by Beth Keating
News
DisneyBizJournal.com
February 22, 2024
Disney has dropped more than a few “foodie guides” for festivals in the past few weeks, including the guide for the 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, the 2024 California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, a list for last month’s Lunar New Year celebrations out in California, and Valentine’s eats on both coasts, not to mention the fact that the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Arts just packed up their food studios this week. Just yesterday, Disney Parks Blog added a Disney Eats story about the upcoming Easter Displays and the return of the Grand Easter Cottage at the Grand Floridian. (March 3, 2024, if you were waiting).
But the most recent “guide” isn’t for a festival at all, and ironically, the “Foodie Guide to Women’s History Month” has offered up some dishes that our family finds even more intriguing than the ones to be showcased at the actual festivals.
A second perk to this Women’s History Month Foodie Guide is that several entries contain a story with the inspirational spark from the female chef or culinary team member who created the dish. I find the backstories to the item’s design just as interesting as some of the dishes themselves.
For those who don’t follow such focused calendars, March is known throughout the U.S. as Women’s History Month, and most of the highlighted food selections will be available at locations throughout Disney World from March 1-31, though some will hang around until closer to summer. This isn’t a festival, per se, but a lot of care went into the development of some of these dishes (except a few of the ice cream treats… they are just repackaged shakes and such.) Disney is known for tossing up a new, vaguely themed but highly Instagrammable cupcake, and calling it a holiday, but the cupcakes are usually hit-or-miss when it comes to genuine flavor. This time around, there are some items on tap that will very likely call us back to the parks and resorts just to try out the new foods.
If a tasty, chilled brew is part of your search menu, you might want to pop in to City Works Eatery & Pour House at Disney Springs, where from March 1 through 31, you can enjoy the “Her Hops Flight,” featuring women owned or led breweries, including the “Robonaut Red Ale” from Playalinda Brewing Co.; “You’re My Boy, Blue!” from Brew Bus Brewing; “Duke’s Cold Nose” from Bold City Brewery; and “A Wake Coffee Blonde” from 3 Daughters Brewing.
Beer not your thing? Here’s another interesting option. At Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs, the Frida Margarita is named after Mexican painter Frida Khalo, who is often given a shout-out at EPCOT’s Mexico pavilion during Festival of the Arts (there was even a Frida step-in photo op at this year’s fest). But it’s also made with Casa Dragones Tequila, a premium tequila brand founded by Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, the first woman to be certified as a Maestra Tequilera. As if you needed an extra excuse for a margarita on vacation!
Here's the 2024 Guide to Women’s History Month. And in case you are wondering, we’ll be heading over for the Salmon and Orzo Special (available at several of the resorts), or the Blackened and Smoked Mahi Mahi Salad at Polite Pig at Disney Springs. If we are feeling upscale, we might try the Tea Time Salad at Toledo at Coronado Springs, if for no other reason than trying the Earl Grey vinaigrette. And how cute are those decorative leaves? For dessert, we’ll opt for the gorgeous Feathered Friends Mousse Dome at Creature Comforts at Animal Kingdom. Let’s hope it tastes as good as it looks!
EPCOT
Connections Eatery (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available)
· Lychee Green Tea: Pomegranate-hibiscus green tea with lychee, lime juice, and pomegranate boba pearls (New)
o Food and Beverage Coordinator Liz has a passion for staying connected with her heritage through different foods. She loves sharing creations with her favorite flavors, especially lychee, which shines as the main flavor in this beverage.
Sunshine Seasons (Available March 1 through 31)
· Moana Milkshake: Orange cream milkshake with whipped cream, seashells, pearls, and a Moana coin (Non-alcoholic Beverage)
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Currently available through May 27)
· Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake
o The Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake was inspired by Pastry Sous Chef Jess’ love for pastries and memories of assisting her grandmother and mother in the kitchen. After taking a class on creating fruit-based desserts, she knew she wanted to dream up some of her own one day. “I love teaching and showing guests the process of how desserts are made, and my favorite part is the look on their faces when they taste something I’ve created.” – Pastry Sous Chef Jess
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Creature Comforts (Available March 1 through 31)
· Feathered Friends Mousse Dome: Lavender-white chocolate mousse, orange blossom cake, chocolate coating, chocolate flakes, white chocolate feathers, and buttercream (New)
o The Feathered Friends Mousse Dome was inspired by the creative mind of Pastry Assistant Sous Chef Kristen, who loves seeing the colorful macaws that swoop into Discovery Island each day, surprising and delighting the guests. Pastry Assistant Sous Chef Kristen shared, “Working for Disney is a daily adventure, filled with the joy of crafting desserts that delight and bring smiles to hundreds of guests.”
Nomad Lounge (Available March 1 through 31)
· Tequila and Pineapple Cocktail: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, pineapple juice, tepache syrup, and St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram (New)
o Casa Dragones Tequila, a woman-founded and led business, is the foundation for the Tequila and Pineapple Cocktail. This cocktail features a pleasantly foamy pineapple juice, allspice, and tepache syrup.
· The Ginger Whiskey: With notes of ginger and brown sugar, this cocktail features Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey, which is a Black and women-owned and operated business.
Tiffins Restaurant (Available March 1 through 31)
· White Chocolate-Orange Crème Brûlée: Blueberry-cardamom curd, amarula ice cream, orange chutney, sellou cookie, ras el hanout candy crunch
o Pastry Culinary Cast Member Bridget drew inspiration for the White Chocolate-Orange Crème Brûlée from her sister, Kiersten, whom Bridget credits with guiding her through various professional, educational, and personal milestones and achievements.
· The Ginger Whiskey: With notes of ginger and brown sugar, this cocktail features Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey, which is a Black and women-owned and operated business.
Magic Kingdom Park
Golden Oak Outpost (Available March 1 through 31)
· Tiana’s Famous Beignets: Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with strawberry dipping sauce
Main Street Bakery (Available March 1 through 31)
· Minnie Mouse Cupcake: Chocolate chip cupcake with cheesecake filling topped with chocolate buttercream, chocolate “ears,” and a chocolate bow (New)
· Tiana’s Chantilly Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece
The Plaza Restaurant (Available March 1 through 31)
· Tiana’s Chantilly Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece
Sleepy Hollow (Available March 1 through 31)
· Madame Leota Cupcake: Chocolate-cherry cupcake filled with blackberry cream topped with cherry buttercream and a Madame Leota chocolate piece
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Dockside Diner (Available March 1 through May 31; mobile order available)
· Princess of Alderaan Shake: Salted caramel shake topped with whipped cream, edible glitter, and mini cinnamon rolls (Non-alcoholic Beverage) (New)
Fairfax Fare (Available starting March 1; mobile order available)
· Belle Cup of Enchantment: Cranberry and passion fruit-orange-guava juice topped with yellow shimmer and strawberry boba pearls (Non-alcoholic Beverage)
Hollywood Scoops (Available starting March 1)
· Minnie Kitchen Sink Sundae: Choice of hand-scooped ice cream topped with red vanilla whipped cream, chocolate syrup, white ‘polka dot’ sprinkles, cookie ears, and a chocolate bow
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Leaning Palms (Available March 17 through 31; mobile order available)
· Tinga de Pork: Roasted chipotle pork served over two corn tostadas with cilantro-lime slaw and spicy avocado crema finished with cotija cheese
o Culinary Cast Member Jessica honors her Mexican American heritage with the Tinga de Pork, which she often enjoys with her family during holidays and celebrations.
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (Available March 1 through 31)
· Mardi Gras Petit Cake: Layers of vanilla chiffon, cinnamon cream cheese mousse, bourbon-caramel mousse, and salted praline crunch (New)
o Inspired by Pastry Assistant Sous Chef Riley’s home state of Louisiana, the Mardi Gras Petit Cake is a special nod to the festive Mardi Gras parades and food she enjoyed as a child. The cake is topped with an image of Tiana and Charlotte to honor the close female friendships that Riley had throughout her childhood.
City Works Eatery & Pour House (Available March 1 through 31)
· Her Hops Flight featuring women owned or led breweries
o Playalinda Brewing Co. Robonaut Red Ale
o Brew Bus Brewing You’re My Boy, Blue!
o Bold City Brewery Duke’s Cold Nose
o 3 Daughters Brewing A Wake Coffee Blonde
D-Luxe Burger (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available)
· Bánh Mì Burger with D-Luxe special blend patty, hoisin pork belly, jalapeño jam, Napa cabbage slaw, and cilantro with house-made bun (New)
o Culinary Cast Member Therry took inspiration for this fusion burger from the Bánh Mì, a sandwich originating from Vietnam with meats, pickled vegetables, and cilantro.
Frontera Cocina (Available March 1 through 31)
· Frida Margarita: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, rose petal liqueur, lemon juice, and pomegranate cordial served with a rose petal popcorn salt rim
o The Frida Margarita is named after Frida Khalo, a renowned Mexican Painter known for her unique and colorful self-portraits. She became a prominent figure in art history, particularly for her surrealist and symbolic works. The Frida Margarita is also made with Casa Dragones Tequila, which is a premium tequila brand and founded by Bertha Gonzalez Nieves. She is known for being the first woman to be certified as a Maestra Tequilera or Master Tequilera. Bertha Gonzales Nieves has played a significant role in promoting Mexican Tequila on the global stage.
The Polite Pig (Available March 1 through 31)
· Blackened and Smoked Mahi Mahi Salad: A bed of sweet purple lettuce and tangy arugula, roasted macadamia nuts, grilled sweet peppers, and mandarin oranges dressed with a lemongrass and dill vinaigrette topped with a seasoned and spiced, blackened,smoked Mahi Mahi filet
o “As spring begins to stretch across Central Florida, the fishing poles are awoken and dusted off. While my uncle led fishing trips, my aunt would teach me gardening tricks and help build my confidence around the kitchen. Sharing joy and delight as we whipped up refreshing lunches and dinners with the ingredients we grew together in the backyard, and lucky enough my uncle’s fishing trip rewards as well. Thinking back on the merriment of spring break spent with my aunt, I felt a spark of encouragement and inspiration for this dish. Using some staples from my memories such as oranges, sweet peppers, lemongrass, I created this crisp and refreshing salad.” – Chef Hannah Campbell
Vivoli il Gelato (Available March 1 through 31)
· Gran Crema Cafe (Affogato): Your choice of gelato served with a shot of espresso
o Silvana, the head gelato maker since 1988, has brought the Gran Crema Cafe (Affogato) to Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs.
Disney Resort Hotels
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available)
· Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Banana cheesecake with vanilla pudding and vanilla wafer crust
o Pastry Assistant Sous Chef Janell drew inspiration from her Jamaican roots and time living in the U.S., where she developed a fondness for banana pudding. Janell took these classic dessert flavors and infused them into a special cheesecake topped with a Mickey garnish, a special nod to Janell’s dream of working for Disney coming true.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Boma – Flavors of Africa and The Mara
· South African Vegetable Bowl: Curried vegetable stew, pilau rice, kale slaw, dried fruit achar, and avocado-tahini sauce (Plant-based)
o To celebrate her heritage, Sous Chef Khuloud took inspiration from South African flavors and her Syrian roots and infused them into this plant-based dish.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood (Available March 1 through 31)
· Tea Time Salad: Endive and arugula salad with strawberries, lavender-fennel pollen-infused goat cheese, and an Earl Grey vinaigrette
o The Tea Time Salad was inspired by the flavors commonly found at an afternoon tea, enhanced with Sous Chef Chelsea’s own unique twist.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The Artist’s Palette (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available)
· Cauliflower Bisque: Creamy cauliflower bisque, harissa, and roasted pistachio gremolata (New)
o This bisque is inspired by a recipe Sous Chef Lauren learned from her mother. In this version, you get a creamy and slightly spicy flavor from harissa, and the pistachio gremolata gives texture and freshness reminiscent of dipping homemade garlic bread into the soup.
· Beef Bourguignon: Slow-braised beef and vegetables in a rich red wine jus served over creamy mashed potatoes (New)
o The dish is inspired by a recipe from Sous Chef Lauren’s grandmother. “Beef Bourguignon is my tribute to my Granny, who showed me how you can take simple ingredients and create something delicious that feels like home, even if it isn’t something you might have had as a child.” – Sous Chef Lauren
· Traditional Pound Cake: Homemade vanilla pound cake
o Inspired by Proprietor Deborah’s family recipe, which has been passed down from generation to generation.
Available at Various Disney Resort Hotels (Available March 1 through 31; mobile order available)
· Salmon and Orzo Special: Tarragon-honey mustard glaze, vegetable orzo salad, red pepper coulis, and pickled mustard seeds (New); Available at the following locations:
o World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
o Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
o End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
o Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
o Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
o Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
o Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
o Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
§ Inspired by Sous Chef Fallon’s love for food, family, and seeing people smile when sharing a meal. Becoming a mom has influenced Chef Fallon’s approach to food, and she strives to provide her kids with healthier options while teaching them the importance of food for nourishment.
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Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.
Get The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution by Ray Keating. More information at
https://raykeatingbooksandmore.com/shop/ols/products/disneyplanner.
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