I periodically pour over the Disney World restaurant menus, always searching for new things I’d like to try, but I always have a list of my favorite things. I’m sure you have a list of things you love, like Lou Mongello’s carrot cake cookie obsession from the Writer’s Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (I really try to love it, Lou, but it hurts my teeth to even think about it’s sweetness!) – and I want you to share it with me! Here are some of my favorite things to eat at Walt Disney World:
Smokey Portobello Soup – Artist Point
At Christmas time last year, our waiter accidentally brought a bowl of this smokey, rich, delicious soup to my mother-in-law, who doesn’t eat it. The waiter offered to leave it on the table, but my MIL told him to take it back, as we all already had our appetizers (most of which were the soup). I thought my middle child would burst into tears, as she watched the creamy bowl of mushroom goodness being walked back to the kitchen. It embodies the taste of a rustic home in the heart of winter, and the flavor will keep you warm your whole trip.
Bobotie – Boma
Minced meat, spices, flavors of sweet and savory, all baked into an egg mixture – oh my goodness. This very traditional South African dish is an explosion of flavors that leaves my mouth very happy. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Kakigori – EPCOT
It’s August. In Florida. Where there is only one way to describe the heat. Hell-like. I’ve always thought I could survive the depths of Hades, having done the “EPCOT death march” at the peak of summer. The big difference? There is no Kakigori in hell. This absolutely heavenly refresher is shaved ice, with your choice of a variety of sweet syrup, much like a traditional snow cone. There are two big differences between the Kakigori and the snow cone you might get at your local fair or carnival. The ice in Kakigori is shaved so finely, you don’t get any of the big, chunky, brain freeze pieces you always get in a snow cone, and it doesn’t glue itself all together as it melts, as a snow cone sometimes does. The other difference is the syrups. These seem not as cloyingly sweet as some you might find for a snow cone, and the flavors are brighter – tangerine, melon, and strawberry – much closer to fresh fruit than the snow cone flavors. I like to taste the rainbow – and dream of cooler days!
Braised Pork – Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom
Let me tell you, my little Mouseketeers, this is one of the best bargains on Disney property. Served only during lunch, the pork is cooked like a Coq Au Vin, which is a traditionally French dish made with chicken and red wine, simmered in a pot until tender and delicious. This dish hits the tender and delicious part spot on, and the serving is a full and generous portion – especially since this is lunch! You’ll get the wonderfully flavored pork, a healthy portion of mashed potatoes, a gravy filled with carrots, onions and mushrooms, and another side dish of green beans. Easily a $30 entree at a sit down restaurant with fancy napkins and French waiters, go for a late lunch (no reservations required!!) and make this your dinner. You’ll have room for a late night Dole Whip snack!
So what are some of your Disney favorites?
