The first day that we arrived, my DH had wisely kept the reservation destination low key, we ate at Captains Grill at Disneys Yacht Club resort. We have never been, so of course I was worried. One of the reasons I like to stick with the Chief/Restaurants I know is that I have so many allergies that it can be quite challenging to "create" a meal for me while maintaining the kitchen for all the other guests or perhaps just annoying too.
As I am sure it has been mentioned in the past, I have eight dietary guidelines, some allergies some choices, all strictly adhered to by me. When we were seated we went through the usual routine of waiting for the chief to come and speak with us. I was pleasantly surprised when I turned to see our old friend Brian from the Yachtsmen Steak House! Well, it is quite possible that I squealed, although more than likely that was in my head. He is WONDERFUL for many reasons, but first and foremost his wife has celiac disease, so he is schooled to say the least in this arena. Not to mention, he has always gotten that I am not able to go out much at home so essentially we save nearly all of our dining out for our
Disney vacations (this is one of the main reasons we signed up for DVC).
I ordered the iceberg wedge that of course has the blue cheese that I cannot have (made with gluten) so he went to Yachtsman Steakhouse next door and picked up their (fancy)blue cheese so that I could enjoy the full flavors of the salad as it was intended, Yummy! In addition to the cheese, it comes with a dressing called green goddess that he was kind enough to put on the side so that I could use as much or as little as I wanted, again something he knows I like to do. Brian is also aware that I love the truffle mashed potatoes at Yachtsman Steakhouse, so of course he was kind enough to go grab a small portion of those while he was there to accompany the veggie plate he made for me as my entree. I was thrilled, to say the least, as I basically ate a Yachtsman Steakhouse meal (not really) at a Captains Grill price tag. Now before everyone goes in expecting that to be a literal statement, understand that it just had the feel of Yachtsman Steakhouse because of the potatoes that I know were from next door and because Brian worked at Yachtsman Steakhouse (and still does a rotation there) and I know his cooking methods. I was thrilled with the whole meal, an outstanding value with all the thrills that come with Disney dining (surprises all around).
I would like to point out for those of you who do not know the greatness that is Disney, if you go to a restaurant and you are completely thrilled with the way a meal is prepared, asking to speak to the chief or at least getting their card (or name) is a great way to further guarantee an excellent dining experience. At this point I can tell by the conversation at the table if the chief I am speaking to is going to throw a plate together with existing sides that are usually very salty (for me anyway) or if he or she gets that dining out at Disney is the only time I am able to enjoy eating out. The ones that get it, excel all expectations and the ones that are maybe not on their game, still provide good meals but nothing that could compare to a chief that is totally focused on your meal for true enjoyment of that guest. Always get the name when you are 150% satisfied! That being said I am not trying to imply that a lot of my meals fall short, what I am saying is that when I meet certain chiefs they just get me, I am sure that is true for anyone. So again get the name of the chief when they cook your meals the way you like it.
Back to Brian, if you are lucky enough to be able to dine with him as your chief, sit back relax and know you are always in good hands. Happy dining!
Mrs. DVC Mike