Latest news with #Ramen
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
‘I visited Orlando's newest theme park and one new thing blew everyone away'
Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe in Florida has opened its doors – with five new worlds to explore within – so naturally I went along to sample the magical delights Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park, Epic Universe, has changed the face of the landscape and what it means to enjoy a holiday full of thrills and spills. The £7 billion theme park is an immersive, multisensory experience with storytelling at its core. The resort's fourth theme park and the first to open in 25 years, it invites guests to 'explore vibrant worlds filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond their wildest imaginations" – and it really is magical. With 50 awe-inspiring attractions,entertainment, dining and shopping experiences in its new park, the Universal parks make up a 700-acre resort space. But it's not just the stunning scenery, experiences and rides that blew me away - my entire group were wowed by the culinary experiences inside the park. Forget burgers, hotdogs and popcorn - although readily available if you fancy - I dined on exquisite seafood from scallops to King Oysters at Atlantic and freshly made Dim Sum and Ramen noodles at The Blue Dragon, both in Celestial Park. I also found the best purple pizza called Pizza Lunare in Pizza Moon, complete with an Ube crust - the chunks of roasted garlic were to die for - and melt-in-the-mouth beef brisket at The Oak & Star Tavern. Let's explore the worlds a little closer for when you plan your first visit... Celestial Park Step through the Chronos – the impressive first portal tower and entrance to the park that when 'powered' will align to open up five magical portals for visitors to explore. I first enjoyed Celestial Park – the cosmic heart of Epic Universe and so much more than just a starting point. Local 'Celestians' who inhabit here tend to the lush, tree-lined walkways and I found myself whisked into a whimsical world of greenery, tropical flowers, fountains and ponds. Everything here is connected heavily to astrology, from the first sight of Luna, goddess of the moon, who oversees the night's luminescence by her Neptune Pools, to the far side of the park where Apollo, god of the sun, rests. Even the rides are well themed – I enjoyed a gentle sway on the Constellation Carousel and zipped at 62mph on Stardust Racers, a dual racing rollercoaster across 5,000ft of track, which is the park's top thrill ride for speed and height. Celestial Park interweaves the other worlds and acts as a calming decompression from the extremities of themes and music in each world. Grab a cocktail at Bar Zenith, watch the fountain show and marvel in the sheer beauty. MUST DO Visit North Star Wintry Wonders, an all-year Christmas store where it really snows outside – even under the hot Florida sun. Dark Universe The storytelling continues as you move through this spooky portal and into monstrous Darkmoor Village. It makes sense – Universal is the pioneer of horror, after all. Dr Victoria Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein's great great-granddaughter, is the proud owner of this world's central focus – Frankenstein Manor – and she has captured all the monsters but she's having some trouble with Dracula. Ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment as you navigate the catacombs of the manor to 'help' Victoria (you won't help – but you will scream). The ride's technology is phenomenal and the animatronics are creative masterpieces. Fear not, it's suitable for all ages. Take time to explore the details. Look out for a little girl statue of Maria (a character from the 1931 Frankenstein film, who accidentally drowns), listen to sounds from beneath the vampire well and head to the Blazing Blade Tavern for a fiery sight to behold. MUST DO Grab a bite to eat at Das Stakehouse. The theming is almost better than the food – and the food is delicious. Super Nintendo World Everything moves, spins, jumps and wobbles in Super Nintendo World. It's a gaming world for everyone – even the big kids who are young at heart. Providing one of the coolest portals (the walkway into each world), I entered via a Super Mario Warp Pipe and arrived inside Princess Peach's Castle before exiting into a world of jaw-dropping colour and musical joy. Glistening golden coins, stomping Koombas, sliding 1-Up mushrooms and snapping Piranha Plants were everywhere as I looked across to Bowser's Castle. This is where I gave Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge a go and my dismal points were made up for by the fun and laughter I had hurtling turtle shells and banana peels at my friends (virtually, of course – the race car game, where we're up against all the usual Super Mario bad guys, is played via a headset). The character meet and greets here are sweet for youngsters – Toad is a rotund delight for toddlers, Mario and Luigi are cool for pre-teens and even the too-cool-for-school teenagers won't be able to resist Donkey Kong. Don't miss the fabulous rollercoaster Minecart Madness – it's a bumpy ride but the jumps over 'missing' sections of the track are thrilling. MUST DO Buy a $45 Power-Up wristband. It's vital for playing the in-world mini games, collecting coins and banking some exclusive park stamps and badges, which connects to an app on your mobile phone and creates family friendly competition. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic This world makes the Wizarding Worlds at Universal Orlando Resort a trio – also made up of Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands Of Adventure. Step inside the magical streets of 1920s Paris, where the likes of Newt Scamander hangs out. Known as Place Cachée, this world is a fan delight, merging the magic of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in Paris, with the wonders of Harry Potter. I hopped on the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry Of Magic for Dolores Umbridge's trial for her crimes against magic on the mesmerising dark ride, Battle At The Ministry. Expect magical creatures and spells galore – and make time for the show, Le Cirque Arcanus. The puppetry will leave you speechless. MUST DO Try a Gigglewater in Le Gobelet Noir – a bar owned by Nicolas Flamel, the alchemist who created the Philosopher's Stone. How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk The largest of all the worlds at Epic Universe,the Viking village of Berk is breathtaking. On entry, I was faced with two 40ft carved wooden statues, guarding the village. This world is set after the second film, where there's peace and harmony between man and dragon. Look out for The Untrainable Dragon live show, which has the most beautiful score, with singers and actors akin to the talent of a West End show. And be sure to try the mac and cheese cone at Hooligan's Grog & Gruel – it's the novelty dish I never knew I needed. MUST DO Look to the skies. Here you'll find actual flying dragons – drones to us adults (don't tell the kids), but they are very realistic. HOW TO BOOK Universal Orlando Resort All Parks tickets are available through British Airways Holidays from £439 per person. British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at Universal Stella Nova Resort from £829 per person, travelling on selected dates in January 2026. Book by 9 June. For reservations visit
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Tokyo Kitchen takeaway: Japanese cuisine that's enjoyable but nothing special
What's on offer? Tokyo Kitchen opened in 2018, offering Japanese takeaway built on traditional techniques with a modern approach. The menu covers standard fare – sushi rolls, sashimi, katsu curry, ramen and stir-fried noodles with plenty of vegetarian dishes. Fish is supplied by Kish Fish and mostly farmed, which is typical for a Japanese takeaway. The owner also runs a second kitchen inside The Barbers Bar, offering a similar menu. What did we order? Fresh tuna sashimi, tuna avocado, softshell crab tempura roll, beef don, crispy tofu with kimchi sauce, and spicy vegetarian. How was the service? Ordering online was simple, but the delivery time couldn't be adjusted. Items were well-packed – the ramen broth was kept separate and cling-wrapped to prevent spills. The softshell crab tempura roll was missing despite being paid for. I called to request a refund and had to follow up days later to secure one. READ MORE [ Buon Gusto takeaway: Perfect park picnic food with serious Italian pedigree Opens in new window ] Was the food nice? The strongest dishes were the cooked ones – beef don and tofu-based options – while the sushi and sashimi were the weakest. Several dishes skewed more Thai or Korean than Japanese. The tuna sashimi was soft, unevenly cut and lacked freshness. The tuna avocado roll was slightly better but showed signs of advance prep – chewy seaweed and loose wrapping. Both were below standard. The beef don came with beef, green onions and black sesame seeds over rice. Lightly seasoned with soy and garlic, it wasn't saucy but held up – a solid portion, improved with extra soy. The crispy tofu with kimchi sauce came with asparagus and bamboo shoots. The tofu wasn't marinated but had good texture, and the sauce added flavour. The spicy vegetarian included stir-fried noodles with broccoli, red pepper, green beans and a tomato-based sauce. Both were solid. The ramen used udon-style noodles, crispy tofu, asparagus and a coconut broth. The broth – closer to Thai green curry than Japanese ramen-style – was flavourful but not distinctly Japanese. Still, the dish worked. What about the packaging? The food arrived in a plastic outer bag with a paper bag inside. The ramen broth was wrapped in cling film. Most packaging was recyclable – except for the cling film; and the plastic bag, although common in deliveries, isn't ideal. [ The Lobster Pot review: This Ballsbridge classic still flames on – but you'll pay to watch it burn Opens in new window ] What did it cost? €63.97 for dinner for three people: fresh tuna sashimi, €15.95; tuna avocado, €12.95; beef don, €12.95; crispy tofu with kimchi sauce, €11.95; spicy vegetarian, €15.95 and service fee, €2.99. (€72.74, minus 12 per cent-off offer of €8.77, makes it €63.97). Where does it deliver? Delivery/collection hours: Tues-Thurs, noon-10pm; Fri-Sat, noon-12am; and Sun, 4pm-10pm. Delivery via Flipdish, Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats, within 5km radius. Would I order it again? Possibly. It's nothing special, yet it's enjoyable in the way a 'moreish' Chinese takeaway is.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Minneapolis food hall to permanently close next week
Minneapolis food hall the North Loop Galley will close its doors permanently next weekend after almost six years in business. Galley Group CEO Chad Ellingboe confirmed in an email to Bring Me The News that the venue in Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood will close on Saturday, May 10. The food hall opened its doors in December 2019, but like the rest of the restaurant industry was soon rocked by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020. Despite this, the food hall weathered the storm thanks to "vendors who were willing to push through," Ellingboe said. Among its prominent vendors is Wrecktangle Pizza, which got its start at the North Loop Galley, has since expanded to several locations in the Twin Cities metro. The other current vendors at the food hall are Ono Hawaiian Plates, Ramen Kawae, and Good Boy. "We also wouldn't have made it this long without our dedicated and loyal staff members who made North Loop Galley what it is and what it was meant to be…a starting off point for new concepts and a place for the community to gather and come as they are!" said Ellingboe. "We are excited to give our loyal supporters another opportunity over the next ten days to say hi one last time, enjoy one more bowl of Ramen, one more Musabi, one more Shredder, and of course one more happy hour with the Galley Boys behind the bar!" The North Loop is home to another food hall, Graze, which also opened in 2019 and has itself undergone some recent changes, with the food hall being taken over by the Travail Group, which is behind Robbinsdale's acclaimed Travail Kitchen & Amusements.
Web Release
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
An Indulgent Eid Staycation Awaits at FIVE LUXE
Step into the luxurious world of FIVE LUXE, where the shimmering Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai create a backdrop for ultimate indulgence and nonstop fun. With 222 stylish hotel rooms and suites and 222 lavish residences, it's your ticket to a glam-packed adventure for 'All-You-Can-Play' celebrations, paired with sensational dining, nightlife, and entertainment. FIVE LUXE, Dubai's 'Most Glam Beachfront Resort' at JBR, is the ultimate destination for those in pursuit of glamour, luxury, and world-class entertainment under one roof! The 1-Bed Poolside Room with Pool is ideal for a sizzling stay for two, placing you at the heart of Dubai's most exhilarating destination. Enjoy direct access to the iconic Playa Pacha pool and beach club, the city's largest and most electrifying pool party spot. For guests looking to go all-out, the Encore Suite transforms into the ultimate party destination. Complete with a DJ booth, dance floor, LED screen, and state-of-the-art sound system, it sets the stage for epic celebrations! Experience the pulsating energy of Ibiza and 'Come Play' at Playa Pacha, where Mediterranean flair accompanies all-day parties, every day of the week. From Wet Cherry Wednesdays to Sam Oui & Friends on Saturdays and Latin House on Sundays, there's truly something for every mood and vibe. Find yourself spoilt for choice with innovative dining and nightlife at several distinct venues within FIVE LUXE. Dive into the exquisite world of Ronin, from live fire Teppanyaki cooking to a swanky Sushi Bar, intimate Pagoda-style dining or its Lazy Weekend Lunches featuring heavenly Ramen and fresh Hand Rolls from Gourmet A5 Wagyu Shabu-Shabu to Angry Chicken Spicy Ramen and bold Wagyu Ragu Black Bean 'JaJang-Myeun.' Embrace French sophistication with a Dubai twist at Tête-à-Tête, inspired by the French Riviera where vibrant, sun-kissed flavours shine against a chic, lavender backdrop with sweeping views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Take things up a notch at the Friday Dinner Party and dance to French hits remixed with the hottest international house beats, enjoy a signature set menu and cocktails – or savour delicious flavours at the Bisous Bisous Brunch on Saturdays. Paradiso Dubai captivates with surreal, theatrical decor paired with exquisite cocktails, and tapas-style menu – along with weekly events such as the Queen of Hearts Ladies Night on Thursdays and Paradiso Blackbook with the hottest DJs that spin tracks from a variety of genres. For pub enthusiasts, Goose Island Tap House offers a range of over 22 craft brews – the largest in the UAE – paired with delicious bites. Enjoy daily Happy Hours, a vibrant Ladies' Night every Tuesday, indulge in Wings Wednesdays with irresistible chicken or vegan wings, and kick-start your weekend with The Ultimate Breakfast, served in true indulgent style, along with the famed Sunday Roast. Bask under the sunny skies of Cielo, where every meal is a celebration of the good life, from breakfast to dinner and a spectacular beachfront shisha lounge. Revitalise at ReFIVE Spa with state-of-the-art facilities including an indoor spa pool, rooftop workout terrace and a 24/7 gym, transformative treatments that include Ayurvedic rituals, muscle recovery ice therapy, healing quartz beds, Hammam, Auteur and Omorovicza facials and more. Location: FIVE LUXE, JBR When: June 2025 Price: Starting from AED 850 for Rooms | AED 1,650 for Suites Press Kit: LINK Follow us: Instagram | Website Book Now: Call: 04 455 9989 WhatsApp: +971 4455 9999 Email: [email protected] **Advance bookings are recommended.
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Robert Irwin seen with mystery blonde on wild Vegas night
Robert Irwin has reportedly caused some trouble with his mum after enjoying a night out in Vegas with a mystery woman. The 21-year-old — who is set to appear on the US version of Dancing With The Stars — travelled with his mum, Terri, and sister, Bindi, to Las Vegas for the annual Steve Irwin Gala on May 10. But what was meant to be a wholesome trip descended into chaos when Robert left his family to grab dinner with a blonde woman. Photos emerged of the pair walking closely together down the Vegas strip and beaming with happiness as they sat next to each other in the corner of a small ramen restaurant. In one picture, Robert is seen with his top unbuttoned, showing off his chest. Robert Irwin is seen spending time with a mystery woman in Las Vegas. Credit: AKMG / BACKGRID A source close to the family told Daily Mail Australia that Robert's antics have 'deeply disappointed' Terri. 'Terri doesn't care who the girl is. She just thinks the whole thing looks really bad, especially with Robert about to appear on the US version of Dancing with the Stars,' the insider told the media outlet. 'While the cat's away, the mice will play. 'Robert doesn't usually get much downtime, so he let his hair down but Terri was expecting him to keep things low-key, not hit the strip with a blonde on his arm.' The pair reportedly ignored other people in their party and went to a small Ramen food place in a dark corner of the Las Vegas strip. Credit: AKMG / BACKGRID The wildlife warrior was left to his own devices when his sister and mum were forced to pull out of the Gala after Bindi suffered a ruptured appendix and had to undergo emergency surgery. The insider told Daily Mail that Terri is now trying to calm speculation that his late-night antics will impact his upcoming appearance on DWTS. 'They're in full damage control. The line from the Irwins is 'there's nothing to see here'. But behind closed doors, Terri is fuming,' they said.
