Best New Items To Try During Mardi Gras

​Another year brings another year of Mardi Gras. This year we saw quite a few new treats. We are into week four of Mardi Gras, and we can list so much that you still need to try around the resort, but we have an excellent start for you. This article will mention six new items you can try at Universal's Mardi Gras during 2022.

6. Cake in a Cocktail Shaker

 Located inside the Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida, the culinary team has taken the successful cake in a jar from the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store and transformed them into a cake in a cocktail shaker glass. The Cake in a Cocktail Shaker has proven to have been a popular option amongst adults for the double use of the cocktail shaker and flavorful cake inside. They come in three flavors: Hurricane, Chocolate Caramel Bourbon, and Margarita. Our favorite out of the three was Hurricane, but we want to know what you think. Let us know down in the comments. ​

5. Romeo and Juliet Coxinha 

During Universal's International Flavors of Carnival in 2021, Universal Studios Florida had many food booths around the park. One of those booths was Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico booth offered a dessert called a Quesito, a guava and cream cheese-filled fried pastry similar in shape to an egg roll. When first glancing at this year's menu, we were horrified to see they did not return. However,  they have been reincarnated as Romeo and Juliet Coxinhas at  Cafe La Bamba. The Romeo and Juliet Coxinhas are fried dough balls filled with Guava and cream cheese, then dusted with sugar. Luke and I can now live out our happiest lives with their exciting return. ​

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4. Creole Crab Beignets

These beignets are filled with creamy crab dip, then sprinkled with a cajun/creole seasoning. Let us be the first to tell you that these will be served at room temperature. The filling in the beignets can sometimes be inconsistent, where you can get more cream cheese than crab. With all that being said, when you find the perfect ratio of crab and cream filling, you have the perfect treat.

3. Buttermilk Blueberry Shortcake

The buttermilk biscuit has been used in many forms this year. However, this time you can find it with blueberry compote and basil mascarpone cream then topped with orange blossom honey. Everyone in our group agreed that the blueberry shortcake was better than the strawberry version. It works as a light treat compared to several other Mardi Gras dessert options.

2. Chicken Biscuit with Red-Eye Gravy

Served as a crispy chicken thigh, garlic pickles on a warm buttermilk biscuit, then topped with red-eye gravy and a side of apple cider slaw. We enjoyed the sandwich located at the food truck in front of Fast and Furious: Supercharged. The chicken was almost as comparable to the size of the Pork Schnitzel Slider from 2021's International Flavors of Carnival. The slaw, however, was dry and not very enjoyable. The biscuit is comparable to frozen Pilsbury biscuits you can find at your local grocer. Overall, the chicken biscuit sandwich is an excellent option to use your “Food and Beverage Card” on.​

1. Ube Ice Cream Bubble Waffle

This treat consists of a matcha green tea bubble waffle, Ube ice cream, and then topped with toasted coconut, strawberry Pocky Sticks and popping candies. You are probably wondering what Ube is. Ube is a sweeter purple yam with a mellower taste than its orange relative.  Most members of our team are not fans of matcha. With that being said, the matcha waffle works very well with Ube ice cream. The matcha waffle itself is not super sweet, which pairs well with Ube ice cream. If you are like me and forgot about popping candy and coconut shavings on top, then you are in for a fun surprise. 

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We wanna hear what your favorite new item you tried this year is. Leave it in the comment or email us at info@uogrubhub.com. Keep in mind as we head into the peak season to make sure your express and park tickets are dated correctly before you head to the park. It's quicker and easier to fix this over the phone than wait in line at guest services. If your an Annual Passholder be sure to check your blockout dates before you make your drive. With that being said we'll catch you dancing through the streets.

Xavier.H.

​​​​​I'm Xavier- a food enthusiast and full-time blogger, theme park lover(especially Universal), and Halloween Horror Nights fan. I do happen to also lead the Universal Food Blog team on our trek to find the best dishes around Universal Orlando Resort to report to you!