On day 4, we ventured out to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
where we had two goals: ride two of the best rides, Tower of Terror and Rockin’
Rollercoaster, as many times as we can and get last minute reservations for
50’s Prime Time Café at 11:00am so we have enough time to let our tummies
settle before dinner at Hollywood Brown Derby. Mission: Accomplished.
50’s Prime Time Café is every parents dream and every
child’s nightmare. Inspired by the 1950’s culture and lifestyle, every bit of
this restaurant from the décor to the personality of the table servers brings
you back in time and places you smack dab in the middle of a 1950’s family
home. Our host, personifying a high-school nerd, high socks and all, guided is
to our dining room style table equipped with an antique TV playing everyone’s
favorite 1950 shows in black-and-white. The greatest thing about this
restaurant is that you have no idea who’s taking care of you that day. Could it
be the ruling momma who slaps your elbows off the table and demands you to finish
your plate or else? Or the kind aunt who likes a cocktail or two? Or how about
crazy, cousin Bob? Apparently, mom and dad were out for the night and well,
cousin Bob was there to babysit.
After demanding us to the set table ourselves cause in his
words, he was too lazy, cousin Bob took our order. Now I only came there for
one thing: a Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake. YES! I gave Bob
my order and well, I got the crazy look. He said I was demanding, but I didn’t
get offended. I knew he was playing a role. At least I hope. At any rate,
according to Bob that wasn’t enough. Although they had a Vegan Meatball and
Spaghetti dish which I devoured on our last trip here, this time I wanted
something light just to hold me over til dinner. So I went for a simple plain
Caesar Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette. Nothing fancy, but I thought it was
important to have some greens with that milkshake.
After watching cousin Bob struggle to pour my milkshake into
my glass, which you know I enjoyed every minute of, although I can’t say the
same for him (LOL), I finally got a taste of my long waited peanut buttery
milkshake. And boy was it peanut buttery! And sweet! It was a lot to devour,
but when it comes to peanut butter, no drop is left behind! Just a note, they
are filling so I recommend sharing one; unless you’re greedy like me, then have
at it!
After THAT a walk, or three, around the park was very much
needed... I had to burn off that milkshake to make room for dinner.
Dinner time rolled around and we headed back to Hollywood
Brown Derby to experience dinner like the movie stars. As a replica of the
original restaurant located in LA, this restaurant had the same 1920’s movie
star feel and vibe. It was very nostalgic and left me feeling as if I was
missing several pieces to my outfit, like long gloves, a boa and a long-stemmed
cigarette?
After being seated, our waitress Lynn, came over,
congratulated us on our anniversary (kudos once more to Disney!) and offered us
a complimentary glass of champagne beautifully garnished with a strawberry
slice, as well a fun shower of stars to decorate our table.
Now making my order was quite simple. There was only one
vegan dish on the menu according to my waitress and based on previous research,
the Noodle Bowl – a giant bowl filled with rice noodles, edamame beans,
mushrooms and other yummy veggies swimming in a broth seasoned with Red Curry
and topped with a seriously large piece of wok-fried coconut tofu. I was quite shocked by the massive size of
the tofu which turned out to be pleasant in both taste and texture. For those
of who know tofu, texture can make or break a tofu based dish. Thankfully, this
was firm tofu which seemed to be well pressed. The outside was well seasoned
and crusted with coconut providing a contrasting crunch to the softer interior.
I really liked it. Actually, the tofu was the highlight of the dish; my
favorite part. Overall, the dish was tasty and very soothing, but nothing
different then other Asian inspired noodle soups that I have had. Again, the
coconut crusted block of tofu is what really sets this noodle bowl apart from
others.
After filling up to near capacity on soup and noodles, we
were offered to see a dessert menu. I had viewed it previously online and I had
seen no dessert dish that could have even been veganized. So I asked my
waitress if they had any vegan desserts available. Her response was that she
believes most of them are. As she walked to get the dessert menus, I looked at
my husband in horror. He said, “I don’t think she knows what a vegan is”. But I
had explained it before! I panicked wondering if my noodle dish really was
vegan, but remembered that I had looked it up previously online where it was
noted that it was a vegan dish. However, you will soon learn in future posts,
you can’t trust the internet either (Sigh). So lesson learned, always call the
chef and pray he or she understands what you are talking about. Better yet,
follow the same rules as those with allergies: check once before you arrive and
make a note with the chef ahead if applicable; check twice with the
waiter/waitress and/or chef before you order; and check a third time when the
food arrives, especially if you’re skeptical. I’ve gotten so comfortable in my
veganism and how mainstream it has become that I forget to do the third check
and just assume.
Looking at the menu and feeling quite stuffed, we both
denied dessert and ended our meal on a good note. Of course, I craved dessert
so what to get? Well we decided to wait and stay for the Fantasmic show, which
is one of the best Disney shows to watch no matter how many times you attend!
Of course nothing is better at a nighttime live show then…cotton candy and
cinnamon-sugar coated almonds (and something that lights up!)! Yeah I know it’s
loaded with sugar but it’s a once in a very rare blue moon that I actually
purchase and eat cotton candy so hey why not. I was enjoying the moment. And my
sweet tooth craving…satisfied!
Although it was a sugar-loading day, one in which I’m sure I
gained a pound from alone, it was also a day of nostalgic eating. From the
present to the 50’s to the 1920’s, every dining moment was a different
experience, even if the food wasn’t as different. While I would always return
to the 50’s Prime Time Café for a vegan milkshake, I can’t say I want to return
back to Hollywood Brown Derby. Unless, of course, they offer to serve me two
Coconut Crusted Tofu blocks with some veggies and then I may give in.
-Beth
-Beth
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