Monday, June 24, 2013

Safari Skewer at Bengal Barbecue

Last week, I took a short trip to Disneyland. I needed to get my dose of the magic and, of course, some delicious food. I decided to try some things I had never eaten before. I have been to Disneyland many times, but I can always seem to find something new to see, do, or eat.
First, I went to Bengal Barbecue. I had heard that the bacon wrapped asparagus was really good, so I wanted to taste it for myself. It has bacon, so it has to be good, right? 
The Safari Skewer, as it is called on the menu, is one of a few different skewers served at this stand. I just wanted a snack, so this was the only thing I ordered this time. This skewer costs just $3.89. I also got a free small cup of water (Tip: quick-service restaurants will give you small cups of ice water for free). 
There are a few tables around Bengal Barbecue that were taken, so I headed to Aladdin's Oasis. It is a nice, quiet spot nearby with tables and chairs to sit, eat, and relax. This also happens to be where the Aladdin, Jasmine, and sometimes Genie characters appear for meet and greets. It's a little hidden place away from the hustle and bustle of Adventureland. I highly recommend it on a very busy day.
Once I finally sat down and started eating, I devoured this. The asparagus was cooked, but still crisp. And bacon just makes everything taste better. I loved the smoky, barbecue flavor. I will definitely be getting this one again.

Later that night, I also had a very tasty dinner. Check back for my next post to see where I dined.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Red Velvet Pancakes from The Buttermilk Truck

Gourmet food trucks have been incredibly popular for several years now. I have developed a list of a few trucks that I follow in the Los Angeles area. Since breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, The Buttermilk Truck had to be on my list. 
I have tracked down the truck a couple times before and each time I have been drawn to their red velvet pancakes. They are delicious! The mini pancakes are fluffy and rich. Each one has 2 or 3 chocolate chips for just the right amount of chocolate. The chocolate flavor would take over if there were any more than that. The pancakes are sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with a cream cheese maple butter. I like to put a little extra maple syrup on top of my order of pancakes. Yes, this picture above shows an ironing board (not sure why) they had set up as a table to stand and eat your pancakes.
On this particular day, The Buttermilk Truck launched the sale of their very own red velvet pancake mix. I took my mom along with me to the farmers' market to try them out. When we arrived, we went right to the truck and tents they had set up with a photo booth and display of their mix and shirts for sale. They had quite a few people wearing their Klippy tank tops and tee shirts greeting customers. (Klippy is the mascot that you see on the truck and the can of mix.) Right away, they helped us get our pancake mix. Then, my mom and I decided to buy our own Klippy tanks. Finally, we ordered the infamous red velvet pancakes from the truck. 
I was curious to see what my mom's review would be. She is not usually into red velvet (and not a fan of cream cheese), so I was surprised that she was willing to order red velvet pancakes. Here's what she had to say: "I've heard so much about the Buttermilk Truck and even seen it on TV so I was all in to go give it a try. The thoughts running through my head were: That's not gonna fill me up; I want PANcakes not CAKE; and cream cheese...really? After the first bite I realized I was wrong, wrong and wrong!!! I am officially hooked and will proudly slip into my Klippy tank top (That I got at the truck) and zip up the freeway to grab some more soon." She better not go without me!
For those of you not in the L.A. area and can't make it to the truck, you can now order the mix online or maybe find it in a Sur La Table across the country starting in August. In L.A. and Orange County, the mix is available in Bristol Farms and SurfasMore information is available on the Buttermilk Truck's site. The price is $11. They also have recipes for red velvet cupcakes and brownies both using this mix, on their site.
I look forward to recreating these pancakes at home. I'm excited to try the cupcake and brownie recipes as well. I might post how they turn out later in my blog. The next time I visit the truck, I will have to try some of the other menu options. They all sound so good. I can't wait to find them again. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Healthy lunch in New Orleans Square at Disneyland

During a trip to Disneyland a couple weeks ago, I tried the Na Awlin's Salad from the French Market for the first time. I wanted something light and healthy since I knew I would be eating some more indulgent foods later. 
The menu described the salad as a lettuce medley, julienned yams, Granny Smith apples, caramelized pecans, lentils, and tart cherries with a citrus vinaigrette. The price is $10.99. It was hand tossed right in front of me when I ordered. I really enjoyed it. I usually go for a salad with chicken or beef, but this one didn't need it because it was very filling. I loved how the vinaigrette tied in all the flavors really well. I even cleaned my plate(this is rare). And I believe it was a vegan dish which is a great option for many guests. It is also served with your choice of jalepeƱo cheddar cornbread or a dinner roll. I chose the cornbread. I was not as much of a fan of the cornbread. The flavor just was not what I was expecting. Next time, I would get the roll. 
I will probably be enjoying this again this summer while listening to the live jazz band that plays in the seating area and watching all the people moving about New Orleans Square.