WHOEVER THOUGHT THAT THE COMBINATION OF CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER AND MARSHMALLOW COULD BE SO DARN GOOD.
basics. Both the hotel and the restaurant were inspired by Walt and Lillian Disney’s travels along the Mediterranean coast of France and Italy, and the menu follows suit. Topolino is the Italian name for Mickey Mouse.
The rooftop restaurant is open for dinner as well as character breakfasts. It has an outdoor patio where guests can take in the view — including fireworks shows — open only to restaurant guests. It’s one of Disney’s signature-class restaurants, which is its highest priced fine dining. Pastas are $30 (spicy tomato sauce) to $40 (seafood fettucine); main courses are $34 (cassoulet with plant-based sausage) to $54 (filet mignon), with bouillabaisse — a classic Provencal fish stew ($48) — that calls to me.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Bigfire at CityWalk:
Bigfire opened in June, but I didn’t get a chance to eat there until December. It was chilly, and a coldweather entree leapt out at me: short rib and cream sherry sauce over pasta. But when the waiter reminded me that the grill is the whole point of the restaurant, I switched to salmon ($26) and asparagus ($5). It was a good move: the salmon was moist on the inside, crusty on the outside from its brush with flame. My companion had the petit filet ($28). Entrees are $16 (cauliflower steak) to $39 (lamb chops); burgers and hot sandwiches are $15$17.
Located in the former Emeril space, Bigfire was built to evoke a lakeside summer house and outdoor cooking. Lots of wood, big windows, camp lanterns, the frame of a canoe suspended from the ceiling. The interior is attractive, the grills (and cooks) in view behind glass. Different varieties of wood chips are used to add subtle flavoring.
But the best thing was the s’mores dessert. Our waiter set a dish with the ingredients and a tiny flame on the table in front of us. We knew what to do. Particularly inspired: the inclusion of Reese’s thin cups as an alternative to the traditional squares of milk chocolate. Whoever thought that the combination of chocolate peanut butter and marshmallow
could be so darn good.
COMING IN EARLY 2020
City Works Eatery & Pour House at Disney
Springs: The newest outlet of this chain is scheduled to open in January next to the NBA experience at Disney Springs. Giant high-definition TVs, almost 100 varieties of beer, indoor and outdoor seating. Burgers and hot sandwiches $18-$24; dinner entrees $22 (fish & chips, Cajun linguine) to $38 (smoked BBQ platter).
Space 220 restaurant
at Epcot: This restaurant, located next to Mission: Space, is supposedly a space station accessed by an elevator that rises as if you’re being shot into orbit. According to the Disney story, Centauri Space Station is 220 miles above earth and offers views of Earth and the stars through its large curved windows. Disney World has not yet posted a menu but says the restaurant will feature modern American cuisine. After a delay, it is scheduled to open in February.