Via Napoli and Birrificio L’Olmaia Christmas Duck

February 7th, 2014 by Jenn in Walt Disney World Beer Reviews

I guess best things come to those who wait, right? Unfortunately I’ve had this beer review in my head for about a year now and didn’t get to post it in time before Via Napoli’s beer menu changed over to the new season. However! Via Napoli and the awesome Italian ‘beer gods’ brought back the Birrificio L’Olmaia Christmas Duck for this holiday season again so I can finally share it with you.

** In complete disclosure, the following lunch we enjoyed at Via Napoli was comped. We did not know it would be comped until it was time to pay the bill so we ordered everything we wanted and weren’t swayed by that fact. However, we have dined at the restaurant multiple times since and have paid out-of-pocket for all meals.

When we came for lunch at Via Napoli, Patrick and I knew we needed to try some of the craft beers available in the pavilion. We couldn’t pass up the Christmas Duck and quickly agreed to a bottle.

I can easily say this is one of my favorite beers so far in the Italy Pavilion. It drank smooth, had a slightly sweet almond flavor, a bit of ginger/cinnamon/spiciness, pretty much what I expected from a beer with “Christmas” in it’s name. It had a fruity and tart finish and it was very easy to finish the 750 mL bottle between the two of us.

The L’Olmaia started off the meal on a high note and we decided to move onto the food. Since we wanted to try a bit of everything, but didn’t want anything too heavy, we started off with the Salami e Provolone. The salami went really well with the provolone but I can seriously eat cured meat and cheese for every single meal. This plate quickly disappeared.

Next on our list was the arancini, fried risotto balls filled with mozzarella and meat ragu. I know I review these in every single blog post I write about Via Napoli but it’s because I love them so. I can’t go to Via Napoli and NOT order them. These were perfectly cooked again and went well with the marinara sauce. Sorry, we got a little excited and ate one before the photo was taken. There should have been 3 on that plate. 🙂

Since Patrick and I were sharing all of the appetizers, we decided to continue the tradition and also share a pizza. Again, I can never get away from the Prosciutto e Melone. I think the prosciutto and melon are an amazing combination and it pairs perfectly with the fontina, mozzarella, arugula, and crispy dough. Plus I love how the prosciutto and melon aren’t cooked INTO the pizza, they’re added on top after the pizza finishes baking. I think it helps it give the pizza a fresh taste.

I’ve been a fan of Via Napoli from my very first visit when they opened. I’ve easily been to this restaurant 5+ times and it never disappoints. With the addition of the great beer selection, it should be a ‘Must Do’ on everyone’s list!