Bendy & Her Friendies V2 ... This Bar Never Closes! New Thread Started!

[oybolshoi]

YUM! Even though it's only about 50 degrees here and it's been cloudy and rainy all day, Jay just made us some kaluha coladas with a splash of baileys. Mmmmmmm, vacation drinkey goodness!

 

[ChelleinNC]

FYI to all my DVC Friendies: Effective yesterday 10/11/09 valet parking is no longer a benefit of being a DVC member and you will be charged $12 a day. If you were checked in before 10/11 it will not apply to you.

Not making me a happy DVC member Apparently word came down to MS at 4:45pm on Friday that it was going into effect on Sunday. Sounds just like the paper cup fiasco

 

[oybolshoi]

FYI to all my DVC Friendies: Effective yesterday 10/11/09 valet parking is no longer a benefit of being a DVC member and you will be charged $12 a day. If you were checked in before 10/11 it will not apply to you.

Not making me a happy DVC member Apparently word came down to MS at 4:45pm on Friday that it was going into effect on Sunday. Sounds just like the paper cup fiasco

I saw something about that yesterday here on the boards ... while we don't usually rent a car while in FL it still makes me angry. I'm getting tired of all the DVC perks being whittled away.

 

[jeminni]

Catherine- that learning how to make sushi demo looks wonderful

Tomorrow I'm going to CE classes with the other administrator I work with. On our way back from class we are stopping at a sushi restaurant for lunch. Never been to this one before so I'm hoping it is good.

 

[jeminni]

YUM! Even though it's only about 50 degrees here and it's been cloudy and rainy all day, Jay just made us some kaluha coladas with a splash of baileys. Mmmmmmm, vacation drinkey goodness!

When are you leaving? I know I just got back but I'm so jealous of you all leaving this week.

 

[oybolshoi]

When are you leaving? I know I just got back but I'm so jealous of you all leaving this week.

We leave Wednesday morning ... tomorrow we pack and watch the clock.

 

[TDC Nala]

I almost never used the valet parking anyway. they won't get any more of my money than they already got. Not for that. Can see there's probably going to be an explosion among the folks who actually used it.

Bridget, enjoy the sushi. I want to practice sushi rolling here someday with my handy autographed sushi mat.

 

[robinm1215]

Catherine, the sushi demo looks great and I don't even like sushi! I think it must have just been cool to learn how to do it. Hope you had a nice trip to NYC

YUM! Even though it's only about 50 degrees here and it's been cloudy and rainy all day, Jay just made us some kaluha coladas with a splash of baileys. Mmmmmmm, vacation drinkey goodness!

I know what you mean about the cold and rain. It just got cold here and I finally broke down and put the heat on So not looking forward to winter. But I am looking forward the the warmer weather in Florida next week! Your vacation drink sounds yummy -- maybe I just need to have something like that and pretend it's 90 degrees! Actually, in looking at the extended forecast, it looks like a cold front is coming to Florida this weekend with temps only around 80. I'm happy to hear that since I was not looking forward to the same 90 degree humid weather we had in August. Guess we'll soon find out if the forecast is right

 

[Tatania]

DH had a good birthday, despite the fact of feeling old at 44, but you know what was really bad? His parents or sisters didn't even call to wish him a happy birthday. He talked to his mom yesterday and she "forgot". But had the nerve to ask if we went out to dinner, and when he said yes, she said why didn't you invite us, too? Remind me that these are the people I was appreciating last month.

I know people are busy these days, but as a mother, I can't imagine completely forgetting about my son's birthday. I feel badly for your DH hearing that story, but it sounds like you made it up to him. Tell him to save the "feeling old" for his 50th - that's a really traumatic one!

Speaking of moms ... Grimace gave me a really generous birthday check this weekend. I felt kind of guilty accepting it ... she's going to Vegas later this month and I'm sure she could have had a gambling good time with that money, but she told us to use it for something fun since you only turn 40 once. She's a good egg.

Wow, now THAT'S an example of a good mom. With drink prices averaging $10.00 (with tip) at WDW, you'll have no problem using up that money.

Wow! This is something else!

Todd English Canceled Wedding

I had already heard about the canceled wedding last week, but this article is just heart-breaking.

Those of you who are going to the Blue Zoo dinner should have a very interesting night! I wonder if he'll even show up?!

I hadn't heard about this and I'm not impressed with Todd's behavior. I don't think I'd even want to see him knowing about the cowardly way he left his fiancée at the altar.

Sushi rolling experience in NYC on 10/10:
The sushi making demonstration was at the sushi bar which didn’t have enough seating for the whole group so we stood around the sushi bar.

When Morimoto emerged from the kitchen it became obvious that he would not personally be rolling any sushi for us.
The sushi itself wasn’t really special because they had us making simple rolls, but the fish was very good fish.

The fish looked very good and fresh. I took a sushi making class many years ago, but I've never attempted to make it at home. It's one of those things that is quite inexpensive here and just seems easier to buy than to make.

Alton Brown didn't cook. He said anybody could stand up there and cook a steak. He wanted to talk to us about food. His presentation was really highly entertaining but I don't know how many of his suggestions I would be following...he thinks everyone should cook more. He's right, but I'm lazy and I work and travel a lot. So of course it's easier to buy soup in a box from Trader Joe's.

Thanks for posting those suggestions Nala. He makes some very good points.
My sister and I often talk about this because she works in the food industry. People are still buying cookbooks, they like watching the food channel, and they come to cooking classes (she used to set them up for the winery she worked for) - yet we seem to rely increasingly on convenience or ready-made foods when preparing our meals. In other words, we love the idea of cooking and working with fresh ingredients, but we don't really have the time or energy to do it on a daily basis.

FYI to all my DVC Friendies: Effective yesterday 10/11/09 valet parking is no longer a benefit of being a DVC member and you will be charged $12 a day. If you were checked in before 10/11 it will not apply to you.

But I assume that regular parking, and the parking at the theme parks is still free if you're saying on property? We had a very cheap rental car (Toyota Yaris) on this last visit and people were making fun of it because it was so small and cheap looking. However, it meant we could go shopping, travel directly between resorts, and get to and from the theme parks more quickly. I thought it was worth it to have it.

 

[TigerKat]

We leave Wednesday morning ... tomorrow we pack and watch the clock.

In case I don't get back on before you leave, wanted to wish you & Jay a safe flight and a truly magical time!!!! Can't wait to party with y'all!

 

[oybolshoi]

In case I don't get back on before you leave, wanted to wish you & Jay a safe flight and a truly magical time!!!! Can't wait to party with y'all!

Thanks Kat! Safe travels to you and your hubby as well - see ya on Saturday!

 

[blissventure]

We leave Wednesday morning ... tomorrow we pack and watch the clock.

Hope you have an absolutely fantastic birthday trip!!!!

We just got back last night, the weather was hot, but the sunny weather was very welcome. I need to backread with what's new with the Friendies. In the meantime, the highlights of our trip:
We booked the Wanyama Safari, and it turned out the other folks scheduled canceled. So, we lucked out with a Wanyama for two. What an amazing experience that was! We so enjoyed the tour around the savannas, and the dinner, well, what can I say? It was lovely (although at times almost a tiny bit comical) as the chef came out to our table to explain each course to the two of us. I don't think I've seen so much food in my life. We ate what we could, had a taste of the rest.

The Wolfgang Puck dinner was probably the most memorable. I'll backread, if someone else hasn't posted the menu, I'll put it up. The food was beyond amazing. I have never been to a dinner with 8 pairings in my life. Thank heaven for the Disney buses. Chef Puck stopped by to visit with most of the guests a couple of times, we thought he was a great host.

Finally, we really enjoyed the PFTS on 10/10. We did the Wine lounge, and were very happy with the experience. We checked in at 5:40, and they opened the doors at 5:45 for the lounge. After a glass of champagne, we were soon in the main room, and I think by about 6:10 we were happily sampling the menu items.
Bodega Norton was there again this year, and their vintner was doing the pours. Very fun to visit with him. Rock Harper, and the Food Network's Keegan Gerhard was there as well.

In between feasts, we were hitting the kiosks. Don't miss New Zealand, Friendies! They have a lamb slider to die for, and their scallop is fantastic, too. We were repeat customers at that booth. Our final night, we made a last stop at Mouse Catch, and had a nice glass of champagne from the Champagne and dessert kiosk. It was romantic, and memorable.

Best wishes to all the Friendies that are leaving soon, have a great trip. Looking forward to hearing about your experiences!!!

 

[redzinner]

How sweet of you to do this! I don't need any, I ordered from Bendy with the original order. Look forward to meeting you if you're going to be at the BC bash and love the pup in your sig!!

Thanks TigerKat. Don't think we'll be able to make THE event of the season but it sure sounds like a fun time.
The pup is Rags and he is a funny, clownish tank of a dog. He's a keeper!

 

[redzinner]

In between feasts, we were hitting the kiosks. Don't miss New Zealand, Friendies! They have a lamb slider to die for, and their scallop is fantastic, too. We were repeat customers at that booth. Our final night, we made a last stop at Mouse Catch, and had a nice glass of champagne from the Champagne and dessert kiosk. It was romantic, and memorable.

Best wishes to all the Friendies that are leaving soon, have a great trip. Looking forward to hearing about your experiences!!!

Thanks for taking the time to check in Gin. Glad to hear other good reviews of PFTS. Lamb slider here we come! I saw a weather forecast that Saturday in Orlando was supposed to be low 58º and a high of 78º - now that's good weather!

 

[oybolshoi]

Welcome home, Gin! So glad to hear that you had a great trip! Someone posted on the F&W boards about the Puck dinner and it sounds wonderful. Jay and I are more than a little envious of all you folks who were able to attend.

If you have pictures of that or anything else feel free to share them here ... unless you're going to start your own review thread???

Hope you have an absolutely fantastic birthday trip!!!!

We just got back last night, the weather was hot, but the sunny weather was very welcome. I need to backread with what's new with the Friendies. In the meantime, the highlights of our trip:
We booked the Wanyama Safari, and it turned out the other folks scheduled canceled. So, we lucked out with a Wanyama for two. What an amazing experience that was! We so enjoyed the tour around the savannas, and the dinner, well, what can I say? It was lovely (although at times almost a tiny bit comical) as the chef came out to our table to explain each course to the two of us. I don't think I've seen so much food in my life. We ate what we could, had a taste of the rest.

The Wolfgang Puck dinner was probably the most memorable. I'll backread, if someone else hasn't posted the menu, I'll put it up. The food was beyond amazing. I have never been to a dinner with 8 pairings in my life. Thank heaven for the Disney buses. Chef Puck stopped by to visit with most of the guests a couple of times, we thought he was a great host.

Finally, we really enjoyed the PFTS on 10/10. We did the Wine lounge, and were very happy with the experience. We checked in at 5:40, and they opened the doors at 5:45 for the lounge. After a glass of champagne, we were soon in the main room, and I think by about 6:10 we were happily sampling the menu items.
Bodega Norton was there again this year, and their vintner was doing the pours. Very fun to visit with him. Rock Harper, and the Food Network's Keegan Gerhard was there as well.

In between feasts, we were hitting the kiosks. Don't miss New Zealand, Friendies! They have a lamb slider to die for, and their scallop is fantastic, too. We were repeat customers at that booth. Our final night, we made a last stop at Mouse Catch, and had a nice glass of champagne from the Champagne and dessert kiosk. It was romantic, and memorable.

Best wishes to all the Friendies that are leaving soon, have a great trip. Looking forward to hearing about your experiences!!!

 

[oybolshoi]

Thanks TigerKat. Don't think we'll be able to make THE event of the season but it sure sounds like a fun time.
The pup is Rags and he is a funny, clownish tank of a dog. He's a keeper!

Well, you know you're more than welcome to join us, right?

 

[Briarmom]

We're back! Disneyland was awesome but VERY crowded.
Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy was amazing, and so was Haunted Mansion Holiday (it's one of my favorites).

We're exhausted, but it was so much fun.

 

[oybolshoi]

Welcome home Briarmom!!!

Glad you had a good trip.

We're back! Disneyland was awesome but VERY crowded.
Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy was amazing, and so was Haunted Mansion Holiday (it's one of my favorites).

We're exhausted, but it was so much fun.

 

[blissventure]

Welcome home, Gin! So glad to hear that you had a great trip! Someone posted on the F&W boards about the Puck dinner and it sounds wonderful. Jay and I are more than a little envious of all you folks who were able to attend.

If you have pictures of that or anything else feel free to share them here ... unless you're going to start your own review thread???

Thanks for the menu post heads up! I found it on pg 138 of the restaurant board Food and Wine thread. I didn't see all of the specific wines...I thought I'd list them here. You can't go wrong with any of them, but we thought the 2001 Merlot and the 2003 Cabernet were particularly incredible wines.
All from Grgich Hills Winery
2007 Fume Blanc, Napa Valley
2005 and 2006 Chardonnay, Napa Valley
2001 and 2005 Merlot, Napa Valley
2003 Cabernet Napa Valley
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
2006 Violetta Late Harvest, Napa Valley

And that list doesn't include the Champagne they gave us with appetizers downstairs before we headed up. It was something to walk up those stairs, get to the top, look into the room and see those formally set tables.
What a dinner.

 

[Me&3]

We're back! Disneyland was awesome but VERY crowded.
Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy was amazing, and so was Haunted Mansion Holiday (it's one of my favorites).

We're exhausted, but it was so much fun.

Welcome Home Briarmom . I hope you have pic I'm sure all of us would just love to see them and hear about your trip.