Sabotage de la Diet: June 17-23 UPDATED Rice Cream and Our Holy Mother 7/1

[NormanMaine]

Attention! I have discontinued my report. BUT, you can find it intact and continuing over on the Trip Report board, where I think it's a better fit.

Sabotage de la Diet: The Not Just Food TR 6/17-6/23
http://www.disboards.com/showthread....6#post37215506

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Two twentysomething guys back from the world. Reports rolling in!

Thursday
Pre-Dinner: Sassagoula Floatworks Factory (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37139336&postcount=5)
Dinner: Jiko / Ghiardelli (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37144469&postcount=10)

Friday
Lunch: Pecos Bill's (changed to Liberty Tree Tavern) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37156695&postcount=15)
Dinner: Artist Point (changed to Pecos Bill's) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37156695&postcount=15)

Saturday
Lunch: Le Cellier (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37161519&postcount=16)
Dinner: La Cava de Tequila/Kringla Bakeri (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37176228&postcount=22)

Sunday
Lunch: Tusker House (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37190167&postcount=29)
Dinner: Hollywood Brown Derby (Replaced with Pizza Planet) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37193491&postcount=35)

Monday (My birthday!)
Breakfast: Crystal Palace (with pics) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37202540&postcount=36)
Snack: Kringla Bakeri of Cafe (Rice Cream) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=37213594&postcount=47)
Dinner: California Grill

Tuesday
Lunch: The Three Broomsticks (God willing)
Dinner: Kona Cafe

Wednesday
A few last fake beignets before it's off to MCO. :(

[disneyfav4ever]

Sounds like you're eating at some good places.

[athenna]

I love the title:lmao:

Got a few good places on your list! I'm in!:thumbsup2

[NormanMaine]

I love the title:lmao:

Got a few good places on your list! I'm in!:thumbsup2

Thanks. :rotfl: Of course, I may be sabotaging the diet after the trip is over. Disney treats will travel. And no matter how much I used to buy the chocolate covered Mickey pretzels from the Disney Store, they never tasted the same as those bought at WDW. And we're talking about the same packaging and everything.

[NormanMaine]

We're back!

Just to note, there are no photos... so kindly move to the dead center of the next post if photos are your thing. They're my thing. Maybe I'd move too. But as it is, there are no photos. So photos or not, here we go. Photos schmotos. Damn, why didn't I take photos. Bah.

Day 1 - Lunch/Pre-Theater... oh where is my head... Pre-Dinner Snack/Whatever

After checking into the French Quarter (a surprise, I might add, to my SO. I had told him we'd booked Pop Century) which was gorgeous as always, we... oh side note: I haven't been back since '02, so the old-to-many-of-you renovations were met on virgin eyes. Love 'em. But to the food. The food! This is the dining board, after all. No bad dancing. Just eating.

We arrived at 3 pm and since our dinner reservation wasn't until 6 -- and neither one of us had eaten anything of sustenance that morning/noon -- I thought we might meander over to Sassagoula. Isn't that a great word? Sassagoooooooooula. Or you could say it with an Eastern European accent and really "goulash" that last syllable. I studied music. Language excites me. Moving on.

Since my SO had introduced me to my first authentic beignet at New Orlean's famed Cafe du Monde, I thought i'd return the favor by introducing him to the "aw, isn't that cute" Disney version. I.e., sopapilla. Good thing for him that he lives in Texas. He's familiar with the sopapilla and loves them. I didn't enjoy these babies as much as my first two visits pre-New Orleansification, but at least we got the requisite powdered sugar all over us. That's a beignet classic.

Getting them was an ordeal though. My stars! We put in our order to the pimply-faced, squeaky, but kind-hearted teenager for 6 beignets, and went to grab our drinks. SMARTWATER! When did this get to Disney? Brava. Dasani is only merely eency weency, like, minutely better than Florida's toxic faucet concoction. So Smartwater's expensive... at least it's digestible. Sigh. Love it. Anyway, we grabbed our waters and mosied (great word) back over. And waited. And waited. Going on twenty minutes. Maybe we shouldn't eat, spoil our dinner. We find out from the similarly disgruntled kid in front of us that the lady who ordered before we got there was getting 8 sets of 6 beignets. That's FORTY-EIGHT for those of you (like me) who failed math. Do you know how long that takes? And not one word of caution/warning from the pimply-faced, squeaky, but kind-hearted teenager when we placed our order? And what of the poor little kid waiting patiently for his 3 beignets? BAH, I say.

So, against SO's very understanding Southern upbringing (he was raised in Louisiana), I took my Yankee self up to the counter and said "Ten more minutes makes a half hour. What's going on?" Pimply faced, squeaky but well meaning Sassagooooooula employee panicked and said "We're finishing her order." Well, I don't mean to be intimidating, sometimes I am, though... because less than 2 minutes later, we had our beignets.

I try to be virtuous and kind. I fail.

So, beignets in hand. (Kid received his next, btw, as original MAMMOTH ORDERING LADY waited for her special order. I mean, really, that's a bulk order. That's like those crazies going up to the cookie and hot cocoa counters at Mickey's Not So Scary Christmas Party and asking to receive 12 cookies and cocoas for their parties saving four tables at the Noodle Station Veranda-whatchamacallit).

Sugary, tasty, fried. We were off to explore the hotel in a RAINSTORM. Welcome to Florida. Dinner in the next update.

[lblume91]

We're back!

So, against SO's very understanding Southern upbringing (he was raised in Louisiana), I took my Yankee self up to the counter and said "Ten more minutes makes a half hour. What's going on?" Pimply faced, squeaky but well meaning Sassagooooooula employee panicked and said "We're finishing her order." Well, I don't mean to be intimidating, sometimes I am, though... because less than 2 minutes later, we had our beignets.



:rotfl2: I love it!! Way to take charge! I can't wait to read the rest of your reviews. I like you already!! ;)

[scanne]

Great start! With your humor and writing style, who needs pictures?! LOL! I am hooked! Bring on the rest!

[jakenjess]

Fabulous!! Can't wait for more!

[hopeforus]

I am trying to decide between some of these and can't wait for your take. Artist's Point looks great, but I am torn iwth California Grill. Waiting....

[NormanMaine]

Thanks for all of the sweet comments! :love:

To hopeforus: Based on all of my trips to both restaurants, I'd say it all boils down to soup vs. polenta, really. Oh and sushi. But really, soup vs. polenta. If Smokey Portobello Soup is your thing, then by all means choose Artist Point. But I swear, if heaven is a dish -- unless you're a vegetarian -- the Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Goat Cheese Polenta would be it. And Miss Yoshi's sushi as an appetizer? Lord save me. But I'll get to that later.

There are other points betwixt the cuisine at the Haus of the Five Legged Goat vs. that of the Wilderness Lodge. I find the service at the former to trump that of the latter by a landslide. A screaming your head off reaching for homeplate landslide. I promise I'll cover more of this later. Promise. To take your hand, as tomorrow dawns. We go on. Anyone ever notice how those songs flow into one another? Kinda like Gloria Estefan's ballad collection. It's all the same song. But what wonderful deviated septum music she makes.

Back to the food, yes?

Day 1 - Dinner

After the great Beignet Massacre of 2010, where poor rounds of dough were fried and sugared, only to be left waiting in boxes... as nearly fifty of their brother and sister beignets piled up around them, cold and listless. To quote James Cameron's most recent not-3D epic, "They were waiting for a resolution that would never come." I mean, who in their right mind would eat a 45-minute old beignet? The lady who ordered them had chutzpah all right. Impractical, but chutzpatic all the same.

So. Oh! Did I mention we had groceries delivered? That's food, so it applies. Yes, more importantly, water. Bottled water for making the morning coffee. Because, as stated earlier, Florida water = :eek: I threw in some Apple Bran muffins for the SO, as they are his favorite, and a few essentials like half and half (a precious commodity in a sea of Nestle Non-Dairy Powder packets and pumpy liquid from chemical plants in Taiwan.) It was my first time using Garden Grocer, and their customer service is nightastic. Fantasmic. Expelliarmus. Oh for heaven's sake. It's just good. And the FABULOUS Bell Services guys at the French Quarter are to be commended. Absolute dolls, and kindly kept our refrigerated items cool for us until we arrived. Our delivery arrived a little while before we arrived (because of course, Magical Express had to stop at those gargantuan resorts Saratoga Springs and Old Key West. Both resorts have doublehandedly terminated any urge to ever join the DVC fiesta. It took 45 minutes to get from the road to the darned bus stop. But I embellish. Heck, if we'd had to continue on to Riverside, we may as well have taken and completed a course in Portuguese right there on the bus.)

But back to the food. OH wait. We left a few bucks and a little thank you note for Bell Services on the munchkin fridge before we left for dinner. Do you know they wrote "Thank you" and a drew a heart right below our note? Precious! And totally won over SO. Go Garden Grocer. Go Bell Services. :goodvibes

Somewhere after the Beignets, Groceries, a rainy tour of French Quarter/Riverside, and a stop through the afterthought of a store that is Jackson Square (though I do like the Mardi Gras masks!), we looked at our options. Take a bus to Animal Kingdom and transfer to the lodge or take a taxi to spend a little time at the hotel before dinner. The latter won out. A fabulous lady (all the cast members this trip were fabulous) called for our cab and wondered what in the heck SO was wearing. At check-in, we were given two pins.. Since my birthday landed smack dab in the middle of the trip, mine was pretty straightfoward: Happy Birthday (with a little mouseear picture he drew in). But for SO, the trip was recognizing his recent college graduation. His pin said "Paying off my college loans". Everyone from bus boys to Snow White (yes, Snow White) and nearly every character we met...who wasn't mute...asked what it meant. Had he paid the loans already, or was he going to? It was a cute inscription, and it gave the SO conversation opportunities. Especially with Lady Tremaine and the Stepsisters. This isn't about food. Back to the cab.

Cab arrives, off to the glorious glamorous Animal Kingdom Lod - EW! Jambo House? What kind of messed up pixie dust is this? I know, I can play the "but many of my closest friends are DVC members", but I ask you, was this really necessary? My first time back since the changeover, and ew. Just, ew. And now there's an added bus stop. Isn't AKL far enough away without adding something else to delay them? I don't know about you, but the Deluxes, DVCs and heck, 75% of the Moderates have CRAZY bus stop numbers or share with other resorts. Moderates aside, thanks for the $400 a night, now get in line!

So there are four wondrous Disney smells that keep bringing me back. The first is the water of Pirates of the Caribbean (which can also be experienced over at the Mexico Pavilion). The water I so abhor to imbibe does have it perks in the olfactory. I mean, Disney water ride smell? Check.

Burning of Rome in Spaceship Earth, otherwise known as the Disney Soup smell? Smokey Portobello Soup or Canadian Cheddar Cheese. That's the scent.

The nasty Monorail cushion smell. Sure it isn't a pleasant thing, per se. But it's memorable, nostalgic, and unmistakable.

Then, there is the smell of walking into the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Roasted animal. A strange dichotomy, what with the Disney Conservation Wildlife Express or what have you. But for years, I mistook that smell for heavily seasoned, exotic game. I was wrong! I have corrected this calculation in recent years and discovered that it isn't animal at all. It's butter. The delectable bread and butter served at the beginning of every meal at the Lodge's signature restaurant, Jiko: The Eating Place. I could be mistaken, but the flavors match that smell. A very subdued and clean cumin/cardamom/coriander, "tandoori"-like mixture. The most delicately fragrant mix. Not at all heavy or lingering. The bread, light as a feather. The modern plates and silverware and the Jiko-emblazoned napkins are a gorgeous way to start one's Disney trip.

I'm bad with names, so I can't remember any server's name from any restaurant. But I can remember character, so that'll have to suffice. I told the CM who checked us in that I was sorry we were ridiculously early (which we were, those faux-beignets didn't bring us very far) and she kept walking through and saying "Is your dinner ridiculously wonderful?" :laughing: At the end of the night she even told us to have a ridculously great night. The SO got a card from the cast of the restaurant to celebrate his graduation. He loved it. And this was his first trip. Everything about Jiko won him over, but the card, with all the South African CMs giving him good wishes and congratulations, was a lovely gesture. Disney just does it right, y'know?

Our server was extremely energetic and wonderful. He was very involved at the outset of the meal, and quietly left us to ourselves once our food service began. The SO had Iced Tea (I know, it's water...but he's not afraid of Florida water), and I had a South African Hard Cider. It was a little too sweet for me (hey, it is Cider), but I ended up enjoying it. I usually have a glass of wine from their extensive collection, but I didn't get around to it. I wish I had, because I would sure love a glass tonight! Goats Do Roam still makes me laugh.

For our appetizers, the SO had the Florida Salad, which he immediately dubbed the best salad he's ever tasted. Peaches, some kind of walnut chunky brittle and :: checks the internet :: Okay, it's called the Florida Seasonal Salad, peaches, walnut brittle, and humboldt fog cheese. I recall it being a goat cheese, I guess that's what it is. That combination was wow. I highly recommend being seasonally peachy when you visit. I wasn't so successful with my choice. The Cucumber, Tomato, and Red Onion salad with cottage cheese and watermelon vinaigrette looked much better on paper. The flavor wasn't complex, it was like eating sashimi in a watermelon water broth. I guess cottage cheese, cucumber, tomato and watermelon vinaigrette should hae been my first clue. A noble effort, beautifully composed on the plate, but just...:confused3 So, the SO kindly let me sample ample morsels of Peachy Florida.

Boom boom chakalakalaka boom. I was THIS close to getting the chakalaka. I just wanted to say that I had actually eaten Chakalaka. The SO was innundated by my chakalaka joke that got old faster than Ke$ha. But then our server came by and pointed out the Maize-crusted halibut and said that he thought I would like it. I'm easily persuaded. I once went to a Red Lobster with a friend the day it opened in Times Square. Oh yeah. Three hour wait. Why? Because Red Lobster was such an ooh aah thing in Manhattan. Hell in most of New York City. You see the commercials on TV and it's like, "but why can't I ever go?!" Sonic, Red Robin? Who knows from them? Long John Silvers? What's that? So, we waited. Got in. The server said "You should try the Rockzilla." We said sure! Three giant lobster tails rolled around a skewer, dry and flavorless. $40. And we were sitting right next to the window where scores of tourists and New Yorkers alike were queueing up. With our giant lobster tail skewers and Lobsteritas (which she had also recommended). Suffice it to say, future Red Lobster trips around the country have not involved either. For the record, Lobsteritas don't contain lobster. Can you imagine? It's more ew than the bus stops at Sasparilla Springs.

Back to Jiko. I get the Maize-Crusted Halibut with Jiko's tried and true pink butter sauce. I've had it with all sorts of fish before, monkfish being my favorite. This was flaky and deliciosa. I recommended the Short Ribs for the SO as he is more of a steak and taters guy. He proved me wrong this trip, he seems to be branching out a bit... I love introducing different flavors and cuisines. I definitely saw Disney through new eyes on this trip. Anyway, he kept taking bites of the Short Ribs and pausing to imitate Peter Boyle from Young Frankenstein. Closed eyes, savoring. Golly gee, this place was a winner. Phew! I always get nervous when I book restaurants by myself, because I hope they'll work out! Oh, and the potato gratin stack thingy was majorly thumbs uppy.

Jiko: The Eating Place and California Grill happen to be my two favorite resort restaurants. But what do they both have in common? Subpar desserts. I have never enjoyed any of my desserts from either place, which is a puzzlement. Desserts at the latter are way too sweet and syrupy with too many components. If it were Top Chef, Colicchio would tell 'em there were too many notes. And Jiko tries too hard. So, we both passed on dessert. Nothing looked appetizing to the SO. No cheese plate either, though I have had the Jiko cheese plate and it is divine. Manchego, how could you go wrong?

Oh! And can I just say that every time we told a CM that we were not on the dining plan, they smiled and "phew"ed. Makes me question the impact it has on them.

We explored the hotel a bit more, sat with our feet up at Jogun's fire pit, and looked at the giant orange blue I-don't-know-what-it-is sculpture across from it in the lobby. We've dubbed it the Malawi Maiden. Madonna walks into it to absorb the souls of African children on her visits to the lodge. We're sick. :rolleyes1

Considering the night was still young, we decided to hop on over to Downtown Disney. Via bus. Sangali House, what's it called? Nahtazu House? Whatever that other place is, we had to stop there first. Bah. I mentioned that before, but a direct bus is a precious Disney commodity. After browsing a few shops -- I'd go into detail, but this is a dining review -- we joined the crowd of lemmings at Ghiardelli's. There are what, six registers? Everyone crowds into one space, so I grabbed SO's hand and zoomed past an understandably irate family who were waiting at the first register. Well, dang, the dude at the second register kept calling them, and they wouldn't listen.

I hope they weren't ordering beignets.

Karma is a beach.

I ordered a simple hot fudge sundae, the SO ordered a chocolate milkshake. I loved my sundae, but I desired that milkshake. I wish I had ordered it instead of my sundae. I recommend the shakes here folks. We had to sit outside because all of the other tables were crowded. The rain had subsided, and it was drippingly humid, but the ice cream made for a comfortable outdoor respite.

[NormanMaine]

My apologies to the DVC Saratoga and Animal Kingdom Lodge members. I got especially cranky that day... mea culpa. :worship:

[bluejasmine]

LOL I love it! What a different take on food reviews but its a refreshing change! Bravo! Looking fwd to more!

[k&a&c'smom]

LOL! Thanks for the reviews, they are very entertaining!:goodvibes Can't wait for the rest.

[ohanaMAMA]

loving your reviews! As I am resigned to a week of DIAL UP (which is akin to having to drink Florida water) whilst waiting for the cable guy to get his slow butt here. the non-photo status of your review is delightful! :)

I cant convince dh that jiko would REALLY be ok for his nonadventurous totally boring pallete. SIGH. Sounded good though!

[NormanMaine]

Thanks again for the comments!

OhanaMAMA: If my SO could conquer Jiko, anyone could. Truly. And when he hates something, he lets you know. In the most veiled way possible, but he lets you know. Eventually. With guilt. But I'll get to that later.

DAY 2

Before moving on to the second day of our gustatory adventures at the Walt Disney Resort, I should remind you that I am on perpetual sugar cookie lookout. Every step of the way, I'm in a crows nest of my own design... searching, seeking, hoping to spot a Disney sugar cookie. Now these cookies have been supplemented over the years. At one time, at least in the last ten years, they came in one form, and one form alone. Flat, round and chewy. They're still chewy, but now they come with two-tone mickey sprinkles or dusted with large sugar crystals. The snickerdoodle variation has also been added to the mix. Then, there arrived those giant globs of goodness which I have dubbed the Cookie Dough Cookies. Redundant, but an apt description. You know to what I refer; those domed, chewy on the outside, raw on the inside cookie creations?

Before leaving Downtown Disney the night of Day 1, I spotted my first sugar Cookie Dough Cookies sitting, gorgeously, in the bakery/fudge counter cases at Goofy's Kitchen or whatever. Should I get one now? Not after that hot fudge sundae from Ghiardelli's. And bringing it home wouldn't be fresh. Oh but there are the packaged ones hanging in the candy section. White chocolate raspberry? Blecch. No sugar cookies here. Okay, well, I'll just have to get them later.

DAY 2 - For real, this time, I swear on the Wicked Queen's whiskers.

At the Magic Kingdom, I had originally planned to do lunch at Pecos Bill's (I was trying to hold back on doing table service establishments all day long for both the wallet and the appetite. Sabotaging a diet is one thing, but forcing a large meal is another), and dinner at, oh where was it...::checks itinerary:: Artist Point. It would have been lovely to take the boat over to the other Lodge on property and have some of that there portobello soup and cedar plank salmon. But alas, this was not to be. Once we gauged the crowds that morning - even having been there at rope drop - we decided to shelf Artist Point and spend more time in the park. So what now. We switched Pecos Bill's for dinner and snagged a 1:00 lunch reservation for Liberty Tree Tavern.

I didn't really have any strong desire to go to Liberty Tree Tavern, but as Kona Cafe didn't appeal to the SO (imagine that, he gets scared of anything Asian despite my reassurance that the restaurant was fusion southeast asian american), and I'd read nothing but blargh about The Wave (it doesn't look too appealing to me, sadly), we went with Liberty Tree. Maybe Tony's has resurrected itself since my last dreadful visit. The Plaza was great for me as a kid, but doesn't hold the same charm it once did. And as for Crystal Palace? I was saving that for my birthday breakfast a few days from then.

Our server was a young 20something girl with an almost Wednesday Addams approach to her work. Deadpanned, with a twinkle in her eye. I chalked it up to the SO as being her proximity to the Haunted Mansion. We too are rather strange and unusual, so she complemented us perfectly. She didn't even bat an eyelid when she brought out our Tinkerbell drinks. Yep, we both sprang for the souvenir cups with the little clip-on light-up Tinkerbells. We proceeded to wear these on the collars of our shirts each night of the trip, and ended up fielding I don't know, 40 or 50 people total asking us where we got them. If Disney sold these clip-on tinkerbells before Illuminations, the Main Street Electrical Parade or Fantasmic, they'd make a killing.

"Here are your tinkerbells", Wednesday Addams of the Liberty Tree Tavern, off of Haunted Mansion Way said as she lowered them to the table.

"Do you still have those delicious rolls and honeybutter?", I asked.

"I have to warm them first."

"That would be great."

I can't quite explain how cool she was, and yet, how interstellar. She was from the Planet Zorb. Never did anything wrong, was very helpful. In fact, when I ordered a salad for an appetizer and the Crab Cakes for my entree she said, "I like salad a lot. But your entree comes with salad. Lettuce can be kinda boring." Yes it can. And she was right! I ended up getting the Beef Stew for an appetizer (which was delicious, and perfect for the rainy weather outside).

So the food. The SO got the Tri-Wizard Sandwich and I don't remember what came on it. With potato chips, or fries, or something. He loved it. And I had the Crab Cakes which looked like giant biscuits. I didn't put much stock in expecting greatness. But they were one of my favorite dishes of the ENTIRE TRIP. I don't remember what kind of vinaigrette they used on the accompanying greens, but it reminded me of the champagne vinaigrette they used to serve at Cinderella's Royal Table back before the Princess Invasion. If it even was champagne. Not in a "dry" park. But it is the best dressing ever. So, crab cakes at Liberty Tree? Winner. So was the Tri-Corner Sandwich, because the SO loved it. I don't know what was in it, but it must be good.

Oh, and the rolls and honey butter. More yays! A blast from the past that they only serve at dinner now, I guess. But relive the days of yore and request a few. That butter is just the bee's knees. Literally. First the butter at Jiko, and now at Liberty Tree Tavern. What is it with Disney and butter and soups? Oh, I know. It's salt. Must be the salt. No low-sodium Mary Poppins here.

I love the attire at the Liberty Tree Tavern, but found it rather noticeable that the manager - who was very visible and engaged with guests at check-in - didn't dress anywhere near the era of Colonial America. A checkered shirt tucked into a pair of slacks doesn't cut it babe. Unless it's the lumberjack lady liberty lounge and I missed the memo.

Moving on... since the night's Artist Point events had been cancelled, we strolled on into Pecos Bill's. I remember it being extremely late. We didn't want to eat before lining up for the Main Street Electrical Parade (Tinkerbell's float wasn't working, so the poor thing just overracted her way down Main Street, trying with all her might to electrify her float bulbs out of unconsciousness. I waved to her and blew her a kiss. She was my favorite performance of the night), and then the not-Fantasmic fireworks happened, followed by the requisite exodus. Since there would be another showing of the parade and the park was open until 3 am, we delayed dinner even further by going on a few more attractions. So, late late dinner that it was, we strolled into Pecos Bill's and got our cheese sauce on.

We both ordered the Angus Burger special, though mine was nearly $2 more expensive and we couldn't figure out why. We both had bacon and an onion ring on our burger, so I must have been duped. Or there was some other distinction. In any event, we both got fries and took full advantage of the worst-kept secret in Disney food history: the fixin's bar! I love at Pecos Bill's that you get the taco fixin's in addition to the burger stuff. "Caution Hot Cheese". Three beautiful words. We both highly enjoyed our burgers, and I let the SO know that of all the burger places in Disney, you just can't beat Pecos Bill's. Soon he'll visit some of the others, but even my burger at Le Cellier a few years ago wasn't as fun as the ones here. Must be the cheese sauce.

Sorry they took away those heavy, highbacked chairs. They used to act as soundproofing against shouting, temper tantrums and other noise within those echoed halls. Alas, now we have these footstools acting like chairs. No back support, and noise noise noise from all around. We even had to move. And like every restaurant we visited, the topic of loud conversation surrounding us had to do with the Disney Dining Plan. What counted as a snack, what counted as a dessert, did you ask for a receipt to show how we were stiffed, and the list goes on. God I miss when the most that happened at a counter service restaurant was a feud over what the next ride would be.

[NormanMaine]

Day 3 - Lunch

We had a breakfast of Apple Bran Muffins back in our room at the splendiferously charming French Quarter, and then headed off to MGM. That's right, MGM. I called it that since I was a wee lad and ain't nothing gonna change. Besides, it gives me pause to remember the pre-Big *** Hat days.

After our morning rush of Toy Story Mania and assorted pleasantries, we made haste to meet our lunch reservation over at Epcot. I had planned on walking, but we wouldn't have made it in time. As for that boat? A) You can walk faster, and B) There's what, 4 stops? LOL.

Le Cellier. Like everything on the trip, it would be a first for the SO. Do y'all (he's from Texas so I'm an honorary y'aller) remember when this place was a walk-in? I do. Everyone always booked up San Angel Inn, Rose and Crown, Alfredo di Roma and Coral Reef, but Le Cellier was always this cozy and cool hidden gem. Remember Mo? He was my server nearly every visit, and he might still work there, but I haven't seen him in years. Sometime in the mid-00's during the internet and ADR explosion, Le Cellier became this sensation. Then there was the predictable backlash, and eventual backlash to the backlash. Now, this quiet little restaurant that never expected to be such a phenomenon is held up to such unfathomable expectation, it's no wonder people are so divided.

Remember when people weren't divided? It was just... another place to eat? Albeit, one with the most heavenly soup on Earth?

That's how I treat it, and that's how it was this time. Our server - again, her name escapes me - was bubbly and lovely. I opted for the prix fixe menu, seeing as none of the other entrees caught my eye.

"DOES THE PRIX FIXE COME WITH A BOWL OR A CUP?"

To our right was the most obnoxious thing EVER to happen in America. The loudest lady ever. You know Le Cellier's table proximity. You either get lucky... with quiet neighbors. Or charming neighbors (like those to our left on this particular visit). Or you get stuck with the group from hell (those to our right). I felt sorry for the two ladies accompanying someone I can only say was a mix between Ethel Merman and Ursula. With two pin lanyards and a cell phone that managed to ring despite... okay, moving on. Anyway, we could barely hear one another, and we formed somewhat of a camaraderie with our neighbors to our left. They shared our death sentence.
Why I didn't ask to be moved is beyond me. I should have. Because it managed to ruin an otherwise glorious-as-usual lunch.

"WELL THEN I'LL GET THE PRIX FIXE. IF IT HAD COME WITH A CUP I WOULDN'T HAVE. THAT'S HOW THEY GET YOU!"

:sick:

Our breadsticks arrived, with the multigrain and pretzel being my lifelong favs. The SO preferred the sourdough so it all worked out. I ordered the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup - what else? - and the Sirloin Tips Salad thingy. The SO got a Croque Madame that wasn't a Croque Madame. It had salmon in it. I told him I had never seen it before on the menu, and couldn't vouch for it. He also ordered the soup. The soup was velvety, thick and smoky as ever. With the pretzel bread, I was almost too stuffed for my entree. As was the SO, who did an "mmm" sound after every taste. He looked up at one point and said "now I understand". I should remember next time to just do the soup, breadsticks and a dessert. The Steak Salad/whatever was lovely, and SO ended up liking his not-Croque Madame. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but a perfectly serviceable lunch. For dessert we both ordered the Maple Creme Brulees. I've had creme brulees the world over, and this one is my second favorite (right after the one served at Les Halles in NYC). I don't find any of the flavors overwhelming. The SO however thought it tasted like a McGriddle, too sweet and sticky. Oh well.

"THIS ISN'T HOW YOU MADE THEM BEFORE."

I didn't order my usual post-meal glass of Ice Wine because I wanted to get the heck out of dodge. Whomever she was, I feel for her travel companions. I think I may even have caught a glimpse of longing out of the corner of my eye. A cry for help. "Save us, for our friend knows not how she squawks."

Back out into the sunlight.

[kayrosek]

Wonderful reviews. I can't wait to read more.

[scanne]

Loving your report so far!

Ursula + Ethel Merman = :rotfl2::rotfl::rotfl2:

I'd love to hear more about that part of the trip - perhaps a trip report is in order fair sir?

Thanks for the great reading!!!

[iloveeeyore]

Day 3 - Lunch

I've had creme brulees the world over, and this one is my second favorite (right after the one served at Les Halles in NYC). I don't find any of the flavors overwhelming. The SO however thought it tasted like a McGriddle, too sweet and sticky. Oh well.



I'm really enjoying your dining report! I read this and thought of MY very favorite creme brulee in all the world: the pistachio one at La Bergamote, the little french cafe on the corner of 9th and...20th? (maybe 19th). If you love creme brulee and you can tolerate pistachios, you MUST try it. Nirvana!

Thanks for taking the time to do your reviews.

[gardengirl628]

Count me in! Your reviews are hysterical....not missing the pictures at all!

[NormanMaine]

I'm really enjoying your dining report! I read this and thought of MY very favorite creme brulee in all the world: the pistachio one at La Bergamote, the little french cafe on the corner of 9th and...20th? (maybe 19th). If you love creme brulee and you can tolerate pistachios, you MUST try it. Nirvana!

Thanks for taking the time to do your reviews.

I can eat pistachios by the bucketload! I will definitely check out La Bergamote. I may even have walked by the place yesterday!

And thanks :love:

Count me in! Your reviews are hysterical....not missing the pictures at all!

Aw thank you. I really wish I had taken photos. I see that I did take a few photos, but nothing substantial. Unless I should just start inserting random photos from throughout the trip that have nothing to do with food. Then at least, layout-wise, I'd feel a little more graphic designed.

Loving your report so far!

Ursula + Ethel Merman = :rotfl2::rotfl::rotfl2:

I'd love to hear more about that part of the trip - perhaps a trip report is in order fair sir?

Thanks for the great reading!!!

:littleangel: I should probably be writing a trip report proper. Is it too late now to switch over to the regular trip report board? I don't know, I feel like I never finish trip reports. At least with food as my anchor, I know the likelihood of finishing is... more uh, likely.

Wonderful reviews. I can't wait to read more.

Thank you. :bride: Does that look like a bride to you? It seems more like something from Star Wars Weekends.

[NormanMaine]

Day 3 - Snack: La Cava de Tequila

I drink, but am not a big drinker. The most I ever imbided was during my studies abroad in France where it was criminal NOT to drink. Since then, I've have the occasional glass of wine with dinner or a Corona here and there. The SO doesn't like alcohol at all. With that in mind, why did we head to La Cava de Tequila for pre-dinner drinks?

First of all, it's a new World Showcase locale (always reason to celebrate) that isn't classified as a sit-down restaurant, counter service restaurant or even as the typical Disney bar. It's this inbetween mystery that I was unable to figure out online. No ADRs? Never really a line for tables? Even at peak visiting times?

Second, it's in my favorite pavilion (who doesn't love eternal dusk?) And anything has to be better than those lousy drinks they pass up as margaritas outside the pyramid.

Third? AVOCADO MARGARITAS (Aguacate). How spectacularly unexpected is that? That's all I needed to know. Now, there's a Mexican restaurant I visit quite frequently in New York called Cafe Frida. Ironically, I've also been to a restaurant in Vegas called Diego. So, it's kind of a continental Mexican love affair. I spent the majority of my teenage years obsessed to no end with Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, so later when the Salma Hayek movie came out, it was like, overload. Anyway, despite my love for Mexico at Epcot, Frida has never appeared ANYWHERE. Sure, there's that one place on El Rio del Donald where I always point out the one doll who looks closest to her. But otherwise, nowhere. Foreshadowing people, foreshadowing.

We walk into Mexico and seek out the tequila cave. I get in line for drinks and send the SO in to snag a table. I didn't really take a peek inside, so I was unaware of whether the place was crowded. Right when I got to the bar, a girl who seemed to have had one too many said "you've got to try the avocado". I told her that's what I was there for, and the bartender slid over TWO sample shots. Um, how fabulous is that? Heaven. I'd never had anything like it before. I'm not much of a frozen-drink fan, but I can't imagine how this would work any other way. It'd just be guacamole sludge. But this was perfect. So, I placed my drink order (a water for the SO), and an order of chips and salsa (in the most stylish little cone-shaped holder thingamajig, with side compartments for the salsa). I turned around to see Frida's face painted on a chair facing the wall. The place was packed, save for one or two tables at the rear, and a cushioned sitting area near the center of the room. Was this fate? It must have been, because the SO didn't even notice when he sat down.

You can only imagine. Here I am, in my Frida Kahlo backed chair, feeling a million miles away from Orlando. The drink was perfect (it was served with an red-tinged salt rim made of hibiscus), the crowd was cool, the bartenders and waitstaff were giving free samples and smiles out to everyone. That really makes all the difference, you know? And it felt like a Cava de Tequila. Almost like a New York bar, but with Disney magic. Why hasn't this happened sooner? Four stars, people. Four stars. And the SO (that's his nickname) enjoyed his nasty Florida water. Oh, and the chips were great, too. If this hadn't been such a theme-park commando trip, I would have loved to spend an hour or more there just relaxing. Perfect for a June afternoon. I wish I could go there now.

Anyway, I felt a little guilty since the SO doesn't drink, but he noted what a great change of pace La Cava is, and said he also forgot where he was for a bit. Not that Disney World is a place you want to escape from, but the only thing I could compare it to would be portions of the Animal Kingdom trails, Tom Sawyer Island, etc. where you are transported entirely to another place.

---

I'd had many a rice cream in my time, it may be my favorite dessert in the whole wide world. Sugar cookies are different, those are prerequisites. But rice cream? That's a special "singing choir ahhh" experience. But I'd never had dinner at Kringla Bakeri og Cafe, and I was intent on trying some of the other delicacies offered.

I ended up ordered the Potato, Goat Cheese and Vegetable Tort (because how bad could THAT be? :lovestruc) and the School Bread. I have read about the school bread on the internets for over a decade, and it was high time I tried the darned thing myself. The SO decided on the Norwegian Club sandwich and fruit.

Oh, dear sweet Norway. Norway who has given us Maelstrom, Rice Cream, Rose Nylund and the Veiled Maiden. The glorious dearly departed pre-princess Akershus. And all the happy gorgeous scandinavians who have served us over the years.

Oh Norway.

:scared1:

I award Kringla Bakeri og Cafe with

:wish200

of complementary SWILL.

The Tort was like a freeze-dried, freezerburned, defrosted, reconstituted lump of hockey puck. But let me tell you how I really feel. EWWWWWWWW. Aside from the pizza I was forced into eating later in the trip, this has to be the single-worst thing I've ever eaten at Disney. I didn't taste potato, goat cheese or vegetables. I tasted week-old sourdough starter rescued from the compost heap.

The school bread didn't fare much better. I didn't realize it was a donut. I'm not much a creme-filled donut fan. Okay, I'm not a fan at all. This was a donut. It wasn't bread. :sick: But at least I tried it.

The SO's sandwich was satisfactory. Though in the days that followed, I learned that he hated it. Too dry, and it felt like it'd been sitting in a cooler all day. Which it had.

I've had better food at Ikea, people. Granted, that's Sweden, but hey, I'm part-Danish, so it's all in the family. But don't tell that to the Danes.

[Kaleigh]

I never comment on dining reviews, but you are hilarious. I can picture everything you went through from the 48 beignets to the Wednesday Adams waitress to the Merman/Ursula talker. Thanks for the smiles!

[NormanMaine]

I never comment on dining reviews, but you are hilarious. I can picture everything you went through from the 48 beignets to the Wednesday Adams waitress to the Merman/Ursula talker. Thanks for the smiles!

Thanks Kaleigh! Ah, those moments you can look back and laugh at.

:goodvibes

[Poppinsme]

:goodvibes:laughing::laughing:


"WELL THEN I'LL GET THE PRIX FIXE. IF IT HAD COME WITH A CUP I WOULDN'T HAVE. THAT'S HOW THEY GET YOU!"

[jakenjess]

I share your love of La Cava de Tequila! I wish I were there right now (yes, at 6:10 A.M. . . .) Your reviews are fabulous!!

[k&a&c'smom]

:rotfl::rotfl:

Loving your report, this sentence really made me laugh: "I have read about the school bread on the internets for over a decade...";)

[NormanMaine]

:goodvibes:laughing::laughing:

"WELL THEN I'LL GET THE PRIX FIXE. IF IT HAD COME WITH A CUP I WOULDN'T HAVE. THAT'S HOW THEY GET YOU!"

Disney makes for the best people watching on Earth!

I share your love of La Cava de Tequila! I wish I were there right now (yes, at 6:10 A.M. . . .) Your reviews are fabulous!!

:laughing: The best part of waking up! I'll join you.

:rotfl::rotfl:

Loving your report, this sentence really made me laugh: "I have read about the school bread on the internets for over a decade...";)

I can't remember where I picked that up, but I love it. :upsidedow

[NormanMaine]

For starters, look! I found a photo!

http://www.wdwmemories.com/animal-kingdom-africa-picture-001.JPG

Okay, so I didn't take it. I'm kicking myself repeatedly over this oversight. I assumed the SO would be put out by my constant mealtime photography, but learned after the fact that he adores food porn; voyeur or solicitor.

Anyway, I wrote this extended review of Day 4's lunch excursion and when I clicked post, I lost the whole thing. Never was I prouder of a Disney review. It had everything: laughter, tears, panoramic vistas. All lost, because my login evaporated and I stupidly pressed "back". So now, I go quietly into this good night in the hopes of resurrecting a smidgen of what came before.

But first, Cher :hippie:

Cleansed and shakraed, or Deepak Chopraed... or Shakiraed. I move on.

Animal Kingdom turned out to be the most successful day of our trip. Weatherwise, the morning and early afternoon was the coolest of the week, and the rain didn't start misting in until we were on our way towards the exit. Fortune smiled on us with the attractions, as we were able to doubledip on Kali and Dinosaur, twice in a row. The family we rode with on the former was an absolute hoot, especially the papa... as he was the only one after TWO tours to escape with nary a drop of water. If you guys is here on the Dis, I think you're rock stars.

I hadn't been within the vicinity of Tusker House - or even Kusifiri Bakery for that matter - since the conversion to a buffet. I recall dreading the changeover and blamed it as yet another victim of the Disney Dining Plan Godzilla. Quick! Put some hotplates out and call it a table service credit. Oh how I would miss that hummus sandwich. Even the grapes were awesome.

Check-in for our 1 pm lunch at the *new* Tusker House took place at the rear of the building, facing the river. The area is nicely shaded and offers seating, though our wait was 5 minutes. We were led into the still-impeccably themed (as is all of AK), open and airy Tusker House and into one of the immense dining areas. We passed the former condiments and window-service queues, now inhabited by an array of buffet "pods". Here's hoping.

Our server took our drink order (two iced teas), described the offerings of the day, and encouraged us to go ahead and dig in. I looked around the dining room. It was fairly sparse, quiet, calm. I wonder. We put down our mouseears and headed for the food.

Oh.

http://oneyearbibleimages.com/twelve_tribes_israel.jpg

My.

http://www.sergent.com.au/elvis/Promised%20Land%20LP.jpg

Goofy.

http://www.tellyourtestimony.com/userPics/Lijo/Hallelujah(1874).gif

Am I still alive?

Or is this paradise?

:cloud9:

Sit down Jiko, move aside California Grill. Stand back Boma. Victoria and Albert's, stay right there because goodness knows that's like my #1 place I want to eat before I die and despite the fact that it is within the realm of possibility I still feel there should be a huge celebration: i.e. marriage/anniversary/job promotion/birth before I can justify going there. But everyone else. Stand back.

Where to begin. First off, the SO had 3 plates, I had 9. Yes, 9. I've never in my life been so encouraged to sample EVERYTHING, which I did. Halfway through the 6th plate, he asked "should we cancel the Brown Derby?" Yeah, better go ahead. It needs to be sacrificed for the religious experience at hand. Praise Tusker House, praise the Dining Plan if it is so responsible for this rebirth. And the place was practically empty, so 'twas an oasis.

The samosas and curry chicken were out of this world. The latter didn't even need any extra spice, it was mild and sweet and tendery and perfect. The Seafood stew. Heaven. Couscous salad? Scrumptious. Pork loin with I-can't-remember-the-sauce and polenta (I think it was polenta...). Tomato and cucumber salad. Hummus! Did I mention the samosas? Oh, and the plaintains. And the best bread pudding I've ever had in the world? It's all here, and it's all fresh and it's a theme park. A THEME PARK. Who would have thunkit?

And the strange thing is, after we'd finished, I didn't feel the usual overstuffed feeling I normally experience after a buffet. Even at Boma. We could have gone to the Brown Derby later - and should have, considering the of the moment alternative... BAH - but alas, we did not.

Tusker House has all the flavors of Boma, but fresher, and without the crowds. And noise. And drums. Though I do love it, and it is one of my babies, if I had to choose between my children - and what a Sophie's Choice moment - I'd pick Tusker.

Dinner coming in the next installment! :cool2:

[Ciciwoowoo]

I'm not done reading your reviews yet, but I have to complement you on your extraordinary writing style. You could charge people to read your work!!! I don't usually read the reviews without the pictures, but for you, I make an exception! ;)

I do hope you are going to write a trip report as well... or if you have already and have it posted here somewhere further along than I am at the moment, I promise to go and read it ASAP!!!

Did I mention how much I am enjoying your review? :goodvibes:goodvibes

[scanne]

You are a rock star food reviewer!!!!!!

[mainegal]

Really loved your review of Tusker House.
I think I need to schedule me a lunch at Tusker even if it means skipping one of the two signature meals I have planned - Artist Point and Narcoosee. Which should I skip?

[NormanMaine]

You are a rock star food reviewer!!!!!!

Aw gawrsh. I'm glad you're diggin' this dining-trip report hybrid.

I'm not done reading your reviews yet, but I have to complement you on your extraordinary writing style. You could charge people to read your work!!! I don't usually read the reviews without the pictures, but for you, I make an exception! ;)

I do hope you are going to write a trip report as well... or if you have already and have it posted here somewhere further along than I am at the moment, I promise to go and read it ASAP!!!

Did I mention how much I am enjoying your review? :goodvibes:goodvibes

Thank you! I did not write a proper trip report, this series is about as complete as I'll get. I used to write them every trip on the old board I frequented. This is the first Disney-related stuff I've written in over 5 years. So, steady as she goes. Besides, I was notorious for never finishing. Here's hoping. :)

[NormanMaine]

Really loved your review of Tusker House.
I think I need to schedule me a lunch at Tusker even if it means skipping one of the two signature meals I have planned - Artist Point and Narcoosee. Which should I skip?

Oh dear, I'd hate to lead you astray. As far as Artist Point goes, it has always been a must-do for me. But my last two visits kind of left me cold. I keep returning for the Smoky Portobello Soup, but that's it really. I didn't much regret the cancellation this trip.

As for Narcoossee's, I've never been. Though I hear amazing things about it.

The two you mentioned are apples and oranges in comparison to Tusker House. Maybe someone else can chime in.

[NormanMaine]

Day 4 - Dinner, Pizza Planet

Oh woebetide those of you who agree to the kind of evening that followed such culinary bliss. If you have a dinner reservation at the Brown Derby, for heaven's sake, KEEP IT. There's no law against drinks, appetizers and grapefruit cake now is there? No. I was stuffed from lunch, sure, but it could have worked. The SO was royally full, but I could have blindfolded him or ordered a glass of icecubes. But he was hungry. And he didn't eat as much as I did, because he was saving room for dinner. I didn't. Tusker was my slave and my reason for living through 9 plates of food. And at the time, we decided to forego the Brown Derby.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

MGM is NOT the place for counter service. You know that, I know that, the cast members know that. Oh, the Writer's Stop is one of the greatest little corners of the World, and Starring Rolls serves up it's share of treats. But by and large, the four-square meal places are the pits. They're the pits of the pits.

I'd been to Backlot Express and Studio Catering Co. Of the two, the latter was marginally better. But that's like preferring The Biggest Loser over Losing it with Jillian. They're both in the same zipcode. And for the record, I like Jillian. I just wish she'd stop harping on everyone else's secrets and deal with her own.

But I digress. So, the SO looked at the menus for both and said "eh.". He kept veering toward Pizza Planet. "I'm in the mood for pizza.". That's funny, so was I. So Pizza Planet should have been the LAST destination on God's green earth. I even tried the little outdoor area on Sunset Boulevard. No, his mind was made up. And he doesn't even like Toy Story. So I don't know what it was. Oh yeah, he also didn't want to eat outside.

Pizza Planet was so loud and packed that we ate outside. Grrrr. We both ordered pepperoni pizzas with side salads and bottles of water. And cookies. Oh yeah, he was really full.

It's not delivery, it's DiCrapno. As I looked over at him, he seemed to be stifling laughter. We had even argued a bit on our way over. A combination of heat, and lines, and 6 am mornings. It gets to you. Am I right, people? But this "meal" with it's "side salads" (shredded lettuce from Subway, I'd hate to see what the Caprese looked like) so soggy, so wounded. The humidity outside. Miss Piggy slowly rotating in the fountain as we ate her cousins. Unless pepperoni is a sausge that comes from somewhere else. Which it probably does. I'm not Italian. But I'm sure an Italian wouldn't eat what we ate.

The kids loved it! Two thumbs up.

[NormanMaine]

Day 5 - Breakfast, The Crystal Palace

Stop the presses, I've got photos. Maybe not for a dining review, but at least you'll be able to put some faces to the proceedings.

The first is a bonafide picture of our arrival to the Crystal Palace for our morning breakfast with Pooh and Friends. A birthday breakfast, I might add, for yours truly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/afterbilly/crystal1.jpg

See? That's where we sat. Honest. I know I know, no one's in that picture. But look how early. When we made it into the park, we were the first to check in at the PS counter. ADR. I'm still trying to sort that out. I was wearing my birthday button, and everyone from cast members to guests were saying happy birthday! Since the birthday pin is personalized, they were even saying it by name. How fabulous is that? I wish everyday was my birthday at Disney. Okay, so we didn't sit by the window, I guess when you're the first in you still don't get the window. Or maybe it's a party of two thing. Damn, if only Neve Campbell had come along.

But when we got to our table - there was mickey confetti! I'd never been to the parks on anyone's birthday, so this was all such a treat. Of course we didn't take any photos of that. And the next photo isn't of food, proper, but considering Piglet made his exit into the kitchen just before a plateful of bacon arrived... one has to wonder.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/afterbilly/pig.jpg

The eggs at the Crystal Palace have crack in them. I'm convinced. I've never tried crack, but I know it's addictive, and pretty darned hard to quit. Eggs is whack. Powdered goodness. If they're real, more power to them. But wow. Sadly, the Breakfast Lasagna did not make an appearance that morning. I guess Tigger ate it or something. In it's stead was a fritatta of some sort. It isn't worth mentioning. But the lack of a carby-breakfast mishmash just left more room for individual carby goodness. The deep-fried french toast fritter-type things? One of the best foods on property. Bar none. And who needs butter or syrup? I ate these things like the donuts that they are. The raspberry pound cake/danish thingamajig? Also amazing. And everyone seemed to swarm around the main lines and forgot all about the glorious breads on that center island. The mickey waffles always seem like an afterthought in line, but delicious on the plate. I love them more than I remember from my previous trips. I don't know why this is. Get them, they're awesome.

The only things that stuck out to me on this trip as being sorely off, were the croissants. I don't know what to classify the stand-ins they're passing off as croissants now, but they ain't croissants. They're underbaked, cold rounds of unflaky flaky pastry. The chocolate doesn't fare any better. What happened to the delicious crescents they used to serve? Imma blame it on the Disney Dining Plan. I blame everything on that. Mosquito bites, a missed bus connection, the long line at the Swiss Family Treehouse, the Bay Lake Tower. I blame it all on the Disney Dining Plan. And Fastpass. I'm ornery before my time. Back to the food.

The watermelon and melon and all kinds of melon is all kinds of excellent here. And the orange juice - keep it comin'. For an All-American breakfast, there really is no better option than The Crystal Palace. Worldwide. It's my favorite place to have breakfast. The biscuits are better than Popeyes, which in my opinion has the best biscuits anywhere. My Louisiana SO agrees. And the characters are Winnie the Pooh for heaven's sake. Unobstrusive, cuddly, and non-confrontational. You don't get a princess having a bad day. Though I wouldn't mind Lady Tremaine and her daughters. That would be the BEST character breakfast. We saw them walking through Fantasyland later that day, and the SO went chutes and ladders crazy to get a photo of them. So I jumped in front (they were walking rather briskly) and shouted "Paparazzi! I need one photo." And we got it:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/afterbilly/girls.jpg

But back to the food. Ummm, lemme see. OH! Our server brought out a cupcake for me (which went untouched sadly, after that center island of pastry goodness) and a card from the Hundred Acre Wood gang! Aside from the wand I got in Hogsmeade, this card is the ooh-ahh event according to my friends. Talk about feeling like a kid again. :cloud9:

I didn't drink the coffee.

I know, I know... this is the food forum, but there were some pictures from our FIRST morning at the MK that I felt like sharing.

The SO attempting to pull the sword from the stone:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/afterbilly/stonepull.jpg

And me:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/afterbilly/stonepull2.jpg

SO was celebrating his college graduation, btw.

We stopped over to Tom Sawyer Island for some target practice:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/afterbilly/Frontier.jpg

And, my prayer that it wouldn't rain on my parade:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/afterbilly/praying.jpg

It appears that we only wear blue and grey polos. Stick with what you know I guess.

Snacktime and Dinner coming up in the next installment!

[Shock13]

Love the reviews! Although it doesn't help when I'm laughing out loud at my desk...that resides in a busy lobby. :thumbsup2

[Shock13]

Love the reviews! It makes my work life interesting when I'm laughing out loud at my desk...that resides in a busy lobby. :thumbsup2

[Joshua_me]

Very entertaining reviews !

You two are adorable... :goodvibes

[sand2270]

I will be honest I rarely read dining reviews without photos...but hey if I want to see a photo of a particular food item you are describing I can do a search and find one quickly...so who needs a stinking photo when your reviews are so entertaining? Not me! Loving them!

[vinotinto]

The samosas and curry chicken were out of this world. The latter didn't even need any extra spice, it was mild and sweet and tendery and perfect. The Seafood stew. Heaven. Couscous salad? Scrumptious. Pork loin with I-can't-remember-the-sauce and polenta (I think it was polenta...). Tomato and cucumber salad. Hummus! Did I mention the samosas? Oh, and the plaintains. And the best bread pudding I've ever had in the world? It's all here, and it's all fresh and it's a theme park. A THEME PARK. Who would have thunkit?

Tusker House has all the flavors of Boma, but fresher, and without the crowds. And noise. And drums. Though I do love it, and it is one of my babies, if I had to choose between my children - and what a Sophie's Choice moment - I'd pick Tusker.


Oh man! We have breakfast ADR at Tusker House and lunch ADR at Yak & Yeti. Maybe I need to shuffle my ADRs around again. I love hummus, I love samosas, etc.

Anyways, you are hilarious - beignet massacres, obnoxious restaurant neighbors and religious culinary experiences - what else can this disboard resto review reader ask for? :worship:

[scanne]

Another stellar installment!
And the pics are just bonus as I am hooked on this one from opening to close! I loved your pic in CP of the empty tables by the window. It really set the tone of the morning - we have an early ADR for CP in a couple of weeks and I can't wait to get into MK before the masses!

Thanks again for taking the time to post your reviews! Looking forward to more...

[Sassagoula Billy]

Love the reviews! It makes my work life interesting when I'm laughing out loud at my desk...that resides in a busy lobby. :thumbsup2

Yay! It was always a dream of mine to be a Jungle Cruise skipper. But writing kinda-dining reports is pretty fun too. :banana:

Very entertaining reviews !

You two are adorable... :goodvibes

Aww, thank you kindly. :upsidedow

I will be honest I rarely read dining reviews without photos...but hey if I want to see a photo of a particular food item you are describing I can do a search and find one quickly...so who needs a stinking photo when your reviews are so entertaining? Not me! Loving them!

I really appreciate that. ;) (I'm all about the smilies lately) I love the photos everyone posts... so that's my goal next time. And the SO says he's going to make a point of remembering to do that.

Oh man! We have breakfast ADR at Tusker House and lunch ADR at Yak & Yeti. Maybe I need to shuffle my ADRs around again. I love hummus, I love samosas, etc.

Anyways, you are hilarious - beignet massacres, obnoxious restaurant neighbors and religious culinary experiences - what else can this disboard resto review reader ask for? :worship:

:worship: to you!

I don't know what they serve at breakfast at the Tusker House, but it can't possibly compete with lunch. As far as the Yak and Yeti is concerned, I personally found it to be lacking. But a lot of people love it. And to be clear, the samosas and curries are not at all spicy over at Tusker. Keep that in mind if you're not a fan of the mild. I found enough flavor though, and I normally go for the spice. Maybe I haven't had enough Indian or African curry dishes lately...but make no excuse, it's my favorite dish at Disney right now. Even moreso than the Pork Tenderloin at California Grill.

Here's to beignet massacres and religious culinary experiences! Obnoxious restaurant neighbors... I lift my glass.

Another stellar installment!
And the pics are just bonus as I am hooked on this one from opening to close! I loved your pic in CP of the empty tables by the window. It really set the tone of the morning - we have an early ADR for CP in a couple of weeks and I can't wait to get into MK before the masses!

Thanks again for taking the time to post your reviews! Looking forward to more...

Thank you! Early morning Crystal Palace is oh so magical, for adults and kids alike. The adults get a little peace and quiet before for the morning rush, and the kids get considerable time with Pooh and Co. I think they must have spent an average of 5 minutes apiece at the table opposite us as they came around. And the little conga line with all the kids? Adorable.

[Ciciwoowoo]

*happily clapping*

More more more!!!

Thank you for the pictures too! I still think you should write a trip report... I'm going to cry when you are finished! You are just so darned talented!

[Linda67]

I'm always late :confused3

But I am here now :banana:

Love, love, love your reviews, you HAVE to do a TR

I am supposed to be working and people are wondering why I am doing this :rotfl: instead of this :surfweb:

[Sassagoula Billy]

*happily clapping*

More more more!!!

Thank you for the pictures too! I still think you should write a trip report... I'm going to cry when you are finished! You are just so darned talented!

Ciciwoowoo, I love your screen name! Don't cry, it just means I have to get back down to Disney for more inspiration. :goodvibes

I'm always late :confused3

But I am here now :banana:

Love, love, love your reviews, you HAVE to do a TR

I am supposed to be working and people are wondering why I am doing this :rotfl: instead of this :surfweb:

Only if you're drinking proper English tea while you read. And of course, do a little work now and then. :rolleyes1

I may get around to doing a TR once this is completed, I just hope I can remember everything else that happened!

[Sassagoula Billy]

Day 5 - Snack, Kringla Bakeri og Cafe

"What?", you may ask. After that disastrous dinner (not along the lines of Toy Story Pizza Planet, but then, what is?), I chose to oblige the Norwegians with another visit?

Two words: Rice Cream.

Yeah, I had opted for the School Bread the first time, so a return visit was necessary - nay - ABSOLUTE. Like everything this trip, it was all new to the SO. First time Disney, so he must experience the Rice Cream. He's not a sweets person, and my description of it in the days prior wasn't encouraging. I kept assuring him that it was a tub of melted butter and cream with strawberry topping. "I think there's rice and sugar involved, but who can tell?" He didn't believe me. Still, back to Epcot we go.

At the counter, he shrugged his shoulders and got some chocolate something that I don't remember. I ordered my Rice Cream, and as the CM passed it over to me, I think I whispered sweet nothings to it. "Don't worry baby, daddy's home." The CM raised an eyebrow. We made our way to the delightful outdoor seating area and dug in. I begged and pleaded with the SO to try a spoonful. "Eh." He picked at his chocolate mousse or whatever, and after much diplomacy, reluctantly agreed to a sample.

SO's favorite scene in Disney history is Snow White's off-screen collapse. He isn't a violent person by any means, but he is such a fan of the direction and ingenuity of how it all plays out. The camera observes the Queen's reaction, not Snow White's reaction to the poisoned apple. Brilliant. I have a point here somewhere. He loves the dialogue, too. It's morbid, but it's close to his favorite Disney dialogue of all time. Anyway, he takes a spoonful of the rice cream and appears to respond positively to it. So I begin reciting: "His breath grows still... his heart..", etc. A big smile, wider than Julia Robert's (and her's extends beyond the boundaries of her head), extends across the SO's face as I exclaim "Now I'll be fairest in the land."

The Rice Cream is a winner and he regrets that he didn't order his own. Sucks for him.

Epcot is the worst place to be in a rainstorm. Forget the Animal Kingdom. At least there, people run for the exit. If you're wandering around World Showcase in a heavy downpour that leaves slaughtered umbrellas and tattered ponchos in it's wake, those large gaps between pavilions (Future World isn't much of an improvement) become maranthonic. New word, unless it exists. And don't bother crowding beneath ledges, or joining the throngs in stores. You won't be able to move. Because people think the storm is a standard Florida afternoon rainshower. This was a tropical storm. People didn't know that. I didn't know that. We got up after our afternoon snacks and sprinted towards Maelstrom. We'd secured FPs earlier and assumed the rain would be over by the time we exited the movie.

We exited.

This was our view for the next hour:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/afterbilly/norway.jpg

Sitting indian-style on the floor of the men's room along with two other rain refugees, we listened to Viking sea chanties (chantys?) and watched the torrential torrents. Odd vantage point, odd location. But it sure beat being neck in neck inside the $350-a-sweater Puffin's Roost. Please join me in saying that you also check the prices of the sweaters on every visit. It's tradition. Right up there with dole whips. But yes, everyone was standing around like cattle in those new, clear "Disney Parks" ponchos. GOD, look to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and ask what it's biggest strength is. Branding. BRANDING. What became of individuality? But I digress. The seating area at Kringla Bakeri og Cafe was no different. Crowded. The distance to Mexico or Germany was laughable. No, we were prisoners. Slaves. Thunderstorm victims of the Norway Bathrooms. Honorary St. Olafians.

This is such a trip report masquerading as a dining report. I may as well copy and paste this into the other forum. Version 2.0 must be on the horizon.

After the rain had fallen (to kinda quote Sting), we wandered over to Germany where we were surprised to find a bottle of Italian wine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/afterbilly/madonnawine.jpg

Yes yes, it's Liebfraumilch, the German sweet wine of choice back in 1950s America. But "Madonna"? Oh, but of course. She's toured Germany. No, not A Madonna, mother of our lord. I mean THE Madonna. As in Queen Mother of Pop.

But Jesus may have had other plans, because as the skies cleared...look what we saw above Spaceship Earth:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/afterbilly/ep.jpg

Now we knew she was trying to contact us. Maybe we should have bought that wine after all. Goodness knows she was looking for her boyfriend.

http://makeupbeat.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/madonna-jesus-460_1211012c.jpg

Dinner at the California Grill coming soon!

[mandibc11]

Yes, you should write a trip report! Reading through these memories down food lane, I can't help but forget about the work that lies in front of me and actually become the third wheel in your dining dates through Disney!

[Sassagoula Billy]

Yes, you should write a trip report! Reading through these memories down food lane, I can't help but forget about the work that lies in front of me and actually become the third wheel in your dining dates through Disney!

Thanks Amanda! I've decided to move this report to a more appropriate locale... and from now on, it's gonna try and be a 'Trip Report' rather than this thing masquerading about as a 'Dining Report'.

At least the rest of day 5, along with 6, and 7 will have room to fly.

You can all find it here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37215796&posted=1#post37215796

[Mich123]

Forget the trip report, you should write a book! I'm so glad I meandered onto this report, it's awesome. :goodvibes

[Mich123]

P.S.: Like the name change, too!

[Linda67]

Only if you're drinking proper English tea while you read. And of course, do a little work now and then. :rolleyes1

I have just had a lovely cup of tea thank you - 'God Save The Queen' (Elizabeth not Madonna):laughing:

By the way, never before have I read the wonderful words 'Ethel Merman' in a dining review - good skills :thumbsup2

[Sassagoula Billy]

I have just had a lovely cup of tea thank you - 'God Save The Queen' (Elizabeth not Madonna):laughing:

By the way, never before have I read the wonderful words 'Ethel Merman' in a dining review - good skills :thumbsup2

God Save The Queen indeed. Oh, and it's my pleasure to bring Ethel Merman onto the Disney Trip Report landscape.

P.S.: Like the name change, too!

Thanks :)


Forget the trip report, you should write a book! I'm so glad I meandered onto this report, it's awesome. :goodvibes

I think I am writing a book! Don't forget go and find out how it ends over at:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread....6#post37215506

The conclusion to Day 5 is up!

[Becx N Gav]

Wow, I love your writing style! Great report so far and I've read a bit of the TR proper!

Has anyone said you look like Sylar from Heroes? I saw that first pic of you with Piglet and that just popped straight into my head!

Looks like you had a fun Birthday at MK :cloud9: Can't wait to read more :thumbsup2

[Sassagoula Billy]

Wow, I love your writing style! Great report so far and I've read a bit of the TR proper!

Thanks Becx N Gav! I feel so split now... maybe I shoulda just kept it all in one place. :rotfl:


Has anyone said you look like Sylar from Heroes? I saw that first pic of you with Piglet and that just popped straight into my head!

From sunrise to sundown! When Heroes was at its height, I was getting stopped all of the time. But I got a few free drinks at Starbucks because of it. I guess it's good to be the villain!


Looks like you had a fun Birthday at MK :cloud9: Can't wait to read more :thumbsup2

The best. Thanks for reading!

[princessallegra]

Hiiiii ok I found you!!!!! I need to try the Rice cream, and I already have a date with it. Novmeber 19th, 2010-me and the rice cream will finally meet!!! At Akershus Princess Dinner!!! :thumbsup2

[Euphoria027]

So, the link to your trip report isn't working... I'm potentially traumatized. Seriously, best report I've ever read and I'm addicted to them. I laughed out loud at your Wednesday Addams server at Liberty Tree Tavern and then the Madonna thing had me literally snorting. I WANT MORE.

Love, love, love.