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Happy-Gourmand

Roller-coaster food ride

Are you a fan of roller-coasters? Do you like theme parks? We are in Florida visiting friends this week and we felt we should have the full Florida experience. Of course, that means a trip to a theme park. I can only handle so many rides, but I do love a dose of the carnival world every now and again, with all the trimmings. 

My hubby and I are huge movie buffs, so Universal Studios was a priority on the theme-park list. Being able to immerse ourselves in the worlds of our favourite characters sounded like the perfect “big kid” vacation. Little did I know just how immersive it would be. 

I’m a Harry Potter fan, having been a diligent reader and then enjoying the films. I had heard that the World of Harry Potter at Universal was worth getting up early for, so that’s what we did. To use a term that J.K. Rowling might have, I was gobsmacked.

We went past the entrance once, not realizing it was there. (I should have remembered how the wizarding world existed right under our muggle noses.) Once we did round that corner, I immediately felt as though I’d been transported to the real Diagon Alley. From the cobblestones right on up to the charming old English rooftops, it was all authentic to the stories of Harry Potter. 

The Sugar Plum candy shop had Every Flavour Jelly Beans and Chocolate Frogs. There were magical fireworks and all kinds of pranking supplies at the Weasley brothers’ store. I did stop by at Olivander’s wand shop, of course, and I couldn’t pass up a butter beer. That stuff is truly magical. 

We visited Gringott’s Bank, and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the line up as well as the ride itself. I tried out my wand in Knockturn Alley and we had a lovely lunch at The Leaky Cauldron – I chose Toad in the Hole and hubby had a Fisherman’s Pie. (Thankfully there were no magical surprises on our plates; it was all delicious fare.)

We took the Hogwarts Express train to Hogsmeade and were further immersed in the adventures of Harry, Hermione and Ron. 

The next time I rounded a corner it was into the world of Jurassic Park. No more butter beer here – rather it was about turkey legs, and plenty of Coke stations... promoted in the same shameless style as products in the movie itself. 

The memory of the Jurassic Park movie scenario – being told that everything was meticulously prepared for our safe enjoyment – was pervasive. As we passed the “Raptor Encounter” attraction we smugly elbowed each other, saying, “Those fools! How could they think it would be safe?” When we got on the river ride we had a bad feeling (cue the ominous soundtrack music). 

Over our two days of fun, we completely threw out all ideas of eating healthy regular meals. We had Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in the New York scenes, as well as jambalaya and beignets at their Mardi Gras evening event. There were Lard Lad Donuts from the Simpsons, and milkshakes from Schwab’s Pharmacy, a nod to those soda fountain counters where so many movie stars were discovered. 

There just wasn’t enough time for green eggs and ham, a Dagwood sandwich or a Wimpy’s burger. We will have to save those for next time. In the meantime, I’ll eat a whole lot of salad to balance the scale.  

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

Kristin Peturson-Laprise is a customer experience specialist by trade, which means she is someone passionate about people having a good time. 

Her company, Wow Service Mentor, helps businesses enhance their customer experience through hands-on training, service programs, and special event coordination.

Kristin enjoys her own experiences too, and that is what she writes about in this column. She and her husband Martin Laprise (also known as Chef Martin, of The Chef Instead) love to share their passion for food and entertaining.  

Kristin says:

"Wikipedia lists a gourmand as a person who takes great pleasure in food. I have taken the concept of gourmandise, or enjoying something to the fullest, in all parts of my life. I love to grow and cook food, and I loved wine enough to become a Sommelier. I call a meal a success when I can convey that 'sense of place' from where the food has come . . . the French call that terroir, but I just call it the full experience. It might mean tasting the flavours of my own garden, or transporting everyone at the table to a faraway place, reminiscent of travels or dreams we have had."

 

E-mail Kristin at:  [email protected]

Check out her website here:  www.wowservicementor.com

 



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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