A Vegetarian, an Omnivore, and lots of pics!

[etoiles]

Hello! My first trip to Disney World as an adult and DH's first trip ever so this is our first dining review!

Me: 31 year old vegetarian who will eat anything as long as it is vegetarian. Love cooking and trying new recipes at home

DH: 34 year old omnivore who will try almost anything! Loves to enjoy his meat when eating out though since we mostly eat vegetarian at home.

No kids yet! Just our sweet kitty cat.

We went to Disney World on a budget so we didn't sign up for the dining plan. Also vegetarian meals seem to always be the cheapest so I didn't think I would make the most of our money. We stayed at the Pop Century value resort which we loved!

Where we ate:
- Pop Century Food Court
- Pizzafari
- Boma - not budget but I just HAD to go here.
- Sunshine Seasons
- Rose and Crown - new menu w/menu pics!
- Toy Story Pizza Planet
- Pecos Bills
- The Plaza
- Aloha Isle
- Main Street Bakery
- Restaurant Marakesh - ok this was also not a budget place, DH's last minute pick.
- Kringla Bakeri
- Wolfgang Puck Cafe
- Goofy's Candy Company

 

[etoiles]

We arrived on Saturday, June 13th and of course we wanted to get to the parks fast! So, we ate dinner first at the Pop Century food court while exploring the hotel.

I got the vegetable lo mein and ice water:

I had heard a LOT of good things about the lo mein so I was excited to try it. I was disappointed though. Did not fill me up and the flavor wasn't anything special. Was just okay. Had a few veggies such as carrots and green onions. Would not order it again. Who knows, maybe they were having an off day.

DH got the beef and broccoli with ice water:

He thought similar to me that it was okay but not great. It has steamed rice at the bottom and the beef and broccoli on top. He wasn't also completely filled up. He would not order his again either.

Then, we headed out to the parks. DH had his choice of park for the first day since it was his first time in Disney World so he wanted to go to the Hollywood Studios!

This evening we were glad we had brought a bunch of snacks with us since we definitely needed them! We brought Special K crackers, Fiber one bars, mini Butterfingers, cashews, dried cranberries, and Chex Mix that I had gotten in the month prior (with a ton of coupons! Thanks Money Saving Mom!).

 

[Carmell226]

I am excited to read your reviews, I am a vegetarian and DH eats poultry (no red meat). We are also on a budget for our next trip and will be skipping the dining plan
Looks good so far!

 

[natalielongstaff]

im in

 

[etoiles]

Nice to meet you guys!!

Carmel226 my DH also loves poultry. It is his favorite meat and eats it most often. Lots of his chicken dishes should come up on here!

Okay. Sunday was our first full day and we headed to Animal Kingdom after a in room breakfast of cereal bars and non toasted pop tarts (DH). At lunchtime we headed to Pizzafari since I knew it was air conditioned and we badly needed that by this point. Badly.

I ordered the cheese pizza. It came with a side salad but being new to this I forgot to take a picture until after I ate it. Looked like this one but with no veggies and the other half in place: (They didn't have veggie pizza as an option, didn't get it?)

DH ordered a pepperoni pizza with side salad. Looked like this one but with the missing half.

Was good as far as pizza goes. Crust was pan style and a little bit thick. Very filling and we were stuffed after eating the pizza and side salad.

 

[etoiles]

After working up an appetite going on more rides we headed over later to the Animal Kingdom Lodge to go on their culinary tour. The culinary tour is free and open to anyone. They did not ask to see room keys or anything. It starts at the Boma podium at 4pm. This is at the Jambo House building. Very important to know. We didn't realize Animal Kingdom Lodge had more than one building so we got out at the Kidani Village and had to ask around at the desk. Boy by the time we walked that 1/2 mile to the Jambo House in the hot sun that lounge area was a welcome site!

We took the culinary tour at 4pm. There was one other group with us so it was really small and intimate. A woman from Africa gave us a tour of Boma. I don't think she was too well informed because she just named the food that was on the buffet and did not explain or give details about it. She did offer a taste of soup to us but I didn't think she could tell me if it was vegetarian or not so I declined. I thought it was going to be a bust but then she walked us over to Jiko and a different woman came out. She told us about the history of the restaurant and the meaning behind all the decor and how the food was cooked. She really knew her stuff! She took us to the stools in front of the oven and we all sat down while she described the menu dishes. Then we got to taste an actual appetizer - the Taste of Africa. It had three different breads (naan - an Indian bread, papapdam, also Indian and lavash (not sure) with spreads such as hummus, something with olive, and a reddish one. She gave our small group two huge baskets of bread to taste and two sets of dip. It was so generous. She made the food sound so delicious by the end we were drooling but it turned out both our parties had reservations for Boma that night!

We stuck with our reservations at Boma but after seeing and tasting things from Jiko I would definitely go there next time!

 

[tlynk]

After working up an appetite going on more rides we headed over later to the Animal Kingdom Lodge to go on their culinary tour. The culinary tour is free and open to anyone. They did not ask to see room keys or anything. It starts at the Boma podium at 4pm. This is at the Jambo House building. Very important to know. We didn't realize Animal Kingdom Lodge had more than one building so we got out at the Kidani Village and had to ask around at the desk. Boy by the time we walked that 1/2 mile to the Jambo House in the hot sun that lounge area was a welcome site!

We took the culinary tour at 4pm. There was one other group with us so it was really small and intimate. A woman from Africa gave us a tour of Boma. I don't think she was too well informed because she just named the food that was on the buffet and did not explain or give details about it. I thought it was going to be a bust but then she walked us over to Jiko and a different woman came out. She told us about the history of the restaurant and the meaning behind all the decor and how the food was cooked. She really knew her stuff! She took us to the stools in front of the oven and we all sat down while she described the menu dishes. Then we got to taste an actual appetizer - the Taste of Africa. It had three different breads (naan - an Indian bread, papapdam, also Indian and lavash (not sure) with spreads such as hummus, something with olive, and a reddish one. She gave our small group two huge baskets of bread to taste and two sets of dip. It was so generous. She made the food sound so delicious by the end we were drooling but it turned out both our parties had reservations for Boma that night!

We stuck with our reservations at Boma but after seeing and tasting things from Jiko I would definitely go there next time!

This sounds interesting-did you make reservations? Thanks for sharing!

 

[etoiles]

Boma:

My vegetarian first plate:

Starting from the falafel and going clockwise: falafel with mustard sauce, potatoes with afritude, corn pudding, sweet potato fufu, African grain with tomato sauce, green beans with tofu, and couscous in the middle. The soup bowl has the vegetarian soup, carrot and ginger.

The falafel was okay but not as good as most middle east restaurants. The mustard sauce was a nice twist though. Green beans with tofu was nice, I think the sauce was from coconut milk. The entire African station at the buffet was vegetarian which was awesome!!! My server was knowledgeable about that but I asked one of the chefs about the soups. The soup and the corn pudding was to die for!!! I was in love! I wish I could take containers of it home!

Hubby's first plate:

Falafel with mustard yogurt sauce, potatoes with afritude, African sausage with egg topping (one of DH's favorites!), roasted chicken and meat and mealie bread (like corn bread) in the middle next to a olive dip.

My vegetarian second plate:

Starting at the corn pudding which I had to have again it was so good, then a coconut fruit salad, watermelon rind salad, corn salad with fried plantains, lentil salad with hearts of palm, grapefruit salad, curry pasta salad, avacado and papaya salad, and roasted veggie salad in the middle.

Lots of good stuff here! My favorite was the corn salad with fried plantains. Very unusual mixture but tasty. I also liked the curry pasta salad which was creamy and with enough curry spices. The avacado and papaya salad combined my two favorite veggies. The only thing I did not like was the watermelon rind salad because it tasted like straight slices of ginger. I did not finish it.

Hubby's second plate:

On the right there is salmon covered with a tomato sauce (DH's absolute favorite!), corn pudding (since I recommended it so highly ), lentil salad with hearts of palm, curry pasta salad and in the center more dip with pita bread.

My vegetarian third plate: (normally do not get a third plate but this IS Boma and I still didn't try everything vegetarian!!)

Tried the three hummus type dips with bread (one olive, one sun dried tomato, can't remember), coconut fruit salad, curry pasta salad, corn pudding, and that heavenly soup! Had to get in my favorites one more time!

DH's third plate:

More dip, roasted chicken, salmon in sauce, and a variety of breads.

Desserts!!

I did ask a chef which ones did not use gelatin since I have been hearing about how several of them do. He was pretty well informed it seemed and offered to cook me up something special but my stomach groaned at the thought!

My vegetarian dessert plate: (I took something of everything he indicated was vegetarian)

Peach cobbler (bread pudding he indicated used gelatin?? ), upside down pineapple cheesecake, brownie, bar that tasted like rice pudding, flan, and chocolate chip cookie.

My personal favorite was the pineapple cheesecake!!

DH's desserts:

Bread pudding, pineapple cheesecake, something delicious, zebra dome, rice pudding bar, and chocolate mousse. Dh's favorite was the bar that tasted like rice pudding.

Yum!!! Boma did not disappoint me! I would definitely return!! DH also agreed it was his favorite restaurant!

 

[etoiles]

This sounds interesting-did you make reservations? Thanks for sharing!

No, no need to make reservations. You just show up!! I did tell the person at the Boma podium that I was here for the culinary tour so he would know. I highly recommend it! How else can you be the one of only 6 people in Jiko sitting at the stools by the chef area having an appetizer prepared just for you??

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Great reviews so far -can't wait for the rest! Especially the new Rose & Crown menu!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Great reviews and pics, thanks for sharing them with us!

 

[ljcrochet]

No, no need to make reservations. You just show up!! I did tell the person at the Boma podium that I was here for the culinary tour so he would know. I highly recommend it! How else can you be the one of only 6 people in Jiko sitting at the stools by the chef area having an appetizer prepared just for you??

That sounds great! maybe I will check it out on our next trip.

 

[tlynk]

No, no need to make reservations. You just show up!! I did tell the person at the Boma podium that I was here for the culinary tour so he would know. I highly recommend it! How else can you be the one of only 6 people in Jiko sitting at the stools by the chef area having an appetizer prepared just for you??

Sounds delightful!

 

[butiflfeet]

I never knew about the culinary tour at AKL! Thanks for sharing about it. Somehow I have to do this on our next trip!

Keep the reviews coming!

 

[etoiles]

I wanted to say thanks to everyone (Carmell226, Natalielongstaff, tlynk, Goofyson's mom, MickeyNiki, ljcrochet, and butiflfleet) for having such nice words to say! I was nervous about writing our first dining report but everyone has been so nice!

 

[etoiles]

Monday the 15th was our day at Epcot. We were lucky because I had scored ADR's for the Rose and Crown at 7:10 that evening. The time seemed early but I just told DH that he had to eat really slowly so we could enjoy Illuminations.

Since we were in Futureworld in the morning going on rides DH spotted Sunshine Seasons while we were in line for Living with the Land. After the ride we went over and decided to get lunch there. I had heard lots of good things about it from the DIS!

I got the Asian vegetarian platter:

Normally it comes with white rice, broccoli, mixed veg., and lo mein noodles but I am a pasta addict so I asked for no rice and extra noodles. It was a good decision. The noodles had more veggies and more flavor in them than the lo mein from the Pop and were yummy! The mixed vegetables were okay and had a strong soy sauce flavor. The broccoli was plain so I picked up some spicey Asian sauce packets from the condiments area to add to it and it tasted good. I was finding it hard to get a lot of veggies in the World so this filled my need. I had so much I ended up scooping noodles and mixed veg. onto DH's plate until he said 'STOP!!' and was still full.

DH got a Turkey Foccacia and a key lime pie that looked heavenly!

He enjoyed his sandwich and he enjoyed the Asian food from my plate as well. Of course he was not the only one who enjoyed the key lime pie since we both ate it! It was creamy and delicious with enough tart and enough sweet flavor to please. I thought the graham cracker crust went very well with the creamy lime filling in the middle.

Two thumbs up for Sunshine Seasons!

 

[etoiles]

Later that evening we headed over to the World Showcase. I wanted to try more food from other countries but since we had dinner reservations and didn't want to ruin our appetite we picked up the famous pastries from the Kringla Bakeri og Cafe at the Norway pavillion to save for breakfast the next morning. Then we headed to Rose and Crown!

I was nervous about getting a seat outside since it couldn't be requested but asked when we checked in at 7:10. They said that they would work on it but could not guarantee it. We got a pager and waited. (Note: when going to check into a restaurant and you have a highly coveted bench both parties should not leave the bench to check in. ONe party should go get the pager while the other stays on the bench. Otherwise after you get the pager you will turn around and the bench will be taken) However, 12 minutes later we got beeped and we got an outside seat! It was right against the railing with view on the water!

After we sat down I noticed they had a new menu and had removed all of the Indian items from the menu and replaced them. Some of the items are still the same. Here's a pic:

DH's eye drew to the Scotch egg appetizer. He loves hard boiled eggs so this was right up his alley. I thought he would love it so I encouraged him to get it. Here it is:

He did eat the other 1/2 of the egg before the picture was taken! I thought the menu was a little deceptive though. It should be called 'Scotch EGG' instead of 'Scotch eggS' since you only get one egg. A little pricey for that but DH enjoyed it and it came with a yummy salad of fresh green beans underneath that I got some of. It was the first time he tried a scotch egg but he really enjoyed it!

I didn't want to be left out with the appetizers so I asked for a side of chips to be brought as an appetizer. This is a great way to get an appetizer for a budget since the side of chips was only $3!

Aren't they adorable? I love the little fry basket they came in. They were piping hot when I got them and crunch on the outside and creamy on the inside. Plenty to share as well!

Dh's entree:

DH ordered the pan seared chicken breast with corn and bean relish topped with tomato butter. He also ordered a side of mashed potatoes although it turned out that the chicken also comes with potatoes. The chicken was moist and tender and he really enjoyed it.

My entree:

Of course I ordered the Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie. I was so excited to see this on the menu than the curry since curry can be found on so many menus but veggie shepherd's pie can't be found many places. The salad was good and with baby greens which were yummy but the star was the pie!

The pie had a great golden cheddar crust on top which easily peeled off and could be eaten like a cracker. Underneath the potatoes was a layer of spinach, peas and corn, and mushrooms in a delicious gravy like sauce.

I took a picture so everyone could see the yumminess on the inside:

The mushrooms in the gravy were so delicious! The spices used were perfect and the spinach was just cooked and wilted from fresh. It was so yummy! My second favorite meal after Boma.

Dessert we shared to save costs:

We got the sticky toffee pudding. DH was worried that it would really be hard and sticky like toffee but it was creamy and delicious. The sauce surrounding it was thick like a pudding and complimented the flavor of the moist cake. We both ate until we scraped the plate clean!

It was a great day of eating at Epcot! We really enjoyed our counter and table service restaurants! I would definitely return to both!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Wow that veggie shepherds pie looks fantastic!

I think the sandwich your DH got was a turkey foccacia or something, I had the veggie cuban a few weeks ago and it looks totally different

 

[etoiles]

Wow that veggie shepherds pie looks fantastic!

I think the sandwich your DH got was a turkey foccacia or something, I had the veggie cuban a few weeks ago and it looks totally different

Thanks! Yes, DH confirmed that it was not a Cuban. I just knew they had one on the menu so I guessed. No way was it a veggie sandwich though.

 

[etoiles]

Tuesday June 16th we started the day out right by eating the bakery we purchased from the Norwegian Kringla Bakeri og Cafe. They did a great job of packaging things so they would be easy to bring back to the hotel. We kept it in our cooler overnight until the morning.

We each got a school bread. Here it is being eaten and DH is showcasing the yummy custard in the middle:

The school bread was so delicious! The coconut was lightly toasted, which made the topping so yummy and the custard in the middle was creamy. I wish I would have bought more after I tasted it! I noticed lots of splenda packets and that is by using the coffee maker to make iced coffees in the morning thanks to the Pop coffee pot swap!

We split a chocolate pretzel:

The chocolate pretzel looked more delicious than it tasted and was a little plain. The chocolate drizzle on top was good though. Next time though I'm just going to go for the school breads!