April vacation Disney dining adventures (lots of pictures) COMPLETE

[gardengirl628]

We loved that Watermelon salad too!

 

[momtotaryn]

WOW, your pics are amazing! Can't wait to see more!

 

[Vernie822]

Your photos are great! I love the reviews so far. Rose and Crown looks delicious.

 

[pumba]

will be in Disney ...24 hours...thanks so much for taking the time to do this..I love FOOD PORN...

 

[liamsaunt]

Thanks for all the compliments! Glad you are enjoying our adventures. Continuing on with...

FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL BOOTHS (part two)

BAUERNMARKT (Germany)

Chicken Fricassee with Green Asparagus and Peas served with Uncle Ben's Rice Pilaf ($4.50)




So, here my first thought was "what the heck does Uncle Ben's rice pilaf have to do with Germany?" But we went ahead and tried it. My sister and I agreed that it was very bland, and if it was up to us, we would have chucked it in the trash. However, our friend who was with us enjoyed it. So, it got eaten. He is a single dude and does not cook at all, so his opinion is slightly suspect, in my opinion. ;-)

My sister and I also shared the

Hugo-Charlesde Fere "Organic" Brut with Elderflower and Mint ($8.50)



I like elderflower, so thought this was pretty OK. The mint did not come through.

No picture, but we also tried the Schofferhofer Hefeweizen ($8) after reading about it on some other recent reports. It sounded so tasty, but, as with many other drinks I tried at Disney, I thought it was too sweet. My husband tried it and said "who dumped orange kool-aid in my beer??" Needless to say, it got trashed :-(

Next up, we went to PRIMAVERA KITCHEN (Italy)

I had read pretty mediocre reviews on this booth in other Disers' reports, so was actually planning on skipping it. Until my nephew noticed they had chicken parmesan. Chicken parm is one of his favorites so he insisted we stop.


Pollo alla Parmigiana: Breaded breast of chicken, Tomato, Parmesan, and Mozzarella Cheese ($6)




I took a bite for the purposes of this review and found it pretty tasteless and thought the chicken was kind of spongy. My nephew ate the whole thing and declared it "better than the chicken parmesan at school." So that is something

We also tried the Mezza Lune Primavera: Egg Pasta Stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach in a Creamy Sauce with Spring Vegetables and Pecorino Cheese ($6)



I will concur with the other reports already posted on this board: this dish was pretty bad. The béchamel was completely unseasoned, the tomato sauce was bland. It had spinach in it, so that's a plus? I guess? All the adults tried a bite and then....into the trash.

Up next, we visited

THE SMOKEHOUSE: BARBECUE AND BREWS (USA)

We tried the Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalepenos ($5.75)



My husband really enjoyed this, and ate most of it. My sister was not a huge fan, but she does not like burnt ends, so don't listen to her ;-) Since I don't eat red meat I did not try it.

Our friend also did not try it because he was off in a corner devouring a Pulled Pig Slider with Crispy Onions and Coleslaw ($6.25)

I have no picture because my friend broke the cardinal rule that all food MUST be photographed before being eaten. After a stern talking to he promised to toe the line for the rest of the trip

We also tried an Orlando Brewing Company Uncle Matt's Organic Grapefruit Pale Ale ($8). Now, this was a beer I could get behind. We all really liked this and may or may not have gone back for a few more over the course of our visits to Epcot. ;-)

Next we stopped by

TASTE OF MARRAKESH (Morocco)

We only got one thing here: Harissa Chicken Kebab with Sweet Couscous Salad ($5)



I liked the couscous salad a lot. Chicken did not get raves but got eaten, so no complaints there.

We also stopped by

FLORIDA FRESH

Kale Salad with Dried Cherries, Almonds, Goat Cheese and White Balsamic Vinaigrette (3.75)



This was really good. My only complaint was that they could have done a better job stemming the kale. There was a little fennel bulb in the salad which added a pleasant crunch.

We also tried the Florida Larder Board: Orlando Made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, Country Pate and House-made Pickles ($3.50)



Everyone really liked this one too. The ricotta was fresh and sweet, and the pickled vegetables were pleasantly piquant.

Finally, we ordered a Watermelon Cucumber Slush with Hendricks Gin ($10.25) and a fresh-squeezed watermelon juice ($3.25)



The slush was WAY, WAY too sweet! No one could drink more than a sip. Into the trash. Total waste of $10.25. However, the niece and nephew both really enjoyed the fresh-squeezed juice. I got them a few more in the following days.

Last stop for us was at LA ISLA FRESCA

Jerk-spice Grouper with Mango Salsa Chayote and Green Papaya Slaw with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette ($5.25)



This was hands down my favorite dish of the Flower and Garden Festival. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked, the mango salad was sweet and spicy, and the chayote and green papaya slaw added the perfect crunch. Delicious! You can also get this dish with chicken instead of grouper as an FYI.

That concludes my tour of the Flower and Garden Festival. Overall we had a really fun time and I would like to do it again sometime. I am hoping to get to the Food and Wine Festival this fall for a comparison. I felt, when comparing it to the last Food and Wine I toured (which was at least six years ago, maybe longer), the Flower and Garden booths offered more dishes that were appealing to me personally, with more fruits, vegetables, vegetarian choices etc. I definitely preferred the beverage choices at Food and Wine though!

Next up: Jiko

 

[alohamom]

My nephew ate the whole thing and declared it "better than the chicken parmesan at school."

That is sooo funny!

 

[ariane37]

WOW you got around I wish DH and I had tried more of the booths when we were there during F&G last year. We did enjoy the vegetable spring rolls though, and got them a few times. I meant to try the Frushi but never did!

 

[zipuzee]

I was interested in the Tarte and the Cassoulet at France, so glad you tried it first . Now I won't bother, as I trust your judgment on food!!

 

[dizzy daisy]

Fun reviews and beautiful photos! I had to giggle at the single friend and the Uncle Ben's rice dish. Before I read what you wrote I thought to myself that's what my 22 year old son would like, lol.

Thanks for taking the time to share with us! Looking forward to reading more.

 

[princessemsmom]

Enjoying your reviews. Am getting excited for Flower and Garden! My DD really wants the Frushi now!

 

[liamsaunt]

That is sooo funny!

Yeah he can be pretty funny. Teenage boys say wacky things

I was interested in the Tarte and the Cassoulet at France, so glad you tried it first . Now I won't bother, as I trust your judgment on food!!

Hahahaha! Use your money for some of the grouper instead

Next up, we have JIKO

This restaurant was my niece's pick. I am not really sure why. I think she was 8 or 9 when we last came to Disney (she is 14 now), so I am guessing she was remembering something from the dessert menu. I have usually liked my meals here, so was happy to go. My nephew insisted he could take down an entire Taste of Africa by himself, so I ordered two, one for him, and one for the rest of us

Taste of Africa ($10)



And yes, he did eat the whole thing. He is 17 and 6'2", so you know how that goes. Everyone enjoyed this.

We also tried the Inguday Tibs in Brik: Mushrooms, spinach and cheese in crispy filo with apples and curry vinaigrette. I love mushrooms and thought this was pretty awesome ($10)



Despite ordering two of the Taste of Africa, they also brought us complimentary bread service:



Did my nephew eat this as well? Yes, yes he did.

To make this all fit in one post, I had to choose some photos not to show. I am going with the cocktail pictures, assuming more people are interested in food than drink. My friend had a Mount Killamarita ($10.75), the kids each had strawberry daiquiris (non-alcoholic, obviously), my sister, husband and I had some very nice wine.

Let's see, we also ordered a flatbread special ($13)



I can't remember what was on it, but it was good!

We also got a side of the Braai macaroni and cheese to share ($14)



This was a little dried out. We picked at it but it did not really get eaten.

My niece and nephew opted not to order entrees, but stuck with more things from the appetizer section. My niece had the Jiko salad: heirloom apples, cape gooseberries, pomegranate, point reyes blue cheese, candied walnuts, and maple-cider vinaigrette (415)



she loved this and ate it all.

My nephew went with the cheese and charcrutiere board ($20). This was impressive to behold:



And yes, he ate it all. I have his notes and his favorite cheese was the Flagship Reserve Truckle from Seattle.

The adults ordered entrees, but unfortunately my pictures came out blurry, so I will not share them here. My sister and I shared an order of the Maize crusted local grouper with vegetables of the moment and tomato butter sauce. My husband also got the fish ($45). This was delicious. The fish was sweet and fresh, the sauce was rich and smooth, and the vegetables were perfectly cooked.

My friend got the Garam Masala-spiced sea scallops with warm applewood bacon and spinach salad, and fennel-Carolina gold pilau ($41). Again, he really enjoyed this and cleaned his plate.

Luckily I got my camera mojo back in time for dessert. My friend got the Valrhona Chocolate Mousse and Hazelnut Dacquoise Cake. ($11)




My nephew had the milk tart ($11)



And my niece had the pot du creme ($11)




All were enjoyed immensely. My sister, husband and I skipped dessert.

Overall, we really enjoyed Jiko and thought it was worth the cost. Tables in Wonderland savings: $93.50

Next up: Hollywood Brown Derby

 

[macfinn]

Waiting.,,,,,,.......

 

[ariane37]

I've gone back and forth on Jiko because I'm not sure we'd like the entrees, but some of those apps look so tempting! Might have to add it to my already too-long list of where we want to eat for Nov.

 

[KnittingMom]

I've gone back and forth on Jiko because I'm not sure we'd like the entrees, but some of those apps look so tempting! Might have to add it to my already too-long list of where we want to eat for Nov.

Thanks for all the great ideas!

 

[liamsaunt]

I've gone back and forth on Jiko because I'm not sure we'd like the entrees, but some of those apps look so tempting! Might have to add it to my already too-long list of where we want to eat for Nov.

I would recommend it. It's one of my favorite table service restaurants. They are happy to swap out sides and leave off sauces as well.

HOLLYWOOD BROWN DERBY

We scheduled a full day at Studios because we are all huge Star Wars fans, so I knew we would need a while off our feet to make it all the way to the Star Wars fireworks. The Brown Derby has been a mixed bag for us over various trips, but by the time I went to make our ADRs, the other table service restaurants were booked for the window we wanted to dine in, so Brown Derby it was.

One thing I will say: for a table service restaurant, this place was LOUD. As in deafeningly loud. As in conversation was impossible loud. We were seated in the "pit" in the center of the dining room rather than at one of the tables around the perimeter, which may have been why it seemed so much louder than previous visits. Next time, I would wait for a table on the upper level.

Because of the length of the table, I was not able to get pictures of the food my niece ordered. My niece had two appetizers for her meal: Togarashi Pumpkin Seed Crusted Ahi Tuna: House made kimchi, sesame jasmine rice, sake-ginger soy glaze: $15. From where I was sitting, this looked tasty. The tuna was rare, which is how we all like it.

She also had the Local Greens Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette: Florida Blueberries, Laura Chenel Goat Cheese, Spiced Candied Pecans ($11). Again, nothing to complain about here.

My friend was not overly hungry, so just ordered a Cobb Salad ($11)




He enjoyed this.

I wanted to try the Crispy Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: English Cucumber, Plum Tomato Slaw, Sweet Chili Sauce ($16)



I was not too impressed with these. The crab cakes were over fried and there was nothing "jumbo lump" about the crab used to make them.

My husband had a cocktail, which, according to the recipes, was called Fabulous Marines ($12.25)



He said it was too sweet, and switched over to a glass of wine after only drinking about 1/4th of it.

I just ordered a bowl of soup for my main. Florida Tomato Soup: Grilled Cheese Bites on Brioche with Bacon, Tomato, and Micro Greens ($11)



This is what my nephew ordered as well. It was unremarkable, but I was not expecting much, to be honest.

My sister ordered the Pan-Seared Black Grouper: Half Herb-crusted Lobster Tail, Heirloom Tomato, Baby Spinach, Orzo Salad, Cognac-Mushroom Blanc ($46)



She said it was fine.

Husband ordered Pork Three Ways: Grilled Wild Boar Chop, Pork Rillette, and Crispy Pork Belly with Sweet Corn Chili Spoonbread and Chimichurri Sauces ($37)



The chop and the pork belly were both wildly overcooked. How is it possible to overcook pork belly, you may ask. I have no idea, but it was, and it was inedible, as was the chop. He did enjoy the rillette.

At this point, the adults were DONE, but the kids wanted dessert, and we had time before the fireworks, so we gave them permission to order. You select three mini desserts for six choices for $10



They enjoyed this. It's dessert, how could you not?

As you can tell, we were not impressed with the Brown Derby. Our waiter was lacking, the food was, frankly, pretty terrible, and the bill was steep. I will say that Brown Derby is operating a first-come, first-served lounge with small plates out on the patio, and that food looked really good. If (IF) we eat here again, we will go to the lounge. Tables in Wonderland savings: $70.75.

But, my planning worked out perfectly in one sense: we came out just in time to get a great view of the Star Wars fireworks! Some bonus fireworks shots:





Next up: The Wave

 

[dizzy daisy]

The food at Jiko is incredibly pretty! Your nephew and the bread, lol...too funny.

Too bad HBD wasn't a good experience for you. Not a good feeling to walk away from a meal you weren't thrilled with (you can probably get that at home for a lot less money, lol). At least you got fireworks at the end of it!

Thanks for the updates, I'm enjoying them.

 

[jockey]

Great pics.... Loving your report

 

[ariane37]

Those shots of the SW fireworks are beautiful! DH and I loved them in January and I'm hoping whatever they've changed them to by the time we go in Nov. that they're just as gorgeous

We went to HBD a few years ago for lunch and really enjoyed it; then went the following year and it was just.....ok. Haven't felt the urge to go back, and it's kind of sad because I love the décor in there.

 

[liamsaunt]

THE WAVE

We stopped in for lunch at the Wave one day. This was a "new to us" restaurant, having opened since our last visit to Disney. I had heard that it had healthier food choices, and so wanted to check it out.

The restaurant was not busy when we dined. Our waitress was friendly and very helpful.

The adults tried a couple of cocktails. My husband ordered the Wave Margarita ($11)



He was a little concerned when it came out glowing blue-green, but the flavor was good. He was pleased.

My sister and I tried the Forever Young ($10.75)



It was enjoyable, but I would have preferred a glass of wine. I always feel this way when I order cocktails, so why I keep ordering them is just confusing

Next we decided to sample an order of the Fish Tacos: Sweet Arrabbiata and Cilantro Sour Cream ($12)



I did not like these at all. Neither did my sister or husband. I should have asked what kind of fish they were using. I despise tilapia and I am pretty sure that is what was in these tacos. My single dude friend ate them without complaint.

My niece opted for the Beef Bresaola and Smoked Cheddar Salad: Citrus Vinaigrette, Marcona Almonds, and Seasonal Fruit ($16). The photo was blurry, sorry. She liked it and ate most of it.

My nephew, SDF, and husband all ordered the Wave Burger: Char-Grilled Grass Fed Florida Beef, Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar, and Vidalia Onion Glaze ($19)



My nephew was not a fan of the onion glaze, but still managed to eat most of it. My husband was pleased that the burger came cooked to his specifications (medium-rare).

My sister and I opted for the Wave Fried Rice: Sweet Chili Bean Curd, Bok Choy, Shiitake Mushrooms, Wonton Crisps, and Tamari Drizzle ($18)



This was a mixed bag for me. The tofu was bland, and the rice, which was a mix of brown and wild rice, was a little underdone. The mushrooms, broccoli, and bok choy were very good. The dish could have used more heat. I wish they had offered some chili sauce or sriracha or something to pep it up a bit.

The kids ordered dessert (of course). This was the chocolate flight my niece ordered: German Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce, Chocolate Ganache, and Toasted Coconut; a Chocolate Creme Brûlée with Raspberries; and the Wave Chocolate Brownie with White Chocolate Ice Cream and Godiva Chocolate Sauce ($11)



Her favorite was the creme brûlée, but she enjoyed all three mini desserts.

My nephew ordered the American Flavors Flight: Coconut Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Drizzle and Passion Fruit Boba; S'More Graham Cracker Cake with Hose-made Toasted Marshmallows; and Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Mousse and Rum-Roasted Pineapple ($9)



His favorite was the panna cotta.

Overall, the Wave got OK ratings from the group. We would probably try it again on a future trip.

Tables in Wonderland savings: $50.45

Up next: Various snacks and drinks, mostly from Epcot

 

[dizzy daisy]

I am starting to see a benefit to taking a single dude friend along, lol. Glad he liked the tacos!

The chocolate flight dessert your niece ordered looks scrumptious! I wish I had that and a cup of coffee right now.