10 Questions for Chef Brian Piasecki, California Grill at Walt Disney World

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May 13, 2010

Following in the footsteps of illustrious Disney chefs, Brian Piasecki took the helm in the kitchen at California Grill in January 2009. We asked him what’s ahead for the 15th anniversary of the award-winning restaurant (and also what he keeps in his own fridge and his favorite Disney attraction).

As a chef, what do you love most about the California Grill?

The passion, creativity and ability to stay updated with fresh, seasonal and inspiring ingredients throughout the year. It is an amazing place filled with energy and an electricity of people and families coming together for a wonderful experience. I know their expectations are high when they walk in the door, so that really keeps me motivated and driven.

How have you tweaked the menu?

Over the last year the menu has gone through many transformations. I have been focused on using local products when possible; sustainability in the produce and seafood I select, and using alternative lean, red meats that are low in fat and high in protein such as ostrich and bison. I have also been very focused on a return to the basics in the kitchen direction, ensuring that all products are handled and prepared with the upmost care and attention to detail. We have been focused on expanding the sushi selections and introducing new and different product such as Hiramsa fish and fresh wasabi root.

What will never leave the menu?

There are several extremely popular menu items that have become staples such as the goat cheese ravioli with sun-dried tomato nectar and the grilled pork tenderloin with zinfandel glaze, button mushrooms and goat cheese polenta. And there are the menu categories that will never go away such as the flatbreads and sushi.

Any ideas for 2010 you can share?

I continue to work with our seafood suppliers to introduce a new sushi menu that will incorporate all 100 percent sustainable fish selections. I am also working on the possibility of starting very specific themed menus for popular foods when they come in season, like heirloom tomatoes. Wouldn’t it be great to come to dinner at the California Grill in the middle of tomato season and be presented with a five-course menu that has tomatoes as the main ingredient in each course? Then think about the possibilities: fresh Florida-grown Zellwood corn, wild mushrooms, heirloom squash . . . there are some very exciting possibilities! \

Describe your culinary inspirations.

For me, inspiration comes in many forms – it may be a twist on an old favorite, or using a product new to the market, or using something that is local, organic or sustainable. Sometimes fun twists on classic flavors or familiar foods combined with the freshest and “just in season” items drive my plate combinations and profiles. I strive to bring familiar foods to the table in a simple, yet natural way so that the flavors shine – if it’s salmon, it has to be an amazing piece of wild, fresh, rich salmon – the best we can source and make that the true star on the plate.

What was your most memorable meal anywhere in the world?

My most memorable meal was at a very small restaurant in South Africa, Rust en Vrede. I was able to go into the kitchen and cook for the first part of the dinner with Executive Chef David Higgs, who also had an amazing passion for fresh and local ingredients and a strong focus on detail and flavors. It is the restaurant at the Rust en Vrede winery, so we dined with the winemaker and experienced every aspect of the estate. Dinner was seven courses, all local items from the market, house-cured bacon – with great conversation about food, trends, diners and what’s next for the world of food.

Name 3 things that are always in your fridge at home.

Half and half, eggs and Tony Packos sweet hots pickles and peppers

What is your favorite dish to make at home?

I don’t cook at home as much as I would like since I am in the restaurant most nights, but I do love being in the kitchen with my kids [ages 11, 13 and 15]. They love to cook and they love to watch me cook, so any time we get to be together to make a big Sunday breakfast, a batch of brownies or a roast pork dinner is very special for me.

What food would you never give up?

Chocolate!

What’s your favorite Disney attraction?

It’s a toss-up between Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. I am a huge coaster fan and adrenaline junkie.

Disney says Go Go Power Rangers…No Seriously Go..

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Having seen people at Walt Disney World make fun of and laugh at the Power Rangers I can honestly say this is GREAT news. They never really fit into the whole Disney family, especially with the fighting and violence.

Here is the official news story from the NY Times:

The media investor Haim Saban said Wednesday that he had bought back the rights to his biggest franchise, “Power Rangers,” from the Walt Disney Company and had licensed the show to Nickelodeon, the children’s cable channel owned by Viacom.

Executives at Saban and Viacom said in interviews that they intended to reinvigorate the nearly 20-year-old franchise, a one-time sensation among children that features costumed teenagers saving the world, The New York Times’s Brian Stelter and Brooks Barnes reported.

“Power Rangers” is the first acquisition by Mr. Saban’s new brands and licensing division. Mr. Saban, who made most of his fortune in children’s entertainment and now owns a big stake in Univision, announced last week that his Saban Capital Group would invest $500 million in Saban Brands, a new company dedicated to acquiring entertainment and consumer brands and exploiting them through retail, television and film channels.

“The list is very, very long for things we’re going to do” with the franchise, Mr. Saban said.

“Power Rangers” was most prominent in the mid-1990s, when it was shown on Fox, but it has remained in production ever since, and an 18th season is in development now. That season will have its debut on Nickelodeon in the first quarter of 2011, the channel said. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the multiyear deal.

Click here to keep reading.

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Golden Gate Cocktail

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

This drink was created especially for the 15th anniversary of California Grill at Walt Disney World Resort. The award-winning restaurant at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened to rave reviews on May 15, 1995.

1 1/4 ounces Remy Martin VSOP Cognac
3/4 ounce Amaretto Disaronno
1/2 ounce cranberry juice
Orange slice, for garnishShake ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.
Squeeze the slice or orange into the drink.

For more info on the 15th anniversary of California Grill click here.

Why Fort Wilderness is better than the other resorts for the Disney Dad.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2010

disneys fort wilderness resort and campground

First of all I have to admit this is a very biased article but for good reason. It is the only place I stay at in WALT DISNEY WORLD. Being that we have a 37’ Pace Arrow motor home, it is of course our preferred choice of lodgings anywhere the road takes us, but in Florida it’s the ONLY place to stay. First of all, this place is the epitome of the RVer’s dream campground. There are sites dedicated for tents, pop-ups, travel trailers, and cabins for rent, as well as premium (enlarged) sites for regular RV’s and of course those MILLION DOLLAR PREVOST(ugh ugh ugh) buses we all love to gawk at.

Among the many amenities of Fort Wilderness Campground are things like laundry facilities, outdoor movies, plentiful bathroom/shower facilities, gorgeous pools and spas, on-site restaurants, horse ranch, fishing and the like but all with a touch of Disney flair. Another aspect of Fort Wilderness is its close proximity to Magic Kingdom. Bay Lake is the only thing separating you from the Mecca of all Disney parks which is just a short ferry ride away. In fact the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks (WISHES) are perfectly visible from the white sand beach at the Fort Wilderness side of Bay Lake, not to mention the nightly electric light parade of boats on the water just after the show.

As you walk around the campground you will notice touches of Disney everywhere. From the beautiful landscaping to the immaculate facilities, the Disney model of perfection is fully enforced here. The foot paths and jogging trails are impeccable. The sports and recreation facilities – state of the art. And the arcades are stocked with all the latest and greatest. In fact, on our third trip to WDW, we had unanimously voted to omit the beach and off site trips we had planned at the mere site of the WHOA! sign which signifies the entrance of the campground. Instead, we all agreed to spend our two weeks staying put and getting the most out of Fort Wilderness.

Another aspect of the campground is its encouraged use of Golf Carts. The carts can be rented at a slightly above modest cost per day and must be reserved well in advance as the 300 carts on hand get gobbled up quickly. The golf cart adds a whole other aspect of camping due to the fun in just riding around and visiting with new friends, or just gawking at the gorgeous RV’s and custom carts of the other guests. Some of the carts can cost more than my first two cars combined (see the Custom Carts section of disney4dads.com for examples) fact there are certain paths and parking lots dedicated to carts alone. Also, at over 700 acres, without a cart you would be forced to take the bus system or just foot it in general to get around (as if).

FYI – this is how I convinced my wife to let us buy one of our own.

The last aspect of the campground I have to point out is that is never closes. When you leave one of the theme parks and head back to your hotel room typically the day is over. Not at Fort Wilderness. After you have washed all the ooey gooey Disneyness off of the kids you can tuck them in their sleeping vessel (tent, camper, RV or rented cabin), so you and the misses can fire up the provided charcoal grill (no fires allowed) and sit under the stars to relax the night away with the libation of your choice. What Dad do you know that doesn’t like barbeque? If you’re the adventurous types you can all head to the 80° pool for a midnight swim or just hop on the cart and enjoy a nice ride. If you’re back in time I would recommend catching a movie under the stars with Chip and Dale.

Finally you can save a boatload of cash and time in line by bringing in your own groceries for meals and doing the cooking at your site. Would you rather stand in line at the steak restaurant with the grumpy kids or smell your own dry rubbed sirloin sizzling on the charcoal and drinking an ice cold beer while the kids are off at the playground getting out the remaining yet never ending energy they always seem to be missing when it’s time to clean up. Well having said that I feel a tremendous urge to check the calendar to see how many days are left until our next Fort Wilderness stay.

See ya real soon! Jerry

Jerry is the Founder of Disney 4 Dads, when he isn’t busy grilling out and doing other manly things he is sharing the Disney Magic from a Disney Dad’s perspective.

Be Sure to Protect Those Disney World Park Tickets

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2010

On a vacation to Walt Disney World, there is probably nothing more important than your park tickets. After all, visiting the theme parks is the focus of your visit! But what if you lose your tickets? What, if anything, can be done? If you bought your tickets at the theme park’s gate, producing a saved receipt can allow Disney to look up your information, and replace your tickets. But what if you bought discounted Disney World tickets through a broker?

Happily, there is one very simple way to make sure that your vacation is not ruined by lost theme park tickets: make a copy of the back of them.

The back side, with the magnetic strip, has coded information with all the details of your personal ticket. All these numbers, letters, and dates will actually help Disney replace the tickets if you lose them. And while the tickets do say “Disney is not responsible for misplaced, lost, or stolen tickets”, in all likelihood, if you can provide the coded information, they will usually re-issue the pass.

Alternate ideas for saving this valuable coded information include taking a photo of the backs, either with a digital camera or cell phone. By doing this, if you lose the tickets while at the park, you will have immediate access to the codes on your camera or cell phone.

It is important to note that receipts that you receive from ticket brokers, while important, will not help in getting your tickets replaced. You must have the codes from the back of your passes. For my family, I generally copy the tickets the minute we receive them.

This one simple, yet valuable tip for protecting your discounted Disney World tickets can make certain that lost theme park tickets don’t ruin your vacation.

Refurb/Closure Schedule for Walt Disney World May 2010

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Refurb/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at http://www.disneyworld.com

Current

Magic Kingdom

Construction for the Fantasyland expansion has begun. Pooh’s Playful Spot playground, Ariel’s Grotto Character meet-and-greet and Scuttle’s Landing have closed.
Baby Care Center- 5/14/10-5/20/10

Epcot

Honey I Shrunk the Audience closed on May 9th to make way for Captain EO.
Cantina de San Angel at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot has closed for refurbishment and expansion until fall 2010
Via Napoli, is still under Construction in the Italy pavilion.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Muppet Vision 3D will be closed for refurbishment April 24-May 14
Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster will be closed for refurbishment May 15-20

Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian Tennis Courts are currently closed for refurbishment through May 21, 2010.

Saratoga Springs

Paddock area of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Pool Construction.

Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Stormalong Bay pool slide will be closed to guests beginning May 2 until late in May.

Blizzard Beach

The unseasonably cold winter has delayed work on the Teamboat Springs attraction, so it will remain closed for an additional few weeks.

Disney’s Golf Courses

Disney’s Palm Golf Course- 6/1/10-6/10/10 closed Tuesdays only 6/22/10-7/27/10
Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course- 5/24/10-6/3/10 closed Wednesdays only 6/23/10-7/28/10
Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Course- 5/17/10-5/27/10 also closed Mondays only 6/21/10-7/26/10
Disney’s Osprey Ridge Golf Course- 6/7/10-6/17/10 closed Thursdays only 6/24/10-7/29/10

Click here for May’s Disneyland Refurb & Closures Schedule.

Disney Food Confession – Classic Banana Split

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

What is it? Ripe banana, three scoops or ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry), pineapple, strawberry and marshmallow topping, finished off with hot fudge, butterscotch, toasted almonds, whipped cream and a cherry.

Where to find it: Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, Disney’s Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World

Why you want it: 3 Scoops of Delicious Ice Cream smothered with all the fixins..YUM!

Photo credit: dolcedanielle via flickr

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected]. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

Top Eats: Disneyworld Counter Service Meals

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2010

Disney World Table Service locations offer more than just burgers and fries. Here are my personal top five, which is definitely light on the burgers and fries:

5. Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom. I’m not a huge hot dog fan anywhere else, but there’s something about a hotdog from Casey’s, especially on your way out of the Magic Kingdom or while you’re watching the fireworks. Check out our article for more Disney World Firework Viewing Locations.

4. Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s a bit out of the way, so if you’re not staying there you may never get a chance to try it, but if you’re doing some resort hopping, it’s definitely worth having lunch at Mara. Good sandwiches, flat breads, and friendly service. The turkey sandwich on ciabatta bread with kalamata olive spread is literally one of the best sandwiches I’ve had anywhere.

3. Sunshine Seasons, Epcot. Something for everyone, good quality, and fresh taste. Some of the best counter service options in any Disney park. It’s also one of the few counter service places in Epcot that serves breakfast. Many times it is not that busy too!

2. Sommerfest, located in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot. It’s a bit out of the way, located next to the queue area for Biergarten, so you might just miss it. There’s not a lot of variety, but you can satisfy your craving for German food with a bratwurst and a slice of Black Forest cake. They also serve beer, wine, pastries and pretzels. The seating area is small, but if you can get a table it’s very cool and shady. You’ll feel like you’re in a little town square in Germany.

1. Wolfgang Puck Express, Downtown Disney. Hands down, the best value for your counter service dining plan credits. It’s also just plain good food. Disney pizza tends to have a bad reputation, but WPE serves pizza that I would eat anywhere, not just because I’m at Disney World and the kids really want pizza. The service is friendly, it’s in an open and airy space, and it’s rarely crowded like the Earl of Sandwich, which is nearby. Love the aforementioned pizzas, sandwiches, pastas and salads. The entrees here are as good as you’ll find in a casual sit-down restaurant; some of them are even better. There’s no skimping on the quality ingredients. Don’t forget to try the crème brulee.

With Top Eats, Chip and I want to share our favorite food experiences with you. We’d love to hear about your favorite counter service restaurants as well in the comments section.

IronKids Orlando Debuts at Disney World

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

How do you inspire Central Florida’s kids to lead an active, healthy life? IronKids, a national non-profit, believes in introducing them to the sport of triathlons. Walt Disney World Resort will host the first IronKids Orlando event on May 15. Open to children ages 6 to 15, IronKids Orlando is an event at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground that kids can “tri” for fun even without training.

IronKids Orlando appeals primarily to local and Florida-based children and families who are looking for a fun way to spend the day.

“I like to exercise because it makes my body stronger,” says six-year-old Celebration, Fla. participant Harley Gamble, who is diabetic. “When I exercise, I’m more energized. I’m most excited to participate with other kids, but also to cross the finish line.”

Participants will swim in Bay Lake, followed by a bike and run on closed roads throughout Fort Wilderness. A portion of the run course will pass through the petting zoo at Tri-Circle-D Ranch, which features horses, ponies, goats, potbellied pigs and more.

Distances vary by age group:
Ages 6 to 8: 50-yard swim, 2-mile bike and 500-yard run
Ages 9 to 11: 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike and 1-mile run
Ages 12 to 15: 300-yard swim, 8-mile bike and 2-mile run

Kids thinking of participating should go ahead and try it, according to Harley. “I would tell other kids who are scared to participate that everything will be ok. It will be fun,” the first-grader said.

In February, Disney announced that it will develop a program in collaboration with First Lady Michelle Obama supporting “Let’s Move,” her newly announced campaign to create a healthier generation. In addition, Disney established food guidelines in 2006 aimed at giving parents and children well balanced food options at theme parks and resorts.

To register for IronKids Orlando or learn more, visit www.IronKids.com.

Disney Cruise Line Fun Facts – Dining and Onboard Features

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Dining
– On an average seven-night Disney Cruise Line voyage, the following food items are consumed:
• Beef – 5,000 pounds
• Chicken – 10,000 pounds
• Salmon – 1,200 pounds
• Shrimp – 1,300 pounds
• Lobster Tail – 1,000 pounds
• Melon – 12,800 pounds
• Pineapple – 3,300 pounds
• Individual Eggs – 71,500
• Coffee – 57,820 cups
• Soda – 3,125 gallons
• Beer – 12,385 bottles/cans
• Wine and Champagne – 2,700 bottles

– In a single day, each Disney Cruise Line ship uses:
• 10,000 forks
• 5,000 cloth napkins
• 800 tablecloths

– Disney Cruise Line dining room Cast members represent, on average, 60 different nationalities.

– The décor and food of the Palo restaurant are inspired by Italy, the birthplace of both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

– Palo takes its name from the poles that line the canals of Venice. Palo’s extensive reserve wine list features selections that hail from some of the most mature vineyards in the world and highlight some of the greatest Super Tuscans like Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Tignanello.

Onboard Features
– The Disney Magic interior is in the art deco style, characterized by geometric designs and bold, solid colors. The interior on the Disney Wonder is in the art nouveau style, which is characterized by organic influences and curved patterns.

– A bronze statue of Helmsman Mickey adorns the lobby of the Disney Magic and was inspired by the famous “Man at the Wheel” statue in Gloucester, Mass. On the Disney Wonder, a bronze statue of Ariel from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” graces the lobby.

– The main atrium chandeliers on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are each one-of-a-kind commissioned pieces created by celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly. To meet cruise line safety standards, Chihuly worked within a new medium and fashioned the vibrant chandeliers out of acrylic plastic.

– The décor of the Buena Vista Theatre on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder was designed to emulate the elegant movie houses of the 1920s and 1930s, the period when Walt Disney was producing the first Mickey Mouse animated films.

– The main showplace for entertainment onboard Disney Cruise Line ships, the Walt Disney Theatre spans three decks and can seat 977 guests.

– A leader in family entertainment, Disney is the only cruise line to feature first run films from the Walt Disney Pictures film banners, with movies premiering exclusively at sea on the same day that they are released in US theaters. Disney Cruise Line is also the industry leader in onboard enhanced digital entertainment with advanced Disney Digital 3-D technology in all shipboard theaters.

– With ships purpose built for family cruising, both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder boast nearly an entire deck of space dedicated to age-specific children’s activities.

– Don’t worry about getting a chill! The swimming pools on Disney ships are heated when the water temperature drops below 75 degrees.

– A room with a view! 73% of staterooms onboard Disney ships have ocean views. Of those outside facing rooms, 60% boast private verandahs.

– Stay connected, even at sea! Disney ships feature Wi-Fi service in staterooms and public spaces, allowing guests to surf the web at sea from their wireless-ready personal laptop computers.

Don’t expect Spider-Man at Disney parks soon

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Spider-Man, Captain America and Thor will be slow to join Disney theme parks, while the Disney company is quickly adding Marvel to other areas of its business, Disney’s president said.

Disney purchased the comic-book powerhouse for $4 billion last year, adding about 5,000 characters to its portfolio.

Marvel’s presence in the theme parks will be “limited in nature” for the short term because of previous agreements preventing the widespread use of characters, said Bob Iger, the Walt Disney Co.’s president during a Web cast on Tuesday. Iger responded to a question about Marvel during a discussion about the company’s second-quarter earnings.

Before Disney bought Marvel, Disney and Universal Parks and Resorts struck a deal that restricts Marvel characters to Universal’s properties on the East Coast and in Japan, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Universal has a Marvel Super Island in its Islands of Adventure theme park in Florida. California parks reportedly are exempt from the agreement.

Iger said that Disney is looking at putting Marvel merchandise at theme parks.

Already, Disney’s California Adventure is selling Iron Man products on a temporary basis with the release of “Iron Man 2.” See a story about Marvel merchandise at the Disneyland Resort.

In other parts of the company, Disney is adding a Spider-Man show to its Disney XD channel and working on games and digital media products, Iger said.

Read more Disney and Marvel news at the Register’s Around Disney.com blog

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Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ musical to remain at California Adventure

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Contrary to earlier reports, the Hyperion Theater won’t be setting the genie free just yet. By popular demand, “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” will remain at Disney’s California Adventure park.

We received a lot of comments on the Blog asking for Aladdin to continue its run. It’s almost as if the Genie granted your wish!

Although “Toy Story – The Musical” was scheduled to move into Hyperion Theater following Genie’s last bow, Buzz, Woody and their pals will stay focused on the new additions in Toy Story Mania…for now.

Construction has been scheduled near the Hyperion Theater for August 15. Although that may still impact some performances, we’re doing everything we can to keep the show up and running. Stay tuned to the Blog for updates, and we’ll share details when we have them (or, you can always check disneyland.com for showtimes).

Now, close your eyes, make a wish and hit play to see Genie in action. And don’t forget to tell us your favorite Genie joke – and oh, no wishes for more wishes.

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