A solo DDP with a bottle of Antacid - Bula Grill....COMPLETED!!!!!!!

[raniroo]

After a relaxing day in the sun and some time hanging out in my villa (the only day I had to do just that!) I headed over for a night of comical dining at Whispering Canyon.

I had been really looking forward to this dining experience. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to get 'to involved' as I was on my own and a little shy but I was eager to watch what was going on around me.

I was seated in an area of the dining room so I could see all the action but not actually be amid it...which was a little disappointing but my server was fantastic and certainly made me feel part of it all.

So what grub did I order? I can also say at this point I didn't ask for ketchup as I was embarrassed that I would be the centre of attention (and solo!)...there is a first for something!

Chocolate Milkshake

Yummy! But so much cream. I am not a huge fan of cream as it makes me queasy, so I scaped it out..next time I will remember to ask for it without it.

The Canyon Skillet

Mixed Greens Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

Fresh and full of flavour....the apple vinaigrette was so zingy!

Cornbread

Great with lashing of whipped butter...but only managed a small piece

The "Skillet"

Smoked Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, Oven-roasted Chicken, Beef Brisket, Mashed Potatoes, Cowboy Beans, and Corn on the Cob, Coleslaw, and Fresh-baked Cornbread

Deliciousness in skillet form....I don't think I ate many of the beans or coleslaw, but the pork ribs and pulled port were yummy....

Apple-Caramel Pie

Fresh Granny Smith Apples, Sugar Cookie Crust, Streusel Topping, and Caramel Drizzle.

I had to have it take away, as I could not possibly fit another bite in.

The whole dinner was fantastic. So finger lickin' good. I would highly recommend Whispering Canyon and I can't wait to go back there!

 

[Linda67]

I am so happy that they have started serving the Tostadas at La Cava again

They were only serving guacamole and chips when we were last there

 

[raniroo]

I am so happy that they have started serving the Tostadas at La Cava again

They were only serving guacamole and chips when we were last there

I don't know if they do serve this at The Cave again, as this was eaten in 2010...Yes I am very behind on my reviews!!!!

 

[raniroo]

Another quiet day and I headed to Downtown Disney for a late breakfast/ early lunch at Wolf Gang Pucks. I had been tossing up whether to eat here for either breakfast or lunch and in my planning I had intentionally left a couple of counter service credits "free" for unplanned meals.

I am glad I went as it was delicious. Although I could feel my body was starting to rebel against the Dining Plan, but a girl has got to still eat.

I chose the pasta, something I struggle with my band. I knew that I would only manage a few mouthfuls, but that is okay. I didn't know what else I wanted.

Penette Chicken Alfredo

It was creamy and the chicken was cooked perfectly.

Dessert was average. I never eat creme brulee but I am certainly eating my fair share at Disney! However, this was a little disappointing.

Creme Brulee

Why? It wasn't set properly and the sugar on top wasn't caramelised very well. So being a little runny the texture was a little off putting...the taste was okay though.

Not sure if I would return here for lunch/dinner.....but I have decided to try breakfast later on...

 

[raniroo]

On my way back to OKW I got waylaid in Goofy's. I honestly had good intentions of walking past and NOT buying anything, but who was I kidding....its Goofy's Candy Company, its Pretzels dipped in chocolate and lots of good things...

Make Your Own Pretzels (OOP)

I nibbled on these over the next few days and took them over to Universal Studios (when I moved over there for a few days!)

Delicious....

 

[raniroo]

This was the meal that I have been waiting for, for over a year. I had drooled over the dis boards photos and reviews of Cali Grill and I had a good idea what I really wanted to eat. On arrival I was whisked up the lift and seated at a window seat but not facing the castle....but that is okay...I still had a great view and the sunset was amazing.

As I browsed the menu, all my choices went out the window and I ended up ordering something totally different. Obviously my mood and my taste buds were opting for something else.

Even though I knew I was going to try and fit in 3 courses I also really wanted to try the flatbread, so I started off with this.

Flatbread - Slow Roasted Suckling Pig with Heirloom Apple butter, cheddar, caramelized onions and cracklins'

Wonderful crispy flatbread, tasty and the cracklins' were great!

Dungeness Crab with Heirloom Melon, Piquillo Pepper Coulis, Basil, Seasme and Thai Vinaigrette

The crab was very refreshing and full of flavour and the thai vinaigrette was zingy! I really enjoyed this entree (appetizer) and perfect for something lighter.

Veal Chop with Potato Rosti, Chanterelle Heirloom Carrots, Salsify, Pearl Oinions, Carrot Puree, Madeira Jus

This came out and I thought WOW what a huge portion, what have I done. Once i sliced into it and took a couple of bites it was tasty, however it was also raw in the middle (I did ask for it medium rare)...so i requested it to be refired because there was no way anybody could eat it. The second plate came out and it was cooked perfectly.

I didn't drink much alcohol during my visit to WDW, mainly because I don't really drink and eat at the same time (band related). But for the signature restaurants I splurged.

I had a glass each of red and white for entree and main. I can't remember the names of them but they were recommended and both delicious.

I had to have a break between all the dishes. I watched the sunset and people watched. It was a really relaxing dinner. I finished the meal off with the cheese platter.

Revpenaer V.S.O.P; Nancys Hudson Valley Camembert; La Yebera; Petetie Agour and Fourme d'Ambert

The accompaniments paired with each cheese was perfect. It was a wonderful way to end a meal.

The entire experience at California Grill was perfect. I found the over use of 'heirloom' to be a bit much, but it was an incredibly enjoyable meal and totally, highly recommend it. A definite return for me!

 

[Disney_Mama]

Wonderful reviews. Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[raniroo]

Wonderful reviews. Thanks so much for sharing.

Even though this trip was a while ago, doing the reviews are taking me back to my happy place....and helping me plan for my next trip in October! Thanks for reading..

 

[raniroo]

It appears (and from a bad memory) that today was solely a F&W Festival day, with no other meals....although I finished eating later in the day I don't know what I did for dinner...I have a niggling feeling I had a Le Cellier ADR but was a no show Why did I do that? It's definitely in my plans for my next trip AND I WILL NOT MISS IT!

Anyway on with the food.......

I literally spent the whole day eating the rest of the world.......

Argentina: Roasted Corn & Cheese Empanada

This was a little dry and not enough filling inside

Argentina: Grilled beef skewer with Chimichurri Sauce

Loved the flavours in this, and anything on a stick is great in my opinion...there is something raw and animalistic about ripping the meat off a stick!

Mexico: Tamal de Pollo

Never having had a tamale before, I wasn't sure what to expect...it was nice enough, but perhaps better in the real Mexico?


Mexico: Esquilis (pan fried corn and cheese)

OMG...if I could eat anything else after today I would go back for seconds on this...I really loved the simple flavours that all melted together in your mouth!

China: Pork Pot Stickers

Tasty! I was certainly getting my pork intake this trip in all its fine forms...living in the Middle East I don't get to have it very often...

China: Xinjiang BBQ Chicken stick

One word....DRY

China: Green Tea Plum Slush

This was not a F&W special, I got this from the Joy of Tea stand. It was very refreshing!


South Africa: Seared beef tenderloin with sweet potato puree

The beef was very tender, but it was the sweet potato puree that won me over....

Germany: Nuremberger sausage in Pretzel Roll

The pretzel bread was to dry and hard for me (although I do love the flavour) and the sausage was moist and flavourful...the mustard certainly had a kick

Italy: Bake cheese ravioli, bolognese sauce

Morocco: Beef kofta with pita

After living in Dubai for the past 3 years, this dish had big shoes to fill! Unfortunately it came up very short...dry, flavourless and just not nice at all...one bite is all I took

Morocco: Iced Mint Tea

There is nothing better than a glass or two of hot mint tea after a great dinner. It aids in digestion and its very refreshing (and addictive). After visiting Morocco last year, and sitting through numerous tea making sessions...I was curious about the mint iced tea....um not that great unfortunately. If they had used a little more sugar and fresh mint leaves in the cup it would have made all the difference!

Belgium: Steamed mussels with roasted garlic

I love mussels, but they have got to be perfectly cooked...These, although full of garlicy flavour goodness, were overcooked and chewy....

Belgium: Godiva Chocoate Iced Coffee

Creamy, chocolate, coffee...but it could have been any type of chocolate used....nothing really special about this..

Canada: Chicken Chipotle sausage with sweetcorn polenta

Greece: Spanakopita

Crispy filo pastry with a good amount of cheese and spinach....a good spanakopita.

Mexico: Beef & Corn Pie

Being my last dish of the day I have to say I was very disappointed...this was dry and crispy (obviously sitting around far to long).....never again.

I told you that I tried at least one dish from every country

Definitely one of the best Food Festivals I have been too....perhaps next time I will try and squeeze in some of the demos and presentations too....

but I need a break from food.....well, at least until tomorrow....

 

[raniroo]

Today was a non-park day and I was looking forward to meeting up with a new friend later in the day. When I say new, I mean we met through a blog for lapbanders months ago and I just happened to be in Chicago last weekend and meet up with her......Why was I there.......for a "girls weekend"...50 girls from all over the States (a couple from Canada and me from Australia via Dubai) took on Chicago! It was an amazing weekend, meeting all the girls I had gotten close to through blogs about the lapband!

A bit like the DIS?

So this morning was spent at Downtown Disney for a little bit of last minute shopping, browsing and eating Breakfast at Wolf Gang Pucks. I know that my lunch review was mediocre (the food was good but just don't need to do WGP again) I did want to try breakfast out.


Smoked Bacon Pizza

This pizza gets rave reviews. It was smokey and bacony and I don't think you can really go wrong with Bacon (mmmmm bacon....), it just didn't really grab me. Am I missing something?

 

[raniroo]

After a morning of browsing around the shops in Downtown Disney and a few purchases I headed back to OKW to meet my friend. We were going off site today and I was looking forward to seeing something else in Orlando.

We headed to Target to do some shopping, but by the time we finished there (yes were shopping there for awhile) we were peckish and decided to hit up Joe's Crab Shack. I so wish that Australia had places like this...it was awesome!

We had to wait awhile for a table but once we were seated our waiter (who was a big flirt!) was on the ball.

We ordered some drinks as I browsed the menu....it was mouth watering and I was torn between so many choices. In the end I ordered a traditional steampot....my friend ordered a Tilapia dish from memory.

When the steampot came to the table it was a pot of beautiful, steaming tasty Dungeness crab, sweet snow crab, boiled shrimp and smoked sausage and it came with corn and potatoes too all tied up in a netted bag......I had a big smile on my face. I had a bib around my neck. I was ready to dig in...I had to rip the netted bag open. I love the theatrics of food....

This was delicious. I have to admit the crab was steamed to perfection and tasted better than the crab legs from Cape May...perhaps because they are individually cooked per order and not mass produced....Cape May legs are still good though, these were just better....

But this was really what I thought..

 

[raniroo]

I headed to the Magic Kingdom for my last day in the parks...the Magic Kingdon is always the last park I have to be in when I visited Disney. I skipped breakfast and headed to the parks early to cram as much as I could in...
It was coming up to lunch time before my belly started to rumble...I never really felt "hungry" this entire trip, which is not surprising with the amount of food that I consumed.....

but where to eat? What did I feel like? I had a couple of "spare" counter service credits to use and I found myself out the front of Columbia Harbour House.

Oh yes, those breaded shrimp were calling my name

These were just as hot and crispy and delicious as the first time I had them.....

I don't recall getting a dessert although a yoghurt seems to be hanging around in the memory....I don't remember eating it though...

 

[raniroo]

Later in the day I decided to try one of Casey's famous hotdogs...I am not usually a hot dog fan (particularly because of the bread!) but I just had to try on.

Hotdog

I did okay with it...it was quite tasty, however, I dodged that hotdog bun...no way was that going to bode well....I LOVED the small cup of melted gooey cheese with it...I could eat that with anything....YUM!

 

[raniroo]

Later in the day I decided to try one of Casey's famous hotdogs...I am not usually a hot dog fan (particularly because of the bread!) but I just had to try on.

Hotdog

I did okay with it...it was quite tasty, however, I dodged that hotdog bun...no way was that going to bode well....I LOVED the small cup of melted gooey cheese with it...I could eat that with anything....YUM!

 

[raniroo]

Snack time......

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

Pure indulgence. This thing was huge and perfect. I think I choose chocolate chip cookies. The cookies were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle with a huge wedge of vanilla icecream in the middle...A MUST HAVE!!!

 

[smile4stamps]

Wonderful Reviews! We are planning a trip to F&W in October this year! I can't wait!!

 

[raniroo]

Wonderful Reviews! We are planning a trip to F&W in October this year! I can't wait!!

Me too...I am eager to know whats on offer this year (compared to 2 years ago). I imagine that most dishes would be similar....

I recently read one of your reports (from 2009) and noticed your hubby's name.....my brother has the same name....growing up it was an unusual name, so it always stands out!

 

[raniroo]

Today was my last full day in WDW....tomorrow after breakfast I am heading over to Universal Studios for a few days....are you interested in Universal Food? I could post here, or do a separte report on the Universal thread?

After a day at Magic Kingdom...have I mentioned that I always spend my last full day in Magick Kingdom? I headed over to Grand Floridian for my final last night signature meal.

Narcoossee's was a restaurant that I was really looking forward to....even though it is "Floridian" it reminds me more of Maine? Not sure why as I have never been to Maine

After freshening up and having to wait a few minutes I was seated at a 2 top with a wonderful view to watch the sunset. After browsing the menu (and I don't really know why because I knew exactly what I was having) I ordered a cocktail and the meal began....Can you guess what I ordered?


Cocktail Key Lime Martini ?

Actually I could just be making the name up.....I can't remember exactly what I ordered but my memory does remember it was delicious!


Bread & Butter

Crab Cakes with southern slaw and cajun remoulade

Crispy and full of yummy crab. The Southern slaw was perfectly creamy (and not swamped in dressing!) and the cajun remoulade was a great dipping sauce for the crab cakes. I was very impressed with them.


Steamed Whoel Maine lobster, baked sherry cheddar orchiette pasta and asparagus

A full plate of lobster and drawn butter...who can complain. The lobster was cooked perfect and it was tender and tasty. I only took a mouthful or two of the pasta as I didn't want to have any problems...and it was cheesy and tasty....and that asparagus was steamed wonderfully...

Artesinal Cheese Platter: Reypvaer VSOP, Purple Haze and Fourme D'Ambert

I just couldn't do any more sweet stuff and I love to end a meal (or start a meal too) with good cheese. I had already sampled the Reyvaer and Forrme D'Ambert at California Grill. This was a nice way to end a meal and a perfect end for my last day in the World....

Wandering back to the lobby to get the bus I took in the surrounding gardens. It was lovely to walk around here in the evening, lots of families and couples taking a walk after dinner....very peaceful...

 

[auntfrannie]

I'm enjoying your reviews, Roo! Yes, please include your Universal meals! Thanks!

 

[GoBirds]

Great reviews, especially the F&W reviews. We're planning to hit the F&W Festival for the first time next year, and your reviews are making me even more anxious for it. I think I just stared at that tuna dish from Japan for about five minutes!