Bigfire Restaurant to open this summer at CityWalk.

Hey thrill seekers,

A new restaurant is coming to Universals City Walk. Bigfire will take open-fire cooking to the next level, as each dish will be expertly paired with the perfect type of wood, to bring out the smoky taste in each bite.

It will be located between VIVO Italian Kitchen and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville on the edge of the lagoon – offering incredible views of Universal CityWalk.

You’ll be able to dine on classic American dishes like the Bigfire bison burger, chili and cocoa rubbed steak, delectable freshwater cuisine and mouth-watering smoked salads. At the heart of the venue will be a custom built wood fire grill that will allow you to see your meal being made right before your eyes. Make sure you save room for the best part of any meal – dessert! We guarantee one of the most popular desserts will be the Baked Alaska.

This summer, we’ve got you covered for a relaxing night out with delicious open-fire cooking. Bigfire – the newest, full-service restaurant that draws inspiration from the nostalgia of cooking over open flames during memorable family vacations – will leave you feeling as though you have stepped into a lakeside summer house, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of summer evenings spent by the water, surrounded by family and friends.

THE THEME

This two-story venue will feature natural design elements of mix and matched fabrics and seating, cast iron, twinkling lights, camp lanterns – and even a canoe suspended from the overhead rafters – to complete the outdoor ambience inside the restaurant. We can’t think of a better way to unwind after a fun-filled day in the parks.

THE FOOD

At the heart of the venue will be a custom wood fire grill where chefs will prepare signature dishes inspired by the style of open-fire cooking – but with a significant and modern twist.

Inspired by the way food would be prepared on an open campfire, chefs will carefully match each food with wood species that have been carefully chosen based on the flavor they exude, resulting in delectable dishes, sides, desserts – and even cocktails – that all infuse the smoky spirits. The pairings will add bold flavors to create elevated American fare, including a signature bison burger, coffee, chili and cocoa rubbed top sirloin, delectable freshwater trout, mouth-watering smoked salads and more.

Check out some of the dishes that will be on offer..

Bigfire Signature Bison Burger
Bigfire Smokin’ Salmon and Avocado Toast
Bigfire Outdoorsman Family Celebration
Bigfire Premium Steak – 16 oz Cowboy Ribeye
Bigfire Baked Alaska
Bigfire Farmers Roasted Vegetable Gathering
Bigfire Farmers Harvest

aaaaand now i’m hungry.

Who else can’t wait to check it out this summer?

Smiles included,

Abby

Top Doughnut Picks from Voodoo Doughnuts coming to City Walk this Spring

Hey Thrill Seekers!

It’s not long now until Voodoo Doughnut opens at City Walk. Voodoo Doughnut have built a very large following around the U.S and the world due to their doughnuts being very unique, yummy and their use of weird and wonderful ingredients in each doughnut. From the unusual names like Grape ape to Oh Captain, My Captain you’re bound to find one to suit your taste, especially as there are more than 50 types to pick from.

To help you plan ahead, Universal have constructed a list of their top 5!

1. Voodoo Doll

This doughnut has become synonymous with Voodoo Doughnut. The idea for the signature creation was thought of well before the first Voodoo Doughnut shop opened its doors, but it took a while to find the right “doll pin.” Once the creators found the perfect pretzel, the rest was history. Filled with raspberry jelly, covered with chocolate frosting and topped with a pretzel stake, this is the perfect doughnut to post to Instagram to make all of your friends and family jealous.

2. Portland Cream

Not only is this one of the first doughnuts that Voodoo Doughnut created, but it is also a tribute to the city of Portland, the shop’s first location. This creation is filled with Bavarian cream and topped with chocolate and two frosting eyeballs.

3. Grape Ape

This doughnut was almost cut from the original Voodoo menu but after customers made an impassioned plea, it quickly became a fan favourite. A few fans have even gotten a tattoo in honour of the vanilla frosted doughnut covered with grape dust and lavender sprinkles.

4. Bacon Maple Bar

Covered with maple frosting and bacon on top, this doughnut is perfect for those who love savoury mixed with sweet.

5. Oh Captain, My Captain

For the cereal lovers out there! This doughnut is covered with vanilla frosting and sweet and golden breakfast cereal with a fruity twist.

If none of the above tickle your fancy then check out all of the Doughnuts that can be found at Voodoo Doughnut: (i’ve put our favourites in bold)

Cake Doughnuts
Raised Doughnuts – Rings

Things to do at Universal City Walk – FREE with Universal tickets

One of the things that I find most people overlook when they buy their Universal Orlando attraction tickets is that their ticket actually includes access to universal’s City Walk. Universal CityWalk is a 30 acre entertainment complex that offers spectacular night life weather you are looking for a relaxing dinner or to socialise over a few cocktails, or see one of the amazing open air concerts or even catch a movie! You can do all this and more at Universal CityWalk®

The first thing that hits you when you enter CityWalk is the amazing buzz that seems to radiate. Everyone is here for exactly the same reason; to have a good time! The streets are lined with snack joints, restaurants, bars and clubs which all seem to compete to catch your eye with amazing neon signs.

Most people don’t know that the clubs along City Walk will charge a cover fee of between $6-$8 USD to get in. However, with your Universal Bonus Tickets and FlexTickets you will be able to enter the clubs and bars for free. During your stay in Orlando you should, at least once, come down to CityWalk and experience the buzz for yourself!

Here is just a couple of my faverite bars, clubs and eats;

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Places to Eat at CityWalk:

Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a great family/friends dining experience right at the entrance of CityWalk. You cant fail to miss this place with its red neon sign! The restaurant is as you could probably guess, based on Forest Gump. The engaging staff will entertain you and make you feel at home with their Southern hospitality. While we were there our waiter kept us occupied with a Forest Gump quiz and gave out some small Gump prizes like badgers that say ‘Stupid is as stupid does’ The whole restaurants decked out with Gump related items like a plaster casts of Forrest’s running shoes or grab a memorable photo at the famed bus bench in front of the restaurant. My favorite was the signs pointing to the toilets which say…I gotta Pee!

The food is simple, mostly shrimp and burgers but none the less very tasty. If you order a cocktail you are allowed to keep the glass, they will box it up for you to make sure it doesn’t get damed – nice touch.

Big Kahuna Pizza

If you are looking for a quick bite to eat and you’re into your Pizza then you cant really go wrong with Big Kahuna Pizza.

With the usual suspects  to choose from, walk up counter service with outside tables for you to enjoy the live music while you munch on a slice of Hawaiian or Pepperoni, this places offers an ideal place to grab a quick bite to eat.

Prices are not exactly the cheapest, a cold drink and a slice will probably set you back $5-$6 but remember where you are (CityWalk) the location alone will add extra zest!


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Bars / Clubs


Pat O’Brians

Party it up like it’s Mardi Gras at Pat O’Brien’s! Pat O’Brien’s Bar is an authentic reproduction of the New Orleans’ famous hot spot. Opened in February 1999, this reproduction of New Orleans’ favorite watering hole, Pat O’Brien’s is the original home of dueling pianos, the “flaming fountain” patio, and the world-famous “Hurricane®” specialty drink. I was lucky enough or should I say unlucky enough (still undecided) to sample a Hurricane while at Pat O’Brians…im still having trouble remembering the exact details of that night 🙂 but I’m assuming I had a good one!


 

Rising Star Kareoke

For everyone with dreams of taking the stage and belting out a song as lead singer of a band, get ready for your moment in the spotlight. CityWalk’s Rising Star is not your typical karaoke club. Here when you grab the mic you’re performing with a live band complete with real backup singers on stage. Choose from an impressive number of song titles and rock out like a superstar, or croon your favorite country ballad, as you perform in front of a live audience.

This club is pretty amazing – its a karaoke bar on a monster scale, live stage, backing singers and musicians will give you the feeling that you’re a real pop star – especially if you have had a few drinks 😉 this club is also pretty huge. Based on multi levels with everyone looking down onto the stage its such a fun place to hang out and get involved.


 

Bob Marley – A tribute to Freedom

“DON’T GAIN THE WORLD AND LOSE YOUR SOUL,’CUS WISDOM IS BETTER THAN SILVER AND GOLD” – Bob Marley

Share in a one-of-a-kind celebration of music and culture as Bob Marley–A Tribute to Freedom takes you on a musical journey through the life of the “King of Reggae.” Bob Marley’s songs of faith, hope, rebellion, and determination have brought inspiration and joy to audiences everywhere. Working closely with Rita Marley and the Bob Marley Foundation, they have created a replica of Bob’s home on 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica. Inside, artifacts, photos, and video clips from his legendary career surround visitors in the open-air veranda and courtyard.

This is probably one of the most popular clubs on CityWalk and by popular I mean packed. Its a great place to dance and sink a few cold ones, its hot and sweaty and the atmosphere is amazing. Its one that you need to put on your list of ‘must do’s’
This is just a snippet of whats on offer on CityWalk, I haven’t even mentioned the live shows! tones of other bars and clubs and numerous places to eat. As a free add on to tickets you have already purchased this really is a hidden gem that is truly something that should be experienced.

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Check out a few pics of CityWalk Orlando below


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Directions on how to get to  Universal Orlando CityWalk

Although Orlando has great public transport facilities; Probably the best way to get around Orlando is via car hire. For the latest rates and availability on Florida car hire visit our friends over at www.usrentacar.co.uk

Address: City Walk is located at 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819

Please insert this Geo-code into your GPS navigation system for directions to our parking garage.

Latitude: 28.47399
Longitude: -81.46228

Here are Directions to Universal City Walk Orlando

From Orlando International Airport:

1) Take SR-528 West 11 miles to I-4 East
2) Take I-4 East 2 miles to exit 75A
3) Follow the signs to Universal Orlando’s main parking garage or to one of the three (3) resort hotels

From I-4 Eastbound (Disney/Lake Buena Vista/Kissimmee):

1) Take I-4 East to exit 75A
2) Follow the signs to Universal Orlando’s main parking garage or to one of the three (3) resort hotels

From I-4 Westbound (Downtown Orlando):

1) Take I-4 West to exit 74B
2) Follow the signs to Universal Orlando’s main parking garage or to one of the three (3) resort hotels

 

Which tickets include Free Access to Universal CityWalk

Universal 2 Park Bonus Ticket
Universal 3 Park Bonus Ticket
Orlando FlexTicket
Orlando FlextTicket Plus

If anyone has any Favourite bars, clubs and places to eat on Universal CityWalk please feel free to let us know!

Cheers

Karl

Orlando Attraction Tickets

 

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