* After my problems with the Dis, I'm now having problems with photobucket and it's not letting me resize the photos, apologies for the huge sizes, but rather than keep you all waiting I've just gone ahead and posted them *
After a busy weekend I wanted a quiet day today, so after a bit of a lie-in (until 8.30 am) I wandered down to the lounge for breakfast and again was the only person in there. I was feeling tired today but Anita and Lorenzo quickly got me going - those 2 are such characters!
This morning's Boardwalk view from my balcony
I had been told the day before that my dining companion for tonight (we were headed to California Grill) was leaving Disney early as she was unwell so I would be eating solo tonight (exciting but scary!) . I wasn't sure where I wanted to eat but thought I'd try Flying Fish as it was right on the Boardwalk, I called Disney Dining and they said no availability, I then spoke to a wonderful InnKeepers Club CM, Pete (this guy is pure magic), no worries he said, "I'll get you in", he told me to leave it with him and he'd confirm later.
I was heading to DTD and no sooner had I arrived at the bus stop a bus pulled in, excellent timing! 15 minutes later we arrived at DTD.
I love this area, it's great for a 'quiet' day (apart from weekends which can be quite busy), and spent time just browsing the shops, until I hit Basin then I stocked up big time as I love their products and you can't get them shipped to the UK. I also brought one of the Dooney & Bourke Disney bags, I absolutely loved them and now no what everyone on the Dis has been raving about - I'm certainly going to be very unique in the UK that's fore sure.
I had an early lunch booked at Cap'n Jacks as I was being picked up at DTD by one of my friends before we hit Super Target or
Walmart - not having these stores in the UK it's a real novelty when the Brits come to the US, it's a must to stock up on your everyday stuff.
I had heard mixed reviews about Cap'n Jacks but I'm pleased to say it was lovely here, service was good and atmosphere a nice relaxing haven, although I'm sure the restaurant was 'rocking' like a boat, it certainly felt like it when you looked down at the water (I hate boats!).
To start I had the spinach and artichoke dip with tortilla chips - way too large so I only had a few chips, but what I had was very good.
followed by shrimp caesar salad, again very good.
I would definitely return here again.
After lunch I walked over to the car park entrance of DTD and met my friend, she was on a break from work so our time was limited, but I certainly managed to get my shopping done in that time - shampoo/conditioner for a friend, Burts Bees and Ghiradelli chocolates (cheaper than at DTD!) for me, I was then dropped off back at the Boardwalk and she went back to work, poor thing. I stopped off at the Business Centre (UK spelling!) to check on the dreaded ash cloud and it still looked huge, I was really starting to think I wouldn't get home later that week.
Back at club level I ditched my bags and went into the lounge where the lovely Anita was 'working', I really wanted to take her home with me to liven up some of the very stale British humour!
No rest for the weekend as I was given an impromptu tour of the Steeplechase Suite, i.e. the Boardwalk's presidential suite (which was actually next to my room), at $2,000 a night it was certainly luxurious and huge with a large living area, dining area, master suite with a gorgeous bathroom, second bedroom and 2 1/2 baths - lots of piccies below.
Looking at the entrance to the suite from the sitting area
From the sitting area through to the second TV area through to the master bedroom
From the sitting area through to the dining area (second bedroom beyond that)
Master bedroom
Ensuite bathroom
After my tour I picked up a couple of snacks from the lounge - jelly fish and housemade chips - before 'retiring' to my room, it's such a hard life isn't it
Pete had popped a note under my door to confirm I was booked into the Flying Fish for early dinner at 5.40 pm - he had apparently spoken to one of the Managers who freed up a reservation for me.
After a shower and freshen up I made my way down to the Flying Fish, I was so excited as this would be my first 'proper' solo dining experience. I was seated at the Chef's counter overlooking the kitchen, had a little bit of a hiccup though as I was left 'alone' for over 15 minutes without my waiter coming by, the restaurant was only a ¼ full and I was not happy so I got up and walked back to the check-in podium, next thing I know my waiter comes running after me (!), he apologised profusely and we put it behind us, the rest of the evening was a roaring success I'm glad to say.
Next to me at the counter was a fellow Dis'er, wiserabbit, a great evening followed and when wiserabbit and her DH left another couple took over - let's just say it was a very long night at Flying Fish - I was there over 3 hours (!), fantastic fun and what an introduction to solo dining!
Onto the food.
The Chef, Tim Keating, came out to discuss the menu with me - he assured me that whatever was on the menu he could vary to a gluten free alternative, such a nice chap, considering he is an award winning chef in Florida he had no falseness or self importance about him.
To start I had "Our Signature Flying Fish Cafe Crispy Maine Coast Jonah Crab Cake" - Savory Vegetable Slaw, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis, and Ancho Chile Rémoulade. This was delicious and huge! I could only manage ½ of this.
For my main I had "Our Signature Flying Fish Café Char-crusted Certified Black Angus New York Strip Steak" - Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Root Vegetables, and Pole Beans, with Classic Sauce Foyot, and a side of Truffle and Herb-laced Idaho Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli. My steak however was not char-crusted as it contained gluten.
The steak was the best steak ever, far superior to Yachtsman where I had always had excellent steaks before, of course I couldn't eat the whole thing, way too much food, but it was delicious.
I got talked into having the white chocolate Florida peach creme brulee as I was on the deluxe dining plan, I had probably 3 spoonfuls and called it a night, I really couldn't eat anything else! What I had though was beautiful.
All this deliciousness was washed down with a glass of Clos du Bois Merlot which slid down so very easily
The evening at Flying Fish was a great success, I met some fantastic people and despite the hic-cup at the beginning service was attentive and friendly, I was made to feel very welcome and did not feel uncomfortable being a solo at all.
The wine flowed, food superb and great company, what more could I have asked for.
I wandered around the Boardwalk for a while taking in the sights and sounds and just having fun, before heading back to the Inn for a good night's sleep.
Another fantastic day.