Sharp Introduces a New Disney Branded Cellphone in Japan

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October 2, 2015

Sharp introduced a new Disney smartphone recently. I know what you are thinking, how can I get one? Well, unless you live in Japan you can’t. These incredibly cute new phones are for the Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo. It was built using EDGEST design that minimizes top, bottom and side bezels. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 808 chipset, containing a hexa-core 1.8GHz CPU and the Adreno 418 GPU.

The Disney phone will be a version of the Sharp Aquos Compact. It will be called Sharp Disney Mobile (DM-01H) It will have free Disney content and branding. It will be released in January and available in Sparkle Pink or Sparkle Blue.

I would so love the pink one. It has my 2 favorite things, Disney and the color Pink! I have one question, why does Japan get all the cool stuff?

Photo Credit: Phonearena.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

American Q Oktoberfest: It’s Time For Brews & BBQ at the B Resort & Spa

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 2, 2015

Oktoberfest is here, and what better way to celebrate than with barbecue and pairings of beer? For the month of October American Q, located at the B Resort & Spa near Disney Springs is offering up a prix fixe of festival-themed fare.

Join them for bites of house-made Pretzel Bread, Beer Cheese, Bratwurst and Sauerbraten, all paired up with seasonal sips of Brooklyn Brewery Octoberfest, Dogfish Head Punkin Ale and Orlando Brewing Grateful Pumpkin.

American Q’s Oktoberfest menu is available October 1st-31st for $40 per person.

B Resort & Spa

1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Returns for the 6th Year

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 2, 2015

From October 30 – 31, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will celebrate their 6th year featuring global culinary specialties at the Epcot Resort Area hotel, with more than 40 food and wine stations, 10 food and wine seminars and the opportunities to meet the award-winning chefs behind featured culinary masterpieces.

Guests will delight in numerous opportunities to sip and savor along the hotel’s causeway all weekend while enjoying live entertainment, and even some spooky fun on Halloween night.

Delectable culinary offerings headline the two-night event, featuring cuisine from the hotel’s own award-winning signature restaurants: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House and Todd English’s bluezoo, with wine and spirits samplings from around the globe.

This year’s menu introduces new interesting and unique dishes sure to please the palate including ginger cured Hamachi with nitro lime, mascarpone chestnut ravioli with Italian sausage, celery root and bacon jus and smoked Wagyu short ribs accompanied by a parsnip puree, melba toast and pommery mustard sauce.

Favorite dishes from past years also return, such as the shrimp cocktail steamroller, Thai chicken salad with organic greens, green papaya tamarind and ginger dressing as well as the dragon sushi roll with crispy shrimp, tuna and avocado.

The hotel’s World Champion Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard, provides a sweeter side to the evening with decadent desserts like chocolate almond crunch cake and éclair with caramelized banana cream and coconut streusel. This year Branlard will also introduce his S’more Sundae Action Station, combining the classic desserts of the s’more and sundae.

New to this year’s event is a food truck area, featuring cuisine from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel and Cabot Cheese – a favorite from last year – as well as an exclusive beverage truck.

Seminars once again return to offer guests the chance to receive a hands-on and tasty educational experience. Seminars cover topics including wine blending, Italian wines, champagne, beer, mixology, tequila, pasta making, sushi and sake, wine and cheese pairing and the Brazilian cocktail, caipirinha.

All seminars require separate tickets in addition to the causeway tickets, and space is limited.
As an upgraded ticket option, guest can once again experience a beer garden, featuring a variety of local and seasonal brews from around the world, alongside Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine made by the hotel’s culinary experts.

To add to the event’s appeal, guests can enjoy a meet and greet with celebrity chef Todd English, the namesake of the hotel’s Todd English’s bluezoo restaurant. Guests can also meet the world’s only two-time World Champion Pastry Chef and the hotel’s very own executive pastry chef, Laurent Branlard. Barbeque fans shouldn’t miss the Cib’s Smoke House station for signature barbeque dishes from the hotel’s executive chef Robert Ciborowski.

“This event is a way for us to celebrate our love of food, wine and beverage with others who share that same passion,” said the hotel’s Director of Food & Beverage Tony Porcellini. “What continues to bring back people year after year is the one-of-a-kind, fun, street-party atmosphere our guests enjoy.”

With 17 restaurants and lounges, a distinguished culinary and beverage team and unmatched customer service, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel continually receives national recognition for its food and beverage program. The culinary team has had the honor of presenting multiple dinners at the distinguished James Beard House, most recently in June 2015. The hotel boasts more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections, including organic and rare vintages. The hotel’s restaurants are annual winners of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence including Shula’s Steak House, a four-time recipient of the exclusive Best of Award of Excellence.

What: Sixth Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

Info: The Sixth Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel returns October 30 – 31, showcasing a vast array of food and beverage options along with informative seminars conducted by members of the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage team. Highlighting the event is the appearance of celebrity chef Todd English.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic consists of 10 food and beverage seminars, live entertainment, a beer garden and more than 40 food and beverage stations, featuring appetizing selections from the hotel’s signature restaurants: Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria and Todd English’s bluezoo, as well as wines, beers and cocktails from around the world.

When: Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31

5:30–9 p.m.

Where: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Causeway

1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.

Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Tickets

Information: – Two-night packages, including tickets to the outdoor festival for two and overnight accommodations, are available starting at $684

– Advance purchase event-only tickets are available for $105 per person, including taxes and include unlimited food and beverage samples on the causeway

– Upgraded tickets that include the beer garden are $125 per person, including taxes

– Beverage seminars are $45 per person, per class including taxes

– Pasta making and pairing seminars are $60 per person including taxes

– For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500

Are you going?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

New Seasons of SeaWorld Entertainment’s “Sea Rescue” & “The Wildlife Docs” Launch This Weekend on ABC Affiliates

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 2, 2015

SeaWorld logo

Families across the country once again will have a front row seat to how animals are rescued and cared for when new seasons of “Sea Rescue” and “The Wildlife Docs” begin airing on Saturday mornings, starting October 3. Both of these Emmy-nominated shows are part of Litton’s Weekend Adventure airing nationwide on ABC affiliates.

The fifth season of “Sea Rescue” continues to showcase the touching and inspirational stories of marine animal rescue, rehabilitation and return to the wild by the animal care teams at SeaWorld® and other partner organizations. Hosted by Matt Gutman, this season’s stories include rescue efforts from several different oil spills, 20 manatees trapped in a storm drain and a pelican that landed in the middle of a busy highway.

An entire episode will be devoted to the work of rescue teams up and down the coast of California, including SeaWorld San Diego. Thousands of sea lions stranded this year due to starvation and exhaustion. The rescue and rehabilitation efforts of this mass stranding required flying additional zoological staff in from other SeaWorld parks.

The third season of ”The Wildlife Docs” once again highlights the dedicated veterinarians and animal care specialists at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Host Rachel Reenstra takes viewers behind the scenes with these skilled professionals to experience the life-enriching daily wellness, preventative health programs and groundbreaking medical procedures. This season’s highlights include an annual check-up on a rock hyrax, a small African cat with skin allergies, and caring for an injured Nile crocodile. Viewers also will see veterinarians working in the field with American martens in Michigan and sloths in Panama.

“The entire SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment family is proud of the great television both ‘Sea Rescue’ and ‘The Wildlife Docs’ provide,” said Anthony Esparza, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Chief Creative Officer. “These series showcase our passion for wildlife and conservation and we hope that they inspire viewers to take action and make a difference in their own backyard.”

“Sea Rescue” and “The Wildlife Docs” both average 1.4 million viewers each weekend.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Sheriff Callie’s Wild West: Howdy Partner DVD is riding into town October 13th!

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Danielle

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October 2, 2015

Get ready for to explore the wild west, Disney style with Sheriff Callie and her friends in SHERIFF CALLIE’S WILD WEST: HOWDY PARTNER on DVD October 13th!

Yee-haw, Sheriff Callie is coming to town with 5 action-packed episodes on the new Howdy Partner DVD. Bring home the first Western for preschoolers, and follow along with the adventures of Sheriff Callie, Deputy Peck and Cactus Friend Toby! Best of all this new DVD comes with a FREE exclusive pop-up play set packed inside!

Synopsis:

Welcome to “Nice and Friendly Corners,” where lovable Calico cat Sheriff Callie (voiced by Mandy Moore), along with her deputy woodpecker Peck and their fun-loving cactus sidekick Toby, watch over their pleasant little frontier town, ensuring that everyone follows the “Cowpoke Code” of fairness, honesty, hospitality, cooperation and hard work. Utilizing the folklore of the Old West to impart lessons about good morals, manners and social ethics for kids age 2-7, “Sheriff Callie’s Wild West” is the perfect mix of good ol’ friendship and laughter for your little one.

We love watching this Disney Junior Original preschooler friendly wild west adventures of Sheriff Callie, there’s laughter and lessons with colorful animal characters and even a prickly cactus! My little guy will be sure to choose this DVD for his collection!

The Disney Fantasy Itinerary has Been Changed to Avoid Hurricane Joaquin

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Disney News

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October 2, 2015

The Disney Fantasy will be sailing close to Hispaniola, hugging the Cuban Coastline. In hopes to avoid Hurricane Joaquin. This also means they are not able to stop at Castaway Cay. Passengers are reporting the harsh conditions are getting better. As of Wednesday the Disney Fantasy’s destination is Port Canaveral.

Be safe out there!

Photo Credit: weatherchannel.com

Plan Your 2016 Summer Vacation Aboard the Disney Cruise Line!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 2, 2015

Now that the kids are back in school (which I’m sure many of us had anxiously waited for!) let’s talk about next summer’s vacation! Now is a great time to start talking about which Disney Cruise itinerary is best for your family. With so many to choose from, there is a voyage fit for every family’s lifestyle and budget. As I was looking into options for my family, I came across some amazingly, unique itineraries that are making this decision so difficult!!

The Disney Magic will be exploring Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Scotland as part of a Iceland and Norway cruise. Here you can visit picturesque hot springs in Iceland and enchanting castles in Scotland, along with all the beauty and wonder this area of the world provides. The Magic is also headed to the majestic British Isles, to explore England and Scotland, and to the Mediterranean to allow Guests to take in the local cultures of historic places like Naples, Rome and Monte Carlo. The Disney Magic is going to be one very busy ship in 2016, but, is headed to some truly fabulous places!

The Disney Wonder will be sailing the frontiers of Alaska, providing the opportunity to view mountainous shores, fjords and glaciers up close and personal. From historic mining towns to learning more about the Native American culture, you will see this area of the United States in way you can’t imagine. And best of all, join you favorite Pixar pals in the ship’s atrium for a party at sea! With average temperatures ranging from 45-62 degrees Fahrenheit, enjoy all the hot spots with cool, sea air. And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled on this itinerary…you never know what kind of majestic wildlife you may see along the way- like bears, elk or humpback whales that are native to the area.

The Disney Dream will be making magic in the Bahamas for enchanting tropical journeys. Your exotic escape whisks you away to tropics so you can enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, shopping, sightseeing and most importantly, relaxation! The Bahamas provide so much to see and do, you won’t know what to do first. And don’t forget about the best part of the Bahamas- Disney’s Castaway Cay! Enjoy this private island paradise and create magical memories with your family!

The Disney Fantasy will be exploring the Eastern Caribbean with an amazing stop at the British Virgin Island of Tortola. If you want to explore the tropics even more, then this is the sailing for you. Warm weather, golden beaches, turquoise water and marketplaces galore are waiting for you on a number of itineraries. The Disney Cruise Line provides the perfect setting to island hop and immerse yourself in the Caribbean culture.

Is all of this enticing? I know for me it is and I can’t make up my mind of which sailing I would love to do with my family. Does anyone have a sailing booked yet? Where are you headed? I would love to hear!!

If you haven’t booked your cruise yet and would like more information on any of the sailings offered by Disney Cruise Line, I would love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected] and be sure to follow me on Facebook to keep up with the latest Disney news, updates and promotions!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Finishes Swan Guest Room Redesign

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 1, 2015

The largest makeover in the history of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is one step closer to being finished. The hotel has completed redesigning every guest room in the 758-room Swan Hotel. The work is part of a multi-phase, multi-year, $125 million redesign project that will transform every guest room in both the Swan and Dolphin buildings. The first phase of the 1,509-room Dolphin starts later this year.

The new room is inspired by the resort’s water-themed architecture and offers guests a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

Check out some more upgrades:

Swan Renovated Executive Suite

Swan Renovated Alcove with Balcony

Swan Renovated Double Double with Balcony

Swan Renovated Bathroom

Swan Renovated Shower

The guest room features all-new upgraded furniture and all of the latest technology including large HD TVs. Additional power outlets provide corporate executives and family travelers more options for use of multiple personal electronics. A glass-topped desk on wheels provides guests with a flexible tabletop space for wherever and whatever the need.

Noted interior design and architecture firm Garcia Stromberg/GS4 Studios along with award-winning interior design firm KBCO Design created the concepts for the new rooms.

Blending an artistic combination of whites, blues and grays, the design creates a tasteful ambiance that appeals to adults while abstract artwork playfully delights children as well.

The centerpiece of the room is the famous Westin Heavenly Bed with its all-white custom-designed pillow-top mattress set, cozy down blanket, a trio of crisp sheets, goose down comforter and four over-stuffed pillows.

The design continues into a completely new bathroom, featuring residential style vanities and a back lit mirror on iridescent glass tiles.

“This new room product provides our guests with their own personal oasis,” said General Manager Fred Sawyers. “Whether visiting for business or leisure, it’s the ideal space to relax and reenergize.”

The hotel’s public spaces, restaurants, meeting rooms, shops, pools and recreational areas will not be impacted and remain fully operational throughout the renovation.

The entire rooms project is currently scheduled for completion by the end of 2017.

Beautiful!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Pumpkin-licious Disney Desserts! Try the Pumpkin Cheesecake

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 1, 2015

Now that fall is in the air, it’s time to celebrate with foods of the season! What better way to celebrate than with delicious pumpkin desserts straight from the Disney kitchens?! This is the first of five recipes that will highlight the amazing flavors of fall, bringing a little Disney right to your table!

The first recipe is Pumpkin Cheesecake! This tasty little treat was a big hit last year on the west coast appearing at a number of locations in Disney’s California Adventure, Disneyland and the Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. If you have been pining for this amazing taste sensation since last year and aren’t going to make it to the west coast this fall, well, now you can make it in your own kitchen! It has a traditional graham cracker crust with a splash of ginger to make it interesting and the filling…well, it’s to die for!

Pumpkin Cheesecake
(Makes 9-inch cheesecake)

Crust
1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/3 cup butter-melted

Cheesecake Filling
3 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
15-ounce can pumpkin purée
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
5-ounce can evaporated milk
Chocolate syrup, for drizzling

For crust:

In a bowl combine the crushed graham cracker, sugar and ginger. Melt the butter and stir into mixture.
Spray bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Press crust mixture into bottom of pan using your hands.
Place pan on a large piece of foil and wrap foil tightly up sides and around pan.

For cheesecake filling:
Preheat oven to 325°F.

Beat cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Scrape down sides of bowl.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down sides of bowl.
Whisk together pumpkin purée, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl until well combined.
Add pumpkin mixture to cream cheese mixture, beating until well combined. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add evaporated milk, mixing well.
Slowly pour cheesecake filling onto crust mixture in prepared pan. Drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Place foil-wrapped pan inside a larger roasting pan. Place on oven rack and carefully add enough hot water to reach halfway up sides of springform pan.
Bake 1 hour, or until center moves only slightly when shaken.
Turn oven off. Crack open oven door, and allow cheesecake to cool inside oven 1 hour.
Remove pan from water bath and set on a wire rack to cool completely. Cover top of pan with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Cook’s Notes: Wrapping foil around springform pan prevents water from the water bath from getting into the cheesecake. The slow cooling inside the oven prevents cheesecake top from cracking.

If you decide to try this delicious treat make sure you comment below and let us know how it turned out! Did you switch something up? We want to know that too!!

If you have never been to Disney for the Holidays, there is still time to plan a magical adventure for this year! With the latest promotions just released there has never been a better time to visit! If you would like help planning your trip, shoot me an email at [email protected] and I will be happy to help you out!

Disney and Vans Partner for a Fall Collection

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 1, 2015

Do you all remember the crazy cool collection that Disney and Vans came up with earlier this year? If I remember correctly, we all loved the Mickey and Minnie patterns, were gushing over Ariel and the Princesses, and couldn’t help drooling over the villains.

Well, just in time for fall, Disney and Vans are partnering again to bring us even more shoes, clothing, and accessories to covet. This time around the designs focus on Alice in Wonderland, Jungle Book, and 101 Dalmatians. I really love that the underrepresented films (maybe not Alice in Wonderland in this case, but definitely Jungle Book and 101 Dalmatians) are getting some much needing spotlight and attention.

The collection will be available at Vans retailers (and online) beginning Friday, October 9th.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at this new collection.

First, travel with me down the rabbit hole and check out these Alice in Wonderland designs. Tie-dye and geometric patterns heavily influenced these designs and the one and only Cheshire Cat is front and center in many of the pieces.

My favorite piece here is the black pullover sweatshirt with small Cheshire Cat details. This would be perfect for a cool fall day!

Don’t adjust your screen! You aren’t imagining those dots – it’s just 101 Dalmatians covering everything from socks, to shoes, to backpacks. My favorite part of this group is the play of the bright red against the black and white. The colors balance each other really nicely and remind me of a few other Disney characters…maybe a few mice?

How fun are these shoes? I’m not a fan of high-tops myself, but these red sneakers are totally calling to me.

And finally, take a walk on the wild side with The Jungle Book. The patterns here feature all the classic characters such as Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera, Shere Khan, Kaa, and King Louie.

These easy slip on shoes look comfortable and would be so cute with a pair of skinny jeans and an orange sweater for fall.

Are you as excited for this Fall line as I am? Let me know what you think and what items will definitely be appearing in your fall wardrobe this year.

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

Morimoto Asia is Open at Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 1, 2015

To the pounding rhythms of the Japanese drums and the ceremonial breaking of the sake barrel, Morimoto Asia – the first-ever collaboration between Patina Restaurant Group and Japanese master chef Masaharu Morimoto — opened to a media preview Tuesday at Disney Springs, a reimagined shopping-dining-entertainment district at The Walt Disney World Resort. The event featured culinary displays from Iron Chef Morimoto that included breaking down a 100lb Hawaiian big eye tuna that was used as part of a 60-foot long maki roll. Chef Morimoto received help from several of the event’s guests in making the sushi roll, including a very special guest, of course none other than Mickey Mouse.

In onstage ceremonies Tuesday night, Chef Morimoto and Patina Restaurant Group CEO Nick Valenti were joined by Walt Disney World Resort executives including George A. Kalogridis, President, Walt Disney World Resort; Maribeth Bisienere, Senior Vice President, Disney Springs; and Keith Bradford, Vice President, Disney Springs.

Morimoto Asia occupies The Landing, one of four neighborhoods in Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia opens to the public on Wednesday, Sept. 30 for dinner service at 5pm. Its menu features cuisine from across Asia, a first for Chef Morimoto.

“I believe that food has the power to bring people together and these are some of my favorite dishes from all over Asia,” said Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. “My team and I are so excited to welcome everyone to Morimoto Asia!”

“We are committed to providing exceptional pan-Asian cuisine and an unmatched dining experience to the guests of Disney Springs,” Valenti said. “This opening marks our ninth restaurant with our partners at The Walt Disney Company, and we are thrilled to be here at the new Disney Springs.”

The eye-filling, two-level showplace includes lounges, dining spaces, open terraces, a sushi bar and cocktail areas and an exhibition kitchen that allows diners direct sight lines to the culinary action. New York City-based STUDIO V did the design for Morimoto Asia, featuring a three-story glass corner, dazzling grand stairway, cascading chandeliers, ribbons of illuminated glass bottles plus Japanese accents and a sweeping, 270-foot sculptural bar that dramatically ties the upper and lower levels together.

Are you going?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe New Menu

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 1, 2015

Have you seen the yummy new menu at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe? Chip was there today and got us some amazing pictures of the new menu and the new food selections. It all looks so good! One thing I do wish they had is the Queso cheese sauce. Everything is better with plastic cheese! Yes, they even have an allergy friendly menu!

New entrees include rice bowls and burritos with your choice of beef, chicken, or veggies. Fajitas sizzle with delicious steak or chicken. For a lighter option, try the Southwest Chicken Salad. The Fixins Bar it’s back and better than ever with tasty sauces, salsas, peppers, onions, cheese and more.

Check out the yummy goodness:

Pecos bill 3

Pecos bill allergy friendly meal

Pecos bill

Pecos bill 1

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Pecos bill 4

Pecos bill 5

Pecos bill 6

Pecos bill 7

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Pecos Bill 10

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What do you think of the new menu?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria