Tiffins- Animal Kingdom

Tiffins is a table service restaurant on property at Disney World's Animal Kingdom. We had lunch there during our visit and it was one of our favorite meals.

Tiffins are the stackable lunch containers you see on top of the restaurant's sign in the photo above. I've posted some school lunches packed in these stackable metal containers here on my blog also. In some parts of India Tiffin can also refer to a light snack or midday meal. The name is fitting since the restaurant serves dishes that are inspired by travel throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the America's all of which was themes found throughout the Animal Kingdom.  It's a beautiful restaurant and I am so glad we didn't overlook it.

Chef's de France- Epcot

We've never been disappointed after a meal at Chef's de France. I love how bright the place is during the day and how romantic it is in the evenings, if you have a later reservation you can view the fireworks at Epcot. It's such a sweet place with big windows, beautiful architecture.

 The cast members have always been so helpful. Lunch or dinner the food and service are consistent. Each visit the Chef has come out to discuss the allergy friendly foods and assure us that each dish will be prepared carefully for my daughter.

Hollywood Brown Derby- Hollywood Studios Orlando

OH Hollywood Brown Derby, how I wanted to love you. You and your famous Cobb Salad, Grapefruit cake, and rave reviews from so many people. Grapefruit cake that I anticipated and told my family about. I told them that you were wonderful. It would be a great meal. Where else would we go at Hollywood Studios?  Sigh. Here's the nitty gritty. Hollywood Brown Derby wasn't bad, I just really built it up I think.

Narcoossee's- Orlando

Narcoossee's which is an Indian Creek word that means "little bear" by the way. I looked it up because I'm a nerd like that. This waterfront restaurant is at the Grand Floridian Resort on the Disney World property. It's a beautiful restaurant. We didn't have bad service at all on our trip so stating that the service was great for us seems redundant but Narcoossee's was no different. The staff was friendly and so helpful. Our waiter had a trainee and he was also wonderful.
As with all Disney dinning they were so careful about what my nut free child could have. The chef came out to speak to us, and as each plate as put before her they mentioned it was prepared according to her needs. I can't tell you what a huge difference dinning at places like this makes for me. I know my child will be safe and I know that they take her allergy seriously. 

The Fountain of Fair Fortune- Universal Studios Orlando

Butterbeer. It's sweet, like cream soda, butterscotch soda. The cream on top, like melted vanilla ice cream that's been whipped to barely soft peaks. I like it cold and frozen. I didn't get to have it hot sadly. It's perfect to grab and wander around the Wizarding World and get lost.

At the bottom of this post is the Pumpkin Juice which taste like a spiced apple cider and pumpkin spices. It was way too sweet for me.

Test Track Cool Wash- Epcot

Here is another post from our Orlando trip! I am not going to do a separate blog post for every snack we had on our trip, I will try to put them in one post per park... maybe. This post just happens to be one I started while we were in Orlando. This fun place is by the Test Track in Epcot. It's called the Test Track Cool Wash. Right when you get off of the ride and go through the exit you walk straight and see it. It is fairly new I believe it opened just this month. You get to build your own slushie and add toppings, all nut free. The beauty of it is that cast members build it for you after you fill out a little form. Read: no sticky floor and mess from over filled cups by the public. No toppings all mixed in and dropped into other containers.

Mythos Restaurant- Universal Studios Orlando

Mythos was the best meal we had at Universal Studios. The pork chop was so amazing. Cooked sous vide then seared. So tender and juicy. The aioli on my daughter's already delicious lamb burger was so good. My youngest ordered the grilled cheese and finished it. The cheeses were so gooey and yummy. She isn't a big eater so we were surprised. 

The restaurant itself is so beautiful. It's bright and so pretty inside. The service was great, the chef and server were very attentive and assured us that our food would be allergy friendly for my but nut free child.

I would absolutely eat here again. 

"Featuring a mix of Mediterranean, Asian and American fare, Mythos' casually elegant menu includes options like Greek salad, pad Thai, wraps, burgers, and more. There's also a separate children's menu for little ones. Indulge in an outstanding dessert or selection from the full wine list to make your time spent in this mythical space even more sublime."

Bread service. 

Three Broomsticks- Universal Studios Orlando

One of my favorite places is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. It's absolutely magical. I could spend so much time just walking around and soaking it all in. There's so much to see and do. I'll admit food inside Universal isn't as great as Disney food but the foods I do enjoy are in the Wizarding World. 

Kakigori at the Kabuki Cafe- Epcot

Kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice was on my top three to you have as far as snacks this trip. For one you can get sweetened condensed milk on top, two you can get sweetened condensed milk on top. It's also Florida, it's hot.

Pumpkin Cream Churros- Disney World

I haven't blogged in forever, but iceI've got so many yummy food posts from Universal Studios Orlando and Disney World that I can't wait to share with you all. I wanted to ease into it by sharing these Pumpkin Cream Churros. 

In general I do not eat Disney Churros (or most Churros). If I want  Churros I go to a Churro shop in my home town where they pipe them fresh and fry them to order. Even then I don't eat a whole one. They tend to be sweet and greasy.  My children ordered Churros  at Marimoto for dessert and they were meh, better than most but not really that great.

Sushi, Matuba Review

Sushi at Matuba, I did a review on this place quite a while ago. But we went there for lunch over Spring Break, the kids asked to go twice. But once was on a day that the buffet wasn't open. You can find my earlier reviews here HERE, and HERE. I'm adding a little update here because there are some changes.

The sushi chef that is there regularly is wonderful. He's Lao so he asks how my parents are, if they are coming to visit etc. He's fast, and knows the regulars. Even if you aren't a regular, he's attentive. If it's not crazy busy he'll ask how everything is and if you have a request. The owner always greets us with a smile. 

Matuba has a military discount now so if you're military make sure you ask. I still suggest getting there early, especially if you have a party of 3 or more. I'm talking when they open for the buffet, not main dinning room.  

There's always a selection of nigiri, rolls, and hand rolls on the buffet.

California Rolls 

Spicy Crab Rolls

Tempura Rolls

Spicy Tuna Hand Rolls

Salmon Skin Hand Rolls

and more...

Salmon, Yellow-tail, Mackerel, cooked Shrimp, and Tuna are the regular line up for Nigiri 

The girls and I are big fans of the Salmon Skin rolls. They are made with hot crispy salmon skin. It's the only thing I eat with nori.

They do NOT serve sashimi on the buffet, and no the sushi chef won't give you sashimi either :) . I just happen to have one child who likes rice dipped into the Teriyaki chicken sauce. She leaves me the sashimi, I don't argue. My middle child eats her rice first, then eats her fish separate. So that's what you see in the picture above. Fish that my youngest left me because she ate my rice.

There are so many non sushi items on the buffet also

Teriyaki Chicken

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura

Dumplings- steamed and fried

Fried Rice

Mussels (Rarely)

Seaweed Salad

Salad with Ginger Dressing

Edamame
Miso Soup

Tuna Collar (Rarely)

Fruit

And other items.

There is a parking garage right next to Matuba if you can't find parking on the street.

Matuba has always been clean when we've gone. The bathroom is also clean. That's a biggie for me. It's one of my favorite places to eat because it's quick and delicious.

This is how we do it.

 When I was in high school there are three things I ate a certain way

Wendy's fries with a chocolate frosty.

McDonald's Hot fudge sundae with fries- no nuts

McDonald's Hot fudge sundae no nuts with a side of pickles- the only way I looove pickles and ice cream, still to this day. (not during pregnancy though, go figure.)

So it was interesting to me when the girls and I shared two sundae's and a medium fry the other day that I looked over to Pixie and she was eating her fries the same way I used to. I'm sure other kids/people do this, but it was neat seeing a little bit of me in her.

Sushiko Resturant

Sushiko Restaurant

THE. BEST. MISO. SOUP. EVER. Seriously, Diva and I both said it. SO good, so flavorful and JUST good. Not that powder or paste instant stuff. SOOO GOOD. Piglet doesn't like Miso soup but Pixie girl loves it and had a whole bowl with rice. That's what she likes- miso soup with rice and big beautiful Salmon roe that she picks up with her cute little fingers off of mamas plate.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

 Five Guys Burgers and Fries. YUM. Toasted buttered buns, great burgers. I love a good burger. The beef in these are.. beefy and juicy. I had mine with onions, mushrooms, pickles, jalapenos, lettuce, cheese, tomato and bacon.  Piglet and Pixie shared a cheese burger with pickles. Diva had onions, cheese, mushrooms, tomato, and pickles.  The fries are good too, they have Cajuin which I didn't get them because I wasn't sure if they would be too spicy for the girls. I had mine with malt vinegar YUM.

The menu is very simple, not much on there. But I was there for a burger so it didn't matter. I haven't had In and Out burgers in a while so I can't compare but we'll definitely be eating here again! 

PJ's Rice Bistro - Washington DC/ Maryland

Here's to making life simple. I just don't post at Here for the Food much. I should. I have pictures to post. I just don't, so I'll post here instead and figure out how to combine the two blogs maybe. PJ's Rice Bistro is a wonderful Chinese restaurant. Like good looking authentic I see lots of grandparents there Chinese food. The thing is they have $4 sushi rolls which the girls love and the sushi's great there so,  I don't order Chinese. These pictures are from several visits. This place is in the mall, it's a nice restaurant. Clean, nice ambiance, great service and it's a God send because I'm not a big fan of food court food. Unless it's Hot dog on a stick but I haven't seen one of those around.

The fish is fresh and sliced generously. The last time I had a Chirashi bowl it was a big serving, even with little hands trying to snag my food.

Georgetown Cupcakes- Washington DC/Maryland

Sometimes you just need a cupcake you don't bake yourself. What is it about cupcakes that people love? Is it because you can pick several flavors? They are "little" so you can eat more of them. (You know you tell yourself that too.) I've gone to cupcake shops before, and blogged about them here. I'll be honest, I really liked the cupcakes at Georgetown cupcakes. BUT I didn't LOVE them. If I'm going to pay $30 bucks for a dozen cupcakes, they need to be GOOD. Like lick the paper, Press your finger to get all the crumbs off the napkin good. I'm just cheap like that. These were not as moist as I like my cupcakes/cakes. The butter cream and cream cheese icing was good. The red velvet was on the dry side. The cherry blossom was delish, not overly sweet, full of cherry flavor... and seasonal :-). I guess I just don't feel like any of them were worth writing home about.Or fighting to get a parking space for. I may try them again. Maybe it was an off day.

Matuba (Bethesda, MD)

That's Kevin. He rocks. This is my second trip to Matuba, I have been wanting to take my girls for a LOOONG time. So SIL is visiting and we had a girls day out. Pixie stayed at home with DH. Here is my last "review" I use that term so very loosely. But it's worth the read I think, so I cut and pasted it below. Anyway. The service was a bit off today, but still good. I think the waitress was just swamped. I don't care, I'm sitting right next to Kevin, right where he puts each little dish of goodness onto the conveyor belt. Again- Strategy People (read the other post.) So I don't care, I'll help myself. Piglet (3), kept saying I LOVE SAMMY. (Salmon) And again the fish was fresh, the salmon buttery, soft and just so good. We had a great time.

Wong Gee Chinese Restaurant (Maryland/ Washington DC)

I am certain we would have never tried Wong Gee if it weren't for the fact that I was looking for a Lion Dance performance the week AFTER Chinese New Year to take the children to. It's in a strip mall, on a main street, but nothing that would make me turn my head for a second look. They serve Cantonese style Chinese food. The food is fantastic. They also have an Americanized menu. DH ordered chicken curry- it was OK. I ordered some FAN-TA-BU-LOUS dishes. They also serve Dim Sum. More on that later.

When we went for the Lion Dance the waitstaff was so nice and accommodating. They had our table ready for us when we got there (reservations aren't needed, but I made them).  Brought extra napkins and got our drink order right away. The restaurant was clean and so was the bathroom :-). They have fresh (live) seafood cooked to order also.

Pike Place Market Seattle WA- Guest Blogger Sarah

I love Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington.  It is an anything goes type of spot that is rich in Seattle culture.  Here you will see a large cross section of people going about their business.  Many days there are a multitude of street performers peddling their talents to interested crowds.  Everyone seems to walk at a leisurely pace as they take in the sights, sounds, and smells unique to Seattle.  If you can think of it, it can probably be found at Pikes Place Market.  There really is something for everyone, including things such as teas, handmade jewelry, glass art, produce, music, nuts, and the ever popular fish.  In fact Pikes Place Market is very well known for their famous fish throwing.  My favorite thing to buy at the market is the fresh flowers.  Bigger and prettier than anything you will see in flower shops, but more fragrant and much cheaper.  I can honestly say that there is not a single trip to Seattle's open air market that has not left me feeling welcome in that busy city.

~Sarah~

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.  ~From the movie Annie

This post was sent in by Sarah, and I absolutely agree with her Pike Place market is FANTASTIC!!  When we visited we of course took the girls down to where they throw fish. There are quaint little shops for clothing, loose leaf teas, Polish Pottery, cafés, fresh produce and flowers- GORGEOUS flowers and places to dine galore! From great little side street booths with fresh Chinese Bao, Irish Pubs with awesome Steak and Kidney pies- SO good to fine dinning. So much to see! THANK YOU Sarah for sharing with us! Share your little gem with is!  To send in your post click here for the email address.- Natesgirl

Help me post on Here for the Food!

This is a little silly just me posting! I want to see whats out there!!  So, if you go out to eat and would like to I'd love a review of the place and or pictures. Not much for words? Send me a picture of something fun, quirky or interesting about places you like to eat out at, or a picture of your favorite dish! I'll post them on this blog, after I read/look them over, this blog is my baby so I want to see what's being posted. I think it would be cool to see what everyone's eating out there! Posts can also be about farmers markets you frequent, pick your own farms, specialty markets or specialty foods you purchase.Tell me all about it!

For each posting please include

Name of the place

Location- cross streets if it's a hot dog stand etc

City and State

If you'd recommend the place to others.

The rest is up to you!

You can add costs, dishes/foods you like there, if it's child friendly. Dress code. 

Email posts to hereforthefoodblog AT hotmail. com (no spaces)
Your post doesn't have to be professional or perfect, look at mine! The grammar or lack there of bites and the pictures are amateur, let's just have fun with it.