Love your reviews so far! We went to La cava a couple weeks ago for the first time! It's now a must do on every trip! We got the tequila flight, the liquer flight, cucumber margarita (my favorite!), Pineapple margarita (good but sweet!), and the avocado margarita (thought it would be wierd but it was almost as yummy as the cucumber). Not to mention the frozen margaritas outside....needless to say we had a great time! ha!
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They Should Make Margaritas a Snack Credit! - September 2011 Dining Review
- Thread starter jenneth79
- Start date
jenneth79
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2011
Icava del tequila. I am going to try the cucumber one this time around.
Yes, and while it's in a later review, if you haven't tried the avacado one, that's #2 on my Cava Faves behind Jalapeno (non-lethal version...
)A TR AND a dining review?
Yum, I love la cava. Yum, yum, yum... Best way to start off the night in EpcotOr end it... or in the middle
I'm insane, I know... though doing both allows me to relive even more of the Magic that was our vacation.... and drive me crazy.
Exactly! Cava is good at ALL times of the day, which is why I get cranky they close early during EMH, but that's another story......
Totally loving your review so far and I love your writing style! The title of this review really sucked me in.I loved Cava de Tequila as well but there is no way I'd even be able to try even the weakest jalapeno margarita let alone the one you had!
Can't wait for more!
BTW, I love the photo of you and the origami heart!
Thank you thank you thank you!
Llittle known secret? They can make you a jalapeno margarita WITHOUT the peppers.... just using jalapeno infused tequila. That might be a bit easier to handle... with all the yummy flavor!
Do they allow babies in bars at WDW
If they don't, they should!
Ahhhh La Cava... aka "The Ditch", is a fave of ours and many of our friends. I didn't realize there was a "spicy" version of the Jalapeno Margarita, I've always ordered it and it's never been offered to me as extra spicy. I'll keep ordering the regular version!
Maybe he had it out for me....
I also found out they do a habanero margarita, which is not on the menu and we tried, surprisingly, it was LESS spicy than mine!Thank you Dee! It's my favorite Disney bar, so far at least.... I geuss I didn't spend a whole bunch of time in them, but it sure beats the Crew Cup Lounge!
jenneth79
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2011
Yeah, I knew it was going to be evil when I saw those seeds floating about....but man..... I was crazy enough to drink it anyway!
I've only been to Cava Del Tequila once and I had the amazing Avocado Margarita
It's going to be hard to try something new next week but the blood orange one sounds good - was it super sweet?
Looking forward to the San Angel review
Avacado is a strong competitor for my favorite marg there... the Blood Orange wasn't horribly sweet... but it had that almost effervescent (sp) taste to it that didn't scream "margarita" to me... it wasn't bad, but I'd go with the Pineapple Marg over that if I had to choose, and the Pineapple is pretty sweet.
I'm so happy that you got to go to San Angel Inn in memory of your dad
Wow just looking at that Jalapeno Margarita is making my mouth burn from all the spices!
Looking forward to the review of San Angel Inn.
Thanks! It was an emotional time, for certain, but I'm so glad we decided to do it... it just felt right.
I missed going to Cava del Tequila this trip. I had a few sips here and there whenever DCuz ordered but I was designated driver and DH not being on this trip meant that I was responsible for DS 8 so I had to stay sober. However, there's always next trip and next one has 5 adults and just DS so I think I could dream to have my beloved Avocado Magarita.
You guys were at WDW just before us!
...which I think means you guys got better weather? I want to say it was super dry the week before and the week after us. No worries though, we had a blast.
Good for you to volunteer to be DD!
I will cross my fingers for you that you get to have an amazing avacado glass of happiness next time you go!I swear I don't want to tell anyone else how wonderful this place is, I'm afraid I'll never find a spot to stand in there if I do!
cdtommie
Beerman, BWV/BCV/VWL/BLT, no slushies please
- Joined
- May 25, 2005
Great Cava review - love the jalapeno margarita and the avocado. If you want to try a real death wish ask them to make you a habanero margarita (Pepe made ours) - my BIL and I did this two years ago but I don't think I could handle another one...hottest drink I've ever had (we were able to finish them off including all the peppers).
vinotinto
Just Keep Swimming
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2009
Great reviews and I love that totally sweet pic with your dad holding your hand. I hope my kids someday look back on our trips with that same love and sense of cherish.
Dying to know about San Angel as we have ADRs there on Sunday (yes, in a few days). So hurry up with the rest of the report!
Dying to know about San Angel as we have ADRs there on Sunday (yes, in a few days). So hurry up with the rest of the report!
jenneth79
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2011
Is it scary the hapenero was LESS spicy to me than the Jalapeno?
Kudos to finishing it though!!!
Yes I have tried the avocado margarita and it was heavenly
You can almost convince yourself it's healthy!
Great reviews and I love that totally sweet pic with your dad holding your hand. I hope my kids someday look back on our trips with that same love and sense of cherish.
Dying to know about San Angel as we have ADRs there on Sunday (yes, in a few days). So hurry up with the rest of the report!
Awww, thanks.
If we're ever blessed with kids, I plan on trying to give them the same experience.I'm going to do my best to get San Angel out today, hopefully I can accomplish that!
Make sure you make it a "must see" on your next trip! Save me a spot at the bar if you do!
jenneth79
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2011
San Angel Inn
From our Cava review earlier, youll understand we waited a LONG time to get our table at San Angel Inn.
A long time.
Over an hour, to be somewhat more precise.
However, when the hostess brought us to our table, I was floored. Such a perfect table for two, right along the railing looking over the boat ride and the pyramid. Gorgeous. Romantic. And, perhaps because of the lack of tables on the water side, relatively quiet. Simply lovely in my opinion, the best seat in the house. I spent the better part of twenty minutes trying to get a non-blurry picture of the view and failed. This is what we looked at, though:
(no zoom applied here, it was that perfect of a view)
Oh yeah, it was dark too. I think my eyesight has gotten worse in my old age, because I had to hold the menu over the small table lamp just to read our options. If you are planning on eating here, bring a flashlight. I wont judge.
Our waitress came over and brought us more chips, salasa, and water. Because of this wait, I was able to sample a bit more alcohol at la cava than I was expected
, and decided to not have anything further with my meal. Besides, I was still nursing the jalapeno fire drink, so I was good with water. Mike ordered a Pineapple Margarita. I wasnt thrilled at the description, but I will admit from a sip, it was rather tasty!
(Really cute picture of Mike, pretty cr@ppy one of the margarita though )
Next thing to note,
the menu is not the same as on All Ears or DIS, or Disneys site. So Ill give you a little more in depth look at what we ate
.without giving you too much of a look, because the lighting was so terrible the two pictures I took look insane. I cannot stress the lighting enough. Its dark. So dark you wonder what they are hiding. 
For my appetizer, I ordered Tlacoyos de Chilorio, little corn cakes topped with beans, carnitas (shredded spiced pork) queso fresco, and tomatillo sauce. Heres a super horrible picture of it:
(imagine if you will .ooh and bonus content! See the leftover jalapenos in my glass???)
This dish, however, is amazingly good. The corn cake, or tamale cakes are we call them here, was a perfect combination of sweet and savory, and the texture was divine. I could have eaten two orders of these for my entrée. I probably should have.
Mike got Ensalada Caesar. Yep. Thats what he ordered. No, I dont know why. It looked
.well, like a salad. Not a 10 dollar one either, mind you:
(I think Ive had better at Wendys ..)
The lettuce was fresh, that's about all I can say for it.
After this, Im not sure if its the tequila or my frustration with the lighting, or the fact that I had corrupt files on my camera (probably from the lighting!!) but I have no further dinner pictures. I know, I stink.
However, Ill give you the lowdown on what we ordered, lest you make the same mist
ahem
choices.
I ordered the Mole Poblano, because it was recommended. I have seen reviews online about how people who dont know true Mexican food dont understand this dish. I dont know, I think Im pretty well versed in both Tex Mex and regional (I hesitate to call anything true .because it all depends on where youre from, doesnt it?) Mexican dishes. My uncles mother is from Hermosillo. I have bribed her into teaching me to make some amazing moles. This was not one of them.
What it was was a hunk of tough chicken with three gallons of mole on top. With sugar. Ew. I ended up taking two bites before I gave up and munched on more chips and salsa.
Mike had a slightly better time with his choice, the Carne Asada a ala Tampiquena. It was grilled beef with enchiladas, refried beans (which, I will say, were pretty good!) Mexican rice, and guacamole. The guacamole was excellent. I stole a bit of it to go with my new entrée of tortilla chips. He didnt seem to complain. I think it was the view that kept him distracted.
Oh, and as a side note. If you get one of these amazingly romantic tables, try to get them after the parks (and therefore the rides) are closed. We did spend the first half of our meal waving back at catcalling boat passengers. The kids were cute. The drunk adults, not so much.
After I cleaned his plate of beans and guac, we placed our dessert orders. I went for the flan. They were out. So they brought me the Isla Flotante instead. Lime merengue. They say it was caramelized, but it wasnt. It was, however, delish! I would highly recommend this as a light but sweet ending to a spicy meal. (hopefully without mole!)
Mike ordered the Crepas de Cajeta they were crepes with a caramel sauce that reminded me suspiciously of my chicken mole.
He ate the other half of my lime fluffy goodness and we called it a night.
Overall, this was perhaps one of our least favorite meals in Disney. It was also one of the most romantic tables. When we could see each other across it!
I booked this ADR to honor my father. I dont regret that one bit. It means we discovered a hidden gem of Disney (la Cava). I probably wont be eating at San Angel again for a long time, though. Not horrible food, just not worth the cost.
That's just my opinion, your mileage may vary.
Cheers,
Jen
From our Cava review earlier, youll understand we waited a LONG time to get our table at San Angel Inn.
A long time.
Over an hour, to be somewhat more precise.
However, when the hostess brought us to our table, I was floored. Such a perfect table for two, right along the railing looking over the boat ride and the pyramid. Gorgeous. Romantic. And, perhaps because of the lack of tables on the water side, relatively quiet. Simply lovely in my opinion, the best seat in the house. I spent the better part of twenty minutes trying to get a non-blurry picture of the view and failed. This is what we looked at, though:
(no zoom applied here, it was that perfect of a view)
Oh yeah, it was dark too. I think my eyesight has gotten worse in my old age
, because I had to hold the menu over the small table lamp just to read our options. If you are planning on eating here, bring a flashlight. I wont judge.Our waitress came over and brought us more chips, salasa, and water. Because of this wait, I was able to sample a bit more alcohol at la cava than I was expected
, and decided to not have anything further with my meal. Besides, I was still nursing the jalapeno fire drink, so I was good with water. Mike ordered a Pineapple Margarita. I wasnt thrilled at the description, but I will admit from a sip, it was rather tasty!
(Really cute picture of Mike, pretty cr@ppy one of the margarita though )
Next thing to note,
the menu is not the same as on All Ears or DIS, or Disneys site. So Ill give you a little more in depth look at what we ate
.without giving you too much of a look, because the lighting was so terrible the two pictures I took look insane. I cannot stress the lighting enough. Its dark. So dark you wonder what they are hiding. For my appetizer, I ordered Tlacoyos de Chilorio, little corn cakes topped with beans, carnitas (shredded spiced pork) queso fresco, and tomatillo sauce. Heres a super horrible picture of it:
(imagine if you will .ooh and bonus content! See the leftover jalapenos in my glass???)
This dish, however, is amazingly good. The corn cake, or tamale cakes are we call them here, was a perfect combination of sweet and savory, and the texture was divine. I could have eaten two orders of these for my entrée. I probably should have.
Mike got Ensalada Caesar. Yep. Thats what he ordered. No, I dont know why.
It looked
.well, like a salad. Not a 10 dollar one either, mind you:
(I think Ive had better at Wendys ..)
The lettuce was fresh, that's about all I can say for it.
After this, Im not sure if its the tequila or my frustration with the lighting, or the fact that I had corrupt files on my camera (probably from the lighting!!) but I have no further dinner pictures. I know, I stink.
However, Ill give you the lowdown on what we ordered, lest you make the same mist
ahem
choices.I ordered the Mole Poblano, because it was recommended. I have seen reviews online about how people who dont know true Mexican food dont understand this dish. I dont know, I think Im pretty well versed in both Tex Mex and regional (I hesitate to call anything true .because it all depends on where youre from, doesnt it?
) Mexican dishes. My uncles mother is from Hermosillo. I have bribed her into teaching me to make some amazing moles. This was not one of them.What it was was a hunk of tough chicken with three gallons of mole on top. With sugar. Ew. I ended up taking two bites before I gave up and munched on more chips and salsa.
Mike had a slightly better time with his choice, the Carne Asada a ala Tampiquena. It was grilled beef with enchiladas, refried beans (which, I will say, were pretty good!) Mexican rice, and guacamole. The guacamole was excellent.
I stole a bit of it to go with my new entrée of tortilla chips. He didnt seem to complain. I think it was the view that kept him distracted.Oh, and as a side note. If you get one of these amazingly romantic tables, try to get them after the parks (and therefore the rides) are closed. We did spend the first half of our meal waving back at catcalling boat passengers. The kids were cute. The drunk adults, not so much.
After I cleaned his plate of beans and guac, we placed our dessert orders. I went for the flan. They were out. So they brought me the Isla Flotante instead. Lime merengue. They say it was caramelized, but it wasnt. It was, however, delish! I would highly recommend this as a light but sweet ending to a spicy meal. (hopefully without mole!)
Mike ordered the Crepas de Cajeta they were crepes with a caramel sauce that reminded me suspiciously of my chicken mole.
He ate the other half of my lime fluffy goodness and we called it a night.Overall, this was perhaps one of our least favorite meals in Disney. It was also one of the most romantic tables. When we could see each other across it!
I booked this ADR to honor my father. I dont regret that one bit. It means we discovered a hidden gem of Disney (la Cava). I probably wont be eating at San Angel again for a long time, though. Not horrible food, just not worth the cost.
That's just my opinion, your mileage may vary.
Cheers,
Jen
natebenma
Beach Club Dee
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
Thanks for the review of San Angel. This was one of Mark and my favorites early on, but we haven't been in many many years. The atmosphere just can't be beat, and it looks like you got the very best of it!!!
Sorry to hear the meal was not better for you. I have a mole recipe that I make, it is not very authentic, but I haven't had a mole dish out that I enjoy as much as the one I make. So I have stopped ordering this when I go out.
The lime thing sounds yummy but no flan??? Seriously?
All in all, you had a nice tribute evening honoring your dad. I know he was there with you, even though you couldn't see him in the dark.
Sorry to hear the meal was not better for you. I have a mole recipe that I make, it is not very authentic, but I haven't had a mole dish out that I enjoy as much as the one I make. So I have stopped ordering this when I go out.
The lime thing sounds yummy but no flan??? Seriously?
All in all, you had a nice tribute evening honoring your dad. I know he was there with you, even though you couldn't see him in the dark.
TanzUnited99
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2010
Oh no on the food at San Angel not being great. Lol, don't you hate it when you end up with the not so great food but what the other person orders (Mike in this case) is excellent! Glad he was willing to share.
I'm glad you didn't regret eating here though and I laughed at your description of waving back at catcalling boat passengers! Not what you want to be doing during a romantic dinner.
Glad he was willing to share.I'm glad you didn't regret eating here though and I laughed at your description of waving back at catcalling boat passengers! Not what you want to be doing during a romantic dinner.
debrapagliasotti
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2011
Started reading this b/c of the title...cracked me up
Cant wait to read more
Cant wait to read more
Cinderumbrella
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2005
I am so glad you were able to make the best of this meal, since I get the sentimental purpose behind it!
We ate here for lunch 2 summers ago and found that if we stuck with the appy's we were in good shape, but the entrees, not so much. We have some really good Tex Mex places around here that have ruined me for life on any variety of Mexican elsewhere.
Did you find yourself blind by the end of the meal from all of the foolish boatriders who use their flash when trying to take a picture of the restaurant? Always seems to happen to us when we get a table by the water.
We were hoping to try out La Hacienda this coming trip but just can't find a night to fit it in...
Can't wait for more!
We ate here for lunch 2 summers ago and found that if we stuck with the appy's we were in good shape, but the entrees, not so much. We have some really good Tex Mex places around here that have ruined me for life on any variety of Mexican elsewhere.
Did you find yourself blind by the end of the meal from all of the foolish boatriders who use their flash when trying to take a picture of the restaurant?
Always seems to happen to us when we get a table by the water.We were hoping to try out La Hacienda this coming trip but just can't find a night to fit it in...
Can't wait for more!
jenneth79
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2011
If you have a mole recipe you are willing to share.... I would virtually love you forever.
I made green chilie enchiladas the other night and was mentioning I wanted to try something new!No flan...
This could have been because by the time we were seated (at about 8:50) the kitchen was shutting down for the night. I would guess they just ran out.I didn't notice the little "shooting star / volcano rock" before and when I saw that, I knew he was there. I think we'll make it a tradition to go to Mexico, have a drink in his honor, and go on the little boat ride every trip.
Oh no on the food at San Angel not being great. Lol, don't you hate it when you end up with the not so great food but what the other person orders (Mike in this case) is excellent!
I'm glad you didn't regret eating here though and I laughed at your description of waving back at catcalling boat passengers! Not what you want to be doing during a romantic dinner.
It was funny...you don't realize how fast those boats run through until two different boats go "hey people up there! hiiiii!" before you can even finish a bite of you meal!
There used to be a commercial here in the states for McDonalds that went something along the lines of: "Beware girlfriends that nibble", the idea being that she wanted "just a bite" of his hamburger, and two seconds it was gone.
That's me with my DHs food.
Started reading this b/c of the title...cracked me up
Cant wait to read more
I'm seriously considering a full on campaign to implement "Signature Snacks" which would include a different drink at each location. Disney would HAVE to go for it.....
I am so glad you were able to make the best of this meal, since I get the sentimental purpose behind it!
We ate here for lunch 2 summers ago and found that if we stuck with the appy's we were in good shape, but the entrees, not so much. We have some really good Tex Mex places around here that have ruined me for life on any variety of Mexican elsewhere.
Did you find yourself blind by the end of the meal from all of the foolish boatriders who use their flash when trying to take a picture of the restaurant?
We were hoping to try out La Hacienda this coming trip but just can't find a night to fit it in...
Can't wait for more!
OMG, I didn't even mention the flash photography! Dummy (aka ME) kept on looking right at them too. I think I figured I'd make a stupid face at each camera. Yeah.... that didn't help me see the menu at ALL.
I'm debating trying out La Hacienda or the Cantina on our next trip in February... I'm trying to avoid making any daytime ADRs though just so we can maximize the 4 days we'll be there. Have you eaten at the Cantina yet?
Tinkerbellie16
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2009
I'm glad you got a nice table at San Angel and a good appetizer...at least
Cinderumbrella
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2005
Sadly, La Hacienda only serves dinner. If it had lunch it would be a no brainer for us to try it! But that would also pull us away from our traditional Rose N Crown ADR- a must do lunch ressie for us EVERY trip!
We split some nachos at the Cantina last November and they were OK. I have it on my radar if we need a CS meal in EPCOT during the day. But I really want to check out the Norway sandwiches (read: desserts) for lunch too!
What is the next meal on your agenda???
vinotinto
Just Keep Swimming
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2009
Thanks for posting the review of San Angel. Maybe we'll bag it. If we stay, I will be staying in a galaxy far, far away from the chicken mole. And yours is not the first review I read where they took a long time to seat a party. I hope they don't that to us. My kids are good, but not that good.
Glad you enjoyed Cava and San Angel. Good point about waiting for a late dinner... I imagine the catcalling from the boat riders got old, real fast! Bummer.
And I have to say, I wouldn't even be able to try that jalapeño drink! Just touching one of those to my lips makes them go numb... I can't think of what those would do to my stomach!
And I have to say, I wouldn't even be able to try that jalapeño drink! Just touching one of those to my lips makes them go numb... I can't think of what those would do to my stomach!
natebenma
Beach Club Dee
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
Here is the recipe that I use. As I mentioned, it is in no way authentic (it came from a woman's magazine called "First"- I'm not sure if the magazine is still sold) but I really like it. And it is very quick and easy to prepare:
Chicken Mole Serves 4
1 Tbsp. Oil
3 lb. chicken, cut into 8 pieces
salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 corn tortilla, chopped
1 Tbsp. Raisins
1 Tbsp. Slivered Almonds
2 Tbsp. Chili Powder
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 cup tomato puree
¾ cup chicken broth
1 oz. Semisweet chocolate
In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and cook until well browned, about 10 minutes. Remove chicken from pan. Reduce heat to low. Add garlic, onion and 1 ½ tsp salt to pan. Cover and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
In a food processor or blender, puree onion mixture, tortilla, raisins, almonds, chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, tomato puree and stock until smooth. Return to pan. Add chocolate and stir over low heat until melted.
Add chicken, cover and simmer until done, 30 to 35 minutes.
Chicken Mole Serves 4
1 Tbsp. Oil
3 lb. chicken, cut into 8 pieces
salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 corn tortilla, chopped
1 Tbsp. Raisins
1 Tbsp. Slivered Almonds
2 Tbsp. Chili Powder
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 cup tomato puree
¾ cup chicken broth
1 oz. Semisweet chocolate
In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and cook until well browned, about 10 minutes. Remove chicken from pan. Reduce heat to low. Add garlic, onion and 1 ½ tsp salt to pan. Cover and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
In a food processor or blender, puree onion mixture, tortilla, raisins, almonds, chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, tomato puree and stock until smooth. Return to pan. Add chocolate and stir over low heat until melted.
Add chicken, cover and simmer until done, 30 to 35 minutes.
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