While some people the world over are celebrating Christmas, we prefer a "greener" holiday celebration.
And by green, we obviously mean Grinchmas. Dr. Seuss's mean-yet-loveable Grinch character with a most peculiar heart condition (first it's too small, then it's really big), is the star of Universal Studio's Grinchmas, now going on through early January. Along with the Grinch, there's also a fully-realized recreation of the Macy's Day Parade, complete with floats and marching bands.
But, of course, we're in it for the food. And, happily, there's a bunch of goodies to be had, thanks in part to Universal's Springfield and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sure there's the usual popcorn, burgers, and sodas, but why not eat like your favorite characters and enjoy a refreshing Duff beer or a sweet Butterbeer with your Green Eggs and Ham or your Lard Lad D'oughnut.
We made our annual holiday trip to watch the snow fall (yes! real snow!), meet the Grinch (he's quite cheeky), and eat our way through our favorite attractions.
Ever have breakfast with a Grinch? No, we're not talking about scarfing eggs at a diner with your hungover friend, we're talking about the real deal Grinch. During select days in December, you can breakfast with your favorite furry green guy at Universal's Islands of Adventure. $24.99 ($10.99 for kids) gets you green eggs and ham and other morning goodies along with a big heaping platter of Grinchiness! Purchase tickets here.
You got to the theme park early and need a sugar fix to get you going? Head over to Springfield and scarf down some freshly baked Lard Lad D'oh-nuts. $2.29 for one, but $4.99 gets you the Big Pink that can serve four people -- or one Homer Simpson!
Hungry for something more substantial? Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck serves up Korean beef, fish, chicken, and carne asada tacos that are delicious ($6.99 - $8.99).
Wash it down with an ice cold Duff. Enjoy the sit down experience of Moe's Tavern or visit the Duff Brewery and Gardens.
Duff is brewed by Florida Beer Company and available exclusively at Universal. It comes in three varieties: Duff, Duff Light, and Duff Dry. The Duff is refreshing and hoppy, the Duff Light is a domestic light beer, and the Duff Dry has toasty chocolate notes. A 20-ounce cup of Duff is $7.25, and the Duff Dry is sold in bottles only for $6.50.
What's Butterbeer? Who knows. It tastes like cream soda (and it probably is), with a touch of magic! Last year, it was reported that Universal sold over five million glasses of the sweet and frothy beverage. Served cold or frozen (think butterscotch slushy), it's a must have.
We suggest taking a break from the malls and making a small trip to Orlando. After all, the Grinch said it best -- "What if Christmas, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
Follow Laine Doss on Twitter @LaineDoss and Facebook.
Follow @ CleanPlateBPB
