Category: Walt Disney World

If you are still looking for the perfect place for Easter Brunch, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort has two options you will want to check out!

Ravello

The Resort’s modern Italian restaurant Ravello will present a lavish Easter buffet.

The menu includes a wide array of offerings, ranging from a raw bar/seafood station to an antipasti and salad bar, a carving station with lavender honey glazed ham and braised lamb shank, and a hot entrée station with grilled salmon with lemon butter and capers, garlic marinated grilled chicken, and much more.

Classic brunch favourites will be offered as well, such as beer-braised brisket hash, lobster benedict, eggs made to order, a waffle station with choice of toppings, raspberry Nutella-stuffed French toast, and much more.

Guests with a sweet tooth will be delighted with the dessert station that includes mixed berry crème brulee, peanut butter chocolate pie, mixed berry truffle cinnamon coffee tiramisu, assorted macarons and more.

A special children’s buffet will be offered including items such as “ants on a log” and “pigs in a blanket,” tater tots, chicken fingers, PB&J sandwiches, chocolate dipped Rice Krispie treats, miniature fun-fetti cupcakes, and assorted Easter candies. 

Ravello Easter brunch will be offered from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm for $105 per adult and $45 per child ages 5-12. 

Plancha

For a brunch menu with a Cuban twist, celebrate Easter Sunday at Plancha, the Resort’s Cuban American restaurant.

Located at the Tranquilo Golf Club clubhouse, the lakeside restaurant offers a three-course brunch including bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys from an extravagant Bloody Mary Bar.

The appetizer buffet includes artisanal meats and cheeses, assorted salads with fresh herbs from a living wall garden fresh fruits, smoked salmon and bagels, breakfast pastries and much more.

Entrée choices include traditional brunch items such as eggs benedict with truffle hollandaise, very-berry French toast, shrimp omelet, chicken and white cheddar waffles, and oatmeal pancakes in addition to Cuban favourites such as el Cubano sandwich, the Plancha Burger with a chorizo and beef patty, churrasco with yucca fries, and Sunday fish with a tropical fruit salsa.

The children’s buffet offers kids’ favourites such as pancakes, chicken tenders, mac n’ cheese, mini burger, grilled salmon, cookies and fruit. 

Plancha brunch is offered every Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for $68 per adult and $20 per child ages 5-12. 

Reservations for Ravello and Plancha at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World can be made by calling (407) 313-6161.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando will welcome Master Sommelier George Miliotes, owner of Wine Bar George opening at Disney Springs, for a special wine pairing dinner that is bound to be a memorable evening.  The dinner will be held on March 9, 2017 at 6:30 pm on the lovely terrace of the resort’s Ravello restaurant.

“We are looking forward to welcoming George Miliotes for a fun and informative dinner at Ravello,” says Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi. “His new wine bar will surely be an asset, and will further enhance Orlando’s positioning as a destination ideal for food and wine aficionados.”

Miliotes, one of only 230 worldwide industry professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, is opening Wine Bar George at Disney Springs.  Wine Bar George will be the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in the Sunshine State. The menu will feature a range of varietals, vintages and prices, and a large selection of wines by the glass.

“I’m thrilled to share my enthusiasm and passion for wine with each and every guest, and look forward to a wonderful evening at Ravello,” notes Miliotes, who is sourcing wines not typically offered on the Ravello wine list for this exclusive event.

The five-course menu for the George Miliotes special event is as follows:

Course 1

• Veal liver mousse, apple marmellata and balsamic gelatin
• Antinori Vermentino

  Course 2

• Red trout and roe, fingerling potato, green bean, quail egg and pickled vinaigrette
• Princip Fruilano or Ceretto Arnies “Blange”

  Course 3

• Bucatini pasta “paglia e fieno,” gorgonzola dolce, walnut, kale and sage brown butter
• Medici Ermite Lambrusco (dry sparkling red)

  Course 4

• Barbera wine-braised short rib, Acquerello rice “budino,” golden raisin and red mustard
• Poderi Elia Barbara di Asti DOCG

  Course 5

• Strawberry citrus granita, candied orange and warm biscotti
• Perlina Moscato

  The menu is $175 per person, price includes tax and gratuity. Reservations: 407 313 6161.

PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the fun new Muppets themed quick service restaurant located in the building Pizza Planet previously occupied. While I haven’t yet had the chance to eat at PizzeRizzo, I did get the opportunity the other day to explore some of the awesome Muppets details throughout the restaurant. I ducked in to avoid the rain while waiting between fast passes and this may be my new favorite quick service restaurant in Hollywood Studios even without eating there! Check out some of these great Muppets throwbacks, plus some other things you may just notice from other areas of the park.

Like many establishments, PizzeRizzo attempted to frame their first dollar, but Pepe left an I.O.U. for Rizzo apparently needing some cash.

The ordering area and seating areas both upstairs and down are now huge. I kind of forgot to get a picture since we were trying to escape before the downpour started, but it is gigantic improvement over what it was when it was Pizza Planet with the switchbacks in the ordering area and with the games taking up a big part of the restaurant. Here’s a picture that just shows a portion of the lobby where you order to give you an idea of the size.

Much of the time I spent exploring was in the upstairs, which can be reached by really cool backlit stairs in the center of the dining room or by an elevator just to the side. Upstairs is also where the banquet room is located, where they were playing YMCA when we were there. The outdoor seating area is also amazing. It looks down over the Muppets Courtyard and what remains of New York Street and the construction of what will be Star Wars and Toy Story Lands.

For Disney fans, and those who miss the Streets of America, a piece of it survived and hangs proudly on the wall in PizzeRizzo. Another fun nod to Disney history, and tying in to the New York theme of the L.A. based pizza restaurant, is a picture of the Unisphere from where the 1964 World’s Fair was held.

Rizzo even likes to have fun with his trash cans and recycling bins in his restaurant. These fun sayings are found, some repeated, throughout PizzeRizzo, making taking your trash out more fun.

My favorite details though come from the bulletin board beside the banquet room. Many of the Muppets are advertising their services with fliers and business cards and they are priceless. I have two shots of the entire boards that I suggest you zoom in on and peruse, but I’ve also included a few of my choice faves to share. I’ll let you explore some of the others to discover on your own so as not to take away all the fun of finding all of them.

There are so many other great puns and nods to New York and the Muppets and just pop culture throughout PizzeRizzo. I highly recommend that you check out this fantastic remodel and I hope that I get to eat there soon as I’ve heard good things about the antipasto salad. The space is great with tons of seating inside and out, and on both floors with accessibility. This may be my new place to hideout and spend time in between fast passes because they play great music too (think Rat Pack, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, etc.). Although I would also kind of love to hear the Mice Girls sing some of these hits from this record.

If you are looking to spend Valentine’s Day in a luxurious way, consider experiencing the wonderful restaurants or relaxing spa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

Their Ravello and Capa Restaurants are each offering delicious prix fixe menus, while The Spa has special offers for couples.

Ravello at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

Ravello has quickly become one of our go-to places for a fantastic meal out! The restaurant’s authentic Italian cuisine is prepared by Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi, originally from Torino, Italy. I love taking a peek into their lively open kitchen.

For Valentines’s day they are offering a four course meal for $75 per person (not including tax or gratuity) that looks delicious!

• First course: Focaccia Pugliese, tomato, mozzarella and herbs
• Second course: Speck, burrata and asparagus flat bread, roasted cherry tomato thyme, extra virgin olive oil; or, oyster and eggplant, white balsamic gelee, salmon roe, watercress
• Third course: Veal medallion, red beet tortellacci, kobocha and caciocavallo cheese, black truffle sauce; or, pan seared “Florida hog” snapper, lobster-chives mashed potatoes, lemon caper sauce, and warm cauliflower-sun dried tomato salad
• Fourth course: Rotolo dolce, Florida strawberry, crème fraiche

Capa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

If you haven’t had the chance to dine at Capa, the Resort’s rooftop level Spanish-inspired steakhouse, you are missing out!

Known for its fresh seafood and prime meats, the stunning ambiance in hues of crimson, black and grey features an open kitchen and wood-burning grill, plus an expansive terrace where guests can enjoy views of the nightly Magic Kingdom Park fireworks.

Capa was named to Wine Enthusiast magazine’s list of 100 Best Wine Restaurants in the US.

And exclusively for Valentines’s day, you can enjoy a four course meal for $95 per person (not including tax or gratuity).

• First course: Sopa – lobster bisque, saffron crème fraiche, tortas; or, ensalada – endive, honeydew, sorrel and mint
• Second course: Vieira – scallops crudo, tomatillo salsa verde, blood oranges; or, alcachofa – artichoke confit, black truffle, wagyu beef
• Third course: Pescado – branzino, fennel, orange and burnt leek vinaigrette; or, carne – prime beef tenderloin, brown butter-polenta croquettes, green beans and black garlic; or, for an additional USD 30 per person, opt for the tomahawk for two, served with rioja sauce and twice baked potato with smoked crème fraiche and caviar
• Fourth course: Fundido de Fresa y Chocolate, Bahibe milk chocolate cremeux, strawberry ice cream

Both menus will only be available on February 14th, and to make reservations call (407) 313-6161.

Couples Sweet Retreat at The Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

For couples who like to unwind and relax with their sweetheart, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers a luxurious Valentine’s Day package for two to enjoy.

From Saturday, February 11 to Tuesday, February 14, 2017, connect with a couple’s massage performed by one of The Spa’s expert team of therapists in a beautiful candlelit and rose-petal-strewn couple’s suite. Each couple’s massage is set to beautifully soothing ambient music while intoxicating aroma-therapeutic notes of jasmine, rose and ylang ylang essential oils fill the air.  Two glasses of rosé to sip, and special Valentine truffles from local chocolatier Norman Love Confections are also included.

This couple’s experience is $385 for a 50 minute massage, $545 for an 80 minute massage or $715 for a 110 minute massage. Couples who reserve 80 minute or 110 minute massages may enjoy complimentary day access to the Resort’s pools, including the adult-only Oasis Pool.

The Spa is also offering a “Tennis Love Match” special where couples can enjoy a tennis lesson for two for USD 100, plus an hour of complimentary court time, available February 11 to February 14, 2017. Lessons are held on the Resort’s Har-Tru tennis courts by tennis professional Alain Labrecque, in partnership with PBI International.

To reserve a Spa appointment or tennis lesson, contact The Spa at 407 313 6160.

Planet Hollywood Observatory launches a new menu into orbit at the Orlando Flagship Location

Burgers and Sandwiches by Guy Fieri, Florida Craft Brews, and Colossal Appetizers Among New Offerings

The Planet Hollywood Observatory will be opening later this fall at Disney Springs with a menu full of familiar favorites, burgers and sandwiches by Guy Fieri, Florida Craft Brews, gigantic appetizers, and over-the-top sweets.

“We’ve spent an enormous amount of time developing new menu offerings for Planet Hollywood Observatory and striking a balance with keeping our favorites in place,” said Robert Earl, Founder and Chairman, Planet Hollywood International. “We’re excited to offer even more options for our guests, ranging from appealing starters, to light and healthy salads, to indulgent steak and lobster—and everything in between. And they really must save room for dessert—I always do!”

Of the new and returning favorites, here’s a look at what you’ll find once Planet Hollywood Observatory reopens!

Fans will embrace the return of classics such as World Famous Chicken Crunch with Creole mustard sauce playfully plated in a chicken-shaped dish.

Nachos Grande return with piled high with chipotle chicken, cheese and black bean sauce, cruda salsa verde, pico de gallo, queso fresco and sour cream.

Of the six featured burgers from Guy Fieri, the award-winning Bacon Mac-N-Cheese with applewood smoked bacon, six-cheese mac-n-cheese, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, crispy onion straws, Fieri’s signature Donkey Sauce, and garlic-buttered brioche bun looks crazy!

The Lobster Feast Fra Diavolo is a spaghetti favorite served in a whole lobster shell and a Sesame Ginger Salmon with cilantro rice is one of eight gussied-up specialty offerings.

Healthy options for guests include a selection of five fresh salads like the Citrus Kale, a combination of kale, julienned broccoli, slivered Brussels sprouts and cabbage, feta, grapefruit, oranges, cranberries, sunflowers seeds, agave dressing; and Spinach & Berries with candied walnuts, bleu cheese crumbles and balsamic vinaigrette.

For a sweet finish “Hand-Dipped and Whimsical Milkshakes” include Chocolate Comet and Strawberry Borealis. The dessert menu is filled with goodies such as the Cosmic Cream Challenge, a blind tasting of 12 flavors of house-made ice creams and sorbets; Planet Melt Down, a chocolate hardshell dome, melted tableside by hot chocolate sauce to reveal double chocolate fudge cake, fresh strawberries and whipped cream; and Brownie Sundae Martini, 12 decadent chunks of freshly baked brownies layered with six scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream with toppings.

After seeing these pictures I’m even more excited to give Planet Hollywood Observatory a try!

Celebrate Yelloween at STK Orlando

If you are looking for a fun Halloween without having to head into Downtown Orlando, why not try something new! STK Orlando at Disney Springs is hosting their first Halloween event called “Yelloween”.

The “Yelloween” fun starts at 8 pm, and for two hours you’ll enjoy champagne toasts, an open bar, drink specials from 10 pm to midnight, little bites, haunting tunes from a live DJ, performers and interactive performers as you party on the rooftop!

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance online.

What better way is there to celebrate National Ice Cream Cone Day than by visiting Vivoli il Gelato at The Landing in Disney Springs!

For 85 years this world-famous gelato shop from Florence, Italy, has shared their family’s hand-crafted recipies with the world. And just last year the family opened their second storefront in history at Walt Disney World.

Vivoli il Gelato was founded in 1932 by Raphael and his two brothers, Vivoli Gelateria started out as a dairy – at that time, it was not easy to find raw materials such as milk, eggs and sugar and there were no gelato machines and freezers.

After World War II, technology enabled the brothers to follow their passion and produce gelato every day – a far cry from the early recipes that relied on barrels filled with ice and snow from the nearby mountains to keep their concoctions frozen.

With a “cone-a-copia” of 24 authentic flavors to choose from, Vivoli il Gelato offers everything from a classic cream to a sultry brandied cherry. Fresh ingredients such as cocoa powder, pistachio, and hazelnut add rich and succulent undertones to these sweet masterpieces that could have easily served as Michaelangelo’s muse.

There is no better way to celebrate National Ice Cream Cone Day than by taking a quick trip to Italy through Vivoli Gelateria at The Landing in Disney Springs.

Great Irish Hooley Celebrates 5th Anniversary Labor Day Weekend at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs

NEW: ‘Rhythms of Raglan’ show, plus top Irish Bands, Dance, Food and Craft Beers 

The Great Irish Hooley is returning to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs for the 5th year with new live music and dance entertainment, fresh menu creations and plenty of craft beer and cocktail options are on tap Labor Day weekend September 2-5, 2016.

Celebrating Irish song, dance, food and drink over the long Labor Day weekend, the Great Irish Hooley is Central Florida’s only boutique Irish festival with performances beginning at noon Friday and continuing each day and night through late Monday.

The highlight of this year’s Hooley is the brand-new Rhythms of Ragland which is a 90-minute live show of music and dance that was produced in Ireland, exported to Raglan Road and directed by David Hayes (Riverdance, “The Voice” Ireland edition) with guest choreographers including Michael Donellan (Lord of the Dance). You can catch a debut of this new show at 4 pm on September 2nd, and at 1 pm and 4 pm September 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

A traditional Irish social celebration, the “Hooley” combines music ranging from traditional to rock tunes with entertainment and fun for the whole family (no cover charge). And this year the music will feature headliner Screaming Orphans and other bands popular on the festival circuit.

• Screaming Orphans – Four talented sisters from Bundoran in County Donegal, Ireland, combine original pop/rock music with the Ceili (kay-lee) traditional music of their family roots. Their dynamic show has taken the festival circuit by storm.
• Jake Richardson – Jake is a singer-songwriter and musician from Dublin whose passion for music inspires audiences as he entertains with unique vocals and catchy songs.
• Flat Out – Flat Out is an award winning four-piece band from the West of Ireland that plays an exciting mix of folk, traditional, pop and New World music. Band members are all multi-instrumentalists combining Irish harp, guitar, fiddle, tin whistle, flute, button accordion, bodhran. They play fresh original music along with funky cover music and have been playing and travelling the world since 2013.
• Marianne Fraser Band – Marianne is one of the most sought after guitarists and songwriters on the Irish music scene who is ably supported by Danny Hunter on fiddle and Ali Levack on whistles and pipes. The band performs a high-energy mix of traditional and modern tunes along with Marianne’s own compositions.
• Swingin’ On the Gate – This four-piece band of multi-instrumentalists with roots in legendary Lisdoonvarna in Co. Clare have serious crossover credentials and musical pedigree including traditional and classical training. They are multiple medal winners at Fleadhs music competitions and have toured in Italy, Switzerland and the United States.

• The Raglan Roots Coalition – 10 years down the road, Raglan felt it was time to shake its boogie – Roots style, with this new Irish house band.  Think soul-rocking Celtic bluegrass with some hip-swingin’, knee-shakin’ funky roots beats.
• The High Road – These young, traditional Irish musicians met in University in Ireland.  A predominately Irish traditional group, they also play British folk, blues and soul, and their combined talents provide for a vibrant, exciting live show of music and song.
• Cooney & Ryan – One of the finest traditional Irish music duos around, these accomplished, energetic musicians often invite the crowd to sing along.

• The Raglan Road Irish Dancers – Plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, the Raglan Road Dancers perform throughout the long Hooley weekend.  You can even learn some traditional Irish dance steps – no experience necessary!
• The Flyin’ Marys – A young, hip all-girl band that mixes it up with raucous tunes, beautiful ballads and strong vocals.

The Hooley is a perfect way for families to spend time together this holiday weekend! There will be Celtic face-painting Saturday through Monday.

With contemporary Irish cuisine by celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, Irish craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails and day-into-night entertainment, the Great Irish Hooley promises a high-voltage music festival for all who drop by or reserve a table.

New experiences announced for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

All-new brunch offering and two new seminars to join seventh annual event

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will introduce a Sunday Champagne Brunch at Il Mulino New York Trattoria along with two new beverage seminars,Craft Cocktails and More than Malbec, when it returns for its seventh year Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29.

Guests can extend their Food & Wine Classic experience one more day at the first ever Sunday Champagne Brunch on October 30, featuring a lavish menu of traditional and unconventional dishes. The brunch, presented by J Vineyards and Winery, will include various cured meats and imported cheeses along with an array of sushi and trattoria-inspired entrees.

The Sunday Champagne Brunch can be booked along with a 2-night stay or Saturday night stay festival package for $75 per person, which includes one glass of J Vineyards champagne or specialty mimosa. Available seatings are at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Along with the Sunday Champagne Brunch, event attendees can experience two new seminars that have been added to the selection of hands-on educational experiences taught by members of the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage team. The new spirits seminar, Craft Cocktails, educates guests on the origins of traditional cocktails and how to make them. More than Malbec introduces the world of popular Argentinian wines, with tastings and tips for pairing.

Returning beverage seminars will be Wine Blending, Italian Wines, Base to Bubbles, Beer Please and TQU: Tequila University, while The Cheese Course, Pasta Making and Fine Art of Sushi and Sake return as pairing seminars.

Beverage seminar tickets are $50 per person, and pairing seminar tickets are $70 per person and require the purchase of the general outdoor causeway ticket.

Fans can visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com to view the 2016 food menu as well as book overnight packages and purchase tickets for the event, seminars and Sunday Champagne Brunch.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers guests unlimited tastings at more than 40 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. Upgraded ticket options allow guests to enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine.

Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe hosts an interactive Sushi Making Class for kids on June 25th 

Kids will learn how to wrap and roll their way to spectacular sushi 

Wolfgang Puck Grand Café (1482 East Buena Vista Drive), located in Disney Springs, invites kids to embark on a journey through the Japanese art of sushi making with a kids cooking class. Kids can roll up their sleeves on Saturday, June 25 from 12 to 2 p.m. and learn this exquisite culinary craft.

This interactive and engaging cooking class offers a crash course into exploring the exciting and intricate world of sushi with hands on experience. Class attendees will partake in various class projects learning how to make an array of sushi including hand rolls, nigari and maki rolls. Throughout the class, guests will learn how to properly prepare and season sushi rice, healthy eating habits, and basic cleanliness and food safety skills.

As an added activity, the culinary kiddos will also create refreshing and flavorful summertime drinks including Old Fashioned Chocolate Soda and a Grapey-Orange Cooler. The class is $35 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  Reservations can be made by calling 407.828.8996.

For additional information please visit www.wolfgangpuckcafeorlando.com.

Via Napoli opened their doors at Epcot in the Italy Pavilion in 2010, and they just celebrated serving their millionth pizza with a luncheon with familiar favorites and highlights from their new menu featuring new salads, pizzas, pastas, and more.

Chef Charlie Restivo heads up the culinary team at Via Napoli, and he let us in on the secret to the success of Via Napoli. And he attributes the popularity of the pizzas to the recipe and specifically the components they use to create the pizzas. According to Chef Charlie, it all starts with the dough, which is his signature recipe that he’s brought into each of the restaurant’s he’s opened for Patina. The water Chef Charlie uses as part of his dough at Via Napoli mirrors the same properties as the water found in Naples – a hard water – that when mixed with Caputo “00” flour provides the perfect texture, elasticity and chew. Topped with only the finest ingredients (including san marzano tomatoes, Fior Di Latte mozzarella and prosciutto di Parma) Via Napoli’s pizzas are regarded as some of the best in the country.

But Chef Charlie doesn’t only excel at making pizza, and his other signature dishes are another part of what makes Via Napoli one of the best Italian restaurants in Central Florida.

I really enjoyed everything we sampled at Via Napoli, and with so many new and old favorites I thought I would share some of my favorites.

Nine Things To Order At Via Napoli

1.Insalata di Ceci

Chickpea fritters, arugula, scamorza, cherry tomato, onion, avocado, bacon, mushroom $13

2. Limited Time Pasta Special

Truffled fettuccine carbonara with guanciale “Itlalian Bacon” egg noddles and pecorino cheese $26

3. Affumicata

White pizza: mozzarella, smoked salmon, arugula, pomodorini, stracchino $23 | $36 | $48

4. Broccolini

Fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, porchetta, robiola, broccoli rabe $22 | $35 | $48

5.Tortino di Melanzane

Traditional preparation of eggplant with tomato sauce, parmesan & mozzarella, served with roasted potatoes $22

6. Meatballs 

hand-crafted veal meatballs & tomato sauce with mozzarella and fresh basil

7. Prosciutto e Melone Pizza

White pizza: fontina, mozzarella, prosciutto, cantaloupe, arugula $23 | $36 | $48

8. Tiramisu

Mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, lady fingers, chocolate $9

9. Classic Margherita Pizza

Tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil $18 | $29 | $39

Reservations for Via Napoli are recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit on the My Disney Experience App, online, or by calling (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

STK Orlando has opened at Disney Springs with a grand gala that showcased the restaurants menu, cocktails, and vibe. It was a blast!

“We are thrilled to enter the Orlando market, especially at a premier destination like Walt Disney World,” said Jonathan Segal, CEO of The ONE Group. “Strategic relationships, as well as great real estate, will remain integral to our growth plans as we expand our company footprint, and with an additional nine STK restaurants currently in development, we are excited to bring the STK experience to new cities across the globe.”

At STK Orlando, menu items with a local focus will join signature dishes that have become STK favorites across the world. STK Orlando Executive Chef, James O’Donnell, says he plans to source ingredients from Florida-based farms whenever possible, especially seasonal fruits, produce and seafood.

“Roughly twenty-percent of STK Orlando’s menu will be exclusive to the Disney Springs location, including opening-day items such as Florida grouper, seared tuna and chili rubbed rack of lamb,” said O’Donnell.

STK Orlando is open for both lunch,11:30 am to 3:30 pm daily, and dinner, 5 pm to 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and 5 pm to midnight Friday and Saturday, and for reservations call 407.917.7440.

Morimoto Asia Street Food Opens At Disney Springs

May 15^th Morimoto Asia, the first pan-Asian dining experience created by Japanese Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto, opened Morimoto Asia Street Food offering delectable street food selections in a new to-go concept.

“Street food holds memories of my childhood. It reminds me of the local festivals and events of my hometown,” said Chef Morimoto.  “I am excited that our new street food will transport guests to Asia and the marvelous cuisines that inspired my menu creations.”

The new extension of one of my favorite restaurants at Disney Springs has some great options from a cross-section of popular, good-value menu items reflecting the range of flavors from across the Asian continent.

The Morimoto Asia Street Food menu is broken down into sections, and here is a look at what I tried on my first visit!

Snacks

The Morimoto Baby Back Ribs ($10 – 3 ribs) are pork ribs with a hoisin sweet chili glaze served with a cilantro garnish that are addictive with just the right mix of sweet and spicy. These ribs are my favorite dish at Morimoto Asia, and I highly recommend giving them a try!

The pork egg rolls ($8 – 2 pieces) are the best egg rolls I have ever had! What sets these egg rolls apart is how the seasoned to perfection pork plays against the crispy cabbage and vegetables.

Noodles

The Chilled Sesame lo-mein noodles ($12) have a sesame peanut sauce mixed with Napa cabbage, cilantro, thai basil, and peppers that is the perfect choice for a light lunch entree or side dish perfect for sharing.

Bao Tacos

The Bao Tacos are ‘tacos’ made of steamed Asian bread buns are a food trend you will want to try!

The kalbi bao ($10 – two bao tacos) is made with short ribs, kimchi, scallions, lettuce, and cucumber, and it was my favorite bao taco on the Morimoto Asia Street Food menu. The acid of the kimchi cuts through sweetness of the glaze on the short ribs and the cool crunch of the cumber cuts through the heat of the kimchi. It is a lovely combination of flavors.

If you are looking for a more familiar flavor, you may want to try the chicken teriyaki bao ($8 – two bao tacos) that has a teriyaki glazed piece of chicken served with spicy mayo, cucumber, and lettuce.
Sushi

The “Sushi(rito)” shrimp tempura roll ($8) has shrimp tempura, lettuce and cucumber rolled with nori and sesame sprinkled sticky rice to create a roll that is easy to eat on the go. The roll is roughly the equivalent of four traditional pieces of a sushi roll.

This won’t be my last visit to Morimoto Asia Street Food, because I really enjoyed that the dishes were easy to share and a good value with a view of the beautiful spring of Town Center.

Experiencing the Tutto Italia Ristorante Summer Menu

This Summer Tutto Italia Ristorante, the gourmet Italian restaurant located in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot, is offering a three-course lunch menu that you won’t want to miss!

Chef Renzo Barcatta and his team have created this special three-course menu sourced from across Italy offering the best of each region available for a limited time from May 3 to August 31 that is a great way to experience Tutto Italia at a great price point.

I was invited to a sneak peek of the new lunch, and to say I was impressed is an understatement.

Tutto Gusto can be a pricier option for lunch at Epcot, but for $27, plus tax, the Tutto Italia Three-Course Lunch includes a soft drink or ice tea, appetizer, generously sized main course, and dessert making for an exceptional value. You won’t walk away hungry from this lunch!

To start off our experience, we were able to try the Antipasto appetizer of sopressata (an Italian dried salami), finocchiona (a fennel infused salami from Southern Tuscany), pickled roasted peppers, and creamy ovolini mozzarella.

I could eat this Antipasto every day! The creamy mozzarella paired with the acidity of the pickled roasted pepper was fantastic, and you can never go wrong with sopressata! This was my first time having finocchiona, but it won’t be my last!

As an appetizer I chose the Minestrone soup, which was full of spring vegetables, pancetta, pastina.

And while soup on a hot day might seem like a crazy choice, the light soup is flavorful while being mild and refreshing. It was a great way to ease into my main course choice.

For a main course, I had the Scaloppine di Pollo which was delicious! The buttery and delicate chicken scaloppini was covered in a savory marsala sauce with a generous portion of cremini mushrooms.

While the scaloppine was filling, it wasn’t very heavy making it a great choice for refueling before heading back into the park for the rest of the day.

I’ve never met a dessert I didn’t like, but my favorite dessert was the cannolo. With a light and crispy shell and creamy filling, this cannolo is perfection!

Finding a wine to pair with your meal at Tutto Gusto can be an experience in an of itself.

The wine selection at Tutto Gusto is extensive featuring both exclusive and hard-to-find Italian wines that can expertly paired with your selections thanks to the restaurant’s knowledgeable staff and Sommeliers.

If is your first visit or if you are returning to Tutto Italia Ristorante, the Summer Three-Course Lunch is a great reason to visit this gem known for their gorgeous décor, attentive service, and delicious cuisine.

Reservations are recommended for Tutto Italia Ristorante, and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit to Walt Disney World.

Buon appetito!