The newest addition to Downtown Disney can be found over at the Rainforest Cafe. An outdoor bar and cozy dining area, the Lava Lounge, is now open. We decided to swing by and check it out and share a few pics with you!
The entrance is themed like a cave entering the side of the volcano.
Lava glows inside the hallway.
The bar seating features two TVs mounted on more glowing lava.
The remainder of the narrow space features high top tables and a few standard height tables.
Posted in Dining, Downtown Disney, Drinks, Food, Menu, Restaurants
Tagged Lava Lounge, Lava Red Beer, Marketplace, Polynesian Pot Stickers, Rainforest Cafe
L’Artisan des Glaces has opened in Epcot’s France, replacing the former Boulangerie Patisserie that expanded and opened next door in the pavilion. The shop sells a variety of ice cream and sorbet.
Once you enter the shop, you pay at the register for one or two scoops, and you can also get the ice cream with liquor, should you choose. I apparently asked the incorrect cast member (there were 5) for one scoop, who rolled their eyes and informed me I had to pay first. Mind you, I was standing at the register, placing the order and ready to pay…
Posted in Epcot, Food, Menu, Snacks
Tagged Ice Cream, L'Artisan des Glaces, Profiterole
Jiko-The Cooking Place Presents The South African Winemakers Tour!
Paul Cluver, Paul Cluver Wines
Gary Jordan, Jardin and Bradgate Wines
Alex Dale, Radford Dale and Vinum Wines
Thursday, June 13th 2013
6:00pm Reception/6:30pm Dinner
$160, plus tax and gratuity
Business Casual Evening Attire
Meet in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby, Sunset Lounge
Please see below for the dinner menu.
For reservations please contact Victoria Thompson at Victoria.j.thompson@disney.com.
Each event is limited to 40 guests. Each event requires a credit card guarantee, and there is a 3 day cancellation policy.
Reception – Sunset Lounge
Chicken Kefta on Naan Bread
Lobster and Scallop “Ceviche Shooter”
Vegetable “Bobotie”
Vinum Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch
First Course
Mustard-glazed Guinea Hen, Fiddle Head “Succotash” and White Asparagus Puree
Jardin “Cobblers Hill”, South Africa
[Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc]
Second Course
Steamed Monkfish, Braised Summer Vegetables and Olive-oil crushed Potatoes
Jardin “Nine Yards”, Stellenbosch
Salad Course
Seasonal Beet and Asparagus Salad
Paul Cluver Pinot Noir, Elgin
Muhala
Watermelon and Ginger “Snow Cone”
Main Course
Garlic – Crusted Antelope Chop, Heirloom Melon and Rocket Panzanella
Radford Dale Shiraz/Viognier, Stellenbosch
Dessert
Lemon Polenta Cake, Roasted Stone Fruit and Olive Oil Ice Cream
Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest Riesling, Elgin
Posted in Dining, Events, Food, Menu, Resorts, Restaurants
Tagged Aimal Kingdom Lodge, South African Winemakers Tour, The Cooking Place
Matt and I finally visited a restaurant that’s new to us that we’ve been talking about for a while: Tusker House! We made a reservation for Donald’s Safari Breakfast, and on the day we planned on going, our options were something like 8:35 or 10:50. Knowing we wanted to sleep in before starting our adventure, we chose the latter. Apart from being able to enjoy breakfast items (and we were assured we’d still be able to when the lunch changed over at 11), we were also able to sample some of the lunch items as well!
At the check-in podium, we saw the menu of some of the items that would be awaiting us inside the restaurant. We were given a pager and directed around the corner to another podium, where we were told to stand in line for a picture with Safari Donald (this is the ONLY photo op with Donald; he is not in the restaurant for his own breakfast 
). There were several people ahead of us, and our pager went off about a minute after getting in the line. We were both famished and crazy parched, so we opted to be seated instead of waiting for a photo we weren’t going to buy. You’re still my favorite, Don! Maybe next time! 
We were walked through the huge, open buffet area, through one of the dining rooms and into another, tucked away at a 4-seater in the corner. We spotted a couple dining at a 2-top and were pleased about the extra space.
Posted in Animal Kingdom, Restaurants, Dining, Menu, Food, Drinks
Tagged Buffet, Donald's Safari Breakfast, Tusker House
We’re big fans of French Onion Soup here at Eating WDW. Some fantastic versions can be found around property, with one of my favorites being at The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Saratoga Springs. While walking around Downtown Disney, I found myself incredibly hungry. I perused menus but nothing was really catching my eye, and I was looking for a dish that I haven’t reviewed yet. It was also lunch hour, and everything had a crazy line. Earl of Sandwich’s queue and extended well into Mickey’s Pantry, and while I know it moves efficiently, I didn’t think I’d have the patience. The line for T-Rex Cafe was also quite long, but I was able to squeeze in and grab a seat at the bar.
On our last visit here, we ordered the Supersauras Sampler, of which Matt and I each had our favorite items. Since this visit I was flying solo (and I still had more eating on my agenda ), I kept it simple and somewhat light with the Asteroid French Onion Soup. It’s described as a traditional sherry-based onion soup baked with a large crouton and bubbling Swiss cheese.
Isn’t the bowl it’s served in cute?
Posted in Dining, Downtown Disney, Drinks, Food, Menu, Restaurants
Tagged Asteroid French Onion Soup, T-Rex Cafe
