*Que in 'The Weasley Stomp' ♪*
Without further ado, let us begin.
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| 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.
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| 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 --
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| Three Broomsticks (right next to Honeydukes) at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter |
Three Broomsticks.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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!)
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| Frozen Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter) |
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| Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter) |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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. |
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| Frozen Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World of Harry Potter) |
Don't forget to take a sip of your butterbeer as you eat!
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| 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.
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| 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
