Artist Point

[OKWAnneMarie]

Our first dinner of the trip was at Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge.

This was the highlight of our trip. :thumbsup2 Marvelous food. We had a knowledgeable and friendly waiter. Everyone at Artist Point seemed to be at ease and gracious. Artist Point has a very pleasant atmosphere. It was just my husband and I and we had a seat by the window with a great view of the Wilderness Lodge.

I started with the Smokey Portobello Soup with Roasted Shiitakes and Chive Oil (I thought it was truffle oil). I LOVED this tasty soup. The flavors blended perfectly. It was absolutely delicious and I would go back to Artist Point just for this full-flavored soup.

My husband started with the Crispy Venison Spring Rolls with hot sweet and sour sauce. He loved the venison rolls. I tasted them also and agreed they were very good.

We also shared the Selection or Artisan Cheeses (with Riesling-poached raisins, fig cake, dried cranberries and walnut toast). Two of the cheeses were very good and one was tasteless.

For my entrée I had their Signature Dish, which was the Cedar Plank Roasted Wild Salmon with Spring Vegetables, Herb Dumplings and Sage Brown Butter Vinaigrette.

Actually the salmon that I had was the fresh Copper River Salmon that is only available from mid-May to mid-June. This salmon comes from the Copper River in Alaska and this salmon is among the richest, tastiest fish in the world.

It is cooked and served from a cedar plank, which gives it a wonderful flavor. It was the best salmon I ever had and the vegetables were delightful also. I found the dumplings to be just ok, nothing special.

My husband had the Hatfield Pork Chop on Tillamook Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Maytag Crust. He fell in love. He said it was the best pork chop he every had. I think I heard him dreaming about it during the night. :love:

I had white wine and my husband had red wine, which we both enjoyed. Sorry, I don’t remember the names.

For dessert I had the Artist Point Cobbler. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy! This SCRUPMTIOUS cake was warm and was filled and surrounded by blueberries, raspberries, blackberries & strawberries with whipped cream and homemade black raspberry ice cream. OUTSTANDING and DELICIOUS!!! This was my FAVORITE dessert of the week. :cool1:

My husband had the Chocolate Truffle Cake with honey-blood orange coulis. He loved it.

We’ve been trying to eat at Artist Point for many, many years now and it just never worked out. Luckily for us, this time we were able to make it and we will definitely be back. Artist Point was a delightful experience and we enjoyed it immensely.

[heather360]

Thanks for the review. Artist Point really sounded wonderful.

[ciera321]

Thanks for sharing...We have an ADR for Artist Point in August and now I really can't wait!!! :goodvibes

[PrincessAurora]

I love Artist Point. They are always my first dinner of my trips. That soup was just amazing, one of the best things on my last trip!

[DeterminedOne]

Thanks, makes me look forward to our trip there this September.

[ufgator]

I'm glad you had a great meal. I also love the salmon, especially when it's copper river time, and the cobbler. :)

[HACAM]

Thanks, great review! We have ADR's for the Artist Pointe in September, and now I can't wait!! :goodvibes

:artist: :banana:

[scoutsmom99]

yum you are making me excited for Artist Point this fall. I think it is a true gem I love the venison spring rolls and the hatfield porkchop :love:

[WDWannabe]

Do you think this will be too fancy of a place for dd who is 11 but will be 12 latter in Oct, for our Sept trip? Did you see park clothes or is it more dressey? I know they said colar shirt for men....what did the gals wear?

Thanks!

[scoutsmom99]

I think your DD would be fine there were plenty of young kids there when I ate (6 and under set). I wore a pair of khaki capris with a solid color short sleeve v-neck top and a pair of sandals.

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your review ~ Thanx for sharing.

[sleepydog25]

Do you think this will be too fancy of a place for dd who is 11 but will be 12 latter in Oct, for our Sept trip? Did you see park clothes or is it more dressey? I know they said colar shirt for men....what did the gals wear?

Thanks!AP is a bit dressier and more upscale than most of your park restaurants given that it is a signature dining experience. That said, your daughter will fit in just fine if she's up to a leisurely-paced meal. Your server can speed up the pace a bit, but that rather ruins the ambience of AP in my opinion.

We love AP, too. In addition to the salmon, they are well known for the buffalo filet served with a sweet onion jam atop a bed of sweet potato gratin. It is a superb dish when cooked medium rare (medium if you must); otherwise, it becomes a bit leathery given its lean nature. Their wine list is filled with excellent wines from the Northwest, such as syrahs from Washington, pinot noirs from Oregon (your best bet to pair with the salmon), and whites from both states. Service is exemplary. The French press coffee is as good of a java as you will find on property. We make this the last meal of each visit as a way of reflecting on the good times we've had. Our last visit two weeks ago saw us spend well over two hours at the restaurant including a visit to the balcony, outside the window table at which we were seated, to watch the geyser erupt. AP is still a rather hidden gem, and I hope it stays that way. ;)

[Kaycee]

Thank you so much for this wonderful review. We had been thinking about adding Artist Point to the dining list for our October trip. We have a couple of salmon fans in our family, and I've been wanting to try the berry cobbler. After reading your description of the portobello soup, I really want to try that too. Add to that Sleepydog's comment about the French press coffee (we're always on the lookout for a great cup of coffee at WDW) and AP is now at the top of our list for October.

[gigi1313]

thank you so much for your review... we're really on the fence between AP and YS... if only there were enough days/nights to try all the wdw restaurants... sigh...

[OKWAnneMarie]

I think your DD would be fine there were plenty of young kids there when I ate (6 and under set). I wore a pair of khaki capris with a solid color short sleeve v-neck top and a pair of sandals.



Yes, there were children there. It's a nice relaxed atmosphere. I also wore capris and a v-neck top and a pair of sandles.

[OKWAnneMarie]

AP is still a rather hidden gem, and I hope it stays that way. ;)[/QUOTE]



I agree and I think it will stay hidden. Most people don't want to go out of their way to go to dinner and the Wilderness Lodge is not exactly the easiest resort to get to. I loved it and I will definitely return.

[OKWAnneMarie]

thank you so much for your review... we're really on the fence between AP and YS... if only there were enough days/nights to try all the wdw restaurants... sigh...



I haven't been to the YS in about 10 years, so I don't think it's fair for me to give my opinon about it, but Artist Point does have a much better atmosphere. :sunny:

[mouseRD]

I had the fixed price dinner so everything was a smaller portion but the entree! I agree that I would go back just for that wonderful smoky portobello mushroom soup & berry cobbler! They also had a wonderful frisee salad when we were there with apples & cheddar cheese.

[DaddyBrady]

Actually the salmon that I had was the fresh Copper River Salmon that is only available from mid-May to mid-June. This salmon comes from the Copper River in Alaska and this salmon is among the richest, tastiest fish in the world.
Here in Seattle, we get Copper River the day after its caught -- the arrival of the first planeload is 5 o'clock news worthy. This year it turned out to be very hard to get, so I'm a bit peeved to find out you could get some in Florida!;) Hands off our salmon!

[OKWAnneMarie]

Here in Seattle, we get Copper River the day after its caught -- the arrival of the first planeload is 5 o'clock news worthy. This year it turned out to be very hard to get, so I'm a bit peeved to find out you could get some in Florida!;) Hands off our salmon!



Mickey Mouse must has some clout. ;)

[sleepydog25]

Here in Seattle, we get Copper River the day after its caught -- the arrival of the first planeload is 5 o'clock news worthy. This year it turned out to be very hard to get, so I'm a bit peeved to find out you could get some in Florida!;) Hands off our salmon!Sigh. . .we used to live in Alaska. . .big sigh. . .

[CJK]

Thanks so much for the wonderful review!!! We've never been, but have ADR's for our upcoming to celebrate our anniversary! Sounds like we made a good choice!

Question: Where is AP located in the hotel? We've eaten at WCC, but when I try to picture where AP is, I can't! Thanks!

[sleepydog25]

As you face WCC, AP will be to the right with the Territory Lounge in between the two. Walk as if you are heading toward Roaring Forks and right before you start down the long inside ramp (that also takes you out to the main pool), you will see the entrance to AP. There is no big sign or anything, just a menu on a column. Head up behind that column. Good eats! :thumbsup2

[rsschneck]

This is our favorite restaurant. We have ADR's for our Anniversary in December and this time DD will be in the Cub's Den.


You guys ate pretty much what we always order. We like to get the wine flight with our meal.

[Meezers]

Mom and I have this on our list for our next trip (DB too picky for this one last time and he is staying home this time). I REALLY want to try the salmon...but I have tried salmon several times and it is just too fishy....

Do you think there is a way to just try the salmon without ordering a whole portion? If it was yucky I would hate to waste it...plus I would be hungry!

[sleepydog25]

Ask your server for just a taste and explain it just how you did in your post. They're usually very accomodating there. For example, a couple of years back my wife and I couldn't decide which wines we wanted for our 3-wine flights. So, our server brought out a sample of 3 or 4 wines that were heading our list! It was just a sip or two of each, but needless to say, that is exemplary service. For the record, salmon is a very rich fish so it does have a tendency to taste fishier than, say, tilapia or halibut. Still, when cooked properly, you shouldn't notice a strong fishy taste in salmon, either. Enjoy!

[CJK]

As you face WCC, AP will be to the right with the Territory Lounge in between the two. Walk as if you are heading toward Roaring Forks and right before you start down the long inside ramp (that also takes you out to the main pool), you will see the entrance to AP. There is no big sign or anything, just a menu on a column. Head up behind that column. Good eats! :thumbsup2

Thanks! I can hardly wait! :goodvibes

[barbeml]

So happy to read this review...we are trying AP for the first time in October.

[swankybeth]

Great review, thanks for posting. Also enjoyed learning that tidbit about the salmon, I'm going to have to try some next year. :scratchin

[Mom2R&D]

I had the exact same items when we went earlier this month, minus the cheese! I was just saying to my DH this morning that I was craving that Smoky Portobello Mushroom Soup like a madwoman!

DH had the Venison Spring Rolls but I believe he had the Filet for his entreé. We split the Berry Cobbler and once again, OMG, to die for. :thumbsup2

[WDWannabe]

:goodvibes Well, I can see from this postings, that I have not gone wrong with my choice for AP!! We had adrs for WC, but I changed it to AP. Since both my dd and me love :love: salmon....dh I think will try the venison. He would love me to make it at home, but just can't get the nack to get it good. :guilty: So thanks for all the info!!!! :banana:

[WDWannabe]

:cloud9: Just saw that I am now a mouseketeer!!!!

[cavecricket]

Dont know if the menu changed but DF and I really enjoyed the pork chops and filet last oct!...Looking foward to enjoying it again in a few weeks!!!!!

[sleepydog25]

:goodvibes Well, I can see from this postings, that I have not gone wrong with my choice for AP!! We had adrs for WC, but I changed it to AP. Since both my dd and me love :love: salmon....dh I think will try the venison. He would love me to make it at home, but just can't get the nack to get it good. :guilty: So thanks for all the info!!!! :banana:Smart move to change from WCC to AP, though they are totally different restaurants so it's hardly fair to compare them. One note, AP currently isn't carrying venison as an entree unless that changed from two weeks ago. They do have the venison spring rolls which are excellent; however, may I suggest the duck confit? It's a braised duck leg with a lot of meat that comes on a small bed of greens with pear slices, an apple vinaigrette, and duck prosciutto. It was tremendous!

The game meat they have for an entree is buffalo which I highly recommend. Have it served medium rare (medium if you absolutely must), or it will get slightly leathery due to its lean nature. It comes with a sweet onion jam and is served atop a bed of sweet potato gratin. If you like wine, I suggest you pair the buffalo with a syrah or cabernet and the salmon with a lovely pinot noir. And if you like coffee, you must have AP's. It's served French press style at your table and is made from beans that only AP receives (so said our server). The coffee goes best with the berry cobbler but the Coffee Two Ways is still a fine choice, as well. Good eats! :thumbsup2 Oh, and congrats on becoming a mouseketeer!

[mdhkitten]

Thanks for the great review! Last month was our first time to try AP (we've tried almost ever other fine dining restaurant at WDW), and were quite pleased. We basically had the exact same menu that you did (I even had white wine and he had red..........we got the flights), except I had the Buffalo. The soup and berry cobbler were outstanding. The only negative thing that we encountered was our server who was quite young and very possibly new. She took all of our silverware away (which she should do) from our appetizers, and then didn't bring us any more for our entree. Our entrees came out and nobody noticed (at this point we were thinking that she was coming with them), and she never came and we called her over and she asked if everything was ok (it was quite apparent that we were missing silverware), and she finally did bring us some once we alerted her to the problem. Other than that it was great and we would definitely go back!

[richard_andmel]

I am really looking forward to our dinner here in September. It will be our first time at AP.

[WDWannabe]

sleepydog25, thank you, for your congrats!!

Yes, I told dh about the buffalo, and I think he may try it. I guess I thought the venison was a entree, but I think he will have those as an appitizer. I will remember to tell him med rare, he likes his reg steak med. As long as its not running with juice on the plate. We do not like wine or coffee, but thanks for the pairings! I would not know what to pick anyway! Did not think about duck, I have only had it once, that I know of, but may have to dream about it.

I thought about WC, at first and thought we would love it. Then the more I thought of how much we love salmon, what better place to have it than a rest, that is known for it!!! DH will just have to get over it!! No, really he is a doll about where to eat, just feed him!! And don't call him late to supper!

Thank you for your input, it was very nice of you to offer suggestions!!

Pixie Dust for you!! pixiedust:

[dvcfamily41801]

Thanks for your review. Look forward to going back to Artist Point next Saturday night! :cloud9:

[TravelGrl]

I am looking forward to my ADR in October.

I was wondering if with the DP you just get non alcoholic drink, appetizer, main meal and desert, or are there any additional courses (I am hoping the cheese is one)

Thanks,

[OKW Lover]

thank you so much for your review... we're really on the fence between AP and YS... if only there were enough days/nights to try all the wdw restaurants... sigh...
So many restaurants, so little time. :goodvibes

[loveDmouse]

Thanks for that great review. My DH and I will be having our first dinner of the trip at Artist Point for our anniversary celebration. I have been so looking forward to it. I just don't know what to choose for dinner. So many yummy looking choices. I do know I will be having that mushroom soup.
:goodvibes

[barbeml]

DH, me and two of our best friends finally tried AP last week. It was a great experience.

We all opted for the fixed price three-course menu, and we all did the wine pairing.

The service was just right, all of the food was delicious and the wine pairing was a revelation...just amazing how perfectly the wines worked with our courses.

[d-r]

Mom and I have this on our list for our next trip (DB too picky for this one last time and he is staying home this time). I REALLY want to try the salmon...but I have tried salmon several times and it is just too fishy....

Do you think there is a way to just try the salmon without ordering a whole portion? If it was yucky I would hate to waste it...plus I would be hungry!

A few times I've asked them for a "surf and turf" of the salmon and the buffalo steak. This used to be on the menu long ago, and any time I've asked for it they've been happy to serve it this way (along with a side of mac and cheese - I know, that may not "go" but I really like it there) but I'm sure I paid a pretty penny for it. It couldn't hurt to ask. The serving size of both salmon and buffalo was smaller than individual. But plenty!

Also, last time our two-year-old went. Luckily, he had amazingly good behavior that night (he can be great in restaurants, or he can be not-so-great). My point is that they are child-friendly. The server had an order of mac and cheese for him very quickly, and that helped in the behavior department. They have crayons and stuff as well.

[OKWAnneMarie]

A few times I've asked them for a "surf and turf" of the salmon and the buffalo steak. This used to be on the menu long ago, and any time I've asked for it they've been happy to serve it this way (along with a side of mac and cheese - I know, that may not "go" but I really like it there) but I'm sure I paid a pretty penny for it. It couldn't hurt to ask. The serving size of both salmon and buffalo was smaller than individual. But plenty!

Also, last time our two-year-old went. Luckily, he had amazingly good behavior that night (he can be great in restaurants, or he can be not-so-great). My point is that they are child-friendly. The server had an order of mac and cheese for him very quickly, and that helped in the behavior department. They have crayons and stuff as well.


I never thought of asking for both!!! What a great idea, I think I'll try it on my next trip.