“Exploring Culinary Delights in Disneyland’s San Fransokyo Square Inspired by Big Hero 6
Step into the vibrant world of San Fransokyo Square, the exciting new land based on the beloved animated film Big Hero 6, located within Disneyland Resort’s California Adventure. This comprehensive dining guide aims to immerse you in the flavors and experiences awaiting you in this captivating fusion of Tokyo and San Francisco.
San Fransokyo Square’s emergence marks a transformation of the former Pacific Wharf area. Disney aficionados have long appreciated Pacific Wharf’s culinary offerings, with every counter service restaurant earning a spot on the prestigious list of the 23 Best Restaurants at Disneyland Resort. While cherished by the public, this dining scene remains relatively undiscovered by avid Disney fans.
In a culinary evolution that began years ago, Disneyland’s culinary team revamped menus, continually raising the bar on gastronomic excellence. San Fransokyo Square represents the pinnacle of this evolution, pushing culinary boundaries further than ever before. This new culinary landscape marries Japanese and Californian influences, creating a delightful mélange that echoes the theme of Big Hero 6 perfectly.
The official opening of San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure is slated for August 31, 2023. On this date, the complete reimagination of the themed land will be realized, including the debut of the Baymax meet & greet, the unveiling of every restaurant and retail establishment, and the removal of any lingering construction barriers.
However, while San Fransokyo Square is in the midst of its transformation, parts of it are open to guests who wish to experience a tantalizing preview. The debut of roughly two-dozen new menu items will unfold over the coming weeks, enriching the dining experiences at various locations:
- Lucky Fortune Cookery (now available)
- Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill (debuts on July 26, 2023)
- Rita’s Turbine Blenders (debuts on July 26, 2023)
- Aunt Cass Cafe (debuts in mid-August 2023)
- Port of San Fransokyo Cerveceria (debuts in mid-August 2023)
Having been invited to a San Fransokyo Square media event, I had the privilege of previewing this exciting new land. Sampling the forthcoming menu items and engaging with the creative teams behind the transformation offered valuable insights. Drawing from this experience and our extensive history of dining in Pacific Wharf, we’ve crafted this evolving food guide. As additional restaurants introduce their new offerings, we will continue to revisit and update this guide, ensuring its relevance and accuracy.
In a personal highlight of the event (which might not resonate as much with everyone), I had the pleasure of listening to the new 90-minute background music loop, featuring J-pop tunes from EPCOT’s Japan pavilion (“Bijutsu-kan Gallery’s ‘Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture'”). The loop also incorporates four songs from The Happy Ride with Baymax at Tokyo Disneyland, adding a dynamic audio backdrop to the atmosphere. This musical score stands as one of the most impressive additions to Disneyland Resort’s ambiance since the introduction of the “California Love” track during the Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure.
Now, let’s delve into the culinary offerings and take a closer look at some of the exciting new and upcoming food experiences in San Fransokyo Square…
Karaage-inspired Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Lucky Fortune Cookery): As an unabashed fan of karaage, I had high expectations for this dish, and it did not disappoint. The perfectly prepared fried chicken boasts a delightful juiciness and satisfying crunch. The addition of Togarashi mayonnaise introduces a subtle spice that complements the karaage exquisitely. This sandwich claims the top spot on my list of entrees in San Fransokyo Square, a remarkable achievement considering the competition it faces.
San Fransokyo-style Street Corn (Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill): This innovative dish ingeniously blends Mexican and Japanese street food elements. The traditional elote takes on a Japanese twist with furikake and bonito flakes, alongside a generous slathering of rich Togarashi mayonnaise. A culinary marvel, this dish’s harmonious fusion is reminiscent of experiences one might find in Osaka’s Dōtonbori district or Los Angeles’s Sawtelle. The San Fransokyo-style Street Corn is unquestionably the standout dish in terms of creativity and bold flavors.
Soba Noodle Salad (Aunt Cass Cafe): Offering a refreshing and lighter option, the Soba Noodle Salad presents a plant-based delight. Cold summer soba noodles form the base, accompanied by a medley of tofu, cabbage, edamame, carrots, roasted corn, scallions, and cilantro. A drizzle of sesame ginger dressing and crispy shallots round out this vibrant dish. While this salad showcases intriguing flavors and textures, it is important to note that heartier alternatives are available for those seeking a more substantial meal.
Curry Beef Bread Bowl (Aunt Cass Cafe): This hearty option delivers comforting flavors and filling satisfaction. A Japanese-style curry featuring tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions fills a substantial Boudin sourdough bread bowl. The combination of rich curry and crusty bread provides a warm and hearty experience, although its weight makes it better suited for cooler weather.
Japanese-style Fluffy Cheesecake (Aunt Cass Cafe): Exhibiting the hallmark Japanese approach of subtle sweetness, the Japanese-style Fluffy Cheesecake offers a light and airy indulgence. In contrast to the decadence of New York-style cheesecake, this dessert balances delicate flavors and textures. While enjoyable, those seeking a more intense dessert experience might opt for other sweet offerings available at Disney California Adventure.
Baymax Macaron (Lucky Fortune Cookery): Embark on a culinary journey with this charming macaron, a permanent addition to the menu. Featuring a chocolate-hazelnut spread and buttercream filling, this delightful treat combines whimsy and deliciousness. The Baymax Macaron adds a dash of ‘kawaii’ to your dining experience, satisfying both the taste buds and your social media feed.
Garlic Pinwheel Chips Mix (Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería): The Garlic Pinwheel Chips Mix, a departure from traditional menu items at the Karl Strauss Beer Spot, unfortunately falls short of expectations. Lacking in flavor and character, this snack resembles a placeholder option rather than a standout addition to San Fransokyo Square’s culinary offerings.
As this guide evolves alongside the dynamic culinary scene of San Fransokyo Square, we remain committed to sharing insights and recommendations. With each new menu item introduced and each restaurant’s debut, we will revisit this guide, ensuring its currency and relevance. Dive into the unique flavors of San Fransokyo Square, and let your taste buds explore the delectable world inspired by Big Hero 6.”
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