Don't Tell Me How To Eat Donuts! 21 DAYS OF FOOD: Updated with 13 NEW Reviews!! 01/31

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

i have never heard of apple sorbet. Interesting! That strip did look really good!

Neither had I! I love apple flavoured stuff - this was interesting. It was good for a strip steak!

I love your pics! That apple sorbet looks yummy!

Thank You!

I am sooo with DF on eating in the waterparks! Yuk!
I am soooooooooooo NOT with him on the beignets!!!!!!!!! He go crrrrrazy!

Everytime we hit a waterpark I either have to wait for him to dry off completely or leave to eat!

He also didn't like Magic Cookie Bar..... GET HIM!!

Hayley--I can't believe I've missed this much of your dining report and then to add to the horror, I missed your engagement announcement! I am so horrified!!!!! Congratulations, and keep the reviews coming!

Thank you very much! We're so excited to be getting married at Disney!

CONGRATULATIONS!
Love the reviews!

Thank you!

Just caught up...subbing!

I need to do some catching up myself!! Or it'll be time to go again!!


Next coming up in a while

 

[arieljasmine]

We have never been to Tony's - the fountain looks beautiful. Sorry that the food wasn't more exciting though!

Laur's xx

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Granted, it's almost 2 years on, but after a spurt of inspiration (and who knows how long that will last!), I've decided to try and finish up my 2008 reviews. Most items are probably still on the menus anyway!

So with apologies for the short rotfl delay - I will be posting some of our reviews up to try and get finished. If you like food porn as much as I do, hop on board

I also have some Non-Disney (I Drive) Food Porn from June 2009 (I'll start posting after finishing this!); and maybe you'd like to join me this August for the Ultimate Dining Review which will no doubt take 10 years to finish: 23 Nights in Orlando (including WDW, I Drive, Universal, SeaWorld, Disney Wonder AND our Big Fat Disney Wedding!)

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Pizzafari - Lunch

I'd wanted to stop at here in 2007, but we happened to be nearer to Flame Tree BBQ when hunger struck! We made it to Pizzafari quite early this time, and it was fairly busy. DF got a table indoors and I queued up for the food.

We ordered a Cheese Pizza, a [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hot Italian Style Sandwich(Turkey, ham, Swiss and Provolone Cheese topped with Caesar salad and pesto marinated tomatoes) which came with Lays Chips and a Sprite, and to finish, 2 Chocolate Cakes.

We shared the Pizza, sandwich and chips. This was a really nice meal! We were already feeling the need for 'something different' and this sandwich really hit the spot. There was plenty for both of us to share. Really good for a counter service, I think we were both impressed with the sandwich!

H RATING: 8/10
E RATING: 8/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? Yes, and we did! I think this is a good option in Animal Kingdom, but it does get very busy so get here early.
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[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Hollywood Brown Derby (Dinner)

I'd booked this as the Fantasmic Package, specifically to go and see Fantasmic - we'd had a rather disastrous experience last year where we'd missed the first showing because it was full, we'd queued over an hour to see the second showing, then had to get a taxi back to ASMo because the queue for the bus was over an hour's wait.

Not. Fun.

This year we were going to do it properly, so we were all set for Hollywood Brown Derby. I know there are some reports of getting silly eating times with the package, but we called right up on the 180 day mark and got (I think!) a 5.30pm slot, so it can be done!

This was also our first dinner as an engaged couple! We were running a little bit late and our bus dropped us off at the furthest bus stop away from the entrance, so we legged it to the gate and I told Els to go on through whilst I followed (I was wearing the stupidest shoes for running in!) and he checked us in. We were seated pretty quickly, in one of the booths on the side of the restaurant, which I really liked and it felt more private. I think this was also the first 'new' restaurant we'd tried this year.

Caricatures on the wall near our booth

A blurry photo of the view from our table

Our waiter came over and introduced himself, and brought some bread rolls and butter over to us:

Els really wanted the Cobb Salad to start with, but it's an appetizer for 2 and I wasn't really keen on the stuff in it. We both ended up ordering the Crab Cakes - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Blue Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Potato Crust, green cabbage slaw, dijon mustard and remoulade sauces:

It was good crabcake! Els and I are forever in our quest for the perfect crab cake. It was crunchy on the outside withy the potato, and the sauces went really nice with it. It wasn't the perfect crab cake, but it was really good!

Again, we both went for the same thing for our mains, and got the steak -
[/FONT]Char-Grilled 12 oz. New York Strip Steak with herb-roasted red potatoes, cremini mushrooms, tiny onions and cabernet syrup

Strip Steak isn't really my cut of meat, but it was nice. I just really fancied a steak that night! I'm not really someone that drowns my food in sauce, but I would've liked a bit more on the potatoes.

Onto dessert, and much to our amusement, we order the same thing again - this rarely happens, except where filet and cheesecake is involved! We go for the Creme Brulee - [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Double Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee with a dark chocolate dipped biscotti

This was goooood Brulee! I could've eaten another - it wasn't too cold (I hate that!) and had a nice hard layer on the top! Delish!

Then we got our first little surprise of the holiday! Our waiter brought us a surprise Congratulations dessert! I was chuffed that we'd got a little bit of extra pixie dust

It was chocolate mousse, with squirty cream and lots of sauce and Mickey spinkles! Very cute! And tasty too!

All in all a good meal, I thought the service was a bit patchy at first, although I can't remember why - but he redeemed himself thoroughly with the presenting of the dessert! Our server gave us our Fantasmic ticket at the end, and when we went out, it was pouring down with rain and the skies flashing. We did make it to Fantasmic in the end though, despite a 'will-they won't-they' until the show began!

H RATING: 6/10
E RATING: 6/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? The food was good, but not amazing - especially when you compare it to that of the other 2TS. Although I guess the prices here aren't quite as high as the other Signatures either. It's a nice place to eat if you're going for the Fantasmic Package though! I think we were spoiled by the other 2TS eateries! If you're not doing the Fantasmic Package, I'd go with 50s Prime Time, or burgers and shakes at Sci-Fi Dine In.
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[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Buffalo Wild Wings (Lunch)

We were both unnaturally excited for today More excited than 2 people should be for lunch at what essentially is a sports bar. Today was our shopping day, and we were planning on hitting Premium Outlets, stopping halfway up I Drive at Buffalo Wild Wings, then up again to do Prime. Buffalo Wild Wings was one of our favourite places to eat last year and we'd eaten there on one of our last nights so we'd only been once. We'd been drooling all year at the anticipation of wings and the day had finally come

It was quite quiet lunch time, but still quite a few people having lunch. We ordered our drinks, Els getting a beer and a coke for me. The beauty of BWW is that they do Boneless Wings (I know, I know Sonya, not real wings ) - neither of us like chicken on the bone much. Els decided that he would get 12 Boneless Wings in Honey BBQ sauce, and I would get 8 Boneless Wings in Sweet BBQ sauce. They have around 14 different sauces that you can choose from to have your wings in. We also got a side of Onion Rings to share.

The wings were every bit as good as we'd anticipated! I knew I should have ordered 12! I also have to give an honorable mention to the onion rings. These are the tastiest onion rings I've ever had, the Southwestern Ranch is amazing!

When we left we also bought a bottle of the Honey BBQ sauce. We should have bought a few! The sauces are only $4 and ours is already gone! It's so nice to have a little taste of Florida. They do ship to the UK, but shipping is around $30!!

H RATING: 10/10
E RATING: 12/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? Definitely, this place makes the best wings around! We're already looking forward to it!


BWW will make quite a few appearances in our 2009 Reviews!

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Flying Fish

I had heard a few good things about this place, so we thought we'd give it a go - especially as it was on the Boardwalk and we could have a look there as well, since it was somewhere we'd never been. We had a reservation at 8pm since we'd had a long day shopping (and using public transport!) and we needed time to get back to WDW on time. We got to the Boardwalk via Epcot, and let me tell you I always underestimate the distance from where the bus drops you off to World Showcase. We were both wearing flip flops and had 5 mins to get from the bus to Flying Fish, so we were quite a sight running through Epcot with our shoes in hand.

We did get there just in time though, and we found Flying Fish ok! We checked in, and it just happened that it was the manager that checked us in and happened to see our badges. We had around 5-10 min wait, but then the manager escorted us to our table and told us he had given us the best waiter that he had (who silly me has forgotten the name of!)

Our waiter came over to introduce himself, and he was really chatty and friendly. I think he'd been working at Disney for years. He took our drinks order, and recommended Els a beer they either brewed locally or onsite, which he took up. I can't for the life of me remember the name, but it was sort of like a draught beer, but brewed with oranges. He said it was really nice. I got a Bellini, and a Coke, and Els also got a Sprite. When our waiter brought our drinks to us, he also brought us some lovely bread, and took our photo

Our drinks and bread basket

I think we did wait quite long between courses, but it was just right otherwise we'd have been full in minutes! And it turned it into more of an experience than just eat, up and out.

For our appetizers, Els ordered [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Flying Fish Cafe Crisp Jonah Lump Crab Cake - savory vegetable slaw, roasted red pepper coulis, ancho chili remoulade[/FONT]

He said it was the best crab cake he'd ever had. Ever. Result - the perfect crab cake! Except I don't recall having a bite! He must have eaten it all to himself. And the presentation was pretty too! Look at that happy face after eating the crab cake:

I ordered [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chardonnay-steamed Maine Coast Blue Hill Bay Mussels - fennel, chilies, pesto crema, grilled sourdough crostini

First off let me say, I am a mussels connoisseur - I'll order them whenever they're on the menu, I just love them. I've had them everywhere from locally caught Mussels, to fresh off the fish market in Venice. Hands down these are the best I've had. They were incredible! The pesto sauce was delicious and just went with them really well, much better than I thought it would. My mouth is watering just at the thought of them. And I loved dipping the crostini and the bread on the table in the sauce - I could have made a meal out of it. The mussels were plump and so tender

We used 2TS credits for this restaurant, so we had to pay OOP for any starters - These were sooo worth it!

Next, we ordered our mains, and I was torn between 2 dishes here and I still didn't know what I was going to have. Els went ahead and ordered the [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Char Crusted New York Strip Steak - Rhapini, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, and Classic Sauce Foyot

He loved his steak - he likes it medium and it was cooked perfectly. Charred on the outside, but tender and pink on the inside. Although neither of us are big fans of strip steak, he declared it the best strip he'd ever had! He loved the sauce too and practically licked his plate clean!

I nearly went for the steak, we're both big steak people, but in the end I decided I should have a change and went for the [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper - Creamy Leek Fondue and Red Wine and Cassis Butter Sauce

I'm so glad I did! This fish was amazing! Absolutely amazing! I surprised myself by ordering fish, as although I love seafood, I'll never order fish in a restaurant, always going for the steak. It just melted in your mouth and didn't have that fishy taste at all - it was wonderful! I'm not a big fan of leeks (despite being Welsh ) and so I probably would have preferred potatoes, but the fondue was lovely, and the Cassis Butter sauce was fantastic! I made Els try a little bit, and he didn't want to since he's not a fan of fish, but even he was wowed by it! It's a good night for 'bests', huh?! Best fish I ever had!

We were both stuffed at this point, and ordered a couple more drinks. We were totally surprised when the Chef came over to our table as he'd heard we were celebrating, and asked how everything had been. We talked to us for a while and I asked what he would recommend for dessert, and he gave his recommendation. That was a lovely touch to the meal, and I was completely impressed that he would take 5mins to come and chat to us.

I can't find this on the menus now, but we ordered what looked like a small sponge with blueberries, with cream and citrus. I have no idea why I ordered this, as I don't like blueberries! Probably because the chef recommended it and nothing else jumped out at me from the Menu. We waited quite a long time for this actually and I was wondering where it was.

Els loved it and I thought it was actually pretty good! Anyone who can make me think blueberries are pretty good must be a good chef!

We soon found out why the dessert took so long to come! Our waiter came over and apologized that our dessert took ages, but he was trying to give us enough time to digest our dinner, before bringing out this:

I was stuffed silly from the pudding, so when I saw him bring it from afar I freaked out because I thought the dish bit was solid white chocolate and we'd have to eat it to be polite. I was so glad to see it was just the dish! Our waiter told us that the pastry chef had heard about our engagement and wanted to make us a dessert that wasn't on the menu. It was a creme brulee with fresh summer fruits, and it was absolutely delicious! I found a small space in my stomach to squeeze it in! So nice of them!

Our whole meal took around 2 hours, but rather than feeling like time had dragged, it's an expensive meal so we felt as if we'd got our monies worth, and as I mentioned earlier it felt like an experience. Our waiter certainly was the best waiter, and he talked to us as he stopped at our table, was really efficient and friendly! We tipped over 20% and he deserved every penny. Our bill would have been almost $200 for the whole meal had it not been for the DDP! We paid for starters, alcoholic drinks and tip.

Apologies for the poor photos - this is inside near where we were sat, the kitchen is open which is really interesting to watch!

H RATING: 10/10
E RATING: 10/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? Definitely. Yes, it is very expensive, but the food and the service is outstanding. We're planning on eating here on our honeymoon.
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[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Riverside Mill Foodcourt (POR) - Snack

I can't even remember if we had lunch today, if we did, we had it in POFQ food court, and probably just had a Philly cheesesteak or cheeseburger. After being in the pool for a bit, we walked over to POR to rent a Surreybike, and I stopped off at POR's foodcourt to take a photo of Boatwright's menu (which I still need to send to you Joanne!) and to pick up one of these Magic Cookie Bars which I'd heard about.

For Brits, the Magic Cookie bar is like crushed graham crackers with chocolate chips and condensed milk, coconut, crushed nuts and sugar all rolled into one - and you can also add peanut butter chips too (I think there are lots of variations of the recipe).

Oh my gosh - It is delicious! So decadent and sweet, that I could only eat a few bites at a time. I don't want to know how many calories is in that, but it's soooo worth it! I tried to get a recipe to make my own after coming back, but it wasn't the same I think they sell these just at POR & WL foodcourts, so if you want one, you have to make a stop. They are worth it!

H RATING: 10/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? Hopefully I can convince DF we need to make a stop on our weddingmoon

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Jiko

I was really looking forward to eating at Jiko. I love the AKL: I love the smell as you walk through the door, the atmosphere and music in the lobby; I just think it's a beautiful resort. It really feels homely there, but at the same time, feels like you're in Africa somewhere, and not in Disney at all. So I was looking forward to visiting AKL again, as well as eating at Jiko, which I'd heard so much about.

We checked in (on time!) at the podium, and the girls seemed pretty excited that we'd just got engaged. We were seated almost immediately, but we were left waiting for quite a bit for our server. She eventually came over to introduce herself - and I admit, I was a bit bummed to find out she wasn't African! - and took our drinks order, our usual Sprite and Coke.

I think we were already starting to feel a bit fed up of eating, which is a shame when you're in a nice restaurant. Or it might've been that Magic Cookie Bar earlier! We decided to forgo 'proper' appetizers and ordered the Taste of Africa - Trio of Dips with Assorted Breads and House-made Naan to share:

There was plenty to share between us - in fact, too much! We both could have made a meal out of this, especially as you also get bread with your meal anyway (no photo!). I'm afraid I don't recall what the dips are, but they are nice, and one of the breads reminded me of Lavosh, a type of Turkish flatbread which we loved when we went to Turkey. It was enough between us and we probably left some too. I'd probably say that this would be OK for a family of 2 adults and 2 children to share, if you're not big eaters!

As we were finishing our starter, a girl from the podium came over with a Congratulations card from the Jiko staff! All the waiters who were actually from Africa, had signed Congratulations in their own language! How nice is that?! We were chuffed by that, and thanked her profusely! What a lovely thought :yes:

Moving to mains, Els wasn't sure what he wanted, but he went with the Kenyan Coffee Barbecue Beef Short Ribs - with Potato-Mushroom Hash and Onion-Garlic Sauce. He likes Coffee, he likes BBQ, he likes beef!

Look at the size of that, it was huge! It was one huge short rib. He absolutely loved this, he said it was amazing. The meat actually slid off the bone, he was in Heaven! I tried a bit, and I have to agree, my entree seemed pretty boring compared to this! The meat was melt in the mouth tender! One thing he did say though, was that the sauce was a bit too strong and overpowering - otherwise would have been a perfect dish.

I went with what I'd heard loads of people recommend and got the Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon - with Macaroni & Cheese and Red Wine Sauce

This was lovely too - a really nice piece of meat, cooked perfectly, and the mac and cheese was absolutely delicious, really creamy. The red wine sauce actually wan't too bad with the mac & cheese. It just seemed a boring entree compared to Els - what everyone else was having. Delicious, but Els was definitely the winner!

Onto dessert, Els went with the House-Made Meyer Lemon Curd - With pomegranate and blueberry compote, white chocolate biscotti, and sour cream ice cream. He loves lemon curd!

I think he liked it, it was just a miniscule amount of dessert! Depressingly small he said :lol:

I had spied something chocolate on the menu, so went with that: Tanzanian Chocolate Cheesecake - With chocolate ganache, amarula sauce, and lavender ice cream.

To be completely honest, I don’t remember much about this. I think it was nice – and chocolatey! – but doesn’t really stick out in my mind. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get it, but it isn’t a ‘must-have’ like some things IMO.

Els at Jiko:

H RATING: 7/10
E RATING: 6/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? Probably, but not in the next couple of trips I don’t think. It was lovely and no real complaints, but we just love a lot of other places! Els thought it was rather dark in here too, which may be part of the ambience, but you can’t see your food properly. Yes, this coming from the person who loves Sci-Fi Dine In. I also think the fact that we weren't really hungry contributed to the fact that we were underwhelmed.

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Main St. Bakery (Breakfast)

Now, I am not that person that has to get a bite to eat the minute they enter the park. I am that person who shakes their head in disbelief at the people sitting down having a coffee at park opening, be it Disney or Alton Towers, whilst sprinting for the first ride of the day. Park Commandos do not do breakfast.

However, we had 3 whole weeks to enjoy Disney this time, and I promised myself I'd take it easy. Plus, I'd heard good things about Main St. Bakery and wanted to try it out. So I reached a compromise with Commando me. We rushed for Philharmagic, our favourite, did a couple of rides, then came back to the Bakery. The line however was massive, out the door. Usually this would send us running, but it seemed to be moving steadily and did I mention I really wanted to try it!?

The line took about 15-20 minutes in the end, and DF managed to scarf a table despite them being like golddust. Maybe those early-morning coffee drinkers know what they're doing huh?! Whilst the rest of the Park are in Main St. Bakery, they're out doing the Mountains?!

I digress, back to the food. Els got a Jam Danish and OJ:

I got a Breakfast Croissant (Ham, Egg, Cheese) and a Chocolate Milk (not pictured):

DF thought I was the weirdest ever - only things like jam and chocolate are meant to be in Croissants! Well sue me, it was awesome!! I'd heard it was good and I'd wanted to try it... it was surprisingly really, really nice! I could eat one right now

DF also thought his danish was lovely.

H RATING: 9/10
E RATING: 7/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? Yep! If you do have enough time to take it easy, start the day at the Bakery to avoid the queues.

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Captain Cook's

Here, we made our first cancellation We were due to go to the Grand Floridian Afternoon Tea which I was really looking forward to. However, after leaving the Magic Kingdom, we'd headed over the Poly and been on the SpeedRaycers for 90mins - and it was absolutely boiling that day, and we'd been feeling the heat on the lagoon.

When we came off, we made a decision to cancel the Afternoon Tea, something I hated to do, but it would just have been a waste of money as neither of us wanted tea in this weather, as well as sitting in the Grand having sweltered for 90mins!! So we decided we'd get something at the Poly's counter service.

This place is really cool! Where you get to input your choices in on a touch screen - that's awesome! The only downpoint is that some people think they're allowed to take ages to choose their order as it's not a real person, and some want to lift their kids up so they can press the buttons, which takes aaaages, and then a queue builds up anyway. But it's a good idea!!

Els got the Double Cheeseburger with Polynesian Chips:

I got the Hawaiian flatbread:

Both were really good, and there was lots of food. Impressed for a counter service!! My pizza tasted lovely and fresh, and DF enjoyed his burger. I tried the Polynesian chips and couldn't stop eating them :lol:

After our meals and even though we were full, I sent Els up to get the Dole Whip! Now this I could get used to! You serve yourself and it's practically on tap! Els came back however, with Vanilla ice cream by mistake! :doh: I sneaked back up and grabbed us a couple of the real stuff:

This is lovely and refreshing!!

H RATING: 8/10
E RATING: 7/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? If we were at the Poly. This was good for a CS.

 

[Tink2312]

Good to see you've started up the review again - excellent update as always!!

Last November I actually got to sample some free dining myself and I'm off again this year to do the same, so I'll be looking forward to the rest of your reviews to get some more yummy ideas!!

That snapper from Flying Fish looks particularly delish by the way

Keep up the good work

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Kona Cafe (Dinner)

Our 2nd trip to Kona this holiday, and this time for dinner. We were both looking forward to Kona again after having a great meal there last year. I was disappointed the filet in a 5-spice mushroom sauce had disappeared off the menu, since that was really good, but I'm sure I could find a replacement!

Last year's filet

We didn't have to wait too long to sit down, and this time we were sat to the right of the restaurant.

Els at Kona

Me at Kona

I'd forgotten all about the lovely bread until they brought it out!

This is wonderful bread! Warm and slightly sweet, I could eat that alone I think!

Now, both of us could swear we had the crab cakes again. I love Kona's crab cakes and don't think we would have not ordered them. However I don't have a photo of them Just in case you're wondering what they look like, there's a photo of them in last year's review! Either way, they are delicious!

Crab cakes or not, we ordered our Entrees. Els went for the same thing as last year, Teriyaki-style New York Strip - sirloin strip grilled with pineapple teriyaki glaze served with mashed Yukon gold potatoes and stir-fried broccolini:

He loves this, and thought it was as good as last year's. Personally I'm not a fan of sweet things with savory things, but he says the pineapple goes really well with the sauce and the steak.

I got the Shrimp and Scallops - panko breaded shrimp and pan-seared scallops with sticky rice and ponzu, spicy guava-passion fruit and wasabi cream sauces:

The main thing I was worried about this is that the rice would be too dry. I don't remember it being too dry at all, but then again I'm not someone who likes a lot of sauce. It looks like a small portion, but really with the bread and everything, those scallops and shrimp were huge and more than enough! The meal was really good, the scallops perfectly cooked, and not at all gritty. I usually go for the steak, so it made a nice change for me.

Onto desserts, Els got the White Chocolate Cheesecake:

And I got the Kilauea Torte again:

Again, the Torte was just as good as last year! Not for those who may find things too sickly : Lovely chocolatey goodness!

We did have a weird experience here with the server which did marr the experience a bit: the server for our area disappeared, and then a new server came over to introduce himself, but we could still see our server walk about the chocolate lilo and stitch area and to the kitchen, and talk with who looked like the manager. Then at the end of the meal, he came back again. We weren't sure if the table next to us had complained about him, but when he came back he was a lot more chatty whereas he'd been really quiet before. We weren't really sure who to tip so we just left it on the table.

H RATING: 7/10
E RATING: 6/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? We must've liked the food, because I remember asking if they had a reservation free in about 2 nights time. However now all I remember is the weird waiter thing We would eat here again though, the food is good and it's a good use of a TS credit if you're on the DDP IMO.

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Good to see you've started up the review again - excellent update as always!!

Last November I actually got to sample some free dining myself and I'm off again this year to do the same, so I'll be looking forward to the rest of your reviews to get some more yummy ideas!!

That snapper from Flying Fish looks particularly delish by the way

Keep up the good work

Thanks Catherine I thought it was high time I tried to get it finished!

The snapper is delicious, but I'm going to ask if I can sub for potatoes/rice on our next trip! I'm an embarrassment to Wales

I'll definitely be heading over to your Dining Reports in a mo!

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Tangierine Cafe

It was either Mexico or Morocco today, and we'd quite fancied Morocco from the menu and we were in that area, so Morocco it was.

It was quite quiet indoors and we managed to get a table out of the sun. I think we decided to share and I ordered a [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chicken and Lamb Shawarma Sandwiches- served with hummus, Tabouleh, and a Tangierine Couscous Salad with Fresh Moroccan bread, and a[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chicken Mediterranean Wrap - served with Tangierine Couscous salad and Lentil salad[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]. I got 2 Baklavas for dessert (we didn't get to pick these).
The server was a bit weird - he only gave me 1 baklava and when I realised after walking back to the table and I went back for the other one, he said he'd given me 2 already! What?! Do you think I've eaten a baklava in the 2.5 seconds it's taken me to walk back here?!

Anyway, this is our meal:

For me, it tasted better than it looked. I actually liked the 'sandwich', although the dressing was a bit too runny, and both the chicken and lamb were good. I think I the 3 accompaniments on the plate were ok, hummus, couscous.... The wrap was OK too, same with the dressing on this one - however that lentil salad in the little pot (left) has got to be one of the worst things I've ever tasted!

Els wasn't keen on the meal at all, he does like ethnic food, but doesn't like the side bits like hummus and couscous. Plus I think he hated the fact that the dressing ran all over his hands.

The baklava, I was really surprised with! I wasn't expecting to like this at all but it was really good and so, so sweet!

I felt really ill after the meal though, I'm not sure if it's because I ate the baklava too quickly, or because I ate a whole host of different things . I went to sit in the Morocco pavilion for a while and I felt a bit better!

H RATING: 6/10
E RATING: 3/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? I would go back here, but I don't think I could get Els back!
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[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Biergarten (Dinner)

We love Biergarten! It was our favourite buffet last year; we loved the food and the theming.

Last year we were sat with 1 family of 4, which we didn't mind. This year I think was a bit stupid. There was a huge party of around 15 or so, and they had to spread them across 2 tables. Guess who joined their party at the end of the table? That's right. I guess we should have asked to move, but we didn't want to be party poopers.

Anyway, we're here for the food right?!

Quick shot of the buffet:

I'm usually too chicken to take photos of the buffet, but I wanted to take this one for my dad! He lived in Germany for about 4 years and his favourite thing was Jagerschnitzel. So we're all going back next year and one of the stops is Biergarten! Okay, I suppose it won't be good as Bielefeld's, but it's pretty good!!

Els' Plate:

Bratwurst and Sauerkraut, Beet Salad, assortment of sausages from the cold buffet bit, and I think that may be schnitzel with jager sauce. And a bowl of Leek and Potato soup, which is excellent. He definitely had some more plates than that but I think I only took a photo of the first ones.

My Plate:

Soup and Pretzel Bread, assortment of sausages (the pinky ones taste like peperami!), Tomato salad (one of my favourite things here!)

You can see another of Els' plates here, and he's holding up some crackling - they have someone carving roast pork there, and Els went up and told them he didn't want the pork, but the crackling which she'd discarded to a plate on the side We love us some cracklin'!

My Dessert Plate:

Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce, and Bavarian Cheesecake. The cheesecake isn't like normal cheesecake, it's extremely light and fluffy. Very good!!

DF with his big beer:

Near where we were sat:

Oompah Band:

H RATING: 9/10
E RATING: 10/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? Yes! We both love Biergarten and are hoping to hold our rehearsal dinner here. Make sure you try the soup with pretzel bread, tomato salad, schnitzel and bavarian cheesecake!

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Wolfgang Puck Express

Now I was already in a good mood today as we'd just checked into the Polynesian Resort! And even better, we got upgraded to Concierge because we'd got engaged. She'd given us yellow cards because we were "VIPs" and that we were in the Hawaii building. I couldn't for the life of me remember which were the Concierge buildings, so we crept along not daring to hope to see where the Hawaii building was. Then we saw the Concierge sign outside

Not that this has anything to do with our eating at WPE, but here's me checking into the Poly:

You know I was already looking forward to WPE from last year! We'd planned to spend the day at DTD today, and we were looking forward to eating here again and to see the place refurbished. Boy has it changed! I'm afraid I don't have any photos, but it looks really nice now!

It was really busy when we went in, so DF went to look for a table for us straight away since we both knew what we wanted anyway. I queued for around 10mins since there was this annoying woman in front of me trying to get her family's orders over the phone

I ordered us 2 [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]BBQ Chicken Quesadilla - Flour tortillas filled with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, red onions, fresh cilantro, Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce and pico de gallo:

And 2 Creme Brulees:

Do you really need a review for this one from me?! Okay, the quesadilla was fantastic, just as good as I'd remembered it!! The Creme Brulee was absolutely lovely - really surprised for a CS! I could have eaten 2 of these; warm and creamy, but firm with a crunchy top

H RATING: 9/10
E RATING: 7/10
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? Yes, definitely. The only thing with here, as with EoS I suppose, is that it was absolutely rammed. I think people would sit on your knee to eat if they could. Blink and your table is gone. DF says his mark is only as low as he didn't really like the changes inside and the table set up. I agree that it was much quieter when it was mainly outside seating.
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[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Raglan Road

Please let me point out before starting that my review may be a bit skewed on this one. We’d just checked into the Polynesian, and since we’d got upgraded to Concierge, we decided we’d check out the Lounge before heading down to catch the bus to DTD. Big Mistake. We arrived just as the evening snacks were coming out: Kona sticky wings and this wonderful coconut curry soup that was so similar to the one from Boma. We seriously should have cancelled our ADR and stayed here!

I am definitely a person who loves my appetizers – if I go to a Chinese buffet, I’ll fill up on appetizers until I don’t want a main course… obviously we had to try the wings and soup, and anyway, we had a little while to go until our ADR time – we weren’t planning on getting an appetizer anyway at Raglan as there wasn’t anything on the menu that appealed, so this was the way to go right? Right?! Anyway, the snacks were delicious!!

Reason number 2 why this review should be taken with a pinch of salt: we dragged ourselves away from the Concierge Lounge to the bus stop and waited for the bus. 2 or 3 DTD buses showed up full and kept on going, much to everyone’s annoyance and the queue at the bus stop just kept growing. I think this is my only complaint about the deluxe resorts’ bus service – it sucks! At least, that’s the experience we’ve had. Just as we were about to call it a night, since we’d been waiting forever and were really late for our ADR now, one showed up half full and we just managed to squeeze on.

We got off at Marketplace and practically ran all the way to Raglan Road – not a good look wearing flip flops! We got there around 20mins late and thankfully the CM didn’t say anything. We had quite a long wait actually before we were sat down in one of the ‘booths’ in the middle of the restaurant, near the Irish dancer. By this time, neither of us were really hungry, having already snacked, waited for a bus forever, and sprinted across DTD. Add that to annoying couple sitting on stools behind us and fidgeting every couple of seconds which moved the back of our seats. Not a good start!

But, you’re here for the food right?! Well, you already know we didn’t get a starter. Actually, I would love to get the Smokie City, but it’s a two person and DF doesn’t really like fish – make it a one person option RR! But here is the bread and dipping sauce anyway:

The dipping sauce is Guinness – the bread was OK. It tasted a bit like brown bread which I’m not hugely fond of to be honest.

Els enjoying the bread!

Raglan Road from where we were sat

Els got something different to last year. A confession: Neither of us have any idea what this is. Els thinks it might be ribs, but it could be anything. If you know, answers on a postcard please:

Suffice to say, he doesn’t remember what it tasted like either: Lesson learnt, use cute little pink notebook you bought exactly for this purpose. I don’t remember hearing any complaints from him, so it had to have been good!

Actually, looking at the photo it could have been ribs - just can't find them on the menu!

Whilst I got exactly the same thing, It's Not Bleedin' Chowder - It is potatoes, mussels, prawns, scallops and fresh seafood infused with white wine and finished with cream:

I got the same thing because I absolutely loved it last year, one of the best mains on the trip! This year, it was good, but I think the whole host of things above made me not really care. It was nice, but I just wasn’t in the mood for it. That said, I would definitely get it again – I was disappointed that I wasn’t feeling it after having looked forward to it again. Moral of the story: Don’t snack, get to DTD in good time, don’t wear flip flops, order Chowder. For a more true to form review of this, please see last year’s review!

Onto desserts, which didn’t fare much better I’m afraid! I had planned on getting the bread and butter pudding again, which although filled me after 3 bites, is absolutely wonderful. I was already full when it came to dessert, so we just both randomly ordered the Dunbrody’s Kiss, basically chocolate and more chocolate. Usually right up my alley!

Please don’t ask me what it tasted like, I do not know! I think it was really good actually, I can’t remember any complaints! I’d probably order it again, but not before the B&B Pudding, why did I do that?!

To be honest, I think we should have saved our DDP Credits, cut our losses, and stayed in tonight, either eating from the CS Place or the C.Lounge. We had looked forward to Raglan Road as we’d enjoyed it so much last time, but we shouldn’t have forced ourselves to go.

H RATING: 6/10
E RATING: For the first time, I’m leaving him unscored! He has no idea what he ate!
WOULD WE EAT HERE AGAIN? Yes, probably.

 

[sandym718]

So glad you're "back"!! Great reviews!

 

[Tink2312]

Thanks Catherine I thought it was high time I tried to get it finished!

The snapper is delicious, but I'm going to ask if I can sub for potatoes/rice on our next trip! I'm an embarrassment to Wales

I'll definitely be heading over to your Dining Reports in a mo!

I'm surprised the waitstaff didn't get dizzy the amount of times I subbed things this last trip I love that there's the freedom to do that though.

WOW to the fact you were upgraded at the Poly - it's one of my dreams to go concierge..and at the Poly as well - perfect!!

Kona was one of our surprise favourites this trip and the Kilauea Torte was the absolute best dessert I think i've ever had In contrast to Ohana which we all hated - such a shame.

Sorry to report that the PTR was as far as I got - I tantalised everyone with promises of reviews but I got a new job just before Christmas and have been crazy busy since, so the piccies are still on my camera

By the way, don't know if i've said before, but congratulations on the engagement - best wishes to you both!