Three Broomsticks, Butterbeer, Adieu Harry Potter

The final chapter of the world's biggest phenomenon is concluding, and despite our post-Potter depression, I believe it's time to also wrap up my journey to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with the long promised, much anticipated (-_-) review of Three Broomsticks - the most magical restaurant you'll find at Universal Studios, Orlando, FL. 


*Que in 'The Weasley Stomp' ♪*


Without further ado, let us begin. 

Hogwarts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios

Hogwarts. Such a magnificent piece of architecture that never fails to capture the series' glory, elegance, and brilliance, and a home to all our beloved Harry Potter characters (dead or alive) and of course, to devoted readers and fans who shall always remain loyal the series.

Hogsmeade at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios

Whenever you are in need to sit, quench your thirst with butterbeer, and munch on better-than-your-average-theme-park food, simply follow the hungry crowd to the middle of Hogsmeade and you will find --

Three Broomsticks (right next to Honeydukes) at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Three Broomsticks.

The dark interior of Three Broomsticks at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

After riding the Forbidden Journey three times, experiencing four rounds of Dragon Challenge, trying out all the different types of wands at Olivanders, carefully looking through all the wonderful replica items at Dervish and Banges, shopping at Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods, and spending hours selecting tons of delicious yet evil sweets at Honeydukes and Zonkos, I followed my nose to Three Broomsticks around 8pm. 


As you walk through the main entrance, you will be greeted by a glass display window with all the items on the menu to guide you with the pre-selection of your meal. The downside of going to Three Broomsticks at night is the unforgivable darkness inside the restaurant that prevents you from noticing and appreciating all the fine details. Luckily, the camera flash brightened up the pictures somewhat.

If you look closely at the walls of Three Broomsticks, you will find many dancing shadows of broomsticks

There was just enough light to prevent anyone from bumping into tables, and safely walking out the door. Thankfully, unlike other 'quick-dining restaurants', there is no need for any hassle of competing for empty tables because you will always be guided to an appropriate table for the size of your party.  


Ordering at Three Broomsticks was one of the best parts of the dining experience. I was greeted by many workers in costumes ( I couldn't make out the dress colours in this bewitched darkness), and ordered. "Two cups of butterbeer and one frozen butterbeer, please~" I said with maximum enthusiasm (This is the ONLY PLACE on Earth where you will be able to say this without people staring back at you with highly concerned and confused expressions on their faces).  Along with butterbeer, I ordered Rotisserie Smoked Chicken Platter, Fish and chips, and Shepperd's pie with Garden salad. 

Frozen Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

The taste of Butterbeer is something I've always imagined in my head for half of my life, and here it was. Finally. *Snaps countless photos* 




Butterbeer comes in two versions - cold and frozen. With every order, you'll have to choose if you prefer it in a plastic cup or in a glass mug (for extra $$ of course). 
(You can also buy butterbeer in any of the carts stationed throughout the park!) 

Frozen Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

A frozen Butterbeer in a plastic cup. So what does it taste like? I'd say cream soda + vanilla + butterscotch + slush. It's not extraordinary, but it sure is sweet, smooth and simply DELICIOUS. 

Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

This is a regular, chilled butterbeer in a glass (more like plastic) mug. The appearance is more authentic, and the taste is similar as the frozen version minus the slush. I found this to be less sweet than the frozen butterbeer, but both versions are sugary sweet nonetheless. Everyone has their own preferences but I would not dare choose between the two. I absolutely enjoyed the two kinds, and I guess for many the deciding factor would be the thickness of the drink. If you are unsure about which one to order, go ahead and order BOTH OF THEM and fully immerse yourself!!

Fish and Chips at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

At the time, Fish and Chips was highlighted as their specialty so I ordered a plate without any questions.

Rotisserie Smoked Chicken platter at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

Rotisserie Smoked Chicken looked the most appetizing in the display window, and I'm glad that I ordered it as the price was very reasonable and the amount was plenty.

Shepperd's Pie and Garden Salad at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

As a Nutirional Sciences major at the time, I also ordered the Shepperd's pie with Garden Salad for the sake of my party's health in hopes that the salad will balance all the fat that we were planning to consume, but comparing the size of the chicken and fried fish to the salad, I lost hope. 

Shepperd's Pie and Garden Salad at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

I was not expecting much from Shepperd's Pie and I was correct to do so. It was the size of my hand, and if I had not stuffed myself with sweets from Honeydukes earlier and shared plates with members of my party, it would not have filled my stomach at all. The outer overlaying crust was unbearably dry (almost stale) and the inner crust of what seemed to be crushed, mashed potatoes was also dry, flaky and powdery in my mouth. The finely ground beef, which didn't seem to be seasoned, at the bottom of the pie wasn't as dry due to the fatty juice, but it was resistant and stubborn to bites and chewing. Moreover, not being able to properly see the colour and texture of my food did not help the experience at all. I will not be ordering this again.

Fish and Chips at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter).
By the time I could take a picture, two strips of fish were already devoured. 

 'Fish and Chips' definitely deserves special attention. The only complaint was the small portion of the dish, but otherwise, it was a very satisfactory plate of fried goodness. In my previous experiences with fish and chips, I found the fish too heavily coated and fried or breaded, but Three Broomsticks got it just right with the light coat of legitimate batter and minimum amount of oil and grease. If you are a fan of contrasting flavours, I recommend a packet of salt and pepper, as it is a bit bland, and whatever else that might highlight this dish. As for the fries - well, they disappeared in an instant. 

Frozen Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

Don't forget to take a sip of your butterbeer as you eat!

Rotisserie Smoked Chicken platter at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

My favourite dish of the evening was the Rotisserie Smoked Chicken Platter. Not only is the dish affordable and huge, it comes with cooked red potatoes, mushrooms and a whole roasted corn. The warm rotisserie chicken was soft, chewy and fatty, hence picking the meat off of the bones was no problem. The butter coated skin was soaked in a smokey flavour, and was delectably crispy when chewed in contrast to the meat. There was no need for salt or pepper as the dripping fat and oil seasoned the chicken perfectly. The potatoes were surprisingly seasoned well, and the soft and fluffy texture and taste perfectly complimented each bite of the sweet, roasted corn. There is no need to add an extra stick of butter to the corn or the vegetables, as the you will find more than enough juice from the chicken to enhance and fill the dish with its savory rotisserie taste. This dish will undoubtedly satisfy any hungry muggle after a long day of being enchanted in the magical theme park. 

Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

I can't think of a better way to end a meal at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter than with the last remaining gulps of the chilled butterbeer and perhaps a couple of treats from Honeydukes. 


So now that you have explored all the tasty bites at the Harry Potter World, it's time to wrap your house scarf around your neck, and exit Three Broomsticks and retire to muggle world with your wand securely in your bag along with your Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs, and your butterbeer mug. 


And remember, don't forget to wipe off your Butterbeer-mustache!


*Que in 'Leaving Hogwarts' ♪♪ *


-Albus

O Canada!

Why am I blogging when its so close to exam time you ask? I don't know. What I do know is that Ottawa is a wonderfully quaint little city. While in many countries, the capital is usually the hubbub of urban activity and home of automats, Ottawa is the opposite.

Here's a sliver of what we enjoyed in Ottawa. A stroll through the famed Byward Market:

A b-e-a-utiful palette of local summer produce

 Can't you just imagine these sweet darlings atop a cheesecake? Or better yet, IN the cheesecake, or in a warm oat flake crumble, or mixed in a fruit parfait or in a preserved jam* or...drool...

 Mwahahaha...

(Oh my, I think Patrick got a little too excited at the mention of cheesecake)

And the grand finale, drumroll please...

A bit further... ( haha! A trick I learned from all those spam emails that ordered me to contribute to its virulence or else die)








































Le Moulin de Provence. 55 Byward Market Square
Ottawa, ON



 OBAMA COOKIES!!!

Obama came to visit, so the natural thing to do is make cookies and name them after him.

But of course, you must remind the cookie-eater that Obama visisted CANADA, make no mistake about that, no siree. So the cookies are red maple-leaf shaped with the word CANADA written across in white icing.

 Wots tis? A TV screen replaying a 20 second clip of Obama visiting Byward Market and shaking hands with people (really!?)

Of course you do, Obama. Who wouldn't after we've created a cookie in your name. 

-L
*if you are doing any preserving at home, make sure you sterilize your utensils and heat the food to the proper high temperature before jarring/canning, or else spores of bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum (the name should scare you off right there) can flourish in the oxygen-less environment and produce toxins!

Pumpkin Juice

Welcome back, muggles, to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

If there are two drinks that one must try at the Harry Potter world, Pumpkin Juice and Butterbeer would be my answer. Interestingly enough, Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer, bottled water and beer are the only drinks that you will find there. The theme park does a clean job of maintaining J.K. Rowling's request of preserving her 'vision' by restricting food items to those that you will find in her Harry Potter series. So, if you have a sudden craving for Pepsi, or an orange soda, then you are out of luck, but know that there is nothing that a cold bottle of Pumpkin Juice and a frozen glass of Butterbeer won't quench at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Island of Adventure
(Orlando, FL)

 After lining up for hours at Honeydukes, I hurriedly led my dehydrated body to a refreshment counter to buy a bottle of Pumpkin Juice. 

Butterbeer cart at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

 Butterbeer carts can be spotted just outside of Hogwarts, and along the streets of Hogsmeade. Note that Pumpkin Juice comes prepared in a bottle, whereas Butterbeer is served fresh in a plastic cup or a mug (for extra charge, of course). 

The Magic Neep at Hogsmeade
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

 The Magic Neep is one of the bigger refreshment stands in Hogsmeade. You can purchase Pumpkin Juice, beer, bottled water, or even a pretzel. Another odd thing to note is how easily accessible beer is around the theme park. Due to numerous carts that are stationed conveniently near long line-ups, it's not rare to spot adults with beer bottles in line or wondering around with their children. 

Pumpkin Juice at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

Pumpkin Juice ($.6.25) at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

 The pumpkin shaped cap is easily removable. Very easily removable. A simple touch or the slightest pressure on the cap is sufficient to pop it off. Don't be surprised when you enter a big crowd with the bottle in your hands and come out with the cap missing. Keep it in your bag.

Pumpkin Juice at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

 The taste of Pumpkin Juice at first is, to say the least, mysterious. The first sip left me wondering if I was capable of finishing the entire bottle. The extreme sweetness and cinnamon flavour first began to circle my mouth. Seconds later, the taste of gingerbread cookies (with a stronger emphasis on ginger might I add) attacked the back of my tongue with a hint of bitterness. It was only after a couple of careful additional sips that I realized it tasted somewhat like puréed pumpkin pie and gingerbread house. Now, some of you might be saying "Yum!", and others, not so much. 

Pumpkin Juice at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

One must note that this is a very sugary drink. Also, as much as I enjoy the occasional pumpkin soup and pumpkin pie around holiday times, I'm not sure if I would like to drink juice that tastes like blended pumpkin pie at almost every meal like Harry and his friends, who seem to drink it as casually as water. Perhaps wizards and witches are predisposed to eating high sugar content foods. Personally, Pumpkin Juice is something that I would like to enjoy and savour occasionally throughout the year much like pumpkin pies.

So I checked the ingredient content which listed: water, apple juice concentrate, pumpkin puree, apricot puree, sugar, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, acesulfame potassium, and sodium benzoate. Acesulfame potassium, which is a 0-calorie artificial sweetener, alongside sugar would explain the 48g of sugar (or possibly more if acesulfame potassium was not included as part of '48g of sugar'), and why it would be difficult to finish this intense sugary cocktail from concentrate. From a health and nutrition's perspective, one should take caution when consuming sugar and acesulfame potassium in large amounts, but then again, is there a point of arguing health and nutrition about foods served at a theme park?

I managed to ask about 15 others for their personal opinions, and they all seem to enjoy the unique, JK Rowling - approved, Pumpkin Juice. Maybe you will prove me wrong and tell me that it is something delightful enough to drink as much, and as often as Harry does. You have one way to find out - at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Do you know why Harry is spitting out his beloved pumpkin juice?

Stay tuned for my final update on Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks!

-Potter

Honeydukes at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

I grew tired of muggles, the muggle world, and muggle institutions like the University of Toronto. So I packed my things, and flew to Hogwarts.

...

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is probably Universal Studio's smartest investment, attracting attentions of not only millions of HP fans, but thousands of tourists, and surpassing the popularity of theme parks all around the world, and its neighbour, Walt Disney World.

If you have been, and still are, an avid fan of Harry Potter (like myself), then I hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed exploring the wondrous Wizarding World of Harry Potter! If you are not, then I suggest you run to the nearest bookstore and start reading. 

I will try my best not to turn this into a travel review, and focus on delectable treats. 

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(at the Island of Adventure, Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida)

 If you have not been to a major theme park (like Universal Studios or WDW) during Christmastime, then you cannot possibly imagine the horrendous size of crowds that gather like plagues of ants that make the simplest movements like walking and breathing as challenging as killing a Horcrux with your bare hands. 

Hogwarts at the Wizarding Wold of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

I've always thought that it would make more sense if this was built in England as opposed to Florida, USA, but I guess no one can resist the warm Floridian weather! Now, when you are standing so close that you can touch the walls of Hogwarts with your muggle fingers, you will appreciate the commanding architecture and all the fine details in awe.

Honeydukes at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

Time to focus our attention on food. 

Welcome to Honeydukes! 

Hogsmeade at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

Judging from the length of lines and the crowd level, I believe Honeydukes would be the third most popular attraction at the Wizarding World next to Hogwarts and Olivander's Wand Shop. It is, of course, located in Hogsmeade. 

Honeydukes at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

Never mind the brilliant architecture that captures J.K Rowling's imagination like the crooked windows and tipping chimneys. Look at the glorious batches of magical treats inside Honeydukes!!

Chocolate Frogs, Salazar Slytherin & Godric Gryffindor collectible cards
 at Honeydukes in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

 Can you see Godric Gryffindor moving? Or can you hear Salazar Slytherin's complaints about all the muggle tourists staring at him? 

Chocolate Frogs (US$9.95) at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

 A very pricey chocolate indeed, but that doesn't stop fans from buying dozens of these! The packaging was extremely tempting, and Honeydukes is known for their chocolate... 

Chocolate Frog from Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

so I purchased one.

Chocolate frog, Helga Hufflepuff collectible card at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL) 

Ta-da! When I opened the box, Helga Hufflepuff was smiling underneath the chocolate frog.

Chocolate Frog, Helga Hufflepuff collectible card at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

Can you read it? "...particularly famous for her dexterity and FOOD RELATED CHARMS" !
It's like as if the chocolate frog knew my love for food and led me to choosing this particular box.

Chocolate Frog at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

Taking a bite out of the chocolate frog is like biting into the big easter bunny chocolates that I used to eat when I was younger. It's very dense and thick. It's definitely not the highest quality chocolate out in the market, but I love the fact that it is very smooth and milky (yes, it is a milk chocolate). The chocolate frog is not too sweet, yet rich in its creamy texture and toothsome flavour. You probably wouldn't be able to finish this in one sitting, so it'd be fun to share with your friends IF you can manage to break the chocolate frog. Was it worth $9.95? Probably not, but I bought it for the experience and souvenir purposes, which is something I can treasure for a very long time.

Mouthwatering candy displays at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

 It took me full 2.5 hours to explore Honeydukes and Zonko's (the two shops are connected), read all fine prints on candies and toys (I enjoy small details), decide what to buy, take pictures, get through all the crowds and line up for my purchases.

Sugar Quills (US$3.95) at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

One of the cheaper candies at Honeydukes. It's just a sugar candy, but still, very neat-looking. Remember, they are very fragile!

Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans (US$10.95/box) at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

 I have fallen in love with the packaging ever since I saw it in the first HP movie, so i immediately purchased one. No questions asked. I believe Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans can also be purchased in authorized stores in Canada for muggles who cannot attend Hogwarts. It just won't come in a magnificent box like the ones in Honeydukes.  

Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans can be purchased in smaller individual bags for cheaper price. Various flavours are mixed together from cherry to earthworm to vomit, so be brave and try as many as you can! Earthworm and dirt have a similar taste of dirt. If you have eaten dirt and soil when you were little, then you can probably imagine the flavour. Grass tastes like, well, grass with sugar, vomit tastes like sour, rotten speghetti, and earwax ... is too hard to describe in words. I dare you to try all flavours!

Honeydukes at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

Perfectly imitated pink winding staircase.

All kinds of treats at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

 Sadly, they are only for display purposes, but one day, I will eat them all. 

Clippy's Clip Joint at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

 Clippy's Clip Joint Clippings are simply black licorice. Unfortunately, I could not try them, but the amount of details illustrated on the machine is absolutely phenomenal. 

Fizzing Whizbees at Honeydukes
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

I really enjoyed the drawing on the packaging. It is also an almost exact replica from the HP movies, except the sherbet balls have been replaced by chocolate pieces. 

Honeydukes at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

More delicious treats near the ceiling!

Fred and George's Expendable Ears at Zonko's Joke Shop
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

 As you head from Honeydukes to Zonko's, if you look up in the ceiling, you will find Fred and George's Extendable Ears. At Zonko's Joke Shop, you will also find few sweets if you pay close attention. I have managed to find Chocolate Wands on the shelves where the Sneakerscopes were. (WARNING: If you are claustrophobic, I strongly suggest you avoid Zonko's during the peak times because it is absolutely chaotic. )

Zonko's Joke Shop at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
(Orlando, FL)

 Can you spot my favourite treat?

U-No-Poo ($4.95) at Zonko's Joke Shop
(Wizarding World of Harry Potter, FL)

It's U-No-Poo!


"Why are you worrying about You-Know-Who?
You should be worrying about U-No-Poo - 
the Constipation Sensation that's gripping the nation!"

Ingenious slogan by the Weasley twins, who claimed it will cause constipation to those who eat it.


U-No-Poo was worth every cent. The candy covered chocolates (which resemble 'Smarties') are nothing extraordinary, but the amount is plenty, and the chocolate pieces are seductively smooth and addictive. Furthermore it would be the perfect treat to share with friends as you walk along the streets of Hogsmeade, sharing stories about your day at Hogwarts, while shopping for wands at Olivander's Wand Shop and drinking Butterbeer.




Ah, "What about butterbeer?!" you ask? 


More on butterbeer, pumpkin juice and Three Broomsticks coming up!
Stay tuned muggles.


-Fred