Hollywood Brown Derby -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Hollywood Studios
*This dining experience took place in November 2015.
The Hollywood Brown Derby, located at Disney's Hollywood Studios, recalls the glamour and glitz of old Hollywood. Set to resemble the original Hollywood Brown Derby, you'd swear that Humphrey Bogart or Judy Garland might stroll into the restaurant at any moment. With swanky decor, this signature dining location is the perfect spot for dinner or a late lunch in Hollywood Studios.On this particular occasion, I had dinner with a friend who was on vacation at Disney World. We both enjoy the Brown Derby, but it had been a very long time since I'd eaten at there. I was looking forward to getting their famous cobb salad (which is easily made gluten free and dairy free without the cheese) and to see what other options were available.Upon arrival, I was given an allergy friendly menu to look over and was told I could speak with a chef if I had any additional questions. Immediately, I noticed that the cobb salad wasn't listed as a gluten free or dairy free option. I did, however, notice they had crab cakes listed as both gluten and dairy free on the menu. After speaking with the server, I was told that they can make the salad safe, which made me very happy. So, we ended up ordering both the crab cakes and the salad as appetizers.
The crab cakes were quite delicious, and I was thrilled to see these as an option on the menu. Though pricey, I was glad I got to try them - though I probably wouldn't order again due to the price. The sweet chili sauce on the plate were a perfect accompaniment to the crab cakes. So good!
Of course, the classic cobb salad is always outstanding here. It's hands down my favorite dish at the Brown Derby. You can order an appetizer size or the full entree size which is a nice option. I often get the cobb salad and some GNI rolls for a more affordable meal at the Brown Derby. This may very well be my most favorite salad on Disney property!
For my entree, I ordered the Pan-seared Pork Tenderloin stuffed with Apricots, Baby Spinach, Chanterelles, Yukon Gold and Purple Potato Hash and served Cranberry Gastrique. This is marked gluten free on the menu but can be made dairy free, as well. I really enjoyed this dish, though I thought the pork was a bit too undercooked for my liking. If you do not like any pink in your pork, order it well done and not medium. The hash was probably my favorite part of this dish, along with the tangy cranberry gastrique. I'm not sure I'd order it again but was glad I tried it.
For dessert, I was given raspberry sorbet. I have to admit, the presentation of this was not very nice, given how nicely plated the rest of the meal was. It felt like a bit of an afterthought. It wasn't anything special, just plain 'ole sorbet.Overall, I really enjoyed the meal at the Hollywood Brown Derby. The crab cakes and cobb salad were the highlights of the meal, and I would gladly order both of them again. You can read Gluten Free in Orlando's review of the Brown Derby on her blog too for a gluten free only review.Have you been to the Hollywood Brown Derby? What did you order there?
Leaky Cauldron -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Universal Studios
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
Wizards and Muggles alike love Diagon Alley located at Universal Studios Orlando. Filled with magical whimsy, the details of this well-themed "land" goes above and beyond any theme park area I've ever been to (and yes, that does include Disney!). From the shops to detailed nooks and crannies, there's so much going on at Diagon Alley that you can literally wander for hours and explore new things.The detailed theming even goes into the restaurants located at Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade (another part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter). During the summer, I had a chance to dine at the Leaky Cauldron, the quick service location at Diagon Alley.Before I visited the Leaky Cauldron (and Diagon Alley, for that matter), I checked both Eating Out Without and Gluten Free in Orlando's blogs. I knew that likely my dining option would be a chicken sandwich, but I was OK with that. I also wanted to try their specialty drinks after reading Eating Out Without's post on the drinks (and their allergens).After arriving, we spoke with a team member at the register, who brought out a chef to discuss options with me. There, we looked at the allergy binder, and I decided on the chicken sandwich minus cheese and the apple butter (which contains dairy). I also ordered a Tongue Tying Lemon Squash, as it was very hot out and sounded so refreshing.
The Leaky Cauldron brings your food out to you, so we grabbed our magical food order number and grabbed a seat, enjoying a cold beverage.
I have to say that I really enjoyed the Tongue Tying Lemon Squash. Very tart, it was the perfect summer day drink. It had a slight taste of "fake" sugar or preservatives in it, but overall, I really liked it a lot. It's one I'd definitely get again, especially in the summer months.
Our wizard runner arrived fairly quickly with our food. As you can see, the chicken sandwich was fairly sizeable. The bacon was delicious and plentiful, and the chicken itself was nicely seasoned. The bun appeared to be Udi's Gluten Free. I would have liked to have had some type of sauce (mayo or otherwise), as the sandwich became a bit dry with nothing additional on it. The side salad with Italian Dressing was fairly bland but OK. I'd love to see them add in safe potato wedges or a vegetable.
Here is a version of the sandwich with cheese on it, which, as you can see would add a bit more flavor overall for those who are gluten free only.Overall, I had a magical experience at the Leaky Cauldron and would definitely dine there again. I would probably go to the Three Broomsticks over the Leaky Cauldron because there are more options than the chicken sandwich there for those who have special dietary needs. However, it definitely hit the spot for this Muggle!Have you been to the Leaky Cauldron? What did you think of the dining options there?
Whispering Canyon Cafe -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Wilderness Lodge
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
Whispering Canyon Cafe, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, is one of those fun-filled dining experiences at Disney World. The cast members really get into character, and hijinks most definitely ensue. Don't believe me? Just ask for ketchup one time dining here, and you'll see what I mean.On this particular occasion, I dined with two blogger friends of mine, Amanda from Eating Out Without and Alexis from Gluten Free in Orlando. Both are huge foodies like me, so it's great to enjoy a meal with fellow special dietary needs foodies.Remember those hijinks I mentioned? If you're not into all the fun, you can always observe from a distance by flipping a card at your table that states you prefer to watch. My family loves all of that, so this was a rare occasion where I didn't participate.Though the restaurant does have an allergy friendly menu, we did have some questions for the chef, including seeing if the dinner skillet could be make both gluten and dairy free, for the chef. I was excited to see that I could still get the skillet, and I couldn't wait to dig in.
Up first was a house salad made with an apple vinaigrette. This was light and fresh and a nice beginning to our meal.The next course was the allergy friendly cornbread, which is a not to be missed side for dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe. Made with Namaste vanilla cake mix, it has a sweet taste to it, and is a lovely dense, cake-like, cornbread. It's a hands down favorite with some Earth Balance vegan margarine.
For my skillet, I received corn on the cob, green beans, roasted potatoes (instead of mashed potatoes), baked beans, roasted chicken, brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. I have to say the pork and chicken were probably my favorites of the meal. The brisket being my least favorite. I liked the sides well enough, though I wasn't a big fan of the beans. Overall, it's a huge portion, and I was completely stuffed from this meal.
I don't normally get dessert, but I absolutely had to try the new campfire style chocolate cake. I topped mine with Rice Dream non-dairy ice cream and with the heated chocolate cake, it was the perfect topping. Overall, this was a delicious way to end the meal. It was nice to have something a bit different, and I loved the ooey gooeyness of the cake. I wouldn't hesitate to order this one again.This meal was definitely a good one. Though I didn't love everything in my skillet, I enjoyed the overall meal experience and offerings. The skillet is a great value and will fill you up easily.Have you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?
Antojitos -- Dinner -- Table Service -- City Walk -- Universal Studios
*This dining experience took place in September 2015.
Antojitos, located at Universal Studios Orlando City Walk, offers authentic Mexican food and great atmosphere. I first tried Antojitos in August and absolutely loved it and their gluten free offerings.On this particular visit, I dined with my brother, and we wanted to get something quick before going to see a movie at the AMC located at City Walk. We both had been eyeing the fajitas on the menu, and since neither of us were very hungry, decided to split an entree of fajitas and dig into the complimentary chips and salsa.
Our server seemed fairly knowledgeable about the gluten free cross contamination needs and assured me that the chips were safe. I'd had them on a previous visit and am always glad when restaurants have dedicated chip fryers. Both my brother and I enjoyed the salsa, which contained green olives in it, for a different twist.
When the fajitas were brought out, my brother and I were both a bit surprised that they were not accompanied by any rice or beans like many of the entrees at Anjtojitos are. We were only brought tortillas and fajita toppings (like lettuce and guacamole). Another server brought our food, and while I had asked for corn tortillas, were brought flour and corn with the corn right on top of the flour tortillas. Our server quickly came out and made sure to bring me a fresh and non-contaminated batch of corn tortillas.Because my family is used to sharing food with me, my brother and I quickly and safely divided up the food so that he could eat his fajitas with flour tortillas without worrying about glutening me.Overall, we liked the fajitas but thought the portion, even for one person, to be rather on the small side. For the price, we didn't think it was a good value, since you got no other accompaniments. We both agreed that in the future, we'd stick to other options when we dined here. That being said, we both loved Antojitos food and wouldn't hesitate to go back.Have you been to Antojitos? What did you think of their gluten free offerings?
World Premiere Food Court -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- All Stars Movies
*This dining experience took place in September 2015.World Premiere Food Court, located at All Stars Movie Resort, offers quick service fare with a movie themed cafeteria style restaurant. Fairly newly refurbished, it is set to resemble a cinema, complete with retro theme.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for a quick dinner and wanted something easy. Though I didn't get to see their allergy friendly menu, I've seen the ones for All Stars Music and Sports, and they all look the same to me. Based on my desire for something easy, I went with allergy chicken tenders and French fries.
While I waited for my chicken tenders, I also grabbed an Angry Orchard hard cider, which is gluten free. It's a bit expensive per bottle at Disney, so if you are staying on property, I highly recommend buying your hard cider or alcoholic beverages at a local gas station or at the grocery store, as these can quickly add up.
My chicken tenders definitely hit the spot and tasted delicious. They were well fried and made for a great quick dinner. I can't say that I'd frequent the World Premiere Food Court but it's nice to know that they have some good options here. You can also read Gluten Free in Orlando's review of the World Premiere Food Court on her blog.
Have you been to World Premiere Food Court? What did you order when you dined here?
Kona Cafe -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Polynesian Village
*This dining experience took place in September 2015.
Kona Cafe, located at Disney Polynesian Village Resort, is one of my regular restaurant visits for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast offers my favorite modified Big Kahuna and lunch is almost always the Kona Island Chicken Sandwich with sweet potato fries and curry mango mayonnaise. It's a hands down must for me.On this particular occasion, I got a chance to check out the new allergy friendly menu. While I was tempted to order something different, I couldn't help but order that Island Chicken sandwich. The sweet potato fries and curry mango mayonnaise pull me in every time!
The sandwich was served on a GNI brand bun, which, unfortunately, fell apart pretty easily. The chicken was grilled perfectly, and I absolutely love the bacon they use at Kona (not that awful stringy Disney bacon). The curry mango mayonnaise is divine, and I always ask for a side of it to dip my sweet potato fries in.Overall, I really enjoyed this entree, as always, though maybe next time I'll try something different. For other options at Kona Cafe, check out Gluten Free in Orlando's lunch reviews from September, as well.Have you been to Kona Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?
Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Port Orleans French Quarter
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, located at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, is one of my favorite quick service locations. With N'Awlins inspired food and decor, you'll be ready to "let the good times roll" when you dine here...especially since it's home to gluten free & dairy free beignets!On this particular occasion, I was greeted by Chef Tony. He showed me the new allergy friendly menus, and after some debating, I settled on the 1/3 lb Angus Avocado Burger with French fries and a side of remoulade. On my previous visit, I had the grilled fish sandwich which I enjoyed a lot but wanted something different.
As you can see from my photo, I had a huge sandwich and serving of fries and a giant container of remoulade. Yes, you know the chefs know you well when they serve you condiments in a large container.The sandwich itself was served on a Local Oven bun and well cooked. I enjoyed the addition of the avocado on the sandwich, and, of course, added some remoulade on it to round out the flavors. The French fries dipped in remoulade continue to be my favorite way to eat fries. So so good (trust me on this one!).
For dessert, I had to get some beignets. Deep fried and smothered in powdered sugar, even though I was totally full from my dinner, I had to enjoy these sweet treats. Piping hot is the best way to eat them, and they really are perfect for any meal. (Go ahead, eat them for breakfast like they do in New Orleans; no judgement here!)Have you been to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory? What did you order when you dined there?
Contempo Cafe -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Contemporary
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
Contempo Cafe, located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is the resort's standard quick service location. While I can't say I've ever been blown away by the food options here, I do love the atmosphere and the fact that I can watch the monorail whiz by as I dine.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for a quick lunch and was hoping to get something a bit different, or at least, not allergy chicken tenders. After reading the allergy friendly menu ahead of time (thanks to Gluten Free in Orlando), I was hoping to get the Maine Lobster Sandwich.After speaking with a manager, who confirmed the sandwich was also dairy free, I ordered this along with French fries. The restaurant gives you a pager, so I spent some time taking in the sights while my food was being prepared.
The sandwich itself was fairly pricey, and after eating it, I didn't think it was worth the money. The sandwich was overly mayonnaised which took away from the fresh taste of the lobster. There was a good amount of lobster in this sandwich, but I preferred some other versions, like the one I had at Raglan Road. Still, it was nice to be able to order a lobster roll.Overall, I liked my meal well enough at Contempo Cafe. It's not a location I frequent much, but I'm glad that they have safe options and have expanded their gluten free menu offerings a bit.Have you been to Contempo Cafe? What did you order when you dined there?
Raglan Road Irish Pub -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- Disney Springs
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
Raglan Road Irish Pub, located in Disney Springs, proves that you don't need the luck of the Irish for great food when you're dining at Disney Springs. Raglan Road serves up authentic and hearty Irish fare that you're sure to love. From sandwiches and entrees to proper fish and chips (fried in a dedicated fryer), there's something for everyone to enjoy here.I adore their gluten free fish and chips and fried onion rings (especially with sweet chili jam and tartar sauce); however, on this particular occasion, I decided to go with something a bit different.
First up was a Magner's Hard Cider, which you can find on tap at Raglan Road. It's a must whenever I visit there!
For my entree, I ordered the burger served with Irish bacon (more like Canadian bacon) on a gluten free bun with fries (aka chips) on the side. I will say that I liked the cornichon that they topped my burger with, which was more of a sweet pickle versus savory dill. I ended up not asking for any condiments, which I should have, as the burger was a wee bit dry.Overall, I liked the burger as an option at Raglan Road, though I think I'd likely stick to the other sandwiches or the fish and chips here. Still, they consistently put out a solid meal, and I really do love the restaurant and pub vibe. In my opinion, it's the best gluten free dining option in Disney Springs!Have you been to Raglan Road Irish Pub? What do you love ordering here?
Olivia's Cafe -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Old Key West
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
Olivia's, located at Disney's Old Key West Resort, is a great quiet and cozy dining location. I often dine here for breakfast when I'm looking for something easy and quick. And, I loved the super chill and relaxed vibe here. Recently, I stopped by for dinner and checked out the allergy friendly menu they now have at the restaurant.The last several times I've been here for lunch or dinner, I've ordered the Mallory Square Cobb Salad which has shrimp and crab on it and is insanely delicious. I was craving this again but oddly noticed it wasn't on the allergy friendly menu. I was able to talk to one of the chefs there who confirmed it could be made gluten free.
While waiting for my salad, I was brought Udi's Gluten Free rolls (most locations carry the GNI Brand rolls, so it was surprising to see these) with Earth Balance vegan margarine. The rolls were a bit tough, so I didn't eat too much of them.
My salad, on the other hand, was so delicious. Filled with avocado, bacon, tomato, chopped egg, crab, and shrimp and topped with a key lime vinaigrette, it was very fresh and flavorful. Perfect for a hot Florida summer evening. This salad continues to rank high on my favorite Disney salad list, so it's one I will definitely order again.Overall, I enjoyed my meal at Olivia's. Next time, I hope to try some of the other dinner entrees served there. If you're a DVC member, don't forget to show your member ID for 10% off.Have you been to Olivia's? What did you order when you dined there?
Mara -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
The Mara, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House, may very well be one of my most favorite quick service locations on property. I love that you can get standard Disney fare like burgers and fries but also get quick service options that are totally different than anywhere else on property. From African Stew to Pap, there's something unique to try at any meal at the Mara. And the best part? Many of their unique items are naturally gluten free and/or dairy free.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for dinner and wanted something easy. The restaurant does now carry the allergy friendly menus, but don't let that deter you from speaking to a chef if you are interested in something outside of the main menu. During this meal though, I opted for the chicken tenders straight off the allergy friendly menu.
Once ordered, I was given a pager and told to come back when the pager went off. I would say there was about a 10 minute wait overall, which gave me some time to explore the quick service location, and pick up a bottle of South African wine to take back to my DVC room for the evening. The Mara has a great selection of reasonably priced wines available for purchase. This one was a bit sweet for my taste but not bad.
The allergy friendly chicken tenders, as always, were delicious. Super crisp and perfectly fried. They are great with a side of French fries. Do note that there has been some changes in the distributor of the allergy friendly chicken tenders as of Fall 2015, so these tenders may not be the same when you dine at a Disney restaurant. At press time, they are currently using Saffron Road chicken tenders.Have you been to the Mara? What did you enjoy when you dined there?
Whispering Canyon Cafe -- Breakfast -- Table Service -- Wilderness Lodge
*This dining experience took place in October 2015.
Whispering Canyon Cafe, located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, is sure to be a rootin' tootin' good time when you dine there. Well-known for its cast member hijinks and antics (ask for ketchup, and you'll soon find out what I mean), Whispering Canyon Cafe has long been a family favorite.On this particular occasion, we dined there for breakfast, before we headed to the Magic Kingdom for a full day of in park fun. Like most Disney restaurants now, Whispering Canyon Cafe has an allergy friendly menu. You can also still talk to a chef, which I did, as I was interested in a gluten free and dairy free version of the breakfast skillet.
I love how the restaurant serves up drinks in Mason jars. Watch out if you drink a lot, you might get yourself a gallon jar!
My modified skillet included breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, apple raisin sausage, and allergy friendly Mickey waffles. If I were gluten free only, I also could have gotten biscuits and gravy with this skillet. You can read a gluten free only review on Gluten Free in Orlando's blog.For the most part, I didn't find this breakfast to be anything special. It was good, and there was a lot of food. My favorite part was actually the apple raisin sausage which had a mild sweet flavor to it and was something different.If you're looking for a filling and hearty breakfast, Whispering Canyon Cafe fits the bill nicely. It's not someplace I'd go all the time, but every once in a while, it's great. And for $16.49, the all-you-care-to-eat breakfast skillet is a great value.Have you been to Whispering Canyon Cafe? What did you enjoy about this restaurant?
Jiko -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
Jiko, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House, is the signature dining location of AKL. Set to resemble an African sunset, the restaurant is a gorgeous place to have a celebratory meal or romantic evening. Even more amazing is that the lighting in the restaurant subtly changes throughout the evening to reflect the actual African sunset. How amazing!On this particular occasion, I dined at Jiko but wanted to sit at the open air chef's table, which is a lovely and approachable way to dine solo at Disney. I also knew I didn't want a full meal, so getting a glass of wine and a gluten free flatbread seemed like a great option.
I haven't been to Jiko in a few years, and a recent stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge gave me the perfect excuse to visit. One of Jiko's amazing features is that they have the 2nd largest collection of South African wines in the world (the first location is actually IN South Africa), so if you are a wine lover, this is a restaurant for you.
If you're dining solo, I can highly recommend the Chef's Table. You get a chance to watch the action and even interact with members of the culinary team.
Since Jiko is known for their South African wines, I ordered the Black Pearl which is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz. It was delicious and a great red wine to order with my meal.
Though the restaurant does have an allergy friendly menu, I did ask to speak to the chef, as I was hoping they might be able to make me a flatbread gluten free. As the chef noted, they don't normally carry the Udi's gluten free pizza crusts at Jiko anymore, but he offered to get one from the Mara so that I could have a flatbread. He said this might take a bit of time, so he brought me some Udi's Gluten Free rolls with extra virgin olive oil, and I ordered a salad.
I opted for the Jiko Salad which was Poached Pears, Heirloom Spinach, Kobocha Squash and Pear Vinaigrette and marked gluten free and dairy free on the allergy friendly menu. I can't say I loved this salad. It seemed underdressed, a little too bitter, and bland.
For my flatbread, I ordered the Roasted Cauliflower flatbread which had Bhuna Masala, Roasted Cipollini Onions, and normally comes with Lamb Chopper Cheese. I have been trying to experiment with non-cow's milk cheese, so I asked if they could add a small amount of goat cheese to the flatbread. The Purple Haze goat cheese worked really well with this dish, and I'm excited that I am being able to add some sheep and goat milk into my diet successfully on occasion.This flatbread was outstanding, and one I wouldn't hesitate to order again. The flavors were so good, and if you loved roasted cauliflower (like I do), you will love this. Hands down a big winner for me.I love going to Jiko for an appetizer and drink. It's such an affordable way to experience the restaurant without breaking the bank. As a DVC member, I also saved 10% which also helped with affordability. You can read Gluten Free in Orlando's full dinner review on her blog.Have you been to Jiko? What did you order when you dined there?
Sanaa -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village
*These dining experiences took place in August, September, and October 2015.
Sanaa, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, continues to be one of my favorite restaurants on Disney property. Not only is the food amazing but the atmosphere is unlike any other. Where else can you sit and watch zebras and giraffes while eating dinner? It really is incredible.This review covers 3 separate visits that I had throughout the months of August, September, and October. Many times, I went just for drinks and appetizers which is a great way to cap an evening. I could sit at the Sanaa bar area for days. It's so relaxing! And, if you don't have a reservation and want a quick bite, the bar is the perfect place to grab a meal, as you can order everything off the regular menu in the bar area.
Perhaps my most favorite drink on Disney property is the African Starr Mint Mojito. The simplicity of rum, fresh mint, and simple syrup makes this a refreshing drink, perfect for cooling off after a long day in the hot parks. This drink never disappoints, and I think Sanaa has the best mojito on property!
Bread service is a must whenever I go to Sanaa. Since the launch of a gluten free and vegan naan bread offering this summer, I have been back a ridiculous amount of times to order their bread service. It's best piping hot from the oven and tastes amazing with any of the dips offered.Equally amazing is the Sanaa soup. Though not currently listed on the allergy friendly menu, the soup is still gluten free. It can be made dairy free by removing the addition of cream. Trust me, this soup is so delicious you won't miss the cream at all! I can highly recommend the soup and bread service combo as a winning option when dining at Sanaa.
Sanaa also has some new appetizers out, and one evening I did try out the Oxtail Umngqusho, which is made of cracked hominy, black-eyed peas, and braised oxtail. I enjoyed this dish a lot though I would have liked to have had a bit more oxtail in the dish. This dish has a unique taste and was very filling. The oxtail tastes a bit like short ribs, so while oxtail might not sound appetizing, it's actually quite delicious!
Whenever I get bread service, the biggest decision is to get all of the dips or just 3. I'm partial to the mango chutney, red pepper hummus, and coriander chutney, but I love so many of the others too. The only one that isn't dairy free is the cucumber raita, and you can easily swap out that dip for a second of your favorite one when ordering the full bread service. For me, that always means more red pepper hummus! I have to admit though, the tomato date chutney has been my new favorite dip that they've added recently. So good!
The Sanaa dinner menu has changed somewhat, and I was curious to try some of the dishes. On my most recent visit, my friend and I both ordered the Braaivleis, which is marked as gluten free and dairy free naturally. It comes with Boerewor (a sausage), lamp chop, pork tenderloin, Tunisian olive oil crushed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.I loved the Tunisian olive oil crushed potatoes, as they were very flavorful. The sausage was milder than I expected it to be, which was great. I loved the pork tenderloin, though I should have asked to have it cooked longer. Cooked medium still seems a bit to raw for my tastes. And speaking of raw, if you are concerned about raw meat, avoid the lamb or ask them to cook a wee bit longer (which be warned, may toughen the meat). My lamb was entirely too rare for my liking but I found the flavors of the lamb delicious.Overall, if you visit Sanaa, you won't regret it. It's a one of a kind restaurant at Disney, and is very affordable and approachable. The bread service is a must! I can't wait to go back again to try some of the new dinner offerings.You can also read Gluten Free in Orlando's reviews on Sanaa too.Have you been to Sanaa? What did you love about this restaurant?
Ohana -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Polynesian
*This dining experience took place in November 2015.
Aloha! Ohana located at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has long been one of my family's favorite restaurants on Disney property. We love the fun and friendly atmosphere, the Polynesian theme, and, of course, the food! The menu itself has changed a lot over the years, and while we often lament some of our favorites that are no longer on the menu (oh, how I miss the honey lime vinaigrette salad dressing), we still very much enjoy the offerings available at Ohana.On this particular occasion, I visited with a friend, who also happens to be gluten free and dairy free too. It's always fun to dine out with friends, and especially those that have special dietary needs!I actually dined at Ohana this summer, but I realized I hadn't blogged about it yet (yikes! We'll chalk that one up to all the new job and moving craziness). But, as I was telling my friend, I actually haven't dined at Ohana in a couple of years because it's often hard to get a reservation when you are local and don't make 180 day in advance plans (I know, I know, local problems!). So, it was awesome to be dining here twice in the span of a few months!
Both my friend and I were ready to dig into our meal at Ohana and both knew going in we were going to be plenty full by the time the meal was over. Ohana definitely keeps the food coming, as a family style dining option.After being seated, the chef greeted us and let us know that we would be getting salad (with the removal of wontons), GNI brand rolls with Earth Balance vegan margarine, white rice, sauteed veggies, chicken wings, sweet and sour sauce, and could enjoy all three grilled meats: Shrimp, Chicken, and Steak. I also asked if they still had the gluten free teriyaki sauce (which they do) and was able to get that as well. And, of course, everything began to come out quickly...Let the food photos begin!
First up was the salad. This contained shredded vegetables (such as carrot), mushrooms, edamame, and red onion along with a vinaigrette. I really enjoyed this in July but both my friend and I found it to be woefully underdressed this time.
The GNI rolls we received were also poorly heated. Very crumbly and dry, while I ate one of them, my friend opted to skip, because -- of course -- it's all about the other food here!
We also got a plate to share of steamed white rice, sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki sauce, sauteed vegetables, and chicken wings. The chicken wings continue to be a favorite with a nice spicy dry rub. I also love having some rice and veggies along with the sauces they provide. Overall, it's definitely a good mix of options.
But, the best part about Ohana are the grilled meats that come out Brazilian Steakhouse style on skewers. All three grilled meats are now gluten free (which I love). I do miss their pork but the new sauces and rubs on the meats have definitely improved the meats offered. The steak that I had in July was perfectly cooked to my liking and nicely seasoned. This time, I found the meat to be just a bit too rare for my taste, so I didn't go for a second round. The chicken had a nice sweet and sour sauce on it and was delicious. Yep, I totally went for seconds on that. And, my hands down favorite is the shrimp. Sure, you have to peel them, and they are messy, but if you aren't enjoying a messy meal like this...you're doing it wrong! Between my friend and I, I think we ate our weight in shrimp!Between all the courses, we were both quite stuffed. Though we were brought dessert both of us didn't eat much of it.
Dessert at Ohana is always underwhelming. But, then again, it's not why I go there. Served Tofutti with Enjoy Life cookies, fresh fruit and Hershey's Syrup, it was just OK. Still, props for the cute hidden Mickey on the plate!Overall, we both really enjoyed our meal at Ohana. Our main courses were exactly why we dined here and while some of the sides were just OK, we both left the meal satisfied and totally stuffed. Ohana is definitely a must do tradition for my family and friends. Plus, the entertainment there is great. Kiddos can get in on coconut racing and the live singing is delightful.Have you been to Ohana? What did you enjoy most there?
Everything Pop -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Pop Century
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
Everything Pop located at Disney's Pop Century Resort is one groovy place to grab a bite to eat. With a retro inspired menu and atmosphere, you can't help but get into the nostalgic spirit when dining here.On this particular occasion, I stopped by for a quick dinner. Gluten Free in Orlando had posted on her blog that the quick service location did have allergy free menus, though at the time I visited, I did not get a chance to see one. The manager, however, did a great job of making sure I had safe options to choose from.The options were pretty extensive, from sandwiches, salads and more. That made it hard to choose! I finally settled on the Salmon Burger, which was a house-made salmon burger served with wasabi Thai curry mayonnaise, slaw, and French fries. The chef did have to make my burger separately, so as to make it gluten free, which meant I had a bit of a wait. The chef gave me a pager, so that I could meet him back in the food court when it was ready.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with this sandwich. I absolutely loved it. The burger itself was well cooked, and the salmon wasn't too fishy. What made this dish though were the wasabi thai mayo and the slaw which had sesame oil in it. Those components really helped pull the dish together. I wish I had asked for some extra wasabi thai mayo because it would have been an amazing dipping sauce for the French fries. Yes, you know I can't help but add extra dipping sauces when it comes to fries!Overall, I loved the sandwich I got at Everything Pop. Generally, I've found the food there to be pretty basic, but this sandwich was a highlight on their menu for me.Have you been to Everything Pop? What do you typically order here?
Antojitos -- Lunch/Dinner -- Table Service -- City Walk -- Universal Studios
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
If there's one thing I know, it's that I love good Mexican and Tex Mex food. Some of my favorite places at Disney World include San Angel Inn and La Hacienda de San Angel -- both are delicious options while at Epcot. But what about the options at Universal Orlando? I've been long wanting to try out Antojitos, the Mexican restaurant that opened at Universal City Walk last year.I knew before visiting Antojitos that there would be gluten free and dairy free options, thanks to Amanda from Eating Out Without's blog post about gluten free and dairy free options at Universal Studios. So, I was pretty stoked to find that Antojitos was a terrific options for me to dine at.
I love the vibe of Antojitos. A large restaurant with an upstairs and downstairs and even an open kitchen, this authentic Mexican restaurant is bright and cheery with great seating and lighting. If you go at the right time you'll be treated to live music. It's definitely a place to sit back, chill, and hang out with friends.
In addition to a pretty extensive menu (with gluten free options marked), they also have a very large drink menu. While my brother, who dined with me, had a classic margarita, I ordered the Handsome George, which used George Clooney's Tequila brand along with a very mild lime splash. I can highly recommend this drink, though if you're looking for the best bang for your buck, I would suggest ordering a margarita. They were huge!
Antojitos chips and salsa are gluten free and the chips are made in a dedicated fryer. For something fancier, you can order table-side guacamole, which we did on this occasion. I can't ever turn down guacamole, though I will say this version was a bit mediocre. I might try it again but wouldn't make it a regular occurrence since it was priced at a steep $13.99.
For my entree, I ordered the shrimp tacos al pastor. These were outstanding. Served in a corn tortilla, the shrimp was marinated and topped with fresh coleslaw and a pineapple mint salsa, which was insanely good. The entree also came with rice and beans both of which were quite good. For the price and compared to many dishes at Disney Mexican restaurants, this entree was a good bargain.Overall, we enjoyed Antojitos a lot. The food was terrific and the atmosphere was great. It will definitely be on my regular rotation of Universal Orlando restaurants to dine at. If you're a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder, you also get 10% off your meal when you dine here, which is a nice bonus.Have you been to Antojitos at Universal Orlando City Walk? What did you order when you dined there?
Turf Club Bar & Grill -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Saratoga Springs
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
The Turf Club Bar and Grill located at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort is one of those hidden gem restaurants on Disney property. Quietly tucked away at this sprawling resort and located near the golf course, it's a nice break from all the excitement and noise often found when touring the theme parks. It's a cozy restaurant with a bit of a dark interior but an atmosphere that really is perfect after a long day in the park.On this particular occasion, I was dining at Turf Club Bar and Grill solo after a long day of work and wanted something comforting and filling. As I was seated by server gave me one of the new allergy friendly menus for the restaurant. They also asked if I wanted to directly order off that menu or speak with a server. Since many items did not note dairy free, I asked to speak with a chef.I was pleasantly surprised to see Chef Jenny Sly come out to speak with me. Chef Jenny is terrific and has been at various locations on property including Ohana and most recently Boma. She went through the menu with me, and I decided to order Grilled Salmon with Teriyaki Glaze, Cilantro Jasmine Rice, and Seasonal Vegetables. I opted to skip an appetizer as most were very heavily dairy based.
While waiting for my entree, Chef Jenny also brought out some rolls with extra virgin olive oil. Immediately, I noticed these were Ener-G rolls, which I often find to be very unappealing because of the lack of heating them properly. They are also the type of gluten free roll that you need to eat pretty immediately because they seem to get hard very quickly, as they are tapioca based.However, Chef Jenny assured me that these rolls would be nice and soft, and she wasn't kidding. I was blown away by the gluten free bread voodoo that she put on these rolls because they were unlike any Ener-G roll I've ever had (and Chef Jenny did confirm they were Ener-G). They were piping hot, well heated, and stayed soft the entire time. I wouldn't hesitate to get these again at Turf Club.
My entree was equally well-cooked and seasoned. The salmon was perfectly cooked -- something that is so important to seafood. The rice was a lovely compliment, as were the sauteed veggies. Add in some teriyaki sauce made with gluten free soy sauce, and you have a really tasty meal.Overall, I really enjoyed my meal at Turf Club Bar and Grill. The food I had was well-cooked, the ambiance was quiet and relaxed, and the service was also great. It reminds me that I need to dine here more.Have you been to Turf Club Bar & Grill? What are your favorite dishes to order?
Pinocchio Village Haus -- Lunch/Dinner -- Quick Service -- Magic Kingdom
*This dining experience took place in August 2015.
Pinocchio Village Haus located in Disney's Magic Kingdom is a charming restaurant -- one that I've visited many times but actually never eaten at. I've never been keen on the options available, which have always seemed limited at best.Recently, blog reader Priscilla G. shared the new allergy friendly lunch and dinner menu from Pinocchio Village Haus. After reading the new menu, I saw there were at least a couple of options to choose from. And good thing too, as I recently stopped by the restaurant to grab lunch.When I got to the cash register to inquire about special dietary options, the cast member presented me with the new allergy friendly menu. I could quickly see that the Mediterranean Salad was on both the gluten and dairy free menu options, and I asked to order it. The cast member did not flag a manager, but rather, flagged gluten and dairy in the order and gave me a pager, which would alert me when my food was ready.About 10 minutes later, my pager went off, and I was greeted by a manager who served my food on a green tray (to denote food allergy) and saw that my salad contained what looked like "cheese." She confirmed that it was Daiya cheese. The one thing they did not tell me was that I needed to grab the salad dressing from the condiment bar. I quickly found the dressing noted as safe (and double-checked the ingredients) but found it odd that they didn't tell me this.
As far as the salad, I found it to be just OK. It wasn't my favorite quick service salad but certainly not the worst (one of my least favorites being the Garden Harvest Salad at Columbia Harbour House).I actually don't prefer the non-dairy cheese on my salad, so I have to admit I picked off the Daiya cheese (though the other diner with me - who is not gluten or dairy free - actually really liked the Daiya shreds, so I think I'm just picky in this regard).Overall, I would probably dine at Pinocchio Village Haus in a pinch, though it wouldn't be my first choice for a Magic Kingdom quick service location. My go-to is always Columbia Harbour House, but if I was with others dining at Pinocchio Village Haus I know now that I have at least a few options when ordering, which is great.Have you been to Pinocchio Village Haus in the Magic Kingdom? What did you order when you dined there?
Sanaa -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village
*This dining experience took place in July 2015.
Sanaa located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village has long been one of my favorite restaurants on Disney property. I'm such a fan of all types of Indian-inspired food, so I've always been impressed with the palate of flavors that Sanaa presents its guests. I love how approachable the food is, despite being a bit exotic for most folks. And, it doesn't hurt that they offer amazing gluten free and dairy free offerings, set in one of the most gorgeous restaurant settings at Disney World.
On this particular visit, my mom and I stopped by for lunch during a very full day of shopping in Orlando. Shopping clearly makes me hungry, and I couldn't think of a better place to grab a bite than Sanaa. It's been ages since I've been, so it was long overdue.
After we were seated, I was given one of the new allergy friendly menus that have been appearing throughout the Disney restaurants. The first thing that popped out on the menu was gluten free AND vegan naan. WHAT!? Yes, you read that right, gluten free and vegan naan. Sanaa has long been serving a gluten free naan, but it has been very dairy-filled, which meant I had been still eating falafel chips.Of course, ever the skeptic, I asked to speak with a chef, as I was very curious if this bread was really gluten free and dairy free, or if this was too good to be true. Chef Michelle let me know that it was indeed gluten free and vegan. The restaurant now uses Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Flour instead of cup4cup. I hadn't planned on ordering bread service that on this visit, but gluten free and dairy free naan. I had to have it.We ordered the full bread service with all the dips (minus the cucumber raita which contains dairy), and I was excited to see 5 pieces of naan available with the bread service. This girl loves a good carb, especially one smothered in delicious dips and chutneys.
Overall, I have to say, I was pretty pleased with the naan. It was a bit more like flatbread, rather than traditional naan. But the flavors were delicious, and the chickpea flour, in this instance, works really well with the Indian flavors. They were also piping hot from the oven (which is where they prepare them), so I enjoyed immensely. My favorite dips, of course, continue to be the coriander chutney, mango chutney, and the roasted red bell pepper hummus. These are my hands down musts every time I order bread service. I also enjoyed the pickled garlic and the tomato date chutney a lot too. My verdict on the naan? Really good (not amazing but really good), and something I wouldn't hesitate to order again.
For my entree, I went with the Durban Shrimp and Goan Seafood Curry. I have to admit, I still very much miss the green curry shrimp and wish it was still around, but I do also really enjoy the Goan Seafood Curry. The first time I tried it, it lived up to its goan (aka spicy) name, but since then it's become very toned down and is quite mild, in my opinion. Which works perfectly with the spicy Durban Shrimp which is ridiculously but deliciously spicy. If you do not like spicy food, avoid this one.
Overall, I was really pleased with my meal at Sanaa. It's hard not to love everything about this restaurant - from the food, the special diets accommodations, to the atmosphere. All that was missing on this visit was an African Starr Mint Mojito.Chef Michelle said the dinner menu has changed quite a bit, so I can't wait to check it out sometime soon, especially so I can order the bread service again. They are also working to tweak the recipe, so I can't wait to see how it changes and evolves. If you're curious about other folks' thoughts on the new gluten free and vegan naan bread, check out Alexis' review from Gluten Free in Orlando!Have you been to Sanaa? Are you looking forward to trying the new gluten free and vegan naan? What about the other offerings on the menu?