ADRs? We Don't Need No Stinking ADRs - A Sept '14 Dining Report - THAT'S A WRAP 3/5

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

I'm sad to say we've never tried Flame Tree Barbecue. I think its because we end up looking to eat inside when we are at AK. But those onion rings are awfully tempting...

 

[heathsf]

Those onion rings look REALLY good. I'll just mention its 7 am right now but I want them for breakfast!

 

[kastoney]

No! It can't be the last night yet! I have a love/hate relationship with Flame Tree. I'm a BBQ snob and it just doesn't measure up but its a great alternative from other park food. Love that they take TIW!

Why does Sleepy Hollow stop serving the sandwiches so early?!?! That's crazy!

Jill in CO

Virginia clearly is not known for it's bbq, so I'll take what I can get.

I have no earthly idea why they stop serving sandwiches at dinner time. They are still open and serving up funnel cakes, just no sammies. To say we were surprised is an understatement.

We haven't been to the Cali Grill in 5 years. I really would love to return one day! I am glad you sent your steak back, why pay for something you won't enjoy. Too bad your salad was a flop at FT. I always get the pork sandwich there. The chicken looks delicious

You should definitely try and make it back. Over-cooked steak aside its always one of the best meals on property.

 

[kastoney]

I'm sad to say we've never tried Flame Tree Barbecue. I think its because we end up looking to eat inside when we are at AK. But those onion rings are awfully tempting...

You should definitely give it a whirl sometime. The seating is all shades and it's nice to eat down by the water overlooking EE. And as long as you stick to the bbq, it's realy good.

Those onion rings look REALLY good. I'll just mention its 7 am right now but I want them for breakfast!

Seriously right? Its now 8 am and I'd be diggin in right there with ya ; )

 

[dkrauss]

I'm sad to say we've never tried Flame Tree Barbecue. I think its because we end up looking to eat inside when we are at AK. But those onion rings are awfully tempting...

FTBBQ is our favorite QS restaurant in WDW!!!! The location is great...........most seats in the shade (nice on a hot day) Great view of the best Mountain (Expedition Everest) in WDW too! The food is.........OUTSTANDING!!!! As for the O-rings.....OMG......but a warning, my sweetie and I got 2 servings, 1 for each of us..............well that was WAYYYYYYYYY to much! They're very filling...............Taste great...........but filling

Doug

 

[Eastern]

While Jason and I got to spot Mickey taking a much needed break....

Unfortunately we also saw a rat at Epcot at WS when we were there in January. The woman ahead of us stepped on it It was not magical.

 

[kastoney]

FTBBQ is our favorite QS restaurant in WDW!!!! The location is great...........most seats in the shade (nice on a hot day) Great view of the best Mountain (Expedition Everest) in WDW too! The food is.........OUTSTANDING!!!! As for the O-rings.....OMG......but a warning, my sweetie and I got 2 servings, 1 for each of us..............well that was WAYYYYYYYYY to much! They're very filling...............Taste great...........but filling

Completely agree on the onion rings, one serving is HUGE!!!

Unfortunately we also saw a rat at Epcot at WS when we were there in January. The woman ahead of us stepped on it It was not magical.

Definitely not magical.

 

[kastoney]

It is with much sadness and great melancholy that I bring your our last day of vacation.

We didn't have to be on the magical express until after noon, so we slept in and took our time packing up. Soon we were making the dreaded trip to drop off our bags. We ended up stuck there for almost a half an hour as they could only find my reservation and no one else's (though we were on the same one), but eventually they figured it out.

While preparing to leave I looked at our breakfast options and we decided on brunch at Kouzzina. We'd never eaten here before and figured we should get it in while it was still open (it closed down a few weeks after our visit).

Jason ordered the Breakfast Skillet, which came with with Eggs, Pequillo Peppers, Nueske’s Bacon, Onions, Potatoes, Greek Cheese, and topped with Arugula.

This was DELICIOUS. I"m a sucker for all things arugula, but the eggs and greek cheese went perfect together with the bacon adding some good flavor and texture and the peppers a tiny bit of heat. We were both very sad this would be the one and only time we'd eat this dish.

In addition to arugula my other favorite foods are artichokes and olives so it didn't take me too long to decide on the Stacked Kouzzina Breakfast - Two Poached Eggs, Kalamata Olive Toast, Artichoke Spread, and Sweet Potato Hash with Bacon.

I'm very sad to report this was underwhelming. The eggs were cooked perfectly and nice and running, but artichoke spread got lost in the mix and the olives in the bread were so small they invoked almost no flavor. The sweet potato hash tasted fine, but really didn't seem to go with anything else on the plate. I can't speak on the bacon because my little pork fiend - aka Casey - stole it all.

Completely out of character, Casey wanted her own breakfast this last day of the trip so she ordered the pancakes.

She was quite thrilled that this was not only Mickey shaped, but came with pineapple which she loves.

I didn't take any pictures, but Jason got the pressed coffee with his meal while I imbibed on my last drink of the trip - the Mediterranean Mary which was a nice and spicy bloody mary with lots of green olive juice for brininess. Kari likie the mary very muchie ; )

We saved $11.05 with our tables in wonderland card.

We had some more time before the DME, so we walked over to Epcot for a last little bit of the parks. We let Casey decide what to do - presuming she'd want one more trip on that god awful figment - but were surprised when she said she wanted to meet someone new. Alice was about to have a meet and greet - so off to the UK we went.

Alice of course was delightful and she had Casey talked about their love of dresses.

We took a couple of photos, realizing my pictures of food far outweighed those of my family, to remember our last day by.




Before we knew it, we were off to MCO and already talking about our next trip (which is next Sunday by the way, but shh doesn't tell Casey its a birthday surprise). We had an uneventful trip back to our nations capital, but not without a few more hijinks. May I present Casey's airport transportation..


For which she was promptly reprimanded and taken into custody by security : )


And sadly for those following along, that is a wrap. I'll post a quick wrap-up when we get back from the next trip and more importantly include a link to my next dining report. Before I forget my manners, thanks to everyone who has followed along on our adventures. ​

 

[jedijill]

I miss Kouzzina. It was one of the best breakfasts on property. Hopefully you sprung Casey from TSA jail....she's too cute to serve time! LOL

Can't wait to hear about your next trip!

Jill in CO

 

[Vernie822]

I loved all of your reviews. Bonus points for the cute Casey pics. But really, it was awesome reading about someone kind of 'winging it' and not obsessing over ADR's. It seems like a nice change of pace!

 

[Misha72683]

Fantastic review! You have a great writing style and I can't wait to read the next one and see which restaurants you experience this time around! Casey is going to be so thrilled when she finds out, what a fun birthday surprise!

 

[kastoney]

I miss Kouzzina. It was one of the best breakfasts on property. Hopefully you sprung Casey from TSA jail....she's too cute to serve time! LOL

Can't wait to hear about your next trip!

Jill in CO

Kouzzina was never even on my radar until it was closing. I think if more folks had that breakfast maybe we wouldn't have Italian restaurant #512 at Disney.

Luckily Casey was sprung from TSAR, but she was back in jail this weekend. She wanted a sheriff Callie bday party and Jason built her a to scale jail. But this time she was the one doing the arresting.

I loved all of your reviews. Bonus points for the cute Casey pics. But really, it was awesome reading about someone kind of 'winging it' and not obsessing over ADR's. It seems like a nice change of pace!

Thanks so much. I have to be all type A at work everyday, so on vacation I just let the chips fall where they may. Sometimes it works well, others not so much, but I'm in Disney so I'm good either way.

Fantastic review! You have a great writing style and I can't wait to read the next one and see which restaurants you experience this time around! Casey is going to be so thrilled when she finds out, what a fun birthday surprise!

Thank you 5 more Days till the next trip. Jason and I can't wait, but it's killing me to keep Casey in the dark. Hopefully it will be worth it though.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Kari! I'm just in time to see you wrap this up. Hopefully I'll remember most of my comments...

First, what a treat to celebrate 40 at WDW and CL for the first part! I could be talked into CL for the cobbler options alone.

Not that you didn't ride Journey into Imagination a few times but just because you put that song in my head I'm paying you back in kind.... sing with me... EEEEmagination, EEEEmagination.....

That was an awesome photo your hubby took looking towards the castle in Frontierland.

Yay for LTT - one of my favorite lunch places. Welcome to the ooey gooey toffee cake fan club! I'm a card carrying member myself.
On the subject of desserts, Casey is a girl after my own heart with the carrot cake cookie! Another awesome tasty treat.

Oh my gosh…. Kristen Wiig's baby hands.. Love it! "I like can I touch."

I did F&W for the first time last October and I'm embarrassed to admit that I thought Patagonia was a made up place.. Kinda like Arendelle. I had to look it up to see where the heck it was located. Ok, I probably shouldn't admit that but that's truth.

Nice score with the CA Grill reservation. I love their focaccia although I've never tried the butter without a side of bread as did Casey. That was an adorable look on her face.

I miss Kouzzina. They had great breakfast options and how convenient for staying at BW.

Wishing you happy returns to for your next WDW trip and happy birthday to your adorable DD.

 

[kastoney]

Hi Kari! I'm just in time to see you wrap this up. Hopefully I'll remember most of my comments...

First, what a treat to celebrate 40 at WDW and CL for the first part! I could be talked into CL for the cobbler options alone.

Not that you didn't ride Journey into Imagination a few times but just because you put that song in my head I'm paying you back in kind.... sing with me... EEEEmagination, EEEEmagination.....

That was an awesome photo your hubby took looking towards the castle in Frontierland.

Yay for LTT - one of my favorite lunch places. Welcome to the ooey gooey toffee cake fan club! I'm a card carrying member myself.
On the subject of desserts, Casey is a girl after my own heart with the carrot cake cookie! Another awesome tasty treat.

Oh my gosh…. Kristen Wiig's baby hands.. Love it! "I like can I touch."

I did F&W for the first time last October and I'm embarrassed to admit that I thought Patagonia was a made up place.. Kinda like Arendelle. I had to look it up to see where the heck it was located. Ok, I probably shouldn't admit that but that's truth.

Nice score with the CA Grill reservation. I love their focaccia although I've never tried the butter without a side of bread as did Casey. That was an adorable look on her face.

I miss Kouzzina. They had great breakfast options and how convenient for staying at BW.

Wishing you happy returns to for your next WDW trip and happy birthday to your adorable DD.

Better late than never, thanks for reading. CL and 40 definitely made good bed fellows. Can't swing it this trip, but hopefully once we get our APs we can get a good discount again.

Curse you for eeeeeemagination, not what I want in my head at 7am

You were one of my ooey gooey inspirations, so thanks for introducing me to desert perfection. Fingers crossed we get to do it again this trip.

I'm with ya on Patagonia. At first I thought it was something sponsored by the backpack company ; )

Cali Grill was a huge score last time. Since we are staying at WL I actually made an ADR there for this trip so Casey could eat her weight in butter for her bday. Shhh don't tell anyone ; )

Thanks for the food wishes. Leaving first thing tomorrow morning. We are due to get some snow here today, but hopefully it is all gone this evening as predicted and we get out with no problem.

 

[DLFan123]

Really enjoyed your reviews. I wonder what they'll replace Kouzzina with! That's something exciting to think about. It looks like you had a great trip.

 

[KathyM2]

Sounds like not a bad last day!!! Even though last days can be sad. You are lucky you get to go back again so soon! I enjoyed your report!

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

How am I just now finding your DR? Your family is too cute. I must say, I totally agree with you about bus sharing at the deluxe resorts. For the price you pay, you should not have to share buses. That especially drives me crazy at Boardwalk and the monorail resorts.

Your Via Napoli pizzas look delicious! I have been craving their pizza so badly.

That is so awesome that you could enjoy the Frozen fireworks from your room! I agree with you about the decor in the rooms at Boardwalk 100%, but it definitely does have its perks.

Can't wait to hear about your next trip!

 

[Hisgirl]

Wasn't wearing my reading glasses and my 'mind's eye' read the title to this thread as:

"ABS? We don't need no stinkin' ABS - A Sept '14 Dining Report" Haha!!

That would just about sum up my eating around Disney world! Any abs that were even thinking about poking through would be thoroughly covered up in..in...a nice layer of dining memories!

 

[heathsf]

I just opened your TR to catch up but as soon as I saw the first food picture I had to stop -- because it's 7 am and I have my glucose test today and I'm already starving! I couldn't torture myself with your food porn so I'll have to come back later to finish!

 

[kastoney]

Really enjoyed your reviews. I wonder what they'll replace Kouzzina with! That's something exciting to think about. It looks like you had a great trip.

Thank you very much. We had an amazing trip.

Sounds like not a bad last day!!! Even though last days can be sad. You are lucky you get to go back again so soon! I enjoyed your report!

Thanks so much. It definitely wasn't a bad last day. Bad last day was our trip that just ended last Saturday and it poured down rain and was chilly all day. Made it easier to leave, whereas Kouzzina just left me wanting for more.

How am I just now finding your DR? Your family is too cute. I must say, I totally agree with you about bus sharing at the deluxe resorts. For the price you pay, you should not have to share buses. That especially drives me crazy at Boardwalk and the monorail resorts.

Your Via Napoli pizzas look delicious! I have been craving their pizza so badly.

That is so awesome that you could enjoy the Frozen fireworks from your room! I agree with you about the decor in the rooms at Boardwalk 100%, but it definitely does have its perks.

Can't wait to hear about your next trip!

Hey Jeri, better late than never ; ) I'm right there with ya on the Via Napoli craving. Couldn't get in on the trip we just complete and my stomach has yet to forgive me.

Glad to hear you're with me on the boardwalk decor. Thought I was alone on my little island on that one. But that walk to Epacot just can't be beat. Looking forward to more stays there in the future.

Wasn't wearing my reading glasses and my 'mind's eye' read the title to this thread as:

"ABS? We don't need no stinkin' ABS - A Sept '14 Dining Report" Haha!!

That would just about sum up my eating around Disney world! Any abs that were even thinking about poking through would be thoroughly covered up in..in...a nice layer of dining memories!

That is hilarious. It could have been the title though. The way I eat at disney there is no way I'll ever see anything that resembles an ab.

I just opened your TR to catch up but as soon as I saw the first food picture I had to stop -- because it's 7 am and I have my glucose test today and I'm already starving! I couldn't torture myself with your food porn so I'll have to come back later to finish!

Hope the test went well and you can indulge in copious amounts of sugar. Good news is food porn can only produce cravings and not calories ; )