Disney Resort & Spa is ready to welcome you and your ‘ohana back to their signature oceanside restaurant, ‘AMA‘AMA, beginning Oct. 14, at Aulani. t Aulani!
The newly reimagined fine-dining experience features a delicious four-course, prix fixe dinner menu. Each course pays homage to the spirit of Hawai‘i, with unique flavors, high-quality ingredients and locally sourced fish and produce. The menu, created by the talented Chef De Cuisine Nicholas Amoriello, is almost completely gluten-free, with a plant-based option available for every course to ensure every type of dietary need can experience the very best of Hawai‘i’s flavors!
The new menu offers an array of contemporary island cuisine, including dishes like the “lox” opakapaka with greens, citrus, and raw and pickled vegetables; and the savory Pork Belly with “scanlan sauce,” onion, kiawe honey and Okinawan sweet potato.
Pastry Chef Carolyn Portuondo has prepared a decadent selection of desserts, incorporating iconic local flavors such as lilikoʻi, calamansi, coconut, mango, macadamia and Kona coffee. ‘AMA‘AMA has also unveiled a globally curated wine list to enhance your dining experience.
With the elevated menu, enhanced décor, live music and breathtaking views of Ko Olina Beach, ‘AMA‘AMA is the perfect setting to relax, celebrate your vacation and make memories with your loved ones. We are so excited to share this beautiful, new dining experience with you and your ‘ohana!
Reservations for ‘AMA‘AMA and other dining venues at Aulani Resort, can be made up to 30 days in advance beginning today, Oct. 3.
The time has come for the culinary crown jewel of the Walt Disney World Resort – Victoria & Albert’s – to welcome guests back to this one-of-a-kind experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Beginning today, July 28, this location is now open and filled with unrivaled flavors expertly crafted by the talented culinary team as well as an enhanced and renovated interior space that will leave you in awe.
There is a reason this AAA Five Diamond Award and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award recipient is considered the crown jewel – its decadent cuisine features only the highest quality of ingredients and flavors from across the globe. With an ever-evolving menu, guests can taste their way through multiple courses, including Glacier 51 Toothfish with charred mushroom and sambal, Heirloom Tomatoes with gazpacho and 100 Year Balsamico, and Carrot Tikka Masala with cilantro and puri bread. For a sumptuous finish, the Spectrum of Chocolate is an ombré delight from the inside out featuring four specialty sourced chocolates and a tableside presentation of sabayon with notes of Madagascar vanilla bean, Champagne, and Grand Marnier.
In addition to the incredible dishes at Victoria & Albert’s, this location is also home to a world-class wine collection featuring over 500 different selections. Sommeliers on staff are there to guide you through this precisely curated collection and perfectly pair the flavors of the glass and plate. The new zero-proof cocktail pairing will allow everyone to fully experience the evening with beverages crafted to complement each course. One innovative offering on this menu is the Guajillo Spice, which is smoked tableside to highlight the rich flavors of roasted guajillo chilis, charred jalapeños, and black peppercorn, as well as a touch of caramelized sweetness from turbinado sugar and fresh lime.
The opulence and elegance that are in every corner of the restaurant are part of what makes it so unique. The newly renovated interior features exquisite crystal chandeliers, masterful murals, and delicate wall coverings that bring a modernization to this lavish location. There are three different dining options, each with their own unique experience. The Dining Room serves a tasting menu, that highlights seasonal flavors expertly created to give you and your palette the very best.
For those interested in a more intimate dining experience, the Queen Victoria Room allows you to savor a menu created by the chef de cuisine especially for you in a setting fit for royalty, including tableside presentations. The Chef’s Table is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows first-hand account to the culinary craft as the team creates your decadent tasting menu. This unique opportunity allows you to interact with the chefs like no other as the guests of the kitchen, our most coveted offering.
The legacy of this restaurant is not to be overlooked. Victoria & Albert’s is not only the sole location in Florida to hold the honor of having both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards but joins only 26 others in the nation with this same unique distinction.
The culinary team that upholds this legacy is now led by Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers, with more than 15 years spent at Victoria & Albert’s and experience assisting in the creation of acclaimed menus for Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Joining him is Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer who not only was part of the opening team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, but also leads the entire pastry team for this resort.
For over 20 years, Sommelier Israel Perez has been dedicated to creating memorable experiences at signature restaurants across Walt Disney World Resort. As the maître d’hotel, Israel and his team ensure that each person who walks through the doors of Victoria & Albert’s has a perfect evening through each step of service.
Overseeing culinary operations and teams of the 13 food and beverage outlets at our flagship resort is Executive Chef Kevin Chong. Last but certainly not least, is Culinary Director Chef Scott Hunnel, who was at the helm of Victoria & Albert’s for many years, now provides his expertise and mentorship to culinary teams across multiple resorts, including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
When enjoying an evening with your guests here, it’s clear that Victoria & Albert’s provides an epicurean experience that is unlike any other. From the moment you arrive and are welcomed with beautiful harp music, to the expert chefs creating magic from the kitchen to the plate and the sommeliers transporting you through each pairing, a meal here is one you cannot find anywhere else.
We are delighted to welcome you back to Victoria & Albert’s and cannot wait for you to join us for a grand evening from first sip to last bite.
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
Do you love the classic flavors you can only get at a deli? If so, we’ve got some exciting foodie news to share with you. Late this summer, the new BoardWalk Deli will be opening its doors at Disney’s BoardWalk. This location, previously the BoardWalk Bakery, is inspired by the delis of the Northeast region, with a menu that takes you on a road trip of classic sweet and savory flavors from New York to the Jersey Shore.
Delicatessen translates to “all things delicious,” and that’s exactly what visitors will experience. With that, let’s get into what dishes you can expect at this exciting new spot.
Whether you’re heading out for a day in the parks or planning a cozy breakfast in your room, stop by the Deli to select from house-baked bagels with a choice of schmear, a variety of sweet breakfast pastries, or a warm bagel sandwich. Some of these delicious options include an Everything Bagel Sandwich with cage-free eggs, sausage, and cheddar cheese, a Bagel Breakfast Sandwich with cage-free eggs, bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese, or a Plant-based Ciabatta Sandwich with “egg” Florentine, plant-based cheese, tomato jam, and arugula that provides an exciting contrast of flavors. What a way to start your day!
For both lunch and dinner, your taste buds are in for a treat because there are multiple options that will transport you to the Northeast with every bite. Choose from a variety of cold and hot deli sandwiches served on traditional marble rye, fluffy ciabatta or soft and springy focaccia breads. As with the breakfast bagels, all breads are baked fresh in-house. I hope you’re hungry, because it’s time to break down all these bites for you.
The signature Italian Sub is built with layer upon layer of thinly sliced capicola, sopressata, and pepperoni with provolone, arugula, tomato, arugula pesto, and mayonnaise on fresh-baked ciabatta bread. The savory Warm Pastrami Reuben is a classic deli staple, with generous rolls of thin-sliced warm pastrami topped with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on marble rye bread.
For a plant-based twist on a classic favorite, the Veggie Crunch Muffaletta is stacked with cured and pickled root vegetables, an olive-giardiniera tapenade and plant-based cheese, served on focaccia. With such bold and tangy flavors, it’s hard to believe this sandwich doesn’t have meat!
You can also opt for a Roasted Chicken Sandwich with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and roasted garlic aioli served on ciabatta or the Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup –a classic guest favorite. Who can resist dunking a classic grilled cheese into a steaming cup of tomato soup?
To round off your meal, add a whole dill pickle, made in-house with the perfect amount of crunch and tanginess. How delicious! All of these mouthwatering sandwiches are served with a side of house-made chips, creamy coleslaw, or soup.
And what meal is complete without a sweet finish? There is no shortage of desserts to try here. The Cannolis are filled to order–yes, you heard that right –in a crispy shell with a creamy blend of mascarpone cheese, ricotta, and shaved dark chocolate, with a hint of lemon zest and a touch of Mickey. The rich and delicate Blueberry Scone is made with crème fraiche and topped with pearl sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
You can also get some Northeastern classics like the New Jersey Crumbcake, an imposing moist cake with a thick cinnamon-crumb topping, or the iconic New York-style Half-moon Cookie topped with rich chocolate ganache and buttercream.
Pastry-lovers will appreciate the delicate chocolate-dipped Cream Puff, hand-piped with silky custard, and the Raspberry Danish layered with velvet custard, fresh raspberries, and sugar crumble. We’re especially excited about the appearance of the beloved warm and gooey Cinnamon Yummies—a returning guest favorite. Lastly, there are some tried-and-true classics like rich cookies, decadent Brownie Cheesecake, brownies, the Cookies & Cream Cupcake, and the 50th Anniversary Celebration Cupcake.
In addition to all of these incredible eats, there are also some sips that can be enjoyed. Try the vibrant organic wine spritzes by Ramona in flavors of dry grapefruit, blood orange, and meyer lemon. You can also sip on bold and refreshing craft cocktails by Social Hour: Sunkissed Fizz, a bright and juicy vodka fizz that balances notes of ripe fruit and crisp citrus or the Prizefighter, a bold and refreshing Collins built around the classic combo of whiskey and peach.
Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details on other resort enhancements, coming to Disney’s BoardWalk, and enjoy all these treats at the BoardWalk Deli!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
Do you love interacting with characters? Have you been waiting patiently for that special hug as you feast on delicious eats? Well, you’re in luck because the time has come for even more character dining experiences to make their grand return!
Across Walt Disney World, some of our guest-favorite restaurants are gearing up to welcome popular pals back, including Stitch for breakfast at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Minnie and her friends for breakfast at Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Winnie the Pooh and friends at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom Park for both lunch and dinner.
Get ready for some hugs, laughs, and lasting memories because here are the places getting character dining back soon!
Let’s start with a trip to Magic Kingdom Park, where there are some special characters coming back for a friendship celebration nestled within Main Street, U.S.A. On September 20, some friends from the Hundred Acre Wood will be rejoining the celebratory feasting for lunch and dinner at The Crystal Palace: A Buffet with Characters featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends. This greenhouse-inspired beauty is the perfect place to spend your day with some hugs and a feast, with options like Carved Prime Rib, Seasonal Ravioli, and Peel & Eat Shrimp.
At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, get ready for some relaxing vibes as you treat yourself to some breakfast classics at the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch, coming back on September 27! Nothing beats getting some love from everyone’s favorite mischievous friend, Stitch, to start off your day. Get your hugs in as you enjoy tasty treats like the Pineapple Coconut Breakfast Bread and Mickey Waffles and sip on the iconic Lilikoi Juice and the yummy Moana Smoothie.
Over at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, you’ll find Cape May Café,a New-England inspired spot serving up some tasty eats in an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet! On October 4, the Cape May Café Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast will be making its exciting return. Have some fun with Disney friends as you enjoy your morning favorites at this feast, including the mouthwatering Salted Caramel “Beach Buns.” And what breakfast is complete without the famous Mickey and Minnie Waffles? Fuel up for your day the right way with these unforgettable characters and dishes.
I hope you’re excited for these exciting updates that will let you indulge in an all-you-care-to-enjoy fare and meet some of your favorite characters once again! These character dining locations join other newly returned experiences, like the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Check out our other blog post for more details about the recent debut of Mirabel in the “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade” at Magic Kingdom, as well as other characters who will start appearing later this month.
Few establishments allow you to indulge in the luxurious cuisine quite like Victoria & Albert’s. We’re thrilled to share this fine dining restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is preparing for its momentous return on July 28, with reservations available starting June 20.
Victoria & Albert’s, a recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000 and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award since 2018, is known for its unmatched dining experience with exquisite dishes made with ingredients from across the globe. This restaurant is the only one in Florida to hold the honor of having both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards and joins only 26 others in the nation with this same unique distinction.
The time has come to experience its timeless elegance and modern twist on American cuisine. Not only will its flavors be enhanced, but the space will be too. The newly reimagined dining room brings guests into a Victorian-styled setting with murals and wall coverings that showcase a timeless elegance and subtle inspirations of a whimsical garden. For a more intimate evening, the private Queen Victoria’s Room or the coveted Chef’s Table with a front-row seat to the culinary masterminds at work may be the option for you. The world-class wine collection found within its wine cellar, with over 500 selections, perfectly pairs with your dishes by the sommeliers on staff. If you’re interested in zero-proof cocktails, there are delicious beverage pairing options for you as well.
Upon reopening, you’ll savor your way through the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Each dish balances elegant ingredients with unique flavors. With the ever-evolving menu at Victoria & Albert’s, guests will be able to indulge in dishes such as Colorado Lamb with pickled blueberry and violet mustard and line-caught turbot with fennel fondue, and Pernod beurre blanc. Those who enjoy the finest of beef can experience the Wagyu A-5 Miyazaki with sauce romesco and potato rösti. Chocolate lovers will revel in the Spectrum of Chocolate, an ombré featuring specialty sourced chocolates with accents of buttermilk, Grand Marnier, and vanilla.
These dishes are masterfully created by the talented culinary team led by Victoria & Albert’s Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers. He has been working at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts since 2006, with over 15 years of culinary experience at Victoria & Albert’s, in addition to curating menus for Remy on the Disney Dream and Fantasy. With more than 30 years of experience, Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer was part of the opening team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and currently leads the pastry team of the resort, including its three signature restaurants, Disney’s Fairytale Weddings, and even the production of the gingerbread house.
Leading the talented chefs is Executive Chef Kevin Chong, who oversees all culinary operations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It is no small feat, but this chef and his team uphold the reputation that has long been established for these delicious eateries. Of course, we can’t talk about Victoria and Albert’s without mentioning the legacy of Culinary Director, Chef Scott Hunnel. The James Beard award nominee provides direction and mentorship to chefs across multiple resorts, including the team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Sommelier Israel Perez serves as the maître d’hotel where he and his award-winning team pay special attention to every detail of the dining experience. For over 20 years, he has created memorable experiences for guests at various signature restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort.
A reminder about Victoria & Albert’s dress code – be sure to dress to impress, as this is an exquisite and intimate dining experience and the culinary crown jewel of the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests are expected to dress accordingly for this upscale location with semi-formal to formal attire that respects the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic.
The reopening of this fine dining staple comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance. This grand transformation began with the addition of Enchanted Rose lounge and the reimagining of Cítricos – which features sophisticated, subtle nods to beloved Disney films – and continued with the reopening of The Grand Floridian Spa. Victoria & Albert’s and the newly enhanced and expanded accommodations at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will open this summer. The transformation will continue with updated offerings across the resort over the coming years.
The wait is nearly over! It’s almost time to raise the curtain and bring on the food once again at a true classic at Walt Disney World Resort. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will soon be opening its doors on June 23 for a musical extravaganza accompanied by your favorite family-style feast. Over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, you’ll find Pioneer Hall and within its walls the Pioneer Hall Players who are ready to dance and sing their way into your hearts!
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue plays host to some of the best comfort food around. As the gang brings on the tunes, the servers bring on the food. Not to mention, it’s all-you-care-to-enjoy with fountain drinks and for those over 21, red and white sangria, draft beer, and wine are also included!
Whether you’ve never experienced it before or you’ve been longing for its return, this outing is not one to be missed upon reopening. To learn more about the show, check out this blog post on its evolution and be sure to make a reservation to enjoy every moment, and dish, on your next visit.
Alrighty, it’s showtime! Let’s get into the food and drinks soon to be served up at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
Once you sit down, you better have your appetite ready because the feasting begins right off the bat. The Hoop Salad is simple yet incredibly satisfying with the signature “hoop” vinaigrette topped with sharp white cheddar, cucumbers, and tomatoes. If you’re a fellow bread-lover like myself, the House-made Cornbread with delicious honey butter is to die for. You can also nibble on the tasty Creamy Coleslaw before the main course graces your table. Make sure you don’t fill up too much!
Let’s move on to the main course, shall we? Your taste buds are in for a real treat because once you see what dishes will lie before you, you’ll want to chow down immediately! First up, we’ve got the Pecan-smoked BBQ Pork Ribs with BBQ sauce. This dish is a BBQ-lovers dream with delicious flavors that just melt in your mouth. The other main plate is the one, the only – the Legendary Fried Chicken – and it tastes just like how it sounds … legendary. This one is a staple and for good reason!
What dinner is complete without some yummy side dishes? Hoop-Dee-Doo brings its A-game to the stage with its accompaniments. One of my personal favorites, the Cornbread-crusted Macaroni and Cheese is an explosion of flavors in your mouth and truly the ultimate comfort food. If you love potatoes, the Home-style Mashed Potatoes pair perfectly with the fried chicken and pork ribs. And rounding out the sides is a classic – Cowboy Beans because you can’t have some BBQ without some beans!
And now for the grand finale, the delectable ‘Ma’s Famous Strawberry Shortcake topped with whipped cream and strawberries. This can’t-miss dessert is a staple of Pioneer Hall and is the perfect way to finish up your foodie evening.
If you have any dietary needs or restrictions for any of these eats, don’t worry. Just let the chef know when you check-in and they’ll get you an alternative dish that’s just as delicious to enjoy while watching the show!
Now that we’ve talked about the food, we’ve got to discuss the drinks! In addition to the included beverages you can enjoy, there are a few new adult beverage options you can sip on for an added cost. Wet your whistle with the new The Giddy-Up cocktail featuring the hall barkeep’s blend of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, and freshly brewed iced tea. You can also choose from an assortment of locally crafted beers including Tampa Bay Brewing Elephant Foot IPA, Cigar City Jai Alai IPA, Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale, Orange Blossom Pilsner, Central 28 UnderDuck Lager, and 3 Daughters Brewing Blonde Ale.
If you weren’t excited already for Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue to return, I sure do hope you are now! June 23 will be well worth the wait.
Hope you’re ready for some foodie news that’ll rock your taste buds’ world because we’ve got some exciting updates that are coming soon to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. From sweets to the savory, there are plenty of new items joining the treats roster at the park, and they are not to be missed.
Your foodie adventure is about to begin. Let’s get into this edition of What’s Cooking, shall we?
Whether you’ve been to Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant before or have always wanted to drive into this retro classic, the new menu premiering June 2 is not to be missed. This “theater” is debuting some super tasty offerings including appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Start off your meal with the Sci-fi Smoked Wings tossed in a porter barbecue sauce with a house-made pineapple and poppy seed coleslaw or the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, a plant-based blend of spinach, artichoke, red peppers, cauliflower, cashew cheese, and oat milk served with house-made chips.
You can also enjoy the Black Garlic Caesar Salad, a petite romaine, grilled hearts of artichoke, chopped Applewood smoked bacon, shaved parmesan covered with house-made black garlic Caesar dressing and served with a tasty, toasted crostini. Or the Grilled Chicken Citrus Salad that perfectly combines romaine lettuce, spinach, and arugula with rainbow tomatoes, candied pecans, cranberries, and feta cheese topped with a house-made citrus vinaigrette and grilled marinated chicken.
If you’re interested in some burgers, this new menu has got you covered. The Feature Film Burger – Surf & Turf is a unique twist on a classic with a signature blend of beef and house-made seasoning served on a brioche bun and topped with a shrimp and crab cake, pepper jack cheese, chipotle hollandaise sauce, grilled onions, heirloom tomato, arugula, and house-made vinaigrette. A previous “featured” item, the Pork on Pork Burger has been awarded a permanent spot on the new menu. This dish includes a grilled house-made pork patty topped with roasted pork belly, white sharp cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, cabbage slaw, and a house-made Carolina mustard sauce.
The grand finale of the meal, dessert, is also getting a revamp. The Red Planet is a delicious white chocolate cheesecake with blueberry compote on a graham cracker tart with a matcha sponge and gold candied pecans. How yummy does that sound? For a more tropical option, you have the Out-of-this-World Sci-Fi Swirl. This dish features a pineapple mousse with passion fruit cosmic swirl and a spiced lime spaceship garnished with space dust and blood orange coulis.
You better get the whole family together because it’s time for a good ole’ fashioned family meal at 50’s Prime Time Café. Step back in time with some of their new plates that bring TV dinner to a different level that feels just like home, beginning June 7. If you love a little kick to an adored dish, then you simply must try the Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs. On the other hand, if spice isn’t your thing, don’t worry, because there’s another classic starter for you – the Creamy Tomato Soup – yes, please! After you’ve enjoyed these tasty plates, get ready for a return that is here to make your taste buds very happy. Grandpa Jean’s Chicken Pot Pie has made its official return to 50’s Prime Time Café. This has a traditional pastry crust filled with chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, corn, and peas.
I hope you save room for dessert after these eats, because there are a few sweet treats making an appearance at this retro joint. The Pineapple Upside Down Cake features yellow cake soaked in pineapple juice topped with caramelized pineapples and maraschino cherries and garnished with whip cream and caramel sauce – wow! Also joining the menu is the Lemon Meringue Pie, a lemon curd in a flaky pie shell topped with a toasted meringue and garnished with a raspberry sauce. The sweets don’t stop there because there is also the Grasshopper Bar! This dessert is a mint white chocolate mousse with chocolate chips on a chocolate chip cookie and is topped with whip cream and chocolate chips. It is a mint chocolate chip lover’s dream.
And rounding out these exciting additions is the Stained Glass Dessert. This treat, made for the little ones, sees a whipped pineapple fluff studded with cubes of strawberry, lime, and orange gelatin to look like stained glass. How adorable?
Few things are more fitting in the summer than ice cream, and not many flavors are more Florida than Key lime. But do you want to know what’s even better? Combining both ice cream and Key lime into a milkshake, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Hollywood Scoops. Starting tomorrow, they’ll be serving up the new Key Lime Milkshake, a Key lime vanilla cream shake topped with lemon lime doughnut garnished with a sweet graham cracker crumb.
Take a trip to another world when you step into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where you’ll discover two tasty beverages at Kat Saka’s Kettle. The Cold Brew Black Caf features Joffrey’s Cold Brew, sweet cream cheese, and cocoa puffs and is a delicious non-alcoholic treat! For a more adult version, the Spiked Cold Brew Black Caf has an extra ingredient – Godiva liqueur. Talk about galactic goodies!
Are you excited for these enhancements coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Give your taste buds a treat on your next tasty adventure and try them all!
In this edition of What’s Cooking, we feature a favorite spot to indulge in a meal at Walt Disney World Resort – Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you’re looking for delicious dishes that let you take a step into another culture, Sanaa is a must-try. This restaurant is not one to be missed, and for good reason. With offerings featuring African-inspired cuisine and techniques, this location gives you bold flavors meticulously crafted by its chefs.
Beginning today, these talented culinarians are serving up some exciting updates to their already tasty menu that are sure to intrigue you and your stomach. Chef Sahib Bhatti, who you may have read about for Cooking With Soul, has incorporated his roots from Tanzania on the Eastern Coast of Africa into these new and updated dishes filled with spices and ingredients found in the Indian subcontinent. And before you start to worry, the signature Indian-style Bread Service is still there in its tasty glory for you to indulge in!
The start date of these offerings is noteworthy, as back in 2009, the opening team began training for their culinary adventure with Sanaa! Chef Sahib and his talented team are proud to uphold this culinary legacy by sharing their updated menu with enthusiastic fans as well as those who will experience Sanaa for the first time.
Without further ado, it’s time to find out what’s cooking in the kitchen over at Sanaa!
Let’s kick things off with an appetizer available for both lunch and dinner. First, we have the Lamb Kefta, a returning fan-favorite but now with a refreshing twist. Chef Sahib and his team have infused traditional North-African flavors with spices like cumin and cayenne pepper to this char-grilled ground lamb with Tunisian couscous salad and ginger pear chutney.
For an entrée, the Potjie-inspired Slow Cooked Dishes are made in a potjie, a traditional cast-iron pot that dates back to the Dutch during the spice trade. The popular Butter Chicken is here to stay, with Chef introducing authentic pork selection and multiple plant-based additions to this “Harvest.” The Pork Vindaloo has origins from Goa and features inspiration from Portuguese cuisine. This tender pork is cooked with paprika, garlic, tomato, vinegar, and a house-made spice blend – how delicious! The LentilDaal is typically found in the Indian subcontinent and is made with yellow lentils and cooked in fragrant spices.
At Sanaa, Sukuma Wiki, which was featured by Chef Sahib for Cooking With Soul, is delightfully enjoyed with rajma masala. The chef wanted to ensure this plant-based offering had a permanent place on the menu for guests to enjoy. The Rajma Masala is a dish from the Indian subcontinent that features red kidney beans and a delicious spice blend combined with onions, tomatoes, and garam masala and braised until tender. It is also known as maharage in Eastern Africa, which translates to red beans, and is typically served with greens.
Keeping on with the main course, our next two dishes are available to enjoy for both lunch and dinner. The Zanzibari Vegetable Curry is inspired by the island of Zanzibar, also known as “Spice Island.” This plant-based dish features seasonal vegetables, fragrant rice, and a mouthwatering blend of cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. For those who are a fan of fish, the Samaki Wa Kupaka, which means “coated fish,” is quite a unique fish. Kingklip is commonly found along the Southern African coast. This moist, white fish joins the menu as a part of sustainable seafood initiatives and is absolutely delicious with a marinade of traditional Swahili cuisine, mango and turmeric, and topped with a tangy tamarind-infused coconut gravy.
Finally, we’re happy to share with you some offerings that are only available as the sun sets on the savanna. You simply must try these dinner-exclusive offerings on your next visit. The fall-off-the-bone Pork Shank goes through a long braise process with flavors of cloves, nutmeg, and allspice before making it to your plate and is paired with one of the Chef’s comfort foods – black-eye peas simmered in a chermoula herb blend.
The Grilled New York Strip has been on the menu before, but never like this! As you take a bite of these decadent flavors, you’ll be transported to Eastern Africa with this version of “meat and potatoes.” The strip is perfectly paired with mukimo made with green peas, corn, and spinach, as well as harvest vegetables, herb emulsion, and fig sauce.
We’re excited for these authentic additions to Sanaa and hope you all enjoy these dishes!
Teams of Disney chefs, mixologists and sommeliers have been testing, tasting and collaborating to create a smorgasbord of culinary delights. Prepare your taste buds to go on an epicurean journey and discover new concepts and menu items at more than 25 Global Marketplaces located throughout EPCOT. Returning favorites will include The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible and Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE. Some Global Marketplaces will open a few weeks later, as well, to keep the 129-day event spicy.
The Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare returns this year with internationally recognized artists as well as local bands offering fun tunes on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Keep following the Disney Parks Blog for more details about the lineup of bands and musical artists playing this year’s festival.
But that’s not all! Beyond the sips and bites, a full menu of fun offers more ways for everyone in the family to enjoy the festival:
Embark on a Ratatouille-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique with Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak. Kids of all ages can search for Remy on a savory scavenger hunt around EPCOT – simply purchase your map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations.
Try delicious cheeses served in fun ways as part of Emile’s Fromage Montage – collect stamps in the festival passport after eligible purchases at select Global Marketplaces.
Commemorate your visit and bring the culinary magic home with official festival event merchandise, including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more.
We hope this update whets your appetite for the 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE. Keep checking back with us at the Disney Parks Blog for more mouthwatering details! You can also visit TasteEPCOT.com and keep an eye out for #TasteEPCOT on social media for more tasty tidbits.
Are you excited for your soon-to-be new favorite foodie spot at EPCOT? Connections Café and Eatery will soon open its doors to hungry patrons. But this isn’t your average dining location. It’s a unique experience, embracing the cultures from around the world and bringing them to you in true EPCOT fashion. In case you didn’t know, this new location will officially be opening spring 2022!
Connections Eatery is a new fast-casual quick-service restaurant. What makes it unique is it gets its inspiration from the delicious cuisines from across the globe. As part of World Celebration, where we embrace coming together and enjoying the magic of possibility, the purpose of Connections Eatery is to show us how food has the power to bring us together if we open our minds (and our stomachs)! Once inside, you can get a glimpse of the chefs in action as you watch desserts get their finishing touches and witness pizza makers work their magic crafting pizza dough.
Now it’s time to get to the fun part … what you can snack on once this spot opens. I don’t know about you, but I am very excited to try each and every one of these dishes and beverages that have been expertly crafted by the culinary masterminds at EPCOT.
Without further ado, here is a preview of the menu for the highly anticipated Connections Eatery!
Now, let’s break down these mouthwatering options. Worldwide sandwich selections offer choices for everyone. From the French Bistro Burger with caramelized onions, bacon, and brie to the Southwestern Burger featuring a roasted chipotle-corn salsa and guacamole spread – yum! You can’t go wrong with the Vietnamese-inspired Banh Mi Burger or the Greek-inspired Mediterranean Burger. You’ll want to try each dish.
For a lighter option, consider one of the salads inspired by French and Chinese cuisines. First up, the Niçoise-style Salad is packed with potatoes, white and green beans, and olives drizzled with a delicious Dijon vinaigrette. For an Asian flare, get the General Tso Chicken Salad featuring ingredients like broccoli slaw, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges, and crispy wontons.
If you’re anything like me, you love pizza, and likely your mouth is watering just thinking about one of the four pizzas available. If you want a more classic option, the Meatball Pizza is the pie for you. The Curry Spice Pizza topped with carrots, potato, peas, and lime “yogurt” puts a new plant-based twist on the classic pizza.
And don’t forget about the little ones. With items like the Grilled Chicken Bao or classics like the Chicken Nuggets Basket or Cheeseburger, they’ll be asking to go back to Connections Eatery again and again!
Now onto the highly anticipated part of any dining experience … dessert! This spot will feature an option that is both beautiful and delicious –the Liege Waffle. This treat will make you and your taste buds very happy as these treats are made with brioche yeast dough stuffed with pearl sugar and finished with some tasty toppings.
If you love yourself some shakes, these two options will blow you away. First, we’ve got a Mango-Coconut Milk Shake topped off with a pomegranate molasses drizzle for a nice, refreshing beverage. For a more dessert feel, the Apple Pie Gelato Shake will give you that sweet fix you crave.
Whether you’re interested in an adult beverage or a non-alcoholic one, you have options. The Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca is alcohol-free so the whole family can enjoy it together! For those over 21, there are multiple wines and draft beers available, along with the Cucumber and Thai Basil Cooler, a specialty cocktail filled with freshness and flavor.
I’m also happy to remind you that the future home of Starbucks at EPCOT will be at – you guessed it – Connections Café! Like other Starbucks locations inside our theme parks, this Starbucks will be designed to fit the theme of its surroundings and add yet another exciting chapter in the EPCOT Transformation.
We look forward to welcoming you to Connections Café and Eatery very soon!
