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[jabead]

Part II of quietgirl's lunch update is from...


Tangierine Cafe

"One of our favorite counter services in all of Disney world is Morocco. We make it a point to go every trip!
They were much busier than usual, but very efficient and friendly."

Shawarma Platter - Chicken & Lamb Combo
served with side of Hummus, Tabouleh and a Tangierine Couscous Salad with fresh Moroccan bread

quietgirl said, "We got the combo platter, which was divine as always!! This platter is what sold me on lamb! And the hummus is yummus! Different this time tho- instead of the chicken being in slices like the lamb, and always has been in the past, tonight it was in chunks. Still delicious, just prefer the consistency of the slices."

"Baklava for dessert, and as much as I love this spot, I wish they'd change the dessert! It was as I remembered... Blech. DGF doesn't mind it as much as I do, and ate about half."




"We explored the pavilion for a bit after that..."

"And even thought about Marrakesh for a meal later- we've been toying with the notion for awhile, but it never happens!!"

​

3 January Game Points Earned + 3 Bonus Points for "Drummer" and menu pics

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

DDW......
Those are some of the most beautiful pictures I've seen of Fantasyland!!! Perfection! And of course the wonderful food
What kind of camera did you use taking those photos? I'm in love wth them!

Thanks so much! I used two cameras on that trip: a point-and-shoot (Canon PowerShot ELPH 500HS) and my iPhone 4S camera. Sometimes the iPhone pics can be a bit dull, so I use an Instagram filter to make the colors bolder (these are the square-shaped pics).

Wow quietgirl, I love those pics from the outside of BOG!! I am SO excited to see it in person!!
And just saw DonalDoleWhip's update--more awesome pics!!

I'm really glad you like the pics!

Gotta say that I'm not surprised to see DDW with a cupcake!!! Seriously, what a treat to see DDW's photos and trip highlights.

It wouldn't be a Disney trip without at least one cupcake. (okay, that's a lie, but there's no way I was turning down those holiday-inspired cupcakes ).

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

It's great to see a menu from Marrakesh! Haven't been there in years, but I have fond memories of their couscous entrees and the Marrakesh Delight dessert.

 

[jabead]

Our next update is from glasslipper.


She and her family had dinner last night at Epcot's...


Biergarten

German Beer Flight - Four Pours 5 oz each - $10.00
Radeberger Pilsner, Schöfferhofer Weizen, Altenmünster Oktoberfest, and Hövels


glasslipper said, "We had dinner last night at Biergarten in Germany. Here is DH's plate, he had German sausages sauerkraut, chicken, and potatoes. He also had a beer flight which he loved."

"DD's plate - she had the chicken, spatzle, salad, and pretzel bread. It was all good! The chef at Biergarten was great with the dairy intolerance, he came by the table and walked through the line with DD and told her what she could have from the buffet and brought dairy free dumplings, salad dressing, and desserts."

"My plate - I had the pretzel bread, German potatoes, beans, chicken, salad, and pork loin, everything was good!
The German potato salad was especially good."

For dessert, everyone but DD had the apple strudel with a vanilla cream and a Bavarian cheesecake, both were great!

Her DD's Dessert Plate

​

3 January Game Points Earned + 1 Bonus Point for Beer Flight

 

[jabead]

Then this morning, glasslipper & family again had this treat from the POFQ Resort's...


Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Beignets





Then they headed to Animal Kingdom, where they had lunch at...


Yak & Yeti

Yak Attack - Mango daiquiri, Bacardi Light rum and wildberry flavors.


glasslipper said, "Here is my Yak Attack, amazing!"

"DD's virgin mango daiquiri, great!"

"DH'S Safari Amber beer, he really liked it even though he doesn't normally like dark beer."

Big Bamboo
Malibu Coconut rum, Bacardi Light rum, DeKuyper banana liqueur and tropical fruit juices.


"DS's Big Bamboo, he liked it!"

Duck with Anandapur Glaze - roasted half duckling, orange wasabi glaze, jasmine rice, and stir-fried vegetables


"DS's Anandapur duck, it had a crispy skin and he really liked the entree!"

Maple Tamarind Chicken - Seared chicken breast, Indonesian tamarind glaze, coconut ginger rice, baby bok choy, and shiitake mushroom stir fry


"DD and I shared the maple tamarind chicken, it was great! It had a great sauce on the chicken."

Kobe Beef Burger - 10 oz grilled American Kobe beef burger, sesame-soy sauce, mayonnaise, and crispy shoestring fries.


"DH'S Kobe burger, he liked it. It is a good option for someone who doesn't like Asian food."





Then later they had these snacks...

4 January Game Points Earned (for Yak & Yeti update, ice cream snacks, and beignets) + 1 Bonus Point for the new cocktail (Big Bamboo)

 

[jabead]

One last update for tonight, and then the rest will have to wait until tomorrow.


This is the first update from Rachel (rachel09985), who arrived at Disney World today.


She said, "I missed my Kona reservation, so I had to eat lunch at Pop Century."


Everything Pop Food Court

Parmesan Chicken Alfredo


Rachel said, "This was good but tough to cut."




Then later she had this snack from...


Starring Rolls Cafe

Butterfinger Cupcake


Rachel said, "Way too sweet and not what I expected. Wasn't bad but too sweet."




And dinner was at the Animal Kingdom Lodge's...



BOMA



Rachel sent this pic of her dessert plate...

Rachel said, "Loved the desserts and the meal!"



And Rachel met up with another one of our live reporters to have dinner at Boma.
That other reporter took and sent me this pic...

"Rachel & her drink at Boma"



So check back tomorrow to find out who that "mystery" reporter was and to see many more pics of their evening together.
Also, I have another great update from Mr. DonaldDoleWhip to share with you. ​

5 January Game Points Earned + 1 Miscellaneous Bonus Point for the DISmeet

 

[CaliBear]

This is my favorite thread on the DIS so thank you jabead for all that you do! But wow, the past two days' updates are really amazing. Thanks live reporters! I'm getting even more excited for my upcoming trip each day.

 

[jabead]

It's now time to reveal who Rachel dined with last night at Boma.

emmebear




And the cocktail that emmebear is holding is a....

Dirty Vodka Martini - Vodka, Dry Vermouth, and a splash of olive brine or olive juice to make it "dirty"


emmebear said, "Too much vodka, not enough "dirty" to it."




Now for some food pics from...


BOMA

Carrot Ginger Soup


emmebear said, "So good!"

First Plate: Tomato/Pea with Paneer & Basmati Rice, Sirloin with Boma mustard, Bobotie, and Peanut Rice


"I loved the tomato/paneer. So delicious. I devoured the bobotie too. Had middle eastern flavors. Delicious!"

Dessert Plate: Banana Pudding, Zebra Dome, Peanut Butter something?, Egg Nog Cheesecake, and Passion Fruit Panna Cotta


"The passion fruit panna cotta was my favorite. The first bite was very tart but the taste was very addictive! Thumbs down for the egg nog cheesecake. This was also my first zebra dome. It was ok. The peanut butter dessert was yummy too."



emmebear said, "I really enjoyed Boma! It was Rachel's first time for dinner there. We had a great time at dinner and the few hours at Hollywood Studios."



Coming up next, pictures from their time together at Hollywood Studios!
​

3 January Game Points Earned + 4 Bonus Points for new cocktail (Dirty Martini), pics of emmebear & Rachel, and DISmeet

 

[jabead]

Now for some great pics from emmebear (& Emme) and Rachel's DISmeet at DHS last night.



OSBORNE LIGHTS

Osborne Lights with Rachel (Hello Kitty style!)

Emme on the Star Wars Ride

Pixar Meet & Greet Area

emmebear said, "Oh yeah...Stinky Pete says hello!"
​

5 Miscellaneous Bonus Points awarded to emmebear for taking and sending all the great pics of her DISmeet with Rachel at DHS.

 

[jabead]

Now for the last (but definitely not least ) update received yesterday, from DonaldDoleWhip.


This update is from his dinner at...

DDW said, My appetizer was the mustard seed-crusted scallops.
The coconut sauce wasn't overly sweet, and I really liked the flavors overall."

Mustard Seed-crusted Scallops with a Coconut Cream Sauce




"My friends were really happy with appetizers as well. One of them had an individual bowl of bhel puri."

Bhel Puri (listed as one of the choices in the Salad Sampler section of the menu)


Note from jabead: I was curious about this dish, so of course I had to Google it.
My results: Bhelpuri - A puffed rice Indian dish with vegetables and a tangy tamarind sauce.

"And another had the soup of the day: yellow curry cauliflower soup with pickled cauliflower and sweet and savory cashews."

Tandoori Chicken served with Apple-Raisin Chutney and Five-Grain Rice Pilaf



DDW said, "Although I've really enjoyed the spicy Durban curries at Sanaa, I was in the mood for something milder, so I ordered the Tandoori Chicken."



"The chicken was nice and moist, and I enjoyed the contrast between the tandoori sauce and the tangy chutney (pictured below)."

Apple-Raisin Chutney



"One of the other entrees at the table was the "Slow Cooked in Gravy", which included Butter Chicken and Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce. I heard no complaints."

"Slow Cooked in Gravy" Butter Chicken

"Slow Cooked in Gravy" Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce




"The other entree was the Vegetarian Sampler, which included Paneer Tikka and Stewed Lentils.
Apparently the paneer was really flavorful."

Stewed Lentils (one of the choices for the Vegetarian Sampler)

Paneer Tikka (another choice for the Vegetarian Sampler)


Note from jabead: Again I was unfamiliar with this dish, so it was time to Google again. My results: Paneer tikka is an Indian dish made from chunks of paneer marinated in spices and grilled in a tandoor. It is a vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka and other meat dishes. (Not sure if this accurately describes Sanaa's version, as it looks to be pureed. )




"Both the "Slow-Cooked in Gravy" entree and the Vegetarian Sampler came with five-grain pilaf (pictured below)."

Five-Grain Rice Pilaf




For dessert, DDW chose...

Carrot Halva Cake with a seasonal fruit compote (pomegranate and pear)


Note from jabead: Yes, again I was curious. However, I could only find Carrot Halwa Cake and nothing for Carrot Halva. Double-checking all the online menus, they all list this dessert as Halva. So not sure if this is the same thing as Halwa (just spelled differently) or a variation of it (and therefore the name modification).




"My friends split the dessert trio (although I convinced them to skip the chocolate cake to order a second chai cream."

Dessert Trio (minus the Chocolate Cake) - Tropical Fruit Kulfi and Chai Cream x 2


"They both really liked the chai cream, but one of them actually preferred the tropical fruit kulfi!
Either way, it seems like skipping the chocolate cake was a good decision."



And some close-up shots...

Chai Cream

Tropical Fruit Kulfi



"We were very happy with our meal at Sanaa...in particular, the desserts stood out.
I'd definitely be willing to return in the future." ​

3 January Game Points Earned

 

[jabead]

This is my favorite thread on the DIS so thank you jabead for all that you do! But wow, the past two days' updates are really amazing. Thanks live reporters! I'm getting even more excited for my upcoming trip each day.

Thanks CaliBear! And if you should decide that you would like to join our January Live Reporting Team, just let me know. I always have room for one more!

 

[AvasMommy526]

Thanks so much! I used two cameras on that trip: a point-and-shoot (Canon PowerShot ELPH 500HS) and my iPhone 4S camera. Sometimes the iPhone pics can be a bit dull, so I use an Instagram filter to make the colors bolder (these are the square-shaped pics).

I do the same with Istagram and my photos! I love Insty!
Just one more question and I will no longer high jack this thread
Any special setting you use on your P&S? I have an Olympus and sometimes I love the pics and other times.......well we'll just say I get frustrated lol!

Thank you!

 

[jabead]

Now that you've had a little time to "digest" all of yesterday's delicious updates, it's time to move on to today's.

Beginning with our First Update of the Day, sent to us by quietgirl.


She said, "Last night we had dinner at Tutto Italia. We've eaten there several times before, and always loved it."

"I liked the style of Christmas decorations they had, and we explored the pavilion a little before dinner."

Via Napoli Menu


"There was no room to fit in Via Napoli this trip, but we did check out the menu and talk about having them another time."

"They brought out olives and bread, but we had to wait several
minutes before anyone brought water or took our drink order. That was disappointing."




And quietgirl included some menu pics (which I'm grateful for, because it appears to be slightly different than any I found online)...

This new menu includes quietgirl's entree, which I didn't find on any of the online menus...

Vitello in Porchetta - Veal Roast served with mushrooms and potatoes


Confirming my suspicions, quietgirl said, "I had my heart set on the lamb, but apparently at some point the menu has changed? This is not the menu I had seen online. I had ordered the lamb last time we were here and loved it, so I was definitely sad it wasn't an option."


"So I ordered the veal with mushrooms and potatoes. I wasn't expecting mashed potatoes from the menu description, but I didn't mind. This was ok- not something that wowed me or I would go back for, but it wasn't awful either."

Salmone - Baked salmon filet, artichokes, potatoes, and Castelvetrano olives


"DGF ordered the salmon, and LOVED it! She couldn't say enough great things about it."

Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake


"For dessert she had a lemon ricotta cheesecake she thoroughly enjoyed, but it was no match for mine!"

Cannoli - Crisp pastry filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate, and candied orange.


"I had the cannoli and it was heaven on my plate! Until I had this, I had thought maybe I was done with Tutto for awhile- I would go back just for this!"




quietgirl said, "Overall, we loved it! Service was VERY spotty tonight, which is definitely out of the ordinary in our experience. Drinks weren't refilled, the pace was a little off, just didn't seem right. But I would SO go back, just for the cannoli!!"

​

3 January Game Points Earned + 4 Bonus Points for menu pics, pic of DGF, and First Update of the Day

 

[jabead]

Next we have a couple of updates from Joyce (Jersette).


Yesterday they were at DHS and had booked the Fantasmic! package for lunch at...


Mama Melrose

Joyce said, "First, we had the opportunity to admire the many, many celebrity pictures. Superstars like Ernie Hudson from "Ghostbusters", John Davidson, and...

Sally Struthers. Total '70s - '80s flashback."




Next pic is of Katy's drink...

"She had the Glowing Character Punch, because she wanted a light up Ariel. Yes, she's 22 going on 5."

Bella Italia Wine Flight
Casa Grand Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie, Veneto Banfi Chianti Superiore DOCG,
and Tuscany Verve Negroamaro di Salento IGT, Puglia



"I acted my age and had the Bella Italia wine flight with pinot grigio, pinot noir, and, um...another red. Good stuff."

Mama's Antipasto for Two - selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables


"David and I split the Antipasto Platter. Very nice, and enough for Katy to try some, too."

Charred Strip Steak with five-cheese baked macaroni, aged balsamic-shallot butter, and Chianti Wine Reduction


"This was my blurry entree. It was tasty; the steak was cooked perfectly and the mac and cheese delish!"

Fantasmic! Package Dessert Sampler with cannoli-filled tarts, tiramisu, and sour cherry panna cotta.


"I loved it all except the panna cotta. The flavors didn't hit me at all."




"Before we left the Studios, we came across this show. So funny!
(And they even had a bartender in the back...just like a real improv show)."

I asked Joyce if this was a temporary show (for the busy Holiday crowds) and here was her response...

"I heard it was, but since the performers asked if people remembered them from Pleasure Island, I wouldn't be at all surprised if this was a "test" thing. I think it would be a perfect addition to the park."​

3 January Game Points Earned + 2 Bonus Points for Wine Flight and Misc. non-food pics

 

[jabead]

Then Joyce, Katy, and David headed over to Animal Kingdom where they got these late afternoon snacks...

Chicken Fried Rice (from Yak & Yeti CS) & Frozen Chai Latte (from I believe the Royal Anandapur Tea Company Kiosk in Asia)


Regarding the chai latte, Joyce said, "This is quite possibly my favorite beverage in the World. I loooove this!
Creamy, frosty, flavorful."



Then it was on to Downtown Disney and dinner at...


Wolfgang Puck Express

Roasted Turkey Sandwich with Cheddar cheese, arugula, caramelized onions, port wine sauce, caramelized onions, horseradish cream, and served with herb-seasoned fries & Creme Brulee for dessert


"If you can tell from the overexposed pic, I had the Roasted Turkey Melt with fries and Creme Brulee. Really enjoyed this...the turkey was "real", the cheddar and subtle horseradish sauce made for one scrumptious sandwich. Creme Brulee was a nice finish."

Four Cheese Macaroni & Vanilla Bean Cheesecake


"The kids both had the mac and cheese and cheesecake. DD thought the mac was bland...and proceeded to eat most of my fries. She thought THOSE were great!!!"

​

2 January Game Points Earned

 

[jabead]

Next we have a Magic Kingdom morning update from our live reporters...

emmebear & Emme



Only they weren't alone, as they were joined again by another current (and past) live reporter...

Rachel (rachel09985)



They started their day together at Magic Kingdom by having breakfast at...



Crystal Palace




First a couple of food pics...

Omelet

Mickey Pancake



And then bring on the characters...

And the star of this "show"...

​

3 January Game Points Earned + 5 Bonus Points for character pics and the great pics from the DISmeet with Rachel

 

[jabead]

Next we have a Epcot morning update from Christina (DisneyMamato4).


She had breakfast with the princesses this morning at...



Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Princess Lizzie

Christina said, "Very good food, although I was a little disappointed in the princess interaction.
The potato casserole is just as good as everyone says and the bacon was awesome."

Lizzie enjoying her breakfast
​

3 January Game Points Earned + 1 Bonus Point for pics of Lizzie

 

[SmallWorld71]

So, I've been lurking on this thread since the beginning. Sadly, I have no tickers and don't know if I'll ever be able to contribute. But, I just had to let you know that this is my favorite thread on the DISboards! The work that has gone into this is amazing and I look forward to checking in each day to see if there is anything new from the live reporters. The next best thing to being there.

 

[Cuddlemama]

I'm only half way through the thread, because I've been on an self-inflected Restaurant Board break till closer to our trip.

But, anyway, our next trip is coming up very soon. We'll be traveling from 1/24 - 2/10 with a group varying in size from 5 to 9. We're driving from Upstate NY to Lorton, VA to catch the Autotrain down to Sanford. Staying one night in the new Drury Inn in Orlando, then 2 weeks at AKL- Kidani.

We're an interesting group to feed. One gluten free child, a vegan, a picky kid with sensory issues, a couple of foodies, a drinker and a few tee-totalers...oh, and on this trip, one BRAND NEW Disney visitor in our friend Angela, who is visiting as her "hit Disney before 30th birthday" goal.

I'd love to review if anyone would be interested. I could review from start to finish including the Autotrain if that would be of interest to the folks here. We're taking our first non-dining plan trip in a decade and using TIW instead. There'll be a strong mix of mostly onsite dining from sit down to Counter Service and a few off-site or in room meals. I anticipate MANY, MANY snacks.

Meals planned so far are:
Z-Pizza in Lorton, VA
Pollo Campero/Babycakes
Earl of Sandwich
Wolfgang Puck Express
Bongos Takeout Window
T-Rex
Be Our Guest lunch
Katsura Grill
Tangeriene Cafe
Cape May Clambake
Ohana'
1900 Park Faire Breakfast
Yak and Yeti (either CS or TS, not decided yet)

The rest of the meals are up in the air. Still finalizing plans. I need suggestions for CS at Hollywood Studios. We've made many, many trips and I've still never had a good CS meal there, but don't have the timing right on this trip to leave for Epcot or Boardwalk the way we usually do for lunch.

~Leigh

Oh, is there still a scavenger hunt or anything that would convince my group to take photos of their food without complaining? They're super competitive, so anything that gives them "points", even virtual points, is a winner. We're actually doing a family photo scavenger hunt through the entire WDW complex over our 2 week vacation for a grand prize and bragging rights.

 

[jabead]

Just a reminder that next up to the Disney Dining plate will be...



MissPrice





MissPrice - Amanda will be there for a graduation celebration from 1/7 - 1/14 and has volunteered to do live updates for us!
Here are her Dining Plans.






HAVE A GREAT TRIP, Amanda!!! ​