Carnevale - the traditional festival famous in Venice and known as Mardi Gras outside of Italy, is a spectacle of glamorous costumes, culinary delicacies, and celebration.
The celebration is back for the entire month of February at Maria & Enzo’s in Disney Springs, and we were invited to the opening night of Carnevale to see what’s on offer.
The main dining room has undergone a transformation in true Carnevale style - with streamers, masks and balloons filling the space. It definitely sets the mood for a party atmosphere.
Before we get to the entertainment, let’s take a look at the most important part - the food and drink. There is a special Carnevale menu, with limited time dishes and specialty cocktails. View the full menu.
Although the menu is a la carte, there are some included items that come with all meals. Dinner starts with the restaurant’s famous Pinzimonio (Italian Crudite) with Giardiniera Cremosa, and homemade sfincione focaccia, ciabatta bread.
Mamma Marias mini-meatballs are also served with the entree course, and dinner ends with Bugie e Chiacchiere (fried sweet pastry).
The antipasti is always a favorite at Maria & Enzo’s, and this is a look at the Salumi E Formaggi.
It includes 18 month aged prosciutto di parma, salametto piccante, mortadella with pistachio, pecorino romano, parmigiano-reggiano, caciocavallo, olives, mostarda di frutta, grissini. Priced at $18 per person.
This is the excellent Arancini - lightly fried rice croquettes, Italian sausage ragù, fior di latte mozzarella - priced at $14.50.
Pasta served at Maria & Enzo’s is sourced from The Gentile Pasta Factory, founded in 1876, in Gragnano, Italy. This region of Italy is known for the best pasta, and by utilizing 100% Italian semolina wheat and through a low temperature natural air-drying method, it is the same process that pasta-makers employed in the sixteenth century.
Lasagna Bolognese ($30) - thin layered egg pasta, braised short rib ragù, béchamel, fior di latte mozzarella. Some of the best you’ll have, and a very generous serving size.
For steak fans, we suggest the Bistecca Alla Griglia, which is a grilled 16 oz certified angus ribeye, roasted forest mushrooms, olive oil crushed fingerling potatoes, sangiovese red wine jus - priced at $48. It is one big piece of meat, beautifully tender - and might be one to share! It also comes with some incredible olive oil crushed fingerling potatoes. Make sure you try them - they are also available as a side if your entree doesn’t include them.
Chocolate fans will most definitely enjoy Enzo's Torta for a light dessert.
A quick word on the kids menu - $12 for a three course dinner - including Spaghetti & Meatball, Penne and Butter, Pizza slice, and Chicken Tenders and Fried Potatoes. Starters include Fried Cheese Bites and Fruit Salad, and desserts include Gelato. Kids items are made to the same quality as the adult offerings, which is very nice to see.
Special cocktails are on hand for Carnevale, and they are all worthy of trying.
This is a favorite - the February Sunset - cointreau, simple syrup, a splash of ginger beer, blueberries, oranges, raspberries and mint.
The Red Mask - fresh strawberry puree, tangy pineapple juice, simply syrup, lemon juice, maker’s mark whiskey, and pineapple wedge.
King Carnival - kettle one vodka, pomegranate juice, rosa regale, a touch of lemon juice.
Entertainment at Carnevale comes to you, with up-close table-side performers. There is an impressively talented violin player who takes requests, no matter how obscure, and reproduces the song with flair.
Another artist will make practically anything out of balloons and at great speed.
Finally, you get to design, and then have an artist hand paint a special Carnevale mask which is yours to take home.
The restaurant has struck a good balance with the entertainment - it doesn’t intrude on your dining experience, but elevates the evening beyond a simple dinner.
Carnevale is a very family friendly event, and something that can be really enjoyed by everyone in your party, no matter the age. The decorations, entertainment and give-aways will be a huge hit with the young ones, and together with great food and drink, it makes for a wonderful night out at Disney Springs which we can highly recommend.
You can make reservations in My Disney Experience or directly with the restaurant online. Entertainment takes place from 5pm to 10pm daily for the month of February.
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