Now that summer is winding down and many of our AP's are becoming valid again, we're going to start having some new updates, and first up is Renée and Morgan's trip to Universal Orlando Resort yesterday where they got to check out the new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. They were also able to check out Reign of Kong and the newly re-opened Hulk. 

There are quite a few unique "steampunk"-ish items for sale in the gift shop as well. ​

There are quite a few unique "steampunk"-ish items for sale in the gift shop as well. ​

​We were intrigued by the different types of marshmallows that they had, including absinthe

​The cotton candy display looks awesome and colorful

​You can also watch as some of the chocolate treats are made right in front of you

​Entering the actual restaurant at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is quite impressive.

​The team members are great and interactive, including a robot going around to the tables to greet guests.

​With an hour wait at the restaurant, we opted to just get a drink at the bar upstairs, where you could also get food

​The chocolate stout beer is made exclusively for the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. It's delicious!

​At the bar, there is a nice view of City Walk as well.

​The menu is basically a giant book, with several pages of food and drink offerings.

If you want brunch all day, you can have it here! ​

​It's really cool to see what they did with the former NBC City restaurant. Toothsome looks fantastic!

​The new locker system works out really well! Just make sure you keep your ticket with you and not in your locker.

​The new signs, queue and sound system are awesome!

​Hulk smash! It's great to have this coaster back!

​We also finally visited our friend King Kong at Skull Island. 75 minute wait posted was only 55.

Thanks again to Renée and Morgan for the amazing update, Toothsome looks amazing and of course it's always nice to see an update from Universal Orlando. 

We'll be back at Universal Orlando soon for Halloween Horror Nights!! 

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Last night we were invited out to CityWalk LA for a preview of the all new Dongpo Kitchen that is opening next week. 

Below you'll find all of the information about the new restaurant and of course our thoughts. Needless to say, we can't wait to head back and try it out. 

In the early evening we found ourselves at CityWalk LA 

After checking in we made our way inside. I had actually never been inside the restaurant when it was Panda Inn but it looks beautiful. 

We started off with some appetizers (and some AMAZING Chicken Dumplings). They also had some displays of some of the food. Give it all to me. 

After a quick introduction it was time to eat, and eat we did. 

Everything on this plate was absolutely delicious. Some had some issue with the spiciness, but not this guy. I actually would have preferred a bit more of a kick on a few things. 

After a couple of hours of eating and talking with our great friends from those other sites it was time to head out and start planning our next trip to Dongpo Kitchen. We can't wait to try out everything else on the menu. 

They are hiring as well so be sure to email them a resume if you are so inclined. 

Thanks to Universal Studios and CityWalk for having us out. We loved the restaurant and appreciate you including us in this great night. 
​
All of the information on the restaurant and the opening is below. 

Universal CityWalk Introduces Dongpo Kitchen,
the First-Ever U.S. Casual Dining Concept from China’s Premier Restaurant Group,
Meizhou Dongpo, Opening Monday, August 8, 2016
​

• Universal CityWalk’s all-new Sichuan-style restaurant, Dongpo Kitchen, opens on Monday, August 8, 2016.
• This is the first-ever U.S. casual dining concept from Meizhou Dongpo and its renowned and innovative owners, Chef Gang Wang and his wife, Chef Di Liang.
• In 2008, Meizhou Dongpo won the prestigious honor of catering the Beijing Olympic Games for thousands of athletes from across the globe within the Olympic Village.
• Dongpo Kitchen is located at the heart of CityWalk in a completely remodeled, artisan-inspired venue tantalizing diners with upscale and modern cuisine within the comforts of a casual environment.
• The new restaurant will offer both indoor and al fresco dining, serving Southern Californians and guests visiting around the globe a variety of signature dishes.

 
Sample signature key dishes include: