The not so live version of dining w/ Disers, in Castles & on Safari! The Wrap! 2/26

[jedijill]

I didn't know you could order a kids meal, brilliant!

Jill in CO

 

[Linda67]

What a great idea to order a kids meal !
Love the pictures of you both at 50s - especially the one of you scraping the sundae glass
I want one of those Disney TVs for my house

 

[peachmermaid]

Yep, the pumpkin bread is at Starbucks. I'm one of those weirdos who doesn't mind it being there, because a girl needs pumpkin bread & iced green tea! Anywho....

I love that you guys order kid portions! If they have that for the pot roast, I'm definitely going for that. That fried chicken looks yummy though! 50s, you bring such hard decisions! You guys had a great table! I just adore the theming in that place.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We always have to dine at 50's Primetime at least once on every trip. We ate lunch there again last month and had a great time. We always split the fried chicken, never though to order the kid's portion. Love the pics. Waiting to see what you thought about Monsieur Paul.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Glad you had a good meal at 50s PTC! Funny that the side of green beans was almost as much as the meal!

 

[goofy4prez]

Brenda, Love the pictures of your visit to the 50's Prime Time Café. We were there way back in 08 when we visited WDW for the first time. I enjoyed the food and I enjoyed the antics from our "cousin" who's name I can't remember.

I don't know how you can do it. If I were to eat at 50's today I would gain so much weight from the fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, and the awesome sundaes.

 

[vettegirl]

The next time I go j am getting the kids plate! I can never finish anything there and the portion size still looked big to me for a kiddo plate.

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[princess_momma]

I just love your reviews. All I dream about now is staying at AKL club level. And I love that you ordered kid's portions. That's perfect because sometimes adult portions get SO BIG! You are smart!

 

[emmysmommy]

You are so smart ordering kids meals at 50s PT! I should remember that little trick. Do they ever give you a hard time about it?

The fried chicken there looks really good. I'm debating whether or not I should make a reservation for the February trip.

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Last trip Em didn't want a big meal so asked the server for her opinion and she suggested a kid meal. Sooo... I followed suit this time. Nope, they haven't said anything other than saying that will be 2 kids meals!

It was really good Jill!

I love 50s! Kids meal, what a great idea. I'm always on the dining plan so I always have the adult portion and it's just 4x too much food for me! (Then I get nervous that I'm going to get in trouble for not eating it all! ) This is one restaurant I'm going to miss this trip!

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Being on the dining plan, yeah, that would completely change my decision. With the regular menu items I've had to have the choo choo train treatment so it does have the down side.

I am so glad that you had a kid's meal of fried chicken at PT. This is one of those restaurants that I keep making and then cancelling ADR's for. I want fried chicken but I don't want to be yelled at. I never eat everything on my plate. Now I think I will keep my March ADR.

I'm with you since it is always on the cusp of being axed by us. It isn't special enough to stand out. Yet when we do go there is enough that we enjoy that we keep coming back. We've got such an odd relationship to this place.

I will be interested to see what happens with your plans.

Oh the agony and horror of that HBD dining experience from the summer of 2012 I was not reading your reports back then so this was a brand new read for me this morning. As much as I adored Remy when he appeared at Chef's De France I would not like to encounter one of his non-domesticated relatives running loose in a dining establishment.

It was a serious of disasters I tell you! I realize varmints occasionally show up in restaurants but that was the last straw.

That's funny about Remy!!

Hmmm, I might have to put YSH on my list.

MMMM, Love 50's PTC.

Funny she trained the person at HBD.

Hi Scott!
Yes, put YSH on your list and ask for Ricardo!

50's PT is always better With antics though. And a TV table is always preferred right?

That was so funny that there was a connection. So coincidental.

I love the pictures of you and Em at 50's Prime Time.

I have to say that although we did not like our meal there in 2012 at all, we do love the whole theme of the restaurant.

And I am opposite of you. Keep the whipped cream and I'll eat all the chocolate. Love hot fudge sundaes.

Thanks Kathy! Glad we could pose!

I'm with you. The food can be mediocre but I love the 50's theme. Considering some of my favorite TV shows are I Love Lucy, Father Knows Best, and George Burns & Gracie Allen show it's no wonder I love it!

I'd give you the fudge but do I have to arm wrestle you for the cherry?

Joining along! Yum! those green beans look really really good! I never knew veggies could look quite so appetizing!

Hi Jessica! Thanks for joining in! I always order their green beans but they always are a little limp. However, they do taste great!

I didn't know you could order a kids meal, brilliant!

Jill in CO

You certainly can!

What a great idea to order a kids meal !
Love the pictures of you both at 50s - especially the one of you scraping the sundae glass
I want one of those Disney TVs for my house

Hi Linda! That sundae scraping picture I believe was on the live dining thread. It was my, why is the fudge always gone look.

Wouldn't that be fabulous to own one of those TVs?

Yep, the pumpkin bread is at Starbucks. I'm one of those weirdos who doesn't mind it being there, because a girl needs pumpkin bread & iced green tea! Anywho....

I love that you guys order kid portions! If they have that for the pot roast, I'm definitely going for that. That fried chicken looks yummy though! 50s, you bring such hard decisions! You guys had a great table! I just adore the theming in that place.

Aha! I figured. Good to know although the pumpkin bread would surely be seasonal.

Now you have me thinking, kid portion pot roast would be great. I'll have to keep that in mind. I love the TV tables.

We always have to dine at 50's Primetime at least once on every trip. We ate lunch there again last month and had a great time. We always split the fried chicken, never though to order the kid's portion. Love the pics. Waiting to see what you thought about Monsieur Paul.

Hi Ron! Sounds like you share nicely! No fighting over your favorite pieces of chicken? If Em would split the sampler platter I wouldn't have to resort to a kid meal but she's not been interested in that.

Let's see if I can get Monsieur Paul up tonight or tomorrow.

Glad you had a good meal at 50s PTC! Funny that the side of green beans was almost as much as the meal!

Thanks, it was pretty decent! I love green beans so I didn't complain about the portion.

Brenda, Love the pictures of your visit to the 50's Prime Time Café. We were there way back in 08 when we visited WDW for the first time. I enjoyed the food and I enjoyed the antics from our "cousin" who's name I can't remember.

I don't know how you can do it. If I were to eat at 50's today I would gain so much weight from the fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, and the awesome sundaes.

Great cousins can make a huge difference!

Your are more disciplined than me! I allow myself "vacation eating" and unfortunately, I DO gain weight. I just get back on track when we return home. However, I try to eat appetizers and split dishes or in this case order a kid meal to minimize the damage.

The next time I go j am getting the kids plate! I can never finish anything there and the portion size still looked big to me for a kiddo plate.

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Kids portion is perfect! And it justifies dessert too!

I just love your reviews. All I dream about now is staying at AKL club level. And I love that you ordered kid's portions. That's perfect because sometimes adult portions get SO BIG! You are smart!

Hi Kimmy! I'd probably never finish an adult portion but this is a great option. I have to give credit to Em who asked last trip for the kid portion.

 

[goofy4prez]

Great cousins can make a huge difference!

Your are more disciplined than me! I allow myself "vacation eating" and unfortunately, I DO gain weight. I just get back on track when we return home. However, I try to eat appetizers and split dishes or in this case order a kid meal to minimize the damage.

The last time I was at WDW I was much heavier than I am today, so disciplined was certainly not the case back in 2010. Our upcoming trip we will be doing the DDxDP and I do have some concerns. I know I'm not going to eat the way I usually do, and I'm certain I will gain weight. I'm hoping my morning jogs and all the walking while there will help minimize the extra baggage I will pick up and then hit the gym like never before when our trip is over.

I also can't wait to hear about your experience at Monsieur Paul. I hesitantly made an ADR for MP and after all these months it has become my most anticipated ADR. The last time I was this excited for an ADR was our first Le Cellier ADR and that one left me so disappointed. I'm sure MP will not disappoint.

 

[Queenofallthings]

What a great idea....perfect portion sizes.....I know what we're having next time! Thanks for the suggestions

 

[KatMark]

Thanks Kathy! Glad we could pose!

You did good.

I'm with you. The food can be mediocre but I love the 50's theme. Considering some of my favorite TV shows are I Love Lucy, Father Knows Best, and George Burns & Gracie Allen show it's no wonder I love it!

We love those shows too!

I'd give you the fudge but do I have to arm wrestle you for the cherry?

No, you definitely get the cherry.

 

[emmysmommy]

The last time I was at WDW I was much heavier than I am today, so disciplined was certainly not the case back in 2010. Our upcoming trip we will be doing the DDxDP and I do have some concerns. I know I'm not going to eat the way I usually do, and I'm certain I will gain weight. I'm hoping my morning jogs and all the walking while there will help minimize the extra baggage I will pick up and then hit the gym like never before when our trip is over.

I also can't wait to hear about your experience at Monsieur Paul. I hesitantly made an ADR for MP and after all these months it has become my most anticipated ADR. The last time I was this excited for an ADR was our first Le Cellier ADR and that one left me so disappointed. I'm sure MP will not disappoint.

I have to hand it to you, if you run while at WDW you are on a pedestal! I bring my running shoes but have never run while there. And while I think it would be really a great place to do that, we stay up too late for me to get up early and go for a run. My motivation takes a dive. However, I do prefer walking versus taking the boat or monorail when we are staying at YC/BW/BC or BLT.

Trying to get MP review up tonight.

What a great idea....perfect portion sizes.....I know what we're having next time! Thanks for the suggestions

It's a great option if you are not that hungry. I'm looking to see what other kid size portions they have as well next time.

No, you definitely get the cherry.

yay!

 

[emmysmommy]

Bonus Content: Not Previously Shared in the Live Dining Thread

Day 6: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 - Club Level Evening Appetizers​

Inserting a bonus section here that wasn’t included in my live dining review. We partook of some evening appetizers since we had an 8 hour gap between meals. (And you don't know that I snuck in a little snack from DHS earlier but that's not been revealed yet...)

The Regatta Club lounge had out an assortment of crudités, potstickers and some type of meat pastry, PB&J, apple slices with caramel, cheeses, dried fruit, crackers and bread points, hummus, tomato & mozzarella salad, olives, and some unidentifiable tomato dish in cups. There were a selection of wines; a chardonnay, zinfandel, pinot noir, and merlot.

I stuck with the crudités and dip since I didn’t want to spoil my appetite for dinner while Em sampled a few of the hot and cold items.

See?

Rolls

PB&J and caramel cups

Apple slices (goes with caramel dip)

Honestly, no idea!

Hot appetizers: Potstickers and some meat pastry with chili sauce - I believe. I can't swear by it.

See? Chili sauce at least:

Cheese

Veggie options

Partnered with cheese these things are great!

Tomato/Mozzarella salad

Olives

Wine selections

Em's plate

My plate

I was pretty pleased that we were able to squeeze in some evening appetizers during this part of our stay. We didn't make it back to the lounge in the evening so this is all that I have to offer as far as that part of the CL food experience.

This was the perfect way to get beyond that pre dinner hump.

Next Up: Monsieur Paul - truly, no more holding out!

​

 

[emmysmommy]

Day 6: Wednesday August 21, 2013 - Monsieur Paul Dinner

This was one of the eight new restaurants/dining experiences for us this trip. Monsieur Paul underwent a remodel in 2012 as well as a name change from Bistro de Paris so I was looking forward to seeing a fresh new look. We had booked an ADR here only a few weeks before our trip when I kept seeing some decent reviews here on the dining boards popping up. My only concern regarding dining here was I didn’t want them foisting any snails on me while unaware. An irrational concern you say? It could happen.

Due to a bit of a rain dilemma we arrived about 15 minutes past our reservation time. (Wait for this in my TR because it was a series of comedic events that lead to us being late!) However, it didn’t appear to bother the French hostess as much as me since she seemed to accept my apology with a smile. She asked if we would follow her up the curving staircase and I responded “wee” to which she showed me the loo. Wait, no! I’m trying to converse in her native language, not needing to pee!! (oops!)

When we were escorted through the dining room we passed by Philippe (Restaurant Manager) to whom I smiled and gave a little finger wave. Readers new to my DR will have to read here to get the context for my interaction with Philippe during our trip earlier in the year which resulted in him forcing a glass of champagne on me!! This was sure to be interesting!

We were seated at a 4-top table near the windows. This restaurant was stunningly beautiful! Seriously, such gorgeous décor. The hand painted ceilings with beautiful pendant chandeliers (the glass bubble ones were especially handsome) and the aubergine and gold velvety upholstery for the banquette seating were so perfectly done. The white linen cloth draped tables had adorable chef jacket folded napkins set out.

Restaurant décor:

Table-scape with chef jacket napkins:

Poor lighting didn't help get good menu photos but let's try this

Nicolaus was our fabulous server who did an excellent job. We were started with water – a choice of sparkling, mineral, bottled, or Florida’s finest tap water – I’m no water snob so tap is fine. I also ordered a mimosa.

Monsieur Paul’s finest Mimosa ($9.95):​

So what about the food… that’s why you’re reading, n’est ce pas?
We were presented with an amuse bouche which was a cheesy puff biscuit called a Gougère. I wish I could describe this more than it being simply a dry, flavorless airy little choux pastry puff. There’s really not much to them so if you are looking for a delightfully flavorful morsel from the chef, this isn’t it. However, on the positive side, they didn’t serve an amuse bouche of escargot so I avoided that catastrophe.

Gougère – Amuse Bouche​

What does this look like inside you ask?

Practically nothing. Don't look for these things to fill you up!

We were practically dining alone!

The bread service followed… the four varieties were elegantly presented in a wire basket atop a silver tray and served by the bread matron, err, mademoiselle with silver tongs. Very swanky! Em chose the mushroom bacon roll (seriously, that was an option) while I opted for the poppy seed twist. They also had traditional French baguettes and whole grain rolls. The poppy seed roll was simply marvelous slathered in butter. We’re off to a great start if we measure this place simply by the dinner rolls.

Assortment of baguettes and dinner rolls:

Mushroom Bacon roll

Poppy-seed twist

Moving on to our appetizer and entrée choices. Em opted for the mixed green Roquefort and pear salad which we ended up sharing since it was a rather large portion. I ordered the mushroom crusted beef tenderloin (medium rare) while Em chose the red snapper.

The salad arrived with a big chunk of Roquefort and an abundance of walnuts and pear slices. The savory from the cheese with the sweet from the pears and the nuttiness of the walnuts made this an amazing salad! It was perfect for sharing but I wouldn’t have minded her not liking it and leaving it to me to devour.

Mixed Green Salad with Roquefort cheese, pear, and caramelized walnuts ($15)​

Speaking of devouring, we had finished off our rolls and the bread gal came back around and this time I chose a whole grain roll. Although not as good as the poppy seed twist, it was delectable.

Whole grain roll

More décor

Apparently I have too many photos to share for this dining experience so this will go to a part 2.

Monsieur Paul Part 2 Next

​

 

[emmysmommy]

Day 6: August 21, 2013 - Monsieur Paul Dinner Part 2

About this time Philippe came over to welcome us and say hi. He remembered me from February (apparently I have a reputation now!) and recalled that we met (or whatever the French word for argued is) at Chefs de France, not here at Monsieur Paul. Exactly. We chatted briefly and then Nicolaus showed up with some champagne and club soda cocktail that was compliments of Philippe. Still trying to make me feel better with champagne I see!! He said the name of the drink probably 3 times and I still cant recall what it was. However, it was pretty tasty. Here's a short video of me introducing the cocktail... wish I knew what this was called.

Un-named French champagne cocktail peace offering:

Our entrees were delivered around the time that Illuminations started. Although we were not next to a window we could see the reflections of the fireworks against the windows.

Red Snapper in potato scales with braised fennel and rosemary sauce ($41)​

Ems red snapper was a work of art! The potato was artfully arranged as the scales of the fish and broiled to crispy golden perfection. (They do this at Flying Fish to, no?) The fish was presented with a puddle of rosemary sauce that was beautifully presented in a pattern that resembled rosemary. Yeah?
Em LOVED this dish. It was perfectly moist and flaky. She didnt eat the entire dish but it wasnt for lack of flavor.

Grilled Beef Tenderloin with mushroom crust, mashed potatoes, and Bordelaise sauce ($43)

My filet was topped with a thin mushroom crust and served with bordelaise sauce. Stunning presentations! They definitely take pride in their food here. The mashed potatoes that are served with the tenderloin were in a crock resembling a cappuccino with the truffle foam.

The filet was perfectly cooked medium rare and very tender and flavorful. The mushroom crust resembled a pate consistency but had a very mild flavor. For anyone that is not a mushroom fan I would say that the taste is not noticeable but I suppose if you were really worried you could ask for it to be served without it or scrape it off.

Im not a big fan of truffle flavor so I ate some of the mashed potatoes but left most of them. I would definitely have preferred a pile of good old fashioned mashed potatoes with tons of butter and cream but this was a fancy French restaurant so I ignored that fact.

Although I only finished about ½ of my filet I was trying to figure out how I could box it and take it with me but the reality was that I wouldnt be digging back in so I said au revoir to the remains of my meal.

Both entrees:

We were presented with dessert menus but I was too full to consider any of the options although I saw a meringue dish that interested me. In the end since Em ordered something heavy on the chocolate I just passed since we wouldnt be sharing. (Yeah, now Im back to not liking the chocolate! Confused from my earlier 50s PT dessert??)

So what exactly did Em order? It was the chocolate bar or la barre au chocolat, as the menu puts it, in its native French vernacular. I wasnt paying attention when Em ordered so when this arrived I asked Em what it was and she said a chocolate bar. What? Thats some fancy bar. It even has a gold leaf.

La barre au chocolat: Flourless chocolate cake, praline crunch, chocolate passion fruit ganache, chocolate mousse and ice cream ($13)

I would have asked Em what she thought of the chocolat barre; however, Nicolaus also brought a second dessert  the meringue I had eyed and set it in front of me and along with Philippes business card and declared that it was compliments of Philippe. That Frenchman was definitely redeeming himself! This creation was magnificent. It didnt matter that I was so full from dinner, I had to consume as much as possible after that first delicious bite. Perfection!

Le Vacherin: Meringue, vanilla ice-cream, Chantilly, raspberry coulis & sorbet ($13)​

I wonder if I can call Philippe and reserve my glass of champagne for the next trip now??

During this meal we declared that we had found a new favorite restaurant at WDW. Everything in total about this dining experience had been excellent. We used our TiW and saved nearly $25 on the bill.

Before leaving the restaurant we chatted with Philippe again and he gave us a mini tour of the restaurant and explained the various photos and their significance. Bistro de Paris was renamed Monsieur Paul for famed French Chef Paul Bocuse. His son, Jerome, now oversees the restaurant operations; however, Chef Pauls photos and signature dishes are highlighted in the restaurant.

Philippe even welcomed a photo with the woman who dared call him rude. (Reference to last trip  for the record, my quote was actually, why do you have to be so rude? ) I thanked Philippe for his hospitality and shared that we enjoyed our dining experience. I reached out to shake his hand and the Frenchman actually kissed my hand. Oh my! Weve really progressed in our relationship. With final good-byes he gave us both a kiss on both cheeks and we parted ways.

BFFs with the portrait of Chef Paul:
You can bet that well return. Chefs de France is a long-time favorite and now this Signature restaurant in the France pavilion is also a must do.

Adding post dinner video: Here

Next Up: Yacht Club - CL Breakfast
​

 

[jmm476]

Wow Monsieur Paul looks amazing! And you really made an impression on the manager... Drink and dessert?! Sounds like a terrific night and looking forward to your TR to hear why you were late.

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[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

I haven't been on the dining board in ages, but your review of Monseiour Paul has brought be out of my hibernation! Excellent, excellent!

 

[teekathepony]

Ok seriously, I'm living under a Dis-rock apparently because when you said you were eating at Monsieur Paul I wracked my brain trying to figure out where that was. Knew Bistro was having a makeover but didn't know about the name change!
I must admit that for a beautiful, classy, fancy dinner, I laughed my way through the report at the many efforts of Phillippe to make it up to you for last time!
Besides the gifts, dinner looks absolutely wonderful. It's so beautiful inside! Love those chandeliers!

 

[vettegirl]

Brenda your are famous wherever you go at WDW! The pics of the CL offerings are exactly what we had the BC last month. Again I thought the spread was quite good. MP looks like a dream dinner. For my next big trip, whenever that may be, I think we are going to have to try this place.

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