Abby's Summer Solo Dining Soirée - Completed 8/28!
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cbg1027
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I woke up feeling a bit down since it was departure day for me. But I still had one last magical experience in store - Dine with an Animal Specialist: An Untamed Lunch at Sanaa!
This is a four course lunch with one of the AKL animal keepers. You get to hear about how they care for and manage the animals at AKL and there is plenty of opportunity for questions. The event is pretty intimate as it is capped at 12 people per lunch. It only takes place on Wednesdays from 11:30-1:15 at Sanaa. I think the $49 price tag is a great deal since ordering the four courses and a drink at a normal meal in Sanaa comes out to over $40. The pricing includes tax, tip, and a donation to the Conservation Fund, so for Disney special experience, it's fairly cheap for the extras you get.
I checked in at Sanaa around 11:15 but they hadn't opened yet. At 11:30, the CM's did a little song with drums as they opened the restaurants. Me and two of the other guests for the Untamed lunch were lead to a table in somewhat secluded area on the restaurant. We were joined shortly by one other guest and our animal specialist, Liesl.
Liesl introduced herself and told us about her position. I don't recall the name, but she is basically a 'zoo manager'. She oversees how the animals are cared for, when they need vet attention, solves any problems that may arise (like preparing for hurricanes), coordinates possible breedings, brings in new animals, etc.
One of Sanaa chefs came out to speak about the cuisine and ask about any dietary restrictions. One of the guests in my group was an eight year old boy, so the chef mentioned that they could provide items from the children's menu if needed.
Our first course arrived very quickly - The Indian Style Bread Service
Naan, Papadum, Onion Kulcha, and Paneer Paratha
With Accompaniments, starting at the white and going clockwise - Cucumber Raita, Pickled Garlic, Coriander Chutney, Tamarind Chutney, Red Chile Sambal, Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, and Mint Chutney:
I love Sanaa's bread service. The soft fluffy Naan and crispy Papadum are my favorites breads, while the sweet Taramind Chutney, cooling Cucumber Raita, and sharp Coriander Chutney are my favorite dips. The only accompaniment I didn't like was the Pickled Garlic. I love garlic, but this was mostly like eating raw, bitter garlic. I didn't really care for the Paneer Paratha Bread either. It's very heavy and doughy. When you order the bread service a la carte, you get to pick two breads and two accompaniments.
Our next course was the Salad Sampler. From the top going clockwise: Roasted Beets, Cucumber Tomato and Chickpea, and Watermelon Radish:
This is another dish from Sanaa that I love. There are five (I think) salads and you can pick three. I had eaten this dish before and ordered these same exact salads. I love all three of them, but the Watermelon Radish is my favorite. The other two are very good as well though.
Throughout our eating, the conversation flowed. It was very opened ended - after Liesl introduced herself and told us about her role, it was mostly up to the guests to ask questions. Lucky for me, I was with a a very inquisitive group. We got to hear about all sorts of aspects of the animal care, from their feeding schedules, strange habits, hurricane prepardness, how they deal with extreme cold and heat, how they interact with other zoos across the country to diversify a species' population, and much more.
One tidbit I found particularly interesting is how they keep animals who are used to roaming around vast areas occupied on a smaller piece of land so they're not bored and developing destructive behavioral issues. If you notice on the savannahs, some of the things are there are not stationary, like piles of large logs. The animal keepers periodically move these things around because the animals think the setting has changed and there is a new item to investigate that way!
Our third course was the Slow Cooked in Gravy, Simple and Well Seasoned dish. From left to right: Red Curry Chicken, Basmati Rice, and Green Curry Shrimp
This is yet another dish I had already tried. On the menu, there are three or four meat choices and two grain choices. You choose two meats and one grain. While I had eaten the chicken before, the rice and shrimp were new to me.
I love the chicken - as it is described, it's just a simple red curry sauce. I love red curry, and this one is good, with very deep complex flavors.
The rice was perfectly cooked and had a bit of butter on it. A good palate cooler with the semi-spicy curries. I wasn't a fan of the shrimp, probably because I'm not big on green curries. the shrimp was cooked well - not overdone or rubbery and the texture of the sauce was thick and smooth. I think it had a coconut milk base. But the flavor of the green curry just didn't do anything for me. I prefer the beef short ribs I had on a different visit.
For our final dish, we were served the Dessert Sampler - Chocolate Cake, Chai Creme, and Passion Fruit Kulfi:
I had tried this twice before. On my first visit to Sanaa, I didn't care for the cake at all - it was really dry. But this time, it was quite good! Moist cake and rich frosting with a medium chocolate flavor. Very basic, but delicious.
The Chai Creme is a favorite of mine. It's got the flavor of a Chai Latte in a texture that's like a cross between pudding and the creme of a creme brulee. Soooo good!
The Passion Fruit Kulfi is amazing too. Kulfi is like an Indian version of ice cream, but it had a different texure somewhere between sorbet and gelato. The passion fruit is really sweet and refreshing and I like the Strawberry sauce they serve with it.
After dessert we were brought out our checks. Liesl told us not rush off though because there was still a little surprise outside for us!
After we all settled our checks, Liesl showed us out to the Sunset Savannah overlook. Off to the side, viewable from the windows by the Sanaa bathrooms, is a little enclosure with two tortoises.
Liesl led us in to the enclosure were we got up close with Chappy, a Madagascar Reticulared Tortoise!
We weren't allowed to touch him because they can carry salmonella, but we were allowed extremely close and we all got some great photos.
The Madagascar Reticulated Tortoise is highly endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal exotic pet trade. The two males at AKL are named after chefs at Sanaa. They were rescued from a shipment of illegal exotic pets that came in to Miami a few years ago.
Liesl said she is currently working on trying to find a female to bring in so they can breed the Tortoises and help save the species.
1:15 came around way too fast and Liesl had to get back to work!
Dine with an Animal Specialist: An Untamed Lunch at Sanaa was an amazing experience. I learned a lot of really interesting information about Disney's animal management and enjoyed a fabulous meal at the same time, in a beautiful setting. I would highly, highly urge anyone with an interest in animals to book this before it gets too popular. Right now, it's not 'online' yet and can only be booked through the concierge at AKL or by calling Sanaa directly. But once it goes in to the dining reservation system (maybe late September) I think this will become more popular as more people read about it.
Grade: A+!!!!!
This is a four course lunch with one of the AKL animal keepers. You get to hear about how they care for and manage the animals at AKL and there is plenty of opportunity for questions. The event is pretty intimate as it is capped at 12 people per lunch. It only takes place on Wednesdays from 11:30-1:15 at Sanaa. I think the $49 price tag is a great deal since ordering the four courses and a drink at a normal meal in Sanaa comes out to over $40. The pricing includes tax, tip, and a donation to the Conservation Fund, so for Disney special experience, it's fairly cheap for the extras you get.
I checked in at Sanaa around 11:15 but they hadn't opened yet. At 11:30, the CM's did a little song with drums as they opened the restaurants. Me and two of the other guests for the Untamed lunch were lead to a table in somewhat secluded area on the restaurant. We were joined shortly by one other guest and our animal specialist, Liesl.
Liesl introduced herself and told us about her position. I don't recall the name, but she is basically a 'zoo manager'. She oversees how the animals are cared for, when they need vet attention, solves any problems that may arise (like preparing for hurricanes), coordinates possible breedings, brings in new animals, etc.
One of Sanaa chefs came out to speak about the cuisine and ask about any dietary restrictions. One of the guests in my group was an eight year old boy, so the chef mentioned that they could provide items from the children's menu if needed.
Our first course arrived very quickly - The Indian Style Bread Service
Naan, Papadum, Onion Kulcha, and Paneer Paratha
With Accompaniments, starting at the white and going clockwise - Cucumber Raita, Pickled Garlic, Coriander Chutney, Tamarind Chutney, Red Chile Sambal, Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, and Mint Chutney:
I love Sanaa's bread service. The soft fluffy Naan and crispy Papadum are my favorites breads, while the sweet Taramind Chutney, cooling Cucumber Raita, and sharp Coriander Chutney are my favorite dips. The only accompaniment I didn't like was the Pickled Garlic. I love garlic, but this was mostly like eating raw, bitter garlic. I didn't really care for the Paneer Paratha Bread either. It's very heavy and doughy. When you order the bread service a la carte, you get to pick two breads and two accompaniments.
Our next course was the Salad Sampler. From the top going clockwise: Roasted Beets, Cucumber Tomato and Chickpea, and Watermelon Radish:
This is another dish from Sanaa that I love. There are five (I think) salads and you can pick three. I had eaten this dish before and ordered these same exact salads. I love all three of them, but the Watermelon Radish is my favorite. The other two are very good as well though.
Throughout our eating, the conversation flowed. It was very opened ended - after Liesl introduced herself and told us about her role, it was mostly up to the guests to ask questions. Lucky for me, I was with a a very inquisitive group. We got to hear about all sorts of aspects of the animal care, from their feeding schedules, strange habits, hurricane prepardness, how they deal with extreme cold and heat, how they interact with other zoos across the country to diversify a species' population, and much more.
One tidbit I found particularly interesting is how they keep animals who are used to roaming around vast areas occupied on a smaller piece of land so they're not bored and developing destructive behavioral issues. If you notice on the savannahs, some of the things are there are not stationary, like piles of large logs. The animal keepers periodically move these things around because the animals think the setting has changed and there is a new item to investigate that way!
Our third course was the Slow Cooked in Gravy, Simple and Well Seasoned dish. From left to right: Red Curry Chicken, Basmati Rice, and Green Curry Shrimp
This is yet another dish I had already tried. On the menu, there are three or four meat choices and two grain choices. You choose two meats and one grain. While I had eaten the chicken before, the rice and shrimp were new to me.
I love the chicken - as it is described, it's just a simple red curry sauce. I love red curry, and this one is good, with very deep complex flavors.
The rice was perfectly cooked and had a bit of butter on it. A good palate cooler with the semi-spicy curries. I wasn't a fan of the shrimp, probably because I'm not big on green curries. the shrimp was cooked well - not overdone or rubbery and the texture of the sauce was thick and smooth. I think it had a coconut milk base. But the flavor of the green curry just didn't do anything for me. I prefer the beef short ribs I had on a different visit.
For our final dish, we were served the Dessert Sampler - Chocolate Cake, Chai Creme, and Passion Fruit Kulfi:
I had tried this twice before. On my first visit to Sanaa, I didn't care for the cake at all - it was really dry. But this time, it was quite good! Moist cake and rich frosting with a medium chocolate flavor. Very basic, but delicious.
The Chai Creme is a favorite of mine. It's got the flavor of a Chai Latte in a texture that's like a cross between pudding and the creme of a creme brulee. Soooo good!
The Passion Fruit Kulfi is amazing too. Kulfi is like an Indian version of ice cream, but it had a different texure somewhere between sorbet and gelato. The passion fruit is really sweet and refreshing and I like the Strawberry sauce they serve with it.
After dessert we were brought out our checks. Liesl told us not rush off though because there was still a little surprise outside for us!
After we all settled our checks, Liesl showed us out to the Sunset Savannah overlook. Off to the side, viewable from the windows by the Sanaa bathrooms, is a little enclosure with two tortoises.
Liesl led us in to the enclosure were we got up close with Chappy, a Madagascar Reticulared Tortoise!
We weren't allowed to touch him because they can carry salmonella, but we were allowed extremely close and we all got some great photos.
The Madagascar Reticulated Tortoise is highly endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal exotic pet trade. The two males at AKL are named after chefs at Sanaa. They were rescued from a shipment of illegal exotic pets that came in to Miami a few years ago.
Liesl said she is currently working on trying to find a female to bring in so they can breed the Tortoises and help save the species.
1:15 came around way too fast and Liesl had to get back to work!
Dine with an Animal Specialist: An Untamed Lunch at Sanaa was an amazing experience. I learned a lot of really interesting information about Disney's animal management and enjoyed a fabulous meal at the same time, in a beautiful setting. I would highly, highly urge anyone with an interest in animals to book this before it gets too popular. Right now, it's not 'online' yet and can only be booked through the concierge at AKL or by calling Sanaa directly. But once it goes in to the dining reservation system (maybe late September) I think this will become more popular as more people read about it.
Grade: A+!!!!!
DonaldDoleWhip
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- Aug 22, 2008
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- 3,608
Great review! That animal specialist lunch looks like fun! Plus, it includes the chai cream dessert - yum!!! That's one of my favorite desserts at WDW now.
TanzUnited99
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- Aug 27, 2010
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I loved the review of Sanaa and the Dine with an Animal Specialist lunch sounds amazing! 
I can't wait to eat here esp after reading all your positive reviews of the place. Thanks for sharing the tidbit about changing the surroundings of some animals - learnt something new!
Can't wait until the next set of reviews
I can't wait to eat here esp after reading all your positive reviews of the place. Thanks for sharing the tidbit about changing the surroundings of some animals - learnt something new!
Can't wait until the next set of reviews
iluvpluto27
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- May 25, 2008
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I've really enjoyed your reviews. The Dine with an animal specialist looks really good, I'm a bit disappointed I can't fit it into our next trip.
bigal'sdaughter
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- Nov 8, 2010
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Thanks for letting me come along! Sorry - with the storm I got a little behind this weekend....
Your reviews were wonderful...
Your reviews were wonderful...
bigal'sdaughter
Mouseketeer
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- Nov 8, 2010
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- 355
Thanks for letting me come along! Sorry - with the storm I got a little behind this weekend....
Your reviews were wonderful...
Your reviews were wonderful...
cbg1027
Florida Girl
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- Aug 21, 2009
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One of my fav desserts too! Writing about it last night really made me crave one!
The animal specialist lunch looks great
I haven't eaten at Sanaa before but would love to
Thanks for your wonderful reviews
Thanks for reading along!
I loved the review of Sanaa and the Dine with an Animal Specialist lunch sounds amazing!
I can't wait to eat here esp after reading all your positive reviews of the place. Thanks for sharing the tidbit about changing the surroundings of some animals - learnt something new!
Can't wait until the next set of reviews
Can't wait to read your review of Sanaa Tanz! My next set will be coming up soon...I'm going to WDW next weekend!
Yes, the one lunch time a week scheduling is difficult to accomodate on most trips. If you can fit it in one day, you definitely should though!
Thank you for reading. Hope you weren't too affected by Irene and stayed safe!
TanzUnited99
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Thanks Abby!
I noticed your ticker when posting earlier...yay on having two trips planned over the coming couple of months! Have a fantastic time!
cbg1027
Florida Girl
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Thanks Abby!
I noticed your ticker when posting earlier...yay on having two trips planned over the coming couple of months! Have a fantastic time!
Thank you Tanz! Have a great time on your trip!
Thanks for the review! I'm passing it along to friends who will be with me in September!
Thank you reading!
I'll be back with another review in early November. I will be visiting the Food and Wine Festival twice!
Oct 14-16 and Oct 26-30. I have some special events scheduled, like the French Regional Lunch, so there will be some unique things being reviewed.Thank you to all who read!
Tink rules
<font color=teal>The kids in my family sometimes t
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How did I miss this one??? Did you forget to pimp?
cbg1027
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How did I miss this one??? Did you forget to pimp?
I guess I need to take a page from Brenda's book and be more shameless about pimping myself!
Tink rules
<font color=teal>The kids in my family sometimes t
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All caught up and now I'm hungry... 
Singinglizzie
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Thanks for posting your review about Sanaa and the untamed lunch experience. We have one booked for the last day of our trip too, but I've been thinking about canceling it since I added a few more excursions and now I am way over budget. I don't really want to cancel, so I pleased to see you gave it an A+++. Oh decisions!
. I don't really want to cancel, so I pleased to see you gave it an A+++. Oh decisions!
FirstMagic
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Enjoyed your dining review Abby! I loved the pictures of the Tortoise at your Sanaa lunch, that seems like a fun meal!
cbg1027
Florida Girl
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All caught up and now I'm hungry...
Thanks for reading and encouraging me to pimp Michelle!
Thanks for posting your review about Sanaa and the untamed lunch experience. We have one booked for the last day of our trip too, but I've been thinking about canceling it since I added a few more excursions and now I am way over budget
Cancel something else! The Untamed Lunch is not to be missed! You could turn a few TS meals in to CS to save some money. The TS places you can go to any day, but the Untamed Lunch can be hard to fit in since it's only on Wednesdays!
Thanks for reading! Chappy the tortoise seemed to enjoy modeling for us.
Disney owl
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good reviews & photos thanks
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