BBQ

B Resort & Spa at Lake Buena Vista is home to American Q – THE new hot place in town for anyone who craves a modern take on classic barbecue.

Justin

It all begins in this beautiful resort – formerly occupied by The Hotel Royal Plaza just outside Downtown Disney. Join me as we relive this wonderful culinary cowboy adventure, won’t you?

Upon arrival to the the B Resort – the wonderful smell of smoked meat coming from American Q was already beckoning us inside – and we knew we were in for a treat.

First, it was time for cocktails!

Normally more of a gin and tonic kind of guy – my husband went with the Moscow Mule. Ingredients included Russian Standard vodka, pickled ginger juice & ginger beer – and he really enjoyed it. What they don’t mention on the menu is how it comes in this awesome little copper barrel shaped mug. It was really unique, and added a special touch.

I went for the Strawberry Slush. Made with Fifty Pounds gin, Carpano Antica, fresh strawberries and lime with shaved ice. I was expecting a frozen drink, but this had a nice light, refreshing taste. Yummy!

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Do not adjust your computer – what you are about to see is pretty amazing – and very real. This Bar Snack is called Swine Candy – and this photo made a pretty big splash on my facebook page! Take some smoked bacon, roast it with molasses and spice until crunchy… and you have yourself a little piece of salty, sweet, (and at times spicy) heaven! The spice is subtle and it will sneak up on you. Wait for a glass of water before you take your first bite – just in case you may need it.

Our next Bar Snack was the House Made Tater Tots. Creamy mashed potatoes fried to perfection in little bite-sized pieces with flavorful ketchup on the side. I think I am in love…

How about some Deviled Crab Stuffed Eggs? Deviled eggs with blue crab and remoulade…what’s not to like?

If this was all I got to eat for the rest of the night – I think I would have went home happy and satisfied! But we are still on the Bar Snacks, and there’s so much more!

Next up were the Starters – maybe you thought we “started” already? Think again!

The only thing I like as much as BBQ – is probably SIDES. I was very excited for the next portion of our evening, when we indulged in the all-you-can-eat FLATBED BUFFET served from the back of a cherry red ’51 Ford F1 pickup truck! Favorites included homemade soups and chili, a baked potato bar, peel and eat shrimp, a selection of hot and cold seasonal vegetables, pasta and potato salads, and a 20+ item salad bar all served from the flatbed! You can order the Flatbed Buffet for $34.95 $10 for kids age 7 and under – ala carte! This is an amazing value. Photo courtesy American Q!

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Sides

Not from the Flatbed Buffet – but just as lovely – this wonderful sampling of various meats…

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Next up was the star of the show: something American Q has creatively named Tableside Cowboy Carvings! Yep, they come to your table with 8 different meats and even vegetable brocette – all sliced to order! Turkey legs, bacon wrapped boneless chicken thighs, brisket of beef with Texas Bark, House made sausages…and more.

Photo credit American Q

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I think there’s a lot of truth to the American Q saying that there’s smoke in their bones, vinegar their veins and the cowboys really do keep carving until your tank is full! Endless options and great kids menu takes barbeque to at a whole new level here in Orlando. Last but not least – self and valet parking are FREE if you are driving. If not, why not take a cab and break up your Disney vacation just a hop, skip and away at this amazing restaurant?! You won’t regret it! In the meantime you can follow them on facebook , Twitter, and check out their gorgeous website including full menus here.

Disclaimer: Recently my husband and I were treated to a complimentary dinner by the wonderful people at American Q – so that I could bring you photos and an honest review. This did not influence my opinions. Our thanks to Jason at OrlandoFunandFood.com for the invitation!

Flame Tree BBQ is located near the Discovery Island Bridge to Dinoland. Flame Tree has beautiful views of Expedition Everest over the Discovery River, this is especially nice when the sun is setting over the mountain. All seating is located outdoors but there are some pavilions to shade you from the Florida sun. The BBQ menu features ½ Rib Platter with baked beans & cole slaw, 1/2 Smoked Chicken Platter with baked beans & cole slaw, Rib and Chicken Combo with baked beans and cole slaw,Pulled Pork Sandwich w/slaw, and Smoked Turkey breast as well as a Barbecue Salad (crispy lettuce, garbanzo and pinto beans, cheddar cheese, corn, and crispy tortilla strips). For dessert you can choose from Key Lime Mousse or Chocolate Mousse. On my last visit I had the Rib/Chicken Combo, my goodness is this a HUGE meal!

Certainly enough for 2 adults to split, if you are on the dining plan you can use 1 quick service credit and save a credit for another meal. The BBQ was a wonderful sweet flavor and you can find the not so secret recipe in a few Disney cookbooks. Flame Tree’s children’s menu offers a baked chicken drumstick with two sides, a hot dog or a PBJ Sandwich. You can also order fries or onion rings and assorted beverages. This location is open for lunch and dinner and does accept the Disney Dining Plan for 1 Quick Service credit.

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Next stop is Anandapur for Yak & Yeti counter service, this is another outdoor location for dining. Open for lunch and dinner, the Yak and Yeti Counter Service restaurant serves LARGE portions of Asian cuisine in cute little take-out cartons. Offering meals such as Honey Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, and Beef Lo Mein – vegetarians don’t really have a lot of options here. They also serve an Asian Chicken Sandwich and Mandarin Chicken Salad. Side items are Egg Rolls, Fried Rice or Fries. The children’s menu offers Cheeseburger or Chicken Tenders served with carrots and fresh fruit . Dessert options here are Chocolate Cake, Frozen Lemonade or Chocolate Mousse. The Frozen Lemonade is a great choice on a hot Florida Day. Yak & Yeti is located close to two of Animal Kingdom’s most popular attractions, Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids, because of this the Yak and Yeti counter service restaurant can get busy during peak dining times. This location is 1 Dining Plan quick service credit, however the portions are very large and can easily be split between 2 people.

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Both restaurants can be very cost efficient if you are paying out of pocket for your meals while in Disney. I highly recommend either restaurant when dining in Animal Kingdom for the cost, quality and portions. And don’t forget to keep the camera out as both of these locations have amazing views of the park! So sit back, relax and enjoy the meal as well as all of the gorgeous scenery that Disneys Animal Kingdom has to offer.

Jennifer is the author of this post, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida Travel. Contact her here for a FREE no obligation quote when planning your next Disney Vacation.