Terralina Crafted Italian – Now Open at Disney Springs.
After what seems like an age and with a multi-million-dollar makeover inspired by the design and lifestyle of Italy’s Lake District, Terralina Crafted Italian has now opened for business in the space at Disney Springs Landing previously occupied by Portobello Country Italian Trattoria, bringing authentic Italian flavors to Disney Springs.
Wednesday saw a VIP launch party prior to full opening on Thursday June 28th, and what a party it was, Terralina sure know how to launch a business and one of the best we have ever attended.
This new dining experience, curated by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tony Mantuano, and under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Justin Plank will feature authentic, Italian cuisine prepared on a wood-burning grill and oven and cooked in Chef Tony’s signature olive oil, imported directly from Italy.
The new space is beautiful, with a newly installed veranda bar outside the main entrance and plenty of room for al fresco dining all around. Inside, the kitchen forms the center piece of the restaurant with a wrap around bar and views of the wood burning oven. You will be spoiled for choice in selecting where you want to while away the hours as each dining area has its own identity ranging from eclectic artwork in some to brick walls and rustic elements in others.
The preview launch was set up buffet style and we got to sample many of the dishes from the new menu, from house made Pasta dishes to some excellent Meatballs and Swordfish Peperonatta. We also got a chance to talk to Chef Tony, who recommended a stand out Porchetta with Apple Mostarda, but I think our favorite was the Citrus Herb – Brick Chicken, very succulent and tender with a perfect char on the skin, we will be back for more!
Chef Tony commented to us that above all he wants the menu to be approachable and remain true to the Italian spirit and culture. By making the kitchen center stage just as in an Italian home they hope to give each guest a memorable experience. Judging by the food we sampled on the night and the ambience of the new redesigned space, we would say that Chef Tony has not only met his own criteria but by far exceeded it.
We will definitely be back soon to experience the “full size” dishes and service in a couple of weeks, in the mean time its great to see the Terralina space open again with yet another superb dining opportunity in Disney Springs.
