Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers in the United States! I thought we'd celebrate today by talking about our favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World.
My
wife and I have eaten at the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's
Hollywood Studios several times through the years. It's a bit expensive,
indeed! However, it's the only Signature Restaurant at the Studios and
is 2 Table Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan. Regardless, we
feel it is well worth the price!
Let's head over and I'll tell you why!
The original Brown Derby was opened at 3427 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, in 1926.
The Brown Derby began a licensing program with the Walt Disney Company in 1987.
If
you aren't sure if there will be anything you'd like to eat, or to
decide if it might be a bit too pricey, check out the menu before you
enter.
The Cast Members here are very friendly and seasoned. Some have been here since the Studios opened in 1989!
The
interior transports you back to the golden age of Hollywood, with
portraits and caricatures of movie stars adorning the walls.
Despite the upscale feel, there is no dress code. Shorts and t-shirts are fine.
My wife and friends, Kandi and John.
But enough of all that, what about the food?!
Now,
I could come up with a multitude of complimentary adjectives for each
item I'm about to present, which were sampled by my wife and friends,
but I'm going to just say right now, everything is delicious. I will,
however, point out some highlights.
Lets start with the starters, also known as the appetizers.
First there is the
Portsmouth Lobster Bisque, with Tarragon oil, and a Brentwood sweet corn-lobster relish.
Next we have
Blue Lump Crab Spring Rolls, snow crab claw and an Asian slaw with spicy miso aioli.
And finally, my favorite of the 3,
Feuilles de Brick Napoleon of Blue Affine, with wild mushroom duxelle, grilled portobello, golden chanterelles, and a fig reduction.
This next item can be an appetizer or an entree, it is so large. I've had it for both.
It is also a signature dish at this signature restaurant.
Our Famous Brown Derby Cobb Salad is made with finely chopped greens, turkey breast, egg, bacon,
tomatoes, crumbled bleu cheese, avocado, chives and Cobb dressing.
Your server will even ask if you'd like to have it mixed for you.
On to the entrees.
Sterling Silver Pork-seared Tenderloin, with
herb and four-cheese spaetzle with applewood smoked bacon, shallots,
sweet peppers, braised red cabbage and an apple cider jus.
Spit-Roasted Leg of Lamb, with lyonnaise potatoes, garlic buttered hericot verts and a red zinfandel sauce.
Duck Two Ways,
which is Crispy duck Magret and Duck confit, with apple-rosemary
stuffing over a butternut squash, mascarpone anolini and maple brown
butter.
On our last 3 visits, I've gotten what I consider to be the BEST pork chop I've ever eaten, the
Sterling Silver
Pork Chop, with smoked gouda and heirloom apple slaw served over
potato hash with bacon, Napa cabbage, sweet peppers
and a cider jus for $33.00.
A unique item is the
Grapefruit Cake for dessert. Light Layers of Yellow Cake with fresh Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Icing, and a slice of dried grapefruit.
The menu changes frequently, so not every dish I featured here will be on the menu when you visit, but if you visit I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Portions of this article were originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Divas and Devos Blog, where Nick is a contributing writer.
