In the News - Wizarding Fare: What To Eat At New Harry Potter Theme Park

Muggles and wizards, rejoice! After a long day of quidditch and fending off the dark arts, there's a new place to enjoy a cold Butterbeer.

Universal Studios Hollywood is offering sneak peeks of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter before it opens to the public April 7. There's something for every Harry Potter fan at the new attraction, which brings to life the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade Village.

A short walk past Hogsmeade station and Honeydukes sweet shop leads to Three Broomsticks restaurant and HogsHead pub, the site of a media taste testing Wednesday night to show off the British-inspired menu. Those expecting dishes straight from the books such as stoat sandwiches, corned beef, and steak and kidney pie might be disappointed, but the menu pays a worthy tribute to hearty pub staples such as shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips.

But if you have a hankering for Butterbeer, the butterscotch-flavored drink enjoyed by Harry and his friends, they serve it here.

Imagine Cheerful servers greeting guests at the door of HogsHead pub with glasses of non alcoholic Butterbeer, which in the real world bears a strong resemblance to a creamsicle. Hog's Head brew is available in three varieties from behind the bar, which faithfully replicates the pub chosen by Ron and Hermione as the secret meeting place of Dumbledore's Army.

The pub is adjacent to Three Broomsticks, a rustic tavern of heavy wooden tables and chairs within the cavernous vaulted ceiling. In the rafters, suitcases and steamer trunks sit outside doors leading to lodging rooms at the wizard's inn. Relics that only real fans will recognize hang from the walls.
Much of the menu borrows from its East Coast counterpart, which opened nearly two years ago at Universal Studios Orlando, but there are a few new dishes on hand at the new location. By far, the most memorable one is the Butterbeer potted cream dessert served in a small pot. The chocolate-flavored option brings to mind a mousse, but the Butterbeer option will have you on a sugar high like no other.

Surprise hits of the menu were soups in four varieties -- ale and cheese, corn, potato and leek, and Guinness stew -- served faithfully with a side of soda bread. Vegetarian options such as cabbage and roasted vegetables are also on hand.

Those looking for delicacies truly inspired by the books should hold out for sweet shop Honeydukes, where chocolate-covered frogs and jelly beans in a variety of flavors will be available. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. 

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