Hungry for a hidden food gem in Walt Disney World? This week, we’re diving into Cookes of Dublin at Disney Springs! From iconic fish and chips to mouthwatering desserts and secret Happy Hour deals, we’ll uncover why this overlooked spot might just be Disney’s best-kept dining secret. It’s a quick service dining experience that will surprise and satisfy… and may just be the best value on property!
Summary
In this episode, Lou Mongello and guests Lisa DiNoto Glassner, and Kenneth Johnson delve into the culinary delights of Cooks of Dublin, a hidden gem at Disney Springs offering authentic Irish fare. The lively discussion starts with a unique dish likened to disco fries, featuring fries topped with lightly battered fried chicken, caramelized onions, green peppers, and a flavorful sauce. The group is pleasantly surprised by the quality and innovative twists on traditional fried foods, such as the combo box with fried shrimp and mini Atlantic cod, and the “hog in the box” – a mouthwatering mix of pork, sage stuffing, and more.
Beyond just the food, the episode highlights the rich history and authentic Irish experience provided by Cooks of Dublin and its adjacent establishment, Raglan Road. Open since 1934 in Dublin before establishing roots in Orlando, these locations boast furnishings imported directly from Ireland and a true-to-roots dining ambiance. Patrons can also enjoy the full Raglan Road menu at the adjacent Hole in the Wall bar, indulging in happy hour from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM with crowd favorites like the Bailey shake, rosemary maple whiskey sour, and blueberry mint lemonade at a delightful $10.
The group’s enthusiasm continues with a tasting of diverse desserts such as the Oreo cheesecake, strawberry vanilla cheesecake, and gluten-free pineapple upside-down cake. Lou particularly enjoys the Oreo cheesecake, while Kenneth and Lisa favor other options, showcasing the wide range of preferences that Cook’s of Dublin can cater to. Their conversation extends to the quality and portion sizes of these offerings, noting the surprising lightness in otherwise rich dishes.
Lou wraps up the episode by underscoring the often-overlooked status of Cooks of Dublin, positioning Disney Springs as a dining destination rivaling the theme parks. With exceptional quality, reasonable prices, and a family-friendly atmosphere, this venue promises a rewarding culinary adventure. Listeners are encouraged to visit and share their experiences, further celebrating the hidden treasures within Disney Springs.
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Takeaways
- Certainly! Below is a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in the text, along with relevant sub-topics for each primary topic.
- 1. Introduction to the Podcast and Discussion
- Overview of trying a unique dish with fries, fried chicken, sauce, onions, and peppers.
- Description of the chicken’s preparation and the unusual flavor profile for an Irish restaurant.
- 2. Features of Cooks of Dublin and Raglan Road
- History and authentic elements of Cooks of Dublin.
- Originated in 1934 in Dublin.
- Authentic Irish bars: Raglan Bar and Paddy’s Bar, with furnishings imported from Ireland.
- Dining options and happy hour details.
- Full menu availability from Raglan Road at the Hole in the Wall bar.
- Drinks and pricing during happy hour.
- 3. Guest Impressions and Food Discussions
- Dessert evaluations:
- Oreo cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, lemon dessert.
- Discussion of food quality and texture.
- Light and crispy fried shrimp and fish.
- Shareable portion sizes at affordable prices.
- 4. Dining Experience at Disney Springs
- Comparison of Cooks of Dublin to other Disney Springs venues.
- Less crowded and more affordable.
- Benefits of not requiring Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs).
- General impressions and hidden gem status.
- Appreciation for the relaxed atmosphere and quality of food.
- 5. Detailed Descriptions of Menu Items
- Key dishes and their preparation:
- Hog in the box, combo box with shrimp and fish, chicken tenders, and various sandwiches.
- Specific mentions:
- Fish and chips compared to Yorkshire County Fish Shop.
- Whiskey barbecue burger and Dubliner burger.
- Effective flavor balancing in dishes like burgers and seafood.
- 6. Conversations on Specific Menu Items
- Guest favorites and recommendations:
- Dubliner cheeseburger and its ingredients.
- Sweet and spicy loaded chips and their uniqueness.
- 7. Dessert Choices and Preferences
- Available desserts and mentioned preferences:
- Oreo cheesecake, strawberry vanilla cheesecake, gluten-free pineapple upside-down cake, gluten-free lemon meringue drizzle cake.
- 8. Overall Dining Experience Highlights
- Guest’s favorite moments and food highlights.
- Lou’s closing thoughts on the Disney Springs dining attractions.
- Encouragement to try overlooked quick-service options.
- Emphasis on family-friendly, shareable dining experiences.
- 9. Listener Interactions and Community Engagement
- Listener feedback on the show:
- Specific mentions of scary moments in Disney animated movies.
- Recommendations for potential guests and topics.
- 10. Miscellaneous Discussions
- Weather and its impact on the dining experience.
- Commentary on menu diversity and quality outside typical theme park fare.
- 11. Final Remarks and Listener Appreciation
- Lou Mongello’s appreciation for listener support.
- Invitation for listener feedback and interaction via social media and other means.
Quotes
- Here are some noteworthy quotes from the episode “wdwradio806”:
- Lou Mongello on Disney Springs Dining:
- “Disney Springs is like our fifth theme park, with incredible food offerings that often get overlooked.”
- Lisa Denoto Glassner on the Atmosphere:
- “It’s less crowded, more affordable, and offers a wonderful atmosphere for people-watching. Definitely a hidden gem in Disney Springs.”
- Kenneth Johnson on Sharing Food:
- “Wait, sharing? Who said anything about sharing?”
- Lou Mongello on Value:
- “For about $10 during happy hour, these drinks are not just a great price but also add immense value to your dining experience.”
- Lisa Denoto Glassner on the Oreo Cheesecake:
- “The rich chocolate frosting on the Oreo cheesecake just elevates this dessert to another level.”
- Kenneth Johnson Reflecting on Fish and Chips:
- “This fish is like a surfboard! It’s huge, crispy, and takes me right back to my days in the UK.”
- Lou Mongello’s Take on Raglan Road’s Authenticity:
- “The bars here were actually made and shipped from Ireland. It doesn’t get more authentically Irish than that!”
- Lou Mongello on Exploring New Spots:
- “Even as locals, it’s exciting to still find new, surprising spots at Disney Springs. It’s like an adventure every time.”
- Lisa Denoto Glassner on the Benefits of Cooks of Dublin:
- “You don’t need advance dining reservations, you skip the long waits, and you still get amazing food. What’s not to love?”
- Kenneth Johnson on the “Hog in the Box”:
- “The pulled pork is fantastic and the stuffing and buffalo applesauce just tie everything together perfectly.”
- Lou Mongello on Fish and Chips:
- “The batter is thick, chewy, crispy, yet light, enhancing the flavor of the fish without overpowering it. Absolutely brilliant!”
- Lisa Denoto Glassner on Desserts:
- “You can tell these desserts are made daily from scratch. The freshness and balance of flavors are just spectacular.”
- Kenneth Johnson on the Shrimp Combo:
- “The shrimp has this light, crispy breading with garlic and buttery seasoning that tastes like shrimp scampi. You almost forget it’s fried.”
- Lou Mongello Closing the Episode:
- “Remember, it’s always better to share these experiences with family or friends. And hey, happy hour at Cooks of Dublin is quite the steal.”
- Kenneth Johnson on Happy Hour Drinks:
- “Blueberry lemonade tastes so good, it’s almost like you’re not drinking alcohol. Perfect for a hot day.”
- Lisa Denoto Glassner on the Venue’s Vibe:
- “It’s a relaxing, quiet spot away from the bustling areas, making it perfect for a leisurely meal.”
- By compiling these quotes, you capture the spirit and key takeaways of the episode, reflecting on both the delightful dining experiences and the engaging dynamics among the participants.
Timestamped Overview
- 00:00 Disney World offers underrated, excellent dining experiences.
- 11:53 Excitement over dining options and fish quality.
- 19:53 Raglan Road’s Thanksgiving menu is completely gluten-free.
- 22:42 Polite Pig’s pulled pork compared passionately.
- 30:09 Fries covered in chicken, sauce, onions, peppers.
- 33:05 Authentic Irish feel; Irish-made interiors assembled.
- 41:01 Light, crispy batter makes it taste baked.
- 43:18 Blueberry lemonade is adult-friendly; hybrid service.
- 52:18 Refreshing alcoholic drink; lacks sharp alcohol taste.
- 53:38 Struggling to rank favorite food items.
- 01:02:12 Tart, sweet, nice finish, thoughtfully ends meal.
- 01:07:34 Disney Springs is the unofficial fifth theme park.
- 01:13:55 Join the WWE clubhouse discussion about Cooks.
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