Disney Fantasy - January 10-17, 2015 - REMY Small Plate, Dessert Experience, Wine Tasting

[ehagerty]

I have enough trip reports on file (disboards) that I will attempt NOT to repeat things already known-posted, and focus on - well - whatever interests me - new options, fun things.

Although I joined the FB group for this cruise, I was travelling with my immediate family and focused on them. DS26 and DS24 are very busy and this time together was precious - who knows how many more opportunities we will have for just the four of us.

Those of you who have read other reports, stay tuned - there will be food - especially the new "small plate" and "dessert experience" at Remy.

 

[ehagerty]

This is a fine food walkabout - an opportunity to introduce Remy's offerings to those not already familiar with their "product" - that is, fine dining paired with fine wine (with the intent that once you try it, you will want to reserve dinner later during the cruise, to get the full experience). You can read more about it on official Disney sites (it was DCL home page Jan 8th), but basically, it is only offered the first night and, so far, you can only sign up for it once on board (wherever the Palo/Remy onboard reservations are being taken). Cost (so far) was $50 for everything recorded below (pre-tip). As with all things Disney-ehagerty, assessment follows at the end.

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Waiting at Meridian (shared bar between Palo and Remy) is always relaxing ...

... with opportunities for sunsets

Part of the experience is David introducing details about the restaurant to those who have not been there before ...

Reynaud (wine sommelier) pouring ... Taittinger Prestige Rose Brut

Chef Benoit, explaining the dish

From the menu ...

Remy proudly presents your "Les petites Assiettes De Remy" on 10th Day of January 2015

Cromesquis

Sense of place

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[ehagerty]

As you can see - we are standing - Chef likened the experience to a Party for the Senses (hmmm - still have the Disney Chef PftS from Oct 28th to post, as well)

Foie Gras Emulsion
Macadamia Nut, Salted caramel

Saint Jacques
Champignons

Langoustine Royal
Nage Reduite

Photo Op of the truffle box

Sea Bass
Curry, Paprika

Chef Benoit, showing the guests the ingredient that simulated a caviar-like "pop" under the sea bass.

Kurobuta Pork
Violet Mustard

Those who have dined at VnA will recognize this as a Scott Hunnel dish

Louis XV

.... and a chance to chat with the chefs (Benjamin, on the right, is the pastry chef - you'll see more of him at the "Dessert Experience", and David, on the left, was doing a couple of "Anyone Can Cook" demos)

Full Wine List

Taittinger Prestige Rose Brut
Puligny Montrachet, Louis LaTour 2011
Chateau Gloria 2008
Banyul 2009​

 

[ehagerty]

The classic questions ...
1) Would I do it again, and why?
2) Would I recommend it, and why?
3) What, if changed, would make it better?

... my thoughts ..
1) This was a perfect amount of food and wine pairing for dinner - for me. The guys knew they would need more food later, but that was known up front, so, expectations were aligned and met. I would do this experience every cruise, just for the fun of it - and besides, based on the current offering, where else can you get such a remarkable set of small plates and great wine pairings for such a price? Nowhere.
2) Recommend? - absolutely - assuming you like this kind of food. You don't have to be a foodie to enjoy the food - but you can't be a picky eater either (food allergies are taken into consideration, but that is not the same as "I don't like seafood, what can you do for me?").
3) What could make it better? Can't think of anything. I suppose some people would like to sit down, but I thought the description aligned expectations well and my expectations were met, and exceeded. I am sure as the experience matures, the description will continue to incorporate guest feedback.

In conclusion, the "experience" was fun, good value, educational (a lot of interaction and opportunity to ask questions), delicious - and you can judge from the pictures whether you want to give it a try!



Soon to follow - Remy Dessert Experience, and a Wine Tasting in Oh La La that blew us away (I hate when they say that on FB, but this really did) - and, of course, Remy Brunch and Dinner, Palo Brunch and Dinner, mixology - all that!
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[kimkreis]

How do you book the Small Plates experience?

 

[ehagerty]

At present, the only way to book this experience is onboard. Since it is only offered the first night of the cruise, the only opportunity to reserve it is by going to wherever they are doing the first-day, on-board reservations for Palo-Remy and reserving there. For the cruise I was on, that was at Royal Court - by the back door, with the GM of Remy, David - however, you can ask Guest Services as soon as you board where it might for that cruise, that day.

Since the experience was published Jan 8th, not even the DCL agent knew about it when I called to reserve in advance - however, he found it quickly on the DCL home page. He did not know if there is a plan to offer pre-booking online - in reality, that would require a software change for an event they may, or may not, keep around.

Did that answer your question?

 

[kimkreis]

Yes it did, thanks. We sail on the 31st. I think if I got this on the first night, I might skip Remy dinner and do Palo dinner.

 

[ehagerty]

Starting this thread with Benjamin - the pastry chef behind all the desserts you are about to see

Chef Benoit, providing introductory comments - the background for why they developed this experience, what to expect, etc.

From the menu ...
Remy proudly presents your
Pompidou Dessert Experience
On 15th Day of January 2015

Our Selection
Pina Colada
Vacherin
Blanc manger passion
Orange
Soupe chocolate epice, rape de chocolat blanc
Louis XV

Wine Experience $30 per person
Sauternes, La fluer D'or
2010 France

Tojki aszu, Diszhako
2007 Hungary

Ice wine, Pillitteri
2007 Canada

=========================

Pina Colada - Benjamin's favorite

.... paired with this Sauternes​

by Reynaud. Note - wine pairing is optional - 3 glasses, $30 - well worth it!

Vacherin

Brought to the table like this ...

... raspberry sauce added tableside

.... next wine

Blanc manger passion

Orange

Soupe Chocolat Epice, rape de chocolat blanc

.... with shaved chocolate added tableside

Louis XV

Reynaud, pouring the last glass of champagne

Benjamin and Benoit, wrapping up, answering questions

Goodies to go - the freshest macaroons ever - I meant to ask, but did not - the fillings seemed to correspond to the fruit flavors from the desserts - orange, passion, etc.

Summary:
1) I did not do justice to capturing the flavor descriptions - too busy enjoying the experience and the company.
2) I would do it again (assuming there is some rotation of desserts - I don't know that I would deliberately do the exact same 6 - but I won't be back on the Fantasy for another year, so I am sure some of them will change by then)
3) I recommend anyone try it - you have the pictures - if you like dessert, you will like this. It is a delicious way to spend the afternoon!
4) What could make it better? Can't think of anything.
5) Coffee, cappuccinos, lattes - were included (and greatly enjoyed, and consumed)

 

[jedijill]

Just when I started contemplating my Dream cruise in October I had to go and read your reviews. Now I want to keep it and try both of these experiences!

They look wonderful!

Jill in CO

 

[atbda]

What time was the small plate experience offered on the first night? Thanks in advance!

 

[ehagerty]

Yes it did, thanks. We sail on the 31st. I think if I got this on the first night, I might skip Remy dinner and do Palo dinner.

I would keep an open mind - that is, have a Remy reservation for later in the week - try this experience and see if it satisfies your desire for a Remy experience. If it does, you can always cancel the full dinner reservation (as far as I know - I know port adventures have a 7-days-before-sailing cancellation - but not sure the restaurants are as stringent - I would think they would have to allow for seasickness, etc.). On the other hand, you may want to experience the full dinner even more after the small plates ....

Just when I started contemplating my Dream cruise in October I had to go and read your reviews. Now I want to keep it and try both of these experiences! They look wonderful! Jill in CO

You will enjoy them!!

What time was the small plate experience offered on the first night? Thanks in advance!

6:00 pm - I think they did not take reservations before 8 pm that night - all the staff attention was on this event. Given that there were only 6 of us in attendance (first cruise for the event - not well known yet) - the 4 of us and another couple, we got a lot of attention. I don't know if they limit attendance - don't think they have had to consider that just yet.

 

[ehagerty]

To use DS's words.... Remy and Palo are "Expected Delights" - our wine tasting was truly an "Unexpected Delight" .....

Starting at the beginning ....

We boarded at 11:30-ish, and our first stop was Guest Services to inquire about beverage tastings. Prior cruises on the Fantasy / Dream were challenging to sign up at La Piazza (2013 - their technology did not work, and we were redirected to Guest Services). In 2014, we bypassed the tastings, as we had done them often enough to not feel the need to repeat. However, for 2015 DS24 was with us and, since he does not get to participate often (enough), it was his choice to reserve some tastings. Once again, we reported promptly at 2 pm to La Piazza for sign up for adult beverage tastings, and once again we were stumped by technology (unable to print) and re-directed to Guest Services. Regardless, DS24 and DS26 signed up for wine tasting. I enjoy them, but can tell the wine from just looking at the glass (because it is always a Sauv Blanc, Chardonney, Reisling, etc. - the same "big 6" varietals - not because I am particularly skilled with wine). Anyway, there is a customer experience improvement in all that somewhere ...

Fast forward (past the operational details that will only be interesting to Disney) - and the scheduled wine tasting comes to pass. I arrive, with camera, to take a couple of pictures my family and depart, only to find out that THIS tasting was going to be delivered by 3 MASTER SOMMELIERS (and a 4th Somm, about to test) who were onboard training Disney staff to pass their tests.

Left to right, Michael Jordan, Chris, Keith

If I had my wits about me (I did not), I would have written down last names, where they worked, etc.



They tooks turns explaining the wines (notice the NICE wine glasses for this tasting!)

Elle

And my guys shared with me ....

Chris responded to an audience question - what were the wines we tasted worth - with "If you bought one of each of these retail, about $600"



The wine, the education, and the company - all splendid!!



For a $20 wine tasting fee..... sometimes you just get really, really lucky!!!! I was a very, very happy Disney customer right there.




.

 

[PizzieDuster]

I remember you! I love your foodie reports. I have a new computer now and I don't have my favorites anymore. Please post your site again for me?????? I think it was different from your link under your sig.

 

[TexDis]

I am loving your posts! I am taking my nieces, (25 and 26) on the Fantasy sailing tomorrow. All three of us are foodies and are excited to enjoy the new Remy experiences. Your timing of this report could not have been more perfect! Thanks for sharing, and I hope to see a few more pics and read a bit more about your trip before we leave tomorrow!!

 

[ehagerty]

I remember you! I love your foodie reports. I have a new computer now and I don't have my favorites anymore. Please post your site again for me?????? I think it was different from your link under your sig.

At the moment searching for thread starter is the most reliable way to locate all reports. Some reports have table of links. I don't have my own blog (yet). If there is something in particular you want I could probably find it and post that specific link. Let me know.