Uncover the Hidden Secrets of Dining at Universal Epic Universe: What You’re Missing!

Behind the Scenes: Universal Orlando’s Epic Food Experience

When you sink your teeth into a Mario Burger or enjoy fish and chips at Universal Orlando, it’s more than just a meal. It’s a peek behind the curtain at the resort’s impressive Production Kitchen (PK), a central hub for preparing food across the new Epic Universe theme park.

Chef Jens Dahlmann, overseeing culinary operations, explains that the PK touches every restaurant at Universal in some way. For instance, it may provide pizza dough for Red Oven Pizza in CityWalk or chili for Big Fire. This system keeps everything running smoothly.

Big Machines, Big Flavor

The PK features advanced equipment, including a giant lift that can handle massive 2,200-pound bags of flour. Dahlmann notes that previously, staff had to deal with 50-pound bags, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks. The new setup allows for quicker and safer processes.

Every year, the kitchen produces over 5 million freshly made brioche buns for various locations. In addition, they prepare unique items like homemade sauces and fresh fruits, ensuring quality in every dish.

Dahlmann emphasizes the freshness of ingredients. “We cut hand-selected Pacific cod for our dishes and break down whole salmon daily,” he says. The focus is on quality, with items made from scratch where possible.

Safety First

Food safety is a top priority. Cooked items are quickly cooled in state-of-the-art chillers. “It’s crucial to move food quickly through what we call the danger zone,” emphasizes Dahlmann. They aim to cool cooked food to safe temperatures in under an hour, well within the six-hour guideline set by health regulations.

The process for keeping food safe starts with careful sourcing. They make sure the vendors meet strict safety standards before they can supply the kitchen. This attention to detail ensures that every meal served is both safe and delicious.

A Story in Every Bite

Storytelling is also part of the culinary experience. For special events like Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights, chefs plan menus well in advance, collaborating with Universal’s creative teams to create memorable dishes. The hope is to take guests on a culinary journey through the stories those menus tell.

Epic Universe has introduced over 100 new menu items that aim to enchant visitors, like the trending Mac & Cheese cones in the How to Train Your Dragon area. Chef Robert Martinez highlights the need to adjust production to meet guest demand, especially for items that have gone viral.

Looking Ahead

The culinary team is motivated by guest reactions. "Creating food that exceeds expectations is our main goal," says Martinez. Witnessing the excitement of the culinary team as they bring these dishes to life is particularly rewarding.

In recent years, trends show a growing emphasis on sustainability and healthy eating in theme parks. For instance, a 2022 survey noted that 75% of visitors prefer fresh and locally-sourced food options while on vacation. This focus aligns with Universal’s own commitment to sourcing food sustainably.

As Universal Orlando continues to innovate, its Production Kitchen stands as a symbol of quality, safety, and creativity in theme park dining.

For more details on Universal’s health and safety practices, check out the CDC guidelines on food safety.

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