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We’re taking a trip to Animal Kingdom’s Asia for lunch today, at none other than Local Food Cafes. Learn About: Yak and Yeti Counter ServiceAnimal Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsThis counter service spot is known by a few monikers, and might be best known as “Yak & Yeti Counter Service.” It sits directly next door to one of my very favorites eateries, the Yak & Yeti Restaurant (I’ve learned to live with my near constant craving for their Fried Wontons dessert). And indeed the full name is Yak & Yeti/Anandapur Local Food Cafes. Name aside, it’s a convenient stop for anyone who has just faced the Yeti on Expedition Everest, or is looking to dry off in the sun after a drenching on Kali River Rapids. The focus here is Asian food featured in an assortment of rice bowls, salads, and wraps. In fact, today we’ll be sampling one of each, so please join us! Local Food Cafes sign AtmosphereAt first glance, the only thing you can really see are the ordering counters, and long lines here often accompany them. Local Food Cafes Local Food Cafes blends in so well with its surroundings that I often think people see the lines before they notice the ordering stations and menus. There can be a brief moment of confusion for many guests who wonder where to go after receiving their orders, and that’s where a few more signs come in handy, pointing you to the right. Sign to seating Sign to seating That’s also where you’ll find your utensils and a fairly large assortment of condiments ranging from Soy Sauce, Duck Sauce, and Hot Sauce to ketchup and mustard. Condiment cart Utensils A tip: there is hardly ever a line at the second cart towards the back seating, since most people have already stocked up at the first cart just past the ordering station. It appears, at first, that seating is just one long row of tables right next to the Quality Beverages window (home of the Yak Attack!). Immediate seating area But the more you wind around, the more seating you’ll find. It goes on… Seating and on… Seating and on. All seating here is outside, though some of it is covered. And, as always, there plenty of details for your eyes to take in, specifically towards the back areas. Details and decoration Details and decoration Details and decoration I really like the way stories are continued all over Animal Kingdom. For instance, the first sign below says “Stop Tetak Logging Company,” bringing to mind the illegal logging and deforestation methods that guests are made aware of through the Kali River Rapids attraction near by. Posters Posters Though there is less shade, I think the prime spots are right next to the calming water fountain. Table by the water fountain Water fountain And, since it is Animal Kingdom, you never know who might drop by. Please do not feed the birds As always, though, Animal Kingdom requests that you please not feed the animals. Now it’s just time to feed ourselves! EatsLocal Food Cafes features hot food of premium quality. Here’s how we know this: Hot Food, Premium Quality More specifically, though , the menu at Local Food Cafes has gone through a makeover in recent months. While the focus remains on Asian fare, newer items include the Korean Stir-fry Barbecue Chicken, along with the items I tried: the Teriyaki Beef Bowl, Roasted Vegetable Couscous Wrap, and Ginger Chicken Salad. Local Food Cafes menu Before we dig in, you won’t see any of those fun Yak & Yeti takeout boxes for the dishes I ordered, but rest assured that they’re still in use for some of the entrees, like the Honey Chicken, which survived the menu changes. Fun serving containers The Teriyaki Beef Bowl sounded right up my alley: marinated beef, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms in teriyaki sauce, served with white rice. Teriyaki Beef Bowl I thought the white and black sesame seeds were a nice touch — I don’t recall seeing that in many other dishes here. Black and white sesame seeds All of the ingredients for a good meal were there: a plentiful portion, the light touch of the teriyaki, and nicely cooked, non-mushy vegetables of a decent variety. However, the star of the show — the beef — was tough and chewy, making it really difficult to enjoy. Teriyaki Beef When all was said and done, I just couldn’t get past the texture. A shame, since the previous Beef Lo Mein dish here had some dedicated fans. I think next time I’ll opt to try the Stir-fry Barbecue Chicken, since I’ve liked chicken dishes here in the past. Wish I could say the same for this one. Next up: the Roasted Vegetable Wrap with Couscous. This comes accompanied by a Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce, and a side of packaged grapes. Roasted Vegetable Couscous wrap There is a lot about this dish that you won’t glean from the name and menu description. For starters, if you’re thinking, “Wow, that looks like a whole lotta couscous, and not much veggie,” you are correct ;). The emphasis here is definitely on the grain over the veggies; I only spied a few slices of onion, green pepper, and chickpeas throughout the mixture. I’d just call it a couscous wrap, personally. Roasted Vegetable Couscous wrap Once I got over that, though, I found this to be a nice surprise. There was a terrific presence of curry which I really like, but since it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, that’s good to know. The other boost came from the accompanying Lemon Herb Yogurt sauce, which is flavored heavily with garlic and carries a fair bit of spicy heat. I found it to be delicious and addicting. I actually detected only a small hint of citrus, but the taste was so good otherwise I didn’t mind. So basically, my experience was the exact opposite of what I expected: I was much more excited to try the Beef Bowl than the wrap, but walked away having enjoyed the wrap much more. Chock it up to one more win for Animal Kingdom’s above par vegetarian fare. Lastly, I tried the Ginger Chicken Salad. Ginger Chicken Salad Ginger Dressing It’s simply greens and grilled chicken with ginger dressing and crunchy noodles alongside. This one matched what I’ve come to expect from salads at Disney: I’m consistently pretty pleased with the level of freshness. Ginger Chicken Salad Ginger Salad with accompanying toppings Though the ginger dressing is tasty (sweet and tangy at the same time) and the noodles add some fun crunch, it’s not terribly unique from other chicken salads you’ll find on property (for instance, the Asian Salad with Chicken at ABC Commissary bears a strong resemblance, though that one is helped along with a hearty helping of edamame). But it still fits the bill for being a good option for someone on the hunt for something less heavy, and — perhaps even better — a chilled option on a hot day. OverallI’ve always had a soft spot for Local Food Cafes because it was somewhere I really liked visiting on vacation in the days before I lived in Florida, back when my entire goal was soaking up as much sun as possible before returning to the snowy north. Where Restaurantosaurus and Pizzafari will bring you fun and whimsy, the atmosphere at Local Food Cafes transports you and really keeps you immersed in the Anandapur marketplace, all while providing some decent eats. True, a few dishes definitely standout more than others, and from my previous experiences the hot chicken dishes tend to rise to the top here (and I’m happy I can give the Couscous wrap a thumbs up, too). Even though my beef bowl wasn’t what I was hoping, I still give Local Food Cafes a recommendation if you’re looking for some tastes outside of the burger and pizza variety in a truly unique setting. Which new menu item will you be trying? Let us know in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Anandapur Local Food Cafes (Yak and Yeti Counter Service) in Animal Kingdom “Savory, Heavenly” Anandapur Local Food Cafes Review: Triple Yeti Blast at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

Orange County students will no longer face the possibility of being offered Satanic coloring books or Bibles between classes under a new policy adopted by the School Board on Tuesday night. View the full article

Jon Stewart, who turned his biting and free-wheeling humor into an unlikely source of news and analysis for viewers of "The Daily Show," will leave as host this year, Comedy Central said Tuesday. View the full article

NBC has decided to suspend anchor Brian Williams six months without pay, the network announced Tuesday night. View the full article

Don't let the beautiful sun rays and bright blue skies fool you this Valentine's Day weekend. View the full article

As the sport of golf struggles and courses continue to shut down, Orange County is trying to stem the fallout in its communities before the situation worsens. View the full article

This Valentine’s Day, treat your special someone to a blissful day at Laniwai Spa at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Walt Disney Imagineering designed this “freshwater heaven” to pamper guests in ways that enhance connections to nature and encourage personal enlightenment. Today, the “Discover with Me” series continues with a tour of the Kula Wai – the only outdoor hydrotherapy garden on O‘ahu! Every guest that books one of the nearly 150 treatments at the Laniwai Spa receives complimentary access to this 5,000-square-foot garden. Paul, a Laniwai Spa cast member, shows what spa guests can discover at this tropical oasis in the video below! Learn more about the treatments available–including therapies specially designed for couples–available at the Laniwai Spa here. How will you celebrate your loved one this Valentine’s Day at Aulani? Leave your answer in the comments below! Discover With Me: Kula Wai at the Laniwai Spa at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Today, the “Discover with Me” series continues with a tour of the Kula Wai – the only outdoor hydrotherapy garden on O'ahu! http://di.sn/6007Lej9 To read more, visit the Disney Parks...From:Disney ParksViews:80ratingsTime:02:11More inTravel & Events

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – After aborting its second attempt to launch a satellite because of high-level wind shear Tuesday, SpaceX has one more shot for liftoff this week on Wednesday evening. View the full article

At an emotional hearing attended by the mother of Lily Quintus, Orange County commissioners agreed to move forward today with an ordinance that would mandate protective measures against vehicle crashes outside area daycare centers. View the full article

I’m looking forward to the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort that will be held February 19-22. My fiancée will be participating in the Glass Slipper Challenge, so I’m excited to cheer for her and other runners throughout the weekend. She recently asked me about the merchandise that will be offered during the event, so I visited the merchandise events team to get a sneak preview. Like previous year’s events, we will offer a variety of apparel items with the Princess Half Marathon logo including T-shirts, jackets, tank tops and headwear. There will also be drinkware, pins and a necklace. I like the colorful new ear hat with an attached veil. There will also be an ear hat with Olaf for the Kids’ Races. You may recall that we released a blue, runDisney-themed retail MagicBand during the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend in January. I’m happy to share that item will return along with a new pink MagicBand. Both of these items are limited release and will have a retail of $24.95 each. They can be “linked later” which makes them perfect gifts for someone training for a future runDisney race at Walt Disney World Resort. For those participating in the Glass Slipper Challenge, you will also find apparel and home goods. I think the taglines on the backs of both running jackets are great! We will also release a variety of Sweaty Bands and Bondi Bands containing event logos. The D-Tech on Demand boutique in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace will also offer unique artwork for guests. You can create and customize a case for the following mobile phones: iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5/5S/5C, iPhone 6/6+, Samsung Galaxy SIII, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Samsung Galaxy S5. Finally, we’ll have a few new Disney Princess-themed Dooney & Bourke handbags designed by Disney Design Group. Select bags will contain a specially designed Princess Half Marathon 2015 hangtag. These items and more will be released at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Expo will be open during the following times: Thursday, February 19 – 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.Friday, February 20 – 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.Saturday, February 21 – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.First Look at New Items for Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Are you unsure about what to get your Valentine this February 14? Our Disneyland Resort candy makers have been hard at work trying to make your gift-finding job a little easier. Our candy makers’ top pick is an apple dipped in caramel, enrobed in milk chocolate, decorated with pink sanding sugar, candy-coated chocolate polka dots and adorned with a pink bow. What a treat for any Valentine. Of course, you can’t go wrong with our gourmet apple of the month, Black Forest. Sinfully delicious, the apple has been dipped in creamy caramel and dark chocolate, adorned in almonds and sweet cherries and drizzled on top with milk chocolate. Looking for something a bit sweeter? Other sweet selections for you to choose from include white, milk and dark chocolate-dipped strawberries, a marshmallow wand and krispy treat. Find all of these delicious sweets now at Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park; Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure park; and Marceline’s Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District. What are you getting your Valentine? February Brings Sweet Valentine’s Surprises from the Candy Kitchens at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It stirred up quite the controversy when the Chicken Skewers were removed from the menu last spring at ‘Ohana. Learn About: ‘OhanaPolynesian Resort Disney World RestaurantsThis popular restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort features an assortment of meats grilled over an open-flame and served family style. In recent months since the removal of the Chicken Skewers, featured meats have been Sweet and Sour Pork Loin, Szechuan Sirloin Steak, and Spicy Peel-and-Eat Shrimp. While chicken was still available in the form of Honey-Coriander Wings, it was no longer an entree. However, as of today, we’re hearing anecdotal confirmation of a return as well as seeing chicken back under the “Skewers” menu at ‘Ohana on the official Walt Disney World website! Here’s a screen shot of the newly revised menu on the Walt Disney World website, listing Sweet and Sour Chicken. You may notice that the chicken dish has replaced the Sweet and Sour Pork Loin on the menu. ‘Ohana menu screen shot We’ve also seen mention (and a picture!) of the chicken on the Facebook page of our good friend, Tikiman. Grilled Chicken at ‘Ohana — photo via a Disney Food Blog guest author Now, as always, things are subject to change and change quickly in regards to menu offerings. However, if you are dining at ‘Ohana this week, we’d love to hear about your experience! What do you think of the newly revised ‘Ohana menu? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: New Menu Item at ‘Ohana in Disney World’s Polynesian Resort News! Menu Changes at ‘Ohana and Earl of Sandwich in Disney World Guest Review: Tambu Lounge and ‘Ohana View the full article

An Orlando woman has filed a federal lawsuit claiming that white employees at Disney World subjected her to racial discrimination, harassment and criticism about her high heels and ‘updo’ hair style. View the full article

Valentine’s Day is still a few days away, but the Disney Parks Blog team is ready to start celebrating! Over the next few days we’ll share new desktop/mobile wallpapers that showcase some of our most lovable Disney characters and favorite Disney couples. Today’s wallpaper features Mickey’s faithful, cuddlesome pup, Pluto. To download, simply click on the image below. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. And check out our complete gallery of wallpapers on our special page. Celebrate Valentine’s Day With Pluto by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (NYSE:HOT) is spinning off its timeshare business, Starwood Vacation Ownership, into a separate publicly traded company that will be headquartered in Orlando. View the full article

A Houston family is walking 4,000 miles from Disneyland in California to Disney World in Florida in honor of their late daughter. View the full article

We are about a month away from the start of the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot. Since winter weather blankets most of North America, I figured a look ahead to spring was a perfect idea. I recently dug up details about new items guests will see starting March 4 when this annual festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort. The merchandise events team has created a variety of items especially for this event including apparel, drinkware, accessories and more. This year, the Sorcerer Mickey topiary takes center stage as the main logo on several items including a coffee mug, magnet, and tote bag (the mug features a hidden broom topiary image inside). I love the new topiary-inspired headband with a Sorcerer’s hat and a gardening hat with mouse ears. The Disney pin team created several limited edition pins featuring the topiaries that will be found throughout the theme park including the new Anna and Elsa topiaries inspired by Disney’s “Frozen”. Olaf from Disney’s “Frozen” will join Mickey and Minnie Mouse as new garden decorations (the thought of Olaf next to the rain gauge makes me laugh!). Finally, we will release a new Dooney & Bourke collection designed by Disney Design Group artist Paola Gutierrez. This black-and-white pattern shows silhouettes of Disney characters riding vintage bicycles (you may recall seeing the artwork in this story from early January. Select bags released during the Festival will include a specially designed hangtag. There are no immediate plans to carry these bags at Disneyland Resort or on our Disney Parks online store; they will only be found at Epcot during this initial release. These items will be released at the Festival Center, a themed shopping and demonstration area located between Mission: SPACE and Universe of Energy pavilions at Epcot. This year, the Festival Center will be open Friday-Sunday during the Festival Weekends. Items will also be found in other merchandise locations in Future World and World Showcase. Stay tuned as I’ll provide a first look inside the Festival Center around the start of the event in March. I’ll also have details about a new retail MagicBand created for this event that you won’t want to let go. First Look at New Products Coming to 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

“Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear…” well, you know the rest. We all know this song as the anthem to a very special day! A day filled with laughter, love and celebration. But can you imagine celebrating your special day at the place where dreams come true? For those of you who’d love a birthday celebration at Walt Disney World or the Disneyland Resort, you’re going to love this! And according to the “Discover Your Disney Side” quiz, if your loved one is fun, enthusiastic, sweet, kind, loyal or your best pal, then read on because this post is also for you! If you’re just joining us and wondering what the excitement is all about, check out our introduction post to this year’s Disney 14 Days of Love and take the quiz! One of the most popular requests we receive from guests is, “Can Mickey come to our resort room to wish my child a Happy Birthday?” So our creative team took on the challenge and designed a birthday celebration experience that felt just as if Mickey and the gang came to your Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort room! Imagine this: you just celebrated your child’s birthday with a full day in the parks. As you return to your Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort room, you notice a “Happy Birthday” banner hanging on your door. When you open the door, you see that your resort room is filled with surprises left by Mickey and the rest of the Fab 5, all in celebration of your child’s birthday! Imagine the jaw-dropping memory you’ll create. With Mickey and Pals Big Birthday Wish at Walt Disney World and Mickey and Friends Birthday Bash at the Disneyland Resort, every member of the Disney Fab 5 brought goodies and surprises to create a one-of-a-kind surprise in celebration of their special birthday! Mickey Mouse made sure to bring essential birthday party items including birthday ears and balloons. And in true Minnie fashion, that sweet mouse brought a delicious candy cake. Goofy, Donald and Pluto also brought along surprises for the celebration, including a few “goofy” gags, “quacky” surprises and “doggy” keepsakes. And, you can also customize these experiences as well as personalize them. For example, you can add on additional birthday ears for the rest of the family as well as have them embroidered. After you enjoy it here, take it with you and use it year after year for birthday celebrations at home. These resort experiences are available now for purchase. You can order Mickey and Pals Big Birthday Wish at Disney World Floral & Gifts online or speak with a Dream Maker at 407-WDW-GIFT. For Mickey and Friends Birthday Bash at Disneyland, you can order online or call a Dream Maker 714-781-GIFT. Once ordered our Dream Makers will prepare the surprise for you while you’re away from your room. And speaking of surprises, I have a secret to share. Our creative team has begun re-imagining this grand celebration to bring an all new, over-the-top experience right to your Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort room. In the spirit of Disney 14 Days of Love, I’m giving you an exclusive look at some of our concept art for this brand new experience! The picture below represents possible art for five new bins for the new birthday surprise. What do you think? Each collapsible bin will feature goodies and surprises from each character, all in celebration of your big day! It’s slated to launch on both coasts fall of 2015. And, there’s more in store! So, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and DisneyFloralandgifts.com at Disney World and DisneyFloralandGifts.com for Disneyland. And be sure to join me tomorrow for day eleven of Disney 14 Days of Love, where I’ll be sharing romantic ideas for expressing your affection on Valentine’s Day. So now that you’ve seen some of the concept art for the brand new birthday celebration, what do you think? We want your feedback! Share which bin is your favorite and tell us what else you’d like to see in your birthday surprise by commenting below or using #Disney14DaysofLove. See you tomorrow! Create a Big Birthday Celebration with 14 Days of Love by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

SANFORD – A state prison inmate who's a suspect in one of the most prominent missing persons case in Central Florida is back in court today. View the full article

A new poll from Quinnipiac University finds that Florida voters are feeling pretty good about the economy and things in general, but still aren't too happy with Gov. Rick Scott, who continues to have higher disapproval than approval ratings. View the full article

WASHINGTON, D.C. — When Victor Oladipo was growing up in the suburban Washington area, he often wondered what it might be like to play for the Wizards. View the full article

We’re stopping in for a quick, midday bite to eat at Cookes of Dublin! Learn About: Cooke’s of DublinDowntown Disney Disney World RestaurantsYou’ll find this little fish and chips shop at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney, adjacent to Raglan Road Irish Pub. In fact, it’s part of that complex and shares a kitchen with the Pub. Cookes has been a consistently reliable stop for a quick, hot meal every time we’ve visited. And we think they serve some of the best Fish and Chips around. But I simply can’t resist their Irish Vintage Cheese and Bacon Dip (and you shouldn’t, either). But on a recent trip, we decided to branch out a bit and try a few other menu options! Let’s check out what we sampled this time out. AtmosphereYou’ll find Cookes of Dublin around the corner from Raglan Road. If you’re coming from the Downtown Disney parking lots directly in front of Raglan Road, you’ll veer right, just past the gift shop and Hole in the Wall Bar. Cookes of Dublin — Outside As you wait in the queue to order, be sure to take in Cookes Philosophy. This spot is more quick service than counter service; you can expect a bit of a wait while your food is cooked to order, but it won’t take long. Philosophy This is a really, really small space, but it’s not without charm. Trim on the floor and the counter are vintage-looking tile in classic Slytherin colors (probably coincidental), and there are plenty of brass accents as well. Cookes Ordering Counter Once you place your order, you can proceed to the right side of the ordering area, where you’ll pick up condiments and fill your drink cups. Condiments You’ll find a full array of toppers for your meal, including some familiar favorites. After all, you can’t have fish and chips without malt vinegar and tartar sauce. Additional Condiments – Gotta Have Malt Vinegar for Fish and Chips! You’ll also get your own drinks at the Beverage Station. Fountain Drink Station This old-fashioned mirror with the name of the restaurant on it has nothing neon or flashy about it, but it perfectly conveys that vintage tone achieved by the rest of the decor. Cookes of Dublin Mirror Sign I’ve always been puzzled by this teeny-tiny seating area. More than once, I’ve wondered where in the world I was going to sit once I had my food (somehow, it always works out, though). But recently, while on Raglan Road’s website, I noticed that Cookes is specifically billed as a take-away spot. They never really planned for you to hang around. There are a few tables outdoors as well, but if this spot is busy, you’ll be waiting a while for a seat. Seating Area The walls are covered with portraiture and more mirrors, which lend an air of family history and make the space feel a little larger. Seating Area Decor Now that we’ve taken the tour — such as it is! — let’s check out the dishes we decided to sample on this visit. EatsIf you’ve been to Cookes — well, anytime, pretty much — you’ll notice that the menu offerings and prices have changed very little. That’s a good thing! It’s always nice to find something you love and know that you can keep getting it. Menu – Click to Enlarge The Kids’ Menu stays on theme as well, but you should be able to find something for little ones to eat with a wide array of kid-friendly options. Kid’s Menu – Click to Enlarge I’ve had Cookes Fish and Chips special, the One and One, lots of times. It’s some of the best fish and chips I’ve had in the States — always fresh and delicious. Fish and Chips — The Original One and One And while I was not equally enamored with their Battered Burger, I think there’s some serious potential there. Battered Burger and Chips from Cookes of Dublin Others swear by the traditional Meat Pies that you can get at Cookes. Again — such an awesomely authentic taste of Ireland, and it’s something you can’t really get around these parts unless you’re willing to make them at home. Beef and Lamb Pie with Chips These were all good, solid choices on previous visits. But today, we were out to show you a couple of new options. My Dad went with the Battered Chicken Tenders. He wanted something a little lighter on the side though, and opted to replace the traditional thick-cut Chips with a Side Salad. The batter on the Chicken, which is the same as you get on the fish and other selections, was crisp and not greasy. The Salad was fresh and the dressing has the flavor of something made in house from scratch. Battered Chicken Tenders and Side Salad I decided to go for the Mini Irish Style Battered Sausages and Chips. Now, if you’ve ever dined and Raglan Road and you’ve ordered the Dalkey Duo, these little sausages should be familiar to you. Mini Irish Style Battered Sausages and Chips They’re incredibly delicious, with just a little bit of kick that I love. They aren’t served with that killer creamy mustard sauce that you get with the Dalkey Duo, though. Bummer. Still, it’s a delicious and different take on lunch, and I enjoyed them. The chips were nicely golden and delicious, too. Chips and Sausages — Up Close Here, you’ll get a sense of what the sausages are like — light in color, sort of like bratwurst, but with lots of good spice and flavor. Battered Sausages — Inside I mentioned the Irish Vintage Cheese and Bacon Dip above earlier. It makes a great extra alongside just about anything you order. We’ve dipped chips, chicken, burgers, fish — you name it! It’s so amazing, and definitely worth a few bucks extra for something pretty unique. Vintage Cheese and Bacon Dip at Cookes of Dublin And don’t forget to take a tour of the dessert menu! It’s hard to pass up a Doh-Bar — a donut battered Snickers or Mars Bar. Yup. Deep fried deliciousness in dessert form. How could you resist?? Doh-Bar! With another delicious meal from Cookes in the books, we headed out for a little Downtown Disney Shopping. OverallWhat’s not to love about Cookes? The warm, vintage decor, the delicious and varied menu of comfort foods, the consistent quality. Simply put, we’ve never had a bad experience here. Sure, they could do with a little more seating, and it would be great if you could get a pint here, rather than having to go next door to the Hole in the Wall to grab a beer. Even so, it’s a winner. All of its attributes — plus that amazing dip!! — work together to make this a highly recommended stop if you’re looking for some good food in the Downtown Disney area. Try Cookes. I think you’ll be happy you did. Will you be stopping by Cookes for some delicious, Ireland-inspired eats? Leave a comment and tell us what looks good to you! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Cookes of Dublin in Downtown Disney DFB Must-Have: Irish Vintage Cheese and Bacon Dip at Cookes of Dublin Guest Review: Cookes of Dublin in Downtown Disney View the full article

TALLAHASSEE – FSU followed the formula it needed for an upset over No. 4 Duke. View the full article

Cold is better than heat and heat is preferable to rain, though the end result between heat and rain often is the same – a wet body. Cool is without a doubt the best. View the full article