Toothsome Chocolate Emporium -- Appetizers -- Table Service -- City Walk -- Universal Studios Orlando

*This dining experience took place in October 2016. Toothsome Chocolate EmporiumThe Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast is Universal Studio's latest table service at Universal City Walk outside of the Universal theme parks. Set to resemble a steam-punk chocolate factory, much of what is served there has some chocolate inspiration. From chocolate drinks to even chocolate sauce burgers -- if you are a chocolate lover, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast will help you get your chocolate fix.I had heard from some blog readers that the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium could accommodate gluten free and special dietary needs diners. On this particular occasion, Brandon and I stopped by for drinks and appetizers before Universal's Halloween Horror Nights.Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is insanely popular and very busy. We stopped by at 4:30 p.m. on a Sunday, and it was over an hour wait for a table, so we decided to go upstairs to the bar area (which requires no reservations). Thankfully, we found two spots at the bar to order.Peach Smash at Toothsome Chocolate EmporiumThe Toothsome Chocolate Emporium does not carry a gluten free menu. Servers will go over options with you, though I have heard that a chef and/or manager may come to your table. At the bar, I was advised of a few safe appetizers and that they have gluten free buns.While looking over the extensive regular menu, I did order a Peach Smash, one of the few non-chocolately drinks. It is normally served with whiskey, but I opted to swap out whiskey for gin. The drink itself was OK, but I think I would order something else on my next visit.Toothsome Chocolate Emporium BarThe bar area is really cool, and I love all the vintage touches. They have an impressive amount of options to choose from on the bar menu, so no matter what your special dietary need is, chances are you'll find a drink that works for you on their menu.Harissa Spiced Pork Kabobs at Toothsome Chocolate EmporiumFor my appetizer, I opted for the harissa spiced pork tenderloin kabobs wrapped in bacon and served with a pineapple slaw and creamy dip. I asked them to omit the dip, but it came out on the plate anyway. Even though I have been reintroducing dairy back into my diet a bit, I opted not to eat the dairy filled dip.The pork itself was very flavorful and tender. The bacon, of course, was delicious, and the sauce on the pork was quite spicy. I was glad to have the mild pineapple slaw as a side because it really helped cool down the spice from the pork.The appetizer was filling and tasty, though I would probably opt for a sandwich (which was nearly the same price) on my next visit.I have heard from some blog readers after this meal that they were able to get a dairy free shake. I have no more information on the type of dairy free/vegan ice cream or cross-contamination standards in place. I've also heard there's a dairy free chocolate cake, but will have to visit again to find out more info on both of these.Overall, we loved the theming of the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and the food was OK. For options, it seems like gluten free may be a bit limited, but I'm hoping they work to add more in as guests request them. I'm also hoping to go here for a full meal so I can see how special dietary needs are handled in the main dining room.Have you been to the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium? What were your thoughts on this restaurant at Universal Studios Orlando?

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