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franandaj
01-21-2010, 10:02 PM
We started off the trip flying from LA to MCO. Here is the plan for dining for the next ten days.

Wednesday January 20, 2010
Fly from LAX arrive 6PM, DME to SSR
8:30PM Dinner at Turf Club (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35117514#post35117514)

Thursday January 21, 2010
Lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35118216#post35118216)
Pick up rental car, grocery shopping
2nd Lunch & Dinner in the room (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35119575#post35119575)

Friday January 22, 2010
Epcot
Counter Service for Lunch
Teppan Edo for Dinner

Saturday January 23 2010
Magic Kingdom for me and DP while Mom & Dad go “birding”
Counter Service for Lunch
Dinner in the Room

Sunday January 24, 2010
Breakfast and Lunch in the Room
Fulton’s for Dinner

Monday January 25, 2010
Transfer to Kidani via Epcot
Coral Reef Lunch
Tacos in the room

Tuesday January 26, 2010
Relax at Kidani
Dinner at V&A’s

Wednesday January 27, 2010
Animal Kingdome Park
Counter Service Lunch
Dinner in the Room

Thursday January 28, 2010
Relax in Room
Sunset Safari
Dinner at Jiko

Friday January 29, 2010
AK park
CS restaurant
California Grill

Saturday January 30, 2010
Return rental car
Lunch at Paradisio 37


BTW since this is my first LIVE from WDW trip report if there are technical glitches, please understand because I’m just learning the DISboards and how to post links, edit posts and other stuff!

Thanks!

mamaboogie
01-22-2010, 09:07 AM
Looking forward to hearing all about it!:thumbsup2

Symans3honeybees
01-22-2010, 09:13 AM
Thank you for spending some of your precious time during your vacation to post for us....:thumbsup2

MickeyNicki
01-22-2010, 11:15 AM
Count me in! The next best thing to writing a live review is reading someone elses!

franandaj
01-22-2010, 01:59 PM
So lets start off with a little background information. The cast of characters on this trip are myself, my DP (we're on either side of 50 a few years each way, but I won't say who is older!), my DM and DD, who are not quite retired, but soon will be.

Me and my DP have been coming to WDW together for over 12 years, and both of us had been here before that. When we were here for Food & Wine last Sept/Oct we purchased APs and the TIW card. The card has already paid for itself so the rest is all gravy from here on out. Many of these restaurants are new to us, but we've picked them all based on other's great reviews.

Let me also say that we all like wine a lot. My parents brought me up drinking great wine. I have a cellar at home, and I shipped a case of great wine to myself for in room drinking and a couple restaurants.

So without further ado, the Turf Club!

We had a long day, getting up early for the flight, and flying across country is always tiring. We had an 8:30 ADR and arrived right at 8:15, they seated us immediately, however it was 20 minutes before our server even stopped by the table. :mad:

Even though we were sharing a bottle of wine, I could not resist a blue drink, I love any blue drink, and they had a Blue Glow-tini, so I had to have it. There was Vodka (skyye I think), Blue Curacao, a couple other things and the glass was rimmed with sugar. :drinking: It was quite yummy, sweet but not sickeningly, just tasty.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2281.jpg

We started off with an order of onion rings and they were really good. The sauces were a lime mayonnase and a red pepper ranch.

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Our server was clueless though and that sort of put a damper on the evening, we were already tired to begin with and her ineptitude (messed up our cocktails, she had never opened bottle of wine before:confused: and she's a server(?), didn’t bring us bread & butter, or proper steak knives, etc) was frustrating.

Speaking of opening the wine, we had a 1999 BV Tapestry, for those who care it is a lovely blend, I think some Cab Sauv, Cab Frank, maybe Pinot Noir and some others. This bottle of wine was incredibly smooth, well rounded and went fabulously with our dinner! It cost us $25 corkage, and I had called earlier in the week when they said $20. But how many restaurants have 10 year aged wines that you can drink for $25!

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The food however, was excellent, two of us had the NY Strip steak. We chose the option with the blue cheese on top, and it had a great port based sauce .

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My DP had the burger

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And the DM had the Prime Rib, it had a Cabernet Sauvignon based sauce. She substituted the seasonal vegetables for the potatoes, and the kitchen assumed that she didn't want the Swiss Chard that was supposed to come with. When she asked they brought her a small plate of the Swiss Chard too. I didn't get a picture of that.

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We were too tired and full for dessert, and basically just wanted to get to our room as it was well after 10PM now. So we headed off to our Treehouse Villa to get some sleep.

Turf Club: 4 entrees + appetizer, 1 cocktail, and corkage fee = $112.89 with TIW.

franandaj
01-22-2010, 02:49 PM
We (I mostly) were up late Wednesday because one of my bags didn't get on DME, so they were searching for it and finally found it just before midnight, so it was at least 1AM before it finally got here. Even with the late hour, I was up before 9 ancy to go to DTD because I wanted BREAKFAST at WPE. Very soon it because clearly apparent to me that wasn't going to be happening as everyone else was moving very slowly. The only things we had in the villa were a few granola bars (ick), a bag of chips leftover from lunch on the plane and my leftover steak with blue cheese (didn't sound so hot in the morning). I was starving!

After what seemed like an eternity everyone was ready to go and we made our way to the boat launch at the THV. The boat arrived soon after and we disembarked at the DTD stop. As I headed towards WPE, everyone kept trying to steer me the other way saying, "The sign says, Wolfgang Puck is this way." Silly people, don't they know I'm so obsessed with food, especially at WDW I can tell you where just about every restaurant is located and basically what is on their menus. I let them know they were referring to the Cafe, which is a TS and not QS restaurant! I had relaxing to do, but we needed to pick up our rental car at the Buena Vista Palace and go shopping before I could start relaxing. But before ANYTHING else, FEED ME SEYMOUR!

DP got the Squash Soup, it had some spice (curry tasting) in it that I didn't care for but she cleaned her bowl, so it must have been good.

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I got my old standard Four Cheese Macaroni (Penne) & Cheese, and this one was excellent. It had little bits of bacon, I think, and I ate every bite. It came with a side Caesar Salad that tasted like there was no dressing on it at all.

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We both just got cups of water to drink. For the two of us, with 10% DVC or TIW discount the total came to $15.23.

DM got the Beef Salad, and when asked the cashier what was in it, she failed to mention that it was covered in Gorgonzola Cheese. My DM is allergic to mold, so she had to send it back for a cheese free salad.

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Dad got the Pepperoni & Mushroom Pizza. He said it was very good. It looked that way, I was sort of eyeing his lunch, but I was also full enough from my own.

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DM & DD did not give me their receipts so I have no idea what the cost of their meal was.

Next review, a place unfortunately none of you can eat at, but I'll share it anyways!

franandaj
01-22-2010, 04:20 PM
After shopping for a ton of groceries, we had some food in the room to tide us over for dinner, but it was just some sandwiches and nothing exciting to take pictures of.

After a little relaxing and surfing the net, I was ready to contemplate my part of the dinner. My mother had started the Mushrooms Berkley which is basically chopped mushrooms, onion & bell pepper stewed with red wine, sweetener and other flavorings. I started the grill, see at the THV every unit has a BBQ grill out in front, so I fired up the coals and we were on our way.

I grilled marinated chicken and zucchini strips.

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Here is our table spread

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The chicken & zucchini up close

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These yummy mushrooms stewed with red wine, brown sugar and other good stuff are a staple in our family

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After a long couple days it was nice to just stick around the Villa having family favorites for dinner, enjoying some wine. I don't have pictures of the wine, but we started off with a BV Coastal Chardonnay. We used a Ridge Carmichael Zinfandel in the mushrooms (only 1/2 a cup, we drank the rest), and enjoyed a Fess Parker Syrah, both of the reds were around 2004 or 2005 vintage.

No cost totals on this meal, but with leftovers (not including the cost of the wine), I'm guessing less than 20 bucks.

Next up Teppan Edo!

DisneyFan83
01-22-2010, 06:44 PM
Count me in! :D

Pooh&OurHunny
01-22-2010, 07:53 PM
Joining in.

bluechic03
01-22-2010, 07:58 PM
Here for the ride! :surfweb:popcorn::

Linda67
01-23-2010, 01:06 AM
Just found this one and love it so far popcorn::

eemmie1
01-23-2010, 07:53 AM
Loving the review. I have always wanted to stay at the THV. How are they?

franandaj
01-23-2010, 08:49 AM
Just found this one and love it so far popcorn::

Thanks, hopefully lots more great meals to come!

Loving the review. I have always wanted to stay at the THV. How are they?

They're pretty cool, I'm in a Handicapped Accessible, so I miss my jacuzzi tub, but otherwise there's a lot of space, and I loved the private BBQ Grill!

franandaj
01-23-2010, 08:55 AM
By the way can anyone tell me how to get my photos larger? I'm using photobucket and the last time I posted pictures, they were full sized. Same camera, same hosting method, so I a little confused.:confused3

Thanks!

klacey1
01-23-2010, 10:39 AM
Such great reviews!! Looks like you make a mean zuccini! Can't wait for more

franandaj
01-23-2010, 08:28 PM
Friday early morning, DP started to show signs of food poisoning, probably the Ice Cream as no one else in the villa had any and no one else got sick. I dropped my parents of at Epcot, sorry that I couldn't share their first visit there, but knew I should stay home and be a good wife. I told them that I would come back and join them for dinner around 6:30.

That time afforded me to post the first few parts of this report, and then I headed off to Epcot to join my parents. They had hit a few attractions in Future World and took the Canada/UK route around World Showcase. They were in China and had settled down on some benches. I got my obligatory Blue Margarita on the way to meet them, remember I said about the blue drinks. This margarita is made with silver patron and I'm guessing has some blue curacao in it.

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Once I met up with my parents, we started to head towards Japan. My mother mentioned that they needed foot massage stations along World Showcase, and I reminded her that’s why we’re going to the Spa at SSR Sunday.

We checked in early at Teppan Edo and they were running at least 10-15 minutes behind, but we waited far longer than that past our reservation time. Probably because we were a party of three and they needed to find a party of five so that the table would be full.

Once we were seated we ordered some sake & water (didn't think I needed to show the water):rotfl2:

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2340.jpg

Edamamme

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I got the tempura appetizer. Last time I was here, we didn’t’ get the appetizer and I not only finished my own entrée, but even ate some of DP’s as well. Now imagine this with two strips like you see on top. I ate the shrimp before I remembered to take the picture, but thought there were two, I was totally surprised to find that this "other shrimp" was a piece of chicken! I looked for the tail and couldn't find it so I just dug in, what a surprise!

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I also ordered the Miso soup. It was good, but these crouton things were weird, they weren't tofu like I'm used to.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2345.jpg

Here they take your zucchini and onions and make them into a sort of chow mein. Before they cut up the onions, they make Mt Fuji and then turn it into Mickey Mouse. Here are the steps in creating the chow mein.

Noodles on the grill.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2349.jpg

Zucchini & onions

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Mickey Onion

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Chow Mein on the grill

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They also give you a variety of sauces, ginger, mustard and seafood (this one is basically mayonnaise, I think they give this last one for the palate of WDW customers, I've never had it anywhere else at a Teppan restaurant, and we have a LOT of Asians on the west coast).

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Here is the completed chow mein on my plate

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My DM & DD got the scallops

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Tonight I ordered the Steak and Shrimp Combination, he cooked the shrimp first.

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Then he cooked my steak

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This is my plate, but he still added the mushrooms afterwards

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Our chef was amusing, and he cooked the food well, it was seasoned nicely, but once he left and the table across the way began their service it was obvious that they had the better entertainer, however we don’t know what his food tasted like!

I couldn’t finish the entrée and took it home. I also wrote a report for the DVCtalk yahoo group which I finished up first (no pictures and easier) and was actually thinking that after I finish the trip report the leftovers sounded pretty good!

So I fried up an egg, added my white rice and the entire box of leftovers, plus a few packets of soy sauce that I carry in my spice box, and had a whole new plate of goodness.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2369.jpg

Pretty good for midnight munchies!

Next couple meals, again where you can't dine, but there is a MK CS in there!

BTW, anyone wanting any recipies, they are available, besides the recreation of my leftovers everything I fix in the TR are staples at home, and I can give you the recipies.

Thanks for reading!

franandaj
01-26-2010, 12:11 PM
Today I was really in the mood for French Toast for Breakfast, so thankfully we have a kitchen! I whipped up some Breakfast for the whole family.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2376-1.jpg

Then we were off to MK, no particular plan except we wanted lunch somewhere and go on a few rides. We were hungry first, so we stopped at Columbia Harbour House for some Clam Chowder and Fish and Chips. The Clam Chowder was really good, the Fish and Chips were OK, but I bet the ones at the UK in Epcot are better, the last two trips I have really wanted to eat there, but no. I guess I can look forward to that in another trip.

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After lunch we did the Hall of Presidents, Mickey's Philharmagic and Monster's Inc, Laugh Floor. I wanted to go on Space Mountain but it was down. We decided that a Blue Rasberry slushy was in order. You know what I said about me and Blue drinks!

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2387.jpg

The park was really crowded so we decided to head back to the Villa. Dinner tonight was Keilbasa Sausages, Sauerkraut and Asparagus. While dinner was cooking we snacked on some veggies and dip, and cheese and crackers.

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Thanks for reading so far!

I'm a little behind, but we switched resorts yesterday from THV to Kidani. I should have some more time to get caught up, next report, Fulton's Crab House!

goofieslonglostsis
01-26-2010, 03:45 PM
Allison, just wanted to make you a compliment. Normally I don't post on Dining Review threads (allthough I love reading them), but your's calls for a chance.

I find it really refreshing, great and possibly inspiring for others that you've decided to include your own cookings while at WDW and not just the bought stuff. Great! :thumbsup2

Pooh&OurHunny
01-26-2010, 03:51 PM
Great updates and I have enjoying reading along. I can't wait for Fulton b/c we are going there for our first time in May.

franandaj
01-26-2010, 09:51 PM
Allison, just wanted to make you a compliment. Normally I don't post on Dining Review threads (allthough I love reading them), but your's calls for a chance.

I find it really refreshing, great and possibly inspiring for others that you've decided to include your own cookings while at WDW and not just the bought stuff. Great! :thumbsup2

Thanks! I find it amazing how many DVC members find it an abomination to actually cook in the room :scared1: Isn't that why we have a kitchen? Some days it's just too much to sit for an hour or so or even wait that long just to be seated if you don't have ADRs. Why not open a bottle of wine, and make something really easy and then just sit back over the table for another bottle and enjoy the company! It's been great.

Great updates and I have enjoying reading along. I can't wait for Fulton b/c we are going there for our first time in May.

I'll tell you it was awesome, will post it as soon as I can, maybe even tonight!

Thanks!

Linda67
01-27-2010, 02:48 AM
Wonderful reviews, many thanks
The meals that you are preparing in the Villa look delicious :)

klacey1
01-27-2010, 10:00 AM
Thanks for sharing-- want to come to NY and make me French toast?? Please?

butiflfeet
01-27-2010, 11:15 AM
I love live reviews and I think its great to see what you've cooked in your villa! Thanks for sharing!

GraceO'Malley
01-27-2010, 03:11 PM
I'm enjoying your report very much and I would LOVE your recipe for Mushrooms Berkley!

Thanks so much!!!!!

ickeynickey
01-27-2010, 08:00 PM
Great updates. Looks like your having a great time. Have a blue margarita for me. Better yet, have two!:jumping3:

franandaj
01-27-2010, 10:18 PM
Sunday was a day of relaxation. We had things like Yogurt for breakfast, used the leftover chicken for chicken salad sandwiches, so really no need for pictures when we're just making sandwiches. :rotfl2:

After lunch DM and I went to the Spa at SSR, I had the Swedish Massage and this wonderful Hydro Therapy Tub thing you wouldn't believe! Once we got home we noshed a little on the cheese and crackers you saw the other day before taking the boat to DTD.


We had 7:00 PM reservations at Fulton's and it was incredible. I'd been wanting to come here since it was the Empress Lilly, and we'd had reservations before, but it never worked out. I was so thrilled when we walked through that door and I was FINALLY getting to sample the cuisine here that I had heard so much about.

Again, we brought our own wine. A BV Reserve Chardonnay 2006, two bottles.

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Our waiter described the Oyster selection and when he said, "Malpeque" I gasped in esctasy! We ordered 18 of them and wolfed them down within minutes of being put down on the table.

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Most everyone in the party ordered the Lobster and Crab Bisque as an appetizer and I ordered the Caesar Salad. I got a taste of the Bisque and it was VERY rich. I'm not sure I could have eaten a bowl of that, but I forgot to mention that I had some "problems" last night which made me worry about dinner tonight, but I think the massage "cleansed" me from those toxins, so I was OK to eat.

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BTW the Bread and Butter was yummy, and in addition they gave us this boursin crab spread with crackers that was also great.

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DM got the Crab Cake and House Salad for her Entree, but she couldn't eat either because she ate too many Oysters and the soup.

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I got the King Crab legs and split them with DP

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Our waiter Michael took the crab out of the shell for us expertly

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DD got the Flounder

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We skipped dessert at Fulton's because there was Ghiradelli just around the corner....

DD got something that was basically all chocolate except for the whipped cream

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DP and I split a totally decadent sundae with butterscotch and chocolate toppings with whipped cream and almonds, YUM!

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Tomorrow Coral Reef at Epcot:sad2:

disneyfav4ever
01-28-2010, 01:48 AM
I am seriously considering trying Turf Club this fall, that steak looks wonderful.

franandaj
01-28-2010, 07:47 AM
Today we left our home at the THV to settle in at Kidani Village. While we were homeless, we decided to go to Epcot. I had made a reservation for lunch at 1:30 at the Coral Reef.

Me and DD had the Lobster Ravioli. Why someone would cover up the great taste of Lobster with a red sauce I will never know. The ravioli were tasty and if they had served it with a beurre blanc, it would have been superb. This was just tomatoey and spicy.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2412.jpg

DM got the Mushroom Lasagne, which was actually lasagne noodles wrapped around some filling and the noodles were so cooked that they were hard and crunchy.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2411.jpg

DP got the Crab Cakes Appetizer and Squash Soup. The sauce on the crab cakes was too spicy, but the Soup was good.

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All in all, as much as I have liked this restaurant, and how I did not want to believe others when they said the quality had gone downhill, it really has. I don't think I will be coming back to this restaurant, unless something drastically changes.

For dessert, DP and I got an Apple Strudel in Germany (sorry forgot to take a picture!), it was good, but not nearly as good as the one they served during F&W. DM & DD went to Italy and got Tiramisu and Cannoli, they had wolfed theirs down before we found them waiting on a bench.

After this we headed back to the room at Kidani via Soarin' to settle in for a home cooked meal.

Pooh&OurHunny
01-28-2010, 08:11 AM
Thanks for wonderful updates. We took have been tryign to go to Fulton for the past 2 years but usually we changed our minds b/c my son is too tired that night we plan so we end up not going. This time we will go on our first night.
Last time we tried Coral Reef it was bad. My son grilled chicken was not cooked and our dish smelled and took one bite and it was not edible. After we left Coral Reef we had to go to Sunshine Season to feed our son something and we had a great grilled salmon there. My husband said we will never return to Coral Reef.

Love your food review and can't wait for the next installmentpopcorn::popcorn::

franandaj
01-28-2010, 07:48 PM
Wonderful reviews, many thanks
The meals that you are preparing in the Villa look delicious :)

I love live reviews and I think its great to see what you've cooked in your villa! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks! I love having home cooked food on vacation, it is so comforting!

Thanks for sharing-- want to come to NY and make me French toast?? Please?

Brrrrr....too cold there!:eek:

I'm enjoying your report very much and I would LOVE your recipe for Mushrooms Berkley!

Thanks so much!!!!!

It's really easy:
1 stick butter
1 lb mushrooms quartered
1/2 green pepper
1/2 onion

1/2 cup decent red wine
1 tbl dijon mustard
1 tbl worcesteshire
1/2 cup brown sugar

Melt butter in saucepan, add mushrooms, pepper & onion and cook until tender. Mix remaining 4 ingredients in a bowl and add to saucepan. Cook 45 minutes or so until liquid is reduced.

See! Very simple and Oh so Tasty!:wizard:

Great updates. Looks like your having a great time. Have a blue margarita for me. Better yet, have two!:jumping3:

I'll have to do that next time at Epcot, but believe I've hit that Margarita stand more than a few times! :thumbsup2

I am seriously considering trying Turf Club this fall, that steak looks wonderful.

As I said the FOOD was great, others highly reccomend it, so I'll go back and hope for another server!

Thanks for wonderful updates. We took have been tryign to go to Fulton for the past 2 years but usually we changed our minds b/c my son is too tired that night we plan so we end up not going. This time we will go on our first night.
Last time we tried Coral Reef it was bad. My son grilled chicken was not cooked and our dish smelled and took one bite and it was not edible. After we left Coral Reef we had to go to Sunshine Season to feed our son something and we had a great grilled salmon there. My husband said we will never return to Coral Reef.

Love your food review and can't wait for the next installmentpopcorn::popcorn::

You MUST go to Fulton's I've tried for several years as well and was NOT disappointed. Well the only disappointment was that I don't have two stomachs and couldn't eat more!

Thanks everyone!

franandaj
01-28-2010, 09:12 PM
Monday Night

After a long day at Epcot and being homeless we came back to the room and made tacos. I was so tired, that I forgot to take a picture of the whole dinner, but we made up little bowls of all the topping and everyone made their own tacos at the table. Imagine all those little bowls and here is the last taco shell that I had as a leftover, so imagine nine others like this being eaten on Monday night.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2508.jpg

Tuesday morning

For breakfast on Tuesday I made everyone in the villa who was feeling up to eating Bacon, Eggs, Toast and Hash Browns. DM got sick the night before so she didn't have any breakfast, and she had to bow out of dinner (which was V&A's). DP took her place, and DP was originally planning on bowing out!

Here is breakfast

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2434.jpg

ems_mom
01-28-2010, 11:21 PM
Love your reviews and so impressed with your cooking skills! I would like to try cooking but alas we are only two and usually stay in a studio to save points. We have stayed at HHI in a 1 bedroom and your recipes would be perfect. (If time allows, post the recipes on the community board.)

Koudos on a happy family vacation!

disneyfav4ever
01-28-2010, 11:40 PM
Can't wait to hear about V&A. The food you'll made in the room looks good to. I'm sorry your DM had to miss V&A, hopefully she felt better after that day.

franandaj
01-29-2010, 06:52 AM
This was the dinner I had been waiting for. Three years ago we dined at the Chef's table, and it was DIVINE. I am not a stranger to fine dining. We do eat somewhat often at the Napa Rose in the GCH and I have been lucky enough on occasion to have some fabulous dinners at Club 33 in DL. But since V&A's is so far away and it is always such an elegant experience, I always look forward to dining here.

We pulled up at the GFH and gave the car to the valet. I love that old Cadillac they have parked out front, so I went over to snap a picture of it before we went into dinner. :scared1: I HAD NO MEDIA CARD IN MY CAMERA! The dinner I had been waiting for all week, and I left the !@#$%*&! thig in my computer! DP was so sweet and told me to go to the gift shop and buy a new one. :love: So a few $'s later and new media card in camera we headed upstairs, a small price to pay if you think about it, much cheaper than coming back and second time with the media card. :rotfl2:

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2435.jpg

I tried to take a picture of the doors, but they were waiting for us.

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We were seated immediately, the place settings are always elegant.

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They prepare a special menu for each guest

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They even brought me this "purse stool" so I wouldn't have my purse on the floor!:rotfl:

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2441.jpg

This was the Amuse Bouche, a four parter! It was paired with a Tattinger Champange, and it was some special cuvee, although I do not remember the specifics, you'll see why after the next few posts!

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2442.jpg

I started with the one that had the spoon. It was a celery root purree with tomatoes, and chives and some other micro greens. Everyone else had salmon chunks instead of the tomatoes.

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For me this was a fennel mousse, for the others it was a salmon mousse

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2443.jpg

Next came the fried mozarella ball with the light tomato sauce, and when I say light I mean faint whif, but it complemented this so well and it wasn't over powering for the champagne or the next bite.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2447.jpg

Sorry these are a little out of focus, I'm using my point and shoot camera rather than the fancy SLR camera (it doesn't fit so well in a dainty purse and might look sort of weird at a restaurant like this to haul out a beasty camera to photograph such dainty food, although it sure deserves that treatment!).

The next was a bellini with caviar, and I have no idea what the other two ingredients are, but DP & DD got salmon roe while I got sturgeon, I guess....

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2444.jpg

We all ordered the same first course which was Maine Lobster with Watermelon Radish, Kohlrabi, and Vanilla Aioli. This was served with a Baileyana Chardonnay, Edna Valley 2006. It was wonderful, there was a chunk of lobster outside the roll and then inside was a lobster salad that was just wonderful.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/B6C.jpg

This was the last thing that we ordered the same, and where I must break part 1 it's late and I may have to put this TR into over time since we're nearing the end and I'm falling behind, but I'm making a valiant effort!

Part II will include Day Boat Scallop, Sake-Soy Marinated King Salmon & Monterey Abalone!

Thanks for reading!

franandaj
01-29-2010, 04:06 PM
Seafood Course

Here is where we begin to have some variety. I ordered the first item on the seafood course menu, the Day Boat Scallop with Zellwood Corn and Chorizo Sauce. As expected this was crispy and tasty on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside. The corn sauce and garnishes were sweet and savory all at the same time. It was really good!

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2460.jpg

DD ordered the second seafood course offering which was a Sake-Soy-marinated King Salmon with Bok Choy and Soy Sauce. This was served with sake instead of a wine pairing. Since I don't like Salmon, I didn't taste it, but DD seemed quite pleased with this course.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2458.jpg

DP ordered the Montery Abalone with Toasted Capers and Meyer Lemon. Since Abalone is very rare, she was thrilled to have this, they sliced it thin, lightly breaded and sauteed it and it was evidently excellent. I let her enjoy it all to herself.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2459.jpg

The next course was the appetizer course. We couldn't decided between Lobster Bisque

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2466.jpg

Poulet Rouge with Mushroom-Truffle Ragout, Black Trumpet Mushrooms and English Peas

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2468.jpg

Duck Breast, Duck Sausage, and Confit with Salsify and Pomegranate Sauce

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2469.jpg

So we ordered an additional split Lobster Bisque and both the other appetizers. I could have used more of the duck, the chicken was good too. The Lobster Bisque was creamy and subtle yet intense. I liked it better than the taste I had of Fulton's. They were all superb.

Coming next, meat course....

Poppinsme
01-29-2010, 11:16 PM
WOW I am so in! ;):):thumbsup2

Pooh&OurHunny
01-31-2010, 06:34 PM
yummy updates on Victoria and Albert's...I'm drolling over the pictures and can't wait to read and see more yummy food.popcorn::popcorn::

franandaj
02-05-2010, 02:20 PM
Sorry for the gap in postings, the report isn't live any more, but I will definitely take you through until the end.

Onto the meat course!

Since there were three of us, I was able to get pictures of three of the different entrees. There were actually five offered, but the last two were Kobe Beef and some other Beef even more pampered than Kobe, there was an additional charge of $35.00 & $80.00 respectively. We were plenty happy with the choices that had no additional surcharge.

DD got Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin and Belly with Baby Beets and Sherry-Bacon Vinaigrette.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2471.jpg

I ordered the Colorado Lamb with Fresh Cannellini Bean Cassoulet

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2472.jpg

DP got the Marcho Fams Veal Tenderloin with Marble Potatoes and Sauce Soubise

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2474.jpg

We traded back and forth on the two entrees so we each got to eat some of both. The lamb was very tender and really tasty, the veal was good too, but I liked the lamb better.

The next course my DP got the White Chocolate Gelato with Tableside Shavings and Micro Orchids.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2475.jpg

I didn't try any of this because I ordered the cheese course and the two just would have clashed on my palate. Below you will find: Thomas Hoe Stevenson Stilton, Coach Famr Goat, 36-Month Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Thomasville Tomme.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2478.jpg

For Dessert DD & DP had the Tanzanie Chocolate Pyramid with a Champagne-Chambord Truffle and Macerated Pomegranate Seeds

The dessert was served with coffee

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http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2485.jpg

I had the Grand Mariner Souffle, now there was a choice for a Chocolate Souffle, but I always find those disappointing unless it is a triple chocolate souffle, but this one was incredible. Notice our server adding the Grand Mariner Whipped Cream here...

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/Random%20Food%20Porn/IMG_2484.jpg

I had her leave the dish of cream and everyone ended up putting some on their plate!

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The last thing that they gave us was a plate of Petit Fours, but I was in such a food coma, I forgot to take a picture!:headache:

Oh well!

klacey1
02-05-2010, 03:16 PM
Drooling. I. Am.

franandaj
02-06-2010, 03:22 PM
After a dinner at V&A's you sort of need a break. Our plan was to visit the Animal Kingdom and come back to the Villa to make hot dogs today, but DM still wasn't feeling well and we had so many other leftovers we scrapped that idea. DP, DD and I headed out to the MK, and after about 45 min waiting (the monorail went down) we finally got into the park. I rode Space Mountain (since it wasn't down today), and we decided that we were hungry.

We went to Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe and everyone ordered burgers. I do have to say that this is one awesome place to get a burger. I should have taken a picture of the toppings bar! They had sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, raw onions, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, relish, plus all the condiments like mayo, ketchup etc.

DP and I split a cheeseburger and I loaded it up with just about everything that had over there. Between the burger and the fries that was just enough to fill me up.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2488.jpg

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2489.jpg

We rode the Haunted Mansion and did the Tiki Room show, and based on feedback from another Disney list I'm on, I figured that I had to try a Dole Whip. DP got the traditional Dole Whip

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2496.jpg

I'm not so big on just a cup of ice cream, so I got the Dole Whip Float

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2495.jpg

The pineapple juice was not as sweet as I would have liked, but when I mixed the two together to form kind of a pineapple shake it was pretty good. I'm not sure that I'm all that crazy for these, but it was good. I think given the choice, I probably pick the bacon wrapped asparagus skewer that you can get at DL over something sweet!

As part of our free for all dinner. I took the crab meat (which you saw earlier at the dinner at Fulton's) and made up a Hot Crab Dip with some of the Cream Cheese that we had to go with the chips we had left from taco night.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2509.jpg

I made some Pasta Carbonara, but it wasn't pretty, so I didn't take a picture of it...

That's it for today, 3 days left!

lulubelle
02-06-2010, 10:01 PM
Love all your meals, pics and descriptions, Alison - thanks so much for all the detail!

I agree that half the beauty of staying in a villa is the ability to cook meals. It saves so much time, money and you can have quality food without the fuss.

We are going to DL over Mother's Day. I can't wait to enjoy the F&W festival and enjoy some time in the villa. :thumbsup2

V&A looks fabulous as usual. Looking forward to more of your review.:)

Ciciwoowoo
02-06-2010, 11:32 PM
I'm loving your review! I think the food you made in the room looks even better than the food from the restaurants!
:goodvibes

franandaj
02-07-2010, 01:20 PM
Love all your meals, pics and descriptions, Alison - thanks so much for all the detail!

I agree that half the beauty of staying in a villa is the ability to cook meals. It saves so much time, money and you can have quality food without the fuss.

We are going to DL over Mother's Day. I can't wait to enjoy the F&W festival and enjoy some time in the villa. :thumbsup2



Thanks! I can't wait for F&W to start. I've got three different weekends booked during the festival two in studios, and one in a 1br. This will be my first stay at the GCV and in a studio! I just booked 4 dinners yesterday on the AP site, now all I need to get is the Cooking School and I'm set!

I'm loving your review! I think the food you made in the room looks even better than the food from the restaurants!
:goodvibes

Thanks! I love to cook, and being able to do so on vacation is really nice because I get a taste of home and it breaks up all the fancy over the top food with something comforting and familiar.

franandaj
02-07-2010, 05:37 PM
Finally DM was feeling all better, so we decided to go to the park that she was most interested in, Animal Kingdom. We tried to get there for the rope drop, but DD just doesn't get up early well, but at least we were leaving the Villa at 9AM, that was the best we'd done all week.

We rode Kilamanjaro Safaris first, did the Africa walk and then went over the the Bird Show Flights of Wonder. The show was over at noon, and everyone was hungry so we headed down to the Flametree Barbeque. I hadn't eaten here since the year that the AK opened, but I remembered it was pretty good.

DP and I split the Ribs and an order of onion rings

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2534.jpg

DD got the Pork sandwich

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2536.jpg

DM got the Chicken Salad

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2535.jpg

After lunch we started the Asia walk, but had to cut it off at the Bird Sanctuary. DM & DD are birders and they probably would have spent an hour in there! We had to get back to the room to rest a little bit because we had a 4:00 call time for the Wanyama Safari.

===========================================

I am now Hijacking my own Dining Review for a quick Trip Report on our Safari!

For guests staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there is an afternoon safari of the grounds. You get to ride on a truck around the various Savannah areas visible from the lodge. The truck stops a lot, the guides talk all about the animals, their care and all kinds of other interesting information. After about an hour and a half and visiting all the different savannahs, dinner is served at Jiko to everyone on the safari family style. Here are a few shots I took from the back of the truck.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f1x.jpg

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http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f2o.jpg

================================================

We now return you to your regular programming....

Once the safari was over, we headed to Jiko for a great feast. We started off with various flatbreads and dips. There was Naan, Lavash and Pappadum, the dips were olive tapenade, a red chili, and a green chili.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f2s.jpg

Next came a round of three appetizers, Crispy Savanna Rolls - with sweet corn, bitter greens, goat cheese and curry vinaigrette

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f2t.jpg

Next was Tibs Watt in Panekoeke - stewed beef rolled in "crepes" with peppadew-olive tapenade

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f2u.jpg

And lastly Barbecue Chicken Flatbread - With apple-jicama slaw, African barbecue sauce, and four cheeses

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f2v.jpg

We had a ginger, lemon, & mint drink to cleanse our palates, but I forgot to take a picture of that. :guilty:

For the main course we had the signature filet and macaroni & cheese in red wine sauce

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f2y.jpg

Chermoula Tanglewood Chicken - with Goat Cheese Potatoes, Preserved Lemons, and Harissa

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f2w.jpg

and Wreck fish with vegetables and tomato butter sauce. It was golden fried and had a similar taste to lobster.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f2x.jpg

We received a tray of desserts including flourless chocolate cake, pistachio crème brulee, lemon mousse and some sort of berry vanilla cream on a shortbread cracker.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f3a.jpg

I also liked this Hidden Mickey which was incorporated into the restaurant design

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/f2z.jpg

1 day plus our bonus day left to go!

OKWAnneMarie
02-07-2010, 06:48 PM
Your reviews are wonderful!

Was your JIKO meal served family style? It looks like a lot of filet mignon with the macaroni and cheese?

franandaj
02-07-2010, 07:06 PM
Your reviews are wonderful!

Was your JIKO meal served family style? It looks like a lot of filet mignon with the macaroni and cheese?

Yes it was served family style, there were 11 of us (one was a vegetarian) and they put out two plates on the entrees, and three plates for the other courses.

OKWAnneMarie
02-08-2010, 07:26 PM
Can't wait to eat at Jiko again...what a lovely restaurant.

kamikazecat
02-08-2010, 08:08 PM
I am here and I am loving your report so far. We loved the Turf club when we stayed last summer. I had the same entree you did and absolutely loved it. :cloud9:

Can't wait to read more. :goodvibes

kirsangel
02-09-2010, 03:25 PM
subscribing to this yummy thread!

lulubelle
02-17-2010, 08:42 PM
Waiting for the next installment.
We really want more!:banana:

hotcarib
02-18-2010, 12:09 AM
Great:worship: reviews TY!!!
LOL,
I thought I was the only one walking around hungry
saying "Feed me Seymour":)

franandaj
02-18-2010, 03:40 PM
This was our final day. We went back to the Animal Kingdom park, and since we made my parents bail before the bird sanctuary yesterday, they went back to finish the Asia trail while I went to ride Expedition Everest three times!

I was slipping on my food journalism because we bought a few cookies and a cinnamon roll from the tea stand waiting for my parents and I forgot to take pictures of them!

We went to see Nemo, the Musical and everyone decided they were hungry afterwards. We decided to try our luck with a walk in at Yak and Yeti and were seated within about 15 minutes. Unfortunately I again forgot to take any pictures, but you aren’t missing much. They had removed the prawn chips from the menu. When I ate here two years ago that was something I really liked, so I definitely missed those! We ordered Egg Rolls, Chicken in Lettuce Cups, Postickers and some Lo Mein. Nothing was very spectacular and for $60 it was pretty outrageous! I can get better food at the $1 Chinese Food place around the corner from my house!

After that we did a little shopping, and checked out the animals around the Tree of Life. We headed back to the room and relaxed a little before getting dressed to go to the California Grill. We left early for our 7PM Reservation because I wanted to take my parents on the monorail loop so that they could hear “Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas.” What trip to WDW is complete without that phrase?

We arrived at the check in counter at 6:30 and they were able to take us, so we went up the elevator to what I thought was going to be a fantastic table for viewing the fireworks over the Castle. We started off with the Four Cheese Flatbread, this was great! Crispy on the bottom and the cheeses were all really tasty.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2561-1.jpg

My parents split the Malibu roll for their appetizer. Keep in mind this is half a portion.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2564-1.jpg

DP and I split the Hearts of Romaine Salad, it was good, but basically just a Caesar Salad.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2566-1.jpg

We all ordered the Bison Filet, but each of the couples again split the entrée. I can’t imagine how people eat an entire entrée, this was just perfect, and filet was cooked just right, perfect medium rare.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2567-1.jpg

After this we watched the fireworks. I had a huge pillar in front of me and couldn’t see any of the fireworks so I got up and watched them from next to the server’s station. Well after splitting all the appetizers and entrees that left room so that we all could each eat our own dessert! We ordered the Valrhona Chocolate Cake with the Molten Center. I don’t’ remember what the ice cream was, but it was good, and I should have taken another picture once I cut into the cake, the center was all ooey gooey and so tasty. The pink stuff on the plate was colored sugar that you could slide your piece of cake through for an extra sugar rush! With a nice glass of port, this was exceptional.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2571-1.jpg

Final review will be of lunch at Paradisio 37 before we headed back to the airport.

franandaj
02-27-2010, 09:10 PM
I've been putting this off, probably because I think once I post my last review, the trip is over, but I've been back for almost a month so it's OVER! I just need to get over it and move on! :rotfl2:

So our last morning we checked out of Kidani, brought our bags to the airline check in counter, and checked our carry on bags with the bellman. Normally we fly American and the flight to LAX leaves at 1PM so we catch the 10AM DME and the day is over, so this was actually what I called a "Bonus Day" Our plane didn't leave until 7PM so we didn't have to catch DME until 4PM. We decided to go to DTD mostly because we had to return our rental car at the Buena Vista Palace.

We made a stop at Goofy's Candy Company because I read on ariel1025's Dining Review that you could get your own custom made candy, dipped in whatever sauce you wanted, coated in a topping and then drizzled!

My first "concoction" was a Mickey Gingerbread Cookie that I had dipped in milk chocolate, rolled in Butterfinger crumbs and then drizzled with milk chocolate.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2577.jpg

My second was a trio of marshmallows also dipped in milk chocolate, dredged in chocolate chips, and drizzled with milk chocolate.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2579.jpg

I actually waited until I got home to eat these since we had soooo much other food.

Then we went on the Paradisio 37. If you don't know about this place it's one of those last few restaurants with an original menu since they don't take the DDP. They specialize in Tequila and we're looking forward to coming back on our next WDW trip.

We started off with Margaritas for everyone!

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2573-1.jpg

I ordered the trio of dips for our table, they were chili, queso, and guacamole. The only problem with these dips is there wasn't enough!

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2574-1.jpg

Next up DM & DD split the Grilled Chicken Burrito with Chipotle Barbeque Sauce, Cilantro Rice and Black Beans.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2575-1.jpg

DP and I split the Cheeseburger and Fries

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2576-1.jpg

Mom said that the Burrito was really good and very healthy. We enjoyed the Cheeseburger, it had a nice char to it that you could tell it had been cooked on a nicely seasoned grill. I'd like to come back for dinner and try their Argentinian Skirt Steak, and we'd get a full order of the queso instead of the sampler trio!

After this we caught the bus back to Kidani and waited for our DME bus back to the airport.

Well that's it for now. But you can catch me later for the 5th Annual Disney's California Food & Wine Festival. The Report will include:

Steakhouse 55
Napa Rose Cooking School
Winemaker Dinner - Buena Vista Winery
Brewmaster Dinner - Karl Strauss Brewery
Winemaker Dinner - Groth Winery
Taste (CA's version of Party of the Senses)

And new for this year the "Taste of California" Marketplace which finally brings tapas-sized tasting plates to the DCA F&W Festival.

Plus I'll be attending Celebrity Chef Demonstrations, culinary demonstrations and I might even be able to pull in a favor from and old coworker to get in a visit to Club 33!

I'll post a link here for anyone who is interested to subscribe when the new thread starts!

Thanks for reading! TTFN!

franandaj
03-07-2010, 05:51 PM
For any of you who are interested, I just started my DCA F&W Review today. Yes I know it's over a month until the Festival starts, but I have all my reservations and I'm just getting too excited. I thought I would post some pics from previous years of Food & Wine, just for kicks, so if you're interested click on the link in my signature and check it out!

Thanks for reading!

arilvdc
03-08-2010, 10:26 PM
Hey, I'm from Long Beach too, and I'll be at the food and wine festival. See you there!

kevbower
03-09-2010, 11:35 AM
thanks for the pics.

franandaj
03-09-2010, 02:06 PM
Hey, I'm from Long Beach too, and I'll be at the food and wine festival. See you there!

Sounds Good!

thanks for the pics.

You're welcome!

OurDogCisco
03-28-2010, 07:51 PM
Hi! I was looking at my old food review for research and I noticed I never read your live review. So, thanks for the review. Sounds like you had a great trip. I love how you ate in the room. Usually we eat once or twice in the room but for some reason on our last trip we didn't. We do timeshare a lot and on those trips we tend to eat in more than out. But at WDW we have trouble doing that. I think it is because we are busy for dawn to nightfall. Can't wait to hear about your next review..

franandaj
03-28-2010, 08:08 PM
Thanks for checking out my WDW Dining Review so late in the game. Once I finished this report, I decided to occupy my time waiting for CA F&W to start by posting all my pics from the last couple years and doing that review...it's well underway if you want to get started. I'm getting REALLY close to my F&W Extravaganza, pretty soon I'll be doing the Single Digit Dance! :banana:

stopher1
01-30-2011, 07:20 PM
So lets start off with a little background information. The cast of characters on this trip are myself, my DP (we're on either side of 50 a few years each way, but I won't say who is older!), my DM and DD, who are not quite retired, but soon will be.

Me and my DP have been coming to WDW together for over 12 years, and both of us had been here before that. When we were here for Food & Wine last Sept/Oct we purchased APs and the TIW card. The card has already paid for itself so the rest is all gravy from here on out. Many of these restaurants are new to us, but we've picked them all based on other's great reviews.

Let me also say that we all like wine a lot. My parents brought me up drinking great wine. I have a cellar at home, and I shipped a case of great wine to myself for in room drinking and a couple restaurants.

So without further ado, the Turf Club!

We had a long day, getting up early for the flight, and flying across country is always tiring. We had an 8:30 ADR and arrived right at 8:15, they seated us immediately, however it was 20 minutes before our server even stopped by the table. :mad:

Even though we were sharing a bottle of wine, I could not resist a blue drink, I love any blue drink, and they had a Blue Glow-tini, so I had to have it. There was Vodka (skyye I think), Blue Curacao, a couple other things and the glass was rimmed with sugar. :drinking: It was quite yummy, sweet but not sickeningly, just tasty.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2281.jpg

We started off with an order of onion rings and they were really good. The sauces were a lime mayonnase and a red pepper ranch.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2282.jpg

Our server was clueless though and that sort of put a damper on the evening, we were already tired to begin with and her ineptitude (messed up our cocktails, she had never opened bottle of wine before:confused: and she's a server(?), didn’t bring us bread & butter, or proper steak knives, etc) was frustrating.

Speaking of opening the wine, we had a 1999 BV Tapestry, for those who care it is a lovely blend, I think some Cab Sauv, Cab Frank, maybe Pinot Noir and some others. This bottle of wine was incredibly smooth, well rounded and went fabulously with our dinner! It cost us $25 corkage, and I had called earlier in the week when they said $20. But how many restaurants have 10 year aged wines that you can drink for $25!

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2283.jpg

The food however, was excellent, two of us had the NY Strip steak. We chose the option with the blue cheese on top, and it had a great port based sauce .

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2285.jpg

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2288.jpg

My DP had the burger

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2286.jpg

And the DM had the Prime Rib, it had a Cabernet Sauvignon based sauce. She substituted the seasonal vegetables for the potatoes, and the kitchen assumed that she didn't want the Swiss Chard that was supposed to come with. When she asked they brought her a small plate of the Swiss Chard too. I didn't get a picture of that.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2287.jpg

We were too tired and full for dessert, and basically just wanted to get to our room as it was well after 10PM now. So we headed off to our Treehouse Villa to get some sleep.

Turf Club: 4 entrees + appetizer, 1 cocktail, and corkage fee = $112.89 with TIW.

OK, so I'm very late to this party - but I'm enjoying what I've read/seen so far. Great pics too! Can't wait to read through the rest. :) Bummer that I didn't realize you were there - and in a Treehouse - when you were... I checked in to Congress Park on the 22nd, and left on the 25th. Bummer.

stopher1
01-30-2011, 07:24 PM
I've eaten here before!!! ;) Last year in January...

After shopping for a ton of groceries, we had some food in the room to tide us over for dinner, but it was just some sandwiches and nothing exciting to take pictures of.

After a little relaxing and surfing the net, I was ready to contemplate my part of the dinner. My mother had started the Mushrooms Berkley which is basically chopped mushrooms, onion & bell pepper stewed with red wine, sweetener and other flavorings. I started the grill, see at the THV every unit has a BBQ grill out in front, so I fired up the coals and we were on our way.

I grilled marinated chicken and zucchini strips.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2320.jpg OH YUMMMM!!!


The chicken & zucchini up close

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2321.jpg

These yummy mushrooms stewed with red wine, brown sugar and other good stuff are a staple in our family

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2324.jpg

I am not personally a fan of mushrooms, but they look edible. I'm sure you all enjoyed them, and that's what's important!! :thumbsup2

stopher1
01-30-2011, 07:28 PM
We checked in early at Teppan Edo and they were running at least 10-15 minutes behind, but we waited far longer than that past our reservation time. Probably because we were a party of three and they needed to find a party of five so that the table would be full.

I got the tempura appetizer. Last time I was here, we didn’t’ get the appetizer and I not only finished my own entrée, but even ate some of DP’s as well. Now imagine this with two strips like you see on top. I ate the shrimp before I remembered to take the picture, but thought there were two, I was totally surprised to find that this "other shrimp" was a piece of chicken! I looked for the tail and couldn't find it so I just dug in, what a surprise!

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2342.jpg

I also ordered the Miso soup. It was good, but these crouton things were weird, they weren't tofu like I'm used to.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2345.jpg

Here they take your zucchini and onions and make them into a sort of chow mein. Before they cut up the onions, they make Mt Fuji and then turn it into Mickey Mouse. Here are the steps in creating the chow mein.

Noodles on the grill.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2349.jpg

Zucchini & onions

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2352.jpg

Mickey Onion

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2355.jpg

Chow Mein on the grill

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2356.jpg

They also give you a variety of sauces, ginger, mustard and seafood (this one is basically mayonnaise, I think they give this last one for the palate of WDW customers, I've never had it anywhere else at a Teppan restaurant, and we have a LOT of Asians on the west coast).

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2347.jpg

Here is the completed chow mein on my plate

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2360.jpg

My DM & DD got the scallops

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2359.jpg

Tonight I ordered the Steak and Shrimp Combination, he cooked the shrimp first.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2361.jpg

Then he cooked my steak

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2365.jpg

This is my plate, but he still added the mushrooms afterwards

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2366.jpg

Oh man that all looks so good!! We haven't yet been to Teppan Edo, but it is on our list for our October trip. Yummmmy!

stopher1
01-30-2011, 07:34 PM
We had 7:00 PM reservations at Fulton's and it was incredible. I'd been wanting to come here since it was the Empress Lilly, and we'd had reservations before, but it never worked out. I was so thrilled when we walked through that door and I was FINALLY getting to sample the cuisine here that I had heard so much about.

Wow, again, great looking pictures. Nice review too. We have not eaten at Fultons - the last time we ate on the old Empress Lilly was on our honeymoon 17 years ago, back when it was a character meal for breakfast. We've talked about it numerous times, but are waiting for another adults only trip - no need to pay those prices for a teenager and younger ones too.

stopher1
01-30-2011, 07:39 PM
Today we left our home at the THV to settle in at Kidani Village. While we were homeless, we decided to go to Epcot. I had made a reservation for lunch at 1:30 at the Coral Reef.

Ahhh, I'm just seeing that this was a split stay. I must have missed that in your first post.

DP got the Crab Cakes Appetizer and Squash Soup. The sauce on the crab cakes was too spicy, but the Soup was good.

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2413.jpg

http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/ac352/franandaj/IMG_2414.jpg

All in all, as much as I have liked this restaurant, and how I did not want to believe others when they said the quality had gone downhill, it really has.

I agree with this statement. We've eaten at it a couple of times, once on our honeymoon and then 10 years later - and again a couple of years ago. It was definitely worse a couple of years ago than it was the prior times. I can only imagine it now a couple of years later.

I'll check back in at the rest of it soon. Enjoying it all!

franandaj
01-30-2011, 07:53 PM
Christopher, I took this trip the week after your Triple Whammy trip, not THIS year! :lmao:

stopher1
01-30-2011, 09:04 PM
Christopher, I took this trip the week after your Triple Whammy trip, not THIS year! :lmao:

:rotfl::lmao: Oh wow - it sure helps to pay attention to what you are reading, now doesn't it! I was watching tv with my kids at the same time while posting. Duh. Don't I feel silly now. Oh well... I see it now in the title. :rotfl: But the pics were making my mouth water!

franandaj
01-31-2011, 09:04 PM
Oh man that all looks so good!! We haven't yet been to Teppan Edo, but it is on our list for our October trip. Yummmmy!

I'm sure you will enjoy it. I love Teppan dining, it's in my top five "style of restaurants" and love to do it both at home and in WDW. Teppan Edo does noodles while many of the other place make fried rice. I like them both so it's all good! :goodvibes

:rotfl::lmao: Oh wow - it sure helps to pay attention to what you are reading, now doesn't it! I was watching tv with my kids at the same time while posting. Duh. Don't I feel silly now. Oh well... I see it now in the title. :rotfl: But the pics were making my mouth water!

Hey, I'm glad you enjoyed it! No worries, I sometimes miss things like titles as well (I'm not sure why the mods have let it go this long, I guess I didn't have enough subscribers that it disappeared into obscurity!) If you want to see more food porn check out my Cheating on Mickey with Harry PTR in my sig. Since I won't have a lot of updates until my two contracts in ROFR close (crossing my fingers) I've been posting pictures of food porn from the holidays and right now we're in Vegas enjoying a long awaited celebration of financial liquidity!