Growing up in my family in Arkansas, a few things could be depended upon. One knew coffee would be available. Also, one knew that some type of country ham could be found. Though as a younger person, I disliked both. These two components make up the predominantly Southern USA gravy known as “Red Eye” gravy. Based on my background, I could bore you with the history of this gravy. However, you opened this article to find out if this chicken biscuit with gravy tastes good or not.

At the food truck located in San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida, you can find Nashville Hot Chicken Mac and Cheese. That item, with a slightly different recipe it seems, continued from the winter holiday food options. The second option at that food truck goes by the name of Chicken Biscuit with Red-Eye Gravy. The menu description reads crispy chicken thigh, red-eye gravy, garlic pickles on a warm buttermilk biscuit. This item comes with a side of apple cider slaw also. The menu item costs $12.99 before any discounts.

Unlike most food reviews I write, I have not consulted with numerous other reliable sources first. I received a few opinions from people who had this on opening day. Those helped but this review reflects exclusively my opinion far more than normal.

On the Thursday afternoon I ordered, this location claimed a 40-minute wait for mac and cheese. Fortunately for this review, I previously ate mac and cheese.  I paid and quickly got my entrée. The cole slaw caught my eye. I knew it would be apple cider slaw but had no expectation of taste or quality. Even days later, I lack a solid way to describe that side. The slaw possessed a different than standard slaw flavor but early on the slaw tasted off. I did try it before eating any chicken or biscuit.

The chicken tasted higher quality than expected at a theme park. However, the batter coating simply failed to rise to the occasion. To my surprise, I failed to taste any gravy in the first two bites. The biscuit rates as just okay. As others told me, the biscuit tasted like a Pillsbury style frozen biscuit. If this biscuit was made in a homemade fashion, then I suggest a new recipe.

Next, I decided to eat just chicken and gravy without the biscuit. Suddenly, I got the chef’s vision for this dish. The larger amount of gravy adds to the flavor of batter and chicken in a very positive way. I suppose the biscuit soaks up too much gravy detracting from the overall experience.

At this point, I decided to have more slaw. Once again when eliminating the biscuit, I saw the intention of the chefs with the slaw. I do not confess to liking the slaw very much. Still, the slaw compliments the chicken and gravy very well.

As you might expect, it was messy. Unexpectedly, the garlic pickles added nothing to this meal. Perhaps if the biscuit matched the rest of meal better, this item would have been a home run. By no means does this gravy pass test to be true red-eye gravy. However, I doubt true red-eye gravy would sell in a theme park. Once I tasted the gravy in this meal, it presented solid aroma and flavor.

Would I buy this again? Probably not! The price point exceeds quality of item. In fairness, I desired better gravy and biscuit cohesion. That failed to be possible. You might not feel the same way if you order this. The portion size remained reasonable with appropriate discounts. If you grew up eating and enjoying red-eye gravy and biscuits, avoid this meal. However, if you will not have the same expectations as me, then this could be an excellent non-traditional theme park food item. If you are visiting Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando before it ends on April 24^th, let the good times roll!