A free dining, steak-filled Sept. food extravaganza! Final post, 10/25!

[emmysmommy]

Hi Kylie! I'm finally subscribing.

Sounds like an awesome start with a 9 and a 10 rating for your first two meals!

I'm not a fish fan but I would try the scallops at Cookes. Looks like a fun place to eat.

I so love your choices at Biergarten. It's been a contender since 2006 and I've still never been. (Truth be told, I owe my DH a meal at Biergarten since I walked away from eating there 8 years ago.)

I'm so curious about the pretzel bread since I love Le Cellier's bread. Everything just looks so good. And your 10 rating has me wanting to try it more than ever.

That mug for the soda looks like some I have at home.

Great start to your reviews!!

 

[vettegirl]

Great start to your DR. You had great meals at two of my all time favorites. Also love the pic of the beer in Epcot, looks delicious.

 

[RGirl]

Joining in!

Cooke's sounds like so much fun! And I am always intrigued with Biergarten - it seems like almost everyone has a great experience there.

 

[klacey1]

Yes, you must finish this dining review because I will be eagerly anticipating the whole thing!

I haven't tried Cookes yet - but it looks delicious! Battered anything sounds great Earl of Sandwich is our current favorite place to grab a quick bite in DTD.

Thanks for the Biergarten review! I've also been debating whether or not I'd like it. I feel the same way you do about buffets, and like Zach I don't like sauerkraut! But your review is making me feel better about trying it some day! I've actually been talking about a hypothetical (as of now) trip with my brother and I'm wondering if he'd like it. He is super, super picky, but he loves beer and is really into our German heritage. It sounds like the only thing he would eat is the pretzel rolls and the dessert. Did you happen to notice if there was a kids section of the buffet? With maybe french fries and stuff? It might be worth taking him there just for the atmosphere as long as there's enough that he will eat

I agree on the battered anything is amazing-- especially the batter they use! It's a secret, which stinks, because Zach and I really want to replicate it at home.
There's no real kids section with chicken tenders, fries, etc., but they do have that amazing mac and cheese! Zach is very picky and he found a lot he liked, though! I think it's definitely worth a try, especially if he loves beer!

Your meals look yummy!!

I LOVE scallops also, so that makes me want to try cooks even more!!!

eww to greasy cookies

I am so glad you had a great time and meal at biergarten!!! I knew you were kinda worried about it!

Yay for having good tablemates!! I would be very nervous over whom we'd get if we ate there!

Your meals looked amazing though!!! Making my mouth water!!

If you love scallops, you HAVE to try Cooke's! I was worried about Biergarten, so I'm thrilled it went so well. I'm so glad I switched from Rose and Crown to here!

Following along!

Welcome!!

I'm in!! Can't wait to read more! So glad you guys had a great time at Biergarten! My DH loved the strudel too!!

Thanks for joining in! That strudel was the bomb!

I had the Altenmunster Oktoberfest, too.

Ahhh, this picture is making me homesick for the World!!

Hooray for dining reviews!! I'm so glad you did one! I need to do it as well!

I'm so glad you love Biergarten...it is a must do for all my favorite Dis-friends it feels like! We had a great time there! The beer was so good and I love your thorough descriptions!

I would love if you did a dining report!! I think Biergarten is perfect for any family/group of people, but I think going with a big group of friends would be so much fun!!

Great reviews. Want to go to Biergarten on our next trip.

Thank you!! And obviously I recommend it!

Hi Kylie! I'm finally subscribing.

Sounds like an awesome start with a 9 and a 10 rating for your first two meals!

I'm not a fish fan but I would try the scallops at Cookes. Looks like a fun place to eat.

I so love your choices at Biergarten. It's been a contender since 2006 and I've still never been. (Truth be told, I owe my DH a meal at Biergarten since I walked away from eating there 8 years ago.)

I'm so curious about the pretzel bread since I love Le Cellier's bread. Everything just looks so good. And your 10 rating has me wanting to try it more than ever.

That mug for the soda looks like some I have at home.

Great start to your reviews!!

Hi!! Glad you're here! The scallops were definitely not overly "fishy" at Cooke's. They were more just fried goodness. (What a description haha.)
I've never been to Le Cellier, but I used to work in Manhattan and would bring home pretzel rolls from Dean and Deluca, a famous bakery/deli/gourmet grocery (where Felicity worked in Felicity), and the rolls at Biergarten were just as good!!
I love those soda mugs!! Where are yours from?

Great start to your DR. You had great meals at two of my all time favorites. Also love the pic of the beer in Epcot, looks delicious.

Thank you! Cookes & Biergarten have definitely become favorites of mine now, too!
That beer was fantastic!

Joining in!

Cooke's sounds like so much fun! And I am always intrigued with Biergarten - it seems like almost everyone has a great experience there.

Welcome! Definitely give Biergarten a try-- the variety and quality is so great, I can't imagine being disappointed!

 

[klacey1]

After a morning of enjoying the best of what MK has to offer, we were starving for lunch. I had planned for us to eat at Pecos Bill due to rave reviews and the amazing taco bar, so that’s where we headed around 11:30. I was glad we ate early, as the place was really filling up by the time we left (around 12:45).
The cast member who took my order was kind of weird. I was on her left side. She took the order of the person in front of me, and then the person who was next in line, on the right, walked away, leaving only Zach & I in line. So, I said “Hi, how are you?” as I always do before giving my order. Right after the words left my mouth, someone got in line on the right side and she says to me “I NEED TO SERVE THEM FIRST.” in a really snotty tone. I mean, go right ahead, I know how their system works (right-left-right-left). No need to be so rude/dramatic about it!
I didn’t take any photos of the restaurant itself, but I really, really liked it! I liked that the bathrooms were inside and that half was Fronteirland themed and half was Adventureland. Tables at 11:30 were plentiful and it was a great break in the AC, out of the sun.
Anyway, it only took about two minutes to get our food after we ordered. We both got soda (diet for me, regular for Zach), taco salads, and chocolate cake for dessert. After we scored a table, I went back up to load up my salad with mushrooms, cheese, cheese sauce, and onions. Zach stuck with just onions.
I took the photo after mixing everything up, so sorry that this is so unappetizing looking!

We both loved this! Since Zach only put onions in his bowl, his only complaint was that he wished he could get more meat. I had intended to ask (and pay) for extra meat, knowing that they don’t give you a lot, but after how weird the cast member was, I decided to stick with a traditional order. The meat was hot and flavorful without being too spicy for the average person. The tortilla bowl was surprisingly hot, crispy, and not too greasy. I got some salsa from the toppings bar to eat with the edges.
So I know this cake has a lot of haters, but Zach and I are big fans! We get it pretty much everywhere it’s offered as a dessert and love it! It’s incredibly rich, with a thick, fudgy layer of frosting. The cake part is very chocolate-y, but never dry. I never come close to finishing it, but it is the perfect sweet ending to a savory/salty meal.

We give Pecos Bill a solid 8 out of 10. We’ll definitely return the next time we’re in the MK for lunch.

 

[emmysmommy]

I had no idea that Pecos Bill was a half and half theme! I need to duck in there next time and see for myself or better yet order one of those taco salads. Pecos Bills' fixings bar is what I was confusing with Tortuga Tavern. I was wanting a full variety of toppings at TT.

I've never had the chocolate cake (not a fan of chocolate myself) but I can say that I know what you mean about wanting a sweet ending to a savory or spicy meal. That's completely me!!

Glad to know that you had a nice a/c break even if the cashier was rude and snotty.

Oh and my "Biergarten" mug... you will be so impressed... got it at .99 cent store!

 

[princess_momma]

I never realized Pecos Bills was a half and half theme either! Goodness, MK has such an abundance of delicious looking CS spots! It's hard to pick!

 

[DisneyJo]

Loving your reviews but how weird of that CM

 

[klacey1]

I had no idea that Pecos Bill was a half and half theme! I need to duck in there next time and see for myself or better yet order one of those taco salads. Pecos Bills' fixings bar is what I was confusing with Tortuga Tavern. I was wanting a full variety of toppings at TT.

I've never had the chocolate cake (not a fan of chocolate myself) but I can say that I know what you mean about wanting a sweet ending to a savory or spicy meal. That's completely me!!

Glad to know that you had a nice a/c break even if the cashier was rude and snotty.

Oh and my "Biergarten" mug... you will be so impressed... got it at .99 cent store!

It seems like they should have the full bar in Tortuga Tavern, especially when they give you such naked nachos!
Honestly, I've always found dollar stores to have great glassware! My friend has gorgeous wine glasses from one.

I never realized Pecos Bills was a half and half theme either! Goodness, MK has such an abundance of delicious looking CS spots! It's hard to pick!

I definitely read about the Pecos Bill half and half thing before this trip-- this is not something I would have noticed on my own!
Cosmic Rays was our favorite CS until they got rid of the ribs at lunch. Those were Zach's fav!

Loving your reviews but how weird of that CM

Thank you! Yeah, I'm not sure what her problem was!

 

[klacey1]

So this is a quick little review! We made a stop at the Main Street Bakery as we were leaving MK for an afternoon break. Zach is addicted to Starbucks, so he LOVED this change. I do miss the non-Starbucks pastries of the former MSB, but overall, you can find most of what they had in other spots in the park. I didn’t get anything, but Zach ordered a venti, upside down caramel macchiato. This was a FANTASTIC use of a snack credit, being that it was close or just over $5.
A funny story, between the airport Starbucks and now MSB, baristas in Florida have a lot of trouble spelling Zach. This photo shows how the cast member who served us interpreted his name:

“Sach” loved his coffee! It was made well, and they corrected interpreted his unusual request. This was not his last stop at MSB, and when the Fountainview reopened during our trip, we went there a few times, too.

 

[klacey1]

I decided to post two reviews today to make up for the fact that my last one was so short! Our dinner on our first full day was at Raglan Road! Overall, this was an okay meal, but one we probably won’t repeat. Food/service aside, I just don’t think I like being in DTD at night enough. Between my various trips in the past two years, I’ve been to DTD A LOT and I’m kind of...over it? I think I’ll always like to do DTD on our arrival day, just because it’s a nice way to ease into Disney, but I’ve hit up nearly every restaurant I want to try there. I just think I’d rather be in/near the parks for dinner on future trips.
Anyway, we we checked in at 6:45 for our 7:00 p.m. reservation and were seated immediately. Our waiter was friendly enough, but seemed to forget about us. We were seated in a corner away from the Irish dancing stage, and he was serving our entire area. He would come check on every table, except us. Therefore, we didn’t even order our entrees until 7:30. A touch annoying, but we didn’t have any other plans that night, so it was fine.
I started with the League of Nations beer flight-- Magner’s Cider (Ireland), Yuengling (Germany), Warsteiner (Germany), and my all-time favorite beer, Newcastle Brown Ale (England). I’m not sure how representative of the League of Nations this flight was, but I loved all of them! I unfortunately saved Newcastle for last, as it’s my favorite, and it was pretty lukewarm by the time I drank it. Oh well!

We also decided to pay OOP for something we had wanted at Cooke’s of Dublin-- the battered sausages known as the Dalkey Duo!

These were fantastic, and both mine and Zach’s favorite part of the meal! The sausages were piping hot and the batter was peppery and crunchy. I absolutely loved the accompanying mustard sauce; it was tangy and robust and the perfect accompaniment to the savory sausages.
Zach ordered the Serious Steak as his entree:

He thought this was only okay. Even though it was cooked to order, it was a bit forgettable. The mashed potatoes were bland. He says that if you like steak-- don’t get it at Raglan Road!
I had the Sod the Stew.

I actually liked this pretty well. It was hearty and filling and the green beans were a nice touch, especially given all of the heavy food I had been eating. The stew didn’t taste anything like Guinness and the meat was a touch chewy, but overall, it was decent.
For dessert, Zach had the Blackwell Beauty, a pear tart:

He did enjoy this. The pears were cooked perfectly and the almond crust was delicious. He’d strongly recommend this.
My dessert was my absolutely favorite of the trip, Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding:

Um, yum. This was just incredibly rich and moist, with a crispy top. The sauces were hot and sweet. I didn’t come close to finishing this, and it definitely could be shared by two or more people.
It’s funny, reading this now. We both loved our appetizer and dessert, and I did like my entree. So why won’t we go back? I think it’s a combo of not loving DTD, as well as the weird service. Zach just said he got the distinct feeling the server just wanted us to leave. We didn’t find the experience of dining welcoming or enjoyable. So, I don’t hesitate to recommend Raglan Road for the food. Hopefully you’ll have better service than we did!

 

[disneybarbie]

Subscribing!

Great updates... I've not eaten at Cookes (as you can imagine, fish & chip shops are pretty plentiful over here!) but I didn't know they served scallops.. my favourite seafood, mmm!

Never been to Germany for dinner either, but the food options look great - I'll have to add it to the 'future trips' restaurant list

I always have the taco salad at Pecos Bills too! The first time I ordered it, I didn't understand the fixings bar... so when all I was served was the taco shell & meat, I was a bit confused

That was funny about Zach's coffee cup name at Starbucks! Starbucks in the UK have only recently introduced asking for your name when you order.. my sister and I have 'coffee names' rather than giving our real names.. she is Meg (from Hercules) and I am Charlotte (from Princess & the Frog)

We've eaten at Raglan Road twice, and while the food was great - the service was too quick, one time the entrees came before the appetisers! the desserts look excellent though.


Looking forward to more!


Emma x

 

[Mrs T 2009]

LOVE Pecos Bills!! Haven't tried the yahoo salad, but looks yummy! I'm a lover of the cake as well! NEVER finish it, but it's delicious!!!
The atmosphere is great in their too!!

Never been to raglan road, but I would get annoyed over the poor service. Glad you liked most of your food there though!!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Love the reviews!

We aren't big DTD people either. I am trying to fit in a night or two on our next trip. I haven't been to DTD since 2008.

 

[klacey1]

Subscribing!

Great updates... I've not eaten at Cookes (as you can imagine, fish & chip shops are pretty plentiful over here!) but I didn't know they served scallops.. my favourite seafood, mmm!

Never been to Germany for dinner either, but the food options look great - I'll have to add it to the 'future trips' restaurant list

I always have the taco salad at Pecos Bills too! The first time I ordered it, I didn't understand the fixings bar... so when all I was served was the taco shell & meat, I was a bit confused

That was funny about Zach's coffee cup name at Starbucks! Starbucks in the UK have only recently introduced asking for your name when you order.. my sister and I have 'coffee names' rather than giving our real names.. she is Meg (from Hercules) and I am Charlotte (from Princess & the Frog)

We've eaten at Raglan Road twice, and while the food was great - the service was too quick, one time the entrees came before the appetisers! the desserts look excellent though.


Looking forward to more!


Emma x

I can definitely understand why you guys haven't gone to Cookes, but I'd definitely recommend it! Again, those scallops were FANTASTIC!
Haha, love your Starbucks names!! I usually just give my last name, as Kylie is usually too difficult for people haha.
I'd totally go back to Raglan for appetizers and dessert. Although you can get the same sausages from the Dalkey Duo at Cookes, so who knows if we'll go back?!

LOVE Pecos Bills!! Haven't tried the yahoo salad, but looks yummy! I'm a lover of the cake as well! NEVER finish it, but it's delicious!!!
The atmosphere is great in their too!!

Never been to raglan road, but I would get annoyed over the poor service. Glad you liked most of your food there though!!

Taco salad was filling and delicious-- I agree, the cake is way too rich to finish on your own!

Love the reviews!

We aren't big DTD people either. I am trying to fit in a night or two on our next trip. I haven't been to DTD since 2008.

Thanks! Wow! I think I have to go to DTD every trip, but I think just once, on arrival day for lunch, is more than enough time for us!

 

[RGirl]

Amazing how poor service can pretty close to ruin a meal, isn't it?

The food at RR does look really delicious though!

 

[klacey1]

Here’s another quick review. Writer’s Stop is our absolute favorite bakery in all of WDW. It’s usually quiet, rarely busy, and has one of my absolute favorite Disney-exclusive treats: the carrot cake cookie:



This delicious whoopie-pie like treat was SO Delicious (for breakfast. Eh hem). The cream cheese frosting was rich and sweet, and the cool, not-too-sweet “cookie” bit was the perfect contrast. I managed to eat about half of this-- it’s rich and huge. I’d definitely split this with another person.

Zach went for a more boring choice-- a chocolate chip muffin.



He found it cool (it was refrigerated) and refreshing. It wasn’t overly dense the way a lot of muffins can be. He would definitely get this again.

Writer’s Stop gets a 10 out of 10 for a relaxing atmosphere and yummy treats!

 

[klacey1]

Annnd another quickie. Lunch this day was at Pizza Planet, pretty much the only CS in DHS that we go to. We both got the pepperoni pizza with the caesar salad:



This pizza was actually a little oversauced for my liking, so it was pretty hard to eat, even with a knife and fork. However, it was hot and did the job. The salad dressing, which I found watery and flavorless last time, was actually garlic-y and creamy. The lettuce was perfectly crisp and it was a nice contrast to the pizza.

Zach had the cappuccino cupcake for dessert, and I had the chocolate chip cookie. We only took a bite each of our desserts-- we were just too full from lunch. As a tip-- the restaurant was pretty busy downstairs around 1:30, and we didn’t feel like trudging all the way upstairs, so we decided to eat outside. Even though it was incredibly hot, the AC from the inside kept our area nice and cool. No one else was outside, so it was private and quiet and relaxing, too, which is a rarity in Disney CS places!

We give Pizza Planet a 9 out of 10. Even for this pizza snob of a NYer, I find it to be solid, filling, reliable food that we’ll come back to every time we’re in DHS.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

The carrot cookie is delicious!!! Writers stop is soo quaint and relaxing

We tried pizza planet our last visit and it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. It is a very filing CS place, but worth the $$

 

[klacey1]

The carrot cookie is delicious!!! Writers stop is soo quaint and relaxing

We tried pizza planet our last visit and it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. It is a very filing CS place, but worth the $$

I know Disney pizza gets a bad rap, but I think it's really fine!