A Tipsy Tenth Dining Adventure - Completed 9/28

[suse66]

I generally steer clear from blue or green drinks, but this was better than I expected it to be. It was definitely a bit too sweet for me, but the flavors were good and boy was it potent!

Drinks with a kick are always good drinks!

For round 2 Jason stuck with his mule but I mixed it up and ordered the special “Winter Refresher” with Gin, Lemon Juice, Hibiscus Syrup, and a Sage Leaf.

So you got 1/2 a drink for full price??? Kind of like your fish at CG!

Casey’s convinced us that two sushi rolls really was just one order so she picked the California Roll - blue crab meat, avocado, cucumber – and the Spider roll – and tempura soft shell crab, spicy mayo, & asparagus.

Those look great and just what I would pick.

For my picks first up we have the Kanikama Rangoon which is krab meat (not the real stuff this time around) and cream cheese spring roll with an apricot sweet chili sauce.

I would love these too. We are still so disappointed we did not make it to Jock's or Morimoto. There just isn't enough time to do everything!

Figure this should help.

Those look great!

 

[buzzrelly]

Cause when you can drink inside a diving bell, you don’t miss that chance.

But be careful when it starts to submerge!

That's so cute! Are all the tables like that?

It was just about time for our dinner so we bid Jock’s goodbye. We’ve yet to try any food here but this is a great place to grab a drink in Disney Springs. I haven’t seen Raiders of the Lost Ark in like 20 years so the themeing is lost on me, but who doesn’t want to drink in a diving bell.

I didn't even realize this was based on ROTLA? I think they have some Tiki Mugs though, so I think Mike would like to try here someday.

We were seated right away and I’d forgotten how beautiful this restaurant is. It may even rival Flying Fish for the top honor.

Pretty

Speaking of way better, I think Casey's far off model stare is really getting good

Nailed it!

And once again, Casey has proven to have a way more adult palate than me!

A chef cooked it right at the table in a 450 degree clay pot and she explained that this is a dish Morimoto had made on an episode of Iron Chef

That's pretty cool, and the rice looks yummy…maybe the only things I'd want to try here!

Figure this should help.

Yum! Sprinkles!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Yeah for getting the dive bell seats! It’s never been open when we go there. That drink is tiny!

Your meal looks great at Morimoto. Those ribs...

 

[kastoney]

Already packed! But... now it's THIS month!!!

Oh that sounds so wonderful Down to single digits for us!!! I am SOOOO ready!

So you got 1/2 a drink for full price??? Kind of like your fish at CG!

Yep, apparently that was my lot in life on this trip.

I would love these too. We are still so disappointed we did not make it to Jock's or Morimoto. There just isn't enough time to do everything!

There certainly isn't but we'll be there later this month. We are going to have drinks and dinner with Ariella and Ariane and I cannot wait!

That's so cute! Are all the tables like that?

No they just have one like this and we lucked out it was open.

I didn't even realize this was based on ROTLA? I think they have some Tiki Mugs though, so I think Mike would like to try here someday.

You guys would definitely like it. It def has a poly like vibe and the ROTLA theming is there but only if you know it. Jock Lindey was a character in the movie for like 5 seconds so its a very odd thing to build a bar around, but fun nonetheless.

And once again, Casey has proven to have a way more adult palate than me!

Sadly this is true. I'll get ya converted one of these days

That's pretty cool, and the rice looks yummy…maybe the only things I'd want to try here!

What are we going to do with you???

Yeah for getting the dive bell seats! It’s never been open when we go there. That drink is tiny!

Your meal looks great at Morimoto. Those ribs...

Casey was thrilled to get the seat. Made making her sit through time at a bar all the easier.

Yes those ribs..... Really says it all

 

[kastoney]

The Force is Strong with This One

On our last full day we headed to MGM and took a quick ride to Tatooine before heading over to Toy Story Land.

And of course greeting our good friend Gertie along the way.

We stopped in Woody’s Lunch Box for a quick bite to eat and ended up getting a S’mores French Toast to share.

This is Marshmallow and Chocolate Ganache stuffed in Grilled Custard soaked Brioche encrusted with Graham Cracker Crumbs and boy was it sweet. I don’t like sweets in the morning, but even for my sweet tooth crew this was hard to palate. Some fruit or something to cut through it would have been much appreciated. Otherwise it was definitely shareable but I didn’t get any French toast or custard soak from it. This was all marshmallow sandwich all day.

We met up again with Ariella (@StarWarsMomofGirls!) and Su-Lynn (@chunkymonkey) at Woodys and all had slinky dog FPs together.

Casey and Gwen were thrilled to ride together, though someone who clearly hates pictures couldn't help but get in on the action.


It was great to catch up with everyone again, but too soon we split up and we headed towards Casey’s second ride on Rock n Roller coaster. While in line some French lady was in front of us who apparently had a grudge against deodorant. And well, you can imagine.

The smell (and fear) was enough to bring Casey literally to tears and the kid who liked the ride just a few days ago now refused. Despite our best efforts we eventually relinquished but she knew we weren’t happy which in turn made her more unhappy which equaled more tears. This is a rarity for her but being the caring, sympathetic mother I am you can imagine the empathy I had.

Jason ended up riding solo and commented the BO was strong with this one.

Maybe I should have been grateful not to ride.

Crying child in tow we decided this was the perfect time to try Hollywood Derby Lounge.

This face says it all.

She was not happy and us ignoring her and drinking instead did not go over well. We even asked her to take a picture of us and this is what we got back.

#ParentsOfTheYear

But onto what you are here for tipsy things! To drink Jason had an I4 IPA and I got the Spiked Sangria which is Red Wine blended with Apricot Brandy, Fruit Juices, and fresh Fruit, topped with Sprite.

I’m not always a sangria fan as it sometimes runs too sweet but the addition of brandy and some carbonation from the sprite made this delicious. I may or may not have had 3.

We ordered Casey a Shirley Temple and between the lime

And the glow cube

She was back to our usual girl.

For eats you can order from either the lounge or the restaurant menu and we ended up with a combo of the two.

First up we have their famous Cobb Salad with Finely Chopped Greens, Turkey Breast, Bacon, Egg, Tomatoes, Crumbled Blue Cheese, Avocado, Chives and Cobb Dressing.

This was an appetizer size from the lounge menu and perfect for sharing. The refreshing salad was great on a semi-warm day and all of the flavors went together impeccably well. I guess if you’ve had a recipe for 2,000 years that is bound to happen.

We also ordered the Blue Crab Crispy Wonton with Puffed Rice Noodles, Cucumber, Tomato, Ponzu Vinaigrette, and a Wasabi Aioli.

This was the only thing we really didn’t enjoy. They had used cheap crab so it was more fishy than crab tasting with very stringy pieces vice lumps. It was also filled with red peppers which I cannot stand. After eating frozen meals for lunch everyday for most of my adult life, red peppers just = cheap lean cuisine to me.

Someone’s mood continued to improve though.

Up next we have Cochinita Pibil Steamed Buns.

And so you don’t have to google it like me Cochinita is a slow roasted Mexican pork which was served with Green Tomatillo, Habanero Sauce, and Pickled Onions. There were a lot of flavors going on here so it was a bit muddled in taste, but the bun and pork were delicious and the side of tangy slaw was the highlight of the dish.

Lastly we ordered the Pork Pastrami “BLT”

This is grilled Ciabatta Roll, Whiskey Aïoli, Arugula, Watercress, Pickled Onions, Gruyère, Heirloom Tomato, and Prosciutto. The pork belly on this was incredible and exceptionally tender, but because it wasn’t crispy like bacon the whole thing was a little soggy. Don’t get me wrong I loved the whole two pieces of arugula, gruyere, and the delicious whiskey aioli but the usual crunch of a BLT was definitely missing.

While we were eating we got a visit from one of the Citizens of Hollywood who gave Casey some “money” for being from somewhere interesting

I’ll have to remember for next time that fake money, glow cubes, and citrus fruits are the way to her heart.

Wontons and grumpy Casey aside we did enjoy our trip to the lounge. I’m all about eating outside and couple that with some delicious sangria and I was sold. The food certainly didn’t feel signature quality to me, but we’d had a horrible time at HBD a few years ago so this was a bit of its redemption song. With our tables in wonderland card we saved $20.80.

Up next we park hop and jump the dining shark​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Jump the dining shark? McDonald’s? That may be part of our plan for Disneyland Paris so I can afford the chef’s table at Gordon Ramsey’s Versailles restaurant at the beginning of the trip. I mean priorities right?

Lovely lunch at Brown Derby! Too bad about the cheap crab used. Glad you had luck with everything else. My mother loves that Cobb salad! Those buns look yum.

 

[ariane37]

I think this is the first time in all your reports that I've heard of Casey crying! The BO must have been REALLY B-A-D..........

I still want to get to the HBD Lounge, that sangria sounds like me Maybe a stop on my now much anticipated August trip!!

 

[buzzrelly]

We stopped in Woody’s Lunch Box for a quick bite to eat and ended up getting a S’mores French Toast to share.

This is Marshmallow and Chocolate Ganache stuffed in Grilled Custard soaked Brioche encrusted with Graham Cracker Crumbs and boy was it sweet. I don’t like sweets in the morning, but even for my sweet tooth crew this was hard to palate. Some fruit or something to cut through it would have been much appreciated. Otherwise it was definitely shareable but I didn’t get any French toast or custard soak from it. This was all marshmallow sandwich all day.

Definitely something I should NOT ever eat, but this sounds kind of yummy!


Poor Casey, just wasn't feeling RnRC with the BO lady…I kind of don't blame her!

Crying child in tow we decided this was the perfect time to try Hollywood Derby Lounge.

This face says it all.

She was not happy and us ignoring her and drinking instead did not go over well. We even asked her to take a picture of us and this is what we got back.

#ParentsOfTheYear

Mad Casey may be even funnier than Tipsy Kari

We ordered Casey a Shirley Temple and between the lime

And the glow cube

She was back to our usual girl.

Sugar fixes everything!

This was an appetizer size from the lounge menu and perfect for sharing. The refreshing salad was great on a semi-warm day and all of the flavors went together impeccably well. I guess if you’ve had a recipe for 2,000 years that is bound to happen.

Maybe my second favorite salad…after Pecos Bill, of course!

While we were eating we got a visit from one of the Citizens of Hollywood who gave Casey some “money” for being from somewhere interesting

That's fun…something new?

 

[Jenny Sanders]

I’ll have to remember for next time that fake money, glow cubes, and citrus fruits are the way to her heart.

Hey, you got to do what you got to do. If the kid wants a glow cube, give it to her...I am all about bribing and happiness in Disney. Poor Casey! She's ALWAYS soooo happy!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Casey and Gwen were thrilled to ride together, though someone who clearly hates pictures couldn't help but get in on the action.

You must be talking about Steve. You know how much he likes pictures. I on the other hand, have to be pursued-ed all the time!

She was not happy and us ignoring her and drinking instead did not go over well. We even asked her to take a picture of us and this is what we got back.

That is quite adorable, and she must have put in a lot thought to make you look like alien pirates.

I’m not always a sangria fan as it sometimes runs too sweet but the addition of brandy and some carbonation from the sprite made this delicious. I may or may not have had 3.

YUM this sounds so good!

This was the only thing we really didn’t enjoy. They had used cheap crab so it was more fishy than crab tasting with very stringy pieces vice lumps. It was also filled with red peppers which I cannot stand. After eating frozen meals for lunch everyday for most of my adult life, red peppers just = cheap lean cuisine to me.

Ew I do not like red pepper either! So I would have not liked this too. The salad looks great though!

Wontons and grumpy Casey aside we did enjoy our trip to the lounge. I’m all about eating outside and couple that with some delicious sangria and I was sold. The food certainly didn’t feel signature quality to me, but we’d had a horrible time at HBD a few years ago so this was a bit of its redemption song. With our tables in wonderland card we saved $20.80.

That is good news. We had an ok experience with HBD a few years ago and have not returned since. I would like to give them another try though and we probably will soon.

 

[Wood Nymph]

That super sweet thing at Woodys was probably to blame for the uncharacteristic Casey.

I’m glad that she finally felt better.

 

[kastoney]

Jump the dining shark? McDonald’s? That may be part of our plan for Disneyland Paris so I can afford the chef’s table at Gordon Ramsey’s Versailles restaurant at the beginning of the trip. I mean priorities right?

When are you going to Paris???? That is awesome. We ate at a Gordon Ramsey restaurant in London few years back. I don't remember which one it was, but I know it was dang good.

And no McDonalds for us. I despite fast food and we never eat it. More poor child is living a life of Chicken McNuggets and Chik-fil-a depression. The shark jump is on us. I vear from the norm at a favorite and learn, like Fonzie, one should stick to what you know and not try to jump your motorcycle over a bunch of sharks.

Lovely lunch at Brown Derby! Too bad about the cheap crab used. Glad you had luck with everything else. My mother loves that Cobb salad! Those buns look yum.

It was a great lunch. I'd probably go back when we are there NEXT WEEK (not that I am excited) but August and outside does not sound like a good combo.

I think this is the first time in all your reports that I've heard of Casey crying! The BO must have been REALLY B-A-D..........

Yeah, it probably was the first time. It is definitely a rarity and usually for injury not for emotions. Most parents hate me because in all of her 8 years she's never had any semblance of a meltdown. So if a few tears over BO and RNRC is the worst that she's got, bring it on!

I still want to get to the HBD Lounge, that sangria sounds like me Maybe a stop on my now much anticipated August trip!!

Oh it has your name all over it! But definitely go in the evening. There is shade but I cannot fathom sitting out there during the August heat.

Definitely something I should NOT ever eat, but this sounds kind of yummy!

Yes you of all people should stay far, far away especially since it sounds amazing and does in no way, shape, or form deliver.

Mad Casey may be even funnier than Tipsy Kari

Yeah bad us were annoyed she wouldn't ride but then thought it was hilarious that she wouldn't let it go. The picture i took of her I had to tell her I wanted to photograph her water for my trip report

Maybe my second favorite salad…after Pecos Bill, of course!

But of course. Because what signature salad could stand-up to Pecos Bills and his fixens bar!

That's fun…something new?

I'm not sure if they usually walk through here or not. He was walking around talking to a lot of tables and when he got to us he asked where we were from and it "make it interesting." We said the swamp that is Washington DC and he said oh I can't get political and then gave Casey some money. Guess he mistook her for a Trump

Hey, you got to do what you got to do. If the kid wants a glow cube, give it to her...I am all about bribing and happiness in Disney. Poor Casey! She's ALWAYS soooo happy!

This was a true rarity and I think just the culmination of a week plus in Disney. But on the up side she says she wants to try RNRC again this trip, so we'll see. And if not there is always a glow cube!

You must be talking about Steve. You know how much he likes pictures. I on the other hand, have to be pursued-ed all the time!

Um yes, clearly Steve. That man never met a camera he didn't love. I mean look at that smize he is giving....

That is quite adorable, and she must have put in a lot thought to make you look like alien pirates.

But really who doesn't put a lot of thought into hating their parents and thinking they should manifest as alien pirates.

That is good news. We had an ok experience with HBD a few years ago and have not returned since. I would like to give them another try though and we probably will soon.

Not sure the restaurant will ever be had again by us, but the lounge was a great way to have a relaxing lunch.

That super sweet thing at Woodys was probably to blame for the uncharacteristic Casey.

I’m glad that she finally felt better.

I love it. When in doubt blame Woody and his unfrench toast french toast. Why didn't I think of that!!!!

 

[tweetylori]

Oh wow, thank you so much for all of this, but especially for telling me about the benedict flight at Grand Floridian!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

When are you going to Paris???? That is awesome. We ate at a Gordon Ramsey restaurant in London few years back. I don't remember which one it was, but I know it was dang good.

And no McDonalds for us. I despite fast food and we never eat it. More poor child is living a life of Chicken McNuggets and Chik-fil-a depression. The shark jump is on us. I vear from the norm at a favorite and learn, like Fonzie, one should stick to what you know and not try to jump your motorcycle over a bunch of sharks.


It was a great lunch. I'd probably go back when we are there NEXT WEEK (not that I am excited) but August and outside does not sound like a good combo.

We’re in France Sept 4th to 23rd. It has meant a lot less Disney this year but that is totally ok. I should post an update on my long neglected Pre-Trip this weekend since I’m stuck at home with a husband traveling for work and a dog that got a mass removed off his leg today so he’s needy.

It’s a good thing your child doesn’t get fast food! It isn’t a common thing for us but we do eat it on occasion when life is busy but luckily with bite squad, our options are much better for lazy meals when it just isn’t going to happen.

That’s a better type of jump the shark at least even if it didn’t work out.

Have a great vacation next week!

 

[Tracy161]

Crying child in tow we decided this was the perfect time to try Hollywood Derby Lounge.

This face says it all.

It's a good thing you provided proof of the once-in-a-blue-moon Grumpy Casey - I honestly wasn't going to believe you otherwise! But still... I'm thinking "could this shot be posed?"

We even asked her to take a picture of us and this is what we got back.

Okay, okay, I finally believe you.

She was back to our usual girl.

Phew. That had to have been a rough five minutes

I’ll have to remember for next time that fake money, glow cubes, and citrus fruits are the way to her heart.

Yes! Always have those on hand for the rare moment it happens again

 

[lauraleh]

Morimoto looks so good! We will definitely try to get there on our November kid free trip.

I know all about dramatic 8 year olds. My daughter is also such a good kid that when it hits its both out of character and kind of funny. Now my 3 year old is a total firecracker so I expect a lot more theatrics from her.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm happy to hear the Brown Derby achieved semi-redemption. It's one of my favorites and I've always felt badly you guys had a negative experience there (I have issues in that this is the sort of thing I "worry" about ). The lounge presentation of the salad is super cute. I've had those wontons in the restaurant (quite some time ago) and mine were definitely not fishy. I think they're off the menu now. That BO must have been something.

 

[thepicklebee]

I’ve never enjoyed the HBD but the lounge is great. I have had some quality people watching time there with an old fashioned and a decent charcuterie board.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

Poor Casey- BO like that makes me want to cry too!

HBD lounge is on my list to try. Good to know you can order from the regular menu there too. Nice of them to give Casey fake money- next time can they give me real money ?

 

[TeresaNJ]

We've only been to Morimoto once, and that was right after it opened, and it was just okay. They sat us on an upstairs outside balcony, so our view wasn't that great, and service was really poor. I'll chalk it up to opening pains. After reading your review, I'd love to try it again. Everything you had sounds amazing!