Toothsome Chocolate Emporium -- Appetizers -- Table Service -- City Walk -- Universal Studios Orlando

*This dining experience took place in October 2016. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast is Universal Studio's latest table service at Universal City Walk outside of the Universal theme parks. Set to resemble a steam-punk chocolate factory, much of what is served there has some chocolate inspiration. From chocolate drinks to even chocolate sauce burgers -- if you are a chocolate lover, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast will help you get your chocolate fix.I had heard from some blog readers that the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium could accommodate gluten free and special dietary needs diners. On this particular occasion, Brandon and I stopped by for drinks and appetizers before Universal's Halloween Horror Nights.Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is insanely popular and very busy. We stopped by at 4:30 p.m. on a Sunday, and it was over an hour wait for a table, so we decided to go upstairs to the bar area (which requires no reservations). Thankfully, we found two spots at the bar to order.The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium does not carry a gluten free menu. Servers will go over options with you, though I have heard that a chef and/or manager may come to your table. At the bar, I was advised of a few safe appetizers and that they have gluten free buns.While looking over the extensive regular menu, I did order a Peach Smash, one of the few non-chocolately drinks. It is normally served with whiskey, but I opted to swap out whiskey for gin. The drink itself was OK, but I think I would order something else on my next visit.The bar area is really cool, and I love all the vintage touches. They have an impressive amount of options to choose from on the bar menu, so no matter what your special dietary need is, chances are you'll find a drink that works for you on their menu.For my appetizer, I opted for the harissa spiced pork tenderloin kabobs wrapped in bacon and served with a pineapple slaw and creamy dip. I asked them to omit the dip, but it came out on the plate anyway. Even though I have been reintroducing dairy back into my diet a bit, I opted not to eat the dairy filled dip.The pork itself was very flavorful and tender. The bacon, of course, was delicious, and the sauce on the pork was quite spicy. I was glad to have the mild pineapple slaw as a side because it really helped cool down the spice from the pork.The appetizer was filling and tasty, though I would probably opt for a sandwich (which was nearly the same price) on my next visit.I have heard from some blog readers after this meal that they were able to get a dairy free shake. I have no more information on the type of dairy free/vegan ice cream or cross-contamination standards in place. I've also heard there's a dairy free chocolate cake, but will have to visit again to find out more info on both of these.Overall, we loved the theming of the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and the food was OK. For options, it seems like gluten free may be a bit limited, but I'm hoping they work to add more in as guests request them. I'm also hoping to go here for a full meal so I can see how special dietary needs are handled in the main dining room.Have you been to the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium? What were your thoughts on this restaurant at Universal Studios Orlando?

Margaritaville -- Dinner -- Table Service -- City Walk -- Universal Studios Orlando

*This dining experience took place in October 2016. Margaritaville, located at City Walk in Universal Studios Orlando, is a table service restaurant filled with cheeseburgers in paradise and, you guessed it...margaritas. If you're a Parrothead, you'll recognize this as a chain restaurant associated with Jimmy Buffett. The restaurant as a decidedly South Florida vibe. It's filled with bright colors and huge meals and drinks.On this particular occasion, Brandon and I ended up here for dinner during Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. We initially tried to go to the newly opened Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, but it had a 2 hour wait!Because I knew that Margaritaville had a dedicated gluten free lunch and dinner menu, we decided to go there instead.Before ordering, we opted for gin and tonics, which were delicious but very strong. If there's one thing I've learned from the various Margaritavilles I've been to is that Jimmy Buffett's team sure knows how to make strong drinks. Wow!As a quick aside on drinks, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center and many others, scientifically pure spirits that may have been made with grains are, in fact, gluten free because the protein is removed during distillation. I do look for gins that are gluten free, like Aviation Gin, but have never had an issue personally with gin-based drinks. That being said, I do from other alcohol like Whiskey beacuse that does make me feel a bit sick. Trust your gut when it comes to liquor and avoid those that causes you difficulty.Luckily, at Margaritaville, you can find a ton of options, including hard cider!For my entree, I ordered the classic Cheeseburger in Paradise, served on an Udi's Gluten Free bun and a side of sweet potato fries (which are made in a dedicated fryer). Brandon also got a burger and enjoyed his a lot.I thought mine was OK -- good but not amazing. If you're dairy free, you can simply order without the cheese. What I do wish is that I had ordered was the Volcano Nachos appetizer, because it looked amazing and was huge! Still, there were plenty of gluten free options to choose from on the menu, and the burger was decent enough. I actually wish there was a Cheeseburger in Paradise (another Jimmy Buffett chain restaurant) in the area, because I used to love their burgers!Overall, we both enjoyed our dinner at Margaritaville. I won't say that it was gourmet, but it was exactly what we needed for a solid meal. The drinks were strong, food portions large, and the prices reasonable -- all in all a good combination. It won't be our first choice at Universal Studios City Walk, but we'd definitely go back again.Have you been to Margaritvaille? What did you order when you dined there?