7 days DXDDP Mom and son trip Just back 8/23

[Prosaic nation]

Kouzzina seems very hit or miss. We have a diner there planned in October, but I'm getting worried. As for your son's choice, is that the complete plate? My 4 year-old would not have enough with two little waffles and a little bowl of fruit. I know my 3 boys are big breakfast eaters, but jeez, that plate seems skimpy.

Yes that is the complete breakfast. The bakery "snack" breakfast was much more filling for much less $$$

 

[auntfrannie]

Your breakfast experience at Kouzzina's was exactly the same as mine! Empty restaurant, told to wait, lousy table, poor service, and mediocre food. I had the stack and was not impressed at all!

Given my own experience and the hit or miss reviews I hear from others, it's not on my list to return any time soon. There are far better places rather than taking a chance at Kouzzina's again.

 

[Prosaic nation]

auntfrannie- I am sorry you had the same experience. It was very disappointing!

After we had cruised Epcot for a while we headed over to Tutto Italia. This seems to be much less popular for lunch than its neighbor via Napoli.
to start they brought some wonderful focacia and some not so good olives to the table.

There was nothing wrong with the olives but they were pretty bland.
Anyhow I asked if I could get one of the italian sodas listed (aranciata I think?) and she said no. Then I asked if they could do the appetizer combo for one and she said no that they were "already made" Now maybe something was lost in the translation there but that seemed weird to me. There were only three tables occupied, it didnt seem like it would have been that big a deal. No problem though, I ordered the calamari.

It was light and crispy and came with a very spicy marinara which was actually quite delicious.

The calamari was not greasy and the coating was excellent and not at all heavy. Unfortunately the tubes were cut very large and ended up being a tad on the rubbery side. Not terrible by any means but not great enough to finish them. There were also no legs (boo!)
Son had the fresh fruit cup

It was fresh and cold and had a perfect raspberry in there he let me have.
For his meal he ordered the kids spaghetti and meatballs.

He really enjoyed this but barely made a dent in the generous portion.
I had the Scaloppini Di Pollo - chicken scaloppini, white asparagus, lemon, capers

This was really quite good. A couple of things kept it from being excellent. the sauce needed a more pronounced tang from either the lemon or the caper. It was velvety and smooth witout being too heavy but needed just a little oomph. The chicken was cooked perfectly and melt in your mouth tender but one peice had some gristle. Like that part at the top of the breast where the tender is. Yuck. This should and could have been easily just trimmed away before cooking. I could have overlooked it but it was about a third of the cutlet. Bummer. Overall though I would say this was a really really wonderful dish. Filling enough without feeling like you were being stuffed as is the case with a lot of italian dishes. Even the sauce wasnt too heavy handed. The asparagus was perfection! I prefer green asparagus but this preperation made my a believer in its ghostly cousin.

Then it was time for desert!
This will surprise you but I really really liked my desert here and almost ate the whole thing!

This was Pistachio panna cotta. It was delightful! The rasberries tasted like someone had just picked them out back! Raspberries can be off so easily so it really impressed me how fresh and firm and rich they were. The garnish of nut I would not get again. It detracted from the texture of the panna cotta which was silky and sublime. Panna cotta can easily go one of two ways. Overly rich into pudding and mousse territory or practically tasteless like gelatin with skim milk. This was neither. It was perfect!
My son had a sundae (what?!)

He told me it tasted like icecream Apparently he didnt know what gelato was before he ordered it. He loved it.

This was a beautiful restaurant, the service was good if a bit curt. I chalk it up to cultural differences. Aside from a few little tweaks I thought the food was excellent. It did seem to be a more formal environment so I am not sure how great it would be for very young children.

 

[Prosaic nation]

Now I did not originally have a reservation for Le Cellier but as I was canceling all our other breakfasts (after the Kouzzina disaster) I was looking for more signature restaurants to add. It seems the reservations for signatures open up right before the 24 hour cancelation window. I don't know why a ton of people hold on to the reservations until the last minute but we had no problem getting reservations for any signiture if we just checked the day before. Even a 7pm at V&A was available during our stay which I would have loved but did not think appropriate for an eight year old. So I snapped up a 7pm at le cellier and off we went.

I will apologise in advance for these pictures. The lighting in there is dreadful! We were also crammed into a tiny table in the middle of the room with no place to spread out. Our table was completely full. I know Le Cellier has haters and lovers but for us we had (like france) some very high highs and some very (almost disasterous!) lows.

We started with the bread, we enjoyed the pretzels totally.

Now our server told us my son could get a milk shake for his 'drink' BIG MISTAKE! This picture shows his shake and his soup starter. He did not care for the soup so I tried it and didn't care for it either. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

I ordered the Carpaccio because I knew I would not be ordering a steak.

Here is what I have to say about this. Go get it. I won't judge you if you lick your plate. It was like eating a plate of butter, if butter was steak flavored and garnished with salty capers and cheese. That doesnt sound good but it was. So good. Tuna three ways good. Maybe I just like raw things. Or maybe I just like amazing ingredients prepared expertly. Either way. Yum.

and then....

this picture was taken about thirty second before I had to run around the table and hold up my napkin for my son to spit his food into because I was afraid he was going to barf on the table. He actually hated the steak so much it made him gag. Repeatedly. With a stomach full of milkshake and soft pretzel. He said it tasted like eating charcoal. I ordered his steak medium which it was but doesnt explain why it was entirely charcoal on the outside. Some people like that charred flavor but it certainly didnt agree with him! Actually I am pretty sure that is a carcinogen but dont quote me on that.

My food was better- the lamb

This was a huge portion but unfortunately was not well trimmed at all. I would think in a steak house they would trim their chops properly. It would have resulted in a much smaller portion which would have been totally fine with me. Otherwise this dish was excellent! The meat was rich and juicy without being the least bit gamey. The vegetables were perfect. I cant remember exactly but I think the puree was potato and another veg? It was good if a bit salty. Really the whole dish went really well together. It was fantastic.

So son didnt want anything else to eat after the steak catasrophe but I made him order the chocolate moose.

He managed about two small bites.
I ordered the Maple Creme Brulee

Aside from that chocolate garnish (duh!) this was incredible! The Maple flavor was so cool, pure and rich I started thinking about apple picking and pumpkin patches and leaf piles and wool sweaters. I am not kidding. This desert actually set off a series of emotions inside of me. That doesnt happen very often! The crackle of caramel on top shattered like glass and I closed my eyes and dreamed of snuggling by bonfires wrapped up in old quilts.
Ok so that is a bit dramatic but this was bar none the best creme brulee I have ever had and I usually hate when people debase a traditional recipe.

I wasnt keen on our table or the fatty chunks on the lamb or my sons steak but otherwise I think think they hit it out of the park here. I wouldnt rush back here first as I am just not a big meat eater but I would certainly go again!

 

[Prosaic nation]

We had lunch at Sanaa after a super hot and crowded morning at AK. The restaurant was so peaceful and cool and the view of the animals was fantastic. My son also loved watching cartoons in the lobby with the other guests.
We had an uninvited but welcome guest

African Crane. I want to say the server called him Jamal?

This restaurant was very easy to get a reservation for the quality of the food. I imagine it is the out of the way location that keeps it from filling up because the food is delicious with something for everyone.

We started with the bread service which is counted as an appetizer
Naan, Onion Kulcha, Paneer Paratha

The naan, on top, was the best of the bunch which aparently I should have clued in to as the tables around us all ordered the naan times three.

We got the Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, and Tamarind Chutney
They were all good and my son enjoyed them all as well. I heard others raving about the hummus at another table so I am guessing that is a safe bet as well. I used the sambal to spice up my main dish as well.

Beef Short Ribs and Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce
They were excellent if a bit mild. The sambal spiced them right up. I would try somthing different next time as there are so many interesting choices in this category. Also saw someone enjoying the tandori chicken which looked so good it almost made me regret my choice. Almost.
Son got the kids pizza which is prepared on naan with a starter of apple slices. He loved it.

For desert he got the kids ice cream sandwich which he scarfed right down.

I got the Dessert Trio - Chocolate Cake, Tropical Fruit Kulfi, and Chai Cream

The best part for me was the fruit kulfi (coconut milk ice cream) It was sweet but not overly so and had an amazing clean fruit flavor. The chai cream was good but didnt live up to some of the other cream type deserts I had had (maple creme brulee and pistachio panna cotta)

I wouldnt hesitate to return to sanaa for lunch or dinner. The food was great, the service was excellent and the view, just out of this world.

 

[Prosaic nation]

We came to flying fish after relaxing in the room for a while. It is right under the BWI so it couldnt have been more convenient for us as guests of the hotel.
I dont know why this place isnt as booked up as the California grill. Smaller menu maybe? The food is excellent. The service was exceptional and the ambiance was as lively and exciting as the california grill was laid back.

We made our first right move when we walked in. I saw some people getting up from the chef's counter and requsted seats there. They quickly cleared things up and we were placed before the oak fire grill (behind glass). Wow! It was amazing watching these people work! They dont stop moving at all between 7-9. Not for a second. We could see the plate/ veg prep, the wood fired grill and the risotto station right in front of us.

Our sever (bonnie?) also works behind the bar. She had an extensive knowledge of the menu and the wines. They offer some great (generous!) wine flights here which is always nice when trying to find a new favorite.
Son started with the salad

He enjoyed it all (except the tomatoes, we're working on it...) I made him eat one anyway.
I started with the mussels on Bonnie's recommendation. Fennel, Chiles, Pesto Crema, and Ciabatta Crostini

They were excellent. I have high expectations when it comes to mussels as they are fresh and abdundant where we live. These were not the best I have ever had but the preparation was quite good. My favorite part is always the broth which was spicy and delicious. I have had the fennel combo plenty of times but the pesto crema was new for me. I would certainly try to recreate this at home. Sometimes you will find some grit, but there was none here. I was surprised they were not debearded as that is pretty standard but it didnt detract too much from the overall dish.
For dinner son had the Mickey pasta alfredo.

I actually saw one of the chefs preparing the kids pasta which was nice. Nice to know they werent just nuking it in the back. Unfortunately this wasnt great. It had very little flavor and the pasta was overcooked. He ate some of it.
I had the cobia. This is local and we can't get it where we come from. Bonnie and I discussed it as I also wanted to try the steak but she said you can get the steak any old time. The shrimp are carribean but that wasnt really the point of the meal.

Cue the angels! This was a phenominal dish. Baby vegetables cooked to perfection. The freshest sweetest fish cooked just right. The sauce was light and rich at the same time and it had no starch pile! There was a substantial portion of shrimp as well that were a tasty but unnecessary addition. This also had baby beets which I don't care for at all but I even ate about half of them. There was nothing but a beet or two left on this plate.
For desert son had Mickey's Cauldren

He enjoyed this fun desert.
I had Caramelized Banana Napoleon - crisp phyllo, banana mousse, creme caramel, exotic fruit coulis and bitter chocolate-

Cue angels again! This was superb. The flan layer, the crispy Phyllo, the caramel banana. Out of this world.

Our overall experience here was so good we went right to the hostess on the way out and reserved our seats at the counter for the next night. My only regret is that we didnt reserve it for the next two nights!

 

[vettegirl]

Thank you so much for your review of FF, it is on my WDW bucket list.

 

[butiflfeet]

I'll have to request a seat at the chef's counter when we're at Flying Fish in January. Could you tell me how many people can sit there? Its either going to be just DH and I or my sister and my mom may join us. We've enjoyed a meal at Flying Fish a number of times but I've never sat at the chef's counter

 

[Prosaic nation]

Vette girl, we loved the flying fish. It was a really fun atmosphere being at the boardwalk and the food was superb.

butiflfeet- I think the counter will seat seven or eight in a row but I never saw more than six seated there. It also turns a corner where there are two more seats which was kind of being in the action but a little private as well.
They don't seat the whole counter if you are having the wine dinner as they don't sit anyone in front of the fire for that. I sat there and it wasnt bad but the wine dinner will often last more than three hours and they think it is too hot to put anyone there. The second time we ate at the counter chef Tim Keating sent out an amuse bouche and came out and discussed the menu with me. It was fabulous.

Just to be clear, we were not having the wine dinner but had VIP treatment none the less. We were seated the second night with people enjoying the wine dinner and it looked like an amazing experience.

 

[kelleigh1]

So excited about Flying g Fish! That is our arrival night dinner. I'm going g to have to remember to see if we can sit at counter since it's just hubby and I.

 

[sydneysmom]

Thank you so much for your review of FF, it is on my WDW bucket list.

OH!!! it is SOOOOO worth going to Flying Fish!! that was one of our favorites! We got the potato wrapped snapper and if I could have licked my plate right there in the restaurant, I would have. it was THAT good!

 

[Prosaic nation]

Initially this was going to be a magic kingdom day with lunch at Kona but my son decided he pretty much had to watch Muppet Vision 3D nine hundred times in seven days. So off to HWS we went again.
We got a reservation that morning no problem. This place was PACKED! Seriously packed.
It had some fun theming going on. Cute.

Our server was attentive and professoinal. I didn't feel like we ever wanted for anything.
We were offered bread to start which was really warm and yummy.

Son started with the veggie dippers

And got the pizza

Both of which he enjoyed and ate every bit of. I just asked him out of Mama. Cali Grill and Sanaa, which pizza was the best. He said Cali Grill. He said Cali Grill also had the best salad.
I started with the clams

I was a little sceptical when I saw them. But I was wrong. They had a fantastic garlicky, herb flavor. They were a bit overcooked but not by much. I imagine its nearly impossible not to overcook them in the wood fired oven. The bread was positively soaked with oil so I skipped that. It wasnt necessary anyhow as there was no broth to this dish. One big no no however. There was one clam unopened on my plate. Now I dont know how general knowledge it is but I know better than to eat such a thing. Some people may not be aware that you should never eat a clam that doesnt readily open with its mates as you will be at serious risk for food poisoning. Not a big deal for me but it should never have been served. I do want to reiterate that this dish had fantastic flavor. I would not be surprised if this was one of their most popular aps.
Then I had the fish piccata. The server said it was mahi mahi.

The fish was cooked perfectly and was mild and delicious. The sauce (like Tutto) was lacking any oomph. In fact this sauce was almost nondescript. smooth like cornstarch slurry without any pronounced flavor. They serve it with whole wheat pasta which needs a robust sauce. I ate all the fish and a few bites of pasta. That was enough for me anyhow. The clams were surprisingly filling. (or maybe it was the yummy bread!)
For desert my son got the spaghetti and meatball cupcake

That thing was a work of art! Suffice to say it looked better than it tasted (how could it not?) but he enjoyed a couple of bites.
I went with the chocolate cheesecake.

Which was tasty. It had ameretti cookies on it which was a nice flavor element. Unfortunately they were soggy like the crust. Didnt ruin it for me though, I thought the cheesecake was good and not too sweet.

This was a good pick for a themepark lunch. It was totally packed so obviously a fan favorite.

 

[Prosaic nation]

Man did I enjoy the flying fish. I wish we had eaten here earlier in the week. I probably would have moved around more things than I did to accomodate another meal here.
First some pictures of the ambiance.

This is some people having the wine dinner

Looked like a good time!
Here is one of the Chefs at work right in front of us

He is laughing because he just realized I was taking pictures of him. I didnt mean to distract him from his work. He was a really good sport.

We were greeted warmly and had the same server as the night before. An amuse bouche was brought right over
His

mine

This was Gaspacho with strawberries and basil. What a refreshing and unexpected start! The tomatoes and strawberries had an almost uniform sweetness with acid from the tomatoes and the herbal sweetness of the basil. I never would have thought this would work but it did!
Next son had the salad same as last time and I had the tuna tempura thingy

This was interesting and I enjoyed parts of it but overall it didnt work for me and I didnt finsh it. The heat on the roll? I dont know, it changed the texture of the rice to a not good place. The tuna on top I enjoyed but not nearly as much as the tuna three ways from Cali grill. Obviously this had a lot to live up to but sadly this was a fail for me.
After reviewing the menu, the chef came out and we had a little chat. It was truly nice talking to him in person. I love talking to people passionate about their food and I got a chance to compliment him on the amuse.
In the end Bonnie remembered that I wanted the steak but they had gone and made another version of the cobia again and I just couldnt resist.
Salsify, watercress and a variety of exotic mushrooms. Seriously!

Phenomenal. I just dont know what else to say. Perfection.
I guess my advice is to see what the special local whatever is and just order it. They seem to have fun with these dishes as opposed to cranking out steak after steak.
My son wanted Grilled cheese despite me trying to convince him otherwise but he really enjoyed it.

With lots of ketchup.
for desert he got the Mickey Puzzle

He had a lot of fun with this.
I got the chocolate Mousse with bacon. candied smokey bacon, Havana torte, chocolate almond streusel and vanilla anglaise
because it was chocolate and bacon.

I didnt really care for it but I was really just more curious than anything. Had I still been hungry I would have ordered the banana napolean again as it was delicious.

Another fantastic night at the flying fish. These dinners were about two and a half hours+ but we were totally enthralled the whole time. Between meeting some of our neighbors, chatting with Bonnie, dishing with the chef and watching the kitchen the night flew by.

 

[disneyquilter]

Loving every minute of your reviews. Your pictures are beautiful and you have a wonderfully candid way of describing your experiences. Looking forward to more!!

 

[DsnyMama]

Wonderful reviews!!

 

[dixonsontour]

Enjoying your reviews and photos

 

[susieq76]

Fabulous reviews and photos!!!!

 

[starousse]

Ooh, that Tuna tempura roll app from Flying Fish. Yum!!! Best app of the trip. Can't wait to have it again in December.

 

[aubreysmom09]

Great Reviews! Your review actually helped me pick a place I wasn't sure of.

 

[disnut1149]

Hi
I love your reviews!! They're so detailed and the pics are great. Thanks!!