With it’s sister property Disneyland in the middle of a three year dispute with Unite Here, one of its dozen or so labor unions, Walt Disney World has come to the table to negotiate a new contract. As you might expect the weakened, but slowly… Read More »Negotiations for new Labor Agreement underway at Disney World
Hard to believe that the next ship in the Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Dream, is just 6 months away from completion and its maiden voyage. Here’s a short video showing the progress and some concept art of what things will look like when they’re… Read More »Disney Dream nears completion
There’s a story in the Orlando Sentinel this morning about a ride-stop and subsequent guest evacuation on the new Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure park. Ride-stops and walk-offs happen all the time at theme parks, particularly with… Read More »When stuck on an attraction, when is it okay to call 911
Bastille Day is essentially the French equivalent of Independence Day in the US, at least as far as fireworks displays go. There is definitely a French style to this show. Many people don’t know that Walt Disney Imagineering is one of the leaders in innovation… Read More »Disneyland Paris Bastille Day Fireworks
Touring Downtown Disney can be a hit or miss experience for food lovers. Some locations offer the same tired food options you can get anywhere, some have that chain experience, while others attempt to break free from the mold and offer something unique and new. Portobello falls into that last category.
Situated right on the water by the big sternwheeler restaurant you’ll find a world class eatery specializing in locally sourced offerings, Italian flavors, and friendly service. As of this week you can add Organic Beer and trendy bar food to that list.
The Meatball Bar, conceptualized by Portobello’s Executive Chef Steven Richard and Portobello’s Consulting Chef, (and recent Top Chef Master’s contestant), Tony Mantuano, pays homage to the classic Italian dish, offering four varieties of meatball. The menu showcases Beef & Veal with Parsley ($1.95), Spicy Pork ($1.95), Chicken with Sage ($1.95) and Salmon with Tarragon ($2.95). Each slider is served on a soft mini bread roll, topped with tomato basil sauce and freshly grated Parmigianino cheese.
The new Meatball Sliders Bar provides another option for those who are looking for something fun and flavorful. You can choose from four different types of meatballs and three different organic beers. The beer comes from Orlando Brewery a USDA certified organic brewery. A pint is just $5.95, which means for $11 you can enjoy a high quality light dinner or lunch. One of the best values on property if you ask me.
Also new is a new dessert option they’re calling ‘Beeramisu’. They’ve mixed in some of the Orlando Brewery Blackwater Dry Porter, which has wonderful chocolate overtones, to the marscapone cheese of their Tiramisu dessert. I loved the beer taste, which wasn’t overwhelming, but added to the flavors and without distracting from the texture. Everyone at my table asked for seconds.
Portobello’s Executive Chef Tony Mantuano, whom fans of Top Chef Masters will recognize, says they worked hard to make this an alternative to the ‘Same’. They definitely succeeded.
Join me below the cut for my tasting notes:
Read More »New Option for Foodies in Downtown Disney – Meatball Bar at Portobello
It’s a big year for Disney Channel’s hit animated TV show Phineas & Ferb. There’s a rumor that a new game that takes the Kim Possible adventure at EPCOT and changes it to Perry the Platypus at DCA. A new Phineas and Ferb Christmas DVD… Read More »Phineas and Ferb strike gold, and you can too
With Tropical Storm Bonnie passing close to southern Florida, although not currently targeting Central Florida, it’s time to check in on what you should do if Bonnie or any subsequent named storm should head a bit northward. First check the National Hurricane Center and see… Read More »Hurricanes and Walt Disney World
It’s a piece of Disney World history that’s older than Disney World itself. It’s the model of Progress City, aka EPCOT, that you see when you ride through Tomorrowland on the TTA. I knew that the original version of that model was on display at… Read More »Could original EPCOT model be restored?