Interview With Chef Steven Jayson, Creator of WWoHP's Butterbeer
At last night's gala opening of Universal's Islands of Adventure's Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we were fortunate enough to run into the head chef of Orlando's Universal Studios.
There were many authentic drinks, foods and confections straight out of the Harry Potter world to enjoy...but none were as anticipated as the delightfully visceral concoction of Butterbeer.
In the books and in the films, this beverage is described as something completely unique. A combination of a soda, a cocktail (non-alcoholic of course) and a religious experience, bringing a fictional drink to life in a way that would satisfy rabid Harry Potter fans was no easy feat; however, Chef Jayson succeeded and then some.
Guests and media were treated to Butterbeer (which you can only get at the park) and Pumpkin Juice (this is bottled for off-park consumption) and I just can't describe the taste accurately enough to do it justice. It was a combination of cream soda, root beer topped with a special buttery, shortbreadish foam which really can't be replicated. You can get it frozen, or non-frozen. I preferred the frozen, as the foam remained cohesive longer.
The formula is specifically designed to be consumed immediately, and despite many a guest attempting to smuggle (the patented Muggle Smuggle - trademark MINE) out Butterbeer, it's physically impossible for it to maintain its inimitable integrity for more than 30 minutes. I know from first hand experience, as we tried to muggle-smuggle some back for the kids and it was impossible. In other words, it can only properly be consumed at the park.
Foam on the nose is optional. Interview with Chef Jayson above.
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