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    Sesame Place San Diego Welcomes Its Newest Furry Friend, Elmo’s Adopted Puppy Tango, to the Neighborhood

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    ·   Tango, a BRAND-NEW, floppy-eared, tail wagging puppy, joins her Sesame Street friends on February 4
    ·   Guests can meet and take photos with Tango, plus spot her in the Sesame Street Party Parade
    ·   The best way to enjoy all of the new events, attractions, and other fun in 2023 is with a Season Pass
    ·   Season Pass Members will be the first to meet Tango up-close during exclusive Meet & Greets on February 4
    Sesame Place® San Diego, the first theme park on the West Coast based entirely on the award-winning show Sesame Street®, is about to get even furrier. Elmo’s adopted puppy, Tango, will find her fur-ever home at Sesame Place San Diego on Saturday, February 4. The BRAND-NEW floppy-eared, tail wagging puppy will debut at the park as an all-new meet & greet character, where guests will see her for the first time at her welcome ceremony.

    A sweet and spirited puppy named after her love of music and dancing, Tango debuted in the 2021 animated special Furry Friends Forever: Elmo Gets a Puppy, in which Elmo finds a stray Tango and adopts her. Tango then joined Sesame Street’s 52nd season in both animated and live-action format. Tango’s arrival at Sesame Place will be celebrated during operating days, every Saturday and Sunday in February, plus Friday, February 17, and Monday, February 20.
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    • Tango’s Welcome Ceremony – The park will officially welcome Tango on February 4 at 12:00 p.m. at the Dance Party Stage.
    • Elmo & Tango’s Welcome Day Scavenger Hunt – Guests can search throughout the park for all the items that Elmo needs to take care of Tango. Guests can turn in completed scavenger hunt sheets at Hooper’s Store for their choice of pet-themed prizes: Sesame Place bandanas or tennis balls. Self-guided scavenger hunts run throughout the day while supplies last.
    • Tango’s Treat Seek – Tango’s Treat will be secretly hidden in the park on select dates. The first person to find Tango’s Treat will receive Sesame Street-themed pet prizes from BarkBox.
    • Sesame Street Party Parade – Guests will be able to spot Sesame Place’s newest resident in the daily, award-winning parade. This colorful, energetic parade gets the whole family singing and dancing and features fantastic floats for fans of all ages to enjoy.
    • Meet-and-Greets – Tango will be wagging her tail in delight to take photos and interact with guests on select days. Season Pass Members will have the first chance to meet Tango and take photos with her in exclusive Meet & Greets at the Sesame Street Theater on Saturday, February 4. Reservations are required and can be made within Season Pass Members’ online portals.
    • Pet Adoption Weekend – To celebrate Tango’s debut, guests can meet rescue dogs just like Tango along with other animals at Sesame Place Adoption Days on Friday, February 25, and Saturday, February 26, from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Guests can meet with local pet adoption partners and even see a special appearance from Elmo and Tango. Visit SesamePlaceSanDiego.com for more event details. 
    Sesame Place San Diego is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle in Chula Vista. The park is open on Saturdays and Sundays plus select additional dates from February through May and will resume with daily operations in the summer. For more information and to purchase tickets and Season Passes visit SesamePlaceSanDiego.com. For the most recent updates, fans can follow Sesame Place San Diego on Facebook and @SesamePlaceCa on Instagram.

    About Sesame Place San Diego
    Sesame Place San Diego is the only theme park on the West Coast based entirely on the award-winning show, Sesame Street. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from San Diego and 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, this 17-acre theme park is perfect for families with kids of all ages and has been designated as a Certified Autism Center. The new theme park features 18 Sesame Street-themed rides and exciting water attractions, a family-friendly rollercoaster and a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California. The park also features an engaging musical play area, an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, daily live character shows, an award-winning parade, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and of course, everyone’s favorite furry friends. Celebrate family-friendly events all year long at Sesame Place, including Elmo’s Eggstravaganza, Elmo’s Springtacular, Summer Fun Fest, The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular, and A Very Furry Christmas.
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    Sesame Place San Diego to Make a Big Splash in 2023 with Two New Attractions

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    •  Sesame Place San Diego announces the first major additions to the park since its opening in March 2022
    • The entire family will splash and play at the ALL-NEW Count’s Splash Castle, a multi-level water-play attraction with 111 play elements
    • An ALL-NEW Sesame Street character dining experience with the opening of the Sunny Day Café
    • Both new attractions are set to open in Summer 2023 for guests to enjoy during the warmer months  
    • The best way to enjoy the ALL-NEW attractions is with a 2023 Season Pass
    Sesame Place® San Diego, the only theme park on the West Coast based entirely on the award-winning show Sesame Street, will be adding two ALL-NEW attractions in 2023. The Count’s Splash Castle is an ALL-NEW, multi-level water-play attraction and Sunny Day Café is an ALL-NEW, all-day character dining location where guests can enjoy a variety of meals and one-of-a-kind experience with their favorite furry friends. In addition to the exciting new attractions at the park in 2023, guests can enjoy whirling rides, splashy water slides, exciting shows, parades, the interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood, and visits with everyone’s favorite furry friends.
     
    Splash, Play, and Eat
    The ALL-NEW Count’s Splash Castle, is a multi-level, interactive water-play attraction that features 111 play elements, including two giant tipping buckets that dump over 1,300 gallons of water combined. There are three exciting water slides, plus soakers, flow pipes, hose jets, spray jets, water shooters, water curtains, tipping troughs, spinning and sliding buckets, and much more! The ALL-NEW Count’s Splash Castle replaces the former splash area and is double the size of the previous attraction. The ALL-NEW Count’s Splash Castle will be bigger and splashier than ever before! 
     
    At the ALL-NEW Sunny Day Café, guests can join their favorite furry friends for a dining adventure the whole family will love! The new indoor and air conditioned 5,000 square foot building is where families will make precious memories and enjoy delicious family-friendly buffet-style meals! Throughout the year, there will be special event opportunities and dine activities every season, including Dine with Elmo & Friends. The new café will seat up to 160 guests and at each meal, and Sesame Street characters will join diners for an immersive experience with singing, dancing, and photo opportunities.
     
    Sesame Place offers multiple food locations for quick bites with a delicious variety of entrée options and sweet treats. New in 2023, guests can also grab snacks and beverages at the ALL-NEW Big Bird’s Beach Bites location near Big Bird’s Beach. For added convenience, mobile ordering for select restaurants is available through the Sesame Place app.
     
    “Going into the new year, we’re very excited to offer our guests and Season Pass Members more reasons to visit the park throughout the year. Between our new attractions, increased dining options and 2023 event lineup that will be all-new to our guests, we look forward to an amazing year,” said Jim Lake, Sesame Place Park President.  “We’re constantly adding new activities and events to enhance the guest experience. We’re increasing the number of opportunities to interact with their favorite characters and with the expansion of our dining options, plus our mobile ordering, our guests will be able to enjoy more convenience throughout their days at the park.”
     
    The Best Way to Play
    The best way to play all year long with unbeatable benefits is with a 2023 Sesame Place Season Pass for a low-price of $141 or $23.50 per month for only six months. Season Pass Members can enjoy unlimited access to the park with the added benefits of free tickets, exclusive Meet & Greets with everyone’s favorite furry friends, discounted food and merchandise, exciting events and early access to water attractions throughout the summer. Perks vary based on the type of Season Pass purchased.
     
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    Sesame Place San Diego is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle in Chula Vista. The park is open on Saturdays and Sundays plus select additional dates from February through May and will resume with daily operations in the summer. For more information and to purchase tickets and Season Passes visit SesamePlaceSanDiego.com. For the most recent updates, fans can follow Sesame Place San Diego on Facebook and @SesamePlaceCa on Instagram.
    About Sesame Place San Diego
    Sesame Place San Diego is the only theme park on the West Coast based entirely on the award-winning show, Sesame Street. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from San Diego and 2.5 hours from Los Angeles, this 17-acre theme park is perfect for families with kids of all ages and has been designated as a Certified Autism Center. The new theme park features 18 Sesame Street-themed rides and exciting water attractions, a family-friendly rollercoaster and a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California. The park also features an engaging musical play area, an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, daily live character shows, an award-winning parade, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and of course, everyone’s favorite furry friends. Celebrate family-friendly events all year long at Sesame Place, including Elmo’s Eggstravaganza, Elmo’s Springtacular, Summer Fun Fest, The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular, and A Very Furry Christmas.
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    Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2023 Celebration Kicks Off this Saturday at Universal Studios Florida

    GET READY TO PARTY BEYOND THE BAYOU AND LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!
    UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2023 CELEBRATION KICKS OFF THIS SATURDAY AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA – COMPLETE WITH MOUTHWATERING CUISINE INSPIRED BY GLOBAL CARNAVAL CELEBRATIONS, A DAZZLING PARADE, LIVE MUSIC AND TONS OF BEADS

    Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is Included in Theme Park Admission to Universal Studios Florida
    ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2023) – Universal Orlando Resort guests can let the good times roll and party beyond the bayou starting this Saturday, February 4 during Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. The fan-favorite event returns to Universal Studios Florida with a dazzling parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations and star-studded live concerts on select nights.

    Running daily through April 16, this year’s festivities invite guests to:
    • Enjoy eight live performances by top names in music like Sean Paul, Maren Morris and Goo Goo Dolls at the Music Plaza Stage on select nights (see below for full concert lineup)
    • Catch beads by the handful during this year’s dazzling “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” parade – featuring six new floats inspired by fantastical creatures like dragons, phoenixes, unicorns and more that will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats – such as the iconic, two-story Riverboat and nearly 50-foot-long King Gator. Plus, guests can take the celebration to the next level and be part of the festivities by tossing beads to fellow partygoers by purchasing the new Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a 3-course meal at one of four participating restaurants and one Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation.
    • Taste the mouthwatering flavors of global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond with an expansive menu featuring more than 50 tasting-sized items. Plus, guests can enjoy more for less with the purchase of the Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card by paying $65 for a $75 card, and Universal Orlando Passholders have exclusive access to a $150 card for only $120.
    • Stock up on the latest Mardi Gras merchandise at this year’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store, located in an all-new space in the Hollywood area of the park. The highly immersive retail location is themed to represent an international jazz celebration that leads to the traditional alleyways of New Orleans and ultimately into a speakeasy where the Mardi Gras festivities continue.
    • Keep the party going at Universal CityWalk with special Mardi Gras menu items at select restaurants, including a new Masquerade Milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, along with food kiosks located throughout the complex featuring delicious menu items that offer a taste of the Mediterranean, the Islands and popular Mardi Gras fare. Plus, guests can attend a Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O’Brien’s on select nights and enjoy special entertainment and theming at the Red Coconut Club – which will transform to the Cursed Coconut Club for the Mardi Gras season.
    • And more!
    Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an Annual or Seasonal Pass (blockout dates apply). Florida Residents can take advantage of a new offer to partake in the festivities that gives them two days of free admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with the purchase of a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket (valid for use through June 29, 2023; blockout dates apply) – and for just $25 more, they can add one day of admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay.
    ​
    For more information about Universal’s Mardi Gras, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
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    PIRATES VOYAGE DINNER & SHOW READY TO SET SAIL FOR FIFTH SEASON IN PIGEON FORGE

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    Pigeon Forge, Tenn.  (Wednesday, February 1, 2023) – When visiting the Smokies in 2023, the first step in charting a course for adventure and fun begins at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. This swashbuckling show brings guests close to the exciting exploits of pirate legends and lore as its fifth season sets sail on Friday, February 10. The always daring and dramatic tale features pirates, mermaids, high seas escapades and romance, complemented with a captain’s feast to fuel the epic voyage.
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    From the show’s Buccaneer Bay, a colorful and fearless crew of characters combine acrobatics, pyrotechnics, animals, music and all things pirate for a treasure chest of memories. The uniquely-exciting Pirates Voyage showcases the thrill of sword fights, cannons blasting and pirates scaling high above two full-sized pirate ships in a “fight” to win Davy Jones’ coveted sunken treasure. Beautiful mermaids gracefully perform high above the water in Buccaneer Bay, while a couple of castaways that include a “Salty” sea lion win a battle with Captain Blackbeard through clever antics and pirate wit. An adventurous crew of characters then combines heroics and high-flying fun that will have guests cheering and experiencing thrills around every corner in an epic battle for lost treasure on land, on deck, and in the water of the show’s 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon.
     
    “The entertaining elements of our Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show really put our guests into the action, as Captain Blackbeard and the entire crew navigate an adventurous journey that our visitors will certainly remember long after they leave,” said Jeff Thomas, General Manager of Pirates Voyage. “Families tell us how much they love experiencing all of these unique elements that are part of our show – the pirate ‘battles’ and acrobatics, amazing mermaids, cannons and pyrotechnics, the antics of our sea lions and dog, and a feast fit for a captain!”
     
    As visitors enter the hideaway lagoon for this Dinner and Show spectacular, guests are served a hearty four-course feast straight from Captain Blackbeard’s galley that makes Pirates Voyage the most unique place to eat in the Smokies. The meal begins with voyager creamy vegetable soup and buccaneer bread. The feast fit for a pirate – or mermaid – continues with the crew’s secret recipe cracklin’ pan-fried chicken, swashbucklin’ sugar-cured ham, buttery corn on the cob and an herb-basted potato. Walk the plank specialty dessert and unlimited Coca-Cola® products, tea or coffee complete the meal. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available by request.
    Show times and reservations are available by calling (865) 505-2469 or visiting www.piratesvoyage.com.
     
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    Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Preview at CityWalk LA

    2023 Attractions Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Universal Citywalk
    Last Thursday we were invited out to Universal Studios Hollywood for a preview of the long awaited Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at CityWalk. 

    This eatery has replaced the former Hard Rock Cafe which means it's location within CityWalk is front and center located between all of the parking structures and just steps away from Universal Cinema. 

    Toothsome officially opened last Friday to large crowds and great reviews! You can see all of the details for Toothsome at this link, including links to getting a reservation! 

    Let's head in for our preview!
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    Welcome to Toothsome!

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    There had been a few previews, but on this night it was our turn!!

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    Can we make it a rule that every time you walk in somewhere they just hand you an amazing milkshake? =)

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    Let's check out the food, we didn't get to try it all, but what we did try was amazing!

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    I'm a huge fan of Creme Brulee, and this did not disappoint.

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    Nor did the Bread Pudding!

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    I hate tomatoes, like hate with a passion. But the Bruschetta was maybe the best thing we tried all night. And I didn't even take off the tomatoes.

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    We already have a list of things to try when we get back to Toothsome. This is one of them.

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    We got to try 3 of the crafted drinks. The Root Beer Old Fashioned, PB Cup Fashioned and the Cacao Nut Margarita. My favorite was the Root Beer Old Fashioned.

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    Root Beer Old Fashioned

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    Cacao Nut Margarita

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    Toothsome also features an upstairs seating area. They also set up a little buffet up here for us.

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    The ceiling is awesome!

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    And great views of CityWalk.

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    The previously mentioned Chocolate Creme Brulee. The Bread Pudding pictured below was also pretty amazing.

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    Lots of great steampunk props throughout the restaurant.

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    If you don't want to eat inside the restaurant, you can head to the bar to get a shake!

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    A few more pics of the props around the eatery.

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    Love this view!

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    Some great lighting on the outside as well!

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    Thank you Universal for having us out for the preview. We can't wait to head back and try some more yummy food and drinks and shakes and desserts. =)

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    Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at CityWalk LA is Now Open!

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    The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood is Now Open

    Innovative Restaurant, Fueled by a Fantastical Imagination of Victorian Steampunk, Anchors Universal CityWalk as Destination Prepares for Milestone 30th Anniversary

    Click Here to Book a Reservation
    Universal City, CA, January 27, 2023 – The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk is now open. The innovative, original concept restaurant serves an extensive menu of brunch, lunch and dinner items along with sumptuous milkshakes, desserts and delectable confectionary treats, and is hosted by character ambassadors and world travelers Penelope and Jacques, to deliver an entirely new take on culinary inspirations for the entire family.

                This uniquely inspirational restaurant is reminiscent of a Victorian steampunk chocolate emporium. Its interior is adorned with a collection from Penelope’s archives of chocolate research and various steampunk gadgetry and inventions complete with L.A.-based artisans’ paintings of steampunk airships journeying through the sky atop the interior dome. The dynamic exterior façade features a giant clockwork marquee and towering 97-foot smokestacks.

                Within the eclectic space, guests can enjoy a full-service restaurant, a Dessert Foundry for grab-n-go over-the-top milkshakes and a Candy Smith counter to experience a cornucopia of sweet treats, including 30 different flavors of macarons, truffles and an expansive offering of deliciousness, along with unique apparel and themed collectibles.

                Executive Chef Carlos Garcia sits at the helm of The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen orchestrating a symphony of exquisite meals and desserts, prepared fresh to order within its two behemoth kitchens under the watchful eye of the restaurant’s skilled Sous Chefs.

    From crisp salads and hearty soups to tasty burgers, flatbreads and steaks, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen caters inspirational fare to every member of the family.
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    Sample tempting menus items include signature Chocolate Almond Bread, Avocado Bruschetta, Truffle Fries, Pork Belly Sliders, Coffee and Chocolate Stout Wings, Waldorf Chicken Salad, Toothsome Niçoise, French Onion Soup, Forest Mushroom Flatbread, Classic Margherita Flatbread, Southern Fried Chicken BLT, Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich, Red Ruben sandwich, Fork & Knife Ribeye Steak Sandwich, Croque Monsieur, Tour de France Burger, May Contain Bacon Burger, Brisket Burger, Teriyaki Burger, Wild Mushroom Chicken Risotto, Shrimp Macaroni & Cheese, Grilled Teriyaki Salmon, Brisket & Wild Mushroom Meatloaf and Toothsome Signature Beef Tenderloin...to name but a few.
    ​Brunch features such mouth-watering options as: Nutella & Banana Crepes, Apple Pie Crepes, Beef & Mushroom Crepes, Berries and Cream Waffles, Banana Foster Waffles, Chocolate Brioche S’mores French Toast and several quiches.

    Jacques Specialty Milkshakes include Red Velvet, Brownie, Cookie Jar, Espresso Buzzzz, Key Lime Pie, Heavenly Hazelnut, Marshmallow Crisp, Strawberry Cheesecake, That’s Mint and Pineapple Upside Down.

    Sweet Sundaes and Desserts include Brookies, Cookies & Cream, Apple Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chocolate Brownie Bark, Chocolate Crème Brulee, Classic French Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Potted Cream, Flourless Chocolate Gooey Cake, and Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding.

    A kid’s menu and vegan Beyond Burger® options are available.

    Hand-crafted libations include a Chocolate Old Fashi    oned, Spresso ‘tini, Cacao Nut Margarita and more are available for diners 21 years or older with valid photo ID.


    Reservations can be made by visiting the website, and valet parking validation is available for diners.

    More than just an eclectic restaurant, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen features an entertaining backstory whose origins are as enticing as the food. Unlike most dining establishments, the eatery is hosted by two highly regarded steampunk ambassadors, Penelope and Jacques.

    As the story goes…the love of chocolate is at the core of Penelope’s family. Penelope, an innovator at heart, created Jacques, her trusty robot and confidant, to travel and explore the world. Upon returning to her small cottage home in London, England, after an extended trip abroad, Penelope discovered that her parents ventured out on a quest to find her, leaving a simple message – “We have set out to join you in your adventures. Surely the world isn’t so big that we can’t find you. We shall look for you wherever chocolate can be found.”

    Thus, Penelope knew what she had to do. Armed with the insight she had on all things chocolate, Penelope created The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Her mission to share her passion and love of the sweet treat with the world was also grounded in the hope that one day her parents would find her.

    Spectacularly dressed in Steampunk attire, Penelope and Jacques frequent The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen to await her parents’ arrival and to share their adventures and innovations with guests.

    The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is exclusive to Universal Parks & Resorts and is one of three worldwide locations, including Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Beijing Resort. The arrival of the restaurant coincides with the 30th anniversary of Universal CityWalk and is located adjacent to the popular Universal Cinema, an AMC® theater.

    More information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s social channels Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.