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Yeesh... sorry. And Connor, there actually is a DJ at the Bandstand but that's not the surprise. :p
 
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Dangit, Connor! Yes, they have opened a FULL SERVICE restaurant on International Street. It is named Bistro 75 and just opened today. We were literally the very first people to eat there. It was completely amazing. Full post coming soon.
 
I still wish at some point the park would open up a restaurant on the 50 foot level of the Eiffel Tower. But I'm going tomorrow depending on weather so I'll check it out. I only saw outdoor seating by the way, is there indoor seating as well?
 
As of right now, the seating is next to the fountains, nestled in a little cove across from the Emporium. According to the executive chef himself, they are big-time trying to step up culinary and they are using the current setup to sort of "test the waters." Sounds like the location is permanent for the remainder of the season, although we could very well see some changes to the area.

Also, where did you see the pictures, Connor? Is the park advertising it?
 
This is nothing like that. It's a true full service restaurant with waiters and all the fancy stuff. And the funny thing is it's cheaper than everywhere else in the park.

Think Bistro 205 at BGW except cheaper, a unique menu, a nicer setting, and just better all the way around...
 
I took a crap ton of pictures (perhaps too many- I would yell at my tablemates if they touched their food before I could snap a photo :p). The whole experience was pretty remarkable. I'm pretty tired from about 13 hours at the park, so I'll have a full photo report up tomorrow. Sorry to keep you guys waiting but I just thought it was really exciting. I really hope this stays.
 
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Pictures or it didn't happen, Joe!

Also, I want another Clown Band video before the season ends. Your last one was great (you are Busch Dominion, aren't you?)!
 
Well, that caught me by surprise!

I know that Cedar Fair has been hiring chefs for most of the larger parks starting last year. We know Kings Dominion has been looking for a chef since early this year. I don't think the position was filled (taken off their web site) until mid to late May. Most folks give a couple weeks notice to their existing job and then it takes a few weeks for the new chef to get up to speed in the new job. Therefore, I was not expecting much to happen this season. Maybe some small stuff like the 40th anniversary cupcakes and Mushroom cupcakes.

I think it makes sense for the park to try this now as they are entering the shoulder season and keeping it low key without too much hoopla. Keeping it small allows greater control over the food and you can adjust/correct things faster as the trial run continues. Once they are comfortable with this concept and see what works and what does not, it can be expanded and advertised more.

Maybe the special Haunt dinner last fall and the special 40th anniversary catering style dinner this spring were tests to judge park patron interest and getting a feel for alternative food service options.

Go KD!
 
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Some pictures from today.
 

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According to the Shopping page on Kings Dominion's website, Sunshine Gifts and Starlight Gifts on International Street have been renamed KD Outfitters and Plaza Gifts, respectively. However, the merchandise does not seem to have changed, with the current Plaza Gifts building still serving as the 40th Celebration headquarters.
 
Panino e Dolche was so good, it is by far the closest to the original Alpine Deli we'll ever get.

Not to mention that last year, International Street has seen more people than it has in a long while, which I think is due to the wonderful new things they've done to the place. :D
 
I don't think anybody payed attention to the real names of the two gift shops up front anyway. The signs above the door on them just said 'souvenirs' anyway didn't they?
 
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