WHO DAT Dining Review w/Pics, ESPN,Jiko,Yachtsman,CRT,PSB,FF, Cajun Brkfst, Complete!

[shovan]

Here's what is coming up on my review and where to find each!

ESPN CLUB - Page 1

JIKO - Pages 1, 2 and 3

YACHTSMAN STEAKHOUSE - Page 3

CINDERELLA'S ROYAL TABLE LUNCH - Pages 4 and 5

PRINCESS STORYBOOK BREAKFAST IN AKERSHUS - Pages 5

FLYING FISH - Pages 6, 7 and 8

HIDDEN MICKEY CAJUN BREAKFAST - Page 8



ESPN Club-Saints vs Bears Playoff Game
The first thing you need to understand is this is a group of dedicated WHO DAT Fans. With our boys only one game away from the SuperBowl, our #1 priority was getting in to the ESPN Club for the game. We've called ahead and were told we need to be there when the ESPN Club opens at 11:00 a.m..

We arrive at the Beach Club at 10:45, so I go to check in, DH rolls over to ESPN Club to grab a table. Brother in Law & Sister in Law handle Bell Services unloading of the cars. I have a short wait for check in & big surprise our room is ready! For DVC owner's you know this is a quite a surprise. Of course, this would be the only time I'm not thrilled by this, I just want to check-in & get to the ESPN Club! DH calls & says ESPN hasn't yet open, but he's in line with a very large crowd. Bell Services has us waiting to take our bags to the room & I'm freaking out! Then DH calls & says he has a table on the restaurant side of the club & everything is great! He says there are tons of Saint's Fan in the restaurant, and the bar is full of Bear's fans. DH tells me to calm down, he has the table, take our time.
After getting our bags up to the room, we head over to The ESPN Club.

Wow, this is so exciting! They have the radio show going on & everyone is cheering on their teams! Our Saints could be going to the SuperBowl!!!!

I was so worried about my 4yo old niece having to sit through a day in a sports bar. I really stressed about this for weeks. Well with all the cheering, shouting going on, she thought it was the greatest thing! She was shouting WHO DAT & having a good ole time. She yells to me, "Nana, I really like this restaurant in Disney World!"
We order Nachos, a pitcher of beer & a glass of milk! We were disappointed in the offerings of draft beer, expected to have more choices at a bar.

Nachos are good, beer is good and we're having a great WHO DAT time!!!! We decide to start on wings! DH asks the server "If the wings are New Orleans HOT or just hot?" So we decide to get one order of hot wing & one order of Flame. Let me tell you, they do know HOT! DH & SIL loved the flame, but BIL & I couldn't eat them. Besides, by this time the game was already giving us heartburn!!!

We had plans to order sandwiches, but our stomachs weren't digesting the wings very well. This was more due to the game & not the wings. There was more beer though! SIL had a margarita that was pretty awful. She had another drink with a cutesy sports name that she liked. My niece really enjoyed her celery sticks, mac & cheese and the ice cream. Her stomach wasn't bothered with the way the game was going!!!

Towards the end of the game, being in a Sports Bar with the other teams fans wasn't quite so fun. So, when the game ended we cleared out of there really quick. We headed over to EPCOT World Showcase. Luckily, we had extra Magic Hours that night. Watching Illuminations & being in my favorite place in the DW (World Showcase) helped get us through our big game disappointment.

I would rate ESPN Club as a 4 WHO DATS for food, 3 WHO DATS for liquor choices, 5 WHO DATS for watching a big game, only 2 WHO DATS-for watching a big game you really care about!

Here's a pic of my little WHO DAT fan & her Mom watching Illuminations

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1014.jpg

Coming next Jiko

[lucas]

shovan, welcome back and thanks for posting. I was wondered how you made out after the big game. :sad1:

Can't wait to read more of your report. popcorn::

[TigerKat]

Sheryl - love the "Who Dat" title of your reviews! Great job on the ESPN review. Can't wait for more!!

[Sinderelli]

:lmao: Love the title! So clever!

I admit, I'm still in a Saints induced depression- Were you depressed after the game or did you shake it off and enjoy yourself?

[oybolshoi]

Bring on the Jiko!! :thumbsup2

[lulu71]

I love it - keep them coming!!!!

[LouDisney]

I love the title too!! Can't wait to read more!

[disneediva]

Lovin it, keep it coming.

[shovan]

Thanks y'all! There really isn't a better place to be than WDW to get over deep depression! ;)

[Grumpy's Wife]

I would rate ESPN Club as a 4 WHO DATS for food, 3 WHO DATS for liquor choices, 5 WHO DATS for watching a big game, only 2 WHO DATS-for watching a big game you really care about.


Coming next Jiko

Shovan I loved your review of the ESPN Club. We didn't eat there on our last trip but did walk over to the gift shop while we were waiting for our table at Big River Brewing. My DS bought a football and of course some smashed pennies.

I absoultely love your Who Dat point system! :laughing:

[shovan]

Jiko

This is our evening for just DH & myself. BIL, SIL and our niece are doing the Pirate & Princess Party. So I spent a lot of time trying to choose the right restaurant for this evening. I was hoping for a "nice" dining experience, quiet and maybe a little romantic.

We arrived at Animal Kingdom about 15 minutes early for our 6:15 ADR. We decide to head for the Savannah View for a look before checking in at Jiko. We step out of the elevator on our way to the Savannah View and there is a huge crowd at the Jiko desk. We decide we'd better check in first, as we'll probably have a long wait. While waiting in the line, someone in the crowd tells us they are all with one very large party. So I make my way around about 20 or so people to get up to the desk. I give them our name & they tell us it will be about a 10 minute wait,. They give me on of those little buzzer things. As soon as we make our way out through the large group waiting & out the door to the Savannah view our buzzer goes off. Well okay that's fine too, we'll look around after dinner.

We are seated by a hostess with a beautiful African accent that tells us some background about the restaurant. Jiko is very pretty. The colors are really soothing & the view outside of the window is very nice.

Sorry I wish I had better photography skills. My pics at Jilko are not very good. But this stills gives y'all an idea of the atmosphere.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1044.jpg

[FloraFauna]

Shovan, I loved reading your reviews. Jiko looks absolutely beautiful!

[shovan]

Jko continued...

Immediately upon being seated we are asked if we'd like water, bottled, sparkling etc. The lovely lady that seated us comes back with warm towels to "refresh" ourselves. Nice start to the meal. The table spacing at Jiko is very generous. So, even though it is one very large airy dining room, it somehow also feels very intimate.

Within just a few minutes our server was at our table. He asked if we'd like a cocktail and we tell him we'd prefer to just have wine with our meal. Well, this guy was so knowledgeable about the South African wines my DH checked his tag to see if he was the Sommelier. We love wine but explained that we were ignorant concerning South African wines. He recommend several different wines and that we order by the glass so that we could try several. Good idea. He also went over the menu very thoroughly and gave us the time we needed to make decisions.

For starters, I chose the Marinated Ahi Tuna and DH picked the Taste of Africa. Our server recommended two different wines that would hold up to the strong flavors in the Taste of Africa & with the Marinated Tuna. DH had a glass of Porcupine Ridge Shiraz to pair with the Taste of Africa. I chose the Paul Cluver Pinot Noir to go with the Tuna.
They delivered our appetizers.

The Marinated Ahi Tuna was beautiful with the edible colorful flowers & heirloom beans surrounding the tuna. Almost to pretty to eat, but I forced myself to try it! It was really delicious! The different African spices used in this dish, made this tuna really amazing. A really nice change from the usual Japanese style tuna I've had.

Taste of Africa & Tikka Marinated Tuna
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1036.jpg

The Taste of Africa had three different types of bread, lentil pappadam, wheat lavosh & Naan bread. The three sauces were Tikka Masala, Kalamata Olive Hummus & a green sauce, our server called a mixed herb pesto. My DH went nuts over the Tikka Masala sauce! It was really good but I was enjoying the tuna so much, I didn't eat too much of the breads. The olive hummus was also very good. The pesto was a bit salty but went very well with the pappadam bread.

Our Server, I think his name was Sean, was excellent at explaining the dishes as he brought them to the table.

[oybolshoi]

That tuna looks fabulous! :thumbsup2

[Blondie]

More please!:)

[TigerKat]

And you said you weren't a pro at this! This is fabulous Sheryl. The way you keep us in suspense is so baddddddd........:rotfl:

[S.Poppins]

That tuna looks wonderful!!! Jiko is on my list for the next trip.

[shovan]

Thanks all! That tuna was so good!

Tigerkat, thanks for the compliments! You may not be so impressed with my upcoming blurry photos! I'm new to this food photojournalism!!! I'm not trying to be suspensful, I'm just sloowwwww!!!!:confused3 ;)

[shovan]

more of Jiko:

For our entrees I picked the Maize Crusted Sturgeon. I had read the old menu & was hoping for the Halibut. I was not disappointed with the Sturgeon.

The maize crust was crunchy & nicely seasoned. The sturgeon was mild, moist and delicious. It was placed on top of crunchy green beans, roasted peppers & cherry tomatoes. The creamy tomato sauce had a nice spice to it and was surprisingly good with the fish. The thin strips of sweet potato on top were very crunchy & sweet. The mix of flavors in this dish went together so well. The different textures really made it something special.

I had intended to have a different wine with the fish. But our server had poured very generous glassfuls. With all the flavors going on with the fish, the pinot noir was quite good.

Maize Crusted Sturgeon
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1038.jpg

[TigerKat]

I'm not trying to be suspensful, I'm just sloowwwww!!!!:confused3 ;)

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[duncanssweetie]

LOVE IT !!!! and last I checked, (with my daddy, who beez a coona**) you're not the only one from nawlins who is slow,LOL. That's what I like about going home, the slow, relaxed, ain't in no big hurry for NUTTIN, laid back way of livin.

can't wait for more !!!

[Terry's Angels]

Great review. That tuna appetizer looks delicious. :thumbsup2

[Minniespal]

Excellent ~ really enjoying:thumbsup2

[Poppinsme]

Yummo!!! Great review. Im going to get an ADR for Jiko!!!! :woohoo: :woohoo:

[LouDisney]

Loving your dining review!!

[shovan]

I'm glad y'all are enjoying the review! Here's more of Jiko:

My DH was leaning towards choosing the Filet . He was quite unsure about having steak combined with macaroni & cheese. Not that he's not an adventuresome diner, it just seemed like an odd combination. Y'all know down here, we'll try anything, at least once!

So, he questioned our server about the mac & cheese. I wish I could recall every cheese he told us was in the macaroni. I believe it had about four different cheeses in it. As soon as he said Gruyere, my hubby was sold!

After tasting the filet, he was a very happy man! The outside of the filet had a very smoky flavor to it. The smoked flavor was stronger than expected, but a very pleasant surprise. The inside was cooked to a perfect medium rare, as ordered.. The red wine sauce was shiraz based and has to be the best sauce we've tasted to top a steak! The shiraz sauce combined with the mac & cheese was so wonderful!! I don't have the words to explain how good it was! I would have to say that even though my fish was great, the filet was the winner!

DH hadn't finished his glass of Shiraz either. We were actually wondering if South African wines might have a stronger alcohol content than other countries, because the two that we had, really packed a punch! Without spending a lot more money, I don't think he could have chosen a better wine to go with that steak! The shiraz based sauce & the smokiness of the steak went perfectly with the wine.

Again sorry about the quality of the picture. :confused: It really doesn't do justice to this dish. I promise my CRT & FF pics are better!

Wood Grilled Filet Mignon with Macaroni & Cheese

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1037.jpg

[lucas]

Great review. You're making me hungry!! :)

[TigerKat]

shovan - Great job!! I'm sitting here eating a tuna sandwich and staring at the filet. I think we're definitely going to try Jiko on our next trip.:goodvibes

[shovan]

LOVE IT !!!! and last I checked, (with my daddy, who beez a coona**) you're not the only one from nawlins who is slow,LOL. That's what I like about going home, the slow, relaxed, ain't in no big hurry for NUTTIN, laid back way of livin.

can't wait for more !!!

We do take things kinda slow & easy down here!

[shovan]

Here comes dessert!

We could not eat all of our entrees and fit in dessert, so we asked if we could box up our entrees.

This gave us room to try the Flourless Mocha Stack with Vanilla Ice Cream. We also ordered regular coffee. We were very pleasantly surprised to have a French Press coffee pot brought to the table. Our server told us this was a really good Kenyan bean. He said to let it steep and he'd be back to press & pour our coffee.

Our dessert arrives, it was so pretty. Our server poured our coffee. The mocha "brownies" were great, strong on cocoa not too sweet. Just the way I love chocolate. The nice surprise with this was the ice cream. It was just vanilla ice cream but a really good ice cream. When we commented on it, our server told us it made "in house" at Jiko. The coffee was also very good. Good dark, strong coffee but smooth. Just the way we like it, at home in New Orleans.

Flourless Mocha Stack with Vanilla Ice Cream
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1040.jpg

[Enchanted Tiki Bird]

That tuna appetizer from Jiko looks absolutely gorgeous! I'm also very impressed by the hot cloths you were given at the start of your meal. I think we might have to choose this over Boma.

[shovan]

That tuna appetizer from Jiko looks absolutely gorgeous! I'm also very impressed by the hot cloths you were given at the start of your meal. I think we might have to choose this over Boma.

The hot towels really were nice! It made you feel like "Aaahhh, this is going to be nice!" What was really nice was that the whole meal followed through with that first impression!

[babby]

more, more, more, and subscribing!!

Has the filet with mac and cheese and it had to have been the best meal I have ever had at WDW. and that includes the snooty SHULA'S!!

[Sinderelli]

Can't wait for CRT & Akershus! We are leaving in 6 days and I am eagerly awaiting your reviews- Great job so far!

[clydenora]

I have made ADRs for Narcoosees recently, for our adults-only quick trip to WDW, but Jiko was another place I was really interested in trying.

After reading your reviews and seeing your pictures, I am incredibly tempted to cancel the Narcoosees and add Jiko.

Nice job. I'm going to show your review to DH when he gets home.

[mommyaof2]

Great reviews!!:)

[CourtneyandRyan]

Jko continued...


Taste of Africa & Tikka Marinated Tuna
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1036.jpg



Hi! I'm from Baton Rouge!!! I'm not finished reading your reviews yet, but had to say "hi" and that this tuna looks a little like a Mardi Gras dish!!! :rotfl2:

[shovan]

Has the filet with mac and cheese and it had to have been the best meal I have ever had at WDW. and that includes the snooty SHULA'S!!

The filet at Jiko has to be the winner of steak's in WDW! We've had Le Cellier, Narcoosee's, Yachtsman & Jiko, so far! Shula's recently opened here in New Orleans. The local reviews haven't been very good here either.

I have made ADRs for Narcoosees recently, for our adults-only quick trip to WDW, but Jiko was another place I was really interested in trying.
After reading your reviews and seeing your pictures, I am incredibly tempted to cancel the Narcoosees and add Jiko.
Nice job. I'm going to show your review to DH when he gets home.

I've been to Narcoosees but it has been years. It was very good, but for romantic atmosphere, I'd pick Jiko. If you want seafood though, go for Narcoosee's, the lobster is pretty good!

Hi! I'm from Baton Rouge!!! I'm not finished reading your reviews yet, but had to say "hi" and that this tuna looks a little like a Mardi Gras dish!!! :rotfl2:

Hi neighbor! That tuna was just like a Mardi Gras parade in your mouth!!!;) How are things in BR? I really miss shopping at the Mall of LA. Haven't been driving there has much, since my DD graduated from LSU and post-K when we had to drive there for shopping.

Can't wait for CRT & Akershus! We are leaving in 6 days and I am eagerly awaiting your reviews- Great job so far!

Sinderelli, I hope I can get to those before your trip! I will tell you we enjoyed both of them!

[shovan]

My rating for Jiko:

We really enjoyed this meal. We had planned this as our get-away romantic meal of our trip. Just for DH and myself, and it turned out perfectly.

On a scale of 1-5, I can easily give Jiko an overall top rating!

I would rate Jiko with 5 WHO DATS for food, 5 WHO DATS for atmosphere and an 5 WHO DATS for service. We will definitely return.

Here we are enjoying our coffee & dessert.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1039fixed.jpg

To top off our evening, we took a walk around the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort if really beautiful. Outside, the plants and lighting are very calming. You definitely feel as if you are transported elsewhere. Although, I thought it had more of a tropical feel than African, at least at night.

We were feeling a bit disappointed that we would not get to see it during the day. That is until we walked out to the Savannah View. They had CM's who asked if we had come out for the Night Vision Viewing. They had these really cool night view glasses to look out on the Savannah. There were not many animals out, but with the glasses you could even see the stripes on the Water Buffalo! Really neat. There was hardly anyone out there, so we had a really nice chat with the two young cast members from Africa. They were had lots of questions for us, when they learned we were from New Orleans! It was an interesting and pleasant end to a lovely evening.

[TigerKat]

Great pic Sheryl - now you know we expect to see New Orleanians holding a cup or glass with an alcoholic beverage!;)

[donaldtutter]

Great review of Jiko!! :)

[shovan]

Yachtsman Steakhouse

We had eaten at Yachtsman on our last trip and absolutely loved it. So we were really looking forward to dining there again.

Unfortunately while still a good meal, it didn't hold up to our expectations.

Sorry, I forgot to take pictures here...

The restaurant seemed much louder than on our last visit. Since we had a 4yo with us, that was not necessarily a bad thing. Our server arrived at our table very quickly. We knew we'd be eating steak, so we ordered a bottle of wine, a beer for BIL and a glass of milk for our little princess.. The wine wasn't anything fancy, a Penfold Shiraz.

We order our appetizers & the meal for the 4yo. We wanted to keep her happy. She was given a placemat with colors and was keeping herself entertained with that.

I ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare, notice a pattern here? DH chooses the Lobster Bisque. My SIL had the Caesar Salad and BIL wants to save room for his steak.

My niece's meal comes out quickly. It is Mickey Shaped Pasta & she is so excited with that! We had tried to prep her for a longer dining experience by telling her this was a "fancy" restaurant & that she needed to behave like a young lady. When her Mickey Pasta arrives, she tells my DH "Uncle Bob, did we come to this fancy restaurant, so that I could have this Mickey Pasta?!" Of course, he tells her we did pick that restaurant just so she could have the Mickey Pasta!:cutie:
It turns out that the restaurant is so loud that she had no trouble behaving at all. In fact, she was much quieter than many of the adults around us.

Our appetizers arrive. My Tuna Tartare is good. However it was not plated as nicely as the last time I had it. On my last visit it was served on large plate with a lots of pita crisp breads surrounding it & watercress on top. It was very pretty. This time is comes all alone in a bowl. Not very impressive looking, it taste good but I'm missing the chips.
DH has the Lobster Bisque which was good, but not as hot as it should have been. SIL Caesar Salad is just a small plain Caesar Salad. Not bad but nothing special.

DH & I decide to share the NY Strip with Brandy Pepper Sauce. I had it last time & it was huge and delicious. We ask for the Horseradish Potato that came with the Rib Eye instead of the Potatoes Au Gratin. BIL & SIL ask to share the Rib Eye with Red Wine Butter.

Our steaks arrive already split on separate plates. We have the Horseradish Potatoes we requested but they are cold. Our server doesn't return in time to send back the potatoes. BIL & SIL are less than impressed with their steak. They found it a bit too fatty. BIL doesn't like the red wine butter sauce, but that's just him. Maybe that we chose to share the steaks, made a difference in the quality. They looked as if they were split and then cooked. It just didn't seem as good as the last time.

We really just aren't having a very pleasant evening. The noise is distracting and the service is just okay. So, only our princess chooses dessert. Which I think was a brownie with ice cream. We finish our drinks while she eats her dessert. She really enjoyed it. I think she's the only one who thoroughly enjoyed her meal. She said at the end of the meal "I really like this fancy restaurant with the Mickey Pasta!" That made it quite worthwhile!! So, while not the best dining experience for all, her enjoyment made everyone happy!

On this trip I can only rate Yachtsman Steakhouse with a 3 Who Dats for food, 3 for service and a 3 for atmosphere. Although, I would give it a 4 or maybe a 5 rating for "Signature" dining with kids. If you are in the mood for something a little nicer, a good steak & you have kids along, I'd say Yachtsman is a still a good choice. Even without kids, I'm not ready to rule out Yachtsman yet. Since we are DVC members and this is our "home" resort, we will probably visit again. Our first visit was so good and this time wasn't awful. I think we'll have to give them one more shot.

[TigerKat]

Your love for your princess shines so brightly throughout everything you write!:goodvibes

[D&R love Disney]

Great report so far. That filet at Jiko is so yummy. I'm not a big fan of red wine but the reduction combined with the mac & cheese and steak is to die for.

[lucas]

Thanks for posting. I'm really enjoying your report! :cutie:

[shovan]

Your love for your princess shines so brightly throughout everything you write!:goodvibes I know... I hope I don't make anyone nauseous, I'm so over the top with her! And I haven't even done the Princess Dining Meals yet!!!

Great report so far. That filet at Jiko is so yummy. I'm not a big fan of red wine but the reduction combined with the mac & cheese and steak is to die for. As you've read, I do like red wine! But "to die for" are my thoughts exactly on that dish. Just thinking about it, is making me hungry!

Thanks for posting. I'm really enjoying your report! :cutie: I'm glad you're enjoying it!!

I'm going to go work on my CRT lunch review now. That will be next.

[oybolshoi]

Sorry to hear about Yachtsman not living up to expectations - seems like that's the consensus around here lately, which really bums me out because my hubby and I have yet to make it over there to give it a try. We were thinking of hitting it in October when we head back for F&W... now I just don't know....:confused:

Anyway, I've enjoyed your reviews and pictures and am looking forward to more! :goodvibes

[shovan]

Sorry to hear about Yachtsman not living up to expectations - seems like that's the consensus around here lately, which really bums me out because my hubby and I have yet to make it over there to give it a try. We were thinking of hitting it in October when we head back for F&W... now I just don't know....:confused:
Anyway, I've enjoyed your reviews and pictures and am looking forward to more! :goodvibes

Thanks! As I mentioned, I'm not ready to right them off yet! We'll may give them another chance. We'll be back in Oct. for F&W too! Can't wait for that!

[shovan]

Cinderella's Royal Table Lunch

We have a 1:05 p.m. ADR for our lunch. We arrive about a half hour early, so we can change the little one into her princess dress. She insisted on wearing her Ariel Bride Dress, because "It's the prettiest & fanciest dress I have. And I need to be dressed fancy to see Cinderella!"

There is a huge crowd surrounding the desk. I sort of have to fight my way to the check-in desk. I give them our name & they tell us to wait outside. Apparently from talking with everyone else waiting, we are all going to be brought in at once. We wait about 10 minutes and they open the doors for the large group waiting to enter. We are all brought into the Castle "waiting & picture" area. The room is nice and very "Castle-like".

A male Cast Member comes in and starts to explain the way this is going to work. This man is so unbelievably rude. First of all, he is literally yelling. Then he starts with "You people are going to have to pay attention! Even if you do pay attention, you will probably only get about 10% of what I'm trying to tell you." !!!! Yes, he actually said this! He continues to loudly explain that we are to wait in line for Cinderella to come in and take our pictures. Then we will be given a ticket & must wait to be called up to go upstairs to eat. He says "You must have this ticket to be seated! If you do not have the ticket it is 40 steps upstairs and 40 steps back down & 40 steps back up again! You can not be seated with out this ticket!" Okay, okay we get it!

We are not liking the way is going. However, our little Princess is thrilled just to be in the Castle!

We wait about 10 minutes for Cinderella to come in to start the picture taking. Two different CM's are handling the picture taking & the rude guy is back out at the desk. Thank Goodness! The picture taking takes about 20 minutes and goes well. My niece is so excited to meet Cinderella! Cinderella takes just a minute to chat with the children, but they move this along pretty quickly.

Our Princess with Cinderella
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1091.jpg

[doodle]

Thanks so much for the great reviews.

I hate to hear that the first CM at CRT was so rude. I can imagine he has lots of challenges dealing with the crush of everyone there to see the Princesses but really he has to get a grip!! :rolleyes:

So glad the next 2 CMs were kinder! Looking forward to reading how the meal goes.

Thanks again. :)

[TigerKat]

She just gets more beautiful with every picture you post!!:goodvibes

[shovan]

CRT Lunch continued:

We are given our dining ticket and are now supposed to wait to be "announced" to head upstairs. The CM announcing the families has an accent, combined with using a speaker, she can barely be understood. After waiting about 20 minutes to be called, we check with her to see if we just didn't hear our name. No, she says you haven't been called yet. We wait about another 10 minutes, I go check again. She tells me that since we have a wheelchair in our party, it's going to take longer for a table to open up. Okay, I understand that. I did have them make a note of this when making the ADR, I called to double check that it was noted. I also informed them at the check-in desk.

We wait more. Our Princess is now eating snacks we had with us, she's hungry. She also getting pretty fidgety & all of us are just annoyed. I check again and am told the same line. I wait another 5 minutes and pass the CM who is handling this inside to go back out to the check in desk. I explain how long we have been waiting. They try to tell me the same line about the wheelchair. They also tell me they have no control over this. That they have to wait until it is keyed in from the dining room.. I have to insist that they call up to the dining room to find out the problem. They begrudgingly do so. No explanation or apology offered , but we are called within 5 minutes. Finally, we are headed up in the elevator!

[shovan]

more CRT:

Magically, when we step out of the elevator upstairs, everything changes! Our princess is handed a Princess Wand. However, she sees the Swords they have for boys. She asks if she can have a sword instead! We are flabbergasted by her request! This child is so into "all things Princess"! She tells us she wants to be a Pirate Princess today! After the long wait, she's still behaving, we aren't going to tempt fate with a discussion of wands or swords!!!

We are seated immediately. Our server is at the table right away. He addresses the adults as either "Me, Lord or Me, Lady" and my niece as "Princess". Very neat. He takes our drink orders and says he will bring out the Chef's Tasting Platter right away. He brings out the drinks and the Tasting Platter very quickly.

The Tasting Platter he brings out has an Italian style salad with olives, cheese & prosciutto, and a chicken breast with pesto sauce. The salad looks slightly wilted but actually taste pretty good. Remember, we are all pretty hungry by this time. The cheese and prosciutto is very good. The chicken breast is very moist and tender. The pesto sauce with it, is good but nothing special. Our only real gripe with this dish, was that it wasn't quite large enough for 4 adults to share.

The Tasting Platter
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1094.jpg

[shovan]

CRT Lunch continued:

Our server is just great! He stayed "in character" during the whole meal, using "Old English" and a British accent. It really added to the experience of dining in the Castle.

Our meals are brought out. Our Princess had her usual pasta, which came in the Mickey Plate. That continues to make her happy! It came with salad and fruit.

SIL and myself ordered the Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin. This came with cheese grits, crispy onions on top and a cabernet sauce. This was a surprisingly excellent dish! I have to say, I had read not great reviews on the food at CRT, so my expectations weren't very high. But, this was really good. The pork was herb-crusted and you could really taste all of the herbs. It was very moist and tender. I don't know what they did to those grits but they were yummy!! The cabernet sauce went great with the pork & the grits. It was also a lot of food, especially for lunch! The picture does not look all that appetizing but I promise, it was really good.

Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Cheese Grits
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1101.jpg

[Enchanted Tiki Bird]

I'm really enjoying your review. Too bad about the rude CM at CRT.

[lucas]

I don't know what they did to those grits but they were yummy!!

I had the cheese grits with the blackened catfish at the Coral Reef and the grits were fantastic there, too! Really, really good! :wizard:

[dbmarie]

Our only real gripe with this dish, was that it wasn't quite large enough for 4 adults to share.
I agree my poor DH didn't get any of the appetizer when we went in December. I'm sorry to hear about the check-in at CRT we also found that the experience in the lobby was lacking.

[shovan]

I agree my poor DH didn't get any of the appetizer when we went in December. I'm sorry to hear about the check-in at CRT we also found that the experience in the lobby was lacking.

Your poor DH!:rotfl:

You know after writing about the experience at CRT, I am going to write a letter to WDW guest relations. It really was bad, so un-Disney!!!

Thanks to all for reading! I'm working on the rest of it, but my computer ate everything I typed yesterday afternoon.:badpc: Although I'm sure it was actually a short between the computer & the computer operator! ;)

[DisneyJo]

Great reviews so far.

Can't believe the CM was so rude everyone pays alot of money to dine there and you don't expect that (there again it shouldn't happen at the cheapest place either :laughing: ) We are dining there in August but I have a 12.05pm ADR so hopefully there should be no wait!

Can't wait for Akershus, booked that too. :thumbsup2

[shovan]

CRT Lunch continued:

My DH chose the Salmon for his meal. The salmon was seared and placed on top of a bed of risotto and asparagus. It had a lemon beurre blanc sauce surrounding it. I'm not a fan of salmon, often find it too fishy, especially if it's not really fresh. My hubby was raving about it, so of course I had to taste it! The fish tasted very fresh, moist not dried out, very flavorful. The risotto was listed as a Saffron-Crab Risotto, it was good but we couldn't taste the crab in it. The sauce was really delicious. It made the dish! He really enjoyed it. This was also a generous sized serving for lunch. We were all pretty full, even before dessert!

Pan-Seared Salmon with Risotto
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1098.jpg

[shovan]

On to DESSERTS!

Our serving still speaking in his Old English brogue had been telling us during the meal, that his "Princess" meaning his wife, used to be a Chef at the Castle. He said that she had created the dessert we were going to have! So, we were ready to try it. Now I am a chocolate girl, and I will usually pass up dessert if there isn't any chocolate in there! This dessert really surprised me!

The dessert was called Blueberry Buckle with lemon ice cream and creme fraiche. The description really didn't do it justice. The blueberry buckle was a delicious light cake with specks of blueberries in it. It had a crunchy toppig on the top of the cake. The inside had a different type of cake in the middle. I can't say exactly what it was, just that it had a different texture and flavor! Maybe, a pudding type cake, moister & denser than the oustside. The lemon ice cream on top was also very different. It was very creamy but also light. Really lemony but not too tart. The creme fraiche surrounding the cake tasted like fresh strawberries! All the flavors together were just great! The adults all really enjoyed it.

Blueberry Buckle with Lemon Ice Cream and Creme Fraiche
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1111.jpg

[shovan]

As you can see, our little Princess just lit up when her dessert was placed in front of her! A scoop of vanilla ice cream with sprinkles and chocolate sauce. A beautiful Chocolate Princess Crown on top! So pretty and she loved it!

Our Princess and her Crowning Dessert!

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1110.jpg

I've left out so much information about this meal. First of all, the room is beautiful! The stained glass, the ceiling, you really feel as if you are in a Castle. A very nice Castle without the cold, damp floors that is!

The Dining Room Ceiling in the Castle
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1095.jpg

Of course, all during the meal, Princesses are coming out to chat & take pictures. We found that almost all of the Characters in the Dining Room took a lot of time with the children. The Snow White that was there during our lunch was fabulous. She had a very long chat with my niece who was so thrilled. She had the perfect "Snow White" voice! It was so cute, when she came to our table, she looked at our Princess with sword in hand. She tells her "Well, look at this beautiful Princess Bride! But something about this is not quite right! Mmmm, what is it? Oh, the sword! Why does a Princess Bride have a sword?"
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1103.jpg

Our little princess tells her it's because today she is a Princess Pirate. Snow White says " Ohhh, I understand now, how wonderful for you! You get to be pretty and have lots of fun, too!" And she continued to talk with her for quite a while.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1104.jpg

It was so great for our niece and made the whole ordeal downstairs, very much worth the hassle! If you haven't gone to Cinderella's Royal Table at least once, you have to try it!
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1105.jpg
This Snow White is the Best! This was one very happy little girl! Definitely, makes the whole trip worth every penny!

[DisneyJo]

I'm so pleased the meal was good, I was a bit worried about the desert but it looks delicious, not what I had imagined at all. A quick question, when we go our DD's will be 9 & 11 do they only give the wands/swords to the under 9's or to all children? Also I'm hoping the 11 year old will be able to order off the kids menu (we will pay adult price, well DP will!) as I think she would so prefer the food and definately the desert!

[shovan]

Now rating Cinderella's Royal Table is going to be tough! l feel as if we had two totally different experiences there.

So for the extremely rude CM downstairs and the very long wait, I give 0 points. That part was a total BOMB.

On Food, I'm going to give 5 Who Dats. Considering this is a Character Lunch, I have to give it a top rating. The quality of the food far exceeded our expectations!

Our Service and Server was Excellent! So that's another 5 Who Dats for that! I wish we could remember our Server's name. I have to give him a special mention for his service & being so "In Character" with his Old English dialect! :thumbsup2

The Atmosphere and decor in the Dining Room was also great, 5 Who Dats there!
Princess Interaction in the Dining Room, absolutely wonderful! So, I'll give them 5 Who Dats also! And a very special thank you to Snow White!pixiedust: Magical!

[shovan]

I'm so pleased the meal was good, I was a bit worried about the desert but it looks delicious, not what I had imagined at all. A quick question, when we go our DD's will be 9 & 11 do they only give the wands/swords to the under 9's or to all children? Also I'm hoping the 11 year old will be able to order off the kids menu (we will pay adult price, well DP will!) as I think she would so prefer the food and definately the desert!

The food overall was a very pleasant surprise. The dessert in particular! I would think most kids even 11 yo's would not be too thrilled with the adult menu. Although, my brother in law's sandwich looked good. I also think most kids (especially girl's into the princess stuff) would prefer the sundae over the blueberry buckle.

As far as the wands/swords, I really didn't notice if older children received them. But they really weren't anything fancy, just a plastic sword/wand. So I can't imagine that they would exclude any children.

[DisneyJo]

Thanks, you know what sibling rivalry's like if one DD has something then the other has to too even if it's not great. :rotfl2:

[dawgfan]

Thanks for the review.

[shovan]

Princess Storybook Breakfast in Akershus

We had an ADR for 8:55, but decided the night before we didn't want to get up that early. We had no problems changing to an ADR for 10:25.

We arrived right about 10:25. We were told that it was about a five minute wait to be seated. We were not aware that they had "prepared" picture area with Belle to take pictures before seating. I pulled out my photopass card, but was told they would take the pictures and bring it to the table later. We were able to take a picture with our camera. We had my niece take a picture alone with Belle. Belle chatted with her briefly. Thank goodness, this went by quickly, unlike the ordeal at CRT.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1117.jpg

Once seated, our server came to our table immediately. She took our drink orders and explained that there was a "cold" buffet and that she would bring the hot food to our table. I'm sorry I forgot to take pictures of the food & the restaurant. The restuarant is very pretty and somewhat "Castle like". Maybe you can get an idea of the atmosphere from all of the Character pics though.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1124.jpg
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1123.jpg

The buffet was very small, but had a nice assortment of danish, fruits, cheese and salmon. There was a dark brown goat cheese that I've never seen before. It was really good. I was a bit disappointed that the cinnamon rolls were on the "cold" buffet and were room temperature. They were still pretty good.

Our server was very nice and attentive. She had the coffee, juice and milk at our table almost immediately. She brought the hot items to our table almost as soon as we sat down from the buffet. I would have preferred that she given us a bit more time to eat the buffet items first. However, she was so friendly and her service through out the meal was excellent. She was also from Norway and chatted with us about the weather. It was quite cold that morning and we were freezing. She thought it was quite nice and on the warm side!

The hot items she served were scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and potatoes. Everything was fresh and warm. The bacon was nice & crunchy. The eggs and biscuits were fine but average. The potatoes were something else. I don't know what was in them, but they were delicious! Our server brought out more items as needed. We did not sit around waiting for her at all!
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1126.jpg

A young lady brought the pictures to the table. She showed them around and then told us the package was $30.00. We were a bit miffed by the way this was done. Of course, my niece looked as cute as ever in the picture, so Disney got a bit more of our money.

The Princesses had started visiting our table right away. The Princesses we saw were Mulan, Snow White, Aurora, and Mary Poppins was also there. They weren't rushed, but didn't take as much time visiting as the Characters at CRT did.

One gripe I do have is that Disney really needs to do a better job with picking Cast Members that look like the Character they are representing. This is not a complaint specific to this Character Meal but just an overall view. Some of these Princesses look exactly like their Character and others are just way off base. As in these pictures, this Snow White is perfect! And Aurora, well see what you think.
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1121.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1120.jpg

The restaurant's decor is very nice and the table spacing is excellent. The restaurant was not very crowded that morning. I think our server would have kept bringing out the food as long as we wanted. We were quite full. We were able to have a nice long and very leisurely breakfast. We all enjoyed this meal. The adults especially enjoyed the nice relaxed pace and atmosphere. My niece of course loved another chance to meet Princesses! She also really likes breakfast foods and ate quite of bit. I would choose this Character Meal again.

I would rate this meal a 4 Who Dats for Food, 5 Who Dats for Atmosphere, 5 Who Dats for Service and a 4 Who Dats on Character Interaction.

Coming Next: Flying Fish a tie with Jiko for Best Meal on this Trip!

[lucas]

Still lovin' your reviews! Great pics and the one of your princess with Belle is so cute. I've seen that Belle in other peoples pics, too.

[Motherofboys]

One gripe I do have is that Disney really needs to do a better job with picking Cast Members that look like the Character they are representing. This is not a complaint specific to this Character Meal but just an overall view.

This is going to sound mean, sorry in advance!
I have to agree with the quoted text. When looking at some of the pics with the characters, I'm just asking myself why in the world Disney can't get some better looking people? It has to be a highly sought after job. Some of the women, yikes! That Belle is scary! Why are they all so old?!!

Sorry, rant over, but I doubt I am the only one thinking it! :crazy2:

[DisneyJo]

I agree about the character faces, Mary Poppins is so off too!

We're going there in August so glad you enjoyed it, youngest DD loves Belle and we never saw her last trip so hopefully she'll still be there!

[TigerKat]

Loving your reviews! Your princess is adorable and I have to agree some of those princesses are downright creepy.LOL

[dbmarie]

Great reviews! We're doing the SBP breakfast in August and my girls really loved you're pictures thank you.

[shovan]

Thanks everyone for reading!

DisneyJo & dbmarie, Y'all will both be there in August! Hope y'all enjoy it as much as we did!

It seems odd, that in reviewing my pics, most of the "non-princess" Princess pictures I have are from Akershus. This definitely was not the only place we noticed this.

[disnut1149]

Hi
Your reviews are great!!:thumbsup2 I really enjoyed reading them. We're going to PSB in August and I'm really looking forward to it. Do you know if they would bring someone out waffles or pancakes if they don't eat eggs? I heard that they do, but I didn't know if it was true? Thanks!! Also, I just wanted to tell you that your niece is adorable. Looks like she had a great time!!

[shovan]

Hi
Your reviews are great!!:thumbsup2 I really enjoyed reading them. We're going to PSB in August and I'm really looking forward to it. Do you know if they would bring someone out waffles or pancakes if they don't eat eggs? I heard that they do, but I didn't know if it was true? Thanks!! Also, I just wanted to tell you that your niece is adorable. Looks like she had a great time!!

I really can't answer your question about the waffles/pancakes. :confused3 Sorry, we were all eggs eaters & didn't request anything different.

Thanks, my niece had an awesome time! I don't know if 4 is the perfect age to bring them or what! But, she enjoyed everything! Her behavior on the trip was a huge improvement over her "norm". No whining!!! You know what a treat that is!

[shovan]

Flying Fish


We had this ADR for 7:45 pm and decided to push it back to 8:30 to get the most out of our last full day in WDW. We arrived on time was told we'd have a 25 minute wait. My niece fell asleep in her stroller while we were waiting. We waited only about 15 minutes before being seated. We asked if we could bring the stroller to the table. She said okay since she was sleeping, but we may not have room at the table for it. Well if we would have called ahead and requested a quiet, private table we couldn't have been this lucky! She took us all the way to the back of the restaurant, off the main dining room to a round table booth in the corner. It was much quieter there, table spacing was better than the main dining room and it was more private. We were able to place my niece (still sleeping) in the stroller, right by the table up against the wall and out of the server's way.

Our server Chris showed up right away with the different drink menus and wine selections. DH and I ordered Coppola Merlot, SIL had Fess Parker Riesling and BIL ordered his usual beer.

Our server, went over the menu quite extensively, explaining everything very well. He really knew the menu and was able to give us the all details as to sauces and such.

Since none of us were really super hungry, we decided to take our time in ordering. When we saw the Cheese Selection for that night we couldn't pass it up. Fleur de Lis Cheese was first on the list!! This was a soft triple cream cheese from Louisiana. As native New Orleaneans we had to try that! The cheese tray also included a Beaufort, a French cow's milk cheese. The Fiore Sardo a hard smoked sheep's milk cheese from Sardinia. A Queso de Murcia Al Vino a Spanish goat's milk cheese that had a red rind from the local red wine. Last but not least, was a Blue de Gex a French blue cheese. Served with the cheese there were Raisins, Date Compote and Honey Comb. This cheese selection was wonderful! Each cheese was so different from the others. The Fleur de Lis cream cheese had a firm rind with very creamy interior, similar to a Brie. The blue cheese was very sharp, which I loved! The Date Compote was very good some of the cheeses, as was the Honey. The best honey I've ever tasted! Wish I had a picture of this Cheese Selection, but we had destroyed it's appearance by the time I remembered to take pictures.

BIL & SIL enjoying the meal
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1134.jpg

[Motherofboys]

Glad you didn't post a pic of the cheese, I was drooling over the description alone! :rotfl: Can't wait to read more!!

[ufgator]

Thanks for your reviews and pics so far.

[krismom]

Wonderful reviews and excellent pictures. Your niece is precious... Disney could use some of those pictures in an ad campaign!

[Disney owl]

Great reports thanks

[avpny@aol.com]

test

[shovan]

More Flying Fish:

After taking our time looking over the menu and filling up on cheese! Some of us decide to have just an appetizers for our meal. I decide to start with the Tuna Two Ways. I know I'm in a rut, but I like tuna! This was a Tuna Tartar and a Tuna Tataki with Sesame Crackers. The Tataki was barely seared, served very rare, topped with the spicy-sweet garlic sauce. The sauce was perfect with this, more spicy than sweet. The Tartar was served on top of wakame seaweed with caviar. The Tartar with caviar was also excellent, so fresh! It's great, that even though I ordered tuna at almost every place we dined, each one was very different from the next. This one was also excellent!
TUNA TWO WAYS
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1131.jpg

[MamaKate]

Keep them coming :thumbsup2 .

We're planning on trying Flying Fish on our next trip so I'm looking forward to the rest of your review.

[shovan]

Thanks Mama Kate!

I'm a bit slow at getting this out. But if you will just hang on, I'll get it out there! I will tell the service wasn't perfect,( the bus service ) but the Server we had Chris, really knew his menu & was totally on top of things! We will go back to FF!!!!!

[MamaKate]

Thanks Mama Kate!

I'm a bit slow at getting this out. But if you will just hang on, I'll get it out there! I will tell the service wasn't perfect,( the bus service ) but the Server we had Chris, really knew his menu & was totally on top of things! We will go back to FF!!!!!

I have time to wait we're not going until November :laughing: .

I've always wanted to try Flying Fish but never worked it into our schedule. However, this trip we are staying at the Boarwalk so it will be really convenient.

[shovan]

Another appetizer at Flying Fish:

My DH decides to have the Crab Cake. BIL & SIL also decide to share a Crab Cake. It is served on top of "Flying Fish" slaw with an ancho-chili remoulade sauce. This is a large Crab Cake on top of a nice amount of slaw. All three are raving about this dish! The crab tasted so fresh & there was a lot of it in the Crab Cake. It's seasoned nicely, sitting on top of a really delicious slaw. The outside of the cake is very crunchy and inside is moist and delicious. They were so over the top on this dish, that I decide to have one to follow up my Tuna!!

"Peeky Toe" Crab Cake with "Flying Fish" Slaw and Ancho-Chile Remoulade
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1133.jpg

[TigerKat]

Sheryl - I also had the crab cake at FF. It is wonderful! We really enjoyed everything we had there.

Really enjoying your reviews!!:thumbsup2

[TDC Nala]

I was at FF on Saturday and was impressed! I had the cheese too...but I got it instead of a dessert.

[shovan]

Sheryl - I also had the crab cake at FF. It is wonderful! We really enjoyed everything we had there.
Really enjoying your reviews!!:thumbsup2

Kathy, It was yummy wasn't it!

I was at FF on Saturday and was impressed! I had the cheese too...but I got it instead of a dessert.

TDCNala, I wasn't as good as you were! I had all appetizers & then shared dessert with DH!

[shovan]

More from Flying Fish:

So, I follow up my Tuna with the Crab Cake. After tasting some of DH's I had to have more!

DH has decided that he's pretty full from the Cheese Tray & the Crab Cake.

My Brother in Law chooses another appetizer for his entree. He orders the Crispy Fried Calamari. When this dish is brought to the table we are all shocked. It is HUGE! It is served in a gigantic boat shaped dish with a Vietnamese Sauce. The Calamari is placed on top of iceberg lettuce with chives. Well, my brother in law has a pretty big appetite but even he couldn't eat all of this dish. Great, we get to try some! This is by far the best Fried Calamari I have ever tasted! It was exceptionally light, delicate, tender and crispy! The sauce tasted very much like a sweet & sour Chinese sauce with maybe a bit more spice. None of us thought we would like it with the Calamari. We were wrong! It was very good! I am not a big fan of Fried Calamari. I usually find it to be tough and chewy. This was sooo not like that! Really excellent for an appetizer to share with others!

Fried Calamari with Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1132.jpg

[oybolshoi]

That crab cake looks divine... I think the hubby and I are going to have to give FF a try this fall.

Thanks again for the reviews!

[TigerKat]

Besides the nachos at ESPN, that calamari has to be the largest appetizer I've ever seen. It looks sooooooo good!!!!

[lucas]

I'm not a fan of calamari - dh loves it. But, boy, they get points for presentation and size for this one. It looks beautiful!!

[MsTinkerChele]

soooo...hungry....:goodvibes

[shovan]

Thanks for reading my reviews! I can't tell you how surprised we were at the size of this appetizer!!! Then the fact that it was so good! I am still wondering why it was so light, not chewy & very crispy!

[write2caro]

I was just making a list of dining options for our next trip (I plan WAY ahead!!) and was considering both Flying Fish and Jiko. Your choices from these menus are literally EXACTLY what I would order, and I now know that we NEED to go to both of these restaurants. Thanks for the fantastic reviews - keep 'em coming! :thumbsup2

[shovan]

The only entree ordered Potato Wrapped Red Snapper:

My SIL had decided when we were planning the trip that she wanted to go to Flying Fish for the Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper. She had read a review on it and was determined to have it. Again lucky for the rest of us, she couldn't eat all of it. So we all had a taste.

This is the best fish dish! I don't even know how to explain the tastes in this entree. It was like nothing I have ever tasted! The dish sounds very similar to the Sturgeon I had at Jiko, but it was very different. The Snapper is wrapped in a potato crust. The crust is very light on the inside & crunchy brown outside. The fish was impeccably fresh, and delicious. The fish is sitting on a thick bed of Creamed Leeks with a rich Red Wine Butter Sauce on the bottom surrounding the Leeks. The flavors and the different textures of the Potato, Fish, the Leeks and the Red Wine Sauce were just undescribable. This entree had so many layers of flavor, when combined were just fabulous. I think the different textures of it are what made it so memorable. I really wish I could give a better description of this dish. If you go to Flying Fish, you must try it!

Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper - Creamy Leek Fondue and Red Wine Butter Sauce
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1135.jpg

[shovan]

I was just making a list of dining options for our next trip (I plan WAY ahead!!) and was considering both Flying Fish and Jiko. Your choices from these menus are literally EXACTLY what I would order, and I now know that we NEED to go to both of these restaurants. Thanks for the fantastic reviews - keep 'em coming! :thumbsup2

I do think you NEED to go to both Jiko & Flying Fish!!! ;) I don't think you will be sorry!

[oybolshoi]

The only entree ordered Potato Wrapped Red Snapper:

My SIL had decided when we were planning the trip that she wanted to go to Flying Fish for the Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper. She had read a review on it and was determined to have it. Again lucky for the rest of us, she couldn't eat all of it. So we all had a taste.

This is the best fish dish! I don't even know how to explain the tastes in this entree. It was like nothing I have ever tasted! The dish sounds very similar to the Sturgeon I had at Jiko, but it was very different. The Snapper is wrapped in a potato crust. The crust is very light on the inside & crunchy brown outside. The fish was impeccably fresh, and delicious. The fish is sitting on a thick bed of Creamed Leeks with a rich Red Wine Butter Sauce on the bottom surrounding the Leeks. The flavors and the different textures of the Potato, Fish, the Leeks and the Red Wine Sauce were just undescribable. This entree had so many layers of flavor, when combined were just fabulous. I think the different textures of it are what made it so memorable. I really wish I could give a better description of this dish. If you go to Flying Fish, you must try it!

Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper - Creamy Leek Fondue and Red Wine Butter Sauce
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1135.jpg



I'm going to be honest...before reading your description and explanation of this dish I would never have given it a second thought, but now I think that I'm going to have to try it the next time we visit WDW. It looks great and sounds even better. :goodvibes

[MRussell]

Thank you for the wonderful reviews. Your little princess is just beautiful!:cutie:

[TigerKat]

Sheryl - I had the snapper too and thought it was amazing. Loving your reviews, keep em comin!!

[shovan]

Thanks everyone!!

oybolshoi, Try it, you'll like it!! I've been going back reading your review from the your Oct. trip! Love your writing, so funny!!!

Kathy, All I have left is the dessert from FF! It was our last table service meal!


I did forget to mention, that after noticing the Champagne Flight on the Wine List, I ordered it. ( I gave my DH my glass of Coppollo Merlot.)

The Champagne Flight had three 3oz glasses of Champagnes. Although Chris was very generous when pouring! I had Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee '02, Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin "99 and Taittinger La Francaise Brut N.V. . The Iron Horse was just okay, but of course I loved the Taittinger and the Veuve Cliquot!!!! I was having a very happy dining experience!!

[oybolshoi]

Thanks everyone!!

oybolshoi, Try it, you'll like it!! I've been going back reading your review from the your Oct. trip! Love your writing, so funny!!!

I did forget to mention, that after noticing the Champagne Flight on the Wine List, I ordered it. ( I gave my DH my glass of Coppollo Merlot.)

The Champagne Flight had three 3oz glasses of Champagnes. Although Chris was very generous when pouring! I had Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee '02, Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin "99 and Taittinger La Francaise Brut N.V. . The Iron Horse was just okay, but of course I loved the Taittinger and the Veuve Cliquot!!!! I was having a very happy dining experience!!

First of all, thanks for the compliment - sometimes it's hard to tell if my sense of humor translates in writing, you know what I mean?

Secondly, Flying Fish has a Champagne Flight? I am so there...not even interested in the food any longer! :lmao:

We're going to be at F&W from 10/13 - 10/22...maybe we'll see you around? If you haven't tried the F&W Festival yet you are in for a treat. :goodvibes

[shovan]

First of all, thanks for the compliment - sometimes it's hard to tell if my sense of humor translates in writing, you know what I mean?

Secondly, Flying Fish has a Champagne Flight? I am so there...not even interested in the food any longer! :lmao:

We're going to be at F&W from 10/13 - 10/22...maybe we'll see you around? If you haven't tried the F&W Festival yet you are in for a treat. :goodvibes

I hope the Champagne Flight wasn't the only reason I enjoyed the food so much at FF!;)

Our first visit for F&W was '06. We LOVED it! :love: We'll be there Oct 20-25, so maybe we will see y'all there! DH & I were just discussing & planning another F&W trip for '08!

Here we are enjoying the wine at '06 Party for the Senses!
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/2006%20Food%20and%20Wine%20Festival/100_08831.jpg

[shovan]

FLYING FISH DESSERTS!

We decided to share desserts, since we were all so full! But we just had to try some!

DH & I chose the Warm Valrhona Chocolate Galette. This was served very delicious dark chocolate sauce on the cake. On top of that is the chocolate gelato. Finally it was topped with a sail shaped cookie. The cookie tasted similar to a fortune cookie. The cake or Galette was served very warm & the gelato had started to melt down the cake. This was a very intense rich cake with the Valrhona Sauce & the Chocolate Gelato a true Chocolate Lover's Dream! For me, that's heaven! It doesn't get any better than that!

Warm Valrhona Chocolate Galette
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1136.jpg

[DisneyJo]

Ohhh that looks yummy :)

[shovan]

The other FF Dessert

Brother & Sister In Law chose the Warm Apple Almond Tart. This was served with cinnamon ice cream on the side. This was also served very warm. The top of the tart had nuts was nicely crispy, crunchy. Inside it had large pieces of the warm apples mixed in with a caramel sauce. The cinnamon ice cream went with this great! According the BIL & SIL anyway! They raved over this dessert. Loved it! I didn't taste it & I was too enthralled in my Chocolate Galette!

WARM APPLE ALMOND TART WITH CINNAMON ICE CREAM
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1137.jpg

[shovan]

And so we come to the end of a wonderful meal. We took our time ordering, trying appetizers, wating to see how large each one was & making decisions as they came out. Our server Chris was very good, informed & didn't rush us one bit. The area of the restaurant we were seated in was so nice, secluded and quiet. ( It's the very back of the restaurant, off the main dining room.)

I don't know if any of you are wondering why I haven't mentioned what my niece had? Or how we managed such a long, leisurely meal with a 4 year old along?

HERE'S THE REASON!
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1138.jpg

Yes, she slept through the ENTIRE MEAL! She did not wake up until we walked out of the restaurant! When the cold air hit her, she popped up & asked when we were going to eat! We told her we were just going to go back to our room & she could have the rest of her leftover Mickey Pasta. She was quite happy with that.

I can't say we were able to go back to room relaxed & soothed from all the food & drinks. She was feeling very refreshed & revved up for several hours!!:Pinkbounc

[dwaddict]

Just loved your reviews, some of the places we have talked about trying! We will be trying them on our next visit!! Thanks for sharing!!! Your lil princess is just as cute as can be!!
Thanks for sharing!!!

[kathymc]

great reviews thanks for sharing - Jiko was one of our favorite all time meals

hey did you ever notice the designs in the tablecloths at the Castle?

[TigerKat]

Excellent job on your reviews, Sheryl!! Your love for your princess was an added bonus throughout.:thumbsup2

[shovan]

Thanks to everyone, I'm glad y'all have enjoyed my review!

Tigerkat & dwaddict, Thanks for indulging me and letting me show off how cute my niece is!!!:goodvibes

kathymc, You mean those fleur de lis tablecloths? Those are there all of the time? I thought it was something special they did just for us!!:laughing:

I guess I really don't need to rate Flying Fish. I think everyone can tell that I'd have to give it 5 WHO DATS across the board!

It's going to be tough to decide on ADR's for our next trip. Skip FF & Jiko to try something new? Don't know if we'll be able to do that!

[shovan]

I wanted to finish up my review with a couple of pictures.

I just had to post the breakfast we had in our villa. I noticed the hidden Mickey in it, after I took the shot! My Brother-in-Law really cooked this up for himself & my DH.

What can I say, these Cajun Men just love grease!:lmao:

Our Hidden Mickey Cajun Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Fried Bologna & Biscuits
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1048.jpg


And one final picture of what this trip was really all about!

My Niece very pleased with a kiss from Aurora!
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p289/bshovan/Full%20size%20WDW%20Princess%20Trip/100_1115.jpg

[TigerKat]

Sheryl - after seeing the cajun breakfast pic DH will finally understand the meaning of food porn! He will be drooling.:thumbsup2

[shovan]

Sheryl - after seeing the cajun breakfast pic DH will finally understand the meaning of food porn! He will be drooling.:thumbsup2

:rotfl: :rotfl2: You are so right! Out of all this great food, he'll probably like seeing this one again, most of all!:goodvibes

[lucas]

Love the hidden Mickey!! :thumbsup2