Emmysdaddy Joins the Damsels to Dine, Even with Princesses: Em started PDR see link

[Tracerr00]

what an awesome trifecta of dining reviews! I'd have been disappointed if someone in your party hadn't ordered the Mickey Waffle with bananas and salted caramel!! YUM!! I had every intention of getting the Nutella waffle but I think we were nowhere near Sleepy Hollow when we were hungry and I was too lazy to walk back. I could kick myself now!

That Michael sure is a healthy eater. Just once I want to see him cut loose and pig out on something with tons of cream sauce, a side of fried foods and a big fattening dessert!

 

[jmm476]

Great reviews as always! I think you've convinced me to give Cosmic Rays another chance. I haven't eaten there in years, but remember the food being bad when I was younger. Of course, I'll have to fit it in with all the other food I have to get while at MK!

Also, reading all the reviews of the nutella and fruit waffle have convinced me that I need to get that - maybe for breakfast? I've never had nutella either, but I like chocolate and I like hazelnuts, so I think I'll like it.

Also on my MK list for next month: anything from Columbia Harbor House, corn dog nuggets from Casey's and lunch at Be Our Guest, as long as the line's not too long! I'm not sure how I'll fit all that food into 1.5 days though... maybe I should wear stretchy pants.

 

[Roma]

I'm back from the World and finally caught up on your reviews! Funny how all three feature places I really wish I could have tried this trip! I think my DH would go berserk for 'Ohana because he loves meat. I'm like you in the sense that I eat way more meat on vacation then I do at home. In fact, I would say roughly 40% or more of my meals are vegetarian on accident. I just don't care to buy and cook meat... chalk it up to laziness . This of course makes DH very sad, but he's learned to appreciate the semi-meatless life .

If that bread pudding was anything like the bread pudding at Raglan Road then sign me up!!

I think I would order identically to you at Les Chefs. I really enjoy a hot onion soup (which I never get properly at home) and that flatbread looks yummy.

I also so wish I could have tried that nutella waffle! I cannot believe you've never head nutella. Then again, I only got it growing up when my mom's friend brought us containers back from Germany. I swear it's only become an item in the US in the past decade or so.

Also your family picture looks great .

 

[KatMark]

Wow...three at one time.

We've never done the Contempo Cafe (but then we never go to the Contemporary so that is probably why).

Love Cosmic Rays...I could eat there for every counter service meal, but we do like to shuffle it in and out with Columbia Harbor House.

I am going to show Mark your Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich as I really think he would love one of those.

 

[happy2012]

Wow!! Em's sleepy hollow treat looks amazing!! I LOVE that place!!!! If I get one of those I'd sadly be on my own since DH & DS can't have strawberry. Both of those look huge! They should offer 1/2 sizes on the waffles. That way I could sample that & all the other MK treats!!

 

[Linda67]

Welcome to the world of Nutella

It's a bit like the Haunted Mansion "There's No Going Back Now" !!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Wow, 3 updates all in a row - we are lucky DISers

We finally got to try the waffle sandwich during our August trip and it was phenomenal - probably one of the best snacks we've had at WDW.

I'm putting that on my list to try!

As for the Contempo Cafe, we have only eaten there once (while waiting for our GV at BLT to be ready in Oct 2010) and, to be honest, found it very disappointing. My chicken was blackened (and not intentionally) and the bread was stale. It was not a good experience. Having said that, some of the cupcakes that I have seen on various reports have meade me consider stopping by to try a dessert or two but, otherwise, I certainly won't be rushing back.

I've heard mixed reviews as well. Other than our breakfast I've only had the kid's pizza so I'm no expert on their cuisine!

As far as the next trip to WDW, we are already booked for Oct/Nov 2013. I thought I had mentioned that to you previously and we have deliberately tied it in to when Linda and Phillip will be there. We are doing a Disney cruise first (26th Oct to 2nd Nov) but have a week at WDW after, during which Linda and I are planning at least one cocktail-drinking session. Would be great if you and Michael (and Emmy obviously) were there at the same time My eldest DD, Sian, will be joining us on that trip too and I am sure she would love to meet Emily.

Hi Joh! Your Oct/Nov land/sea trip sounds amazing. Now that Linda is going in December you guys are out of sync! I'm tabling any decisions for a 2nd WDW trip in 2013 for now. We'll definitely have to see you in Vegas in March if you go!

So much to catch up on while we were gone! Great reviews, as always.

I cannot wait for the HBD review! Since I had a sneak peak from you, I have been looking forward to this one!

Hi Vicki!! Welcome back from your trip. I saw the live updates and it looks like you had a great time. Of course you didn't disappoint with some of those wontons from Y&Y!! Yum!

Yeah... you have the inside scoop. This is the interesting one.

Haha, me too

Ha! Yes, you too, have heard my drama filled dining experience!

Good news, I may have a Vegas trip in the works already! One of my dear girlfriends got married in Vegas this past August and we couldn't attend because we had trips in July and Oct so there was no way to get out of work for another week lol! But they plan on going every yr and invited us along for an adult honeymoon! Woo Hoo! DF says let's finish planning Disney and our wedding and see but of course I've already been looking and generally if I want to go, I will make it happen

I cannot wait to try the Mickey waffle from CC! Love salted caramel and bananas!
Cosmic Rays always looks like a solid choice for QS, and speaking of Mr.DDW, I feel like its been a million years since his trip but you were there at the same time! Haha!
And of course Nutella....Delicious! I'm hoping to find an appetite for that "snack" as well!

Yay for Vegas trips! That was very nice of your friends to invite you along! Although you have a very exciting event to anticipate with your wedding and WDW!

It really does feel like it was a looong time ago since the trip. I suppose if I had the life span of a house fly the two months since the trip is a long time because I wouldn't be buzzing around any longer!

Your CC breakfast choice would have been just what I would have ordered too. Good to know it was yummy, even while being skimpy with the bananas.

So happy you got to try the nutella and fruit waffle sandwich at SH! That was one of our favourite treats on our holiday, it was delicious. I know what you mean about them being huge, Frank and I split ours for breakfast and were both perfectly content with our portion. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Looking forward to reading about HBD, I've already watched your French Martini vid and am curious about the rest!

Hi there! That nutella fruit waffle is such a great snack option at MK.

You saw my little video clip of my french martini... yep there's a story behind that. And it's part of a bigger story behind the entire dining experience. HBD review coming up soon.....

First off, the picture of you and your kiddos is great! How sweet!

Loved your review of 'Ohana. We had the same server when we went in April!

Oh my, the nutella waffle, I'm drooling! Looks ahhhhmazing!!!

Thank you! Oh, you had Kalani too - was he just as charming and efficient for you? He was great.

And yes, that waffle is drool-worthy!

I wouldn't have wanted to deal with that rain either! But.. I bet breakfast at CC wasn't exactly a substitute for the Boma breakfast. Hey...sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! I actually really like CC for lunch. They have some great choices. Your Mickey waffle looks delicious!

I REALLY need to get back to Boma since they have added some great options since we were there last. But yeah, we were wimps with the weather.

I'm always surprised when people say they've never had Nutella, I know I shouldn't be, but growing up, I never knew anyone that didn't eat it. I kind of wish it was something I never knew...along with all those Nutella calories I've consumed.

I must have lived a very sheltered life because I never heard of Nutella until about 8 years ago.

My DD15 has a peanut and tree nut allergy, so we don't have anything food related our house. DD10 and I cannot wait to try the Nutella/fruit waffle in January! She *loves* it just as much as I do!
I did try the sweet and spicy chicken waffle from SH and it was very good. I left most of the waffle though, it was just too much.

Glad you had a chance to go back for some rotisserie chicken!

Another thumbs up for the chicken waffle! Gotta try that one too.

Glad to hear 'Ohana was a good meal. It gets such mixed reviews I was nervous for our upcoming trip.

And that sleepy hollow Nutella waffle.... It looks delish and is on our must snack list this trip!! I could tell it was going to be a snack that I need to have when hungry and with at least one or two other people!

I hope you enjoy your 'Ohana dinner! I've seen several negative reviews as well but thankfully, I think there are more great reviews.

Yes, order the waffle to share with friends and loved ones.

what an awesome trifecta of dining reviews! I'd have been disappointed if someone in your party hadn't ordered the Mickey Waffle with bananas and salted caramel!! YUM!! I had every intention of getting the Nutella waffle but I think we were nowhere near Sleepy Hollow when we were hungry and I was too lazy to walk back. I could kick myself now!

That Michael sure is a healthy eater. Just once I want to see him cut loose and pig out on something with tons of cream sauce, a side of fried foods and a big fattening dessert!

I'm so influenced by Mr. DDW since he ordered the same waffle at CC. It was pretty good.

I can relate to the desire to satisfy a snack craving but the craving doesn't sync up to the opportunity or appetite. I keep saying that I will go back to the Epcot French bakery and Norway's Kringla Og but I keep going in there and taking photos since I'm not hungry when we waltz in their doors. Bummer for us!

So funny that Michael ate so well on the trip but then can come home and have ice-cream and chocolate every other night! We are so the opposite. I throw all caution to the wind and eat whatever I want on vacation and then get back on track when I get home.

Happy training for your Princess 1/2 marathon! I hope your stress fracture is healing.

Great reviews as always! I think you've convinced me to give Cosmic Rays another chance. I haven't eaten there in years, but remember the food being bad when I was younger. Of course, I'll have to fit it in with all the other food I have to get while at MK!

Also, reading all the reviews of the nutella and fruit waffle have convinced me that I need to get that - maybe for breakfast? I've never had nutella either, but I like chocolate and I like hazelnuts, so I think I'll like it.

Also on my MK list for next month: anything from Columbia Harbor House, corn dog nuggets from Casey's and lunch at Be Our Guest, as long as the line's not too long! I'm not sure how I'll fit all that food into 1.5 days though... maybe I should wear stretchy pants.

Thanks! Wow.. sounds like I'm influential if you are trying BOTH Cosmic Rays and the waffle! Even if you try one of the two, it should be good! If you like milk chocolate I think you would like nutella. It does have a mild hazelnut flavor but I really liked it.

I'm back from the World and finally caught up on your reviews! Funny how all three feature places I really wish I could have tried this trip! I think my DH would go berserk for 'Ohana because he loves meat. I'm like you in the sense that I eat way more meat on vacation then I do at home. In fact, I would say roughly 40% or more of my meals are vegetarian on accident. I just don't care to buy and cook meat... chalk it up to laziness . This of course makes DH very sad, but he's learned to appreciate the semi-meatless life .

WELCOME BACK!!! I saw your Live updates on Jabead's thread! Great job!!! We sound so similar because it is much easier to just pour a bowl of cereal or make a sandwich than to actually cook something.

If that bread pudding was anything like the bread pudding at Raglan Road then sign me up!!

I need to have some bread pudding at Raglan Road so I can compare. It's definitely on my list!

I think I would order identically to you at Les Chefs. I really enjoy a hot onion soup (which I never get properly at home) and that flatbread looks yummy.

It was really great!

I also so wish I could have tried that nutella waffle! I cannot believe you've never head nutella. Then again, I only got it growing up when my mom's friend brought us containers back from Germany. I swear it's only become an item in the US in the past decade or so.
Hmmm maybe I can hang onto that for a valid excuse! Maybe nutella wasn't even around when I was little since I'm likely older than most of you guys.

Also your family picture looks great .

Thanks for the photo compliment!

Wow...three at one time.

We've never done the Contempo Cafe (but then we never go to the Contemporary so that is probably why).

Love Cosmic Rays...I could eat there for every counter service meal, but we do like to shuffle it in and out with Columbia Harbor House.

I am going to show Mark your Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich as I really think he would love one of those.

Kathy, you're my update inspiration! Darn! You really get the updates posted like crazy!

I really want to try Columbia Harbor House since so there have been so many positive reviews. I need more Dis trips!

Wow!! Em's sleepy hollow treat looks amazing!! I LOVE that place!!!! If I get one of those I'd sadly be on my own since DH & DS can't have strawberry. Both of those look huge! They should offer 1/2 sizes on the waffles. That way I could sample that & all the other MK treats!!

Hi there! I wonder if SH would be able to create a waffle with other fruit?? It would be great to have a smaller version of the waffle sandwich. I like the way you think!

Welcome to the world of Nutella

It's a bit like the Haunted Mansion "There's No Going Back Now" !!!!

My son bought me a jar of nutella after we got back from our trip and so far I've just had it on a banana and on toast. Yum!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hollywood Brown Derby Dinner - Part 1

This is the dining review for which I have given a lot of thought as to how brutally honest I should be and if I will provide details that may or may not influence others with their dining choices. However, since this is only my perspective and our unique experience was likely an anomaly I will be as candid as I feel appropriate. My apologies in advance as this might be long…. If you want to hear the abridged version here it is: we’re seated…we waited… wrong cocktail… cherries are like a magic wand?...liar liar pants on fire… 2 more cocktail attempts… what no potatoes?... ducks do have bones yes, we see that… getting to know Management…bummer pick another dessert…EEK!!

Ok, so you are apparently choosing to read the world’s longest HBD review…don’t say I didn’t warn you! No worries, I will insert an intermission to break this up.

This was our 3rd time dining at HBD, the second time for dinner. Emily and I ate dinner here in February and it was one of the BEST dining experiences and food of that trip. With that background, we were really looking forward to this dinner.

We had an 8:30 ADR but arrived at 8:10pm to see if we could be seated early. It wasn’t a problem. Upon checking in we found that James, our waiter from last trip, was not working that night. No worries…. We had a brief wait before we were seated at a lovely booth on the “main dining floor.” So far so good!

Our server (name withheld) came over for our drink orders. I decided to have a good old boy cocktail that someone may have ordered back in the original Brown Derby’s hey day – a Tom Collins (gin) with lime and a cherry, and a diet coke.

We went ahead and placed our dinner orders at the same time since we had been left alone with our menus for a long time.

Michael had ordered the Crab Spring Roll with crab claw for an appetizer and it arrived before our drink orders. Odd!

Blue Lump Crab Spring Roll, Snow Crab Claw, and an Asian Slaw with Spicy Miso Aioli: $13

I had so much time on my hands I kept taking photos of Michael’s app. He really liked this, I wasn’t offered a taste so as good as it looks, I can only take his word for it that it was delicious.

Drinks finally arrived and no diet coke and no cocktail, ok, I probably don’t need a Diet Coke right now and the bar may be busy so I will be patient. It only took another 7 minutes for my cocktail to arrive…however, when I sipped my drink it was just gin and tonic. Ick… no lime or cherry but it did have a lemon wedge. Hmmm… ok, it was just the wrong drink no problem, this can be fixed.

Gin drinkie….Definitely not a Gin Collins

Our server had not been around for a long time so my drink became watered down before I could point out that it wasn’t the correct cocktail. Still no worries… it’s only a drink so this wasn’t a problem… yet. When our waiter finally arrived with our dinner rolls and butter (no explanation of the sprinkling of something on top of the butter)

Rolls and butter:

I mentioned to our waiter that I was served the wrong drink since it wasn’t a Tom Collins and it didn’t have any cherries or lime to garnish. He walked away before even saying anything or acknowledging my request for a corrected drink. Oh well, maybe he was just a man of few words who was going to have this quickly corrected. His “correction” was to deliver a small bowl of cherries to the table so that somehow they were supposed to magically turn my drink into a gin Collins??

The remedy for turning a gin tonic into a gin Collins??:

When I mentioned that it wasn’t even the correct drink he said that they didn’t have Collins mix. Ok, I’m getting a bit frustrated now. I asked what exactly did he place as my drink order with the bar?? He said they have an alpha menu and he placed a gin Collins order. But wait, you just said you don’t have Collins mix??? He walked away without any further explanation. Hmph! I’m thinking with this guy’s attitude this isn’t going to be the best dining experience.

He ended up sending the bartender over to deal with me. (That was probably a great move!) Aaron was an amazing young man who did his very best to make me a happy drinker! He introduced himself and said that he was formerly the head bartender at Chef Ramsey’s restaurant in London. Very impressive credentials! I explained what I had ordered and what I had received. He confirmed that they did not have Collins mix but that he would make me any other drink. I wasn’t sure since I wanted a classic cocktail. He made a few suggestions and even asked what I didn’t like to drink. You wouldn’t know it but honestly, I don’t drink much and when I do, I stick with standard drinks like a Bloody Mary, margaritas, screwdrivers and the like. I don’t recall ever having a martini so when Aaron suggested a French martini I was game since vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice sounded wonderful.

When Aaron arrived with shaker and poured my drink it looked so pretty. One sip and whoa, it was strong! I didn’t taste the pineapple but by the third sip I wasn’t liking it. I was going to just let it die a slow watered down death like the gin and tonic but Aaron stayed and chatted until he was sure I was satisfied. I had to be honest and let him know that unfortunately, it didn’t end up being to my taste. Here’s video of my moment trying this new drink and my reaction.

French Martini also called The Hollywood on the Brown Derby cocktail menu: Vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice:

Aaron made another cocktail suggestion – bless his heart – he was determined to make me happy. This time he offered to bring me a pineapple vodka based cocktail. I didn’t catch the name but I thought he said it was like a Dole Whip?? It had pineapple vodka, pineapple juice, and Grand Marnier. This one arrived and looked a bit fizzy so maybe it had some soda in it as well. This looked like a winner! I sipped it and ack, ugh, yuck… I didn’t like it at all. I don’t think I’m a Grand Marnier fan. I thanked Aaron profusely but any cocktail was fast losing its appeal and he had spent far too long trying to make me happy.

Pineapply Cocktail - Unsure of the name:

Our server passed by and saw my 2nd cocktail untouched and asked, “Couldn’t Aaron find anything that you liked?” followed by “You weren’t happy with what he brought?” Uhhh...the way he put it was so passive aggressive. I just ended up ordering a Diet Coke which was part of my original drink order.

Ahhh.... just perfect - Diet Coke:​

All the while this exchange was going on Michael’s empty appetizer plate sat on the edge of the table while our server walked by numerous times and never acknowledged us or our dirty dishes.

Half of my review is about the drink orders... I know so lame. I would have just focused on the food but more to follow about our dining adentures here.

Inserting an intermission here....

Next Up: More HBD

 

[wilma-bride]

Ooh, a cliff hanger....

P.S. Just seen Linda's news - gutted doesn't even begin to cover it

 

[TigerKat]

I tried the nutella fruit waffle for the first time last month and agree it's one of the best "snacks" I've ever had, although it could be an entire meal for me!

We've never had dinner at HBD but we did attend their signature dining experience during food & wine and we were very pleased with it. The reviews over the past year had been great but recently I've seen more negative comments. Sure sounds like you had a doozy.

 

[KatMark]

I'm so sorry your go-round at HBD with Michael did not go well. I have to admit that we went once, back in 2007, and we will NOT go back. We went for lunch and our service was non-existent (and only five tables were occupied in the entire restaurant while we were there). It sounds like your server needed a refresher course in taking care of the customer.

I'm almost afraid to hear about the food with the fiasco with the drinks.

 

[Jersette]

Oh. Dear. Good on you for trying to find something yummy and old school to drink. Bad that it didn't happen. I'm waiting with some trepidation for the rest of the review now!

On the other hand, Michael's appetizer looks amazing and we get another sweet picture of you and Emmy!

 

[jedijill]

Oh my, this is not starting well.

Jill in CO

 

[MrsB1228]

Oh dear, this isn't starting well. I used to love Tom Collins', they were one of my favourite drinks back in the day. I'm bummed that you can't seem to find Collins mix anywhere anymore. Collins and Lime Rickey used to be my two favourite mixers. I mourn their demise ... I can't believe your waiter's attitude, I wonder if he's related to the woman who served us at Kona?

Can't wait to read the rest, I hope it gets better for you!

 

[Pinkgirl]

I'm on catch up again. I really must figure out how to work the IPad!

We had our first visit to Chef de France this trip and loved the food. Service was a bit blurgh, with our server really not interested. Love love loved the soup and the bread. We had the salmon and it was amazing.


We cancelled our O'Hana dinner as another Disney bride invited us to her Epcot dessert party and it was too much of an opportunity to miss!

I remember Isaac well. We spent the day at EPCOT. It was wet and empty. We wore our Union Jack ponchos and got a lot of stares.

You mentioned HBD when we met so I'm ready to hide behind the sofa for this review

 

[smile4stamps]

I had big hopes to have the Sleepy Hallow waffles but it, along with a lot of things, just didn't happen!

Your Contempo Cafe Mickey Waffles looks delicious!!

Your experience at HBD sounds very discouraging!! We actually had a decent meal there except our server was a tad annoying...

 

[AvasMommy526]

Wow, HBD experience is not starting out well at all! I can't understand why the waiter did not come back and just let you know there was no mix. Being in the service industry I get really upset when I see poor service or attitudes, it's beyond frustrating to me, (I'm so blessed to have a great team at my shop), I just want to go do their jobs correctly lol! I want to say I hope things get better in the review but I don't think that's going to happen.

 

[nanienamou]

I'm sorry about your experience at HBD. We also had abysmal service at our lunch ADR... I,m wondering if we all had the same server, although I don't remember his name.

 

[Roma]

Uhhh your HBD dinner sounds awful! Nothing like a blasé and rude server to make a dining experience go downhill quickly. We had a similar experience at California Grill... rude servers go away please .

 

[rachel09985]

Yikes so far. He obviously needs to take Communication/Listening 101 again..