Heading to the Disneyland Resort this July? You’re in for a savory treat. This week, Disney Parks Blog hinted at an upcoming event (?) from July 6-8 in both Disneyland and California Adventure: the Fried Chicken Celebration.
In this slightly unusual event announcement, Disney didn’t highlight any unique offerings. Instead, they invited guests to check out specialty fried chicken dishes at two resort favorite restaurants. In Disneyland, the Plaza Inn, which serves fried chicken and mashed potatoes as its signature dish. Disneyland’s culinary director, Jonny Hall, shares what makes this meal a Disneyland classic:
“Our [Plaza Inn] sweet and savory brined chicken is lightly coated in a secret flour blend of garlic and spices, then fried under pressure to create a delicate and magical crunch. This simple approach known as ‘broasting’ results in a distinct deep golden brown color and crispy exterior, and an unbelievably juicy interior.”
And in California Adventure, Flo’s V8 Café, which uses Flo’s secret batter recipe. Here’s how California Adventure’s culinary director, Chef John State, describes the Cars Land version:
“Our [Flo’s V8 Cafe] chicken sings of toasted flour and notes of a rich egg batter scented with prominent ground black pepper spice. While the exact science to this recipe is a secret that’s only known to Flo, we use a traditional basket fryer, ensuring there is a pronounced crunch with every bite and the meat is filled with sweet-salty juices.”
(Having tried both, I personally think the Plaza Inn’s is the winner.)
So, will this “celebration” mean more restaurants will offer fried chicken dishes? Will there be specialty merchandise? Commemorative buttons? We’ll have to see on the 6th!