Universal Studios Hollywood – Award winning dining at The International Café

Blogger's Banquet. Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood.

A day at a theme park usually includes long lines, thrilling rides and picture opportunities. Dining is also a big part of the theme park experience for my family. This is a time to sit back, relax and refuel. If you’re like me, you probably don’t expect to find award winning fare at a theme park. Hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries are the usual theme park staples. Universal Studios Hollywood and their Executive Chef Eric Kopelow’s goal were to create healthy and delicious options for their guests.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s International Café opened its doors in 2010. Guests will find a healthy, award winning menu at this bistro-style cafe. The International Café has been honored with the Santé Restaurant Award for innovation and outstanding achievement in culinary service and hospitality. Another achievement is Universal Studios Hollywood’s executive chef, Eric Kopelow was awarded “2010 Chef of the Year” by Chef Magazine. Eric is the first chef from an amusement park to win this award.

I was thrilled to be invited to a Blogger’s Banquet at Universal Studio this Wednesday to meet their Chef of the Year and taste items from The International Cafe menu. The evening’s edibles included scrumptious soups, fresh salads and tasty artisan style sandwiches. My favorites included the roasted cauliflower with cheddar soup, arrugula salad with virgin olive oil, buffalo mozzarella cheese and the oven roasted turkey sandwich with muenster cheese. Their breads are made fresh every day. Their potato chips and garlic dill pickles are also homemade! The highlight for me was dessert featuring their Banana Meringue Tart. It’s a pastry shell filled with banana cream and caramel topped with toasted meringue. Heavenly! I highly recommend it. Parents make sure to look over their wine list. A nice glass of wine might make memories of those long theme park lines melt away…

Universal Studios International Café offers fresh, quality, healthy options along with impressive service. The café is located in the Streets of the World section in the upper lot. I definitely recommend dining here on your next visit.

That’s IT Mommy congratulates Universal Studios Hollywood, The International Café and Chef of the Year 2010, Eric Kopelow.

– Tee

Chef of the Year 2010 Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood

Arrugula Salad. Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood

Chef, Eric Kopelow, presents the soup sampler and entrees. Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood

Banana Meringue Tart. Photo by That's IT Mommy

* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy attended the Blogger’s Banquet and all dining and beverages were received free of charge to facilitate this announcement/post.
 This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.
 The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ. Thank you to Universal Studios Hollywood and @mintcool for sharing the event with us.