We Smelled It ... It Had To Be Eaten! Christmas Eve Food Porn posts #1170 & #1171!!

[A fat english gent]

Bendy Dear i only have one simply question about your latest review and it relates to the sliced HAM.....Does it come by the slice or can i simply ask for the whole PIG?.....:rolleyes1

[jeminni]

Brenda,
Glad to hear you're starting to feel better. :goodvibes
Lovely review of Boma, it's my favorite breakfast place at disney. Looking forward to more F&W festival and sushi reviews. :thumbsup2

[jakenjess]

Brenda,

I'm just getting caught up. I'm so sorry you've not been feeling well.:hug: I've had many, many go rounds with UTIs and know how miserable they are. I hope the meds get the IC under control and you're feeling better soon. Best of luck with the physical therapy too. :flower3:

Wonderful review of Boma. I really want to try it, but I think we'll wait until we're staying at AKV. With two picky children I'm thinking breakfast is our best option, and it's just easier when we're staying close by!

The new restaurants on our list for April are Raglan Road (my choice), Teppan Edo (hubby's), Rainforest Cafe :eek: for DD -- what are you gonna do, she's 11;) and DS is still undecided. I may steer him toward Cape May for breakfast, as we'll be staying at the BCV for the first four nights, plus we'll get the characters. We're splitting between BCV and SSR, both new resorts for us. Can't wait!

Feel better, Brenda, and we'll be waiting patiently.:goodvibes

[MickeyNicki]

Brenda, so glad that you are feeling better....we worry about you when you go away too long! I mean we are kinda used to it by now but still we worry ;)


Glad you and hubbykins liked Boma as much as we do! I loved your dish o' pork, that is something that DH does all the time :thumbsup2


Totally uncool about what your waited did to you....I called my credit card before we left to let them know we were vacationing for 10 days and the charges would be legit. We checked into the AKL and the next day there was a message on our phone, we needed to see the front desk ASAP as our card was declined. HUH??? WHAAAAT?? So I called them and turns out they had the wrong expiration date on file. Why they had the card on file I have no idea because I specifically told them NOT to keep it on file AND when I checked in I presented the card to them. But at least we got it figured out and my blood pressure when back down :scared1:

[29apr00]

I'd have promptly banged that waiter of the head with the closest blunt object i could find! :headache: Definately NOT cool dude!!

Boma looks awesome as usual. Yummy Frunch!!

I'm so sorry you are dealing some pretty serious health issues. Hopeing you can find some relief soon. :hug:

[winkers]

Now I'm thinking I should change my boma adr to breakfast...............how hard would it be to get 7 people there from another resort at 8 a.m.?:rotfl2:

[PNO4TE]

Mmmmmmmmmmmm... Boma breakfast! :love: This is one of our favorite places to dine at WDW. I am glad you and DH finally took the plunge. I would drink Fruunch all day long if they had it in one of those camel back pack-y things. And the sausage? OMG! Thanks for another great review. The waiter would have been missing a limb or two had he done that to us. What in the heck ever possessed him to do that? :confused3

Hope you continue to feel better and PT and meds make your quality of life more normal, Brenda. :hug:

[Hedy]

I need to hit Boma for breakfaast sometime.

[Me&3]

Hi glad to hear your feeling better:goodvibes . Breakfast at Boma looks good. We love dinner at Boma that is real good. They do a FREE:yay: culinary tour of Jinko and Boma before they open thats alot of fun. It is first come first serve very small group nice. Oh buy the way did I mention its FREE:lmao: . Words that are very rare at WDW. Lord knows we have all spent enough money there:rotfl2: .

[kabuki]

:flower3: Hey Brenda,
I am just catching up and am sorry to hear that you are not well. Love all the reviews as always and sending much love from the west!:flower3:

[D&R love Disney]

I love the picture of you drinking the Frunch :rotfl2: you look like you are ready to hate it and OMG it's yummy :thumbsup2

[Ciciwoowoo]

Brenda,

I'm here and caught up now! You are my all time favorite writer here and don't forget it!

I do hope you feel better soon! :grouphug:

[ChelleinNC]

Our original dining plans did not include Boma, but after reading so many great reviews and seeing so many drool-worthy pictures (a big thanks to MickeyNicki for finally pushing me over the edge!) I had no choice but to make an ADR

I think we should take a poll, "How many people tried Boma breakfast because of MickeyNicki?" We did! :rotfl2: :lmao:

Glad to hear you liked Boma and Frunch :thumbsup2

[KristinAnne]

I hope you're feeling better! Glad your meds are starting to work. Boma looks so good. I am hoping to get there when we go next December.

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Hope your feeling better soon Brenda! We love Boma, so I'm glad to hear you had a good experience there. It has been a tradition to go there for our last breakfast on each trip since they opened. We are addicted to the ham with Boma Mustard. :thumbsup2

[Tink rules]

Now I'm thinking I should change my boma adr to breakfast...............how hard would it be to get 7 people there from another resort at 8 a.m.?:rotfl2:

Just don't feed them the night before...they'll be REAL hungry!!! :lmao: :lmao:

[SmallWorld71]

Brenda,
First off, prayers for you health.
Second, although I don't work in finance, I have had problems with strangers "using" my credit :scared1: and I totally agree that the waiter's joke was definitely not funny. This is what would have happened if he said that to me::sick: :faint:
Third, WDW seems to have a plethora of addictive "juice" mixes. Frunch, lilikoi, jungle juice...... Should we be concerned.:confused:
Lastly, the food at Boma looks yummy.:thumbsup2

[oybolshoi]

I’ve been lurking for awhile and thoroughly enjoy your reviews. I used to be into fine dining, but can no longer tolerate many foods so cannot eat that way anymore. Reading your delightful reports has been so enjoyable to me because it helps me enjoy once again, through your experiences, all the wonderful, flavorful foods I used to love.

Thank you for coming by to read ... I'm glad you've enjoyed the silliness and gluttony that is Jay and me while on vacation.

I responded to your thread in the Coping and Compassion Forum. I have had interstitial cystitis (aka IC) for 6 years and also suffer from ulcerative colitis and pelvic floor dysfunction. For those who don’t know, interstitial cystitis is incurable (it is NOT an infection, but rather permanent damage to the protective inner lining of the bladder) and is extremely painful. It can take quite a bit of time to find the right combination of meds or treatments that help to bring relief and begin to control this monstrous disease.

To Brenda’s friends I want to say Brenda really needs your support as she learns to deal with this illness. I’m sure you will generously give it to her.

Brenda, I’ve already emphasized in your Coping and Compassion thread the extreme importance of following the IC diet to reduce your pain level. I don’t want to overdo it, but I’m going to say it one more time. The diet is bland, limited and not anyone’s idea of fun. Abstaining from flavor and living with plain, un-marinated and unseasoned meats, fish and chicken, steamed plain vegetables and drinking nothing but bottled spring water (no Dasani because of the bladder-irritating minerals added to the water) is pretty hard to accept, especially for someone into fine dining. I DESPISE having to do it……….but those of us experienced with IC do it because IT WORKS! It is the biggest self-help tool available to reduce your pain. Later, you may be able to tolerate more foods, but now I hope you will begin by helping yourself. It may not sound inviting, but you will be surprised how comforting a cup of hot water with a little honey in it can be. BTW, when visiting WDW or in FL you might want to try Zephyrhills brand bottled spring water available in that locale. It is one of the few bottled waters that is slightly alkaline. I find it very soothing to my IC bladder.


My bad, but I only check that thread about once a week so I actually haven't seen anything you posted there about the diet yet. I do have information on the IC diet from my doctor but I already have a pretty bland diet during the other 49 weeks of the year that we're not gorging on vacation (obviously there are exceptions to that, but if you and everyone else here saw what Jay and I eat during a normal week you'd be bored to death). Having said that, if I'd had a definitive diagnosis before taking this trip I probably would have done a few things differently; but my doctor told me the day before I left to go and have fun. I did ask him about dietary restrictions because we do like to food it up on our vacations and his advice was to pretty much do what I wanted but pay attention to the signals my body was giving me. And he did mention that coffee was something I should think about cutting back on but ultimately I'd have to judge for myself whether or not it was aggravating the symptoms I had. So I'm doing a lot of trial and error stuff these days. :thumbsup2

When I first found out I had Crohns several years ago I was terrified of food in general and it took me a long time to get to the point I'm at now. I have very specific foods that I already bypass because I know they'll set off the intestinal goblin, but with other things it's ... pardon the expression ... something of a crapshoot. :laughing: I'm taking the same approach with the IC because my pain level wasn't horrible to begin with; since I've started the medication I've noticed a lot of improvement in my discomfort and the need to spend so much time in the throne room.

But I have noticed that cranberry juice is no longer my friend. ;)

Many of those with IC develop commonly concurrent disorders (IBS---or, if really unlucky, Crohn’s or colitis…, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, CFS etc). With all of that going on, a very large percentage of us also develop pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The muscles of the pelvic floor which support internal organs begin to spasm and contract and lose the ability to relax. It increases the pain and can cause pain to radiate to the back and down to the legs. You might want to ask your physical therapist to evaluate you for possible PFD. Physical therapy can do WONDERS to help with both PFD and IC, but it must be done by a physical therapist specially trained to treat PFD and IC patients and one who has experience in doing so. Before seeing a physical therapist, an IC patient needs to check to be sure their therapist has received this additional training. Hint: If a PT suggests you do Kegel exercises, RUN……ok, hobble as fast as you can……away (it’s a classic mistake made by those not trained to treat PFD or IC). Kegels further strengthen the pelvic floor muscles………the last thing a person with IC or PFD needs for muscles in constant spasm as it just strengthens the muscle contractions and INCREASES PAIN. Later in therapy when muscles have been stretched and “taught” how to relax, Kegels might help to make further progress. They almost never should be done in the beginning. So, Brenda, please check on your therapist and make sure they are qualified to treat you. If you have a hard time finding one qualified to treat IC patients, you can contact the Interstitial Cystitis Network or the Interstitial Cystitis Assoc. They maintain databases of IC-knowledgeable urologists and physical therapists and can send you a list of care providers in your area.

Thank you so much for this ... I did mention it this morning at my PT session during the evaluation stage. Turns out my problem is all about that pesky sciatic nerve - I was in a car accident about 20 years ago that messed with my lower back so it's always been a bit sensitive and knowing me I probably sneezed funny or bent over to pick up the cat and pinched the nerve - I'm graceful that way. ;) Anyway, I have some very specific stretches for my leg that I'll be doing for the next couple of days and this first session went really well ... I actually didn't start feeling strong discomfort until this afternoon (stupid desk jobs that keep people chained to their computers). I'm very hopeful that the remaining sessions over the next two weeks will continue to build on today's results - and then I'm looking forward to strengthening my core and getting back into my workout routine. All this sitting around after vacation has turned me into a pile of flabby goo. :laughing:


I am not a physician. I am, however, a retired biologist and educator. I assist my local urologists by speaking with their newly diagnosed IC patients helping them learn the complex IC diet and giving tips to help them cope with this disease. I would be glad to help you in whatever way I can. Please feel free to send me a PM if there is anything I can do to help you.

Sending you gentle hugs and wishes for rapidly finding meds and treatments which will quickly bring you relief.:hug: :flower3:

I thought maybe you were a nurse or a doctor! :thumbsup2 You are a fountain of good information and I really do appreciate everything you've taken the time to share with me (and my friends here, too). :hug: I think part of my "problem" is after spending the last ten years being diagnosed with one chronic condition after another the news of one more is almost ho-hum. That's probably not the best attitude to have, but it keeps me from getting too down in the dumps when I have a bad day and it reminds me of how much worse things could be and how fortunate I am in many many ways. I do take my health seriously, but not too seriously if that makes any sense. I'm willing to take some risks now and then even though it's backfired on me a couple of times ... maybe that's my way of feeling like I'm in control of my out-of-control immune system. :confused3

[oybolshoi]

Pap looks yummy! Good thing there were no shmears around to go with it! :lmao:

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh that was bad.

:rotfl:

My alltime favorite breakfast buffet is the Paris in Vegas. All the stations are themed to areas of France. OMG.. it's a marvel. What a fantastic way to spend time.

P.S. I forgot to say sorry you are/were feeling low. :hug: Glad to see you up and at 'em.

Hiya friend! I knew when I posted the pap that all the bad jokes were going to come out of the woodwork! I wanted to post that if I dribbled pap on my chin that I would have a pap smear, but then I wondered if I was just being predictable? ;)

Thanks for the kind words ... am definitely feeling better today than yesterday and so on and so forth. BTW, you are like the twenty-third person to extol the wonders of the Paris buffet. Perhaps if Jay and I celebrate his 40th in Vegas (2010 ... woo hoo!) we'll consider giving that one a try.

Hey Brenda! That was a great Boma review, I'm glad you liked the Frunch. I'm really sorry to hear about all your pain, that really blows. While physio may suck (I go twice a week), it should do you some real good. And just a little tip from me, sometimes it helps to refer to them as physioterrorists. Feel better soon!!!

Hi there! I'm glad you enjoyed the review, and no one was more surprised than me that I actually liked frunch! Jay actually asked me who I was and what I'd done with his wife. :lmao:

And I love your name for the PT ... too funny! Mine was actually very gentle today and the last twenty minutes of therapy was me hooked up to an electric therapy machine that stimulated my nerves while I was buried underneath a big ol' heat packet. It felt so good that I didn't want to leave.

Thanks for reading and thanks for the good wishes! :hug:

Bendy... I'm tellin ya... I would have gotten up and smacked that server to heaven if he did that to me... :lmao:

Sometimes I'm just not quick on my feet, what can I say? And I think at that moment if I'd tried to stand I would have toppled over because my legs were numb with shock! :laughing:

Sorry to hear you have been dealing with all that. I hope they can find something to help you real soon!

Thank you very much! I am actually feeling much better today and feel as though I've turned a corner, so to speak. It probably doesn't hurt that my sinus infection has finally cleared up - it's amazing how good it feels to breathe my nose again. :laughing:

Hey Brenda,

I felt the same way after reading MickeyNicki's reviews, MUST EAT BREAKFAST AT BOMA :eek: :thumbsup2 I can't wait till next year when I get to. Until then, I will just keep reading great reviews like yours and MickeyNicki's :goodvibes

Love the frunch pic :lmao: :rotfl2:

Thanks for sharing another dining experience with us, always delighted to be eating with you ;) :rolleyes: (Sorry I can't help NOT eating when I read your reviews :rolleyes1 )

On a personal note, I hope you find a new path soon, one that will lead you to a long journey of pain-free days. Get better my friend :hug:

Ooooooh.... Cass, you will love Boma, I'm sure of it! And Rob will love their fruit selection - it was terrific!

Thanks for reading and thanks for the good wishes - I know you understand completely since you've got your own health concerns to deal with. :hug: Some days are good and some are bad but fortunately the good days far outweigh the bad. :thumbsup2

Brenda - I'm so sorry to hear about your disease. It especially sucks if this means eating only bland foods. I guess it would be one way to lose weight though :guilty:

Just wanted to say your breakfast at Boma post had me rolling on the floor after coming home late and tired from work. There were so many funny lines I can't comment on them all but it sure feels good to laugh like that. You really have a fabulous comedic sense and should go into travel writing or food reviews.

Thanks very much. :hug: I know it's probably hard to believe but my "normal" diet is actually pretty bland. It's mostly vacation time when Jay and I let loose and really indulge.

I also want to thank you for your lovely compliment - just reading that you enjoyed the review that much put a huge smile on my face. I love it when I can make someone laugh!

Bendy Dear i only have one simply question about your latest review and it relates to the sliced HAM.....Does it come by the slice or can i simply ask for the whole PIG?.....:rolleyes1

AFEG ... I'm pretty sure you can have the whole pig if that's what your heart desires! But I would hope you'd share with your friends. ;)

Are we going to have to battle over food on the cruise next year? Or will it just be a smackdown at the bar?

[oybolshoi]

Brenda,
Glad to hear you're starting to feel better.
Lovely review of Boma, it's my favorite breakfast place at disney. Looking forward to more F&W festival and sushi reviews.

Thanks for reading and thanks for the good vibes. Boma really was very good - we were pleasantly surprised that it lived up to its billing. More reviews coming later this weekend (gotta upload more pictures first).

Brenda,

I'm just getting caught up. I'm so sorry you've not been feeling well.:hug: I've had many, many go rounds with UTIs and know how miserable they are. I hope the meds get the IC under control and you're feeling better soon. Best of luck with the physical therapy too. :flower3:

Thanks Lori. I really appreciate the good thoughts and am feeling a lot better today (I wonder if the fact that it's Friday has anything to do with it?).


Wonderful review of Boma. I really want to try it, but I think we'll wait until we're staying at AKV. With two picky children I'm thinking breakfast is our best option, and it's just easier when we're staying close by!

The new restaurants on our list for April are Raglan Road (my choice), Teppan Edo (hubby's), Rainforest Cafe :eek: for DD -- what are you gonna do, she's 11;) and DS is still undecided. I may steer him toward Cape May for breakfast, as we'll be staying at the BCV for the first four nights, plus we'll get the characters. We're splitting between BCV and SSR, both new resorts for us. Can't wait!

Feel better, Brenda, and we'll be waiting patiently.

Glad you enjoyed the review. I totally understand waiting until you're staying at the AKL - it's not the easiest place to get to if you're staying somewhere else on property and you don't have a car.

I can't wait to hear what you think of Raglan Road - I sure hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Cape May is usually a pretty good breakfast spot, too; and it's a nice low-key character breakfast compared with some of the others.

Thanks again for the good wishes and thanks for reading!

Brenda, so glad that you are feeling better....we worry about you when you go away too long! I mean we are kinda used to it by now but still we worry ;)

Thanks Nicki. And that's exactly why I felt like I needed to let everyone know what was going on ... didn't want you guys to feel like I was ignoring you or drawing the reviews out longer than they already are. ;)

Glad you and hubbykins liked Boma as much as we do! I loved your dish o' pork, that is something that DH does all the time

Totally uncool about what your waited did to you....I called my credit card before we left to let them know we were vacationing for 10 days and the charges would be legit. We checked into the AKL and the next day there was a message on our phone, we needed to see the front desk ASAP as our card was declined. HUH??? WHAAAAT?? So I called them and turns out they had the wrong expiration date on file. Why they had the card on file I have no idea because I specifically told them NOT to keep it on file AND when I checked in I presented the card to them. But at least we got it figured out and my blood pressure when back down :scared1:

Plate o'pork ... that's great! Yes, thanks again for the recommendation because it really was a great breakfast. You were also spot on about the GF Cafe!

Seems like everyone has a scary credit card story from the last couple of months. I'm glad yours ended up being OK, too, but I know what you mean about the blood pressure. As for our waiter ... I hope he doesn't try that on anyone else 'cause it really isn't very funny.

I'd have promptly banged that waiter of the head with the closest blunt object i could find! :headache: Definately NOT cool dude!!

Boma looks awesome as usual. Yummy Frunch!!

I'm so sorry you are dealing some pretty serious health issues. Hopeing you can find some relief soon. :hug:

Thanks for reading and thanks for the good health wishes - I'm doing pretty good today all things considered. And who knew that Frunch was that good?!

As for the waiter ... a friend of mine suggested that my response should have been, "The card didn't go through? There goes your tip." :lmao:


Now I'm thinking I should change my boma adr to breakfast...............how hard would it be to get 7 people there from another resort at 8 a.m.?:rotfl2:

Winkers ... you crack me up! Do you really want to try to do that with seven people that early in the morning? The food is great but it's pain to get to the AKL from other resorts using Disney transportation.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm... Boma breakfast! :love: This is one of our favorite places to dine at WDW. I am glad you and DH finally took the plunge. I would drink Fruunch all day long if they had it in one of those camel back pack-y things. And the sausage? OMG! Thanks for another great review. The waiter would have been missing a limb or two had he done that to us. What in the heck ever possessed him to do that? :confused3

Hope you continue to feel better and PT and meds make your quality of life more normal, Brenda. :hug:

Hi Elin! I'm totally with you on the frunch and the sausage ... those were both probably the things I enjoyed the most at breakfast although it was all good (except for that sad little croissant). And the waiter ... I don't know what he was thinking and I'd be censored if I tried to post what I was thinking! :laughing:

Thanks for the good wishes ... every day has been a little bit better and that's a good thing for sure!

I need to hit Boma for breakfaast sometime.

Yes, I think you do young lady!

Hi glad to hear your feeling better:goodvibes . Breakfast at Boma looks good. We love dinner at Boma that is real good. They do a FREE culinary tour of Jinko and Boma before they open thats alot of fun. It is first come first serve very small group nice. Oh buy the way did I mention its FREE. Words that are very rare at WDW. Lord knows we have all spent enough money there:rotfl2: .

Hi there! Thanks very much for reading and for the good vibes. :hug: We've never tried dinner at Boma ... I think that food spread might be more than my stomach could handle. Jay would probably love it, but I think if he had to choose between Jiko and Boma for dinner he'd go with Jiko every time.

I've heard about that tour ... is it just for AKL guests or can anyone participate as long as they show up at the right time?

And free and disney ... what's that? ;)

Hey Brenda,
I am just catching up and am sorry to hear that you are not well. Love all the reviews as always and sending much love from the west!:flower3:

Hi Chelsi! Thanks so much for the good wishes. :hug: I am feeling more like me again and I'm glad you're enjoying the reviews (and when are you going to be updating yours ... hint hint).

I love the picture of you drinking the Frunch :rotfl2: you look like you are ready to hate it and OMG it's yummy.

I told Jay he had to take a picture of me trying Frunch because no one would believe that I'd tried it. And you're right ... I totally expected not to like it and was surprised that I did - Jay really managed to catch the expression, didn't he?

Brenda,

I'm here and caught up now! You are my all time favorite writer here and don't forget it!

I do hope you feel better soon! :grouphug:

Hey stranger - how have you been? Thanks so much for the good wishes and the lovely compliment ... you put a big goofy smile on my face!

I think we should take a poll, "How many people tried Boma breakfast because of MickeyNicki?" We did! :rotfl2:

Glad to hear you liked Boma and Frunch.

Boma should probably pay Nicki a commission based on the number of people she's persuaded to eat there in the last six months or so. :laughing: Thanks for taking the time to read!

I hope you're feeling better! Glad your meds are starting to work. Boma looks so good. I am hoping to get there when we go next December.

Thanks so much! Boma is very good (for breakfast at least) and I hope you get a chance to dine there on your next trip. Be sure to let the rest of us know what you think once you have tried it - I love to hear what others think about the places we've tried.

Hope your feeling better soon Brenda! We love Boma, so I'm glad to hear you had a good experience there. It has been a tradition to go there for our last breakfast on each trip since they opened. We are addicted to the ham with Boma Mustard.

Thanks very much - I am definitely feeling more like myself today. Hmmmm, didn't see any mustard while we were there but I probably overlooked it. Mustard is the one condiment that I actually like and I bet that ham is pretty darn tasty with a bit of spicy mustard. Yum!

[oybolshoi]

Just don't feed them the night before...they'll be REAL hungry!!! :lmao:

:lmao:

Brenda,
First off, prayers for you health.
Second, although I don't work in finance, I have had problems with strangers "using" my credit :scared1: and I totally agree that the waiter's joke was definitely not funny. This is what would have happened if he said that to me::sick: :faint:
Third, WDW seems to have a plethora of addictive "juice" mixes. Frunch, lilikoi, jungle juice...... Should we be concerned.:confused:
Lastly, the food at Boma looks yummy.:thumbsup2

Hi there! Thanks for reading and thank you for the good health wishes. :hug:

I think I would have fainted too, if I were dealing with someone else stealing my credit only to be told at WDW that a charge had been declined. That's very scary - I hope you've been able to get that cleared up and taken care of. :hug:

The frunch is the first of any WDW juice mixtures that I've actually liked. Jay seems to enjoy all of them but I'm pickier than he is. I wonder what the secret ingredient is? Pixie dust? Disney sugar? Crack? ;)

Thanks again for reading - you should give Boma a try on your next trip if you get a chance. :thumbsup2

[Tink rules]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Bendy.... :lmao: :lmao: You had me at Pap Smear... :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[A fat english gent]

AFEG ... I'm pretty sure you can have the whole pig if that's what your heart desires! But I would hope you'd share with your friends. ;)

Are we going to have to battle over food on the cruise next year? Or will it just be a smackdown at the bar?


:lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

Thanks dear i needed that....


We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in Orlando,
we shall fight on the seas and oceans,
we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the Adult pool, we shall defend our sun bed, whatever the cost may be,
we shall fight on the beaches,
we shall fight on the tender boats,
we shall fight in the hall ways and in the quiet cove,
we shall fight in the Palo,topsiders and Parrot cay;
BUT we shall never surrender the BAR.....:snooty:

[TPCShauna]

That waiter would have been fearing for his life. Jokes like that are unacceptable. What was he thinking?

[whogirl'smom]

Hey, Brenda! I'm so glad that you're feeling a little better and were able to crank out another review for us to enjoy! Boma breakfast looked similar to Tusker House, if I remember correctly. I had mealie pap at TH and loved it!! This, from a girl who does not like grits. It was yellow, though, instead of white and already seasoned and salted. Bless you for trying quinoa; I tried it at Crystal Palace and thought I had gotten into the livestock feed by mistake!:sick: That's my uneducated palate for ya!

Keep taking care of yourself and I'll be thinking good thoughts for you! :hug: I hope wine is still your friend???? (That would just be tragic if it weren't...)

P.S. Have you and Jason been to Charleston, SC? I am looking for a good dinner suggestion for adult only weekend next month (seven years in the making). We have a reservation at the Charleston Grill and need one more, maybe not so fancy. Just wondered if you might have made a foray into the Old South in your food journeys!

[TigerKat]

Haven't had a chance to read thru and catch up as we're still in the World. Leaving for home today.....:sad1:

Just wanted to add that we really enjoyed BOMA's breakfast buffet also!!

[PNO4TE]

Haven't had a chance to read thru and catch up as we're still in the World. Leaving for home today.....:sad1:

Just wanted to add that we really enjoyed BOMA's breakfast buffet also!!

Sorry you have to leave, Kathy! Enjoy your last day. Also happy to hear there is another Boma fan!

[oybolshoi]

:lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

Thanks dear i needed that....


We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in Orlando,
we shall fight on the seas and oceans,
we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the Adult pool, we shall defend our sun bed, whatever the cost may be,
we shall fight on the beaches,
we shall fight on the tender boats,
we shall fight in the hall ways and in the quiet cove,
we shall fight in the Palo,topsiders and Parrot cay;
BUT we shall never surrender the BAR.....:snooty:

I suppose in real American fashion I should have said that you could "go whole hog" but I didn't think about it last night. :laughing:

Bwaaahahahahaahahaha!!! Winston Churchill would be so proud! :lmao:


That waiter would have been fearing for his life. Jokes like that are unacceptable. What was he thinking?

He obviously wasn't thinking ... I guess he was lucky that Jay and I were so full of food that we couldn't respond very quickly. We were logy ... :lmao: ... sorry, it's a Simpson's thing (of course, right? :rolleyes: ).

Hey, Brenda! I'm so glad that you're feeling a little better and were able to crank out another review for us to enjoy! Boma breakfast looked similar to Tusker House, if I remember correctly. I had mealie pap at TH and loved it!! This, from a girl who does not like grits. It was yellow, though, instead of white and already seasoned and salted. Bless you for trying quinoa; I tried it at Crystal Palace and thought I had gotten into the livestock feed by mistake!:sick: That's my uneducated palate for ya!

Hi Jamie! Thanks for reading - glad you enjoyed it. I've heard people say that before ... that Tusker House and Boma are actually somewhat similar and I've also heard people say that Tusker House is less crowded than Boma. :confused3

Mmmmm, pap! I had cream of wheat for breakfast this morning and it was good, but not as good as the pap! And I can't really take any credit for trying the qinoa since it was Jay's bowl. But I love your description of it ... cracked me up and caused me to spew milky wheat on the cat. :laughing:


Keep taking care of yourself and I'll be thinking good thoughts for you! :hug: I hope wine is still your friend???? (That would just be tragic if it weren't...)

P.S. Have you and Jason been to Charleston, SC? I am looking for a good dinner suggestion for adult only weekend next month (seven years in the making). We have a reservation at the Charleston Grill and need one more, maybe not so fancy. Just wondered if you might have made a foray into the Old South in your food journeys!

Thanks very much - I really am feeling better so as long as my leg responds to PT I should be back to relatively normal pretty soon. :thumbsup2

Wine in moderation just like everything else ... that's my approach for now.

We only spent one night in Charleston and that was about ten years ago so I have no recommendation to make - sorry. Jay and I very much want to get to Charleston for a real visit but we obviousy haven't made it yet. BTW - I have heard that Charleston Grill is very good. Come back and tell me if it really was or not, OK?

Haven't had a chance to read thru and catch up as we're still in the World. Leaving for home today.....:sad1:

Just wanted to add that we really enjoyed BOMA's breakfast buffet also!!

Hi Kathy! Hope you have a safe trip home and I'm glad to know you enjoyed breakfast at Boma ... I know you were a little worried about that one. :goodvibes

Sorry you have to leave, Kathy! Enjoy your last day. Also happy to hear there is another Boma fan!

Ditto!

[cammie810]

I just had to say that I have been reading your reviews for a couple of years now and you are my absolute favorite author! I have so enjoyed your delicious reviews and hilarious stories. What finally compelled me to comment though was your declined credit card story. That is my absolute worst nightmare!!!:scared1: Everytime I use my credit card on vacation I always hold my breath fully expecting for some insane reason to be told that it has been denied and then have to spend hours on the phone trying to straighten that out. Also, not to criticize because I know you work full time and have had some health issues but could you please post faster??? It is sooo hard to be patient!

[Me&3]

Hi the culinary tour is for anyone who wants to go. Just remember space is limited. Even if you don't try the food sampling its fun just to learn about Jiko and Boma. You only sample a little at Jiko. And at Boma they go over the buffet with you. I wish I was there right now. Can't wait to read more. By the way no information on job opening on the Galant Lady:rotfl2: . My husbands friend is a chef for them. I was wondering if he had made that great looking sushi you guys had that night. I'll try to find out it did look good though.

[Tink rules]

Hey, Brenda! I'm so glad that you're feeling a little better and were able to crank out another review for us to enjoy! Boma breakfast looked similar to Tusker House, if I remember correctly. I had mealie pap at TH and loved it!! This, from a girl who does not like grits. It was yellow, though, instead of white and already seasoned and salted. Bless you for trying quinoa; I tried it at Crystal Palace and thought I had gotten into the livestock feed by mistake!:sick: That's my uneducated palate for ya!

Keep taking care of yourself and I'll be thinking good thoughts for you! :hug: I hope wine is still your friend???? (That would just be tragic if it weren't...)

P.S. Have you and Jason been to Charleston, SC? I am looking for a good dinner suggestion for adult only weekend next month (seven years in the making). We have a reservation at the Charleston Grill and need one more, maybe not so fancy. Just wondered if you might have made a foray into the Old South in your food journeys!

Hey...

I have a friend who lives in Charleston and I will email her and see if she can suggest anything else for you!!!

[njprincess]

Thanks for the review on the Boma Breakfast Buffet, Brenda! (Wow, note my alliteration!) We are planning to have a post-BOB cruise final breakfast together and this was the place we chose (so far). I am looking forward to the Frunch (as long as it doesn't have strawberries?) since I also like to mix my juices.

b/t/w when we stay at SSR, we usually ask for Congress Park (I think, whichever one is closet to DTD) so that we can walk over to DTD to catch resort buses. By walking to DTD, we also are able to justify a little over indulgence, if we are eating at a resort.

Thanks again for sharing and I am still anxiously awaiting the Saratoga Springs Parking Lot Smackdown!

[whogirl'smom]

Hey...

I have a friend who lives in Charleston and I will email her and see if she can suggest anything else for you!!!

Thanks! I started to look at restaurant menus on line last week, and decided I was NOT going to obsess over this little trip like I do about Disney!:rotfl: Too much reading of Tripadvisor can make you crazy...

[DisneyMom5]

I hope your feeling MUCH better today! :hug:

I love the shout out to the pork trifecta.
To paraphrase something Ben Franklin said "Pork products are a sign that God loves us and wants us to be happy!"
[The Simpsons probably already said that, but I haven't heard it personally.]

We used to get a pizza at Pizza Hut that we called the "Pork Lover's Pizza," Bacon, ham and sausage. Mmmm...

Anyhoo...I thought of you while watching Iron Chef the other night. I think it was Bobby Flay that was slicing up a big old fat overstuffed goose liver and serving up some pate. Apparently it's not verboten on the Food Network.

I need to pick your brain in the future, as a group of homeschoolers from here are making a spring field trip to Stinktown, and want some ideas of where a safe and economical place to stay would be, East end.
But they won't be going till Spring, so be thinking in the back of your mind and I will get back to you. LOL Focus on being WELL right now!

Later!

[chell]

Thanks! I started to look at restaurant menus on line last week, and decided I was NOT going to obsess over this little trip like I do about Disney!:rotfl: Too much reading of Tripadvisor can make you crazy...

Do you already have your hotel reservations? There is a place I love to stay at in Isle of Palms that has some good rates right now and is right on the beach if you want their info. Have fun!

[BriarRosie]

I'm late in picking apart your review. I better remedy that...as well as get my own done, like that will happen.

Author's note: Thank you all so much for your very kind comments and good thoughts. My pain medication has started working so I'm feeling a lot better than I did even two days ago. I have my first physical therapy session tomorrow morning ... I have a feeling I'm gonna need those meds once I'm finished. Let me offer a warm welcome to the new posters and de-lurked lurkers and a warm thanks to everyone for putting up with me. You're all a wonderful bunch of food lovin' DISers. :grouphug:

Kumbaya. :grouphug:


Friday, October 10th - We Might as well Enjoy a Last Meal before the Bottom Falls out of the Stock Market ... Again.

I better remember that. It might be foreshadowing. :scratchin:


I've said it before and I'll say it again ... Jay and I just aren't big fans of buffets. Seems like most of them are long on quantity and short on quality. If we do hit up a buffet most likely it's for the morning meal - it takes a special kind of stupid to muck up scrambled eggs, snausage, and fruit. I’m not saying that it can't be accomplished, but it requires a real dedication to failure the likes of which hasn’t been seen since we invited Grimace to vacation with us at WDW in 2006.

Not to mention that many buffets come attached with ginormous critters that love to pose for pictures. I tend to avoid those types and stick with any that come critter-free. Usually cheaper that way, too.


Our original dining plans did not include Boma, but after reading so many great reviews and seeing so many drool-worthy pictures (a big thanks to MickeyNicki for finally pushing me over the edge!) I had no choice but to make an ADR; besides, I had a feeling that my lovey would really enjoy a buffet that offered some alternatives to the standard breakfast fare.

Oh sure, make the Boma buffet a selfless act on your part to cater to your DH's whim. Hope you didn't suffer too much. (insert drama queen smilies here) ;)


We actually made it to Boma with about ten minutes to spare - just enough time to check in and visit the bathroom because that's what I did on this trip. I'm thinking of writing a completely separate review just about the complex and varied bathroom options that Disney offers its guests. ;)

I would advise refraining from any picture taking while doing the bathroom reviews, unless you run into Keegan Gerhard. :rotfl2:


We were seated at a four-top table in the very back of the restaurant next to a window - it was a nice, peaceful little alcove, well out of the way of foot traffic, and very quiet. We had a really friendly young waiter whose name escapes me, but who would add some new gray hairs to the strands I already had before the meal was finished.

Look Ma! More Foreshadowing! :scared1:


The first thing we did before scoping out our buffet options was to put in an order for some of that pressed pot Kenyan coffee along with water for me and Frunch for Jay. He likes weird juice combinations and I usually think they're disgusting - I did like the word 'frunch" though.

Frunch is awesome! Seriously good stuff. I think everyone should try it.


There were so many great words on this trip: Mofongo ... Frunch ... Wattleseed ...

:lmao:

Ahem.

No, go ahead. Laugh. There were some funny words at this year's festival.


Frunch, by the way, is a combination of lemonade, pineapple juice, guava juice, orange juice, and papaya juice. Here's a picture ...

Hmmmm, looks like Tang!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/82.jpg

Sheesh. Not like Tang. By a long shot. It's actually GOOD. :snooty:


Deep, dark, caffeinated goodness...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/81.jpg

By the time we returned from the buffet our coffee had arrived. It was good, but not quite as good as I thought it would be. I think I like the Kona pressed pot better.

Still loads better than the usual Disney swill, no?


In addition to the standard breakfast buffet items you would expect (fresh fruit, pastries, dried cereal, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, waffles, and an omelet station) there were some interesting new things to consider and, in some cases, eat: bobotie, carved ham, carved corned beef, spicy breakfast 'taters, pap, quinoa, brioche, and some kind of egg-casserole type thingie.

Bendy's breakfast plate...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/78.jpg

No surprises on my plate, but I did hit the pork trifecta! Homer Simpson would be so proud ... ham, sausage, bacon ... delectable meats from a magical animal. :laughing:

Woot! Pork trifecta! If you didn't have a Simpsons reference handy, I would have been disappointed.


Jason's plate o' plenty ...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/79.jpg

Lemme see ... what's he got there? There's that egg casserole thingie, bobotie, spicy 'taters, another pork trifecta, and something unidentifiable. He also brought back a bowl of quinoa to which he'd added some cinnamon. Quinoa is a type of high-protein porridge - I tried some and it was actually pretty tasty. It reminded me of oatmeal but was less chunky, oatie, and mealie. ;)

Even though I was pleasantly stuffed after eating all this food, I went back to the buffet for some pap … anything called pap just begs to be eaten – it’s right up there with orphan's choice gruel. I added some brown sugar and raisins to my pap - it reminded me of Cream of Wheat, only creamier and tastier.

Pappy!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/83.jpg

I admit that I haven't had the quinoa or the pap. I guess I really need to try it to see if it's less oatie, mealie, and creamier, tastier.


Now, I must make a confession to everyone. In the spirit of continuing to try new stuff, I took a taste of Jay's frunch fully expecting to wrinkle my nose in distate while sticking out my tongue with a definitive "gack!" But it was actually very good - so good that I had to order my own glass in order to prevent myself from sucking down Jay's frunch.

It's true ... I actually liked Frunch!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/84.jpg

See? It's good, right? Excuse me while I shout I TOLD YOU SO! Just picture me giving a self-satisfied nod while I say it. Betcha you can hear me and picture me doing just that. Yep.


While we were finishing up the remains of breakfast and trying to decide what to do with our day, we went ahead and gave our room charge and DDE card to our waiter. Imagine our horror when he reappeared a few moments later to tell me that the charge had been declined!

This was particularly horrifying to me because I had contacted our credit card companies before leaving Stinktown to let them know we were going to be taking a vacation and to expect charges from Florida. This isn't part of my normal pre-vacation routine, but considering the turmoil in the financial markets and concern over tightening credit availability I wanted to make sure that we could use our cards as planned - gotta get those rebates and points for the next trip! After being assured by said companies that we had no reason for concern, my blood pressure began a rapid ascent when our waiter informed us of our little problem.

I looked at Jay, whose disbelief must have mirrored my own, and sputtered, "I called them ... those wank..."

Jay reached for his wallet, "We'll just pay with cash and call..."

And then our waiter jumped in, "Gosh, I was just kidding around ... everything is fine. I didn't mean to freak you out; I'm really sorry."

:eek: :scared1:

OMG I'd have been so freaked out my head would spin. I'd have wanted to call the card company right there and then to ask what was going on.


Jay and I shared one of those relieved, shaky laughs that usually mean you just wet yourself and are awfully embarrassed about the subsequent mess and odor. Then I spoke to our waiter, "Dude ... never mess around about declined credit charges to a woman who works in finance. I think you just gave me more gray hair to cover up when I get home."

The waiter apologized repeatedly, perhaps having realized that scaring two middle aged dinks in the middle of a nationwide financial crisis was not the best way to ensure a generous tip. ;)


Gee, ya think? LOL! That is a bad joke to make, and I'm sure he never made that joke again!


Final assessment: Boma's breakfast buffet definitely lived up to the hype and we both recommend that anyone reading who enjoys buffet dining give it a try. There is a great mix of traditional, "safe" breakfast items mixed in with more adventurous selections. And that frunch is addictive - I think they put crack in the juice pitcher! :laughing:

I feel another I TOLD YOU SO! coming on. Ahhh.


Jay paid the bill (for real this time) and we made our way upstairs to look for some coffee beans in the market for a friend of ours back home. As we were headed upstairs the opportunity presented itself for a few pictures...

We discovered at the market that no one has coffee beans ... there were plenty of bags of ground coffee but no beans. We even asked a very nice gentleman working in the marketplace if he knew where we could find some and he was stumped, although he finally suggested Downtown Disney. Sadly, we already knew, just as there is no joy in Mudville that there were no beans in Disney's Hyper-Global-Mega-Shopping-Mart.

What gives with the woeful shortage of coffee beans? Beans are more fresh and they travel better ... who wants grounds when they can have beans? Oh wait, let me guess ... if I write Disney and ask that question they will respond by telling me that the decision was made after serious deliberation and massive guest feedback. :rolleyes:

Ah yes. The usual Disney response: "Our guests demanded it." If that were really true, I'd still be able to play Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK), I'd have gone to the Adventurers Club every night during my trip, and I'd have enjoyed some foie gras at two of the restaurants where I ate dinner during that time frame. :rolleyes1


And that's the reason that I couldn't bring Kenyan coffee beans home from WDW as a gift for my friend Anila.

Yeah. You really wanted to bring back ground coffee. Disney says you do. :laughing:


Thanks for reading ... next up: F&W Fest V.2 and another adventure in dining where everything eventually works out OK and Zweihund and her hubby share sushi with Jay and me at Tokyo Dining!

Poison...poison...poison...tasty fish! Woohoo! :yay:

[whogirl'smom]

Do you already have your hotel reservations? There is a place I love to stay at in Isle of Palms that has some good rates right now and is right on the beach if you want their info. Have fun!

We do--I found a really good holiday package with the Governor's House Inn. It looks really nice online so I'm excited!

[cntkg1]

I did have a couple questions while reading your report B.

1) What's BOBotie (notice the creative spelling:lmao: ) and did you eat it?:confused3
2) Why oh why would anyone name a food item "pap"? I was a tad bit scared to see the picture. :goodvibes

I loved the "Frunch" reaction Bendy and if you are ever in a search for expensive out of season fruit make a trip to Wisconsin where we are buying, beige watermelon, yellow strawberries, and brown cherries right now. Yum. :guilty:

Feel better Bendy. You have a cool nickname to uphold you know.

[jenn&nelsonrego]

[I]
I'm thinking of writing a completely separate review just about the complex and varied bathroom options that Disney offers its guests. ;)



What a lovely idea! :goodvibes

[50 years Too!]

Hi Brenda,

Just wanted to say sorry you've been sick again. No fair!

I'm still enjoying reading your reviews. Been mostly a lurker lately, but I'm here.

Deb

[Tink rules]

I did have a couple questions while reading your report B.

1) What's BOBotie (notice the creative spelling:lmao: ) and did you eat it?:confused3
2) Why oh why would anyone name a food item "pap"? I was a tad bit scared to see the picture. :goodvibes

I loved the "Frunch" reaction Bendy and if you are ever in a search for expensive out of season fruit make a trip to Wisconsin where we are buying, beige watermelon, yellow strawberries, and brown cherries right now. Yum. :guilty:

Feel better Bendy. You have a cool nickname to uphold you know.


Yer forgettin the cardboard tomatoes!!! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[MA pigletfan]

mmmmmmmmmm BOMA breakfast. I LOVED Boma..Greg however was rather ambivalent to the whole thing..he is certainly one of those " bring me my food" kind of people as opposed to the Buffet Friendly types....
Can't wait to see the next reviews..mmm sushi...

[cntkg1]

Yer forgettin the cardboard tomatoes!!! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

:lmao: Very true! :lmao:

[oybolshoi]

I just had to say that I have been reading your reviews for a couple of years now and you are my absolute favorite author! I have so enjoyed your delicious reviews and hilarious stories. What finally compelled me to comment though was your declined credit card story. That is my absolute worst nightmare!!!:scared1: Everytime I use my credit card on vacation I always hold my breath fully expecting for some insane reason to be told that it has been denied and then have to spend hours on the phone trying to straighten that out. Also, not to criticize because I know you work full time and have had some health issues but could you please post faster??? It is sooo hard to be patient!

Hi there and thanks so much for reading and posting! :goodvibes I'll try to post faster but knowing me it won't happen. I've been trying to work on the next update for the last four days and I just can't get it to work ... it's a cumbersome, twisted tale. :laughing:

Hi the culinary tour is for anyone who wants to go. Just remember space is limited. Even if you don't try the food sampling its fun just to learn about Jiko and Boma. You only sample a little at Jiko. And at Boma they go over the buffet with you. I wish I was there right now. Can't wait to read more. By the way no information on job opening on the Galant Lady:rotfl2: . My husbands friend is a chef for them. I was wondering if he had made that great looking sushi you guys had that night. I'll try to find out it did look good though.

Thanks for the information - we'll keep that in mind next year!

Thanks for the review on the Boma Breakfast Buffet, Brenda! (Wow, note my alliteration!) We are planning to have a post-BOB cruise final breakfast together and this was the place we chose (so far). I am looking forward to the Frunch (as long as it doesn't have strawberries?) since I also like to mix my juices.

b/t/w when we stay at SSR, we usually ask for Congress Park (I think, whichever one is closet to DTD) so that we can walk over to DTD to catch resort buses. By walking to DTD, we also are able to justify a little over indulgence, if we are eating at a resort.

Thanks again for sharing and I am still anxiously awaiting the Saratoga Springs Parking Lot Smackdown!

Hi Kathy! Boma will be a great place for you guys to enjoy a post-cruise breakfast. And there is nothing of a strawberry nature in Frunch, so you should be good to go.

As for SSR, we did ask for Congress Park but it was full up. We really liked the Grandstand - it was only a 10 minute walk to the boat dock and the big house. We even walked to DTD a couple of times from the Grandstand and it was nice walk - good exercise.

Smackdown, eh? I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed but I'll do my best to make it entertaining. ;)

I hope your feeling MUCH better today! :hug:

I love the shout out to the pork trifecta.
To paraphrase something Ben Franklin said "Pork products are a sign that God loves us and wants us to be happy!"
[The Simpsons probably already said that, but I haven't heard it personally.]

We used to get a pizza at Pizza Hut that we called the "Pork Lover's Pizza," Bacon, ham and sausage. Mmmm...

Anyhoo...I thought of you while watching Iron Chef the other night. I think it was Bobby Flay that was slicing up a big old fat overstuffed goose liver and serving up some pate. Apparently it's not verboten on the Food Network.

I need to pick your brain in the future, as a group of homeschoolers from here are making a spring field trip to Stinktown, and want some ideas of where a safe and economical place to stay would be, East end.
But they won't be going till Spring, so be thinking in the back of your mind and I will get back to you. LOL Focus on being WELL right now!

Later!

Hiya DisneyMom of many! I really do feel a lot better, thank you! My PT is doing wonders and I was almost able to walk without a limp for the first time in three weeks! Feel free to ask me any time about good places to stay while in Stinktown - always happy to offer some advice. Thanks for reading!

I'm late in picking apart your review. I better remedy that...as well as get my own done, like that will happen.


Not to mention that many buffets come attached with ginormous critters that love to pose for pictures. I tend to avoid those types and stick with any that come critter-free. Usually cheaper that way, too.

Yes, the critter factor does play into the enjoyment of the buffet ... I have noticed that of late. ;)


Oh sure, make the Boma buffet a selfless act on your part to cater to your DH's whim. Hope you didn't suffer too much. (insert drama queen smilies here)

Oh I'm hurt ... after all that I do to please the hubby's adventurous tastebuds and you mock my efforts. :laughing:


Frunch is awesome! Seriously good stuff. I think everyone should try it.

It was good. It was very good. I need more right now!

No, go ahead. Laugh. There were some funny words at this year's festival.

I think I forgot to include the one from the Austrian booth ... what was that? Something that ended with spitz. :lmao:


Still loads better than the usual Disney swill, no?

Yes, it was. But I still like the Kona better.

Woot! Pork trifecta! If you didn't have a Simpsons reference handy, I would have been disappointed.

Glad I didn't disappoint ... this time.

I admit that I haven't had the quinoa or the pap. I guess I really need to try it to see if it's less oatie, mealie, and creamier, tastier.

I was surprised that I liked them both but I thought the pap was better. More bland, less chewy. :thumbsup2

See? It's good, right? Excuse me while I shout I TOLD YOU SO! Just picture me giving a self-satisfied nod while I say it. Betcha you can hear me and picture me doing just that. Yep.

Yep. :lmao:

Ah yes. The usual Disney response: "Our guests demanded it." If that were really true, I'd still be able to play Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK), I'd have gone to the Adventurers Club every night during my trip, and I'd have enjoyed some foie gras at two of the restaurants where I ate dinner during that time frame. :rolleyes1

Yeah. You really wanted to bring back ground coffee. Disney says you do. :laughing:

Poison...poison...poison...tasty fish! Woohoo! :yay:

Yeah, that's pretty much exactly what Disney told me when someone responded to my missing foie gras complaint. They still serve veal ... they still serve sweetbreads (which are neither sweet nor breads) ... they are wankers.

And I don't want ground coffee, so there! :laughing:

You just told everyone what the title of the next update is ... thanks alot! ;)

I did have a couple questions while reading your report B.

1) What's BOBotie (notice the creative spelling:lmao: ) and did you eat it?:confused3
2) Why oh why would anyone name a food item "pap"? I was a tad bit scared to see the picture. :goodvibes

I loved the "Frunch" reaction Bendy and if you are ever in a search for expensive out of season fruit make a trip to Wisconsin where we are buying, beige watermelon, yellow strawberries, and brown cherries right now. Yum. :guilty:

Feel better Bendy. You have a cool nickname to uphold you know.

Hiya, Mother Goose! Thanks for reading and in response to your questions, Bobotie is a South African dish that usually is made with spiced mince meat baked with an eggie topping. It's seasoned with curry powder, among other things, which is one reason that I don't like it. Jay loves it though.

And pap, darling, is a porridge made from ground maize or other grains and it's a staple of many South African people. It's yummy for breakfast and it really sticks to your ribs! :laughing:


Hi Brenda,

Just wanted to say sorry you've been sick again. No fair!

I'm still enjoying reading your reviews. Been mostly a lurker lately, but I'm here.

Deb

Hi Deb! Glad to see you're still reading along. Thanks for the kind words ... I'm definitely on the up-side of the sickies. Now if I can just get this nerve problem worked out I'll be as good as a junk car. :lmao:

mmmmmmmmmm BOMA breakfast. I LOVED Boma..Greg however was rather ambivalent to the whole thing..he is certainly one of those " bring me my food" kind of people as opposed to the Buffet Friendly types....
Can't wait to see the next reviews..mmm sushi...

Hi Gina! Thanks for reading. I was surprised that I liked Boma as much as I did - it's definitely worth repeating on another trip.

And I will have a Tokyo Dining update this week ... I'm trying to get it done but I haven't made much progress yet.

[CRSNDSNY]

Mmmm! We love bfast at Boma!!!

Loved the review. :)

[CRSNDSNY]

BTW, LOVE the dress!!!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/59.jpg

[shovan]

Brenda, Thanks for the Boma review! My SIL & BIL went there on their last trip & raved about it. But their palates aren't as refined as your's;) , so now I believe her & will have to get myself over there for breakfast!

[knewton64]

sounds like you had fun!! :thumbsup2

- Kris

[oybolshoi]

Mmmm! We love bfast at Boma!!!

Loved the review. :)

BTW, LOVE the dress!!!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/59.jpg

Hi Mel! Thanks for reading and thanks for the compliment! I almost didn't buy that dress because I wasn't sure I could "carry it off." But I love the pattern and the colors so I just waited until Ann Taylor marked it 60% off this summer and channeled the force, "buy it I must." :laughing:


Brenda, Thanks for the Boma review! My SIL & BIL went there on their last trip & raved about it. But their palates aren't as refined as your's;) , so now I believe her & will have to get myself over there for breakfast!

Hi Sheryl - thanks for reading! I don't know if I'd say that Jay and I have refined palates ... but wide-ranging (especially in Jay's case) is certainly true. Boma really did live up to the hype - it was a great breakfast buffet and I would definitely suggest that you give it a try when you get a chance.

sounds like you had fun!! :thumbsup2

- Kris

Hi Kris! thanks for reading and posting - we did have a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy the rest of our reviews because it's all good times from here on out! :goodvibes

[oybolshoi]

Hiya everyone!

I just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten my pledge to try to post at least one review per week. I'm working on the next update and should get it posted later today (I've got house chores to take care of while I'm writing).

It was a very busy week at work and I've really been struggling to get this sciatica under control. I thought it was best for me to just unplug for a few days and focus my energy on those real life things that are really important right now.

But to let you know that I've not lost my sense of humor, which for a while there I really thought was a possibility, I would like to share a little story with you.

Yesterday in the mail we received some propaganda from the jewelry store where we purchased my engagement ring and our wedding bands .. as well as a nice pair of diamond studs for yours truly when times were good. This store never sends out mailers ... they don't need to. But they must be feeling the pinch this holiday season ... just like the rest of us. They have lovely custom-made pieces and I love looking at their collections but we rarely purchase from them because we always have more important things to spend our cashola on.

Anyhoo... as I was perusing their sparkly temptations I noticed how the brochure was addressed. Amazingly enough they got our last name correct - no mean feat. They also got Jason's name right but somehow seem to think my name is ...

And I'm not kidding ...


Brandine.

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I don't know if it was a joke or if they really have me in their records that way, but we had a great laugh when we saw that. :thumbsup2

Hope everyone has a great day and I promise to have the last of October 10th posted later in the day (probably close to this evening knowing me).

:grouphug:

[luvpooh]

well well Brandine, you should get something nice from ol' Cletus for birthin' all those children, especially Dia-Betty! :rotfl:

I hope you're feeling better soon and have a great Turkey Day! :)

[travelmel]

THat sounds like something Jay would call you when he's:

a) ticked "Listen here, BRAN-DEEN (head shake left to right with or without finger)

b) very romantical "ohh, Brandine..."

Either way it is not something I feel comfortable saying to you.

:lmao:

[Circusgirl]

"BRAAANDIIIIIIIIIINE!!!!!"
:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[oybolshoi]

Friday, October 10th - Poison ... Poison ... Poison ... Tasty Fish!!!

Within the past year or so Jay and I have begun to experiment with the endlessly varied, often amusing, and sometimes scary joys of sushi. During the ADR merry-go-round this past summer I happened upon some pictures of absolutely drool-worthy, gorgeous sushi from Tokyo Dining in Epcot and decided that Jay and I needed to give it a try. An open Friday night on my planning calendar just happened to coincide with Extra Magic evening hours at Epcot ... ah, destiny … the stars were aligned for a fish-fest of epic proportions!

Our reservation was for 7:45 that evening so we had plenty of time to relax before making ourselves presentable and heading over to the giant fishbowl … uh, I mean, giant golfball. If you’ve been following along you’ll know that we spent the afternoon lounging at the pool. For those of you who haven’t stayed at Saratoga Springs, the resort has four pools – the main pool with the water slide is located at the Big House, but there are three smaller pools scattered around various other sections of the property. We were staying in the Grandstand section and the pool was about a five minute walk from our room. The pool area was very nice and had a cool play area for the urchins that included fountains and mounted water guns. Our happiest discovery upon arriving at the pool was that it had a bar – The Backstretch Pool Bar – it’s just not pool time without some kind of tasty beverage to sip on while soaking up that delightful warmth from the Florida sun.

Since the pedestrian powers-that-be decided to streamline all the resort bar menus, Jay and I often struggle to find just the right poolside beverage. Gone are the Espresso Chillers and Shipwrecks that were so good other pool patrons would often approach us to ask the name of the frosty delights we were enjoying. Neither one of us are big fans of fruity drinks so we opted for a Grand Margarita – on the rocks, no salt or sugar – and it was fantastic! Those CMs tending bar were well trained in the mixological arts – every time we ordered the Grand Margarita during our vacation the drink was exceptionally well made and most enjoyable. For now, until some Disney genius decides to take it off the menu along with everything else we like, Jay and I have a new poolside favorite.

After all this talk of drinks you might think that I’d have a picture to share, wouldn’t you? Sorry kids, no dice. Cameras and pools just don’t mix and trust me when I tell you that the last thing you want to see is me in swimwear holding a beverage.

We now return you to our dinner review, not even remotely in progress.

Jay and I were supposed to meet up with Erica (Zweihund) and her husband Lionel near the squishee stand in France around 6PM that evening. The hazy plan-no-plan was to munch a bit before dinner, gorge on fish at Tokyo Dining, and then snack with abandon after dinner since Epcot was going to be open until midnight. Last year we were unable to hook up with Erica thanks to the combined double whammy of Jay’s illness and my craptacular cell phone, so I made sure to call her that afternoon to double check that our plans were still a go.

After our conversation I promptly turned off my phone and locked it in the safe along with Jay’s phone, an extra camera, most of our cash and credit cards, and an emergency stash of booze and chocolate. I have a strong dislike of cell phones – I rarely turn mine on in the real world, primarily using it for emergencies, which explains why I sometimes find three-month old voice mail messages when I do use it. Having confirmed our plans I saw no need to carry my phone with me to Epcot … the second time in two days that I would reach such a conclusion.

**Now might be an appropriate time for you to select some ominous music to further aid the foreshadowing, if you’re so inclined. May I suggest Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor or perhaps Plankton’s favorite: A Night on Bald Mountain?**

Here's a picture of Jay and me just before leaving for Epcot ... note the relaxed postures and easy confidence born of pre-meeting communication.

Don't laugh ... I'm trying to hide my drinking belly!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/101.jpg

BTW, for anyone here who has not had the pleasure of reading Erica's wonderful cruise trip reports, get thee hence to the Disney Cruise boards and avail yourself of her travels. She's brilliant - and I mean this in all seriousness - she's a far better writer than yours truly, and while it hurts a bit to say that I try to be honest with you fine people and steer you towards only the best. So go forth and read with my tipsy thumbs-up!

Anyhoo, once reaching the designated rendezvous point, Jay and I positioned ourselves on the railing outside of Chefs de France directly across from the slushie stand. While the idea was that we could easily spot them from either direction … a funny thought considering that we’d never met face-to-face … I was certain that they would enter France from the Great Britain side of Epcot. The shortest way to get to France when entering Epcot from the front entrance is to enter the world showcase from the right-hand side … invading Canada and then storming France through Britain. If once-a-year visitors like Jay and me knew that, then of course practised Disney-hands like Erica and Lionel would know it.

Jay did ask me at one point, "Who or what exactly are we looking for?"

To which I responded, "Well, I've only seen pictures randomly posted on the boads; but I'd say we're looking for a shorter, darker, cuter, two-eyed version of me with a taller, equally handsome version of you. Don't worry, I'll know them when I see them."

I doubt that this statement gave Jay much confidence, especially considering that I was sucking down a Grand Marnier slushee while keeping a keen, terribly near-sighted eye out for two people we'd never met. Surely I can be forgiven? Not only had I promised certain DISers that I would have a squishee on their account, but it had been two years since I personally had indulged in the cool, alkie-holic joy that is France. Cut a girl some slack ... it's been a tough year!

Good alcohol and bad posture ... just try to focus on the drink, ok?
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/102.jpg

That Grand Marnier slushee was just as good as we remembered ... cool, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet ... and I was planning on ordering one for Erica and Lionel but it was steamroom-humid that night and I just didn't think it would be very friendly of me to offer them a plastic martini glass of runny, orange goop at our first meeting. That might be the kind of thing that Grimace would do, but never me! :laughing:

We waited … we watched … we wandered. No Erica. No Lionel. No Erica and Lionel. Hmmmm …. we speculated that on a Friday night the rush hour traffic could be bad. And the threatening clouds were piling up again ... we discussed the possibility that like a good baseball game Erica and Lionel were rain-delayed. Since we hadn't had anything to eat and were dizzy with hunger Jay and I decided to visit France's F&W Festival booth for a snack to hold us over until our friends arrived.

A picture of France from Saturday ... it's time travel, man!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/148.jpg

A snack for Jay and a snack for me ... yum!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/103.jpg

Along with the ever-present bottle of Dasani, which we also drink at home, we selected the Escargot Persillade en Brioche and the Goat Cheese and Leek Quiche. I don't like escargot ... I just can't bring myself to eat something that leaves a slimey trail in its' wake ... but Jay really enjoys them so as long as the French booth offers these little critters I guess I'll be taking their picture. Jay maintains that these are some of the best taste treats offered at the F&W Festival and who am I to dispute? However, I much prefer the goat cheese alternative provided by our sometime-allies across the Atlantic. The tartlet offered this year was wonderful, full of goat-ey goodness offest by just a hint of onion - it was wonderful!

While keeping a weather eye on the increasingly stormy skies and another eye on the entrances to France by which Erica and her hubby would at any moment be approaching us, I managed to avail myself of the Moroccan bathroom facilites not once ... not twice ... but three times in one hour!!! I'm going to go out on a limb here and highly recommend Morocco for all your bathroom needs - it's convenient and clean and most importantly the stalls are all centered. Curious about the meaning behind that last comment? Pay a visit to Germany's bathrooms and wonder no more!

It was about this time ... close to 7PM ... that the skies grew dark and stormy and the winds kicked up and we were still minus half of our dining party ... since we never deign to bring an umbrella with us on vacation, Jay and I decided to bolt for Japan, assuming that Erica and Lionel would catch up with us there in time for dinner.

We made it to Japan and its endless shopping area just as the skies opened and dumped ridiculous amounts of water on Epcot. As much as Jay and I love Japan-mart I must say ... it's far less enjoyable when swarming with hordes of steamy, poncho-clad guests all waiting for the weather to clear. It's almost impossible to get close enough to all the Japanese food that we so enjoy snickering at. How, I ask, can anyone laugh uproariously at the Crunky Chocolate Bar, when you can't even get close enough to pick it up and take a picture for posterity? :laughing:

Looking around at all the people swarming into the store, I began to wish that I'd brought my cell phone along with me because it was quite possible that a phone call might have served the dual purpose of letting Erica and Lionel know Jay and I were headed to Tokyo Dining to check in early and we would wait for them there while they could in turn let us know that they were alive and well and on their way ... which they tried to do ... multiple times.

Luckily after about thirty minutes of pacing and worrying and stomach growling, I spotted someone walking through the multitudes waiting for their tables at Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo (they share the same waiting area; how unfriendly) ... it was the Zweihund! Long story short, it turns out that the car in front of them on the highway was involved in an accident and they stopped to help and give a report to the highway patrol. See what good peoples they are?

We had a fine time chatting and were soon seated at a four topper table that provided just enough room for us, our food, and our drinks. And from here quite frankly things get a little blurry because even though I took pictures of everything I don't remember exactly what Erica and Lionel ordered. The evening started out with Edamame, which I'd never eaten - Lionel offered me some and I took one, gave it a sniff, and promptly tossed the whole thing in my mouth.

Dining faux pas number one: Don't chew the edamame!!!

You're supposed to suck the wee little soybeans out of the pods right there at the table for all the world to see, no matter how naughty or uncouth it may seem.

Pretty; it's a healthy soybean infused prezzie!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/104.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/105.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/106.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/107.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/108.jpg

I was surprised by how much I actually liked these, although I didn't eat many of them in order to save room for fishies! But before the fishies could make an appearance we had to order some libations to wash them down. Lionel ordered a really cool sake the name of which totally escapes us, but it was a milky, white sake with a smooth, creamy taste. We liked it very much.

Milky mystery sake...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/118.jpg

Jay and I opted for a sake sampler ... and we have no idea which sakes were included, but they were all enjoyable.

Isn't it cute?
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/109.jpg

I think Erica ordered a green tea infused martini or some such drink, but I neglected to take a picture of it. If memory serves me right, it was "interesting" but perhaps not worthy of being ordered a second time.

As for food, I ordered a Sushi Sampler and a California Roll.

Sampler
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/110.jpg

Yum! Three pieces of nigiri - Tuna, Yellowtail, and Shrimp - and two pieces of California Roll.

Crabbie California goodness!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/111.jpg

Eight more pieces of California roll ... the picky person's sushi of choice!

Jay ordered a Spicy Tuna Roll, a Dynamite Roll, and Octopus ... yes, I said Octopus.

Spicy Tuna
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/114.jpg

This was a Spicy Tuna mix with cucumber, green onions and sesame seed - Jay liked it very much.

Dyno-o-mite!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/113.jpg

This was Jay's favorite selection of the evening - a California roll with wasabi mayo sauce topped with salmon, tuna, yellowtail, green onion, and spicy green smelt roe.

I'd like to be, under the sea, in an Octopus' garden in the shade ...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/115.jpg

Jay said this wasn't bad; it was about what you'd expect with octopus in terms of texture and chewiness. Next time he said he might order the squid platter with extra tentacles. Blech!!!

Now for my best guess about Erica and Lionel's dinner ... ummmm, sushi!?! Yes, they definitely partook of sushi.

A sushi smorgasboard!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/116.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/112.jpg

My inexperienced eye tells me that Lionel's plate looks like a Spicy Tuna roll and a California roll, but I could be wrong so if someone here knows the absolute truth don't hesitate to correct me. Erica had a bowl of mystery soup and something like egg nigiri which I think is an omelet over rice. For the life of me I don't know what her other two choices were but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I think she ordered an avocado roll and a cucumber roll. Humble apologies if I'm wrong ... Erica will be along eventually and she can correct me if needs be.

I can't speak for Erica and Lionel, but Jay and I had a fine time with them at dinner - we really enjoyed their company and they are two of the smartest, most amusing geeks we've had the pleasure to meet in a long time! Tokyo Dining was also a great restaurant in our opinion - their menu offered a wide selection of sushi as well as items for the those guests who might be less inclined towards fish. The service was prompt and helpful and the food was quite tasty. For you sushi lovers out there I'd strongly suggest giving Tokyo Dining a try ... it's easily on par with Kimonos, maybe even a little better, surprising though that may sound.

We probably left the restaurant around 9:30PM - Illuminations was over and thankfully so was the rain. But it dawned on me suddenly that we'd neglected to take a single picture of people while having dinner ... thus does food porn cloud my vision as to what's important. Thank goodness Jay has honed his long-armed reach for self-portrait taking purposes!

Four peoples in one picture? That's unpossible!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/119.jpg

And now it was time to set off in search of some dessert and where better to start than France? We ordered two Milk Chocolate Creme Brulees and two Sparkling Pomegranate Kirs.

Chockie Creme Brulee in a tin
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/122.jpg

I'm willing to give France the benefit of the doubt on this one because it was fairly late in the day. Normally French-town can always be counted upon for a good dessert, but this creme brulee obviously hadn't had time to set up. It was like runny chocolate pudding. The taste was good but the texture was all wrong.

We needs it ... we must have it ... the precious!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/121.jpg

One of my all-time favorite drinks and it more than made up for the disappointment of runny chocolate pudding masquerading as brulee. Ah, alcohol ... somehow it always makes things better. ;)

We wandered slowly from France through Great Britain, enjoying the thinning crowds and what had turned into a rather steamy but pleasant Florida evening, all things considered. Lionel disappeared for a moment and then turned up with a yummy surprise from Turkey's F&W booth: Pistachio Baklava!

A Pistachio Baklava Four-Square!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/123.jpg

A sweet, sticky, crispy, gooey, crumbly delight ... and I don't even like baklava! Bwaaahahahahaha!!! It was good, it really was. And it would have been a lot of fun to amble from food booth to food booth sampling desserts for the rest of the evening but all the booths were closing down by 10PM, which pleased me not at all. What's the point of having EMH at Epcot during the Food and Wine Festival if the booths all shutter their windows two hours before the park closes?

We all took that as our cue to call it an evening. Lionel and Erica for sure had had a long day and were still looking at a fairly long drive home from the park, so we walked up to Epcot's front entrance, thanked them for coming to have dinner with us, shared a few hugs, and bade them a fond farewell as I promised never to not have my cell phone with me again.

BTW, I broke that promise less than two days later, but that's a story for another review.

Thanks for reading!!!

[njprincess]

Well, hey there Brandine :lmao: I can't decide between a gothic novel heroine and a stripper

I must admit, I have limited knowledge of sushi, but I thoroughly enjoyed your report and pictures. I'm getting much more adventurous in my old age, so I may have to give this a try one of these days!

We recently made our 1st visit to Teppan Edo, which we thoroughly enjoyed. It would have been even more fun if we hadn't been seated with Ma & Pa Kettle, who kept repeating 'I can't understand a word these people are saying' and 'what do you mean I can't get a rum & coke'. Pa asked for Kirin in the bottle (I don't think he trusted the tap, if ya know what I mean ;) ) and Ma asked for butter for her rice. Isn't the Disney Dining Plan a wonderful thing??? ;)

Hope you're feeling better soon! pixiedust:

[BriarRosie]

First, hope your sciatic nerve gives you some relief. :hug:


Yesterday in the mail we received some propaganda from the jewelry store where we purchased my engagement ring and our wedding bands .. as well as a nice pair of diamond studs for yours truly when times were good. This store never sends out mailers ... they don't need to. But they must be feeling the pinch this holiday season ... just like the rest of us. They have lovely custom-made pieces and I love looking at their collections but we rarely purchase from them because we always have more important things to spend our cashola on.

Anyhoo... as I was perusing their sparkly temptations I noticed how the brochure was addressed. Amazingly enough they got our last name correct - no mean feat. They also got Jason's name right but somehow seem to think my name is ...

And I'm not kidding ...


Brandine.

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I don't know if it was a joke or if they really have me in their records that way, but we had a great laugh when we saw that. :thumbsup2


BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHahahahaha. :rotfl2:
That was my reaction, with the involuntary snort and hand cupped over my mouth. *snicker*

Because I had a visual of some guy named Skeeter asking, "Hey Brandine! Did you finish milking Bessie yet?" :laughing: Yes, it was a complete hayseed visual. I totally thought of that stereotype. Or perhaps a character out of "My Name is Earl" as one of Earl's old girlfriends. But you're not slutty enough. :lmao:

Or maybe you used to dance under that name? :scratchin

That's not as bad as my mom getting a mailer addressed to "Marble". Her name is Margo. ;)

[PNO4TE]

Another wonderful review, Brenda! I think you and Erica and your men could pass for brothers and sisters in law!

I agree 100% on your review of the creme brulee in France. It is always runny and Hunts' pudding-cup tasting to me. As my younger DD used to say... "I can't like it!"

Hope your week includes some success with your ills... we need you back to fighting strength! :hug:

[Me&3]

I love the grimace comment:rotfl2:

[Tink rules]

Hiya everyone!

I just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten my pledge to try to post at least one review per week. I'm working on the next update and should get it posted later today (I've got house chores to take care of while I'm writing).

It was a very busy week at work and I've really been struggling to get this sciatica under control. I thought it was best for me to just unplug for a few days and focus my energy on those real life things that are really important right now.

But to let you know that I've not lost my sense of humor, which for a while there I really thought was a possibility, I would like to share a little story with you.

Yesterday in the mail we received some propaganda from the jewelry store where we purchased my engagement ring and our wedding bands .. as well as a nice pair of diamond studs for yours truly when times were good. This store never sends out mailers ... they don't need to. But they must be feeling the pinch this holiday season ... just like the rest of us. They have lovely custom-made pieces and I love looking at their collections but we rarely purchase from them because we always have more important things to spend our cashola on.

Anyhoo... as I was perusing their sparkly temptations I noticed how the brochure was addressed. Amazingly enough they got our last name correct - no mean feat. They also got Jason's name right but somehow seem to think my name is ...

And I'm not kidding ...


Brandine.

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I don't know if it was a joke or if they really have me in their records that way, but we had a great laugh when we saw that. :thumbsup2

Hope everyone has a great day and I promise to have the last of October 10th posted later in the day (probably close to this evening knowing me).

:grouphug:

Did you get your ring engraved??? You should check to see if they got it right!!! :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Bendy... Brandine... I can't keep up with all your personalities... :sad2: :sad2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Tink rules]

First, hope your sciatic nerve gives you some relief. :hug:



BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHahahahaha. :rotfl2:
That was my reaction, with the involuntary snort and hand cupped over my mouth. *snicker*

Because I had a visual of some guy named Skeeter asking, "Hey Brandine! Did you finish milking Bessie yet?" :laughing: Yes, it was a complete hayseed visual. I totally thought of that stereotype. Or perhaps a character out of "My Name is Earl" as one of Earl's old girlfriends. But you're not slutty enough. :lmao:

Or maybe you used to dance under that name? :scratchin

That's not as bad as my mom getting a mailer addressed to "Marble". Her name is Margo. ;)

We need to get Bendy a Gingham dress... :rolleyes1

[BriarRosie]

Friday, October 10th - Poison ... Poison ... Poison ... Tasty Fish!!!

Wow, I really did nail the title of this report. :rolleyes1


Within the past year or so Jay and I have begun to experiment with the endlessly varied, often amusing, and sometimes scary joys of sushi. During the ADR merry-go-round this past summer I happened upon some pictures of absolutely drool-worthy, gorgeous sushi from Tokyo Dining in Epcot and decided that Jay and I needed to give it a try. An open Friday night on my planning calendar just happened to coincide with Extra Magic evening hours at Epcot ... ah, destiny … the stars were aligned for a fish-fest of epic proportions!

Cool. It would have been funny had this been posted yesterday, because I had my own sushi jones for lunch. Miso soup, edamame, 8 pieces of nigiri and a California Roll. Yum.


Our reservation was for 7:45 that evening so we had plenty of time to relax before making ourselves presentable and heading over to the giant fishbowl … uh, I mean, giant golfball. If you’ve been following along you’ll know that we spent the afternoon lounging at the pool.

Gee, I'd never have guessed you enjoyed pool lounging. :rolleyes1


Since the pedestrian powers-that-be decided to streamline all the resort bar menus, Jay and I often struggle to find just the right poolside beverage. Gone are the Espresso Chillers and Shipwrecks that were so good other pool patrons would often approach us to ask the name of the frosty delights we were enjoying. Neither one of us are big fans of fruity drinks so we opted for a Grand Margarita – on the rocks, no salt or sugar – and it was fantastic! Those CMs tending bar were well trained in the mixological arts – every time we ordered the Grand Margarita during our vacation the drink was exceptionally well made and most enjoyable. For now, until some Disney genius decides to take it off the menu along with everything else we like, Jay and I have a new poolside favorite.

Yeah, the homogenized drink menus leave much to be desired. I still refuse to try the blue glowtini just in principle.


Jay and I were supposed to meet up with Erica (Zweihund) and her husband Lionel near the squishee stand in France around 6PM that evening. The hazy plan-no-plan was to munch a bit before dinner, gorge on fish at Tokyo Dining, and then snack with abandon after dinner since Epcot was going to be open until midnight. Last year we were unable to hook up with Erica thanks to the combined double whammy of Jay’s illness and my craptacular cell phone, so I made sure to call her that afternoon to double check that our plans were still a go.

After our conversation I promptly turned off my phone and locked it in the safe along with Jay’s phone, an extra camera, most of our cash and credit cards, and an emergency stash of booze and chocolate. I have a strong dislike of cell phones – I rarely turn mine on in the real world, primarily using it for emergencies, which explains why I sometimes find three-month old voice mail messages when I do use it. Having confirmed our plans I saw no need to carry my phone with me to Epcot … the second time in two days that I would reach such a conclusion.

**Now might be an appropriate time for you to select some ominous music to further aid the foreshadowing, if you’re so inclined. May I suggest Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor or perhaps Plankton’s favorite: A Night on Bald Mountain?**

Ok, this explains a lot to me. I wasn't sure you'd get my messages or not, because it seemed like you just kept your phone off for any length of time. I always keep my phone on, but I silence it when I'm in attractions.


That Grand Marnier slushee was just as good as we remembered ... cool, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet ... and I was planning on ordering one for Erica and Lionel but it was steamroom-humid that night and I just didn't think it would be very friendly of me to offer them a plastic martini glass of runny, orange goop at our first meeting. That might the kind of thing that Grimace would do, but never me! :laughing:

I keep making myself a promise to try the slushie, but would you believe for the second year in a row, I still haven't tried it?


We waited … we watched … we wandered. No Erica. No Lionel. No Erica and Lionel. Hmmmm …. we speculated that on a Friday night the rush hour traffic could be bad. And the threatening clouds were piling up again ... we discussed the possibility that like a good baseball game Erica and Lionel were rain-delayed. Since we hadn't had anything to eat and were dizzy with hunger Jay and I decided to visit France's F&W Festival booth for a snack to hold us over until our friends arrived.

A picture of France from Saturday ... it's time travel, man!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/148.jpg

A snack for Jay and a snack for me ... yum!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/103.jpg

Along with the ever-present bottle of Dasani, which we also drink at home, we selected the Escargot Persillade en Brioche and the Goat Cheese and Leek Quiche. I don't like escargot ... I just can't bring myself to eat something that leaves a slimey trail in its' wake ... but Jay really enjoys them so as long as the French booth offers these little critters I guess I'll be taking their picture. Jay maintains that these are some of the best taste treats offered at the F&W Festival and who am I to dispute? However, I much prefer the goat cheese alternative provided by our sometime-allies across the Atlantic. The tartlet offered this year was wonderful, full of goat-ey goodness offest by just a hint of onion - it was wonderful!

I wish I did get the quiche, but I still enjoyed my slimy critters like Jay did. The brioche hides them, but I think because they are mushroom-like in texture, you would probably hate them.


While keeping a weather eye on the increasingly stormy skies and another eye on the entrances to France by which Erica and her hubby would at any moment be approaching us, I managed to avail myself of the Moroccan bathroom facilites not once ... not twice ... but three times in one hour!!! I'm going to go out on a limb here and highly recommend Morocco for all your bathroom needs - it's convenient and clean and most importantly the stalls are all centered. Curious about the meaning behind that last comment? Pay a visit to Germany's bathrooms and wonder no more!

I totally know what you mean about the centered stalls. I believe I've visited every bathroom at WDW at one point or another. Best tile: Downtown Disney West Side, right near the entrance of it, by the lake. It looks like growing grass on the tile. Seriously cool. Gawd I'm such a geek. :laughing:


We made it to Japan and its endless shopping area just as the skies opened and dumped ridiculous amounts of water on Epcot. As much as Jay and I love Japan-mart I must say ... it's far less enjoyable when swarming with hordes of steamy, poncho-clad guests all waiting for the weather to clear. It's almost impossible to get close enough to all the Japanese food that we so enjoy snickering at. How, I ask, can anyone laugh uproariously at the Crunky Chocolate Bar, when you can't even get close enough to pick it up and take a picture for posterity? :laughing:

I don't remember Crunky. I'm all about the Pocky. Did you know they have a ginorous box of Pocky for Men? It's strong enough for a woman, but made for a man-sized hunger for chocolate stix. :rotfl2:


Looking around at all the people swarming into the store, I began to wish that I'd brought my cell phone along with me because it was quite possible that a phone call might have served the dual purpose of letting Erica and Lionel know Jay and I were headed to Tokyo Dining to check in early and we would wait for them there while they could in turn let us know that they were alive and well and on their way ... which they tried to do ... multiple times.

...and that's why I carry my phone on me and powered ON at all times. (I won't wag my finger at you this time.)


Luckily after about thirty minutes of pacing and worrying and stomach growling, I spotted someone walking through the multitudes waiting for their tables at Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo (they share the same waiting area; how unfriendly) ... it was the Zweihund! Long story short, it turns out that the car in front of them on the highway was involved in an accident and they stopped to help and give a report to the highway patrol. See what good peoples they are?

Mad props to Erica and her DH! :banana:


We had a fine time chatting and were soon seated at a four topper table that provided just enough room for us, our food, and our drinks. And from here quite frankly things get a little blurry because even though I took pictures of everything I don't remember exactly what Erica and Lionel ordered. The evening started out with Edamame, which I'd never eaten - Lionel offered me some and I took one, gave it a sniff, and promptly tossed the whole thing in my mouth.

Dining faux pas number one: Don't chew the edamame!!!

You're supposed to suck the wee little soybeans out of the pods right there at the table for all the world to see, no matter how naughty or uncouth it may seem.

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:
Whenever I've ordered edamame and shared it with an edamame virgin, I always give proper instructions about how to eat it to avoid that newbie mistake. *giggle* I love the stuff.


Pretty; it's a healthy soybean infused prezzie!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/104.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/105.jpg

Very pretty! I didn't order edamame when I ate there, but that's a great present-ation of it.

[QUOTE=oybolshoi;28869839]
Jay and I opted for a sake sampler ... and we have no idea which sakes were included, but they were all enjoyable.

Isn't it cute?
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/109.jpg

If there's a flight of boozy goodness to be had, leave it to Bendy Brandine and Jay to order it. :goodvibes


As for food, I ordered a Sushi Sampler and a California Roll.

Sampler
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/110.jpg

Yum! Three pieces of nigiri - Tuna, Yellowtail, and Shrimp - and two pieces of California Roll.

Crabbie California goodness!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/111.jpg

Eight more pieces of California roll ... the picky person's sushi of choice!

Oh yum! My tasty fish yesterday were tuna, white albacore tuna, salmon and red snapper. I think you'd probably like those.


Jay ordered a Spicy Tuna Roll, a Dynamite Roll, and Octopus ... yes, I said Octopus.

Yeah, octopus. So? I don't care for the texture much. Too chewy. I'll only eat it if it's part of a sushi meal that I can't change out of which pieces they give me. Everything looked fantastic.


Now for my best guess about Erica and Lionel's dinner ... ummmm, sushi!?! Yes, they definitely partook of sushi.

A sushi smorgasboard!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/116.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/112.jpg

My inexperienced eye tells me that Lionel's plate looks like a Spicy Tuna roll and a California roll, but I could be wrong so if someone here knows the absolute truth don't hesitate to correct me. Erica had a bowl of mystery soup and something like egg nigiri which I think is an omelet over rice. For the life of me I don't know what her other two choices were but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I think she ordered an avocado roll and a cucumber roll. Humble apologies if I'm wrong ... Erica will be along eventually and she can correct me if needs be.

I'd say your guesses are fairly accurate. I would have guessed the same sushi you did.


I can't speak for Erica and Lionel, but Jay and I had a fine time with them at dinner - we really enjoyed their company and they are two of the smartest, most amusing geeks we've had the pleasure to meet in a long time! Tokyo Dining was also a great restaurant in our opinion - their menu offered a wide selection of sushi as well as items for the those guests who might be less inclined towards fish. The service was prompt and helpful and the food was quite tasty. For you sushi lovers out there I'd strongly suggest giving Tokyo Dining a try ... it's easily on par with Kimonos, maybe even a little better, surprising though that may sound.

I enjoyed my unagi roll. Yes, that's eel. ;) I got that the day I met you and Jay for the first time last year. I remember because we were still discussing the "Are they or aren't they?" opening for the sushi and sake pairing. Plus I posted photos of my Tokyo Dining experience in my food report from last year. ;) I thought the quality was very good, but I still want to try Kimono's.


Four peoples in one picture? That's unpossible!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/119.jpg

Aww, you all look cute.


And now it was time to set off in search of some dessert and where better to start than France? We ordered two Milk Chocolate Creme Brulees and two Sparkling Pomegranate Kirs.

Chockie Creme Brulee in a tin
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/122.jpg

I'm willing to give France the benefit of the doubt on this one because it was fairly late in the day. Normally French-town can always be counted upon for a good dessert, but this creme brulee obviously hadn't had time to set up. It was like runny chocolate pudding. The taste was good but the texture was all wrong.

No need to give France the benefit of the doubt, hon. The chocolate creme brulée is always like that, sadly. I avoid it, and I'm a chocoholic.


We wandered slowly from France through Great Britain, enjoying the thinning crowds and what had turned into a rather steamy but pleasant Florida evening, all things considered. Lionel disappeared for a moment and then turned up with a yummy surprise from Turkey's F&W booth: Pistachio Baklava!

A Pistachio Baklava Four-Square!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/123.jpg

A sweet, sticky, crispy, gooey, crumbly delight ... and I don't even like baklava! Bwaaahahahahaha!!! It was good, it really was. And it would have been a lot of fun to amble from food booth to food booth sampling desserts for the rest of the evening but all the booths were closing down by 10PM, which pleased me not at all. What's the point of having EMH at Epcot during the Food and Wine Festival if the booths all shutter their windows two hours before the park closes?

I'm just not a baklava person, but I'll take your word for it. And yes, I heard a lot of people mention that EMH made no difference with the booths this year. It's a shame, really.

[BriarRosie]

We need to get Bendy a Gingham dress... :rolleyes1

No, that would make her Dorothy. ;)

[TigerKat]

Great update Brenda! Hope you're feeling better. I too died when I saw "Brandine"...:rotfl2: . I have to admit I'm the same when it comes to the cell phone, hate it. Use it for emergencies only if possible. We've been thinking of trying Tokyo Dining on our next trip, may be a good choice!:thumbsup2

[Tink rules]

You might want to check your messages... I left you a text... on the 15th...OF LAST MONTH!!!! :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Planky]

[B]
**Now might be an appropriate time for you to select some ominous music to further aid the foreshadowing, if you’re so inclined. May I suggest Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor or perhaps Plankton’s favorite: A Night on Bald Mountain?**



Gee and all this time I thought it was Barry Manilows "Copacabana".... :scared:

[Hedy]

Nice segment, Brandine Bendy.

[Guy Incognito]

I don't remember Crunky. I'm all about the Pocky. Did you know they have a ginorous box of Pocky for Men? It's strong enough for a woman, but made for a man-sized hunger for chocolate stix. :rotfl2:





http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n306/Jason570/menspocky.jpg

mmmmm..... Men's Pocky :thumbsup2

[BriarRosie]

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n306/Jason570/menspocky.jpg

mmmmm..... Men's Pocky :thumbsup2


Thank you, Guy Incognito! :lovestruc

[travelmel]

That woman you guys met up with (:disrocks:) looks like she could be your sister!

[amgangi]

Brenda, I'm really enjoying your TR so much! I'm a newbie here at DIS but not Disney :D

I have a question about the escargot for Jay. I enjoy escargot (but can't bring myself to eat sushi, what's up with THAT?) and purchased an order when I was in WDW during F&W festival a couple of years ago, but it did not come inside the bread. How do you go about eating that? With a fork? lol or do you take a big bite out of the bread itself??? just curious :upsidedow

[whogirl'smom]

Well, Brandine, you've done it now. I think it's all the bewb flashin' from trips past that may have gotten you that nickname! ;) :rotfl2: Anyway....

Glad you guys had a good time with Zweihund and hubby. How did people ever make plans before cell phones? Your sushi plates looked very pretty but I am not brave enough for anything but a California roll. I do love Pocky though! I was kind of ho-hum on baklava until I tried it at Spoodles; oh, my gosh, that was just heavenly!

I hope you keep feeling better and work doesn't swamp you so you can get some rest! The holidays are coming, the holidays are coming!!

[MikeAidanEoinMom]

Brenda, I'm really enjoying your TR so much! I'm a newbie here at DIS but not Disney :D

I have a question about the escargot for Jay. I enjoy escargot (but can't bring myself to eat sushi, what's up with THAT?) and purchased an order when I was in WDW during F&W festival a couple of years ago, but it did not come inside the bread. How do you go about eating that? With a fork? lol or do you take a big bite out of the bread itself??? just curious :upsidedow

Hi Annemarie!!!!!:yay:

[iluvpluto27]

Great update, glad you enjoyed Tokyo Dining, we thought it was a really nice restaurant. And all that sushi looks really good, I just had a small sampler of it, I'll definitely have to try some of the other choices next time.

[ThreeTinks]

Delurking - I've read all your trip reports and just howled with laughter thru all of them!! I hope your health issues don't interfere too much with your traveling and eatin' - because I sure would miss reading :goodvibes

[DisneyMom5]

Brandine! I guess you belong with my Hick family! LOL

Too bad they didn't have your legal name:
Brandine Pearl Loretta MaryLou Aquanetta Pigbottom-Jones

[disneyfav4ever]

I'm the same way as you with my cell phone. I just don't use it that much. But I like having it for when I'm out of the house, and when I'm in Florida and such, it's easier then trying to find a pay phone.

[ICNAnnie2]

Don't laugh ... I'm trying to hide my drinking belly!

No, it’s not funny. It is a very common symptom of IC when flaring and diet is out of control. We very UNAFFECTIONATELY call it the "IC Belly". The swollen IC belly is due to all of the inflammation, wounds and possible ulceration in the bladder and lower abdomen. When we get our diet as well as frequency, urgency and pain under control it does go away (but will come back if we fall off the diet wagon or, for other reasons, go into a flare). You can read about it on the IC Network at ic-network dot com and on the IC Support Forum Message Boards at ic-network dot com/forum/.

[whogirl'smom]

Brandine! I guess you belong with my Hick family! LOL

Too bad they didn't have your legal name:
Brandine Pearl Loretta MaryLou Aquanetta Pigbottom-Jones

Don't be makin' fun of "Aquanetta"...I actually knew a poor little baby that got named this! :sad2: (and you know there are lots of double names around here!)

[MA pigletfan]

YUM! Tokyo dining looks so good! Now do you know if they over the same sushi menu at the japanese steakhouse part of the restaurant? my non fishy fiance' would be all about that, where i am not a big fan of people playing with my food before serving it to me ;)
hmmmm...i also might need to try some mystery sake' looks intriguing!

[DisneyMom5]

Don't be makin' fun of "Aquanetta"...I actually knew a poor little baby that got named this! :sad2: (and you know there are lots of double names around here!)

My MIL knew a girl named Aquanetta also, for the hairspray. :lmao:

I kid, because I love. Eastern TN happens to be one of the only places dh and I have said we'd be willing to move to.
We think TN is beautiful!

Of course, it doesn't hurt that it's a day closer to Disney. :rolleyes1

[amgangi]

Hi Annemarie!!!!!:yay:

Hi Bridget! :wave2:

[TPCShauna]

Excellent review as always, Brandine! Jay's Dynamite Roll looks incredible. Was it spicy goodness?

While I love the taste of snails in all that garlicky, buttery goodness, I must admit that I don't think you would care for them since you are adverse to mushrooms. Is it just that texture you don't like? If so, what are your thoughts on eggplant?

It would have been even more fun if we hadn't been seated with Ma & Pa Kettle, who kept repeating 'I can't understand a word these people are saying' and 'what do you mean I can't get a rum & coke'. Pa asked for Kirin in the bottle (I don't think he trusted the tap, if ya know what I mean ;) ) and Ma asked for butter for her rice. Isn't the Disney Dining Plan a wonderful thing??? ;)

Oh my goodness! This is quite frightening. Were they an older couple?

[KristinAnne]

That sushi looked great! I am an adventurous eater, but DH is NOT!!! I am dying to go out with people who eat sushi and can help me order. Love the new stripper name...Brandine!

[oybolshoi]

well well Brandine, you should get something nice from ol' Cletus for birthin' all those children, especially Dia-Betty! :rotfl:

I hope you're feeling better soon and have a great Turkey Day!

Bwahaha!! I forgot all about Dia-Betty! I'll just go have me a chat whut with Cletus 'bout somethin' purty for the holiday but I think all he kan affurd this year is some slighty burnt Sears Activewear. :lmao:

And I'm feeling much better, thank you. I've managed to get a lot of my mobility back in my right leg and now it's just a matter of working through the remnants of the pain & discomfort. Not much longer before I can start working out again (gently to start of course, but I've got to get myself back in shape for next year).

THat sounds like something Jay would call you when he's:

a) ticked "Listen here, BRAN-DEEN (head shake left to right with or without finger)

b) very romantical "ohh, Brandine..."

Either way it is not something I feel comfortable saying to you.

:lmao:

Hi Mel! You crack me up ... it's a Simpsons reference which is why it was so darn funny to see it on the mailer. Cletus the Slack-Jawed-Yokel is married to Brandine.

And gawd help me ... she's a topless dancer! :lmao: She also works at Dairy Queen.

"BRAAANDIIIIIIIIIINE!!!!!"
:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Too perfect, isn't it? :lmao:

Well, hey there Brandine :lmao: I can't decide between a gothic novel heroine and a stripper

I must admit, I have limited knowledge of sushi, but I thoroughly enjoyed your report and pictures. I'm getting much more adventurous in my old age, so I may have to give this a try one of these days!

We recently made our 1st visit to Teppan Edo, which we thoroughly enjoyed. It would have been even more fun if we hadn't been seated with Ma & Pa Kettle, who kept repeating 'I can't understand a word these people are saying' and 'what do you mean I can't get a rum & coke'. Pa asked for Kirin in the bottle (I don't think he trusted the tap, if ya know what I mean ) and Ma asked for butter for her rice. Isn't the Disney Dining Plan a wonderful thing??? ;)

Hope you're feeling better soon! pixiedust:

Hi Kathy - thanks for reading and I hope you're feeling better soon ... I saw that you've got a nasty kidney infection. We all know that's no fun. :hug:

Glad you enjoyed our sushi report - Tokyo Dining was really nice so I think maybe you should give it a try some day when you're feeling really hungry for fish.

Your story about Teppan Edo ... oh my ... I shouldn't laugh but I did. It takes all kinds, doesn't it? At least they were trying something new ... kind of. ;)


First, hope your sciatic nerve gives you some relief. :hug:

Thanks Lori. It really is getting much better ... after therapy this morning I was almost limp free. :thumbsup2


BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHahahahaha. :rotfl2:
That was my reaction, with the involuntary snort and hand cupped over my mouth. *snicker*

Because I had a visual of some guy named Skeeter asking, "Hey Brandine! Did you finish milking Bessie yet?" Yes, it was a complete hayseed visual. I totally thought of that stereotype. Or perhaps a character out of "My Name is Earl" as one of Earl's old girlfriends. But you're not slutty enough. :lmao:

Or maybe you used to dance under that name? :scratchin

That's not as bad as my mom getting a mailer addressed to "Marble". Her name is Margo. ;)

Your reaction was about the same as ours. :lmao: As previously mentioned, Brandine is Cletus the Slack-Jawed-Yokel's wife so you're really not too far off base with your assumption. And thanks for the back-handed compliment ... you're such a good friend. :laughing:

And marble ... tee hee ... I hope your mom thought it was funny. Maybe I should start sending punk mail to my mom addressed to Grimace?

Another wonderful review, Brenda! I think you and Erica and your men could pass for brothers and sisters in law!

I agree 100% on your review of the creme brulee in France. It is always runny and Hunts' pudding-cup tasting to me. As my younger DD used to say... "I can't like it!"

Hope your week includes some success with your ills... we need you back to fighting strength! :hug:

Hi Elin! Thanks for reading. Now that I see the two of us side by side, I do think Erica and I share some similarities ... we have the same kind of chin. And people have been commenting for the last couple off years that her hubby and mine looked alike but I didn't really think so until I saw them standing next to each other. What are the odds of finding both of our dopplegangers at one sushi meal in Epcot???

That creme brulee in France was nasty ... seems like a couple of years ago it was pretty good, but this was just gross and so un-like the French. Tsk tsk.

Thanks for the kind words ... I'm doing quite well, especially compared with just two weeks ago. Once I got my sense of humor back I started to feel much better. I just can't stay serious for too long ... it depresses me. ;)

I love the grimace comment:rotfl2:

Glad I could oblige!

Did you get your ring engraved??? You should check to see if they got it right!!! :rotfl2: :

Bendy... Brandine... I can't keep up with all your personalities... :rotfl2:

Actually we had our initials engraved inside our wedding bands so they couldn't have messed it up since Brandine starts with the same letter as my name. And you know it wouldn't be a food trippie if I didn't end up with a new nickname. It's a tradition!

[oybolshoi]

Great update Brenda! Hope you're feeling better. I too died when I saw "Brandine"...:rotfl2: . I have to admit I'm the same when it comes to the cell phone, hate it. Use it for emergencies only if possible. We've been thinking of trying Tokyo Dining on our next trip, may be a good choice!

Hi Kathy! Thanks for reading - Tokyo Dining was really tasty so if you like sushi I think you should consider giving it a try. And I'm feeling much better, thanks! :goodvibes

You might want to check your messages... I left you a text... on the 15th...OF LAST MONTH!!!! :rotfl2:

Oh, I did see that but I'm so technically challenged that I wasn't sure how to respond. I'm just not very bright sometimes ... and then I meant to tell you that I got it but I forgot. :lmao:

Gee and all this time I thought it was Barry Manilows "Copacabana".... :scared:

Have you been in the scotch again?

Nice segment, Brandine Bendy.

Thanks Hedy! This segment was probaby right up your alley, no?

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n306/Jason570/menspocky.jpg

mmmmm..... Men's Pocky :thumbsup2

I think I love you, Guy Incognito! Actually, if you find me a picture of Crunky I'll marry you! :lovestruc

Thank you, Guy Incognito! :lovestruc

He's quite the mystery man, isn't he?

That woman you guys met up with (:disrocks:) looks like she could be your sister!

I hope Erica doesn't mind that comparison! I do see that our chins are similar ... and we both like to write ... hmmmmm. :confused3

Brenda, I'm really enjoying your TR so much! I'm a newbie here at DIS but not Disney :D

I have a question about the escargot for Jay. I enjoy escargot (but can't bring myself to eat sushi, what's up with THAT?) and purchased an order when I was in WDW during F&W festival a couple of years ago, but it did not come inside the bread. How do you go about eating that? With a fork? lol or do you take a big bite out of the bread itself??? just curious :upsidedow

Hi there and welcome to the fun (I hope it's fun)! As for the escargot, Jay said he just pops the whole thing into his mouth. I did try once last year to take a small bite of the bread and escargot at the same time, but the slime factor got to me and I just couldn't do it.

That's interesting ... you'll eat snails but not rrrrrrrraw and wrrrrrrriggling fish? If it's good enough for Gollum it's good enough for me. :laughing:

Well, Brandine, you've done it now. I think it's all the bewb flashin' from trips past that may have gotten you that nickname! ;) :rotfl2: Anyway....

Glad you guys had a good time with Zweihund and hubby. How did people ever make plans before cell phones? Your sushi plates looked very pretty but I am not brave enough for anything but a California roll. I do love Pocky though! I was kind of ho-hum on baklava until I tried it at Spoodles; oh, my gosh, that was just heavenly!

I hope you keep feeling better and work doesn't swamp you so you can get some rest! The holidays are coming, the holidays are coming!!

Hi Jamie! You may be correct about the unintentional bewb flashing from past trips coming back to haunt me, but how does the jewelry store know about it??? :lmao:

Would you believe we've never eaten Pocky; or Men's Pocky; or Milky; or Crunky??? We just like to snicker insensitively in the foodmart before ordering some sake. And I'm feeling better, thanks so much. :hug: After today the soulless dominions of finance should back off until next week, but I only get one day off this week.

Great update, glad you enjoyed Tokyo Dining, we thought it was a really nice restaurant. And all that sushi looks really good, I just had a small sampler of it, I'll definitely have to try some of the other choices next time.

Thanks for stopping by! If you like sushi definitely give theirs a try - it really was quite good.

Delurking - I've read all your trip reports and just howled with laughter thru all of them!! I hope your health issues don't interfere too much with your traveling and eatin' - because I sure would miss reading :goodvibes

A Delurker! Thanks for joining the fun and thanks for the compliment ... you put a big silly smile on my face. I'm feeling much better, thank you; and I'm not planning on changing too much of my vacation behavior - you gotta be able to have some fun now and then, don't ya think?

Brandine! I guess you belong with my Hick family! LOL

Too bad they didn't have your legal name:
Brandine Pearl Loretta MaryLou Aquanetta Pigbottom-Jones

:lmao: :rotfl2:

Well, I was born in Michigan and I now live in Stinktown ... I think I'm an honorary hick for sure, dont you? :thumbsup2

[oybolshoi]

#$%&@)(#$%&@#%)@#%)!!! :mad: :headache: :mad:

I just spent 30 minutes replying and the whole effing post just got poofed ... all that hard work and thought and humor ... gone! Bah! So now I'll just say thanks for taking the time to post such an amusing response ... always fun to read what you have to say! And if you come to WDW next October I will buy you a Grand Mariner Slushie as an early birthday present because you simply must have one! :thumbsup2

Wow, I really did nail the title of this report. :rolleyes1


Cool. It would have been funny had this been posted yesterday, because I had my own sushi jones for lunch. Miso soup, edamame, 8 pieces of nigiri and a California Roll. Yum.



Gee, I'd never have guessed you enjoyed pool lounging. :rolleyes1



Yeah, the homogenized drink menus leave much to be desired. I still refuse to try the blue glowtini just in principle.



Ok, this explains a lot to me. I wasn't sure you'd get my messages or not, because it seemed like you just kept your phone off for any length of time. I always keep my phone on, but I silence it when I'm in attractions.



I keep making myself a promise to try the slushie, but would you believe for the second year in a row, I still haven't tried it?



I wish I did get the quiche, but I still enjoyed my slimy critters like Jay did. The brioche hides them, but I think because they are mushroom-like in texture, you would probably hate them.



I totally know what you mean about the centered stalls. I believe I've visited every bathroom at WDW at one point or another. Best tile: Downtown Disney West Side, right near the entrance of it, by the lake. It looks like growing grass on the tile. Seriously cool. Gawd I'm such a geek. :laughing:



I don't remember Crunky. I'm all about the Pocky. Did you know they have a ginorous box of Pocky for Men? It's strong enough for a woman, but made for a man-sized hunger for chocolate stix. :rotfl2:



...and that's why I carry my phone on me and powered ON at all times. (I won't wag my finger at you this time.)



Mad props to Erica and her DH! :banana:



:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:
Whenever I've ordered edamame and shared it with an edamame virgin, I always give proper instructions about how to eat it to avoid that newbie mistake. *giggle* I love the stuff.

Pretty; it's a healthy soybean infused prezzie!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/104.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/105.jpg

Very pretty! I didn't order edamame when I ate there, but that's a great present-ation of it.



If there's a flight of boozy goodness to be had, leave it to Bendy Brandine and Jay to order it. :goodvibes



Oh yum! My tasty fish yesterday were tuna, white albacore tuna, salmon and red snapper. I think you'd probably like those.



Yeah, octopus. So? I don't care for the texture much. Too chewy. I'll only eat it if it's part of a sushi meal that I can't change out of which pieces they give me. Everything looked fantastic.



I'd say your guesses are fairly accurate. I would have guessed the same sushi you did.



I enjoyed my unagi roll. Yes, that's eel. ;) I got that the day I met you and Jay for the first time last year. I remember because we were still discussing the "Are they or aren't they?" opening for the sushi and sake pairing. Plus I posted photos of my Tokyo Dining experience in my food report from last year. ;) I thought the quality was very good, but I still want to try Kimono's.



Aww, you all look cute.



No need to give France the benefit of the doubt, hon. The chocolate creme brulée is always like that, sadly. I avoid it, and I'm a chocoholic.



I'm just not a baklava person, but I'll take your word for it. And yes, I heard a lot of people mention that EMH made no difference with the booths this year. It's a shame, really.

Hi Annemarie!!!!!:yay:

I'll say hello, too! :yay:

[oybolshoi]

I'm the same way as you with my cell phone. I just don't use it that much. But I like having it for when I'm out of the house, and when I'm in Florida and such, it's easier then trying to find a pay phone.

It's not just me? :eek:

No, it’s not funny. It is a very common symptom of IC when flaring and diet is out of control. We very UNAFFECTIONATELY call it the "IC Belly". The swollen IC belly is due to all of the inflammation, wounds and possible ulceration in the bladder and lower abdomen. When we get our diet as well as frequency, urgency and pain under control it does go away (but will come back if we fall off the diet wagon or, for other reasons, go into a flare). You can read about it on the IC Network at ic-network dot com and on the IC Support Forum Message Boards at ic-network dot com/forum/.

Actually I thought I had that little belly because I wasn't doing any stomach / core exercises this summer while I was working on getting back into shape. Appreciate the insight! :goodvibes

Don't be makin' fun of "Aquanetta"...I actually knew a poor little baby that got named this! :sad2: (and you know there are lots of double names around here!)

:lmao: Oh dear. Once, many years ago ... I received a loan application from a woman named Velveeta Jones. :rotfl2: Thank goodness those applications were submitted electronically because it took me fifteen minutes to stop crying from laughter. All I could think was: why would someone name a child after processed cheese food???

YUM! Tokyo dining looks so good! Now do you know if they over the same sushi menu at the japanese steakhouse part of the restaurant? my non fishy fiance' would be all about that, where i am not a big fan of people playing with my food before serving it to me ;)
hmmmm...i also might need to try some mystery sake' looks intriguing!

Hi Gina! I don't know if they serve sushi at Teppan Edo ... you might call over there on your next visit and ask. I need to ask Erica what the name of that sake was ... it was really tasty.

My MIL knew a girl named Aquanetta also, for the hairspray. :lmao:

I kid, because I love. Eastern TN happens to be one of the only places dh and I have said we'd be willing to move to. We think TN is beautiful!

Of course, it doesn't hurt that it's a day closer to Disney. :rolleyes1

:lmao: Stop already ... you two are killing me.

Hi Bridget! :wave2:

Just hopping on the hello bandwagon! :yay:

Excellent review as always, Brandine! Jay's Dynamite Roll looks incredible. Was it spicy goodness?

While I love the taste of snails in all that garlicky, buttery goodness, I must admit that I don't think you would care for them since you are adverse to mushrooms. Is it just that texture you don't like? If so, what are your thoughts on eggplant?

Hi Shauna! Thanks for reading - glad you enjoyed it.

Hang on one moment ...

Jay said his dynamite roll was not very spicy at all but he still liked it the best of everything he ate that night.

As for the snails / mushroom thing ... I don't like the taste of shrooms nor do I like the texture. Same thing with eggplant. And as for snails ... I've never even managed to eat them. But I feel confident that I won't like them as well! :laughing:

That sushi looked great! I am an adventurous eater, but DH is NOT!!! I am dying to go out with people who eat sushi and can help me order. Love the new stripper name...Brandine!

Hi there! Thanks for reading ... glad you liked the review - and the new nickname! I wouldn't know what to tell you to order when it comes to sushi, I just know what I like, which is pretty simple and plain. Jay's the one who has exotic sushi taste. I don't even use soy sauce, or ginger, or wasabi. I horrified a friend of mine at work last week when I told her that I eat my sushi plain. I like the way it tastes ... yum!

[whogirl'smom]

:lmao: Oh dear. Once, many years ago ... I received a loan application from a woman named Velveeta Jones.


You win! :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: Oh my gosh, that was funny!

Did I already tell you that dh found out at the family reunion that he had great great uncles (brothers) named Odd and Even??? (I swear; could I make that up?)

[oybolshoi]

You win! :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: Oh my gosh, that was funny!

Did I already tell you that dh found out at the family reunion that he had great great uncles (brothers) named Odd and Even??? (I swear; could I make that up?)


Odd and Even? :lmao: I think you win!

I always told Jay that if I'd been able to catch pregnant and ended up with twins (which run in his family ... his brother and his wife just had twin girls four years ago ... and there are twins in each generation on his family tree) that I wanted to name them Flotsam and Jetsam. :rotfl2:

[BriarRosie]

#$%&@)(#$%&@#%)@#%)!!! :mad: :headache: :mad:

I just spent 30 minutes replying and the whole effing post just got poofed ... all that hard work and thought and humor ... gone! Bah! So now I'll just say thanks for taking the time to post such an amusing response ... always fun to read what you have to say! And if you come to WDW next October I will buy you a Grand Mariner Slushie as an early birthday present because you simply must have one! :thumbsup2


Damn, I'm sure it was witty and full of snarky goodness, too. I'll pretend I read it and found it hilarious. ;) Wow, you'll buy me a Grand Marnier Slushie? Where do I sign up? Woohoo!


:lmao: Oh dear. Once, many years ago ... I received a loan application from a woman named Velveeta Jones. :rotfl2: Thank goodness those applications were submitted electronically because it took me fifteen minutes to stop crying from laughter. All I could think was: why would someone name a child after processed cheese food???

OMG, Velveeta?? That's so cruel. I thought Aquanetta was a joke. I learned that it's not just celebrities that tag their kids with horrid names. I worked at a bank, and one of our customers was named Starr Bright. I kid you not. :rolleyes:


I always told Jay that if I'd been able to catch pregnant and ended up with twins (which run in his family ... his brother and his wife just had twin girls four years ago ... and there are twins in each generation on his family tree) that I wanted to name them Flotsam and Jetsam. :rotfl2:

What? You won't consider Deanna and Dominic? You can call them...

...wait for it...


....Dee and Dom. (Say it out loud.) :laughing:

[SmallWorld71]

Great update! Tokyo dining looks fantastic. I love sushi although I tend to prefer the California Roll types. My DH and 9 year old (Buzz) love to try all the more fishy kinds though and would have been right with Jay in trying the octopus. Buzz has actually enjoyed octopus before elsewhere and DH loves squid. Blech! I'm glad to know about those edamame beans. Someone near us ordered them when we were at Teppan Edo in August and I admit I stared a lot at them trying to figure out what the heck they were!

[oybolshoi]

Hi friends! :goodvibes

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the responses yesterday to the latest update ... I had a ton of fun reading through them all last night once I got home from work.

I wondered if I might ask a favor of everyone?

A dear friend of mine just found out this weekend that she has a brain tumor - she had a seizure Saturday morning and that's how the doctors discovered it and now she's having surgery today to remove it. The good news is that they are 99% certain that the tumor is benign, but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug:

[PNO4TE]

Hi friends! :goodvibes

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the responses yesterday to the latest update ... I had a ton of fun reading through them all last night once I got home from work.

I wondered if I might ask a favor of everyone?

A dear friend of mine just found out this weekend that she has a brain tumor - she had a seizure Saturday morning and that's how the doctors discovered it and now she's having surgery today to remove it. The good news is that they are 99% certain that the tumor is benign, but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug:

done

[TigerKat]

I wondered if I might ask a favor of everyone?

A dear friend of mine just found out this weekend that she has a brain tumor - she had a seizure Saturday morning and that's how the doctors discovered it and now she's having surgery today to remove it. The good news is that they are 99% certain that the tumor is benign, but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug:

Will be sending good thoughts and prayers. Please update us later today.:hug:

[DisneyMom5]

Hi friends! :goodvibes

...but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug:

I prayed for your friend. :hug:




:lmao: :rotfl2:

Well, I was born in Michigan and I now live in Stinktown ... I think I'm an honorary hick for sure, dont you? :thumbsup2

As I've told you before, dh was born in St. Louis and moved to MI, so I see it as some sort of prisoner exchange???
The Hick/Hillbilly runs strong in his family. LOL


:lmao: Oh dear. Once, many years ago ... I received a loan application from a woman named Velveeta Jones. :rotfl2: Thank goodness those applications were submitted electronically because it took me fifteen minutes to stop crying from laughter. All I could think was: why would someone name a child after processed cheese food???



You need to put up a warning system before posting something like this.
Had I actually been drinking my oj at that moment, it would have come out of my nose!

My best friend also works in finance, and she has a running list also.
Too funny.

You win! :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: Oh my gosh, that was funny!

Did I already tell you that dh found out at the family reunion that he had great great uncles (brothers) named Odd and Even??? (I swear; could I make that up?)

That's hilarious!

Odd and Even? :lmao: I think you win!

I always told Jay that if I'd been able to catch pregnant and ended up with twins (which run in his family ... his brother and his wife just had twin girls four years ago ... and there are twins in each generation on his family tree) that I wanted to name them Flotsam and Jetsam. :rotfl2:

Ok, so, and I swear the records dept. at the hospital has told me this numerous times,
there was this lady who had twin boys,
and she named them
(I'll spell it phonetically)...

La - mon - ja - lo
and
O- ran - ja - lo

Wait for it....








Lemonjello and Orangejello


because that was the desserts on her supper tray.

There was a guy interviewed on tv, and his name was
Neander Jones, middle name Thal -- yikes!

[Maybe he's Velveeta's brother????]



There was also a lady, who came up with the name

She - thade

because she thought it sounded so beautiful


but she spelled it

Shi thead (all one word)

and the paperwork people could NOT talk her out of it.

And you wonder why there are so many people in therapy. :sad2:

[DisneyLaura]

Hi friends! :goodvibes

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the responses yesterday to the latest update ... I had a ton of fun reading through them all last night once I got home from work.

I wondered if I might ask a favor of everyone?

A dear friend of mine just found out this weekend that she has a brain tumor - she had a seizure Saturday morning and that's how the doctors discovered it and now she's having surgery today to remove it. The good news is that they are 99% certain that the tumor is benign, but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug:

Prayers and pixie dust sent

[cntkg1]

Hi friends! :goodvibes

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the responses yesterday to the latest update ... I had a ton of fun reading through them all last night once I got home from work.

I wondered if I might ask a favor of everyone?

A dear friend of mine just found out this weekend that she has a brain tumor - she had a seizure Saturday morning and that's how the doctors discovered it and now she's having surgery today to remove it. The good news is that they are 99% certain that the tumor is benign, but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug:

I'm thinking of no one else today B. Lots of "dust stuff" for our fellow BOBer. :angel: :angel: :angel:

[allshookup]

Hi friends! :goodvibes

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the responses yesterday to the latest update ... I had a ton of fun reading through them all last night once I got home from work.

I wondered if I might ask a favor of everyone?

A dear friend of mine just found out this weekend that she has a brain tumor - she had a seizure Saturday morning and that's how the doctors discovered it and now she's having surgery today to remove it. The good news is that they are 99% certain that the tumor is benign, but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug:

So sorry Brenda! Thoughts & prayers for you & your dear friend! :hug:

[ThreeTinks]

The assistant principal at my daughters school is named Aquanetta - no lie :lmao:

Glad I could make ya smile, you've given me plenty of laughs and your food reports really helped me plan our trip - we leave Saturday! I will do my best to overcome the embarrassment of taking pictures of food, so maybe I can write a TR too ;)

Prayers for your friend!! I hope the tumor is benign!

[disneyfav4ever]

Hi friends! :goodvibes

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the responses yesterday to the latest update ... I had a ton of fun reading through them all last night once I got home from work.

I wondered if I might ask a favor of everyone?

A dear friend of mine just found out this weekend that she has a brain tumor - she had a seizure Saturday morning and that's how the doctors discovered it and now she's having surgery today to remove it. The good news is that they are 99% certain that the tumor is benign, but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug::goodvibes :angel: :wizard: I hope your friend is okay.

[SmallWorld71]

Prayers have been sent your friend's way.

[jess20k]

My prayers are with your friend! It is a scary situation, I know first hand. My sister-in law had a brain tumor. The good news is, that she is doing fine now, it was about 2 years ago, and luckily they caught it. I hope your friend has the same results!

Now you know that you will be called Brandine for a long time to come...lol. I hope you are feeling better, and I am glad to read more of your reviews!!!!
By the way....maybe we will see the name Brandine in those baby name books soon...lol, hey it's always interesting to hear of new names! ;)

[cntkg1]

And marble ... tee hee ... I hope your mom thought it was funny. Maybe I should start sending punk mail to my mom addressed to Grimace?

I'll be sending a few to my mom, Grumpy. :rotfl2:




OK, I'll have to chime in here too now. I used to work at a bank and came across some real winners:

How about: "Swimmy and pick top boots law"? Honest!! The guy brought in legal papers showing that was his daughter's name. He insisted that we reissue his US Savings Bonds using that name. The next week he came in again and asked for a bond to be printed with "Miss White Fingernails" as the beneficiary of the bond.

Also, my brother worked in insurance claims for many years. He came across a claim for the birth of two babies. Twins named: Ima and Ura. Last name..............Pigg. :scared1:

B, Bendy, Brenda, OLBFFFNPWB, Brandine...as usual, I enjoyed your update. Hope that leg of yours feels better soon. Do you think it has anything to do with why it was missing in some of your pics? :goodvibes

[LiteBrite]

Praying for your friend, Brenda, and for your comfort as well. :hug:

One of my closest friends has been dealing with a brain tumor for the last couple of years, and I won't ever forget the punched in the stomach feeling I got when I first heard that news. Most of my friend's tumor was successfully removed, but there is a remnant that is too dangerous to take. So far it's not growing and all is well - hoping and praying for an even better outcome for your friend.

[amgangi]

Hi friends! :goodvibes
I wondered if I might ask a favor of everyone?

A dear friend of mine just found out this weekend that she has a brain tumor - she had a seizure Saturday morning and that's how the doctors discovered it and now she's having surgery today to remove it. The good news is that they are 99% certain that the tumor is benign, but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug:


Bless her heart! I'll be praying for her quick recovery and clean bill of health

[oybolshoi]

Thank you all so much for your good thoughts and prayers ... I had an email from my friend's daughter and this is what she said:

Hello again. Mom's surgery went well. Everything is going as planned and is going good. Please put a post for my Dad on the Disboards. Thanks for your prayers!

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[jeminni]

Thank you all so much for your good thoughts and prayers ... I had an email from my friend's daughter and this is what she said:

Hello again. Mom's surgery went well. Everything is going as planned and is going good. Please put a post for my Dad on the Disboards. Thanks for your prayers!

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

I'm so glad your friends ok. :goodvibes

[TigerKat]

Thank you all so much for your good thoughts and prayers ... I had an email from my friend's daughter and this is what she said:

Hello again. Mom's surgery went well. Everything is going as planned and is going good. Please put a post for my Dad on the Disboards. Thanks for your prayers!

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Prayers answered!:goodvibes

[oybolshoi]

Damn, I'm sure it was witty and full of snarky goodness, too. I'll pretend I read it and found it hilarious. ;) Wow, you'll buy me a Grand Marnier Slushie? Where do I sign up? Woohoo!

It was a masterpiece of snarkicism, filled with banal tidbits the likes of which can only be found in one of my threads. :laughing:

OMG, Velveeta?? That's so cruel. I thought Aquanetta was a joke. I learned that it's not just celebrities that tag their kids with horrid names. I worked at a bank, and one of our customers was named Starr Bright. I kid you not. :rolleyes:

Yep. Her name was Velveeta. I also once saw a tax credit form from a customer in New Jersey named Ping Pong (I suppose his/her name could have actually been Pong Ping but that's not how I read it).

Remind me to tell you about the landscaping company called Lush Dung sometime. :lmao:


What? You won't consider Deanna and Dominic? You can call them...

...wait for it...


....Dee and Dom. (Say it out loud.)

Twisted. :lmao:

Great update! Tokyo dining looks fantastic. I love sushi although I tend to prefer the California Roll types. My DH and 9 year old (Buzz) love to try all the more fishy kinds though and would have been right with Jay in trying the octopus. Buzz has actually enjoyed octopus before elsewhere and DH loves squid. Blech! I'm glad to know about those edamame beans. Someone near us ordered them when we were at Teppan Edo in August and I admit I stared a lot at them trying to figure out what the heck they were!

Thanks for reading! They had a ton of rolls at Tokyo Dining so I bet you'd enjoy having dinner there some day. And if the men in your life enjoy sushi too, then I'd say your path is clear. ;)

done

Will be sending good thoughts and prayers. Please update us later today.:hug:

I prayed for your friend. :hug:

Thank you so much! :grouphug:


As I've told you before, dh was born in St. Louis and moved to MI, so I see it as some sort of prisoner exchange???
The Hick/Hillbilly runs strong in his family. LOL

Prisoner exchange ... yes, that's a good term for it! I think hickabilly runs stong in all Missouri families ... how can it not??? ;)

You need to put up a warning system before posting something like this. Had I actually been drinking my oj at that moment, it would have come out of my nose!

Heh heh heh ... another spew casualty. See the problem with posting a spew warning is that just because I think something is spit-sprayingly funny doesn't mean anyone else will. And then people will just be disappointed. Best to leave the final judgment to those who know best ... the gentle readers! :thumbsup2

My best friend also works in finance, and she has a running list also. Too funny.

Ok, so, and I swear the records dept. at the hospital has told me this numerous times,
there was this lady who had twin boys,
and she named them
(I'll spell it phonetically)...

La - mon - ja - lo
and
O- ran - ja - lo

Wait for it....








Lemonjello and Orangejello


because that was the desserts on her supper tray.

There was a guy interviewed on tv, and his name was
Neander Jones, middle name Thal -- yikes!

[Maybe he's Velveeta's brother????]



There was also a lady, who came up with the name

She - thade

because she thought it sounded so beautiful


but she spelled it

Shi thead (all one word)

and the paperwork people could NOT talk her out of it.

And you wonder why there are so many people in therapy.

Oh it just never ends, does it? I've heard about the orangejello and lemonjello thing before but She-thead is a new one. :lmao:

Prayers and pixie dust sent
I'm thinking of no one else today B. Lots of "dust stuff" for our fellow BOBer. :angel:
So sorry Brenda! Thoughts & prayers for you & your dear friend!

Thank you!! :grouphug:

The assistant principal at my daughters school is named Aquanetta - no lie :lmao:

Glad I could make ya smile, you've given me plenty of laughs and your food reports really helped me plan our trip - we leave Saturday! I will do my best to overcome the embarrassment of taking pictures of food, so maybe I can write a TR too ;)

Prayers for your friend!! I hope the tumor is benign!

Oh no ... I'd never be able to keep a straight face if I had to sit across a desk from Principal Aquanetta!

Have a great trip and don't be emabarrassed about taking food pictures ... all the cool kids are doing it these days! And if you take pictures of the food you must write a review ... it's a moral imperative. ;)

Thanks for your prayers ... I'm sure they helped!

:goodvibes :angel: I hope your friend is okay.

Prayers have been sent your friend's way.

Thank you both - she is doing as well as can be expected right now, which is wonderful news!

My prayers are with your friend! It is a scary situation, I know first hand. My sister-in law had a brain tumor. The good news is, that she is doing fine now, it was about 2 years ago, and luckily they caught it. I hope your friend has the same results!

Now you know that you will be called Brandine for a long time to come...lol. I hope you are feeling better, and I am glad to read more of your reviews!!!!
By the way....maybe we will see the name Brandine in those baby name books soon...lol, hey it's always interesting to hear of new names!

Hi Jess and thank you so much for you prayers and kind words. I'm glad to know everything worked out for your SIL ... that's such scary stuff to deal with.

Brandine ... well, I guess the nickname could be worse. Seems like I always end up with a new name after a batch of food porn. :laughing:

I'll be sending a few to my mom, Grumpy. :rotfl2:

OK, I'll have to chime in here too now. I used to work at a bank and came across some real winners:

How about: "Swimmy and pick top boots law"? Honest!! The guy brought in legal papers showing that was his daughter's name. He insisted that we reissue his US Savings Bonds using that name. The next week he came in again and asked for a bond to be printed with "Miss White Fingernails" as the beneficiary of the bond.

Also, my brother worked in insurance claims for many years. He came across a claim for the birth of two babies. Twins named: Ima and Ura. Last name..............Pigg. :scared1:

B, Bendy, Brenda, OLBFFFNPWB, Brandine...as usual, I enjoyed your update. Hope that leg of yours feels better soon. Do you think it has anything to do with why it was missing in some of your pics?

Nancy ... those names are just wrong. I'm sorry but that family was obviously demented. :lmao:

Thanks for reading ... now that all those weddings are finished I expect you to be front and center on future updates, young lady!

Praying for your friend, Brenda, and for your comfort as well. :hug:

One of my closest friends has been dealing with a brain tumor for the last couple of years, and I won't ever forget the punched in the stomach feeling I got when I first heard that news. Most of my friend's tumor was successfully removed, but there is a remnant that is too dangerous to take. So far it's not growing and all is well - hoping and praying for an even better outcome for your friend.

Hi Lite Brite and thank you so much!

You described my feelings on Sunday when I found out just perfectly ... I felt like I'd been sucker-punched in the gut and I was so frightened for her. It sounds like surgery has been successful and she's doing well so we're hopeful that it's all good news from here.

Best wishes to you and your friend, too. :grouphug:

Bless her heart! I'll be praying for her quick recovery and clean bill of health

Thank you so much!

[oybolshoi]

I'm so glad your friends ok. :goodvibes

Prayers answered!:goodvibes

Thank you both so much - great news!!! :goodvibes

[Tink rules]

Hi friends! :goodvibes

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the responses yesterday to the latest update ... I had a ton of fun reading through them all last night once I got home from work.

I wondered if I might ask a favor of everyone?

A dear friend of mine just found out this weekend that she has a brain tumor - she had a seizure Saturday morning and that's how the doctors discovered it and now she's having surgery today to remove it. The good news is that they are 99% certain that the tumor is benign, but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug:

Thank you all so much for your good thoughts and prayers ... I had an email from my friend's daughter and this is what she said:

Hello again. Mom's surgery went well. Everything is going as planned and is going good. Please put a post for my Dad on the Disboards. Thanks for your prayers!

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

A little late for the surgery... but I'll add mine for a good recovery... :grouphug: :grouphug:

[Me&3]

Hi friends! :goodvibes

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the responses yesterday to the latest update ... I had a ton of fun reading through them all last night once I got home from work.

I wondered if I might ask a favor of everyone?

A dear friend of mine just found out this weekend that she has a brain tumor - she had a seizure Saturday morning and that's how the doctors discovered it and now she's having surgery today to remove it. The good news is that they are 99% certain that the tumor is benign, but she's looking at about five hours of surgery today and I was hoping everyone could spare a little pixie dust, or good vibes, or prayers ... whatever belief system you may subscribe to ... and send them her way.

Thank you all so much!!! :grouphug:
:grouphug: :flower3: pixiedust:

[podsnel]

Thank you all so much for your good thoughts and prayers ... I had an email from my friend's daughter and this is what she said:

Hello again. Mom's surgery went well. Everything is going as planned and is going good. Please put a post for my Dad on the Disboards. Thanks for your prayers!

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

That's wonderful!!! A very, very Happy Thanksgiving to all of you-

Ellen:grouphug:

[travelmel]

Best wishes to your friend for a speedy recovery. :flower3:

[whogirl'smom]

I'm so glad everything went well in your friend's surgery, Brenda. There is nothing like the fear you feel when someone close to you is sick.

And just in case you need a little chuckle today, I'll add a couple more names to the "that's just wrong" list:

Friend of mine was interviewing a mother regarding a child abuse report, asked how to pronounce the little girl's name.

Mom: Pa-ja-may (phonetic spelling).
Friend: That's interesting, where did you hear of it?
Mom: In the Sears catalog. Isn't it pretty?

The child's name was Pajama. :sad2:

This same friend of mine went to school with a girl named Crystal Leer. Middle name was Shanda.

I have seen boys named Air Jordan and Nike. A baby girl named Miata (remember those cars?)

Brenda, have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow!!

[winkers]

I'm so glad your friends surgery went well.:goodvibes

[DisneyMom5]

I did, in fact, go to school with a girl named Cara Sell.
She was VERY shy and quiet. Go figure.

[oybolshoi]

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! :goodvibes
Have a wonderful day tomorrow and a terrific weekend with your families and friends. :grouphug:

We are having a small gathering tomorrow ... just Grimace and Jon, my nephew and his wife. Rather than cooking a turkey (which I don't really like anyway) we're having cranberry stuffing stuffed turkey breast (thank you Dean and Deluca) with some traditional fixings ... sweet potato mush, vegetable melody, apple pie, pumpkin pie ... I'm making cinnamon ice cream right now and then I'm going to poach some pears in port wine and chop 'em up and bake little tarts with blue cheese and drunken pears tomorrow. :goodvibes

Do you guys want turkey day food porn? :lmao:

[DisneyMom5]

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! :goodvibes
Have a wonderful day tomorrow and a terrific weekend with your families and friends. :grouphug:

We are having a small gathering tomorrow ... just Grimace and Jon, my nephew and his wife. Rather than cooking a turkey (which I don't really like anyway) we're having cranberry stuffing stuffed turkey breast (thank you Dean and Deluca) with some traditional fixings ... sweet potato mush, vegetable melody, apple pie, pumpkin pie ... I'm making cinnamon ice cream right now and then I'm going to poach some pears in port wine and chop 'em up and bake little tarts with blue cheese and drunken pears tomorrow. :goodvibes

Do you guys want turkey day food porn? :lmao:

YES PLEASE! :thumbsup2

I lucked out (?) and was asked not to make anything, just to supply the groceries to my SIL for her to make the dishes.
I told my dh that in my younger years I would have been offended by this.
Now, not so much. LOL

Have a GREAT Thanksgiving! (will there be gambling for Grimace?)

[allshookup]

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! :goodvibes
Have a wonderful day tomorrow and a terrific weekend with your families and friends. :grouphug:

We are having a small gathering tomorrow ... just Grimace and Jon, my nephew and his wife. Rather than cooking a turkey (which I don't really like anyway) we're having cranberry stuffing stuffed turkey breast (thank you Dean and Deluca) with some traditional fixings ... sweet potato mush, vegetable melody, apple pie, pumpkin pie ... I'm making cinnamon ice cream right now and then I'm going to poach some pears in port wine and chop 'em up and bake little tarts with blue cheese and drunken pears tomorrow. :goodvibes

Do you guys want turkey day food porn? :lmao:

Yes! I'll take all the porn I can get....food that is! ;) I'm not cooking at all. We're going to Hart's Turkey Farm in NH, which for those who have never been, it isn't a farm at all but a restaurant specializing in what else but turkey! ;) They have wood panelling & every turkey plate ever made by man (well looks like it anyway) plastered all over their walls. So kitchy....but fun!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[oybolshoi]

YES PLEASE! :thumbsup2

I lucked out (?) and was asked not to make anything, just to supply the groceries to my SIL for her to make the dishes.
I told my dh that in my younger years I would have been offended by this.
Now, not so much. LOL

Have a GREAT Thanksgiving! (will there be gambling for Grimace?)

You also have a great Thanksgiving!

As for Grimmie ... she's apparently been sick the last few days so I'd say the gamble is letting her into our house tomorrow, which Jay has decreed to be a: PUKE FREE ZONE.

:lmao: :rotfl2:

[oybolshoi]

Yes! I'll take all the porn I can get....food that is! ;) I'm not cooking at all. We're going to Hart's Turkey Farm in NH, which for those who have never been, it isn't a farm at all but a restaurant specializing in what else but turkey! ;) They have wood panelling & every turkey plate ever made by man (well looks like it anyway) plastered all over their walls. So kitchy....but fun!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

How fun is that! :thumbsup2 It sounds like a great way to spend the day ... I hope you all have lots of fun. :goodvibes

[Me&3]

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING :goodvibes Maybe grimace would like to eat at the Plaza in the MK :rotfl2:

[oybolshoi]

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING :goodvibes Maybe grimace would like to eat at the Plaza in the MK :rotfl2:

I just got off the phone with Grimmie ... sounds like solid foods are the last thing she's interested in right now (but I bet she'd like some port!). Poor thing ... she really had it bad ... whatever it was. :confused3

Have a great day tomorrow! :goodvibes

[jeminni]

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! :goodvibes
Have a wonderful day tomorrow and a terrific weekend with your families and friends. :grouphug:

We are having a small gathering tomorrow ... just Grimace and Jon, my nephew and his wife. Rather than cooking a turkey (which I don't really like anyway) we're having cranberry stuffing stuffed turkey breast (thank you Dean and Deluca) with some traditional fixings ... sweet potato mush, vegetable melody, apple pie, pumpkin pie ... I'm making cinnamon ice cream right now and then I'm going to poach some pears in port wine and chop 'em up and bake little tarts with blue cheese and drunken pears tomorrow. :goodvibes

Do you guys want turkey day food porn? :lmao:



I would love the recipe for the tarts. My husband loves blue cheese. :goodvibes

[Tink rules]

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! :goodvibes
Have a wonderful day tomorrow and a terrific weekend with your families and friends. :grouphug:

We are having a small gathering tomorrow ... just Grimace and Jon, my nephew and his wife. Rather than cooking a turkey (which I don't really like anyway) we're having cranberry stuffing stuffed turkey breast (thank you Dean and Deluca) with some traditional fixings ... sweet potato mush, vegetable melody, apple pie, pumpkin pie ... I'm making cinnamon ice cream right now and then I'm going to poach some pears in port wine and chop 'em up and bake little tarts with blue cheese and drunken pears tomorrow. :goodvibes

Do you guys want turkey day food porn? :lmao:

I just want the tarts.. sent to my house.. you still have the address, right???

YES PLEASE! :thumbsup2

I lucked out (?) and was asked not to make anything, just to supply the groceries to my SIL for her to make the dishes.
I told my dh that in my younger years I would have been offended by this.
Now, not so much. LOL

Have a GREAT Thanksgiving! (will there be gambling for Grimace?)

We had that... one of my friends asked her SIL what she could bring and she said the Turkey... & then kept all the left overs too...

You also have a great Thanksgiving!

As for Grimmie ... she's apparently been sick the last few days so I'd say the gamble is letting her into our house tomorrow, which Jay has decreed to be a: PUKE FREE ZONE.

:lmao: :rotfl2:

I just got off the phone with Grimmie ... sounds like solid foods are the last thing she's interested in right now (but I bet she'd like some port!). Poor thing ... she really had it bad ... whatever it was. :confused3

Have a great day tomorrow! :goodvibes

Ohhhh... even Grimmie needs a break... :hug:

Oh and spray her down with Lysol... :upsidedow

[travelmel]

Sounds like a lovely meal, Brenda! I hope we will see some food porn outta it! Please give your mom my best. I hate being sick BLECH.

Would you mind if I pimp a couple threads?? If you do, please feel free to delete, seiously! :goodvibes

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't forget... Holiday Food Porn and any other pics you'd like to share are all welcome on the Seasonal Thread!

The Seasonal Thread- All welcome!
this one started around Halloween but include Thanksgiving and will be going into Christmas. Just a place to share pics, family, and anything else!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1999029

The pumpkin, fall/winter squash and sweet potato recipes thread
this one even has an index.. this lady ROCKS her organization skills!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1992432

:grouphug:

[ICNAnnie2]

Yes! I'll take all the porn I can get....food that is! ;) I'm not cooking at all. We're going to Hart's Turkey Farm in NH, which for those who have never been, it isn't a farm at all but a restaurant specializing in what else but turkey! ;) They have wood panelling & every turkey plate ever made by man (well looks like it anyway) plastered all over their walls. So kitchy....but fun!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ohhhhhhhh....love Hart's!!! My DH was born and raised in that area and we still spend a great deal of time there. We were just "home" for a visit in September and brought back our usual stash of Hart's carrot relish. DH and our grown DD love that stuff. It's a must to serve in our home before dinner on Thanksgiving. Have a great time!

Brenda, watch out for the cranberries!!! They are so notorious for hurting our poor damaged bladders that those of us with IC call them ACID BOMBS. Do you have any Prelief (dietary supplement that helps to neutralize acid in food)? If not, taking a few Tums can help if you consume something too acidic.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[DisneyMom5]

We had that... one of my friends asked her SIL what she could bring and she said the Turkey... & then kept all the left overs too...


Thankfully I didn't have to supply the turkey! LOL
We never get leftovers because 1) dinner at my SIL's the turkey is provided by my MIL who wants the leftovers and 2) we usually travel the next day anyway and are gone for 4 days and 3) the turkey at my mom's house is usually used up in those 4 days.

So...I buy my own turkeys when they are dirt cheap and make them later.

Have a great day everyone!

[Donald is #1]

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving everyone!

[oybolshoi]

I would love the recipe for the tarts. My husband loves blue cheese. :goodvibes

Consider it done ... as soon as I post it. ;)

I just want the tarts.. sent to my house.. you still have the address, right???

I do have the address but I don't think the tarts will travel well. I'll give you the recipe and when I know that I can stand to stand for long periods of time I'll mail you a different package. I promise. :hug:

Ohhhh... even Grimmie needs a break... :hug:

Oh and spray her down with Lysol... :upsidedow

She does need a break ... thanks! And I can't believe you said that about the Lysol - I said the same thing to Jay last night! :lmao:


Sounds like a lovely meal, Brenda! I hope we will see some food porn outta it! Please give your mom my best. I hate being sick BLECH.

Would you mind if I pimp a couple threads?? If you do, please feel free to delete, seiously! :goodvibes

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't forget... Holiday Food Porn and any other pics you'd like to share are all welcome on the Seasonal Thread!

The Seasonal Thread- All welcome!
this one started around Halloween but include Thanksgiving and will be going into Christmas. Just a place to share pics, family, and anything else!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1999029

The pumpkin, fall/winter squash and sweet potato recipes thread
this one even has an index.. this lady ROCKS her organization skills!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1992432

:grouphug:


Hiya Mel! I've already taken picture of the cinammon bread and milk punch that we had for breakfast ... I love food porn and people who love food porn! :grouphug: And pimp away ... you know I don't mind. :thumbsup2

Ohhhhhhhh....love Hart's!!! My DH was born and raised in that area and we still spend a great deal of time there. We were just "home" for a visit in September and brought back our usual stash of Hart's carrot relish. DH and our grown DD love that stuff. It's a must to serve in our home before dinner on Thanksgiving. Have a great time!

Brenda, watch out for the cranberries!!! They are so notorious for hurting our poor damaged bladders that those of us with IC call them ACID BOMBS. Do you have any Prelief (dietary supplement that helps to neutralize acid in food)? If not, taking a few Tums can help if you consume something too acidic.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi Annie ... may I call you Annie? Is that actually your name? Anyhoo ... Hart's sounds like so much fun - I wish we lived near someplace like that. No dice out here in Stinksville. ;) As for the cranberries ... I'm right there with ya! I actually don't like them very much and my step-father, who is an awesome cook, is making a separate batch of dressing sans cranberries. How sweet is that?


Thankfully I didn't have to supply the turkey! LOL We never get leftovers because 1) dinner at my SIL's the turkey is provided by my MIL who wants the leftovers and 2) we usually travel the next day anyway and are gone for 4 days and 3) the turkey at my mom's house is usually used up in those 4 days.

So...I buy my own turkeys when they are dirt cheap and make them later.

Have a great day everyone!

Happy Turkey Day, Mom-of-Many! :grouphug:

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving everyone!

DITTO!!!! :grouphug: :grouphug:

[BriarRosie]

Gobble Gobble. Happy Thanksgiving. :)

Last year I made the turkey, and it turned out fabulous. This year, my SIL told me that since I did a lot of work last year, she's letting me off the hook this year, and I could bring an appetizer. I picked the easiest no-effort thing: crudité platter with dip. I know I could have bought veggies and cut them up, but I let the supermarket do the work for me. ;)

[DisneyLaura]

And just in case you need a little chuckle today, I'll add a couple more names to the "that's just wrong" list:

Friend of mine was interviewing a mother regarding a child abuse report, asked how to pronounce the little girl's name.

Mom: Pa-ja-may (phonetic spelling).
Friend: That's interesting, where did you hear of it?
Mom: In the Sears catalog. Isn't it pretty?

The child's name was Pajama. :sad2:

This same friend of mine went to school with a girl named Crystal Leer. Middle name was Shanda.

I have seen boys named Air Jordan and Nike. A baby girl named Miata (remember those cars?)

Brenda, have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow!!

That is just so wrong

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! :goodvibes
Have a wonderful day tomorrow and a terrific weekend with your families and friends. :grouphug:

We are having a small gathering tomorrow ... just Grimace and Jon, my nephew and his wife. Rather than cooking a turkey (which I don't really like anyway) we're having cranberry stuffing stuffed turkey breast (thank you Dean and Deluca) with some traditional fixings ... sweet potato mush, vegetable melody, apple pie, pumpkin pie ... I'm making cinnamon ice cream right now and then I'm going to poach some pears in port wine and chop 'em up and bake little tarts with blue cheese and drunken pears tomorrow. :goodvibes

Do you guys want turkey day food porn? :lmao:

Thanksgiving food porn - heck yeah

Hope Grimace feels better.

Happy Thanksgiving to Brenda and Jay and everyone else who posts on her TR

Laura :flower3:

[oybolshoi]

Happy to share with my food-friends here at ths DIS...

Cinnamon Ice Cream

Ingredients

1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
2 eggs, beaten up
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together the sugar and the half-and-half. When the mixture begins to simmer, remove from heat, and slowly add half of the mixture to your already badly beaten eggs. Whisk quickly as you pour so that your eggs don't end up scrambled.

Once well combined, pour the egg mixture into the remaining sugar / half-and-half mixture in the saucepan and return to medium-low heat, adding the heavy cream. Continue coooking at this temperature, stirring constantly until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. I'd say about 7 minutes - the mixture should not come close to boiling and should just start to thicken slightly. Don't cook it too long or it will turn into a custard. Ick.

Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla and cinnamon, pour into a storage container and set aside to cool at room temperature. Once the mixture has cooled sufficiently refrigerate it overnight.

The next day, once you're ready, pour mixture into your ice cream maker and proceed according to directions.

We find that storing the mixture overnight lends much better results when we use our ice cream maker. It takes about 20 minutes in the machine and then we dump it into another container and freeze overnight - the result is yummy, thick, ice cream. This one actually tastes like a frozen, creamy cinnamon roll - I can't wait to try it with both the pumpkin pie and the apple pie that other people are making (we got off easy this time!).

*Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes . com, with a few helpful(?) comments from yours truly.


Pear and Blue Cheese Tarts

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry
2 pears - peeled and chopped
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (whichever one works for you - we just bought some blue cheese crumbles to save on time and effort and they did the trick quite nicely)

Directions

Thaw puff pastry at room temperature - about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Roll pastry into a 14-inch square on a lightly floured board and cut into 36 squares. **NOTE - Jay and I don't have a mini-muffin pan, so we cut 12 squares instead and made "normal" sized tarts.** And although the recipe doesn't say anything ... I strongly suggest spraying your muffin pan with something along the lines of Pam.

Place your pastry into the above discussed muffin pan of choice. Then place equal amounts of chopped pear and blue cheese into the pastry-lined cups. Feeling really festive? Top with 2 or 3 dried cherries or cranberries.

Bake for 12-15 minutes and serve warm.

**Jay and Bendy's modification**

Poach your pears in wine to add some sweetness. We could only find Bartlet pears this time of year which are firm and mild ... we really felt that the recipe needed a little more sweetness to offset the savoriness of the cheese. To which ...

Pour half a bottle of red wine (or port which is what we're using) into a sauce pan with an equal amount of cold water. Split a vanilla bean lengthwise and add to the saucepan. Add a cinnamon stick and 1 cup of sugar - stir until well combined.

Take your pears, peeled but not chopped and with the stems intact, and add them to the saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes or until sufficiently tender. Remove from heat and cool in the liquid at room temperature. The chop 'em up and proceed with the rest of the recipe as listed above.

Enjoy!!! :goodvibes

[cntkg1]

I'm so glad everything went well in your friend's surgery, Brenda. There is nothing like the fear you feel when someone close to you is sick.

And just in case you need a little chuckle today, I'll add a couple more names to the "that's just wrong" list:

Friend of mine was interviewing a mother regarding a child abuse report, asked how to pronounce the little girl's name.

Mom: Pa-ja-may (phonetic spelling).
Friend: That's interesting, where did you hear of it?
Mom: In the Sears catalog. Isn't it pretty?

The child's name was Pajama. :sad2:

This same friend of mine went to school with a girl named Crystal Leer. Middle name was Shanda.

I have seen boys named Air Jordan and Nike. A baby girl named Miata (remember those cars?)

Brenda, have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow!!

You just reminded me of a girl I went to high school with:

Faith Cherty ...middle name: Hope. ;)

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! :goodvibes

Do you guys want turkey day food porn? :lmao:

Any food porn is good porn B !!:goodvibes

My bosses mom made homemade rolls yesterday, took a few pictures and emailed them over to her. I was standing in her office when the email came over and my boss was so embarassed that her mom would take pictures. I just laughed and told her that she just received "Food Porn" of her mom's buns!! :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[oybolshoi]

Gobble Gobble. Happy Thanksgiving. :)

Last year I made the turkey, and it turned out fabulous. This year, my SIL told me that since I did a lot of work last year, she's letting me off the hook this year, and I could bring an appetizer. I picked the easiest no-effort thing: crudité platter with dip. I know I could have bought veggies and cut them up, but I let the supermarket do the work for me. ;)

Happy Thanksgiving Lori! :hug:

And I'm totally on board with letting someone else do the work ... which is why I ordered the stuffed turkey breast from Dean and Deluca and it is thawing on my drainboard as I type. :thumbsup2


That is just so wrong

Truer words were never typed. ;)


Thanksgiving food porn - heck yeah

Hope Grimace feels better.

Happy Thanksgiving to Brenda and Jay and everyone else who posts on her TR

Laura :flower3:

Thanks for the good wishes Laura. Hope you and your family have a great day, too! :hug:

[oybolshoi]

You just reminded me of a girl I went to high school with:

Faith Cherty ...middle name: Hope. ;)


Any food porn is good porn B !!:goodvibes

My bosses mom made homemade rolls yesterday, took a few pictures and emailed them over to her. I was standing in her office when the email came over and my boss was so embarassed that her mom would take pictures. I just laughed and told her that she just received "Food Porn" of her mom's buns!! :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Happy Turkey Day, Mother Goose! :hug: :hug:

Your story just gave me the first good laugh of the day - thanks!!! :thumbsup2

[TigerKat]

Happy Thanksgiving Brenda & Jay! Of course we want Turkey Day Porn......:rotfl2:

A friend posted this earlier, thought you guys would like it:

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm86/jjsmoot/happy-thanksgiving.jpg

[Guy Incognito]

Brenda, watch out for the cranberries!!! They are so notorious for hurting our poor damaged bladders that those of us with IC call them ACID BOMBS.



http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n306/Jason570/The_Cranberries.jpg

Yeah, their music makes my bladder cringe sometimes too....

:rolleyes1

[PNO4TE]

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n306/Jason570/The_Cranberries.jpg

Yeah, their music makes my bladder cringe sometimes too....

:rolleyes1

:rotfl2:

Happy Thanksgiving to all of Brenda's followers!

[LiteBrite]

Brenda, your spread sounds luverly.

We are having a late-ish dinner, at 7. This decision was made to accomodate my daughter's boyfriend, whose family was supposed to eat at 1, but then they pushed it back to 4. DD promised me that the two of them will be here in time for 7:00 dinner, but I know they're going to be way too stuffed to eat when they get here.

Now, combine that with the fact that I planned for a group of 14. Our core group is hubby and me, DD and boyfriend, and my parents. We also invited a couple who have no family in town, and so have been joining us for the last 5 years. Finally, we have a family of 6 whose dad/husband is in the hospital recovering from major heart surgery, who we invited in case they were under too much stress to cook for themselves. The good news is that their dad improved so much in the last couple of days that he is out of ICU, and they are taking Thanksgiving to him in the hospital, and therefore not coming to my house.

After we got that news, we found out that the couple won't be coming either because the wife has an ear infection.

This leaves me with 6 people, 2 of whom will have finished dinner #1 about an hour before dinner #2, and I have a 21 pound turkey. Oy-yoy-yoy.

Good thing I like leftovers! :rotfl2:

[Rafikifan]

Try not to stress too much. It will all work out. You can always use leftover turkey. Turkey spagetti, turkey veg. soup, etc. I have dealt with the "try to do holidays at 2 places on the same day" for 22 years as a wife wanting to please parents/grandparents AND now as a mom whose dd has to fit in dbf's family plans with ours. Either side nobody is completely satisfied usually. Hang in there.





Brenda, your spread sounds luverly.

We are having a late-ish dinner, at 7. This decision was made to accomodate my daughter's boyfriend, whose family was supposed to eat at 1, but then they pushed it back to 4. DD promised me that the two of them will be here in time for 7:00 dinner, but I know they're going to be way too stuffed to eat when they get here.

Now, combine that with the fact that I planned for a group of 14. Our core group is hubby and me, DD and boyfriend, and my parents. We also invited a couple who have no family in town, and so have been joining us for the last 5 years. Finally, we have a family of 6 whose dad/husband is in the hospital recovering from major heart surgery, who we invited in case they were under too much stress to cook for themselves. The good news is that their dad improved so much in the last couple of days that he is out of ICU, and they are taking Thanksgiving to him in the hospital, and therefore not coming to my house.

After we got that news, we found out that the couple won't be coming either because the wife has an ear infection.

This leaves me with 6 people, 2 of whom will have finished dinner #1 about an hour before dinner #2, and I have a 21 pound turkey. Oy-yoy-yoy.

Good thing I like leftovers! :rotfl2:

[oybolshoi]

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n306/Jason570/The_Cranberries.jpg

Yeah, their music makes my bladder cringe sometimes too....

:rolleyes1

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

my bladder hurts from laughing ... :laughing:

[ChelleinNC]

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving :goodvibes

[LiteBrite]

Try not to stress too much. It will all work out. You can always use leftover turkey. Turkey spagetti, turkey veg. soup, etc. I have dealt with the "try to do holidays at 2 places on the same day" for 22 years as a wife wanting to please parents/grandparents AND now as a mom whose dd has to fit in dbf's family plans with ours. Either side nobody is completely satisfied usually. Hang in there.

Aw, thanks. I sent a LOT of leftovers home with DD and her boyfriend (both broke college students who never turn down free food :thumbsup2 ).

The other funny thing that happened - my elderly mother has memory problems. She was supposed to make pumpkin pies, one regular and one sugar free. She showed up with three pies - one of them was ok, one had no sugar or any other sweetening of any kind in it :scared1: , and the one that was supposed to be sugar free (for my diabetic hubby) tasted so sweet that we're thinking she put both the Splenda and the sugar that was meant for the second pie in it! :rotfl2:

Ah,adventures in dementia.... :rolleyes:

[D&R love Disney]

Happy belated turkey day Brendine :rotfl2:

That sushi looks gorgeous! And thanks for the great review of the margarita at the pool bar at SSR, I'll be there on Sunday.

Can't wait to hear more.

[WDW Fan]

Hi Brenda, just got all caught up with your TR and as usual it's just outstanding!!!:thumbsup2 Sounds like you really had some great meals at WDW this trip and even enjoyed a lot of the F&W Festival offerings.;) Sorry to hear that you've been having some health issues, but hopefully you've got it under control with the medication and diet. It was so nice that you were able to meet up with other dissers and enjoy a dinner together. My DH and I are going to Tokyo Dining for the first time in a week, and I'm hoping for a table overlooking the WS! We usually eat at Teppan Edo but I was looking for something different this time. Hope to see your Thanksgiving food porn pictures and am looking forward to more reviews of your delicacies at WDW!!!:) You're such an entertaining writer - thanks for taking the time to share with us.:)

[oybolshoi]

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving :goodvibes

Ditto that. Hope yours was a good one, too! :hug:

Aw, thanks. I sent a LOT of leftovers home with DD and her boyfriend (both broke college students who never turn down free food :thumbsup2 ).

The other funny thing that happened - my elderly mother has memory problems. She was supposed to make pumpkin pies, one regular and one sugar free. She showed up with three pies - one of them was ok, one had no sugar or any other sweetening of any kind in it :scared1: , and the one that was supposed to be sugar free (for my diabetic hubby) tasted so sweet that we're thinking she put both the Splenda and the sugar that was meant for the second pie in it! :rotfl2:

Ah,adventures in dementia.... :rolleyes:

Glad that everything worked out OK so that you weren't swimming in leftovers. :thumbsup2

Awwww, your poor mom ... bless her heart. :hug: :laughing: That reminds me of this one time a few years ago when we paid my great-aunt a visit and she made a chocolate creme pie ... only she did something wrong with the pudding and it never ... pudded, for lack of a better word ... it was like eating grahmn crackers with chocolate soup. :rotfl2:

Happy belated turkey day Brendine :rotfl2:

That sushi looks gorgeous! And thanks for the great review of the margarita at the pool bar at SSR, I'll be there on Sunday.

Can't wait to hear more.

Hi Deb! Thanks for reading and have a great great trip - I'm looking forward to hearing all about it once you're back home! :goodvibes

Hi Brenda, just got all caught up with your TR, and as usual, it's just outstanding!!!:thumbsup2 Sounds like you really had some great meals at WDW this trip and even enjoyed a lot of the F&W Festival offerings.;) Sorry to hear that you've been having some health issues, but hopefully, you've got it under control with the medication and diet. It was so nice that you were able to meet up with other dissers and enjoy a dinner together. My DH and I are going to Tokyo Dining for the first time in a week and I'm hoping for a table overlooking the WS! We usually eat at Teppan Edo but I was looking for something different this time. Hope to see your Thanksgiving food porn pictures and am looking forward to more reviews of your delicacies at WDW!!!:) You're such an entertaining writer - thanks for taking the time to share with us.:)

Hi Linda! Thanks so much for reading and for your kind words ... health is making a comeback and I'm really trying to get this sciatica under control. Just when I think it's getting better it comes back and bites me ... literally. :laughing:

I hope you enjoy your dinner at Tokyo Dining ... I would have loved a window table but it was so crowded the night we were there I didn't even bother to ask.

Jay is supposed to upload pics for me today so hopefully I can get the Turkey Day porn posted tomorrow before it loses its appeal. ;)

Have a great trip and be sure to come back and tell the rest of us how everything was! :hug:

[teruterubouzu]

A belated Happy Thanksgiving to you! A Dean & Deluca turkey breast sounds about right. I think I'll have to order one of those next year.

[Tink rules]

Better yet... order my mother... she'll come and cook... :rotfl:

[PNO4TE]

Better yet... order my mother... she'll come and cook... :rotfl:

:rotfl2:

[oybolshoi]

Thursday, November 27th - We Cooked Some of It ... We Smelled All of It ... And We Ate Most of It: A Stinktown Thanksgiving!

Small family gatherings call for creative thinking, especially on Thanksgiving since no one wants to be daring and fix something other than a big bird stuffed with three-week old bread. Not being a fan of turkey myself, I often look for ways to get around the whole concept of TRADITION (now might be a good time to play the soundtrack from Fiddler on the Roof ... ). This year I hit upon the perfect solution while ogling the most recent catalogue from Dean and Deluca: Turkey Roulade with cranberry sauce / sage stuffing.

By ordering this I guaranteed that no one would have to slave in the kitchen all day to produce a dried out bird with way more meat than six people could eat in three months. And since it only took about two hours to cook, I guaranteed an on-time dinner service at precisely 4PM ... a Thanksgiving miracle!

Without further ado ... pictures of the yumminess that was our day. I hope you enjoy it!

First up ... Fresh Cinnamon Bread ala' Pillsbury Mix!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270001.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270004.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270005.jpg

We washed down the bread with some Brandy Milk Punch, which is a holiday favorite at our house ... interested in the recipe? Go to my blog - it's still listed there for your alcoholic pleasure.

Without nutmeg...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270002.jpg

With nutmeg...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270003.jpg

Our tasty port-poached pears with blue cheese ...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270014.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270016.jpg

Our Stinktown dining room - I would have liked to have used our china for once in something like seven years for a more elegant table setting, but since we have to store it in a bedroom closet we decided it was more trouble than it was worth to dig it out and use it for dinner only to have Grimace call us snobs for doing so.

Pre-candle lighting ...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270009-1.jpg

Candles lit for snooty ambience
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270018.jpg

Would you like some wine with dinner? You have a choice ...

Moscato
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270006-1.jpg

Beaujolais
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270007-1.jpg

Our fur-baby Handsome Pete sitting at the kitchen table waiting for tasty scraps...

I'm behaving ... now gimme something good!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270019.jpg

How can you resist my irresistableness???
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270020.jpg

Next up ... Jon's homemade cranberry sauce. I don't eat it but everyone says that it's way better than that jelled stuff from a can.

It's crantastic ... or so I've been told.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270012.jpg

Jon's sweet potato mush ... I actually like mine better but he wanted to do most of the cooking this year and who am I to say no? ;)

It's mushy all right.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270013.jpg

[oybolshoi]

Thursday, November 27th - We Cooked Some of It ... We Smelled All of It ... And We Ate Most of It: A Stinktown Thanksgiving!

Picking up from where we left off ... Jon makes the best homemade rolls at the holidays, and he shapes them like little birds! He knows how much I love bread so he always makes these at Thanksgiving and again at Christmas.

Bird rolls!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270011.jpg

And because my mom worried that there wouldn't be enough food, she brought a little honey-baked ham for everyone to nibble on, too.

Mmmmmm, who doesn't like pig flesh?
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270010.jpg

And now ... the glorious turkey breast!

Fresh out of the oven ...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270017.jpg

Sliced up and ready for hungry guests.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270023.jpg

A close up ...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270024.jpg

Other yummy items we had for dinner ... Butternut Squash Soup, Homemade Stuffing, and A Melody of Vegetables.

Pot o'soup.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270022.jpg

Brenda's bowl o'soup.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270026.jpg

Jon's homemade stuffing!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270021.jpg

Squash ... carrots ... zuccini ... beans!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270025.jpg

Brenda's dinner plate ... a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270027.jpg

Now, who wants dessert???

Jon made a pumpkin pie ... from scratch. The man really is a terrific cook!

Yum!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270028.jpg

Dylan's wifey, Jen, made an apple pie from scratch which was awesome, and I'm not usually a big fan of apple pie.

More yum!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270031.jpg

And in a stunning display of unplanned genius, Jay and I made homemade Cinnamon Ice Cream. It tasted like a frozen, creamy cinnamon roll and paired exceptionally well with both pies, although I thought it worked best with Jen's apple pie.

Maw, somebody's bin at the frozen cream agin!!!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270030.jpg

Brenda's dessert plate...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270033.jpg

Jay's dessert plate...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270034.jpg

And thus ends our Turkey Day feasting. It was a pretty darn tasty meal, if we do say so ourselves! Thanks for letting me share ... I'll get back to the WDW food porn in a couple of days with some more F&W booths and then a trip to Party for the Senseless. :thumbsup2

[TigerKat]

Small family gatherings call for creative thinking, especially on Thanksgiving since no one wants to be daring and fix something other than a big bird stuffed with three-week old bread.

By ordering this I guaranteed that no one would have to slave in the kitchen all day to produce a dried out bird with way more meat than six people could eat in three months.

Great idea Brenda! I spent two days and lots of $$$ cooking for myself, DH & DS. We're still looking at leftovers.:scared: Not doing it anymore, we're going out for Thanksgiving dinner next year.:thumbsup2

Your furbaby is adorable!

Those bird rolls are too cute and that turkey roulade looks soooooo good!

[travelmel]

[
I'm behaving ... now gimme something good!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270019.jpg


:lmao:

OMG That's funny!

Your pear tartlets look amazing! So does the cinammon ice cream. :cloud9: Wow, you rocked your TG! LOL

[DisneyMom5]

Can I come to your house next year???

Everything looks great.

I'm especially attracted to the rolls and the pies and that divine looking ice cream. MMMMMMMM........

[disneyfav4ever]

Looks like you had a good dinner. I took pictures of mine as well. :lmao: Me and my mom pretty much split up the work, she made corn, stuffing, and cranberry stuff, then I did two pies, sweet potatoes, and green beans. My sister even actually helped this year, and made mashed potatoes, granted, they were from a box, but they weren't even too bad.

[Circusgirl]

After Thanksgiving dinner I thought I'd never be hungry again, but your feast has taken care of that for me! Thank goodness - my dinner at V&A is only week and a half away.

Thanks for sharing the delightful deliciousness!

I especially wanted to dive head first into the big pile of rolls - just like autumn leaves only much tastier.

[BriarRosie]

I did not take any food porn of my holiday meal. My SIL and her family would have thought I was bonkers. (And yet we already know that. I don't want them to know that! :laughing: )

I thought your cat looked like Morris, but I was more intrigued by the Simpsons fridge graffiti and the disturbing one of Homer in his tightie-whities. :rotfl2:

The turkey I made last year didn't take that much more time than your roulade....and it was FREE. My company gives us a turkey each year before Thanksgiving, a hen about 12-14 lbs. The trick is to ignore the pop-up timer. If you went by that timer, you've overcooked the bird, turning it into a meaty desert wasteland only saved by dousing it liberally with gravy. I take it out when the meat thermometer stuck in the deep part of the thigh reads 160º and let it sit out and cover it with foil for 20-30 minutes. My other secret is to pour some 3 Buck Chuck red wine (aka Charles Shaw from Trader Joe's) over it about 30 minutes or so before you're ready to take it out. I think it helps crisp up the skin and gives some good flavor. I'm sure white wine would work, too.

I do think it's understandable to avoid making turkey if you're having a small group, and a turkey breast is a perfect alternative. The turkey roulade looked fabulous.

We also had ham because my brother got a honey baked ham FREE (because his company gave coupons for them). Very tasty piggie, indeed!

Loved the baked goods, especially Jon's rolls and your pear tarts. We had pumpkin and apple pies, too, but I only had eyes for the pumpkin. I would have loved cinnamon ice cream with it!

[Me&3]

That ice cream sounds wonderful:mickeybar. Did grimace behave?

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Great photos Brenda! looks like a great T-day. I couldn't help but notice your Colonial Williamsburg decor and glasses. I love those taverns ;)

[LiteBrite]

Aw, look at you guys with a piano in your dining room!:yay: (I bet you noticed that too, didn't you PNO4TE? :rotfl2: ) Do you play?

And your feast looks really good - especially the ice cream, which would have been just the ticket to redeem the pumpkin pie debacle at my house! :rotfl:

[cntkg1]

ooooh Bendy, it all looked delish! Well, everything except the pig flesh. :snooty: Maybe next year Stinktown and your friends from WI can unite. You do all the cooking and I'll bring the family. Sounds even steven to me. ;)

Thanks for sharing your Turkey Day dinner with us. :thumbsup2

[oybolshoi]

Great idea Brenda! I spent two days and lots of $$$ cooking for myself, DH & DS. We're still looking at leftovers.:scared: Not doing it anymore, we're going out for Thanksgiving dinner next year.:thumbsup2

Your furbaby is adorable!

Those bird rolls are too cute and that turkey roulade looks soooooo good!

Thanks Kathy! We've struggled for the last several holidays getting the right amount of food without overdoing it ... I think we're finally getting there. When Jay and I are in charge we'd rather have a few really good quality items rather than a big spread of crap. But Grimace says that means we're snobs. :confused3

Pete is a cutie, isn't he? And the bird rolls ... yummmmmie! We split them three ways at the end of the evening and ours are already gone. :lmao:

:lmao:

OMG That's funny!

Your pear tartlets look amazing! So does the cinammon ice cream. :cloud9: Wow, you rocked your TG! LOL

Hiya Mel! Thanks for stopping by ... isn't Pete a baby? :lovestruc We just finished polishing off the last of our pear tarts this afternoon ... yummy! And we still have ice cream left ... :rolleyes1

Can I come to your house next year???

Everything looks great.

I'm especially attracted to the rolls and the pies and that divine looking ice cream. MMMMMMMM........

Give us enough notice and we'd be happy to have you! :hug:

Looks like you had a good dinner. I took pictures of mine as well. :lmao: Me and my mom pretty much split up the work, she made corn, stuffing, and cranberry stuff, then I did two pies, sweet potatoes, and green beans. My sister even actually helped this year, and made mashed potatoes, granted, they were from a box, but they weren't even too bad.

I knew I wasn't the only one!!! :rotfl2: Your dinner sounds pretty tasty, too. And we totally forgot mashed potatoes, how shameful is that? :headache:

After Thanksgiving dinner I thought I'd never be hungry again, but your feast has taken care of that for me! Thank goodness - my dinner at V&A is only week and a half away.

Thanks for sharing the delightful deliciousness!

I especially wanted to dive head first into the big pile of rolls - just like autumn leaves only much tastier.

Hi there Circusgirl! Oooooh, I'm jealous ... V&A in just 10 days. I hope you have a great dinner there (of course you will, how could you not???). Those rolls are so good - they defy description by word. You have to try to translate the sounds people make while eating them and I've never been able to quite capture it. :laughing:

I did not take any food porn of my holiday meal. My SIL and her family would have thought I was bonkers. (And yet we already know that. I don't want them to know that! :laughing: )

I thought your cat looked like Morris, but I was more intrigued by the Simpsons fridge graffiti and the disturbing one of Homer in his tightie-whities. :rotfl2:

I was hoping you'd notice our Simpsons magnets on the refrigerator. Every time our younger neices and nephews come over they strip Homer and family down and then forget to re-clothe them before they leave. :rotfl2: Jay and I have obviously been remiss.

As for Pete ... he does look like Morris but his personality is much more down to earth. He's a lovey kitty who thinks he's part canine.


The turkey I made last year didn't take that much more time than your roulade....and it was FREE. My company gives us a turkey each year before Thanksgiving, a hen about 12-14 lbs. The trick is to ignore the pop-up timer. If you went by that timer, you've overcooked the bird, turning it into a meaty desert wasteland only saved by dousing it liberally with gravy. I take it out when the meat thermometer stuck in the deep part of the thigh reads 160º and let it sit out and cover it with foil for 20-30 minutes. My other secret is to pour some 3 Buck Chuck red wine (aka Charles Shaw from Trader Joe's) over it about 30 minutes or so before you're ready to take it out. I think it helps crisp up the skin and gives some good flavor. I'm sure white wine would work, too.

I do think it's understandable to avoid making turkey if you're having a small group, and a turkey breast is a perfect alternative. The turkey roulade looked fabulous.

We also had ham because my brother got a honey baked ham FREE (because his company gave coupons for them). Very tasty piggie, indeed!

Loved the baked goods, especially Jon's rolls and your pear tarts. We had pumpkin and apple pies, too, but I only had eyes for the pumpkin. I would have loved cinnamon ice cream with it!

I have never cooked a turkey ... I always leave it to Jon who refuses to admit that it's finished until that damn pop-up thing comes out. Needless to say dried out bird flesh has been our lot for years. The roulade was really good - I wouldn't hesitate to serve it again or recommend it to someone else.

I can't say enough good things about those rolls ... I wish I was eating them right now, but I finished them off at breakfast.

That ice cream sounds wonderful:mickeybar. Did grimace behave?

The ice cream was quite yummy. And Grimmie was very well behaved ... she did a good job Thursday of having a good time.

Great photos Brenda! looks like a great T-day. I couldn't help but notice your Colonial Williamsburg decor and glasses. I love those taverns ;)

Thanks! Jay and I are big Colonial Williamsburg fans ... we actually honeymooned there. And the taverns were our favorite places to eat ... can't wait to go back some day!

Aw, look at you guys with a piano in your dining room!:yay: (I bet you noticed that too, didn't you PNO4TE? ) Do you play?

And your feast looks really good - especially the ice cream, which would have been just the ticket to redeem the pumpkin pie debacle at my house! :rotfl:

Hi Litebrite! Jay is the piano player in the family ... he's actually quite talented and took lessons for many many years. I love to listen to the piano but have never managed to figure out how to play. I don't think I have the coordination any longer. :laughing:

Our feast was quite good, thank you! And if I could have sent you some spare ice cream I would have. :hug:

ooooh Bendy, it all looked delish! Well, everything except the pig flesh. :snooty: Maybe next year Stinktown and your friends from WI can unite. You do all the cooking and I'll bring the family. Sounds even steven to me.

Thanks for sharing your Turkey Day dinner with us. :thumbsup2

Hiya Goosie! What have you against that most magical of animals, the pig?

You'd be more than welcome but please understand ... I didn't do much of the cooking - that's why dinner turned out so well. I'm really only reliably good with desserts.

[disneyfav4ever]

I knew I wasn't the only one!!! :rotfl2: Your dinner sounds pretty tasty, too. And we totally forgot mashed potatoes, how shameful is that? :headache: That's pretty shameful, LOL. My sister had to make them, because we couldn't have Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes. ;)

[2xcited2sleep]

Hi there! I've been MIA lately but have enjoyed spending the afternoon catching up on your report and languishing in denial that tomorrow is back to work after the holiday! :sad2:

Sorry to hear you've been having a rough go of it. Hope that you are feeling better and will continue to feel better still! :goodvibes

Love your Thanksgiving pics. I too am drawn to the bird rolls. Those look yummy. You forgot mashed potatoes? :scared1: Oh and your wine selection... Georges Debeuf... that's a taste of Epcot right there!

:goodvibes :goodvibes

[whogirl'smom]

Thanks for the turkey porn, Brenda, it all looked so nice! I'm loving Grimmie's ham she brought! We had a very anxious, icky Thanksgiving weekend, so these updates were nice to come home to. DH's uncle has cancer and the doctors didn't think he'd make it past Sat. so we made an emergency trip to Richmond Fri and Sat, with 5 other family members. We had leftovers at my parents house tonight and it was wonderful, esp. my chocolate bread pudding with rum sauce!

[PNO4TE]

Moscato
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270006-1.jpg

It all looks and sounds delicious!

Wow! I can't believe you had a Martin & Weyrich Moscato, Brenda! We can't get it here. :( But I know the winemaker who made that bottle! We visited him at the winery in July 2007 and had a wonderful behind-the-scenes tour. He has since gone onto another winery, but one of Alan's specialties is Moscato. :goodvibes

[PNO4TE]

Great photos Brenda! looks like a great T-day. I couldn't help but notice your Colonial Williamsburg decor and glasses. I love those taverns ;)

Aw, look at you guys with a piano in your dining room!:yay: (I bet you noticed that too, didn't you PNO4TE? :rotfl2: ) Do you play?

I noticed both those things too. We love eating at the taverns in Colonial Williamsburg a few times a year (but there is this other place there... The Trellis... that owns our heart and palate). And yes, LiteBrite... I do know a bit about the piano. ;)

[oybolshoi]

Hi there! I've been MIA lately but have enjoyed spending the afternoon catching up on your report and languishing in denial that tomorrow is back to work after the holiday! :sad2:

Sorry to hear you've been having a rough go of it. Hope that you are feeling better and will continue to feel better still! :goodvibes

Love your Thanksgiving pics. I too am drawn to the bird rolls. Those look yummy. You forgot mashed potatoes? :scared1: Oh and your wine selection... Georges Debeuf... that's a taste of Epcot right there!

:goodvibes :goodvibes

Hi Christine - thanks for posting! I appreciate the kind words and while the sciatica is still a problem my other issues seem to be calming down, so that's good progress. :thumbsup2

The rolls ... so warm ... so yeasty ... so good! And I can't believe we forgot mashed taters either ... I love mashed potatoes. Apparently I had a massive potato-sized brain fart on Wednesday night at the grocery store. :lmao:

We love the Georges Debeuf Beaujolais ... the store we like to shop at suggested it to us several years ago and we buy it a lot. A nice wine for less than $10 a bottle ... can't beat that!

Thanks for the turkey porn, Brenda, it all looked so nice! I'm loving Grimmie's ham she brought! We had a very anxious, icky Thanksgiving weekend, so these updates were nice to come home to. DH's uncle has cancer and the doctors didn't think he'd make it past Sat. so we made an emergency trip to Richmond Fri and Sat, with 5 other family members. We had leftovers at my parents house tonight and it was wonderful, esp. my chocolate bread pudding with rum sauce!

Hi Jamie! So sorry to hear that your Thanksgiving weekened was so stressful and sad. :hug: I hope our Turkey Day update made you smile ... :flower3:

Now, about that bread pudding ... :rolleyes1 I don't suppose we could finagle a recipe could we? :goodvibes


It all looks and sounds delicious!

Wow! I can't believe you had a Martin & Weyrich Moscato, Brenda! We can't get it here. :( But I know the winemaker who made that bottle! We visited him at the winery in July 2007 and had a wonderful behind-the-scenes tour. He has since gone onto another winery, but one of Alan's specialties is Moscato. :goodvibes


Hi Elin! If you want the next time we go back to our favorite wine store I'll pick a bottle up for you if they still have some. I think we only pay about $11 or $12 per bottle. It's one of our favorite moscatos ...nice and light. Yum!!!

[kabuki]

Hey Brenda that looked wonderful!
I am with you and Turkey .. I could live my life out without seeing one again. I finally made the "traditional" Thanksgiving for Jason and I last year .. Went to Trader Joe's and got a Organic bird. Damn thing had more feathers left in it then Big Bird. After an hour of struggling with needle nose pliers trying to de-feather the thing, Jason came home with a normal hormone-full generic turkey for me to stuff and cook! Needless to say I am not ready to jump on the lets make a "real" Thanksgiving bandwagon any time soon!:rotfl2:

Also you cat is very handsome!!! I am with Lori though .. White-trash Homer in the background was very distracting. It reminded me of members of my family on holidays!:rotfl:
Thanks for showing us your celebration!!!:woohoo:

[MA pigletfan]

LOVE the turkey day pics!! YUM tastic!!! Do you have a recipe for the pear/bluecheese tartlet thing-a-majigs?? they looked so fun!
WOW..score some points for Jon and those bird bread rolls..;)

[cntkg1]

Hiya Goosie! What have you against that most magical of animals, the pig?

You'd be more than welcome but please understand ... I didn't do much of the cooking - that's why dinner turned out so well. I'm really only reliably good with desserts.


Sorry B, Goosie doesn't do pork....ever. Nor does she do a lot of any other kind of meat. Very little red meat (except a VERY occasional burger). :scared1:

I do, however, like my birdies and fish. Chicken, Turkey and any kind of fish
are right up my alley. :goodvibes

[29apr00]

Your recipe for Brandy Milk Punch sounds lovely!! I'm going to make that for xmas!! Thanks!

[zweihund]

I FINALLY joined the party. I guess ridiculously late is better than even more ridiculously late? Sounds like it's been a tough month for both of us! Here's hoping everything is on the upswing now.....

Again, we had a fantabulous time with you both. Now, on to your report!


After our conversation I promptly turned off my phone and locked it in the safe along with Jay’s phone, an extra camera, most of our cash and credit cards, and an emergency stash of booze and chocolate. I have a strong dislike of cell phones – I rarely turn mine on in the real world, primarily using it for emergencies, which explains why I sometimes find three-month old voice mail messages when I do use it. Having confirmed our plans I saw no need to carry my phone with me to Epcot … the second time in two days that I would reach such a conclusion.

**Now might be an appropriate time for you to select some ominous music to further aid the foreshadowing, if you’re so inclined. May I suggest Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor or perhaps Plankton’s favorite: A Night on Bald Mountain?**


:lmao: it's so true!


BTW, for anyone here who has not had the pleasure of reading Erica's wonderful cruise trip reports, get thee hence to the Disney Cruise boards and avail yourself of her travels. She's brilliant - and I mean this in all seriousness - she's a far better writer than yours truly, and while it hurts a bit to say that I try to be honest with you fine people and steer you towards only the best. So go forth and read with my tipsy thumbs-up!


Aw, you make me blush! That is very kind of you to say. You don't give yourself enough credit, though. After all, you're the one who inspired me to write my first report ever....so in a way, my report is your report! Or something like that.:hug:


Jay did ask me at one point, "Who or what exactly are we looking for?"

To which I responded, "Well, I've only seen pictures randomly posted on the boads; but I'd say we're looking for a shorter, darker, cuter, two-eyed version of me with a taller, equally handsome version of you. Don't worry, I'll know them when I see them."


Lionel asked me the same thing, and then answered himself with "oh, I know. We're looking for ME." :rotfl:


We waited … we watched … we wandered. No Erica. No Lionel. No Erica and Lionel. Hmmmm …. we speculated that on a Friday night the rush hour traffic could be bad. And the threatening clouds were piling up again ... we discussed the possibility that like a good baseball game Erica and Lionel were rain-delayed. Since we hadn't had anything to eat and were dizzy with hunger Jay and I decided to visit France's F&W Festival booth for a snack to hold us over until our friends arrived.

While keeping a weather eye on the increasingly stormy skies and another eye on the entrances to France by which Erica and her hubby would at any moment be approaching us, I managed to avail myself of the Moroccan bathroom facilites not once ... not twice ... but three times in one hour!!! I'm going to go out on a limb here and highly recommend Morocco for all your bathroom needs - it's convenient and clean and most importantly the stalls are all centered. Curious about the meaning behind that last comment? Pay a visit to Germany's bathrooms and wonder no more!

It was about this time ... close to 7PM ... that the skies grew dark and stormy and the winds kicked up and we were still minus half of our dining party ... since we never deign to bring an umbrella with us on vacation, Jay and I decided to bolt for Japan, assuming that Erica and Lionel would catch up with us there in time for dinner.


Lionel and I had one umbrella, but you no doubt noticed the difference between our heights....which was why I arrived soaking wet and he with barely a few drops on the cuffs of his pants.


Looking around at all the people swarming into the store, I began to wish that I'd brought my cell phone along with me because it was quite possible that a phone call might have served the dual purpose of letting Erica and Lionel know Jay and I were headed to Tokyo Dining to check in early and we would wait for them there while they could in turn let us know that they were alive and well and on their way ... which they tried to do ... multiple times.

Luckily after about thirty minutes of pacing and worrying and stomach growling, I spotted someone walking through the multitudes waiting for their tables at Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo (they share the same waiting area; how unfriendly) ... it was the Zweihund! Long story short, it turns out that the car in front of them on the highway was involved in an accident and they stopped to help and give a report to the highway patrol. See what good peoples they are?


Yes, it's true.....right as we were passing the Lake Nona exit, miraculously on time for once in our lives, it happened: an SUV coming down off the exit ramp blew a tire, swerved, rolled bumper over trunk and sent a street sign flying completely across the road and just narrowly missing our car. After yelling OMIGODOMIGODOMIGOD at a shocking decibel level, I called 911 as Lionel parked and ran over to the lady's truck. Thankfully, she only had a few scratches. I can't say the same for her car, which was completely destroyed after bouncing gracefully through the air so many times.

Even though we were about an hour (or more?) late, I made Lionel stop at the slushie stand because I NEEDED MY SLUSHIE. Sure, it got diluted by rainwater as we scoured the crowds looking for you guys. But it was still awesome. And we arrived just in time! I'd say I've never been so happy to see you guys, but, well.....that was the first time we had met. :thumbsup2


Dining faux pas number one: Don't chew the edamame!!!


That made me laugh out loud! I think I even snorted.


Lionel ordered a really cool sake the name of which totally escapes us, but it was a milky, white sake with a smooth, creamy taste. We liked it very much.

Milky mystery sake...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/118.jpg


Ah, grasshopper. You speak of Ozeki Nigori Sake (http://www.sakeexpert.com/prodview.php?prod_id=353), one of our favorites. My green tea martini was nothing to write home about, unfortunately.


My inexperienced eye tells me that Lionel's plate looks like a Spicy Tuna roll and a California roll, but I could be wrong so if someone here knows the absolute truth don't hesitate to correct me. Erica had a bowl of mystery soup and something like egg nigiri which I think is an omelet over rice. For the life of me I don't know what her other two choices were but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I think she ordered an avocado roll and a cucumber roll. Humble apologies if I'm wrong ... Erica will be along eventually and she can correct me if needs be.


Spot-on! :thumbsup2


I can't speak for Erica and Lionel, but Jay and I had a fine time with them at dinner - we really enjoyed their company and they are two of the smartest, most amusing geeks we've had the pleasure to meet in a long time!


We had a fantastic time. Brenda says she is boring in person, but don't believe her! She and Jay are a hoot. We all got along swimmingly, not that there was every any doubt. Can you imagine what will happen if we ever manage to coordinate a cruise together? ALL MANNER OF ALCOHOL-INDUCED CHAOS! Either that, or lots of lounging around with umbrella drinks and obscure Simpsons references.


We probably left the restaurant around 9:30PM - Illuminations was over and thankfully so was the rain. But it dawned on me suddenly that we'd neglected to take a single picture of people while having dinner ... thus does food porn cloud my vision as to what's important. Thank goodness Jay has honed his long-armed reach for self-portrait taking purposes!

Four peoples in one picture? That's unpossible!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/119.jpg


Jay is the master of the self portraits. I was very impressed by his skills. Whenever Lionel and I try, we usually end up with one giant head and part of the other person's eye.


And now it was time to set off in search of some dessert and where better to start than France? We ordered two Milk Chocolate Creme Brulees and two Sparkling Pomegranate Kirs.

We needs it ... we must have it ... the precious!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/121.jpg


Dessert of champions! Well, champions who don't mind runny creme brulee. But the kir was great, as always.


A Pistachio Baklava Four-Square!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/123.jpg


I forgot about the baklava! You didn't mention that Lionel made everyone eat it under threat of punishment by death or dismemberment!


We all took that as our cue to call it an evening. Lionel and Erica for sure had had a long day and were still looking at a fairly long drive home from the park, so we walked up to Epcot's front entrance, thanked them for coming to have dinner with us, shared a few hugs, and bade them a fond farewell as I promised never to not have my cell phone with me again.

BTW, I broke that promise less than two days later, but that's a story for another review.


I can't wait to read the next phone installment :rotfl:

Would you believe we only made it back to F&W one more time after our lovely dinner together? I managed to avoid the raspberry cocktail at Poland, but I did get suckered in by the raspberry sake. Which tasted remarkably like raspberry butter. Blech! Next time we'll have to eat an drink around the world. Weather and car accident permitting, of course ;)

Great report so far! Can't wait for the rest. I have a feeling yours will be done before mine......:rolleyes1

[jess20k]

You're Thanksgiving dinner looked fabulous! Everything looked yummy, especially the appies and the turkey breast. It sounds like you all had a wonderful time!

[ChelleinNC]

Brenda, just wanted to say I was thinking about you today :goodvibes I am at the World now, and DH & I were wandering thru the Japanese department store today so I had to take some pictures in there :laughing:

I'm going to try to start a live dining report (if I can stay awake long enough :rolleyes1 ) I'll let ya know when I get the pics up :goodvibes

[BoosGram]

Hey Brandine, er, I mean, Bendy, no, sorry, Brenda,

Finally found your latest trippie, yay! (There's nothing quite like Brenda's food porn.) When I saw the length of the thread, I thought I'd be coming in after you'd finished, but I'm happy to see there's plenty to come. (I really should have known better ;) ).

I'm really sorry to hear about the physical problems you're having and hope you'll be back to your normal self as soon as possible (define normal in whatever way you like). In the meantime, have some cheese and wine; I think I will, too. (Hi, Elin, I bet you'll join us, too :thumbsup2 .)

BTW, where's Planky?

[BriarRosie]

We had a fantastic time. Brenda says she is boring in person, but don't believe her! She and Jay are a hoot. We all got along swimmingly, not that there was every any doubt.

I can attest to that! We spent 3 hours at Todd English's bluezoo™. I wouldn't have done that if I wanted to get away from her and Jay. :goodvibes

Can you imagine what will happen if we ever manage to coordinate a cruise together? ALL MANNER OF ALCOHOL-INDUCED CHAOS! Either that, or lots of lounging around with umbrella drinks and obscure Simpsons references.


Whenever my faith in God is shaken, I think of the miracle of anti-freeze. :laughing: (I have a pic of myself holding an umbrella drink, but I don't want to post it here. It's in my first Larded and Loaded report somewhere around Day 7, I think.) :rotfl2:

And I don't look like either of you, so it won't be Send in the Clones. :grouphug:

[whogirl'smom]

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/chocolate-bread-pudding-recipe3/index.html

For everyone's enjoyment, here is the recipe for Chocolate Bread Pudding! :goodvibes I was too scared to burn off the rum, so my sauce was probably a little "rummy-er" than intended, but that's not a bad thing, is it? I also made this the day before and let the bread soak up all the liquid overnight before baking the next day. Turned out great!

[wilma-bride]

OK, Brenda, I apologise for I have been absent from this thread for a little while now (I am convinced I got away with it though and my absence wasn't noticed - or noted)

Firstly, having caught up now with all of your reviews so far, commendations again on your writing - you still have the ability to crack me up with your Pooh Pooh comments and toilet humour.

Secondly, those rolls that Jon made for your Thanksgiving dinner look absolutely divine - are they sweet rolls? Or sourdough? How does he get them to look so shiny? And, furthermore, do you have the recipe?

And, thirdly, isn't it about time you continued with the reviews ;)

[oybolshoi]

Hey Brenda that looked wonderful!
I am with you and Turkey .. I could live my life out without seeing one again. I finally made the "traditional" Thanksgiving for Jason and I last year .. Went to Trader Joe's and got a Organic bird. Damn thing had more feathers left in it then Big Bird. After an hour of struggling with needle nose pliers trying to de-feather the thing, Jason came home with a normal hormone-full generic turkey for me to stuff and cook! Needless to say I am not ready to jump on the lets make a "real" Thanksgiving bandwagon any time soon!

Also you cat is very handsome!!! I am with Lori though .. White-trash Homer in the background was very distracting. It reminded me of members of my family on holidays!:rotfl:
Thanks for showing us your celebration!!!

Hi Chelsi! Your Thanksgiving story had me laughing ... especially de-feathering the poor bird. You're a far braver soul than I am! And Pete thanks for you recognizing his feline handsomeness. You'll be happy to know that Jay and I are leaving the Simpsons all in their birthday suits now just on principal since so many DISers have commented on it! :rotfl2:

LOVE the turkey day pics!! YUM tastic!!! Do you have a recipe for the pear/bluecheese tartlet thing-a-majigs?? they looked so fun! WOW..score some points for Jon and those bird bread rolls..

Hi Gina! There is a link on the first page of this thread to that recipe ... I posted that one and the ice cream recipe. And the bird rolls ... YUM!!

Sorry B, Goosie doesn't do pork....ever. Nor does she do a lot of any other kind of meat. Very little red meat (except a VERY occasional burger). :scared1:

I do, however, like my birdies and fish. Chicken, Turkey and any kind of fish
are right up my alley.

Note to self .. no pig for Nancy means more for Jay and me! :laughing:

Your recipe for Brandy Milk Punch sounds lovely!! I'm going to make that for xmas!! Thanks!

It's awesome! We make it every year at the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays ... I can't wait to get another pitcher started soon (only three more weeks until more milk punch!).

I FINALLY joined the party. I guess ridiculously late is better than even more ridiculously late? Sounds like it's been a tough month for both of us! Here's hoping everything is on the upswing now.....

Again, we had a fantabulous time with you both. Now, on to your report!

Hiya Erica! Thanks for taking the time to pay a visit - and I hope that life is getting better for you. Have a hug from Stinktown! :hug: We had a great time with you and Lionel ... hope we have a chance to do it again some time!


Aw, you make me blush! That is very kind of you to say. You don't give yourself enough credit, though. After all, you're the one who inspired me to write my first report ever....so in a way, my report is your report! Or something like that.:hug:

Not being kind ... just honest! But I'm glad to provide some inspiration when I can ... and yes, for all you folks who've yet to try them, mochaccinos are the nectar of the gods!

Lionel asked me the same thing, and then answered himself with "oh, I know. We're looking for ME."

Brilliant! Not only do they look like alike but they think alike, too! :laughing:


Lionel and I had one umbrella, but you no doubt noticed the difference between our heights....which was why I arrived soaking wet and he with barely a few drops on the cuffs of his pants.

I wondered why you seemed to have been on the receiving end of so much water while Lionel was dry ... that pretty well explains it.


Yes, it's true.....right as we were passing the Lake Nona exit, miraculously on time for once in our lives, it happened: an SUV coming down off the exit ramp blew a tire, swerved, rolled bumper over trunk and sent a street sign flying completely across the road and just narrowly missing our car. After yelling OMIGODOMIGODOMIGOD at a shocking decibel level, I called 911 as Lionel parked and ran over to the lady's truck. Thankfully, she only had a few scratches. I can't say the same for her car, which was completely destroyed after bouncing gracefully through the air so many times.

Even though we were about an hour (or more?) late, I made Lionel stop at the slushie stand because I NEEDED MY SLUSHIE. Sure, it got diluted by rainwater as we scoured the crowds looking for you guys. But it was still awesome. And we arrived just in time! I'd say I've never been so happy to see you guys, but, well.....that was the first time we had met.

Scary to hear about and still scary to read about ... just so glad that no one was seriously hurt. If anyone deserved a grand marnier slushie that night it was you two. You probably deserved an unlimited supply!

Ah, grasshopper. You speak of Ozeki Nigori Sake (http://www.sakeexpert.com/prodview.php?prod_id=353), one of our favorites. My green tea martini was nothing to write home about, unfortunately.

Excellent! We're on a mission to find some for us and for my nephew who is ga-ga over all things Japanese.


We had a fantastic time. Brenda says she is boring in person, but don't believe her! She and Jay are a hoot. We all got along swimmingly, not that there was every any doubt. Can you imagine what will happen if we ever manage to coordinate a cruise together? ALL MANNER OF ALCOHOL-INDUCED CHAOS! Either that, or lots of lounging around with umbrella drinks and obscure Simpsons references.

Quake in fear DCL if the four of us ever manage to end up on a cruise at the same time ... and be sure the bars are well stocked!

Jay is the master of the self portraits. I was very impressed by his skills. Whenever Lionel and I try, we usually end up with one giant head and part of the other person's eye.

He's had many years to perfect his technique. I was very impressed by his ability to take a decent self-portrait with four people since he'd never tried it before that night.

Dessert of champions! Well, champions who don't mind runny creme brulee. But the kir was great, as always.

The kir is awesome ... always worth the price of admission!

I forgot about the baklava! You didn't mention that Lionel made everyone eat it under threat of punishment by death or dismemberment!

I must have been traumatized by the experience ... I don't recall being afeared for my life. Perhaps secretly I was hoping to be disemboweled? That might not be such a bad thing in my case ... :laughing:

I can't wait to read the next phone installment :rotfl:

Just ask Whogirl'smom if you're looking for a little advance storytelling about this one!

Would you believe we only made it back to F&W one more time after our lovely dinner together? I managed to avoid the raspberry cocktail at Poland, but I did get suckered in by the raspberry sake. Which tasted remarkably like raspberry butter. Blech! Next time we'll have to eat an drink around the world. Weather and car accident permitting, of course.

Great report so far! Can't wait for the rest. I have a feeling yours will be done before mine......:rolleyes1

Only one other time? What a shame. We'd love to snack around the world with you and Lionel ... let's try for next October if it works for you guys (we've already got our reservations taken care of ... :rolleyes1 ).

My report done before yours? I doubt it, but stranger things have been known to happen!

You're Thanksgiving dinner looked fabulous! Everything looked yummy, especially the appies and the turkey breast. It sounds like you all had a wonderful time!

Hi Jess! It was a good day and a good meal ... hopefully the next holiday meal will be as good.

Brenda, just wanted to say I was thinking about you today :goodvibes I am at the World now, and DH & I were wandering thru the Japanese department store today so I had to take some pictures in there :laughing:

I'm going to try to start a live dining report (if I can stay awake long enough :rolleyes1 ) I'll let ya know when I get the pics up

I saw your crunky pictures!! Thanks so much for thinking of us during your trip!

Hey Brandine, er, I mean, Bendy, no, sorry, Brenda,

Finally found your latest trippie, yay! (There's nothing quite like Brenda's food porn.) When I saw the length of the thread, I thought I'd be coming in after you'd finished, but I'm happy to see there's plenty to come. (I really should have known better ;) ).

I'm really sorry to hear about the physical problems you're having and hope you'll be back to your normal self as soon as possible (define normal in whatever way you like). In the meantime, have some cheese and wine; I think I will, too. (Hi, Elin, I bet you'll join us, too :thumbsup2 .)

BTW, where's Planky?

Hi BoosGram! I haven't seen you for a while so I'm really glad to know you've climbed aboard the newest food porn journey! Bless your heart for thinking I'd already pulled off a miracle and finished so quickly after a trip! I'm going to try to get back on the review track this weekend. Last week knocked me off with all the hustle and bustle ... I also had to work on Friday and then spent all of Saturday doing that family thing. Still trying to catch up around the house since my schedule is all out of whack from the holiday.

Thanks for the kind words ... I'm feeling much better in many ways. The sciatica continues to be the big issue right now but it's also getting better (much more slowly than I would prefer but it's getting there). Wine sounds pretty darn good ... maybe tomorrow night I'll finish of the last off the Beaujolais.

As for Planky ... he didn't come with us on this trip. When he found out that Tink Rules wouldn't be able to meet us in WDW he threw a tantrum and refused to leave the house. His loss.

I can attest to that! We spent 3 hours at Todd English's bluezoo™. I wouldn't have done that if I wanted to get away from her and Jay. :goodvibes

Awww, thanks. I guess I'd better stop saying we're dull ... but that seems much better than weird and scary! :laughing:

Whenever my faith in God is shaken, I think of the miracle of anti-freeze. (I have a pic of myself holding an umbrella drink, but I don't want to post it here. It's in my first Larded and Loaded report somewhere around Day 7, I think.) :rotfl2:

And I don't look like either of you, so it won't be Send in the Clones. :grouphug:

I think I remember seeing that picture ... you can post it here if you want; It won't bother me at all.

Send in the clones ... bwahahahahaha!!!


http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/chocolate-bread-pudding-recipe3/index.html

For everyone's enjoyment, here is the recipe for Chocolate Bread Pudding! :goodvibes I was too scared to burn off the rum, so my sauce was probably a little "rummy-er" than intended, but that's not a bad thing, is it? I also made this the day before and let the bread soak up all the liquid overnight before baking the next day. Turned out great!

Thanks Jamie! I may have to give that one a go for Christmas ... with extra rum so that the relatives don't get on my nerves as much! :lmao:


OK, Brenda, I apologise for I have been absent from this thread for a little while now (I am convinced I got away with it though and my absence wasn't noticed - or noted)

Firstly, having caught up now with all of your reviews so far, commendations again on your writing - you still have the ability to crack me up with your Pooh Pooh comments and toilet humour.

Secondly, those rolls that Jon made for your Thanksgiving dinner look absolutely divine - are they sweet rolls? Or sourdough? How does he get them to look so shiny? And, furthermore, do you have the recipe?

And, thirdly, isn't it about time you continued with the reviews ;)

No apologies necessary but I always notice when someone seems to be missing ... I don't usually say anything because it's not like anyone is obligated to post or anything. But I do notice ... I really do. :goodvibes

Thanks for the kind words - glad I've been able to give you a few chuckles so far.

The rolls ... they're not sweet rolls, just standard bread. He gets them shiny by brushing them with butter just before he pops them in the over. And I can ask him for the recipe the next time I talk to him and I'll post it here ... a few people have asked about it.

I should have an update posted tomorrow or Saturday (that's in keeping with my once a week pledge). Just been a busy, complicated kind of week and I have a headache tonight and I want to watch something on CNN that will be starting soon.


Thanks everyone for reading - I heart you all!!! :love:

[PNO4TE]

Hey Brandine, er, I mean, Bendy, no, sorry, Brenda,

Finally found your latest trippie, yay! (There's nothing quite like Brenda's food porn.) When I saw the length of the thread, I thought I'd be coming in after you'd finished, but I'm happy to see there's plenty to come. (I really should have known better ;) ).

I'm really sorry to hear about the physical problems you're having and hope you'll be back to your normal self as soon as possible (define normal in whatever way you like). In the meantime, have some cheese and wine; I think I will, too. (Hi, Elin, I bet you'll join us, too :thumbsup2 .)

BTW, where's Planky?

:wave2: Hi, Joanne!! I know just the place to find the wine and cheese... ;)

[PNO4TE]

Hi Elin! If you want the next time we go back to our favorite wine store I'll pick a bottle up for you if they still have some. I think we only pay about $11 or $12 per bottle. It's one of our favorite moscatos ...nice and light. Yum!!!

Many thanks for the offer, Brenda! I may take you up on it unless our older DD can get it in MA. It is some yummy stuff.

[Planky]

As for Planky ... he didn't come with us on this trip. When he found out that Tink Rules wouldn't be able to meet us in WDW he threw a tantrum and refused to leave the house. His loss.


MY LOSS?????

Are you kidding me??? I sent out for Stinktown's finest Foie gras & threw a party at Bendy's house... Jay's STILL finding the cans from the crappy beer in the bushes... (and it's AMAZING how I can bribe the cat not to tell...:rolleyes1 )


But I DO miss Shell and Grammy B... She promised to bake me cookies for Christmas...

[madameleota71]

Brenda,
Great pics so far. I'll have to try your brandy milk punch recipe...it looks good! Much like yourself, I do enjoy my booze..I'm not a drunk, I swear! :) .
Also, you fur-baby is adorable! :)

[oybolshoi]

Many thanks for the offer, Brenda! I may take you up on it unless our older DD can get it in MA. It is some yummy stuff.

Just let me know. I'll be happy to find out if it's still available.

MY LOSS?????

Are you kidding me??? I sent out for Stinktown's finest Foie gras & threw a party at Bendy's house... Jay's STILL finding the cans from the crappy beer in the bushes... (and it's AMAZING how I can bribe the cat not to tell...:rolleyes1 )


But I DO miss Shell and Grammy B... She promised to bake me cookies for Christmas...

You furry little bugger! I knew something had happened in our absence but I never suspected that you and Pete went all five-star while we were gone.

Do I even want to know how you paid for this little shindig? :lmao:


Brenda,
Great pics so far. I'll have to try your brandy milk punch recipe...it looks good! Much like yourself, I do enjoy my booze..I'm not a drunk, I swear! :) .
Also, you fur-baby is adorable! :)

Thanks! Definitely try the milk punch ... it is divine! One glass and my entire face goes numb, and I know of no other way to experience a family get-together! :rotfl2:

Pete thanks for you recognizing his handsomeness!! :hug:

[oybolshoi]

Saturday, October 11th - Fantasia Mini Golf: Threadbare and Somewhat Shabby ... Only Food Can Restore Our Disney Equilibrium.

Breakfast on this sultry, cloudy morning consisted of coffee and leftover Main Street Bakery cinnamon rolls while we discussed at length just how we wanted to spend our valuable vacation time on a Saturday that happened to fall on a holiday weekend. Although I have to admit that I've never really considered Columbus Day a real holiday. I mean, as a member of the financial community ... don't blame me, I didn't engage in risky lending practices ... I'm always happy to have an extra day off but who among us truly celebrates the discovery of the New World by bored, greedy, germ-laden Europeans? I can’t speak for anyone else, but I typically use Columbus Day as an excuse to book extra spa treatments.

And please don’t interpret that comment about the European explorers as the revisionist history ravings of a PC Thug. We don’t subscribe to that line of thinking and we both hate political correctness … it’s a little too 1984 for our tastes. Anyway, Jay and I being who we are, the mention of Columbus Day led to a brief discussion of the why behind its observance in the first place. It went something like this:

B: What gives with crediting the discovery to Columbus anyway? He never made it any further than Hispaniola in 1492. Actually, I don't think he ever made it to the actual North American continent, did he?

J: The Vikings made it as far as Nova Scotia about 400 years earlier. Or maybe it was New Foundland. It was one of those cold places that starts with the letter "N".

B: Well then why isn't there a commemorative day for them? Vikings are cool.

J: Leif Ericson Day doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.

B: Maybe that old school rhyme doesn't work as well with the Vikings. Hmmmm, let's see ...

In 1003 or 1002
Ericson sailed the ocean blue
A single longship was all he had
Filled with 35 Vikings, all crazy-mad!

J: You may have a way with words but poetry is not your strength ... don't quit your day job. ;)

B: I don't like poetry much anyway. I've never understood the appeal of not really saying what you mean to say while not using enough words to make a complete sentence in the first place. I can appreciate the talent of people like Yeats and Byron and Wadsworth and Burns and so on and so forth, but after about five minutes I just want to hurl the book across the room and scream, "GET TO THE DAMN POINT ALREADY!!!"

Author's note: the irony inherent in the above statement in light of my own ramblings has been duly noted. :laughing:

J: You've obviously had too much caffeine and sugar for breakfast. We'd better avoid the crowds and go play miniature golf so that you can burn off some of that aggression."

And just like that the decision was made: Fantasia Gardens it was ... as soon as we caught an Epcot bus, walked through the park to the International Gateway, strolled around the Boardwalk and across the Swolphin Gateway to finally reach our destination. We haven't played the course in something like five years, so we were really looking forward to goofing around and working up an appetite just in time for second breakfast.

There were a few more people playing that morning than we expected but nothing too bad; certainly not anything like the crowds we experienced one summer evening back in 1997 when we tried to take my nephews over for a round of fanciful mini-golf only to be told there was a two-hour wait to start playing.

Once we started our round, Jay and I were saddened to find the course looking a bit threadbare and pardon the pun ... not quite up to par. The colors weren’t nearly as vibrant as when we’d last played there and many of the fountains and water-gags that were supposed to delight us during our game weren’t working. And perhaps worst of all, the movie score wasn't being played around the course!!! :mad:

At least the Sorcerer Mickey topiary is still there to welcome everyone to the course. But doesn't Mickey look like he's posing as a rodent lightning rod? Maybe it's an inside joke ... Sorcerer Mickey is a conductor on more than one level! :rotfl2:

Musical conductor or electrical conductor? You be the judge!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/147.jpg

My absolute favorite scenes from Fantasia involve the Dance of the Hours segment which has been divided into four acts, just like the ballet. I find the whole movement absolutely hysterical but the final two acts are the ones I like best: The Evening, with the elephants and prima ballerina hippo; and, The Night, where the caped alligators make their appearance and everything eventually dissolves into a mad chase with gators, hippos, elephants, and ostriches. Every time I watch this part of the movie I find myself wondering what the actual intent of those alligators is. Do they want to:

a) Befriend the other animals?
b) Cross-breed with the other animals?
c) Feast on the other animals?
d) All of the above?

Jay took a picture of me with my favorites: Prima Ballerina Hippo and her dashing Lead Alligator. A funny but not unexpected thing happened here - in order to play this hole with the fewest strokes the player must hit her ball into the alligator's open mouth ... it will roll through his belly and pop out of his tail right next to the cup. It took me four tries to get my ball into the gator's mouth because I kept ricocheting off his jaws. Now I understand why the army doesn't want people with bad vision to have guns.

I'm positively svelte next to her!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/141.jpg

Jason consented to have his picture taken with one of the elephants on a different hole. It looks like he's being naughty but he's actually asking where the heck the water is that is supposed to shoot from the elephant's trunk.

I see definite Rococo elements in this sculpture.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/142.jpg

We finished the course with scores that were actually pretty close to each other. The pathetic thing about that is that I actually made four hole-in-one shots throughout the 18-hole course, but because of my overall bad play on other holes I still lost the match to Jay. Oh well, I'm comfortable with my suckitude, and besides ... it was time for our second breakfast / first lunch!

Upon re-entering Epcot through the International Gateway from which we’d exited about 90 minutes earlier (which earned us a funny look from the same CM who waved us out) we immediately turned right and headed for a flurry of food’n’wine snacking to hold us over until Party for the Senseless later that evening.

First Stop: Louisiana!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/149.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/150.jpg

Hungry is as hungry does, so we ordered the lot: Louisiana Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffe, and Praline Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel Sauce. To wash down the goodness we ordered more water and twelve ounces of Abita Purple Haze beer.

I preferred the gumbo to the etouffe, even though I do like crawfish (mmm, mudbugs); there was too much spice in the etouffe for my taste, so after a bite or two I relinquished it to Jay who was more than happy to polish it off. We thought the Purple Haze paired nicely with both choices - it was a fairly light wheat beer with some fruity elements ... it smelled like raspberries and was very drinkable but not exactly remarkable. The bread pudding was excellent even if it was crawling with pralines - it was warm and moist and the sauce was so good I was tempted to go back and ask for a separate cup ala' Grimace.

The Louisiana exhibit was hosted by the state's Office of Tourism. Along with the food booth, there were daily culinary seminars and a pretty good band playing a nice mix of music. There was also a small area called the French Market which offered regional products like Tobasco Sauce and Beignet Mix at the to-be-expected Disney mark-up. The area was designed to resemble the French Quarter ... sort of. The effect was nice, but that's about all I can say. We probably would have liked it more if there'd been a daiquiri stand.

Once our initial hunger pangs were somewhat alleviated and I'd paid a nostalgic visit to Morocco's bathroom, we found ourselves at our second stop:

New Zealand!

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/152.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/151.jpg

We ordered the Bay Scallops with Baby Greens and Cranberry Vinaigrette along with a Lamb Slider on a Brioche Roll. Our beverage of choice here was Dasani, and it sure hit the spot! The food servings were quite generous - that salad was chock full of tasty little scallops but they were a tad on the chewy side. The lamb was very good - tender and flavorful and while I'm not a fan of gravy in this case it eased the dryness of the roll and made for a lovely little snackable.

Our final food stop of the day was San Francisco, where the line was long and slow and the air was still and heavy.

If you're going to San Francisco be sure to wear some flowers in your hair...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/155.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/153.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/154.jpg

Once again we ordered the lot: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Seared Beef Medallion with Cheddar Cheese Polenta, and California Strawberry Shortcake. Our random alcoholic beverage of choice: Rosenblum Cellars Kathy’s Cuvee Viognier.

Despite the rather lengthy wait for the food, it was all terrific - a highlight of food booth snackery during our visit. We thought the portion sizes were all generous and everything tasted wonderful. The beet salad was fresh and crisp and the goat cheese was creamy and tart. The cheddar cheese polenta had good flavor even if it was rather gritty at times and the seared beef was tender and juicy. And while I'm not a big strawberry shortcake kind of person, this was lovely ... lots of fresh, slightly tart strawberries tucked between two soft rounds of shortcake and slathered with whipped cream. As for the Cuvee we selected, we both really liked it. Some sparkling wines seem to have a bit of a bite to them but this one was very smooth and while sweet, it wasn't cloying.

Jay and I decided after this last stop that we would head back to the resort and spend the afternoon at the pool before coming back for PFTS. As we were headed up the hill from the San Francisco booth's odd location on the fringes of Japan, we passed into America-town where the fife and drum corps was making an appearance.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/156.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/157.jpg

Here for the second time in one day Jay and I struggled with our respective inner history geeks. Is Epcot’s version of America-town supposed to be based upon Colonial Williamsburg? If that’s the case then we can’t quibble as much with the red coats since at that time everyone in the colonies was a British subject. However, if this is supposed to be a more revolutionary or even post-revolutionary setting then we suspect the color of their coats is all wrong. And even if we dismissed the corps' clothing, we had to take issue with their choice of music: The Battle Hymn of the Republic. It's an abolitionist song written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861 – it became very popular with Union troops during the American unCivil War. And lest anyone think in our geeky musings we forgot that all Ms. Howe did was re-cast the lyrics to a song published earlier … we did not! The original version of the song was written circa-1855 as a campfire spiritual.

Either way it’s not an appropriate song for the Colonial-era fife and drum corps to be playing if they’re gunning for authenticity. I turned to Jay and asked him if Disney was growing lazy or if they thought the majority of their guests were ignorant.

Jay paused a moment, his head tilted slightly to the left as he is wont to do when pondering something especially interesting, and then he responded, “I think it’s a little from column A and a little from column B.” :lmao:

On a purely personal note I was disappointed not to hear them perform Yankee Doodle, but maybe we were too late to catch that tune. Jay was no doubt relieved that we didn't get to hear the song because it would just further encourage bad behavior on my part. But it was already too late ... the lack of musical accompaniment did not prevent me from serenading Jason and any other guests who were unfortunate enough to be within earshot of my less than pleasing vocal stylings.

Jay was on the receiving end of this version of Yankee Doodle when we honeymooned in Colonial Williamsburg nearly ten years ago (hey, it’s what history geeks do).

Ahem.

Yankee Doodle came to town,
Riding on chicken;
Stuck a finger up its' butt,
And called it finger-lickin!

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

And on that disgusting note, we made for Epcot's front entrance and an air conditioned bus back to Saratoga Springs for an afternoon of pool lounging and beverage imbibing. Next up ... Party for the Senseless!

[Tink rules]

Oh Man... too bad the pain pills are just starting to kick in... I'll be back to read later... :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

If I read it now... I'm not sure if we'd agree you had the same experience...:lmao: :lmao:

[OurDogCisco]

You are hilarious... I love it... Thanks for the laughs this morning... I'm really enjoying your food report! Tina

[disgrits]

Another amusing entry, sistah.:goodvibes

I hate it when "they" dump a bunch of cayenne (or sometimes black pepper) in a dish and call it "cajun" or Louisiana authentic. It's not fun when you can't taste the food......But your pics sure looked good.:thumbsup2

[oybolshoi]

Oh Man... too bad the pain pills are just starting to kick in... I'll be back to read later... :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

If I read it now... I'm not sure if we'd agree you had the same experience...:lmao: :lmao:

I hope you feel better soon. But you know ... I write most of this stuff with pain pills in my system so we may both end up in the same place after all. :laughing:

You are hilarious... I love it... Thanks for the laughs this morning... I'm really enjoying your food report! Tina

Hi Tina thanks for reading! Glad you were able to get a few chuckles on us this morning ... that's always my goal! :thumbsup2

Another amusing entry, sistah.:goodvibes

I hate it when "they" dump a bunch of cayenne (or sometimes black pepper) in a dish and call it "cajun" or Louisiana authentic. It's not fun when you can't taste the food......But your pics sure looked good.:thumbsup2

Sistah P! So glad to see you posting again! :hug:

The gumbo was excellent and so was the bread pudding, so two outta three ain't bad.

Thanks for coming over to see what we've been up to ... keep feeling better! :goodvibes

[KristinAnne]

Great update! That food from Louisiana looks great. It makes me want to visit. Too bad about the mini-golfing though.

[onelilspark]

I think America in Epcot is modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia. I'm not 100% positive, but I'm pretty sure.

[TigerKat]

Too funny to come and read this just after shoving a beer can up a chicken's butt........:lmao:

[njprincess]

Thursday, November 27th - We Cooked Some of It ... We Smelled All of It ... And We Ate Most of It: A Stinktown Thanksgiving!

Picking up from where we left off ... Jon makes the best homemade rolls at the holidays, and he shapes them like little birds! He knows how much I love bread so he always makes these at Thanksgiving and again at Christmas.

Bird rolls!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270011.jpg

And now ... the glorious turkey breast!

Fresh out of the oven ...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270017.jpg

Sliced up and ready for hungry guests.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270023.jpg

A close up ...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270024.jpg

Jay's dessert plate...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270034.jpg

And thus ends our Turkey Day feasting. It was a pretty darn tasty meal, if we do say so ourselves! Thanks for letting me share ... I'll get back to the WDW food porn in a couple of days with some more F&W booths and then a trip to Party for the Senseless. :thumbsup2

The turkey is beautiful, but my favorite thing is Jay's dessert plate! I want to sit next to him and hope for a distraction! :tiptoe:

[njprincess]

Thursday, November 27th - We Cooked Some of It ... We Smelled All of It ... And We Ate Most of It: A Stinktown Thanksgiving!

With nutmeg...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270003.jpg

Looks great! I noticed your King's Arms Tavern glasses - oh boy, do I love that place! Peanut Soup please :cloud9:

Our tasty port-poached pears with blue cheese ...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270014.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270016.jpg

Nice to see these again - I can't wait to try these!


Our fur-baby Handsome Pete sitting at the kitchen table waiting for tasty scraps...

I'm behaving ... now gimme something good!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270019.jpg

How can you resist my irresistableness???
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/PB270020.jpg

Oh, he's a cutey pie! :cutie:

[teruterubouzu]

It looks like San Francisco had a fine showing except for the beets. Gross!

I just love that you guys are Colonial Williamsburg fans. I have fond memories of the King's Arms Tavern. First (and only) time I've had rabbit. My BF and I really want to make a trip there soon and stay in one of the colonial houses (http://www.colonialwilliamsburgresort.com/hotels/deluxe/colonialhouses).

[DisneyMom5]

Not trying to out-geek you (like that's possible :lmao: ),
but as I was reading your amusing anecdotes to my family,
my 14 yo dd informed me that red is the correct color
for the musicalmembers of the American revolutionary forces.

Red, with blue trim.

My Archeaologist/Historian approves that response.

I know, I know...I have to live with them. Sigh.

And we're all up for Viking Day. Bring on the pork and beer.
"We're vikings, whatta ya know, the terrors of the sea,
Vikings, where ever we go, pillaging happily..."

[That's Veggie Tales, not mine. LOL]

Great update! :thumbsup2

[TinkerBelle_325]

[B]



http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/156.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/157.jpg

Here for the second time in one day Jay and I struggled with our respective inner history geeks. Is Epcot’s version of America-town supposed to be based upon Colonial Williamsburg? If that’s the case then we can’t quibble as much with the red coats since at that time everyone in the colonies was a British subject. However, if this is supposed to be a more revolutionary or even post-revolutionary setting then we suspect the color of their coats is all wrong. And even if we dismissed the corps' clothing, we had to take issue with their choice of music: [I]The Battle Hymn of the Republic. It's an abolitionist song written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861 – it became very popular with Union troops during the American unCivil War. And lest anyone think in our geeky musings we forgot that all Ms. Howe did was re-cast the lyrics to a song published earlier … we did not! The original version of the song was written circa-1855 as a campfire spiritual.

Either way it’s not an appropriate song for the Colonial-era fife and drum corps to be playing if they’re gunning for authenticity. I turned to Jay and asked him if Disney was growing lazy or if they thought the majority of their guests were ignorant.

Jay paused a moment, his head tilted slightly to the left as he is wont to do when pondering something especially interesting, and then he responded, “I think it’s a little from column A and a little from column B.” :lmao:

On a purely personal note I was disappointed not to hear them perform Yankee Doodle, but maybe we were too late to catch that tune. Jay was no doubt relieved that we didn't get to hear the song because it would just further encourage bad behavior on my part. But it was already too late ... the lack of musical accompaniment did not prevent me from serenading Jason and any other guests who were unfortunate enough to be within earshot of my less than pleasing vocal stylings.

A fellow History geek has the redcoat answer! Musicians in the revolutionary army dressed in red so as not to be confused with actual soldiers. I must ask then, "Wouldn't they be confused with the ENEMY?" which would seem a more pressing and problematic potential confusion :confused:

http://www.americanrevolution.com/images/1786-I.jpg

In the background is a field grade officer, distinguished by his silver epaulettes, inspecting a detachment of infantrymen in blue coats faced with red and lined with white. The infantrymen are headed by their musicians in reversed colors -- red coats with blue facings. The Army of 1784 was not always able to furnish uniforms even for the small number of troops in the service. The New Jersey detachment in 1784, for example, was issued some blue coats with white facings, the old uniform of the New England line. The detachment's captain was forced to stop the men's rum ration in order to use the money to buy red cloth so that the company tailor could make all the coats uniform.

SOURCE:
http://www.americanrevolution.com/his_cont_army_soldier_1786.html

[TDC Nala]

A fellow History geek has the redcoat answer! Musicians in the revolutionary army dressed in red so as not to be confused with actual soldiers. I must ask then, "Wouldn't they be confused with the ENEMY?" which would seem a more pressing and problematic potential confusion :confused:



I guess that might depend on the musicians. If they're like these guys

http://www.geocities.com/fang_club/Sir_robin_part_3_pic.jpg

it might be preferred that they be mistaken for the enemy.

What really scares me about this photo is that Sir Robin has my hair.

[oybolshoi]

:lmao: :rotfl2: Thank you!

That's the exact reason that Jay and I were so sure that the red jackets were incorrect for the revolutionary militia fife and drum corps!!! :rotfl: I kept insisting that if the militia and its officers were wearing blue that it wouldn't make any sense for the musicians to wear red.

Count Jay and me among the ignurnt, as my mom would say. ;)

The bigger issue for us was really the music, which I think we can all agree sounds great but is not era-appropriate. No one else probably cares anyway, but we had fun joking about it.

A fellow History geek has the redcoat answer! Musicians in the revolutionary army dressed in red so as not to be confused with actual soldiers. I must ask then, "Wouldn't they be confused with the ENEMY?" which would seem a more pressing and problematic potential confusion :confused:

http://www.americanrevolution.com/images/1786-I.jpg

In the background is a field grade officer, distinguished by his silver epaulettes, inspecting a detachment of infantrymen in blue coats faced with red and lined with white. The infantrymen are headed by their musicians in reversed colors -- red coats with blue facings. The Army of 1784 was not always able to furnish uniforms even for the small number of troops in the service. The New Jersey detachment in 1784, for example, was issued some blue coats with white facings, the old uniform of the New England line. The detachment's captain was forced to stop the men's rum ration in order to use the money to buy red cloth so that the company tailor could make all the coats uniform.

SOURCE:
http://www.americanrevolution.com/his_cont_army_soldier_1786.html

[oybolshoi]

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

I need to find a "screaming with laughter" icon. I nearly wet my pants when I saw that picture of Brave Sir Robin.

I'm sure you look far better with that hair than Sir Robin does. :thumbsup2

I guess that might depend on the musicians. If they're like these guys

http://www.geocities.com/fang_club/Sir_robin_part_3_pic.jpg

it might be preferred that they be mistaken for the enemy.

What really scares me about this photo is that Sir Robin has my hair.

[oybolshoi]

Great update! That food from Louisiana looks great. It makes me want to visit. Too bad about the mini-golfing though.

Thanks! The Louisiana food was very good - one of our favorites all things considered. And while the lack of upkeep at Fantasia Gardens was disappointing we still managed to have fun. We usually do ... even if we didn't have any alcohol! ;)

I think America in Epcot is modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia. I'm not 100% positive, but I'm pretty sure.

That does make sense now that I think about it. I suppose I could have gotten off my lazy butt and gone and looked it up in the park guide, but that smacks of effort. :laughing:

Too funny to come and read this just after shoving a beer can up a chicken's butt........:lmao:

We love beer-can-up-its-butt grilled chicken! I hope you enjoy your dinner and thanks for reading!

The turkey is beautiful, but my favorite thing is Jay's dessert plate! I want to sit next to him and hope for a distraction! :tiptoe:

If you'd been here that night you wouldn't have needed to swipe Jay's plate, you could have had your own. We had plenty to go around.

Looks great! I noticed your King's Arms Tavern glasses - oh boy, do I love that place! Peanut Soup please :cloud9:

We've been talking about heading back to Williamsburg soon ... it's been a long time since we've visited and the taverns had the best food. Jay loved their peanut soup!

Nice to see these again - I can't wait to try these!

They were yummy!

Oh, he's a cutey pie! :cutie:

Thanks! He knows it!

It looks like San Francisco had a fine showing except for the beets. Gross!

I just love that you guys are Colonial Williamsburg fans. I have fond memories of the King's Arms Tavern. First (and only) time I've had rabbit. My BF and I really want to make a trip there soon and stay in one of the colonial houses (http://www.colonialwilliamsburgresort.com/hotels/deluxe/colonialhouses).

I didn't eat many of the beets but I did think they tasted pretty good with the goat cheese.

As for Williamsburg, Jay's mom and dad went there for their 40th anniversary and stayed in one of the houses - they loved it. And it was really nice based on the pictures we saw. I want to have grand tea at the Williamsburg Inn ... and myabe splurge on dinner there too, if the economy ever bounces back to the point that we feel comfortable spending that kind of money on food.

Not trying to out-geek you (like that's possible :lmao: ),
but as I was reading your amusing anecdotes to my family,
my 14 yo dd informed me that red is the correct color
for the musicalmembers of the American revolutionary forces.

Red, with blue trim.

My Archeaologist/Historian approves that response.

I know, I know...I have to live with them. Sigh.

And we're all up for Viking Day. Bring on the pork and beer.
"We're vikings, whatta ya know, the terrors of the sea,
Vikings, where ever we go, pillaging happily..."

[That's Veggie Tales, not mine. LOL]

Great update! :thumbsup2

Hey, it is entirely possible to out-geek us ... doesn't bother me at all. I appreciate the insight from your family - Jay and I didn't know for sure and the whole conversation about the music led to the question about the jackets.

Such smart geeky, funny people hang out on the food boards ... I just love it!! :lovestruc :love: :grouphug:

Thank your research team for me and let's all work on that Viking Appreciation Day, OK?

Thanks for reading! :goodvibes

[teruterubouzu]

I want to have grand tea at the Williamsburg Inn ... and myabe splurge on dinner there too, if the economy ever bounces back to the point that we feel comfortable spending that kind of money on food.

Did you happen to catch that Royal Family at Work miniseries they recently played on public television? The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh stayed and ate at the Williamsburg Inn. They installed a fresh throne (toilet seat) just for her!

[oybolshoi]

Did you happen to catch that Royal Family at Work miniseries they recently played on public television? The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh stayed and ate at the Williamsburg Inn. They installed a fresh throne (toilet seat) just for her!

I have watched some of that series (which is fascinating, isn't it?) but didn't catch that episode.

Too funny! I guess the royal tush needs a certain kind of throne to feel at home. :rotfl2:

[ChelleinNC]

Hilarious update :lmao:

As far as the food goes, those pralines with the bread pudding :worship: those look good!

finger looking good :rotfl2: :rotfl:

[PNO4TE]

Bob and I loved the San Fran food too. Probably our favorite of all the kiosks we visited. Another fine update, Miss Brenda. Thanks. :goodvibes

[PNO4TE]

I guess that might depend on the musicians. If they're like these guys

http://www.geocities.com/fang_club/Sir_robin_part_3_pic.jpg

it might be preferred that they be mistaken for the enemy.

What really scares me about this photo is that Sir Robin has my hair.

:rotfl2:

[jeminni]

I love the yankee doodle lyrics. I'll never look at kentucky fried chicken the same again. :rotfl:

[oybolshoi]

Hilarious update :lmao:

As far as the food goes, those pralines with the bread pudding :worship: those look good!

finger looking good :rotfl2: :rotfl:

Thanks for reading ... I take it that means you all made it home safely from WDW? I'm glad we could give you a laugh with this update ... that was really my intent. Just wanted to be silly because it was a silly kind of day (in a good way). Hope everyone in your family is feeling better! :goodvibes

Bob and I loved the San Fran food too. Probably our favorite of all the kiosks we visited. Another fine update, Miss Brenda. Thanks. :goodvibes

Thanks Elin! We really enjoyed all three of these food booths, but thought San Fran was the best overall. I just wish we'd made it back there for a second visit.

I love the yankee doodle lyrics. I'll never look at kentucky fried chicken the same again. :rotfl:

Hi Bridget! Thanks for reading ... yeah, I know what you mean about those alternate song lyrics. I haven't been able to look at KFC for decades without laughing like a loon. :rotfl2:

[SmallWorld71]

This installment had me in stitches! (As if DH didn't think I was crazy enough already reading food reviews, now I'm laughing at them. :rotfl: )

A very enjoyable history lesson as well. Perhaps when we figure out why we celebrate Columbus Day, someone could let me know why all the Pilgrim men are portrayed wearing hats with buckles? :goodvibes

[MikeAidanEoinMom]

I think America in Epcot is modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia. I'm not 100% positive, but I'm pretty sure.

Sure looks like it although I never thought of it until you mentioned it :lmao: I guess I just assumed all Big buildings from that era looked alike . I DO know that we like to joke that we will get our pictures taken in front of the Liberty Bell ....being from the Philly Area just seems so silly. On another note does anyone else think that this
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Torky25/sd13t.jpg
Looks like Spidermans hand is behind them????

[BriarRosie]

And please don’t interpret that comment about the European explorers as the revisionist history ravings of a PC Thug. We don’t subscribe to that line of thinking and we both hate political correctness … it’s a little too 1984 for our tastes. Anyway, Jay and I being who we are, the mention of Columbus Day led to a brief discussion of the why behind its observance in the first place. It went something like this:

B: What gives with crediting the discovery to Columbus anyway? He never made it any further than Hispaniola in 1492. Actually, I don't think he ever made it to the actual North American continent, did he?

J: The Vikings made it as far as Nova Scotia about 400 years earlier. Or maybe it was New Foundland. It was one of those cold places that starts with the letter "N".

B: Well then why isn't there a commemorative day for them? Vikings are cool.

J: Leif Ericson Day doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.

B: Maybe that old school rhyme doesn't work as well with the Vikings. Hmmmm, let's see ...

In 1003 or 1002
Ericson sailed the ocean blue
A single longship was all he had
Filled with 35 Vikings, all crazy-mad!

J: You may have a way with words but poetry is not your strength ... don't quit your day job.

I have no idea what Vikings have to do with your food, but it was a nice discussion about historical inaccuracies. The impromptu poem was ok, too.


J: You've obviously had too much caffeine and sugar for breakfast. We'd better avoid the crowds and go play miniature golf so that you can burn off some of that aggression."

And just like that the decision was made: Fantasia Gardens it was ... as soon as we caught an Epcot bus, walked through the park to the International Gateway, strolled around the Boardwalk and across the Swolphin Gateway to finally reach our destination. We haven't played the course in something like five years, so we were really looking forward to goofing around and working up an appetite just in time for second breakfast.

There were a few more people playing that morning than we expected but nothing too bad; certainly not anything like the crowds we experienced one summer evening back in 1997 when we tried to take my nephews over for a round of fanciful mini-golf only to be told there was a two-hour wait to start playing.

Once we started our round, Jay and I were saddened to find the course looking a bit threadbare and pardon the pun ... not quite up to par. The colors weren’t nearly as vibrant as when we’d last played there and many of the fountains and water-gags that were supposed to delight us during our game weren’t working. And perhaps worst of all, the movie score wasn't being played around the course!!!

I only played that course once, back in 1996. We played at night, but not close enough to closing time to warrant the cast members shutting off the water features while we were still playing! I felt like they were trying to shoo us out faster so they could cut out early. :rolleyes:

At least the Sorcerer Mickey topiary is still there to welcome everyone to the course. But doesn't Mickey look like he's posing as a rodent lightning rod? Maybe it's an inside joke ... Sorcerer Mickey is a conductor on more than one level!

Musical conductor or electrical conductor? You be the judge!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/147.jpg

Well, you'd be correct about Mickey being a lightning rod elsewhere on property. The Mickey on the Crossroads to the World thingie near the Information kiosk just past the turnstiles at the Studios is there for that purpose.

My absolute favorite scenes from Fantasia involve the Dance of the Hours segment which has been divided into four acts, just like the ballet. I find the whole movement absolutely hysterical but the final two acts are the ones I like best: The Evening, with the elephants and prima ballerina hippo; and, The Night, where the caped alligators make their appearance and everything eventually dissolves into a mad chase with gators, hippos, elephants, and ostriches. Every time I watch this part of the movie I find myself wondering what the actual intent of those alligators is. Do they want to:

a) Befriend the other animals?
b) Cross-breed with the other animals?
c) Feast on the other animals?
d) All of the above?

Jay took a picture of me with my favorites: Prima Ballerina Hippo and her dashing Lead Alligator.

Hippo lead - Hyacinth Hippo
Gator lead - Ben Ali Gator
Ostrich lead - Madame Upanova (not too shabby for a pun)

Yeah, I'm a trivia geek. :rolleyes1 I thought the Alligator thought he was Casanova or something. I always associated "Dance with the Hours" with WDW's 20th anniversary promo commercials about 20 Good Reasons to go to WDW. The music would start, and you'd hear: "1! (do do do do do do) 2! (do do do do do)3, 4....5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12..." You get the idea. Each count had a featured photo of something to do or visit, like an attraction, a recreational activity, or (sniff!) Pleasure Island.

A funny but not unexpected thing happened here - in order to play this hole with the fewest strokes the player must hit her ball into the alligator's open mouth ... it will roll through his belly and pop out of his tail right next to the cup. It took me four tries to get my ball into the gator's mouth because I kept ricocheting off his jaws. Now I understand why the army doesn't want people with bad vision to have guns.

I'm positively svelte next to her!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/141.jpg

Jason consented to have his picture taken with one of the elephants on a different hole. It looks like he's being naughty but he's actually asking where the heck the water is that is supposed to shoot from the elephant's trunk.

I see definite Rococo elements in this sculpture.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/142.jpg

We finished the course with scores that were actually pretty close to each other. The pathetic thing about that is that I actually made four hole-in-one shots throughout the 18-hole course, but because of my overall bad play on other holes I still lost the match to Jay. Oh well, I'm comfortable with my suckitude, and besides ... it was time for our second breakfast / first lunch!

Lovely photos of you and Jay. :) I had gotten a hole in one at one that entered a cave. Nobody in our group had luck with the evil xylophone that proved hard to do on the first, second or fifth try! :headache:

First Stop: Louisiana!


http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/150.jpg

Hungry is as hungry does, so we ordered the lot: Louisiana Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffe, and Praline Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel Sauce. To wash down the goodness we ordered more water and twelve ounces of Abita Purple Haze beer.

I preferred the gumbo to the etouffe, even though I do like crawfish (mmm, mudbugs); there was too much spice in the etouffe for my taste, so after a bite or two I relinquished it to Jay who was more than happy to polish it off. We thought the Purple Haze paired nicely with both choices - it was a fairly light wheat beer with some fruity elements ... it smelled like raspberries and was very drinkable but not exactly remarkable. The bread pudding was excellent even if it was crawling with pralines - it was warm and moist and the sauce was so good I was tempted to go back and ask for a separate cup ala' Grimace.

Yum! I loved the etoufée, but I hadn't tried the gumbo. It was certainly hot enough for me without needing to add mini-Tabasco bottle contents. On the last day of the trip, I asked Catherine to let me try the raspberry beer, and I really thought it was good.

New Zealand!


http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/151.jpg

We ordered the Bay Scallops with Baby Greens and Cranberry Vinaigrette along with a Lamb Slider on a Brioche Roll. Our beverage of choice here was Dasani, and it sure hit the spot! The food servings were quite generous - that salad was chock full of tasty little scallops but they were a tad on the chewy side. The lamb was very good - tender and flavorful and while I'm not a fan of gravy in this case it eased the dryness of the roll and made for a lovely little snackable.

I missed out on that this year, but I loved the lamb slider last year. I thought the baby scallop thing looked kinda bleh.

Our final food stop of the day was San Francisco, where the line was long and slow and the air was still and heavy.

If you're going to San Francisco be sure to wear some flowers in your hair...

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/153.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/154.jpg

Once again we ordered the lot: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Seared Beef Medallion with Cheddar Cheese Polenta, and California Strawberry Shortcake. Our random alcoholic beverage of choice: Rosenblum Cellars Kathy’s Cuvee Viognier.

Despite the rather lengthy wait for the food, it was all terrific - a highlight of food booth snackery during our visit. We thought the portion sizes were all generous and everything tasted wonderful. The beet salad was fresh and crisp and the goat cheese was creamy and tart. The cheddar cheese polenta had good flavor even if it was rather gritty at times and the seared beef was tender and juicy. And while I'm not a big strawberry shortcake kind of person, this was lovely ... lots of fresh, slightly tart strawberries tucked between two soft rounds of shortcake and slathered with whipped cream. As for the Cuvee we selected, we both really liked it. Some sparkling wines seem to have a bit of a bite to them but this one was very smooth and while sweet, it wasn't cloying.

I thought the beef and cheesy grits/polenta were terrific. Not gritty in my batch. And I'm glad the cast member convinced me to get the strawberry shortcake. It was fantastic.

Jay and I decided after this last stop that we would head back to the resort and spend the afternoon at the pool before coming back for PFTS. As we were headed up the hill from the San Francisco booth's odd location on the fringes of Japan, we passed into America-town where the fife and drum corps was making an appearance.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/156.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/October%202008/157.jpg

Here for the second time in one day Jay and I struggled with our respective inner history geeks. Is Epcot’s version of America-town supposed to be based upon Colonial Williamsburg? If that’s the case then we can’t quibble as much with the red coats since at that time everyone in the colonies was a British subject. However, if this is supposed to be a more revolutionary or even post-revolutionary setting then we suspect the color of their coats is all wrong. And even if we dismissed the corps' clothing, we had to take issue with their choice of music: The Battle Hymn of the Republic. It's an abolitionist song written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861 – it became very popular with Union troops during the American unCivil War. And lest anyone think in our geeky musings we forgot that all Ms. Howe did was re-cast the lyrics to a song published earlier … we did not! The original version of the song was written circa-1855 as a campfire spiritual.

Either way it’s not an appropriate song for the Colonial-era fife and drum corps to be playing if they’re gunning for authenticity. I turned to Jay and asked him if Disney was growing lazy or if they thought the majority of their guests were ignorant.

Jay paused a moment, his head tilted slightly to the left as he is wont to do when pondering something especially interesting, and then he responded, “I think it’s a little from column A and a little from column B.” :lmao:

ROFL! I tend to blame it on all that book learnin' you have. :laughing: I probably would not have noticed the anachronism there.

On a purely personal note I was disappointed not to hear them perform Yankee Doodle, but maybe we were too late to catch that tune. Jay was no doubt relieved that we didn't get to hear the song because it would just further encourage bad behavior on my part. But it was already too late ... the lack of musical accompaniment did not prevent me from serenading Jason and any other guests who were unfortunate enough to be within earshot of my less than pleasing vocal stylings.

Jay was on the receiving end of this version of Yankee Doodle when we honeymooned in Colonial Williamsburg nearly ten years ago (hey, it’s what history geeks do).

Ahem.

Yankee Doodle came to town,
Riding on chicken;
Stuck a finger up its' butt,
And called it finger-lickin!

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

And on that disgusting note, we made for Epcot's front entrance and an air conditioned bus back to Saratoga Springs for an afternoon of pool lounging and beverage imbibing. Next up ... Party for the Senseless!

:rotfl2: I must admit that I have never heard that version of "Yankee Doodle" before. Eww eww eww, but very funny in the best juvenile way possible. Here's a holiday ditty for you. In Bart's voice:

Jingle Bells
Batman smells
Robin laid an egg
The Batmobile lost a wheel
And the Joker got away, HEY!

I guess that might depend on the musicians. If they're like these guys

http://www.geocities.com/fang_club/Sir_robin_part_3_pic.jpg

it might be preferred that they be mistaken for the enemy.

What really scares me about this photo is that Sir Robin has my hair.

I thought the picture was funny, but when I read that last part, I bust a gut laughing because really, he does have your hair!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

I need to find a "screaming with laughter" icon. I nearly wet my pants when I saw that picture of Brave Sir Robin.

I'm sure you look far better with that hair than Sir Robin does. :thumbsup2

Yes, it looks better on her, but she at least either shaves or waxes her mustache. :duck:

[A fat english gent]

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n306/Jason570/The_Cranberries.jpg

Yeah, their music makes my bladder cringe sometimes too....

:rolleyes1

PMSL...:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2:

Sorry B, Goosie doesn't do pork....ever. Nor does she do a lot of any other kind of meat. Very little red meat (except a VERY occasional burger). :scared1:

I do, however, like my birdies and fish. Chicken, Turkey and any kind of fish
are right up my alley. :goodvibes

Wow, I was told you only ever gobbled up Tuna Nancy......:confused3

Bendy Rosie saw the pics yesterday and said "Oh wow" yes love that ham looks to die for don't it?,"Not the ham,that Kitty looks Gorgeous"....:rotfl2:

PS...She never said weather she intended to cuddle the cat or Eat it...:confused3

[ChelleinNC]

Thanks for reading ... I take it that means you all made it home safely from WDW? I'm glad we could give you a laugh with this update ... that was really my intent. Just wanted to be silly because it was a silly kind of day (in a good way). Hope everyone in your family is feeling better! :goodvibes


Hangs head in shame/guilt :guilty: Yes we got home Saturday night, a safe uneventful drive. Real world got in the way of posting to my own report yesterday, but it was quick to read & respond to yours. Once I get DH off to work & kids off to school, I'll have time to finish :surfweb:

[cntkg1]

Wow, I was told you only ever gobbled up Tuna Nancy......:confused3



:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: Norty afeg. :lmao:

[cntkg1]

As always B, great update.

Fantasia Gardens saw us 4 times in the past years and not once were we able to finish the course. All 4 times, huge thunderstorms moved in and had us running for the car. I guess that's what happens when you visit the world in June. :confused3

Thanks for the history lesson kids and the new Yankee Doodle version now stuck in my head for the day. :lmao:

[oybolshoi]

This installment had me in stitches! (As if DH didn't think I was crazy enough already reading food reviews, now I'm laughing at them. :rotfl: )

A very enjoyable history lesson as well. Perhaps when we figure out why we celebrate Columbus Day, someone could let me know why all the Pilgrim men are portrayed wearing hats with buckles?

Thanks for reading - glad you got the laughs as I did (or didn't) intend them!

And that's a great point about the Pilgrim men and their hat buckles ... :lmao:

Sure looks like it although I never thought of it until you mentioned it :lmao: I guess I just assumed all Big buildings from that era looked alike . I DO know that we like to joke that we will get our pictures taken in front of the Liberty Bell ....being from the Philly Area just seems so silly. On another note does anyone else think that this
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g210/Torky25/sd13t.jpg
Looks like Spidermans hand is behind them????

:lmao: Your entire post is awesome! I especially liked Spiderman's hand ... it's good to treat history with a little irreverence, dontcha think?

I have no idea what Vikings have to do with your food, but it was a nice discussion about historical inaccuracies. The impromptu poem was ok, too.

What does anything have to do with anything else when I sit down to write one of these? :lmao:

I only played that course once, back in 1996. We played at night, but not close enough to closing time to warrant the cast members shutting off the water features while we were still playing! I felt like they were trying to shoo us out faster so they could cut out early. :rolleyes:

Jay and I always thought it would be fun to play the course at night ... if everything is in proper working order. It's just not nearly as atmosphere-y when the water features aren't firing.

Well, you'd be correct about Mickey being a lightning rod elsewhere on property. The Mickey on the Crossroads to the World thingie near the Information kiosk just past the turnstiles at the Studios is there for that purpose.

I did not know that.


Hippo lead - Hyacinth Hippo
Gator lead - Ben Ali Gator
Ostrich lead - Madame Upanova (not too shabby for a pun)

Yeah, I'm a trivia geek. I thought the Alligator thought he was Casanova or something. I always associated "Dance with the Hours" with WDW's 20th anniversary promo commercials about 20 Good Reasons to go to WDW. The music would start, and you'd hear: "1! (do do do do do do) 2! (do do do do do)3, 4....5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12..." You get the idea. Each count had a featured photo of something to do or visit, like an attraction, a recreational activity, or (sniff!) Pleasure Island.

Actually Casanova is exactly who I think of with the lead Alligator, but that gang of gators kind of gives me the creeps ... they have a Bela Lugosi playing Dracula air about them. :laughing:

Lovely photos of you and Jay. :) I had gotten a hole in one at one that entered a cave. Nobody in our group had luck with the evil xylophone that proved hard to do on the first, second or fifth try! :headache:

Thanks! We both ended up with a hole in one on that one, too!


Yum! I loved the etoufée, but I hadn't tried the gumbo. It was certainly hot enough for me without needing to add mini-Tabasco bottle contents. On the last day of the trip, I asked Catherine to let me try the raspberry beer, and I really thought it was good.

Yeah, the etoufee was very spicy. I liked the gumbo better - it had flavor as opposed to heat. We liked the raspberry beer but it didn't really dazzle us ... I think because we've tried some others here at home that we actually liked better. But I will say that raspberry and wheat beer does seem to be a good combo - it makes for a nice warm weather beer, IMHO.

I missed out on that this year, but I loved the lamb slider last year. I thought the baby scallop thing looked kinda bleh.

The lamb was still tasty! And the salad was pretty good although it might have been better with a few, really well cooked scallops than an overload of chewy ones.

I thought the beef and cheesy grits/polenta were terrific. Not gritty in my batch. And I'm glad the cast member convinced me to get the strawberry shortcake. It was fantastic.

Definitely all good!

ROFL! I tend to blame it on all that book learnin' you have. :laughing: I probably would not have noticed the anachronism there.

I must admit that I have never heard that version of "Yankee Doodle" before. Eww eww eww, but very funny in the best juvenile way possible. Here's a holiday ditty for you. In Bart's voice:

Jingle Bells
Batman smells
Robin laid an egg
The Batmobile lost a wheel
And the Joker got away, HEY!

Glad you liked our history geek-out ... even though we weren't completely accurate ourselves (oh, the shame of it all!). And my favorite thing about that version of Jingle Bells is the episode where Bart opens a casino in his treehouse ... and ends up with Robert Goulet as entertainment. One of the kids asks him to sing that song ... it's a riot. :laughing:

I thought the picture was funny, but when I read that last part, I bust a gut laughing because really, he does have your hair!

Yes, it looks better on her, but she at least either shaves or waxes her mustache. :duck:

:lmao:

PMSL...:rotfl2: :lmao:

Wow, I was told you only ever gobbled up Tuna Nancy......

You are the most shocking of men! But that was pretty funny ... :lmao:

Bendy Rosie saw the pics yesterday and said "Oh wow" yes love that ham looks to die for don't it?,"Not the ham,that Kitty looks Gorgeous"....:rotfl2:

PS...She never said weather she intended to cuddle the cat or Eat it...:confused3

Well, if Rosie was admiring Handsome Pete then tell her I said thanks. If she's more interested in baking him into a pie or something please tell her we respectfully decline. :laughing:

Hangs head in shame/guilt. Yes we got home Saturday night, a safe uneventful drive. Real world got in the way of posting to my own report yesterday, but it was quick to read & respond to yours. Once I get DH off to work & kids off to school, I'll have time to finish.

Oh, hey, don't feel bad ... look at how long it takes me to update and it's been nearly two months since we got home. I throw no stones and look forward to reading yours when I get home from office ... where I should already be.

:rotfl2: Norty afeg. :lmao:

Truer words were likely never posted.

As always B, great update.

Fantasia Gardens saw us 4 times in the past years and not once were we able to finish the course. All 4 times, huge thunderstorms moved in and had us running for the car. I guess that's what happens when you visit the world in June. :confused3

Thanks for the history lesson kids and the new Yankee Doodle version now stuck in my head for the day. :lmao:

Thanks, MG! We had similar problems trying to play Fantasia mini-golf on a couple of different trips. The only times Jay and I have played is when no other members of my family are in the state of Florida. Must be the Grimace-vibes.

[jakenjess]

Your last update was a wonderful way for me to start a Monday morning!:rotfl2: Hysterical stuff!!

I'd love for you to share some of your favorite poolside beverages from SSR and BCV. We're staying at both this spring, and since our kiddos are at the age where they no longer think it cool at all for Mom and Dad to be IN the pool:scared1: the hubby and I have decided we'll spend most of our time BESIDE the pool, with frosty beverages in hand.;) Hopefully they haven't slashed the drink menu too much:sad2: .

[kabuki]

Wonderful updates Brenda! I wish I was back right now. You are on the last full day of Jason and my trip and I am thinking back ... hmm what a wonderful place! How can we move into Epcot permanently..I'll take a condo right in the Tower at Morocco! :yay:

[Hedy]

Now the Battle Hymn is stuck in my head.

[TDC Nala]

Part of the problem with the Adventurers Club being gone (and there are myriad problems with that) is that I am being sort of forced to play minigolf next Monday.

But it will be Winter Summerland and not Fantasia Gardens. Sounds as though that may be a good thing. Don't know yet. I have never played minigolf at WDW before.

I'd rather live in the Rose & Crown ;)

[oybolshoi]

SQUEEEEEE!!!! OH MY GOODNESS, SQUEEEEEEEEE INDEED!!!

http://www.thundercrush.com/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/bannanadance.gifhttp://www.thundercrush.com/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/dance011.gifhttp://www.thundercrush.com/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/twirl.gif

My copy of Beedle the Bard was delivered to the house today. But not for this DINK the stuff of everyday books, oh no...not this time. My lovey hubby gave me the OK (admittedly before the economy crashed) to order the collector's edition as my Christmas present.

It is so cool! I can't wait to take pictures and share the geeky Harry Potter joy with you all (whether you want it or not ... :lmao: ).

SQUEEEEEE!!!! :dance3: :yay: :cheer2:

[PNO4TE]

I can't wait to see it. I did not splurge for our yonger DD. She got the regular version and it came on December 4! It is wrapped and packed and in the suitcase to make the trip to WDW!

[jeminni]

SQUEEEEEE!!!! OH MY GOODNESS, SQUEEEEEEEEE INDEED!!!

http://www.thundercrush.com/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/bannanadance.gifhttp://www.thundercrush.com/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/dance011.gifhttp://www.thundercrush.com/forum/Smileys/smilies_smf/twirl.gif

My copy of Beedle the Bard was delivered to the house today. But not for this DINK the stuff of everyday books, oh no...not this time. My lovey hubby gave me the OK (admittedly before the economy crashed) to order the collector's edition as my Christmas present.

It is so cool! I can't wait to take pictures and share the geeky Harry Potter joy with you all (whether you want it or not ... :lmao: ).

SQUEEEEEE!!!! :dance3: :yay: :cheer2:



:banana: :cool1: :dance3:

I love Harry Potter and would look to see pictures of the collector's edition in its geekiest glory. I cant wait to see the illustrations. :goodvibes

[oybolshoi]

OK, here are my pictures of my fancy-schmancy collector's edition of Beedle the Bard ... don't you guys wish I could update the actual food porn this quickly? :lmao:

The collector's edition is being offered exclusively by Amazon ... they can do that because they purchased the original hand-written, jewel-encrusted little jem written by Ms. Rowling last year after she published Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Since the net proceeds are being donated to charity I felt a little better about spending money on something that I didn't need but really wanted ... we wants it ... we needs it ... we must haves it!!!

Anyhoo ... the book comes tucked into a case that's been disguised to look like a textbook one might find at Hogwarts. Upon opening the case your delighted DINK of a food and drink worshipper found a mid-size envelope tucked under a velvet flap on the left - this is a set of reproductions of 10 illustrations from the book that can be framed. On the right-hand side of the case I found a claret colored velvet drawstring bag with J K Rowling's signature embroidered in gold thread. Opening the bag reveals the book itself ... complete with metal skull, corners, and clasp, replica gemstones and an emerald ribbon to mark your spot should the cat (and I'm not naming names) decide to interupt your reading pleasure by coughing up a hairball the size of a small boulder right onto your burgundy damask Christmas tree skirt.

The Collector's Edition includes an exclusive reproduction of J.K. Rowling's handwritten introduction in the auctioned book from last year, as well as 10 additional illustrations not found in the Standard Edition or the Original.

Wanna see some pictures? :yay:

The front of the storage case...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080001.jpg

The spine...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080002.jpg

Case opened...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080003.jpg

Envelope with commemorative prints...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080004.jpg

Getting closer ... it's the velvet pouch!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080005.jpg

Front cover of the book itself...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080006.jpg

Side of book showing metal clasp which holds it closed...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080007.jpg

The start of The Tale of the Three Brothers...the story that was the key to unlocking the mystery in Deathly Hallows
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080008.jpg


Is that the coolest thing ever? I mean, if you're a Harry Potter geek like me. And if you're not, well ... thanks for humoring me! :thumbsup2

[oybolshoi]

Your last update was a wonderful way for me to start a Monday morning!:rotfl2: Hysterical stuff!!

I'd love for you to share some of your favorite poolside beverages from SSR and BCV. We're staying at both this spring, and since our kiddos are at the age where they no longer think it cool at all for Mom and Dad to be IN the pool:scared1: the hubby and I have decided we'll spend most of our time BESIDE the pool, with frosty beverages in hand.;) Hopefully they haven't slashed the drink menu too much:sad2: .

Hi Lori! I'm glad I could start your Monday out the right way!

Hmmmmm.... well, the only drink at SSR that we like any longer (that's being offered that is) is the Grand Margarita ... on the rocks. The espresso chiller used to be a great hot weather drink but it's gone. As for the BCV ... we don't even try to order booze there anymore, but the shipwreck used to be a helluva beverage! Try asking for one ... someone may still know how to make it.

Thanks for reading!

Wonderful updates Brenda! I wish I was back right now. You are on the last full day of Jason and my trip and I am thinking back ... hmm what a wonderful place! How can we move into Epcot permanently..I'll take a condo right in the Tower at Morocco! :yay:

Hi Chelsi! Thanks for reading. My next big update will be PFTS ... and just happens to include some pictures of you and your Jason! I just have to find some time this week ... probably Thursday or Friday (holiday party on Saturday).

Now the Battle Hymn is stuck in my head.

Well, that's probably better than Yankee Doodle. :lmao:

Part of the problem with the Adventurers Club being gone (and there are myriad problems with that) is that I am being sort of forced to play minigolf next Monday.

But it will be Winter Summerland and not Fantasia Gardens. Sounds as though that may be a good thing. Don't know yet. I have never played minigolf at WDW before.

I'd rather live in the Rose & Crown ;)

We'd like to get over to Winter Summerland some day but we're usually too lazy to try to figure it out. It's easier to lounge at the pool. I'm sure you'll have fun, and if not ... have an extra drink when you're finished playing.

I still hate Disney for closing the AC ... strong word, but it's how I feel.

As for where I'd live ... I'll take a room in France over the Patisserie. :thumbsup2

[oybolshoi]

I can't wait to see it. I did not splurge for our yonger DD. She got the regular version and it came on December 4! It is wrapped and packed and in the suitcase to make the trip to WDW!

I ordered three "regular" copies to give to various nieces and nephies for the holidays ... but they would not appreciate the collector's edition on as many levels as I do and that's why I get the big book! :lmao:

I'm sure your daughter will love it ... especially receiving it at WDW! :goodvibes


:banana: :cool1: :dance3:

I love Harry Potter and would look to see pictures of the collector's edition in its geekiest glory. I cant wait to see the illustrations. :goodvibes

Pictures are posted ... hope you enjoy! :thumbsup2

[BoosGram]

OK, here are my pictures of my fancy-schmancy collector's edition of Beedle the Bard ... don't you guys wish I could update the actual food porn this quickly? :lmao:

The collector's edition is being offered exclusively by Amazon ... they can do that because they purchased the original hand-written, jewel-encrusted little jem written by Ms. Rowling last year after she published Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Since the net proceeds are being donated to charity I felt a little better about spending money on something that I didn't need but really wanted ... we wants it ... we needs it ... we must haves it!!!

Anyhoo ... the book comes tucked into a case that's been disguised to look like a textbook one might find at Hogwats. Upon opening the case your delighted DINK of a food and drink worshipper found a mid-size envelope tucked under a velvet flap on the left - this is a set of reproductions of 10 illustrations from the book that can be framed. On the right-hand side of the case I found a claret colored velvet drawstring bag with J K Rowling's signature embroidered in gold thread. Opening the bag reveals the book itself ... complete with metal skull, corners, and clasp, replica gemstones and an emerald ribbon to mark your spot should the cat (and I'm not naming names) decide to interupt your reading pleasure by coughing up a hairball the size of a small boulder right onto your burgundy damask Christmas tree skirt.

The Collector's Edition includes an exclusive reproduction of J.K. Rowling's handwritten introduction in the auctioned book from last year, as well as 10 additional illustrations not found in the Standard Edition or the Original.

Wanna see some pictures? :yay:

The front of the storage case...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080001.jpg

The spine...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080002.jpg

Case opened...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080003.jpg

Envelope with commemorative prints...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080004.jpg

Getting closer ... it's the velvet pouch!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080005.jpg

Front cover of the book itself...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080006.jpg

Side of book showing metal clasp which holds it closed...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080007.jpg

The start of The Tale of the Three Brothers...the story that was the key to unlocking the mystery in Deathly Hallows
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/oybolshoi/Stuff/PC080008.jpg


Is that the coolest thing ever? I mean, if you're a Harry Potter geek like me. And if you're not, well ... thanks for humoring me! :thumbsup2

Oh, man, am I glad not to be the only HP freak over 13! Love the pictures; thanks for sharing. I know for a fact I'll never be the recipient of the deluxe version. AAMOF, if I get one at all, it'll be because I went and bought it myself (and since I have a BIG birthday coming up this month, I probably will ;) ).

[nts4wdw]

I don't think you are a geek at all. I'm totally enjoying my normal copy. Yours looks awesome!!

[BoosGram]

I just had to add this very dopey thought: you refer to yourself as a DINK, which I understand, so I was trying to come up w/a term for us. Are you ready? Here it is: STINKAH. Yes, ahem, it stands for "Single Total Income No Kids At Home." Whatcha think? (Well, I amused myself anyway.)

[oybolshoi]

Oh, man, am I glad not to be the only HP freak over 13! Love the pictures; thanks for sharing. I know for a fact I'll never be the recipient of the deluxe version. AAMOF, if I get one at all, it'll be because I went and bought it myself (and since I have a BIG birthday coming up this month, I probably will ;) ).

I've been addicted to HP since 2001 ... a little late but not so late that I couldn't fully enjoy the agonzing publishing waits between books, especially between books 4 and 5.

And if you have a really special birthday coming up maybe you should splurge on yourself a little. :hug:

I don't think you are a geek at all. I'm totally enjoying my normal copy. Yours looks awesome!!

I love it! And I read most of the tales online last year after Amazon started publishing them, but I can't wait to read them all myself this time in my own two greedy-graspity hands. :yay:

I just had to add this very dopey thought: you refer to yourself as a DINK, which I understand, so I was trying to come up w/a term for us. Are you ready? Here it is: STINKAH. Yes, ahem, it stands for "Single Total Income No Kids At Home." Whatcha think? (Well, I amused myself anyway.)

:rotfl2: Joanne, you're too funny! If you like it I think you should keep using it!

[Tink rules]

WOW!!!

Way Cool!!!

Now did you rip it open on the front steps in front of the UPS guy or did you wait until you locked yourself behind a specially spell induced piece of pine disguised as your front door??? :goodvibes

[oybolshoi]

WOW!!!

Way Cool!!!

Now did you rip it open on the front steps in front of the UPS guy or did you wait until you locked yourself behind a specially spell induced piece of pine disguised as your front door??? :goodvibes

It was delivered while I was at work ... I actually waited to open it until dinner was over because I knew that I'd be too busy ooooooohing and aaaaaaahhhhing once I did open it. :rotfl2:

[Tink rules]

It was delivered while I was at work ... I actually waited to open it until dinner was over because I knew that I'd be too busy ooooooohing and aaaaaaahhhhing once I did open it. :rotfl2:

It's best that you waited until after or else Jason would have been sending our for pizza...

By the way... It WAS Pete that coughed up the fur ball, right??? It wasn't a GREEN fur ball??? :lmao:

[oybolshoi]

It's best that you waited until after or else Jason would have been sending our for pizza...

By the way... It WAS Pete that coughed up the fur ball, right??? It wasn't a GREEN fur ball??? :lmao:

I said I wouldn't name names ... :rolleyes1

[Tink rules]

Well, I've got to admit... the green one only got a little more greener :sick: after the tequila in Cabo...

[SmallWorld71]

Love the book! I'm a huge Harry Potter fan. :goodvibes DS9 is now, too. However, he's only read the first 3 books; he got about halfway through the fourth and got too scared.:scared1: He wants to tackle it again next year. (Do you think double digits are that much braver?:rotfl: )

[ocdisney08]

harry potter = awesomeness

i was just watching the movies the other day instead of studying for finals. ;)

i wish i had the money to get it. this coming trip to disney has made me a even more broke college. it will be worth it. deluxe dining. yum. :goodvibes

[A fat english gent]

Wow Bendy, Wish my geeky mate had shared about the book before the SOLD OUT sign went up,i did try Rosie honest...:rolleyes1 .....I know a little book worm geek who would probably sell her twin brother to get her hands on the said book.......:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2:

ps....Why do geeky people always have great ideas for prezzies,and us thicko's struggle?....:confused3

[PNO4TE]

I just had to add this very dopey thought: you refer to yourself as a DINK, which I understand, so I was trying to come up w/a term for us. Are you ready? Here it is: STINKAH. Yes, ahem, it stands for "Single Total Income No Kids At Home." Whatcha think? (Well, I amused myself anyway.)

Love it, Joanne! :rotfl2:

[Mocharilla]

Is that the coolest thing ever? I mean, if you're a Harry Potter geek like me. And if you're not, well ... thanks for humoring me! :thumbsup2

Very awesome! I'm so jealous! Nic would never let me spend that much money on something Harry Potter! :rotfl:

He'll barely let me drag him to the theater to see the movies.

He did sit through the last book's midnight party with me, so I guess I have to give him credit there.

[oybolshoi]

Love the book! I'm a huge Harry Potter fan. :goodvibes DS9 is now, too. However, he's only read the first 3 books; he got about halfway through the fourth and got too scared.:scared1: He wants to tackle it again next year. (Do you think double digits are that much braver?:rotfl: )

In all seriousness I think it must depend on the child - some are just more sensitive to that kind of stuff than others and I do think there is some imagery and some scenes that are quite powerful and disturbing. I was really leary of giving book #5 and #6 to my oldest neice about two years ago when she was 8, but my sister-in-law had read the books and said she didn't think it was a problem. And my neice gobbled them so fast it made her half-blind aunt Bendy shed a tear of pride ... she's a greader just like me!!

Having said that ... I bawled like a baby at the end of Goblet and at the end of Half-Blood Prince and at the end of Deathly Hallows but my neice just was calm and collected. Go figure. :confused3

Hope your son gets back into it soon - I'm sure he's gonna love it as much as you do! :goodvibes

harry potter = awesomeness

i was just watching the movies the other day instead of studying for finals. ;)

i wish i had the money to get it. this coming trip to disney has made me a even more broke college. it will be worth it. deluxe dining. yum. :goodvibes

I like your style ... I would have watched a Potter-a-thon instead of studying too! Deluxe dining, huh? Have a great time and I hope you have some terrific meals!

Wow Bendy, Wish my geeky mate had shared about the book before the SOLD OUT sign went up,i did try Rosie honest...:rolleyes1 .....I know a little book worm geek who would probably sell her twin brother to get her hands on the said book.......:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2:

ps....Why do geeky people always have great ideas for prezzies,and us thicko's struggle?....:confused3

My dear man of mystery ... I've sent you a missive...actually two. Go forth and read your PMs for I have much to say. ;)

And this geeky person would love some help figuring out what to give her in-laws for the holidays ... since I'm not open to the idea of finding a new and far more acceptable wife for my husband I'm all out of ideas. :rotfl2:

Love it, Joanne! :rotfl2:

If I were a tag fairy (and I'm not ... I'm more of a fart fairy) I would give Joanne a tag that just reads STINKAH! :lmao:

[Mocharilla]

Wow Bendy, Wish my geeky mate had shared about the book before the SOLD OUT sign went up,i did try Rosie honest...:rolleyes1 .....I know a little book worm geek who would probably sell her twin brother to get her hands on the said book.......:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2:

ps....Why do geeky people always have great ideas for prezzies,and us thicko's struggle?....:confused3

Can you order off the US Amazon and have it delivered to the UK? Because it isn't sold out on the US Amazon, and although shipping would be more expensive, at least you could get it.

[oybolshoi]

Very awesome! I'm so jealous! Nic would never let me spend that much money on something Harry Potter! :rotfl:

He'll barely let me drag him to the theater to see the movies.

He did sit through the last book's midnight party with me, so I guess I have to give him credit there.

To be totally fair I really didn't give Jay much of a choice. When I found out over the summer that Amazon was releasing the book I went online to pre-order it and saw the Collector's edition and said to myself, "Self, that is just too cool to pass up. Order it now and tell Jay he just took care of your Christmas gift for the year."

And I did.

And like a good husband when I told him about it he said, "I'm so nice."

:rotfl2:

And your hubby sat through the release party? Double-jointed thumbs up to him! :thumbsup2

[oybolshoi]

Can you order off the US Amazon and have it delivered to the UK? Because it isn't sold out on the US Amazon, and although shipping would be more expensive, at least you could get it.

That's pretty much the email that I sent to him ... along with one offering to order it for him if he can't because AFEG holds a special little (not so little) corner of my heart. :lovestruc

[Briarmom]

To be totally fair I really didn't give Jay much of a choice. When I found out over the summer that Amazon was releasing the book I went online to pre-order it and saw the Collector's edition and said to myself, "Self, that is just too cool to pass up. Order it now and tell Jay he just took care of your Christmas gift for the year."

And I did.



This is what I did too, only it was the Kindle.:cloud9:
I was going to order a super special Beetle as well, but I didn't.

I've caught up on your report, and am getting over some jet lag. I had a lot to mention about it, but apparently I've forgotten. Old age?:confused3

[jakenjess]

Brenda,

Thanks for sharing those SO COOL pics of the collector's edition!:thumbsup2 My DS is getting the regular version for Christmas from his grandparents, after I told them he would love it. They looked at it and said it's got big print and pictures and he'll be done reading it in 15 minutes.:rotfl2: Umm, yeah, but it was very instrumental in book 7, so please believe me when I say he'll want it!

My DS and I are complete Harry Potter geeks (just watched Goblet of Fire on ABC Family the other night, even though we have the DVD, we can't help ourselves;) ). He was so bummed when the HBP movie got pushed back to July '09, but I'm sure it will be worth the wait!:goodvibes

[whogirl'smom]

SQUEEEEEE!!!! OH MY GOODNESS, SQUEEEEEEEEE INDEED!!!

It is so cool! I can't wait to take pictures and share the geeky Harry Potter joy with you all (whether you want it or not ... :lmao: ).

SQUEEEEEE!!!! :dance3: :yay: :cheer2:

And I was excited to get a new Stephen King paperback at Sam's Club Saturday...what's sad is that I didn't even know what you were talking about! :laughing:

Loved the praline bread pudding, of course. Now I want to go make pralines.