Flying Fish.
We have considered FF many times, but always opted for something else, as we are not really seafood people. But that day we have moved resorts, spent many hours at Epcot and ended up vegging out by the villas pool and hot tub and although Narcoosees did sound good, the idea of booking something just a little later to give us not only more time to relax around the pool, but to just bop across the lake for the meal was really nice. We had even considered room service for our last two deluxe credits, but we did like the idea of hitting the Boardwalk and weren't tired enough to call it a night yet.
So I went online and booked Flying Fish for an 8 ish time and we were all set.
We were seated almost immediately and I was absolutely charmed at how whimsical the restaurant was! The pillars covered with "scales", the lamps shaped like fish hooks hanging from the ceiling, the ferris wheels with fish - all were so subtle and charming! We also loved how the "stars" on the ceiling changed colors.
I had always imagined FF to be a bit stuffy and formal and had actually thought it would be a lot more like Citricos was, but I was very wrong. Our server was extremely friendly and easygoing and the whole atmosphere seemed fun, laid back and comfortable.
We started with some very good bread and butter:
DS decided on the fruit kabobs and yogurt dip for his starter. He loved this and it was really a cute presentation:
DH chose the crab cake (Our Signature Flying Fish Cafe "Crispy Maine Coast Jonah Crab Cake" - Savory Vegetable Slaw, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis, and Ancho Chile Rémoulade) - this was enormous and seemed to have virtually no filler in it - all crab. The red sauce on the plate had a very nice spicy kick to it and we both like this very much. Sorry about the photo - it was sundown and the lighting was very pretty, but not the best for no flash photos.
I chose the shrimp cocktail and I will rely on allears for the description: Floribbean Wild Gulf Shrimp Cocktail - Ruby Grapefruit, Blood Oranges, Winter Radishes, Hearts of Palm, Sauce Verde, and Piqaunt Mango-Mojo Emulsion
This was so very good...! The flavors together were just perfect. The shrimp I had at Citricos had been rubber ball like (but very flavorful and still very good!) but these were just perfect. The combination of the sauce, the vegetables and the citrus was absolutely amazing. DH also enjoyed this and we felt our starters made being on the DDx this time absolutely worth it.
DS had enjoyed enough steak by this time on the trip and was beginning to feel mac and cheese deprivation (despite the huge platefuls at Cape May...). He mourns the Mickeyroni and cheese at Spoodles so he was thrilled to see he had the option of cheddar cheese sauce on Mickey pasta for dinner. He ate every bite:
For DH and I, there was no question what we'd be ordering...the NY Strip: Our Signature Flying Fish Café "Char-crusted Certified Black Angus New York Strip Steak" - Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Root Vegetables, and Pole Beans, with Classic Sauce Foyot
as presented:
After moving steak off the vegetables:
This was, hands down, the best meal I had the entire trip. The steak was charred and spiced well yet still a perfect medium rare. Our server explained how they did it to DH and we hope to try at home (marinated in olive oil, grilled quickly on VERY high heat, etc). The sauce is very close to a bearnaise, which we both love. DH says The Wave's filet just barely edges this out, but I loved this meal.
For dessert, DH had already decided on the cupcake and white chocolate puzzle, which he loved:
DH ordered the Sinful Flourless Dark Chocolate Creation - Morello Cherry Compote, Riesling and Cherry Geleé, with Chocolate Accentuations
The gelees were very strange looking - like cubes of jello - but DH liked the cherry ones (as did I) and I loved the Riesling. Clear, solid and flavored like one of my favorite wines....
The cake was incredibly rich and although I had some, I think DH left almost half. VERY good!
I opted for A Trio Celebration of Florida Sweet Peaches - White Chocolate and White Peach Créme Brulée, Schnapps and Cardamom-scented Torta, Ginger-laced Peach Compote, Peach-Almond Cobbler, and Almond Gelato
The presentation was wonderful and the desserts were excellent as well. Taken one at a time:
The Peach-Almond Cobbler, and Almond Gelato:
My favorite of the three - this was like an old fashioned peach cobbler with creamy, melty ice cream. DH and I both loved it.
Schnapps and Cardamom-scented Torta, Ginger-laced Peach Compote:
Very pretty and okay tasting - probably my least favorite of the three, but still very good. The cake itself was a little dry and needed more of the schnapps or something
White Chocolate and White Peach Créme Brulée:
This was very good - but I do love creme brulees. Not too sweet, just perfect. Although I wasn't crazy about the peaches on top.
Overall, this meal was just wonderful - we were in no hurry, just sat back and enjoyed everything. We will definitely be back!