DDW does Disneyland! - 6/28 Complete w/ Grand Finale of WDW Food Photos!

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I see some reviewers add their name to the photo's before posting. You have some wonderful photo's so maybe it is time to do that with your prints. But at the end of the day who ever took credit for a photo you took needs to have a rasssssie.

Love your reviews

Thanks so much for your kind words, and that's a great suggestion. Maybe in the future I'll start adding a watermark for photos that I really want to 'protect'.

And I'm so happy you've enjoyed the reviews. They've been fun to write, but reading everyone's comments might be the best part.

 

[emmysmommy]

Thanks for your wrap up and favorites. It makes me hungry all over again! Fabulous TR/DR!!

Just for the record, I'm innocent of the photo stealing caper!! Seriously though, that would completely annoy me and it is so unnecessary to take credit for someone else's photos. I would say it is a great compliment since you have awesome photos but seriously, that's crazy.
Edited to add: And those are my beef bobotie photos!!!! (not really but they are not from an iphone!)

Like I said before, I do look forward to your live reviews.

8 days from now!! Or rather 7 days since you are 3 hrs. ahead of me!

 

[dvc4life]

Loved your review Mr. DDW! I really enjoy reading your posts. I do love your pictures too. Looks like things are going to pop right out at me in some of them. The sorbet picture really had me wanting to grab a spoon! It is too bad someone tried to take credit for your photos.

Have a fun 4th of July trip! Can't wait to see your live updates over on Barb's thread.

 

[jedijill]

Another fantastic report. Sad to know this is the last full report but totally understand the reasons. I just can't commit to them anymore either and mine are nowhere near your level.

I hate picture stealers...especially the brazen ones that lie about taking them.

Jill in CO

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

I need to take a minute to express my disappointment in knowing you are not going to be doing your "normal" food reviews. You have entertained me with not only photo's of your food reviews but also of the décor and surroundings of each restaurant.

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

You crack me up --- It could never be you since we all adore you and your daughter. DDW did say who ever it was well -- well you know.

There are a few reviewers that do tell it like it is and I so appreciate the honesty when reading a review of the food, service, and over all experience.

Looking forward to your next adventures.

Patty

Thanks for your wrap up and favorites. It makes me hungry all over again! Fabulous TR/DR!!

Just for the record, I'm innocent of the photo stealing caper!! Seriously though, that would completely annoy me and it is so unnecessary to take credit for someone else's photos. I would say it is a great compliment since you have awesome photos but seriously, that's crazy.
Edited to add: And those are my beef bobotie photos!!!! (not really but they are not from an iphone!)

Like I said before, I do look forward to your live reviews.

8 days from now!! Or rather 7 days since you are 3 hrs. ahead of me!

 

[awfullybigadventure]

Really loved your report! Thank you so much for taking the time to do it. Have a great 4th of July trip! Can't wait till the next report!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Thanks for your wrap up and favorites. It makes me hungry all over again! Fabulous TR/DR!!

Thanks so much! This report is extra-special to me, partially because DL isn't my home resort. Perhaps one day, though, it will be (and I'll get to run into you guys there!).

Just for the record, I'm innocent of the photo stealing caper!! Seriously though, that would completely annoy me and it is so unnecessary to take credit for someone else's photos. I would say it is a great compliment since you have awesome photos but seriously, that's crazy.
Edited to add: And those are my beef bobotie photos!!!! (not really but they are not from an iphone!)

I'm impressed you were able to find the culprit so quickly! And she's a repeat offender, too. I seriously think the situation would've been so much better if she had just acknowledged that those photos weren't hers. Fortunately I think most dining reviewers here would be considerate enough to do that.

Like I said before, I do look forward to your live reviews.

8 days from now!! Or rather 7 days since you are 3 hrs. ahead of me!

It's getting closer and closer - just 5 more days of work to get through!

Loved your review Mr. DDW! I really enjoy reading your posts. I do love your pictures too. Looks like things are going to pop right out at me in some of them. The sorbet picture really had me wanting to grab a spoon! It is too bad someone tried to take credit for your photos.

Have a fun 4th of July trip! Can't wait to see your live updates over on Barb's thread.

Thanks so much for the comments! It's been a lot of fun putting this report together, so it makes me really happy to hear that people actually enjoy the commentary and pics. I've loved seeing your updates in the Live Update thread as well, and it'll be so fun to contribute there again.

Another fantastic report. Sad to know this is the last full report but totally understand the reasons. I just can't commit to them anymore either and mine are nowhere near your level.

I hate picture stealers...especially the brazen ones that lie about taking them.

Jill in CO

Agreed on both points - the time commitment is really hard to deal with, and picture stealers are annoying! I somewhat understand it when people seem to be clueless about the internet, but this person knew better (since she acknowledged for one picture that she found it online. The rest were apparently from her phone camera).

I need to take a minute to express my disappointment in knowing you are not going to be doing your "normal" food reviews. You have entertained me with not only photo's of your food reviews but also of the décor and surroundings of each restaurant.

I'm also sad to not be continuing - it's been a lot of fun putting these reports together. The good news is there are still lots of great reporters out there, and I'll definitely be willing to post standalone updates if something is especially noteworthy.

Really loved your report! Thank you so much for taking the time to do it. Have a great 4th of July trip! Can't wait till the next report!

Thanks so much for the kind words, and I'm really glad you enjoyed the report! As for our July trip, I won't be doing a full report, but you'll still be able to see some of my updates in the Live Thread.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

It's been so much fun writing these dining reports, and part of me doesn't want to accept that this is all over. That's why I'm going to share with you some of my all-time favorite food pics from our trips to WDW. If none of these pictures make you hungry, then I've failed as a dining reviewer (or you just have different tastes than I do - it's no biggie ).

I'll have to divide this update into two posts, and keep in mind that many of these dishes are no longer available. Still, I hope you really enjoy these photos - they're all favorites of mine! If you're wondering, the restaurants that appear most often on this list are Artist Point, Jiko, and Yachtsman Steakhouse (ironically, none of my Yachtsman choices were steak). Also, only one non-signature restaurant made it into the finale (but it'll appear in the next update).

Duck Confit with Frisée-Anjou Pear Salad, Cherry Vinaigrette and Duck Prosciutto (Artist Point)

Artist Point Cobbler with Seasonal Berries and Housemade Black Raspberry Ice Cream

This was a fruit salad from Grand Floridian's Royal Palm Club. It's one of the best club level bites we ever had!

View from the Royal Palm Club lounge during the holiday season:

Smoky Portobello Soup with Roasted Shiitakes and Chive Oil (Artist Point)

Tuna Three Ways: Poke, Tartare, Tataki (California Grill)

Sikhumbuzo's Peri Peri Chicken with Herb-crushed Potatoes, French Beans, Mango Sambal, and Onion Jus (Jiko)

Cape Malva Pudding with Vanilla Custard and Mango and Apricot Sorbet (Jiko)

Dungeness Crab Salad with Cucumber Mint Sorbet, Watermelon Radish, and Yuzu Vinaigrette (Artist Point)

Valrhona Chocolate Cake with Molten Center, Macerated California Strawberries, and Grand Marnier (California Grill)

Mozzarella Di Bufala with Yellow Beefsteak, "Ugli Ripe" and Tiny Santa Sweet Tomatoes, Balsamic Glaze, Exotic Peppercorns, Petite Basil, and Sicilian Olio Verde (Flying Fish Café)

Maryland Soft Shell Crab with Harissa-Garlic Aioli, Fiddlehead Ferns, Edamame Beans, Brioche, and Pickled Spring Onion Foam (Yachtsman Steakhouse)

Chocolate-Avocado Pistachio Cake with Liquid Chocolate Caramel and Roasted Pineapple (Yachtsman Steakhouse)

Pan-roasted Free Range Chicken Breast with Duck Confit, Rösti Potatoes, Soft-Cooked Quail Egg, Truffle Crème Fraîche, and Poultry Jus (Yachtsman Steakhouse)

Tasting of Nutella: Marshmallow Cone, Candied Bacon Shooter, Banana Crêpe, and Strawberry Gelato (Yachtsman Steakhouse)

Grilled Wild Boar Tenderloin with Mealie Pap, Chakalaka, White Truffle Oil, and Micro Cilantro (Jiko)

Seared Lake Victoria African Perch "Kushari" with Toasted Pearl Couscous, Lentils, Fresh Chickpeas, Almonds, Tomato Sauce, Sweet Corn Cream, Crispy Onions, and Harissa Vinaigrette (Jiko)

Chefs Tapas Plate: Lamb Albóndigas with Mint Yogurt, Cioppino Littleneck Clams with Micro Basil, and Fritto Misto with Lemon Aioli (Citricos)

Wild King Salmon with Grilled Langoustine, Warm Baby Artichoke, and Marble Potato Salad, with Bacon-Sherry Vinaigrette and Macerated Petite Tomatoes (Citricos)

Tres Leches with Wild Strawberry and Raspberry Coulis featuring 8-year Balsamic Vinegar (Citricos)

Dungeness Crab Risotto with Blood Orange Sauce and Pea Shoots (Artist Point)

Char-grilled Buffalo Striploin Steak with Marble Potatoes, Garden Vegetables, and Shiraz Gastrique (Artist Point)

Grapefruit Cake - Light Layers of Yellow Cake with fresh Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Icing (Hollywood Brown Derby)

Thai Chile-laced Chocolate Mousse and Sinful Triple Rich Brownie Creation with Applewood-smoked Bacon Praline Crunch, Smokey Salt-scented Chocolate Sorbet and Raspberry Coulis (Flying Fish Café)

The next update will have to come later - I'm going to sleep now!

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh so many gorgeous photos of some truly awesome dishes. The candied bacon shooter caught my eye! That Artist Point cobbler certainly has changed in presentation over time. It looks so all American with the colors in the prior version. I love that you selected such a great variety of entrees, appetizers, and desserts.

You were still a teen when you completed many of these reviews correct?? I have to say that the sentiment for this post is so very melancholy for me since this seems like a sad farewell tour!

Thank you for sharing so many wonderful dining experiences from the first one that I read over 3 years ago to the last one this trip. I hope you have finally forgiven me for calling you a lass when I first started to read your reviews. I get it that "Donald" really is a dude's name. But more importantly, because of a great mutual fondness for Disney food I was honored to actually meet you in person last summer.

I look forward to the Grand Finale final update.....

 

[jabead]

Wow! Your last post made me feel like it was the 4th of July already, only instead of watching the fireworks finale it was all wonderful Disney food pictures. Outstanding! And I anxiously await Part II.


I too am sad to hear that your extraordinary talent for doing dining reviews must be put on hold for awhile. But I am though grateful and excited that you will be contributing to the live thread during your upcoming trip.


Oh, and regarding your photo thief...I had to chuckle just a bit when I saw the pic that she chose to steal. Of all the wonderful food pictures that you have taken, she snatched the beady-eyed prawn one! If I had read her Thanksgiving dinner review, I would have immediately recognized that picture as yours.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Oh so many gorgeous photos of some truly awesome dishes. The candied bacon shooter caught my eye! That Artist Point cobbler certainly has changed in presentation over time. It looks so all American with the colors in the prior version. I love that you selected such a great variety of entrees, appetizers, and desserts.

I'm surprised the Nutella Trio at Yachtsman didn't last longer - it was such a fun dessert! And you're right about the Artist Point cobbler changing a lot over the years. While it still tastes delicious now, this first version was my favorite due to the abundance of fresh berries.

You were still a teen when you completed many of these reviews correct?? I have to say that the sentiment for this post is so very melancholy for me since this seems like a sad farewell tour!

Yep, that's correct! Those first 4 pictures are from when I was 16. It does feel sad to be wrapping all of this up, but that's why I wanted to have a special finale.

Thank you for sharing so many wonderful dining experiences from the first one that I read over 3 years ago to the last one this trip. I hope you have finally forgiven me for calling you a lass when I first started to read your reviews. I get it that "Donald" really is a dude's name. But more importantly, because of a great mutual fondness for Disney food I was honored to actually meet you in person last summer.

I'm so glad you've enjoyed reading these reports. And I never actually minded being called a lass, since (for the most part) I've largely kept my personal identity concealed. Meeting you, Emmy, and Michael was one of the highlights of doing these reports, and I'll still be following along with your and Emmy's updates.

I look forward to the Grand Finale final update.....

There are a lot more pictures to come!

Wow! Your last post made me feel like it was the 4th of July already, only instead of watching the fireworks finale it was all wonderful Disney food pictures. Outstanding! And I anxiously await Part II.

I'm so glad you enjoyed this update! Speaking of the 4th of July, I'll do my best to get some decent shots of the fireworks from CR! Can't guarantee they'll be any good, though.

I too am sad to hear that your extraordinary talent for doing dining reviews must be put on hold for awhile. But I am though grateful and excited that you will be contributing to the live thread during your upcoming trip.

That's the thing - while it'll be sad to take an extended break from full reports, it's so great that you've established the Live Thread as a popular reporting option. The thread has really added to the buzz of the Dining Review section, and I can't wait to contribute to it again! Thanks so much for all of the work you do to keep that thread going.

Oh, and regarding your photo thief...I had to chuckle just a bit when I saw the pic that she chose to steal. Of all the wonderful food pictures that you have taken, she snatched the beady-eyed prawn one! If I had read her Thanksgiving dinner review, I would have immediately recognized that picture as yours.

I can't argue with anything you said. Thanks for making me feel better about the whole situation!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Without further ado, let's finish up this final series of food photos.

Thai Chilled Lobster with Green Curry Consommé, Whipped Coconut, Candied Peanuts, and Mixed Melon (Todd English's bluezoo)

Crêpes Duo: one Suzette and the other stuffed with Roasted Pineapple (Bistro de Paris - the Suzette one was flambéed tableside)

Stone Fruit and Cream: Nectarines, Bavarian Cream, and Peach-Champagne Espuma (Yachtsman Steakhouse)

Jonah Crab Salad with Avocado Marble, Blood Orange Vinaigrette, and Hearts of Palm (Yachtsman Steakhouse)

Roasted Beets: Heirloom Baby Beets, Herbed Crème Fraîche, Almond-Cocoa Soil, Crystal Lettuce, Watermelon Radish, and Liquefied Beet Ravioli (Yachtsman Steakhouse)

Salted Caramel Gelato (Yachtsman Steakhouse)

Penn Cove Roasted Oysters with Dungeness Crab Ceviche and Cucumber Foam (Artist Point)

Kettle-steamed Copper Ale Penn Cove Mussels with Meyer Lemon and Fennel (Artist Point)

Cedar Plank-roasted King Salmon with Autumn Squash, Root Vegetables, Baby Sprouts, and Spice Cider Reduction (Artist Point)

Epcot Land Pavilion Sweet Bibb and Aruba Red Leaf Salad, with Tomatoes, Epcot Cucumbers, Fall Radishes, Pomegranates, Florida Citrus, and Elephant Garlic Chips, with a Tangerine and White Balsamico Vinaigrette on the side (Flying Fish Café)

Colorado Spring Lamb with Seared Lamb Loin, Housemade Lamb Sausage, Fava Beans, Fiddlehead Ferns, Wild Morel Mushrooms, Crispy Garden Potatoes, and Minted Pea Coulis (Yachtsman Steakhouse)

Duck Two Ways: Duck Pastrami over a Pear and Melon Salad with White Balsamic, Honey, and Vanilla reduction, in addition to Duck Confit with Farro Risotto and a Spicy Onion Citrus Jam (Hollywood Brown Derby)

The Wave Summer Salad, with locally sourced Watermelon, Avocado, Arugula, and Pecans, with Feta and White Balsamic (The Wave is the only non-signature restaurant on this list, and that's partially because of this incredible salad!)

Rum-roasted Pineapple (The Wave - this was originally served on top of a delicious Pineapple Passion Fruit Sorbet, but the kitchen surprised me with this complementary serving because I loved it so much!)

House-made Sweet English Pea and Mascarpone Ravioli with Organic Mixed Baby Squash and Heirloom Tomatoes, Morel Mushrooms, Sheep's Milk Cheese, and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds with Honeyed Brown Butter-White Balsamic Vinaigrette (Narcoossee's)

Black Forest Cake: Compressed Chocolate Cake, Cherry Jam, Bourbon-macerated Cherries, and Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream (Jiko)

Warm Seasonal Fruit Cobbler (Strawberries, Blueberries, and Blackberries) with Crème Fraîche and Orange Blossom Honey (Hollywood Brown Derby)

Surprise Dessert Plate: Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert Cherry Sauce, Pecan Tart with Caramel Sauce and Chocolate Cream, Spring Cherry Clafoutis with White Chocolate Gelato, and Strawberry Shortcake with Chantilly Cream and Strawberry Sauce (served at Grand Floridian Café, courtesy of Narcoossee's)

Chermoula-roasted Head On Nigerian Prawns with English Pea Nage, Saffron Rice, and Orange and Olive Salad (Jiko)

Chocolate and Tea Safari: Vanilla Rooibos-Tanzanian Chocolate Cake, Free Form "Kit Kat", and Mint-Green Tea Ice Cream (Jiko)

Madagascar Vanilla Cheesecake with Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote, Chocolate Graham Crust, and Dehydrated Rhubarb (Jiko)

Pan-roasted Pacific Halibut with Summer Corn and Chèvre Porridge, Caramelized Rapini, Black Mission Fig Relish, and Cabernet Vinaigrette (Artist Point)

House-made Strawberry Sorbet and Granola (Artist Point - this was a component of the "Strawberry Mural")

And last but not least, a Dole Whip Float with Pineapple-Vanilla Swirl (Aloha Isle)

I hope this finale entertained you, and I can't wait to send in some Live Updates in July. That's all I've got - thanks so much for following along!

 

[emmysmommy]

And last but not least, a Dole Whip Float with Pineapple-Vanilla Swirl (Aloha Isle)

Such a fitting finale photo!

Every single dish looks spectacular! Each photo represents a special moment in Disboard Dining history when you first shared these wonderful dishes. Thank you for taking the time to post the best of the best.

4 more days until we see some live updates! Enjoy your upcoming trip!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Such a fitting finale photo!

Every single dish looks spectacular! Each photo represents a special moment in Disboard Dining history when you first shared these wonderful dishes. Thank you for taking the time to post the best of the best.

4 more days until we see some live updates! Enjoy your upcoming trip!

Thanks so much for all the kind words and support! I'm really glad you enjoyed these photos, since I have nothing left to top them with.

And unfortunately, it's 4 more work days until we're there. So adding in Saturday and Sunday, we'll be arriving in 6 days. By the way, while checking your TR, I saw that you'll be in Vegas for a business trip - have a great time!

 

[rachel09985]

Your finale was great! There were some of my favorites on your list.

The tomato salad from Flying Fish was one of the best things I have ever had. The cobbler from Artist Point was outstanding as well, although your presentation was different from mine. I also enjoyed the grapefruit cake from HBD! You are a much more adventurous eater than I am though.

 

[jabead]

Bravo!!!

Well done, Mr. DoleWhip, well done indeed!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Your finale was great! There were some of my favorites on your list.

The tomato salad from Flying Fish was one of the best things I have ever had. The cobbler from Artist Point was outstanding as well, although your presentation was different from mine. I also enjoyed the grapefruit cake from HBD! You are a much more adventurous eater than I am though.

Thanks so much! I also really like Flying Fish's tomato-mozzarella salad and Brown Derby's grapefruit cake. As for the cobbler, that photo was from my first time trying it (in 2008). The presentation of the cobbler has changed twice since then, but the current version is still very good. (I just wish there were more fresh berries on top)

Bravo!!!

Well done, Mr. DoleWhip, well done indeed!

I'm so glad you enjoyed the final update! Even though it took a while, it was really fun going through all of my photos to pick out the ultimate WDW food highlights.

 

[Linda67]

What a wonderful final update

You have certainly succeeded in making me very hungry so your mission as a DIS Board Dining Reviewer is accomplished !

Hope you have a wonderful trip

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

What a wonderful final update

You have certainly succeeded in making me very hungry so your mission as a DIS Board Dining Reviewer is accomplished !

Hope you have a wonderful trip

Thanks so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed the finale, and fortunately I'll be sending in some updates to the Live Thread (so it's not completely over yet!).