Deconstructed: Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta

If you find yourself at the new Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta at Disney California Adventure, it's easy to make your way through the place without noticing much of anything other than the food. Especially if you're hungry.  BUT, if you can subside your hunger long enough to take a glance around the place, you'll find there are subtle touches telling the story everywhere!

The exterior is bright & beachy

Since the restaurant is located on Paradise Pier, it's safe to assume that the timing is set in the late 1920's / early 1930's to fit the "new" theme of the area.  As you walk through the automatic glass doors, you'll find an American flag to your left, and an Italian flag to the right.  Neat, but nothing to ooooh & aaaah at, right?  Let's take a closer look.....

Standard Italian flag?

Did you notice the Royal Coat of Arms? 

Since the monarchy was still reigning in Italy during this time, WDI didn't skip a beat and included the coat of arms on the flag.  Nice touch!  Now, let's move over to the American flag:

Notice anything here?

Just 48 stars!

Remembering to add the appropriate amount of stars to the union is no daunting task, but there's more.  It's hard to translate by photograph, but the flag is made out of linen to fit the era. I couldn't believe they'd be that elaborate, until I remembered just who was responsible for the details.


Did you also notice the frames hung around the flags?  There are authentic photos hanging all over the place, all from various California piers.  One of them even pays homage to Anaheim.  

It looks like some architectural inspiration for Paradise Pier was taken from that top photo

Some pretty nifty swimsuits

Is it just me, or does this kid take you straight to Spaceship Earth??

Each item has it's own grab & go serving station - pizza, pastas & salads.  These look nice, but there isn't much to see:

As you make your way out, this is where you really want to take notice.  There are flyers from the *original* Mickey Mouse Club framed on the walls!  Not the 1955 TV version of the Club, because obviously that would totally contradict the pre-depression era theme.  These are from the very first clubs that popped up in local theaters starting in 1929. So stinkin' cool!

As you make your way outside to find a seat (all seating is outdoors), you might just find yourself lucky enough to take in the delights of the Ellis Island Boys band.  This is a FANTASTIC swing jazz group that performs in the Paradise Garden Theater.  Currently, they're scheduled on Sunday, Tuesday & Friday at 11:50, 12:50, 1:50, 3:15, 4:15, 5:30, 6:30.  They have an amazing sound that transports you straight to the 1930's.  Even if you don't make it over there to eat, this is a great spot to cop-a-squat and soak up the atmosphere for a bit. All that's missing is an area to dance in front of the stage.

Gotta love the washboard and steel guitar

These folks are not to be missed!