Sneak Peak at a NEW Food Event Coming to Universal Studios Florida This Summer!

Recently, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak at some new food that Universal is going to be offering at Universal Studios this summer. With the success of Mardi Gras, Universal wanted to continue the fun and flavors with some new (and some familiar) offerings for summer!

Locations

This event will be smaller than Mardi Gras, with two food trucks and two booths, but it will have some great food. The first booth to open will be in Battery Park (Across from Mel’s Drive-In). As we were walking by, I noticed that there were tables with tropical looking fruit designs on them, getting ready for this event. There will be two food trucks, one across from Fast and Furious, and the other by Lombard’s Landing. There will also be a booth on the bridge that connects the London Waterfront to Springfield.

Food

The fan favorite Arepas and Coxinhas from Mardi Gras are returning, and will be available at Battery Park. The Cuban Sandwich and Beef Empanadas will also be returning.

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There will be two versions of “street corn”: Elotes Asodos, which will be on the cob, and Esquites Asados will be served in a bowl for those of us that don’t want to get our hands messy. (Keep reading for my review of the Esquites Asados!).

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One of the food trucks is going to be a “Cheese Truck” with multiple grilled cheese options, as well as Mac ‘n’ Cheese. The Brisket Melt and Carnitas Mac ‘n’ Cheese are just two items that are going to be offered at this truck.

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Volcano Bay is going to be included in this event as well! As a nod to the tropical feel of Volcano Bay, a Pan-Asian inspired menu will be offered. Among the items available at Volcano Bay are Lumpiags and a Pork Adobo Bowl with Jasmine rice.

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There will also be fruit cups, with Watermelon or Pineapple, sold with a packet of Tajín (a seasoning made with mild chili peppers, lime, and sea salt).

Also available at Battery Park is a new beverage called “Mangonada”, which features Mango with Chamoy mixed in. (Chamoy is a Mexican sauce made from fruit and chilies). The straw has Tamarind Candy wrapped around it, adding to the spiciness and fun of this drink. The drink and straw will be served with chili powder dusted on top. (My review of the Mangonada is below!) The Mangonada will also be available with a tequila floater on top.

Other offerings, like the Tripleta (a traditional sandwich from Puerto Rico) and Yuca Fritas (Fries made from the Yuca root, similar to a potato) will be available around May 15th.

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While Mardi Gras dishes were mostly sample size, this event will have larger portions! For example, the Cuban Sandwich is a whole sandwich instead of a half. Universal really emphasized authenticity with this event, with some of the dishes even coming from family recipes of chefs at Universal!

Gluten Free (“Friendly”) Options

* As with all food festivals, all dishes are made in small areas, so cross-contamination may be an issue. So while ingredients may not contain gluten, they cannot guarantee the dishes are completely gluten free*
The Arepas are gluten free (just like Mardi Gras), as they’re made using corn. The street corn (both forms) are also gluten free. The fresh fruit is of course gluten free. When available, I would believe the Yuca Frites would be gluten free, but I will need to double check on that.

My Review

I got to sample the Arepas, Esquites Asados, Mangonada, and Watermelon. The Arepas (my favorite during Mardi Gras), were very similar to the ones served during Mardi Gras. The fillings available are Carnitas, Beef Picadillo, and Queso. My favorites are the Carnitas and Queso.

The Esquites Asados (street corn in a bowl) was fantastic. I love street corn, and to be able to eat it in a bowl just made it so much easier, especially while at a theme park.

The Mangonada was really good. I’m a wimp when it comes to spice, but I didn’t find it too spicy. I could definitely taste the mango, which was very refreshing! I did not try the Tamarind candy on the straw, but my friend did, and she said it had a very interesting taste. She couldn’t tell if it was a spicy or sour taste, so you’ll have to figure that one out for yourself!

I am so excited there’s another food festival coming to Universal Studios. The dishes we got to sample were all delicious, and I’m ready to cool down with a Mangonada (maybe next time I’ll be brave and try the candy on the straw). These dishes will be coming to Universal throughout the month of May, so make sure to start looking for them!

What dish are you most excited for?