Lately I've been obsessed with tasting menus.
Perhaps I've been partially influenced by Sona as I visited there multiple times in the past few months to get my fill before they closed a few weeks back. Or perhaps I just developed food ADD lately. In any case, I've been attempting to recreate the tasting experience at home and wherever I go, with the most recent tasting at Disneyland.
Most visitors to the happiest place on earth are there for the rides—I used to as well. Being in the school's marching band since I was in the 4th grade up till I graduated from high school, my friends and I would look forward to the annual trip to Disneyland where we got to spend a day at the park in exchange for performing at their parade. We strategically planned out our days at the park, sprinting to each ride to gather up fast passes to effectively bypass the endless lines. Food then weren't so important—a quick trip to the clam chowder stand was all we needed.
Now, after countless trips, I wanted to see Disneyland in a new light, and what better way than through food?
1st course: Corn Dog
Located in a stage coach near the fire station, this is not to be missed. Fried to ordered, the meaty frank gets a crunchy corn bread batter—heavy on the corn meal for added texture—jacket and it is incredible. Think Hot Dog on a Stick x 10. If you want to feel healthier, get some apples on the side.
2nd course: Steak Gumbo
I had already subconsciously walked to my favorite eatery, as I like to call it, chowder corner. But this day being the day to explore, my foodie partner, Lucky, chose the steak gumbo instead for the next course. A pretty decent specimen, it's a hearty stew of rice, beef, okra and assorted veggies. But, the clam chowder still has my heart.
3rd course: Clam Chowder
Needless to say, it was back to the OG slurry for me. A powerfully briny potage, wonderfully tempered by the mild sourdough bread, it was extremely comforting, transporting me back to my band days.
After the chowders, a quick excursion to (the outside of) Club 33 to in order to walk off the soup. For those who don't know, Club 33 is a top-secret, membership only restaurant in Disneyland. I was lucky enough to witness 2 making their way in… evidently, you have to buzz the intercom and say some sort of password before being admitted inside. Tres cool.
4th course: Pineapple Whip
After a few rides down my belt, it was time for dessert. Lucky recommended the pineapple whip, which I thought was a type of taffy but couldn't be more wrong. Found only in one spot in Disneyland (next to the Tiki Room), pineapple whip is a refreshing frozen soft serve made from Dole pineapples and possibly magic. I am quite sure though that it doesn't have dairy as I was fine after eating my fill—and I'm highly lactose intolerant.
5th course: Turkey Leg
Few more rides after and a princess makeover (don't ask), we made our way back to the middle of the park to experience another Disneyland famed food item: the Turkey Leg. Slowly roasting under heating lamps, these mammoth drumsticks are the bee's knees. Moist, salty (it was like turkey ham) and fatty, it was the trifecta of medieval goodness. As I savagely polished off the hunk of meat, families looked in horror. Note to self: find a discreet location for said feast.
6th course: Churro
Following the turkey carnage, I was in the mood for something sweet again—such is a wretched endless cycle—so we concluded the food marathon with the classic churro. Crunchy exterior, soft interior and cinnamon sugar coating, it was the perfect ending to the perfect day.
Until the next time!
* Images courtesy of Lucky
