Over a dozen visits & still new restaurants to try: 2 Adults March '12 Dining Review

[kittylady1972]

After over a dozen trips to Walt Disney World together...we still have restaurants to try for the first time! This trip was a 40th birthday celebration as well as a chance to try some new restaurants for the first time. There are three that we've tried before but it's a been a while for those. So stay tuned as we review them! I will say I don't have a LOT of photos...but I took some pics of my favorites! Here are the reviews coming up:

• Mar 4: Kouzzina (breakfast)
• Mar 4: 50s Prime Time Cafe (lunch)
• Mar 4: Rose & Crown Pub (dinner)
• Mar 4: Karamell Kuche (snack)
• Mar 4: La Cava de Tequila (drinks)
• Mar 5: Columbia Harbour House (lunch)
• Mar 5: Flying Fish Cafe (dinner)
• Mar 6: Captain Cooks (breakfast)
• Mar 6: Le Cellier (lunch)
• Mar 6: Sanaa (dinner)
• Mar 7: Marrakesh (lunch)
• Mar 7: The Plaza (dinner)
• Mar 7: Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party
• Mar 8: Coral Reef (lunch)

 

[kittylady1972]

March 4: Kouzzina (breakfast)

Since we did not have time to shop the night before for breakfast foods, we decided to hit the parks early and perhaps grab breakfast there. Then we spotted Kouzzina and decided to give it a try for breakfast.

Our table had a great view of the open kitchen:

Frank chose: Stacked Kouzzina Breakfast - Two Poached Eggs, Kalamata Olive Toast, Artichoke Spread, and Sweet Potato Hash with choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $11.99

He got his with the bacon:

I went with the: American - Two Eggs with Breakfast Potatoes and choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $11.99

I got mine with bacon also and scrambled eggs:

Frank got coffee and I got hot tea with my meal. Once it was done, the waiter brought me this:

My very first birthday surprise! It was the perfect ending to this meal.

Opinions: We really miss Spoodles and their breakfast potatoes. I'm not a fan of sweet potatoes so this really didn't work for either of us. I will say that the artichoke spread on Frank's meal was WONDERFUL...we could have just had that on toast and been happy! My meal was pretty typical and really since I didn't eat the breakfast potatoes or croissant, it was a bit of a waste to pay $12 for really eggs and bacon essentially.

Total bill on this was $29.68 after our 20% TIW discount and the added tip. I think we gave him an extra $2 or so as well, since we tend to tip a bit bigger for breakfast. Would we return? Probably not since we just didn't feel the need to spend that much for breakfast. If we could get that artichoke spread to go though, we would! I'd love to try this place for dinner in the future though.

 

[kittylady1972]

March 4: 50s Prime Time Cafe (lunch)

We last had lunch here back in 2008 so we were looking forward to giving it another try. I was a bit nervous walking in there with my birthday button on, but as it turned out I worried for nothing. Even though in another room the waitress there had people singing happy birthday, our waitress was not really "into" her part very well. She really didn't do much with us or the other 2 parties seated in our area that she was serving. That was okay though...we were focused on our meals!

I didn't want a huge lunch so talked Frank into sharing with me. He was okay with that.

Here is what we ordered:

Frank:
Chicken Noodle Soup - Hearty mixture of chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles $6.49

Dina:
Cousin Amy's Iceberg Lettuce Wedge - Blue Cheese Dressing, Bacon, and Chives $5.49

Then we shared:
A Sampling of Mom's Favorite Recipes - Crispy-fried Chicken, Fork Tender Pot Roast, and Traditional Meatloaf with all the fixings $19.99

I also got a rootbeer float and Frank ordered a soda. I saved my float for after lunch.

My salad was very filling and VERY good. Once I was done, I didn't have much room to help Frank with his meal. I did manage to taste a bit of everything and we both agreed that the meatloaf...was ok. However the pot roast and fried chicken were YUMMY!! Frank enjoyed his soup as well. Total bill here was $40.92 for lunch (including TIW discount of $7.93). Would we return here? ABSOLUTELY! We'd love to bring the kids here and hopefully we'd get a waitress that would have a little more fun with us as we've had in the past. This was our 3rd meal here in 15 years (1997, 2008 and then 2012) but I think we may have to make it a more regular meal. We would love to try the fried chicken or pot roast again!

 

[tluvstink]

Great reviews and pics I'm looking forward to the rest especially Marrakesh because I'm considering it for a future trip.

Terri

 

[chinarider]

looking forward to more reviews. Thanks for sharing

 

[kittylady1972]

March 4: Rose & Crown Pub (dinner)
Rose & Crown Pub has fond memories for us. Many years ago (2001) we took my oldest son to Disney on his first trip...and we had dinner at Rose & Crown Pub. We had a table on the balcony and watched Illuminations from there. It was GREAT!

Now we usually just hit the Yorkshire County Fish Shop for the fish and chips and eat them outside. It's a pretty regular counter service visit for our trips. Back in June 2011 we ended up making another reservation for Rose & Crown Pub and we got an outside table...but it was an early reservation and it was warm so we didn't stick around long enough for Illuminations.

For this trip, I made this reservation for two reasons. Back in June I tried Scotch Eggs and ended up loving them...and wanted to try them again. I also wanted to have the chance to view Illuminations from my table and the third and most important reason: Sticky Toffee Pudding! A few months ago Frank travelled overseas and was introduced to Sticky Toffee Pudding...and he fell in LOVE with it! So he wanted to see if he could get some here in the US...and this seemed like his best chance!

Our reservations was at 7:50pm so timing seemed perfect...however it was a VERY chilly evening and so I wasn't really disappointed when we didn't get an outside table. After our big lunch at 50s Prime Time (and some dessert caramels from Karamell Kuche earlier in the afternoon) and some margaritas from La Cava de Tequila...well I wasn't terribly hungry.

So we ordered the Scotch Egg to share...because I thought we got four portions but as it turned out it was two. That's okay...they were good. We decided to split the Fish & Chips. I must say...the portion of Fish and Chips was really NOT that big. I think we do almost as good getting it from the Yorkshire counter service outside! Still we enjoyed it and it left room for that dessert. We ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding for my husband as that was the REAL point...do you think he enjoyed it?

Yep...I think I got a small bite or two out of this one. Frank was in Sticky Toffee Pudding heaven. We finished dinner RIGHT before 9pm and our waitress happily escorted us outside to the ONE empty table on the patio...did I mention it was COLD?? I think the people out there must have REALLY wanted those patio tables! Anyway ours was right under an outside heating unit so Frank and I huddled together under it to stay warm as we watched Illuminations from the table...and it was GREAT!

Total for our meal here was $43.30...and that was for one appetizer, one entree and my husband also had some kind of beer...Boddington's English Pub Ale. So he was quite happy to have his beer and his dessert. Overall we would probably return JUST for him to get dessert and maybe for the Scotch Egg as well. However the small portion of Fish and Chips just didn't seem worth it to us, but we would try some other kind of meal there maybe.

 

[kittylady1972]

Great reviews and pics I'm looking forward to the rest especially Marrakesh because I'm considering it for a future trip.

Terri

Yes this was a first for us as well and one I really wanted to try. It's certainly an easy one to get into on walk-in basis as well.

 

[kittylady1972]

looking forward to more reviews. Thanks for sharing

Thanks for reading!

 

[chocolateMinnie]

great reviews - makes us laugh that people choose scotch eggs for an app at WDW - for us they are like a kid's party food/packed lunch filler.

 

[dolfinjuls]

Great reviews so far! I love how theres always more things to do or try!

 

[Linda67]

I love the photo of your DH with the Sticky Toffee Pudding ..... he looks sooooo happy

 

[kittylady1972]

I love the photo of your DH with the Sticky Toffee Pudding ..... he looks sooooo happy

Totally....he's been looking forward to this since FOREVER! Glad to know he no longer has to fly out of the country to get it again...just need to take a trip to Walt Disney World! So now we have another "excuse" for another trip!!

 

[kittylady1972]

great reviews - makes us laugh that people choose scotch eggs for an app at WDW - for us they are like a kid's party food/packed lunch filler.

I think they are just delicious...but they are easy enough to make from home whenever I want them too!

 

[kittylady1972]

Great reviews so far! I love how theres always more things to do or try!

I know, sometimes it seems crazy that we haven't yet done it ALL!! More reasons to return!!!

 

[kittylady1972]

Mar 4: La Cava de Tequila (drinks)

During our last trip in June, we had wanted to try out this place but didn't discover it until late one evening...and never returned. So when we were feeling a bit thirsty, we stopped into the place. Frank ordered the Jalapeno Margarita and I ordered the Pomegranite Margarita. Both were VERY good and had a pretty decent amount of alcohol. We walked through the park and finished them rather quickly.

I should mention we made two additional trips to La Cava. We returned for Frank to get the Avacado Margarita and I can't recall the one that I tried. Frank also did the Tequila Flight, shown here:

Mar 4: Karamell Kuche (snack)

We had never had the chance to try this place and we both ADORE caramel! So on Sunday afternoon we made a quick stop here for a snack. I chose the dark chocolate covered salted caramel and DH chose the regular chocolate covered salted caramel...plus we had two bottles of water. The plan was to perhaps save them for later in our room...but that did NOT happen. We sat on a park bench at EPCOT and finished them both off rather quickly. They were delicious. That total "snack" cost us $15.95.

 

[kittylady1972]

Mar 5: Columbia Harbour House (lunch)

Columbia Harbour House is by far one of our favorite counter service restaurants in the four parks. On this particular day, my husband and I were attending the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at MK for the first time (review will be posted soon in my TR link below) and as part of that tour the lunch was included. Unfortunately our options for selection were pretty limited...and the delicious clam chowder was not an option! So he selected the fried fish and chips and I just had the fish and chips. Both meals were good...but I was still missing my beloved clam chowder. I guess we'll have to return again!

Can't really give a total cost as it was included in our tour price.

 

[kittylady1972]

Mar 5 - Flying Fish Cafe (dinner) ** SKIP AHEAD TO READ MY REVIEW ***

We regularly visit only one Signature Disney Restaurant and that is the California Grill. We enjoy the food and the view there but this time we decided (ok *I* decided) to try someplace new. Since we were staying at the Boardwalk Resort, Flying Fish Cafe seemed like a great option.

We arrived pretty close to our reservation time and got our page and had a seat at the bar. Frank ordered a drink for himself and for me...and then our pager went off before he even got the drinks. So I got seated and he followed me.

I had my very own birthday menu printed out for me, which was nice. Since I have that at home, I'll have to post a picture.

You know...I think I'm going to have to come back to this review later for the sake of accuracy. The online menu does not show the actual selections that we had, so my personal menu will have to be used. Sorry folks...I promise to update this later tonight!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I will say that the artichoke spread on Frank's meal was WONDERFUL...we could have just had that on toast and been happy!

I am a bit late to the party! Enjoying your reviews so far!

I agree on Kouzzina ... loved that spread on the toast! The rest of our breakfast was just Ok for me. I miss Spoodles, too ... more for dinner than breakfast though.

 

[kittylady1972]

I am a bit late to the party! Enjoying your reviews so far!

I agree on Kouzzina ... loved that spread on the toast! The rest of our breakfast was just Ok for me. I miss Spoodles, too ... more for dinner than breakfast though.

Thanks for reading and commenting! Yes I definitely would go back to try that spread...but just can't fathom those prices for breakfast. We never had the chance to try Spoodles for dinner sadly...only for breakfast and by the next trip it was gone! I do think that we may give Kouzzina another shot but for lunch or dinner next time!

 

[kittylady1972]

March 5: Flying Fish Cafe (dinner)

We regularly visit only one Signature Disney Restaurant and that is the California Grill. We enjoy the food and the view there but this time we decided (ok *I* decided) to try someplace new. Since we were staying at the Boardwalk Resort, Flying Fish Cafe seemed like a great option.

We arrived pretty close to our reservation time and got our page and had a seat at the bar. Frank ordered a drink for himself and for me...and then our pager went off before he even got the drinks. So I got seated and he followed me.

I had my very own birthday menu printed out for me, which was nice.

Now I had really wanted to try their signature Potato-wrapped Red Snapper" but since it is a signature dish I figured there would be plenty of times to try it later. The Chef's Special was unique and sounded good...so that is what I ordered:

Chef's Special Thunder Entree: "Surf and Surf"
Horseradish & Brioche-crusted Port Canaveral Flounder, Florida Rock Shrimp "Scampi", Fresh & Sun-dried tomatoes, Pan-roasted eggplant, and fennel confit with a a Caper, Meyer Lemon, Nicoise Olive & Fines Herbs Meuniere $37

DH could not decided between steak and seafood...but thankfully he did not have to do so. They had a Prix Fixe Tasting Menu priced at $63 that included the following menu items:

Appetizer: Duo of "Crispy Maine Coast Jonah Crab Cake" and "Our Very Own Caesar Salad"
Duo of "Char-crusted certified Black Angus New York Strip Steak" and "Potato-wrapped Red Snapper"
Dessert: "Caramelized Banana Napoleon"

The Soup of the Day was "Our Very Own New England Clam Chowder" and Frank really wanted that...and I wanted a Caesar salad. So he ordered the Prix Fixe Tasting which had the salad, and I ordered the soup with my meal, and we just traded off.

The salad...was great with the caesar dressing not being too heavy, which I love. The soup (which I tasted) was also good and had a little bacon flavor which was just wonderful. We both tasted the Jonah Crab Cake and declared it VERY good...and this is coming from Maryland people where we specialize in the crab cake! We were sure we wouldn't enjoy it.

Now for the meals. I will fully admit I'm not an adventurous eater, but I do love seafood. I just was not overly thrilled with my meal, the flavors of it just didn't suit me too much. I tasted and ate most of the fish and all of the shrimp and picked around the rest. I tasted both of Frank's main courses and they were FANTASTIC...made me wish I had ordered that!

Then it was time for dessert. Well Frank got what was on the menu...this:

And I ordered this, which I think is a regular on the menu and I think it's this one:
Marcona Almond-laced Chocolate Mousse and Sinful Triple Rich Brownie Creation - apple-wood smoked bacon praline crunch, smokey salt-scented chocolate sorbet and raspberry coulis $8.00

It was fabulous, but of course after my meal I needed something different to taste and chocolate hit the spot!

Now AFTER we had finished dessert...they brought me out this:

I was told it was some kind of green tea creme brulee, which I know doesn't sound that good but it actually was quite tasty. Unfortunately since I had JUST finished dessert, I couldn't do too much with it but I had a few bites.

Overall the total for this meal was $126.94 (with a whopping $24 saved using our TIW discount) and I had budgeting a bit MORE for this meal so that worked out well. Of course, we ordered our drinks at the bar before meal and didn't replenish them, so that helped. I think Frank got one drink for $6 and that was it. I think I stuck to water after my wine was finished.

For a signature restaurant, we found this to be excellent. Even though I did not enjoy my main dish all that much, it's simply because of my own personal taste preferences. I would have enjoyed Frank's meal even more for sure. We would definitely return here in the future.