'You Big Fatty!' A delicious dining review- COMPLETE!!
- Thread starter mamaboogie
- Start date
mamaboogie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
Oh we love Kona! It's such a relaxing meal after a busy day in the parks - and always a bit different and tasty. It's becoming a bit a of a must do for us.
So difficult to know what to include isn't it? We try to get a balance of old and new experiences.
Welcome home Shari!
And welcome out of DISboard lurkdom Simon!
Good start to the holiday, I'm particularly liking the look of the coconut almond chicken, but perhaps without all that green stuff on the side...
Hi Meryll!
The coconut almond chicken was lovely. But I did miss my other favourite - the tuna oscar! And yes, lots of lovely green stuff to convince yourself it was a healthy option!
Lovely reports - I really need to try one of those lapu lapu's on our next trip
They are great! And huge! Our server kept coming over to see if I'd finished it (as you can't tell from the outside!) and I was like 'don't you touch my Lapu Lapu woman!'
Signing on, really enjoying your reviews and looking forward to more!
Thanks for reading!
I'm in!! Everything looks fantastic!!! I don't think I should switch another ADR but this food looks awesome!!!Keep it comin'!
We did quite well this time at not changing our ADRs! It was all very, very good!
Thank you!
That's very kind of you to say so!
Lots more photos to come!
Cheers Jill! Thanks for reading x
I found your prior reviews a couple of weeks ago and absolutely adored them! You can only imagine my excitement when I hopped over to the dining boards just now and saw you had returned! I'm so excited to read more.
I owe all my restaurant experiences to this forum - I love reading the dining reviews myself! Thanks for taking the time to read.
Will hopefully post Tokyo dining later. Just nervously awaiting Sarah's A Level results (I suppose it's like graduating from High School?) and she's waiting to see where she will go to University in the Autumn. Eek!
smile4stamps
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2009
UGH!! I missed that you had returned and started your review! Can't wait to read more!
meryll83
All it takes is faith and trust...
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2006
ShortStuff
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2012
My daughter want to go to Paradisio 37 next month while we are at WDW, but not sure how we will fit it in. Looking forward to more scrumptious review!!
Papaboogie
Disney Jedi
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2012
Our traditional first day at the Magic Kingdom - which includes the ladies' favourite counter service Columbia Harbour House (to be honest, this isn't my favourite eatery due to its distinct lack of meat-y goodness. However, it is always a welcome spot of quiet, calm and relief in the MK despite its prime location in the parks, so gets my vote there).
The chicken nuggets and fried fish were surprisingly good with a very generous portion of fries, nuggets and fish. The fish being very tasty and vanished very quickly. This was followed by the traditional Disney Chocolate Cake (I'll cover this just the once as you do seem to build up a collection of these over the course of the holiday (I think there were five or six alone having a party in our fridge by the end of the holiday)). This one was devoured pretty quickly and it still rates for me as the best of the counter service desserts.
Kona Cafe: A favourite from 2010 and the first of two visits (Neither entirely satisfactory, but only from a service point of view). It was very quiet at KC and a welcome relief from the intense heat in the park (mid 90s for the entire first week without a spot of rain at all).
Shari's Lapu Lapu fixation (two years anticipation...) was soon fixed and I had a Kona Longboard Island Lager (the first of many different lagers to compete with Shari's cocktail binge!), this was very light and refreshing and I'd very much recommend it.
Dinner was the Teriyaki Style New York Strip Steak - and what a treat that was! This was one of the steak highlights of the holiday. Cooked to perfection with the teriyaki glaze being a real winner. Very highly recommended.
Sweet was a killer-whale Torte (although apparently no Orcas were harmed during the creation of the pudding). This was tasty (slightly too large for comfort though), but let down by the fact our server kept forgetting to bring another drink ('I'll go and get that lager for you now, Honey' several times until dessert finished: 'You probably won't be wanting that lager now...' Probably not). She was not terribly on the ball and forgot several things - not in a way which spoilt the meal, but took a slight shine off the experience.
Food-wise though, Kona still comes recommended and everyone enjoyed their meals.
The chicken nuggets and fried fish were surprisingly good with a very generous portion of fries, nuggets and fish. The fish being very tasty and vanished very quickly. This was followed by the traditional Disney Chocolate Cake (I'll cover this just the once as you do seem to build up a collection of these over the course of the holiday (I think there were five or six alone having a party in our fridge by the end of the holiday)). This one was devoured pretty quickly and it still rates for me as the best of the counter service desserts.
Kona Cafe: A favourite from 2010 and the first of two visits (Neither entirely satisfactory, but only from a service point of view). It was very quiet at KC and a welcome relief from the intense heat in the park (mid 90s for the entire first week without a spot of rain at all).
Shari's Lapu Lapu fixation (two years anticipation...) was soon fixed and I had a Kona Longboard Island Lager (the first of many different lagers to compete with Shari's cocktail binge!), this was very light and refreshing and I'd very much recommend it.
Dinner was the Teriyaki Style New York Strip Steak - and what a treat that was! This was one of the steak highlights of the holiday. Cooked to perfection with the teriyaki glaze being a real winner. Very highly recommended.
Sweet was a killer-whale Torte (although apparently no Orcas were harmed during the creation of the pudding). This was tasty (slightly too large for comfort though), but let down by the fact our server kept forgetting to bring another drink ('I'll go and get that lager for you now, Honey' several times until dessert finished: 'You probably won't be wanting that lager now...' Probably not). She was not terribly on the ball and forgot several things - not in a way which spoilt the meal, but took a slight shine off the experience.
Food-wise though, Kona still comes recommended and everyone enjoyed their meals.
nanienamou
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2008
Love your reviews! We are going to Kona in two months and I can't wait!
John's Mom
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2004
Joining in. Great reviews.
jerseytinkerbell
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2010
Great start! Thanks for the fantastic Paradisio 37 pictures! I have really been wanting to try that place, but I haven't seen too many photos. Your dip trio has totally tipped the scales for me and now I know I have to try it.
Your almond chicken from Kona looks great too! That looks like something I might have to try in the future.
Can't wait to read more!
Thanks for the fantastic Paradisio 37 pictures! I have really been wanting to try that place, but I haven't seen too many photos. Your dip trio has totally tipped the scales for me and now I know I have to try it. Your almond chicken from Kona looks great too! That looks like something I might have to try in the future.
Can't wait to read more!
Tracerr00
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2010
Every time I see the "Big Fatty Rating" it really makes me laugh! 
Awesome reviews so far! I agree that CHH is a wonderful place to relax and have a good meal (despite it's apparent lack of meaty goodness! 
)
Looking forward to more! (and more lovely drinks?)
Awesome reviews so far! I agree that CHH is a wonderful place to relax and have a good meal (despite it's apparent lack of meaty goodness! ) Looking forward to more! (and more lovely drinks?)
mamaboogie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
Love your reviews! We are going to Kona in two months and I can't wait!
Thanks! I'm sure you will enjoy it lots!
Joining in. Great reviews.
Welcome!
Great start!
Your almond chicken from Kona looks great too! That looks like something I might have to try in the future.
Can't wait to read more!
We were surprised with how much we loved those dips! I meant to say about Kona - Kate and I got the fixed price three course deal - pot stickers, Almond chicken and dessert. So we got three courses and it was included in the regular dining plan - result!
Every time I see the "Big Fatty Rating" it really makes me laugh!
Looking forward to more! (and more lovely drinks?)
Ooh, yes - there may be a couple more lovely drinks along the way...
Simon and I once saw 'you big fatty' written in the dirt on the back of a white van - and it tickled us - it's such a lame insult! So we are always quoting it to each other!
I'd forgotten about the missing beer at Kona - there's no excuse for things like that. But it was generally good service here.
We never really had any 'bad' service at WDW - just less than the perfection you come to expect!
I'll try and get cracking with the next installment tomorrow!
ShortStuff
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2012
I think I could easily gain 5 pounds from reading your dining report so far!! Looking forward to more!
happy2012
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2012
Oh...I ended up adding Kona back to our ADRs after seeing this.
The steak looks like something my DH would enjoy & everything else looks good to me!! So our 1st Kona dinner is on!!!
mamaboogie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
I think I could easily gain 5 pounds from reading your dining report so far!! Looking forward to more!
It's just a good job you do so much walking in WDW! I daren't go anywhere near a set of scales since I got back....
Oh...I ended up adding Kona back to our ADRs after seeing this.
Yeay! Kona!
It's such a lovely, relaxed dining experience. And the Polynesian resort is so beautiful.We also did breakfast here - you can read more later....
Thanks for reading - I'll get on it as soon as possible!
mamaboogie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
So - our next day was EPCOT day.
After visiting Mars, going under the sea with Nemo and Soarin' over California we decided to stop off for some brunch at Sunshine Seasons.
We really like this counter service spot as it caters for everyone.
I had the beet and goats cheese salad which is always tasty and fresh:
Simon had the pork chop meal:
Kate wasn't too hungry so she nibbled on a cheese and fruit plate:
Sarah had a chicken caesar salad which was huge but I must have neglected to take a photo of it - hey! I was hungry okay?
I had a strawberry shortcake dessert:
This was lovely and creamy with lots of fruit in it. Simon had the chocolate cake:
Another good pick me up here at Sunshine Seasons. Refreshed we went back into the park for more fun. After reaching World Showcase, Simon and I 'accidentally' found ourselves in La Cava Del Tequila.....
The girls left us at this point to have a wander on their own (ahhh the joys of holidaying with a 16 year old and an 18 year old....)
Side note:
At points during this holiday it became difficult to consume alcohol as we became aware of a pair of accusatory eyes staring at us from across the table.
Yes, our eldest Sarah, has just become used to being able to go out and drink alcohol because in England, the legal age to drink is 18. Of course, in America the age is 21 and she wasn't very happy about it!
So we were happy to send her off with Kate so we could indulge in a little guilt free alcohol consumption...
What can I say? We absolutely loved La Cava! It's such a cool, intimate hideaway.
I had to try the much beloved avocado margarita:
I wasn't sure what to expect but I absolutely loved it! Look! :
Simon tried a tequila flight which he really enjoyed:
We also had to try some tortilla chips and salsa:
This was a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle. We could have stayed there all afternoon except for the fact we had to go and meet the kids!
I was sad that I never got back there for the rest of the holiday. Must try harder!
Coming up (honestly!): Tokyo Dining
After visiting Mars, going under the sea with Nemo and Soarin' over California we decided to stop off for some brunch at Sunshine Seasons.
We really like this counter service spot as it caters for everyone.
I had the beet and goats cheese salad which is always tasty and fresh:
Simon had the pork chop meal:
Kate wasn't too hungry so she nibbled on a cheese and fruit plate:
Sarah had a chicken caesar salad which was huge but I must have neglected to take a photo of it - hey! I was hungry okay?
I had a strawberry shortcake dessert:
This was lovely and creamy with lots of fruit in it. Simon had the chocolate cake:
Another good pick me up here at Sunshine Seasons. Refreshed we went back into the park for more fun. After reaching World Showcase, Simon and I 'accidentally' found ourselves in La Cava Del Tequila.....
The girls left us at this point to have a wander on their own (ahhh the joys of holidaying with a 16 year old and an 18 year old....)
Side note:
At points during this holiday it became difficult to consume alcohol as we became aware of a pair of accusatory eyes staring at us from across the table.
Yes, our eldest Sarah, has just become used to being able to go out and drink alcohol because in England, the legal age to drink is 18. Of course, in America the age is 21 and she wasn't very happy about it!
So we were happy to send her off with Kate so we could indulge in a little guilt free alcohol consumption...
What can I say? We absolutely loved La Cava! It's such a cool, intimate hideaway.
I had to try the much beloved avocado margarita:
I wasn't sure what to expect but I absolutely loved it! Look! :
Simon tried a tequila flight which he really enjoyed:
We also had to try some tortilla chips and salsa:
This was a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle. We could have stayed there all afternoon except for the fact we had to go and meet the kids!
I was sad that I never got back there for the rest of the holiday. Must try harder!
Coming up (honestly!): Tokyo Dining
CanadianPaco
I miss my tags!
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2005
Oh Sunshine Seasons: beet salad and strawberry shortcake!! ONE WEEK!!
Thanks for your reviews!! Your pics are wonderful!
Thanks for your reviews!! Your pics are wonderful!
Papaboogie
Disney Jedi
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2012
Ah Epcot, land of infinite (eating) opportunities. And Martin Short.
So, Sunshine Seasons - one of Shari's favourite counter service venues and if Columbia Harbour House and Sunshine Seasons had to step into the Ultimate Fighting Ring inside Shari's head, it'd be a close call as to who'd knocked the (sage and onion) stuffing out of the other.
We stopped for lunch at 11.30am and if there's one tip I could give from my Disney experiences, it is that taking lunch that little bit earlier saves a world of pain. The place was very quiet when we started but had become massively busy by the time we finished.
The Pork Chop was a delight and while I know the counter service at Disney does get knocked, I frankly was of the opinion that I can't believe this meal was a fast-food option. The chop was the biggest chop I had ever seen and was very tender with a nicely flavoured BBQ sauce, which complemented rather than overpowered the dish. The cheddar mash was also very nice (it was a rather large portion in total - excellent value imo).
The chocolate cake was good too (I've yet to find a chocolate cake at Disney that I didn't like though...).
Shari then insisted we go to La Cava Del Tequila (and at this point I'd like to say, despite the 'accusatory' eyes of two teenage girls, I had no guilt over drinking during this holiday. Sarah is 18 and judging by my experiences at her age, she's going to get more than her fair share of alcohol over the next five years...).
This was interesting as I'm not a tequila drinker, but the venue is lovely and so relaxed and proved to be a great idea for a break from the crowds. The tortilla chips and salsa (very spicy, loved it) was very generous and I don't think we managed to get through it all. The Tequila flight was very nice and I'd especially recommend if, like me, you don't really know anything about tequila. The range of tastes was an eye-opener going from very strong throat burner to creamy smooth, almost Baileys like taste. My only problem was I was clueless about how alcoholic all this was and how quickly I should be drinking it all!!! They do several tequila flights and it's a fine way to spend an hour or so with good company in Epcot.
So refreshed, relaxed and slightly light-headed, we headed off back to Epcot and the new dining experience for us of Tokyo Dining...
So, Sunshine Seasons - one of Shari's favourite counter service venues and if Columbia Harbour House and Sunshine Seasons had to step into the Ultimate Fighting Ring inside Shari's head, it'd be a close call as to who'd knocked the (sage and onion) stuffing out of the other.
We stopped for lunch at 11.30am and if there's one tip I could give from my Disney experiences, it is that taking lunch that little bit earlier saves a world of pain. The place was very quiet when we started but had become massively busy by the time we finished.
The Pork Chop was a delight and while I know the counter service at Disney does get knocked, I frankly was of the opinion that I can't believe this meal was a fast-food option. The chop was the biggest chop I had ever seen and was very tender with a nicely flavoured BBQ sauce, which complemented rather than overpowered the dish. The cheddar mash was also very nice (it was a rather large portion in total - excellent value imo).
The chocolate cake was good too (I've yet to find a chocolate cake at Disney that I didn't like though...).
Shari then insisted we go to La Cava Del Tequila (and at this point I'd like to say, despite the 'accusatory' eyes of two teenage girls, I had no guilt over drinking during this holiday. Sarah is 18 and judging by my experiences at her age, she's going to get more than her fair share of alcohol over the next five years...).
This was interesting as I'm not a tequila drinker, but the venue is lovely and so relaxed and proved to be a great idea for a break from the crowds. The tortilla chips and salsa (very spicy, loved it) was very generous and I don't think we managed to get through it all. The Tequila flight was very nice and I'd especially recommend if, like me, you don't really know anything about tequila. The range of tastes was an eye-opener going from very strong throat burner to creamy smooth, almost Baileys like taste. My only problem was I was clueless about how alcoholic all this was and how quickly I should be drinking it all!!! They do several tequila flights and it's a fine way to spend an hour or so with good company in Epcot.
So refreshed, relaxed and slightly light-headed, we headed off back to Epcot and the new dining experience for us of Tokyo Dining...
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