“That’s Some Spicy Meatball Bar!”

WDWNT on July 22, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Meatball Bar - Portobello at Downtown Disney

Burgers are out, meatballs are the hot new dining trend, and Portobello at Downtown Disney takes the idea a step further, pairing affordable meatball sliders with seven microbrews from Orlando Brewing – a satisfying summer combo.

Levy Restaurant Chefs Steven Richard (executive chef at Portobello) and Tony Mantuano (Portobello consulting chef) dreamed up the meatball-beer bar. “The meatballs are fun to eat,” Mantuano said. “And what’s better with a meatball than beer?”

Belly up and take your pick: beef and veal with parsley, spicy pork, chicken with sage or salmon with tarragon. Each is served on a soft mini roll and topped with tomato-basil sauce and freshly grated Parmesan. Affordable too: just $1.95 for a sizeable meatball slider (the salmon is $2.95). Our hands-down fave was the spicy pork. Least favorite was the salmon. Pair with locally brewed and organic beers including ales, European Pilz, Olde Pelican E.P.A. and Blackwater Porter, each $5.95.

The bar seats 30, with 10 more seats at adjacent cocktail tables. And you can order from the full menu at the bar (we love the eggplant fries for a decadent side). Portobello is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Crepes???

WDWNT on July 21, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

There’s a delicious new offering at the Downtown Disney District! I had my first taste of a crepe earlier this month at the new Café Renee located in front of World of Disney, and I have to say it was delish! Café Renee is the latest food location to join Downtown Disney – offering both sweet and savory crepes, as well as funnel cake sticks and drinks. I tried the Caprese and BBQ Pulled Pork crepes – and I couldn’t believe I’d been missing out for so long. I’m dying to go back and try one of their sweet sensations! Don’t take my word for it – check out the menu and give it a try.

2011 California Food and Wine Festival

WDWNT on July 20, 2010

Here is an official press release regarding the 2011 Food and Wine Festival located at Disney California Adventure.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival will celebrate its sixth anniversary in 2011 with six weeks of culinary experiences for guests of all ages, April 29-June 12 at Disney California Adventure park and select locations across the Disneyland Resort.
Chefs, winemakers and guest speakers will focus on cultures, tastes and traditions with hundreds of tantalizing demonstrations, along with outstanding wine and spirits seminars. Guests will also feast on delicious food, wine and beer available throughout Disney California Adventure park.
Look for celebrity chefs, Disney chefs and culinary masters to present their gastronomic talents in a full menu of complimentary demonstrations and signature paid events.  In years past, the signature events have included Sweet Sundays, “Taste Wine Like an Expert” classes, and Taste Food-Wine-Life, a night that celebrates the essence of the festival with a mosaic of food, wine and live entertainment.
Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival includes experiences for anyone who appreciates the art of food, wine and beer.
  • Many of the popular live culinary demonstrations and autograph sessions feature celebrity chefs. The 2010 lineup included chefs Guy Fieri, Cat Cora, Robert Irvine and Jeffrey Saad.
  • At the spectacular ticketed events, food and wine aficionados collect cooking tips from chefs, mingle with noted winemakers and celebrate the flavors presented by culinary masters.
  • Guests sample from the delicious tapas menu at the Taste of California Marketplace.
  • Some Festival events held in Disney California Adventure may require park admission, which is not included in the event price.
  • As the date gets closer, look for details at www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

“Via Napoli” Opens August 5th, 2010

WDWNT on July 19, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Pizzeria at Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

The new restaurant at the Italy Pavilion at Epcot, Via Napoli, will begin taking reservations Aug. 6 for Sept. 10, the official opening day. A “Grand Opening” celebration will be Aug. 5, but the restaurant will be in a “soft opening” walk-in phase with no reservations between then and Sept. 10.

More answers to reader questions from the last blog post:

  • The restaurant is table service only, no quick service.
  • Disney Dining Plan is accepted (one point per person per meal).
  • The hottest menu item is the wood-fired pizza, and it comes in three sizes: individual; large with eight slices; and a “mezzo metro,” or half meter, that is 12 slices.
  • There is one menu for both lunch and dinner. Average check is around $23.
  • There are several vegetarian options, including the pizza Margherita, fusilli pasta in a Southern Italian-style pesto, salads, minnestrone and more.

Japan Gets A Little Animated

WDWNT on July 19, 2010

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Japan Gallery

Perhaps you heard, there’s a new exhibit in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot and today we’re taking a quick peek inside on The Disney Parks Blog. It’s called Spirit Beasts: From Ancient Stories to Anime Stars and as you can see from the image above, it features some pretty mysterious creatures from traditional Japanese myths and artwork. Those creatures and their stories inspired some of the most popular modern-day characters of Japan’s manga comics and anime.

Japan Gallery

And that’s what the exhibit is all about — showing the connection between the historic and the contemporary. When I popped in this week, I immediately recognized some of the Japanese characters from video games and TV shows that my children still enjoy. I think you’ll spot them too.

You’ve got plenty of time to see it. Project Manager and Show Producer Wyatt Winter expects the exhibit to be on display for several years. Just walk to the back of the Pavilion and hang a left.