulade (vegetarian)
  • Avivé Natural Peach Sparkling Wine, France
  • King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon
  • Wildflower Pale Ale, Forbidden Root Brewery, Chicago, IL
  • Urban Mary with House-made Pickled Green Bean
  • Urban Fairy Cocktail

Cider House

  • Pear Cider-brined Shredded Corned Beef with Braised Cabbage and Pears and Branston Dressing
  • House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare
  • Freshly Baked Lemon Scone with Crème Fraîche and Mixed Berries (vegetarian and gluten-friendly)
  • McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider, West Seneca, NY
  • Florida Beer Company Caribe Blood Orange Tropical Hard Cider, Cape Canaveral, FL
  • Ciderboys Magic Hard Strawberry Cider, Stevens Point, WI
  • Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider, California (Non-alcoholic)

La Isla Fresca

  • Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro
  • Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce
  • Caribbean Conch Salad with Avocado, Mango and Onions
  • FlanCocho: Vanilla Caramel Custard with Chocolate Coffee Cake (vegetarian)
  • Red Stripe Lager
  • Frozen Simply Tropical™ Juice Drink with Cruzan Mango Rum
  • Frozen Simply Tropical Juice Drink (Non-alcoholic)

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Which Outdoor Kitchen are you most excited to try?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!