Tag Archives: Universal CityWalk

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood is Now Open.

Innovative Restaurant, Fueled by a Fantastical Imagination of Victorian Steampunk, Anchors Universal CityWalk as Destination Prepares for Milestone 30th Anniversary.

Universal City, CA, January 27, 2023 – The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk is now open. The innovative, original concept restaurant serves an extensive menu of brunch, lunch and dinner items along with sumptuous milkshakes, desserts and delectable confectionary treats, and is hosted by character ambassadors and world travelers Penelope and Jacques, to deliver an entirely new take on culinary inspirations for the entire family.

This uniquely inspirational restaurant is reminiscent of a Victorian steampunk chocolate emporium. Its interior is adorned with a collection from Penelope’s archives of chocolate research and various steampunk gadgetry and inventions complete with L.A.-based artisans’ paintings of steampunk airships journeying through the sky atop the interior dome. The dynamic exterior façade features a giant clockwork marquee and towering 97-foot smokestacks.

Within the eclectic space, guests can enjoy a full-service restaurant, a Dessert Foundry for grab-n-go over-the-top milkshakes and a Candy Smith counter to experience a cornucopia of sweet treats, including 30 different flavors of macarons, truffles and an expansive offering of deliciousness, along with unique apparel and themed collectibles.

Executive Chef Carlos Garcia sits at the helm of The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen orchestrating a symphony of exquisite meals and desserts, prepared fresh to order within its two behemoth kitchens under the watchful eye of the restaurant’s skilled Sous Chefs.

From crisp salads and hearty soups to tasty burgers, flatbreads and steaks, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen caters inspirational fare to every member of the family.

Sample tempting menus items include signature Chocolate Almond Bread, Avocado Bruschetta, Truffle Fries, Pork Belly Sliders, Coffee and Chocolate Stout Wings, Waldorf Chicken Salad, Toothsome Niçoise, French Onion Soup, Forest Mushroom Flatbread, Classic Margherita Flatbread, Southern Fried Chicken BLT, Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich, Red Ruben sandwich, Fork & Knife Ribeye Steak Sandwich, Croque Monsieur, Tour de France Burger, May Contain Bacon Burger, Brisket Burger, Teriyaki Burger, Wild Mushroom Chicken Risotto, Shrimp Macaroni & Cheese, Grilled Teriyaki Salmon, Brisket & Wild Mushroom Meatloaf and Toothsome Signature Beef Tenderloin…to name but a few.

Brunch features such mouth-watering options as: Nutella & Banana Crepes, Apple Pie Crepes, Beef & Mushroom Crepes, Berries and Cream Waffles, Banana Foster Waffles, Chocolate Brioche S’mores French Toast and several quiches.

Jacques Specialty Milkshakes include Red Velvet, Brownie, Cookie Jar, Espresso Buzzzz, Key Lime Pie, Heavenly Hazelnut, Marshmallow Crisp, Strawberry Cheesecake, That’s Mint and Pineapple Upside Down.

Sweet Sundaes and Desserts include Brookies, Cookies & Cream, Apple Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chocolate Brownie Bark, Chocolate Crème Brulee, Classic French Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Potted Cream, Flourless Chocolate Gooey Cake, and Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding.

A kid’s menu and vegan Beyond Burger® options are available.

Hand-crafted libations include a Chocolate Old Fashioned, Spresso ‘tini, Cacao Nut Margarita and more are available for diners 21 years or older with valid photo ID.

Reservations can be made by visiting the website, and valet parking validation is available for diners.

More than just an eclectic restaurant, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen features an entertaining backstory whose origins are as enticing as the food. Unlike most dining establishments, the eatery is hosted by two highly regarded steampunk ambassadors, Penelope and Jacques.

As the story goes…the love of chocolate is at the core of Penelope’s family. Penelope, an innovator at heart, created Jacques, her trusty robot and confidant, to travel and explore the world. Upon returning to her small cottage home in London, England, after an extended trip abroad, Penelope discovered that her parents ventured out on a quest to find her, leaving a simple message – “We have set out to join you in your adventures. Surely the world isn’t so big that we can’t find you. We shall look for you wherever chocolate can be found.”

Thus, Penelope knew what she had to do. Armed with the insight she had on all things chocolate, Penelope created The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Her mission to share her passion and love of the sweet treat with the world was also grounded in the hope that one day her parents would find her.

Spectacularly dressed in Steampunk attire, Penelope and Jacques frequent The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen to await her parents’ arrival and to share their adventures and innovations with guests.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is exclusive to Universal Parks & Resorts and is one of three worldwide locations, including Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Beijing Resort. The arrival of the restaurant coincides with the 30th anniversary of Universal CityWalk and is located adjacent to the popular Universal Cinema, an AMC® theater.

More information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s social channels InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

Level Up with A Power-Up Band as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Prepares to Open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023.

As Universal Studios Hollywood counts down the days until SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens on Friday, February 17, find a deeper dive into the interactive Power-Up Bands that level up one’s experience in this exciting and immersive new land.

Universal City, California, January 18, 2023 – SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, so let’s take a closer look at the land’s exciting Power-Up Band™, a fun interactive component designed to help guests level up their experience during their visits within the land.

As Universal Studios Hollywood counts down the days until SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens on Friday, February 17, find a deeper dive into the interactive Power-Up Bands that level up one’s experience in this exciting and immersive new land.

With the grand opening date quickly approaching, here’s a topline overview of the Power-Up Band and its functionality.

These wearable wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s official free downloadable app and function as a complement to the land’s many interactive elements. The Power-Up Band is available for purchase in six design options with character themes, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad and Princess Daisy; choosing a particular character also defines which Team guests will be a part of.

With the use of a Power-Up Band, guests can elevate the overall experience by competing against other teams to achieve the highest score throughout the day by collecting the most digital coins. To see who’s in the lead, guests can check their personal and team scores by linking the Power-Up Band to the app or by referring to the Checkpoint Screens located within the land.

When riding “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the official Universal Studios Hollywood app. The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores.

The Power-Up Band also unlocks additional gameplay activities and experiences, such as collecting digital coins and stamps when completing milestones within the land. Checkpoints positioned within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will enable guests to track their status against others. Guests can also amass keys after winning Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three of them will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.

While meet and greet interactions with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach are accessible to guests visiting the land, the Power-Up Band may provide an enhanced experience with the characters. The Power-Up Band, however, isn’t a required purchase to enable guests to enjoy SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and guests are welcome to download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app prior to visiting so the fun can start from the moment they warp into the land via the giant green pipe. The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase, beginning February 17, at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located in the theme park and on CityWalk.

The February 17 grand opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD marks its official arrival to the United States. The all-new, innovative, immersive and highly-themed land debuts as a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at the Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be an inspiring addition to the world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo® and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.

For more information, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates the Holiday Season with “Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas” – Friday, November 25, 2022 and Running Daily Through Sunday, January 1, 2023. 

Holidays officially begin at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, November 25 through Sunday, January 1, with the return of popular seasonal activities “Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas.” All Holiday Festivities are Included in the Price of Theme Park Admission. Click Here to Purchase Tickets to Experience the “Awesomest Celebration of the Season.”

Universal City, Calif.– October 6, 2022 – Universal Studios Hollywood rings in the “Awesomest Celebration of the Season” with the return of fan favorites “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” and “Grinchmas™” beginning Friday, November 25, 2022 and running daily through Sunday, January 1, 2023. All holiday festivities are included in the price of theme park admission.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” brings the spirit of the holiday season to the village of Hogsmeade™, which is transformed with festive décor and merriment. Guests can savor a delicious Hot Butterbeer™ while enjoying a special holiday a capella performance from the Hogwarts Frog Choir. Activities also include holiday shopping for exclusive items within the village shops, including personalized ornaments and notebooks, and dining on hearty holiday fare at Three Broomsticks™.

As night falls on the snowy town, Hogwarts™ Castle will come to life in a dazzling spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.” The impressive light projection show will amaze audiences with its stunning imagery and animation as the castle infuses the land with joyous wonderment and features music and sounds from the Harry Potter film series.

The cheerful “Grinchmas” Who-bilation will return in jolly fashion to Universal Plaza, located in the heart of the theme park. Festive park-goers can marvel in amazement at the topsy-turvy 65 foot-tall “Grinchmas” tree decorated with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights. Every evening, a jovial tree lighting ceremony will excite guests as they listen to the Grinch himself tell his story along with the Who-ville Whos, ending in a snowball flurry, bringing joy and merriment to all.

A variety of activities are available to guests looking to get into the “Grinchmas” spirit. The Grinch and his faithful dog Max will be available for photo opportunities throughout the day. Cindy-Lou Who leads daily story time for young visitors looking to learn of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and the Who-ville post office will be accepting postcards with holiday messages. Additionally, an array of sweet holiday treats, including hot cocoa, will be available for purchase.

Adding to the theme park activities, Universal CityWalk will be dressed for the holiday season with spirited décor and a 40 foot-tall Christmas tree featuring more than 200,000 LED lights. The infamous Voodoo Doughnut will tempt guests with delicious seasonal flavors to celebrate the holiday spirit.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.

Universal CityWalk – Chick Chick Chicken All-New Casual Dining Concept Opens Today at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood.

Chick Chick Chicken Opens Today at Universal CityWalk! The Exciting New Restaurant Opens Daily at 11am.

Universal City, Calif. – Chick Chick Chicken is a casual dining experience with a variety of hand breaded chicken dishes. The restaurant combines a colorful presentation with a nostalgic feeling that highlights exciting, yet familiar flavors. From traditional to the hottest Nashville hot, Chick Chick Chicken serves up a unique sandwich experience.

Sneak Peek at the Menu

  • Nashville Hot N’ Spicy Sandwich
  • Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich
  • Asian Style Chicken Sandwich
  • Classic and Hot N’ Spicy Chicken Tenders
  • Crinkle Cut Fries

NBC Sports Grill & Brew Opens at Universal CityWalk next to Universal Studios Hollywood just in time for Summer fun!

Taste the Victory!

NBC Sports Grill & Brew Opens at Universal CityWalk Offering Guests a Front Row Seat to All-Star Food, 40-plus Beers on Tap and an Array of HDTV Screens to Watch Popular Live Sporting Events.

Click Here for a Sneak Peek at the Home Run Menu

Universal City, CA, July 13, 2021 – Universal CityWalk Hollywood, located adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, scores with today’s opening of its newest dining establishment, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, leveling up the concept of sports-themed dining with state-of-the-art HDTV screens at the iconic destination. 

A sleekly designed addition to Universal CityWalk, NBC Sports Grill & Brew is reflective of NBC Sports’ award-winning coverage and unparalleled collection of media partnerships that include the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, The R&A, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, Roland Garros, and many more.

With an array of HDTV screens broadcasting continuous, in-depth sports coverage, NBC Sports Grill & Brew is prepared to offer guests the MVP treatment. Visitors can enjoy dining upon converted shuffleboard and foosball tables amid sports-inspired décor, including specially commissioned art pieces and a custom neon NBC peacock logo.

Universal CityWalk spectators and al fresco diners alike will also be awed by the giant media wall located at the restaurant’s front exterior. Measuring a whopping 23 feet by 13 feet, the HDTV monitor will put guests at the front row of the latest sports action.

A look at the restaurant’s expansive menu, curated by Universal Studios Hollywood’s Executive Chef Marie Grimm, NBC Sports Grill & Brew covers all the bases by providing a fresh take on traditional pub fare, including tasty appetizers, flavorful sandwiches and burgers, fresh salads, hearty grain bowls and indulgent desserts. 

The inspired menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options as well as traditional fare with an array of cleverly themed courses. 

These include: The Starting Lineup features mouthwatering appetizers from Wings and Fish Tacos to Loaded Nachos and an Artisan Pretzel. Home Run Handheld takes burgers to new heights with such tempting fare as Roadside Chili Burger, Gruyere Burger, Beyond Burger, Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Brat Pretzel Press. The Chili Bowl and The Grain Bowl add tasty twists to The Bowl Games menu section.

In the mood for a crunchy salad, On The Green pleases with Classic Chicken Caesar Salad, Grilled Steak Wedge and Nashville Hot Chopped Chicken Salad. Game Time is serious with Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs, Farmhouse Fried Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese, NY Strip Steak and Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon.

Final Play rounds out the meal for the home stretch, including Warm Apple Strudel, Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie with Stout Ice Cream and a variety of Floats. A la carte Side Lines add even more options to the extensive menu with extras including Tater Tots, Crinkle Cut Fries, Grilled Vegetables, Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Cornbread.

A refreshing complement to the menu, the restaurant also features a full bar and an extensive selection of over 40 beers, including the 862 as an IPA or seasonal draft custom-made to the Universal CityWalk Hollywood location.

Looking to customize their beverages, diners can create their own beer flight, build their own mule cocktail or select from a list of craft cocktails and wines.

            Guests can also enjoy the NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk destination.

For more information including restaurant hours and reservations, guests can visit Universal CityWalk Hollywood.  Additional information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Twitter @UniStudios, Facebook-Universal Studios Hollywood and Instagram @UniStudios.


About Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, the new mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride” featuring the spectacularly realistic Indominus rex dinosaur, and the all-new ride “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.”  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” Universal CityWalk, located adjacent to the theme park, features such popular restaurants as VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Voodoo Doughnut, along with dynamic shopping and entertainment options, including Universal Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres.

Entertainment Bites by Margie Anne Clark/Los Angeles Life and Style