Food Pornatopia....F&W, ddp, and dxdp

[dansyr2514]

Since we apparently are gluttons....you get a bonus meal on day 1.

ok....so off the MNSSHP. We headed over to the party around 5:00ish. We decided if we were hungry we'd just pick up a snack.

I was festive....so I dressed up....dbf ...not so much.
P.S. - you will also notice in most pics of me ...it looks like I'm talking. The reason is...I am. When dbf takes pics....apparently he is against the traditional...'say cheese" or "smile!". So the reason I'm talking is I'm asking...." Did you take the picture yet?" which usually coincides with him snapping the picture.

So after a quick ride on the POTC...my traditional first ride at MK ....we decided we were hungry and since I had never eaten at Columbia Harbour House we decided for the sake of research we needed to try it out.

Chicken Breast Nuggets & Fish - Served with choice of French fries , Anchors Aweigh Sandwich - White tuna with lettuce and tomato served on a toasted multi-grain bread - Served with chips , Apple Crisp and Chocolate Cake.


All very good. Dbf was actually craving the fish and chicken throughout the trip. I'm not sure what magical fried pixie dust they add to them...but ....I got several " I could really go for that fish we had at that place...ya know" throughout the rest of the trip.
Disney....if you're listening......some vanilla ice cream would go really nicely with that apple crisp too.

Ratings........me - 7 out of 10
dbf - 8 out of 10
disclaimer - both the previous EOS review and this review are based on a counter service rating system ...not to be confused with the sit down rating system.

 

[Magical JenK]

Hi Jen,

recognized the bully's! I will do you proud with the pics. Thanks for all your help with the trip!

It was my pleasure! Can't wait to see photos & hear how everything went! Welcome home!!

 

[Magical JenK]

I was festive....so I dressed up....dbf ...not so much.
P.S. - you will also notice in most pics of me ...it looks like I'm talking. The reason is...I am. When dbf takes pics....apparently he is against the traditional...'say cheese" or "smile!". So the reason I'm talking is I'm asking...." Did you take the picture yet?" which usually coincides with him snapping the picture.

Chicken Breast Nuggets & Fish - Served with choice of French fries , Anchors Aweigh Sandwich - White tuna with lettuce and tomato served on a toasted multi-grain bread - Served with chips , Apple Crisp and Chocolate Cake.

Cutest shirt ever! You are quite festive!!! I LOL'd about the photo taking thing! LOL And I love the fish at Columbia Harbor House.

 

[cassidyh]

YUMMY!

Excellent day 1 of food porn, and I love how you dressed up as Minnie!

 

[dansyr2514]

Started out the day at HS on a quest for the elusive Toy Story Mania fast pass. Once again my attempt at riding Toy Story Mania was foiled! Fastpasses gone by 10:30AM. So we decided the check out a few of the shows. Since there were no appetizing choices at HS we decided to head back and grab lunch at the Pepper Market.

Although it does not look appetizing in the pic, this was very good. If I remember correctly it was mahi mahi with a pineapple salsa, grilled veggies and rice. Pretty good for food court food. DBF and I both had the same thing, which you will start to see as a trend. The couple eat the same things stay together...oh wait...that's not how it goes. It actually came with a veggie stir fry but apparently the chef was not happy with the stir fry and offered me grilled veggies instead which were very good.

Anyway for dessert...dbf had

...a chocolate mousse cake

and I had

....strawberry shortcake.

This actually ended up being my breakfast the next morning. Ahh...the breakfast of champions. I'm on vacation ...I can eat dessert for breakfast if I want!

This was actually a great meal for a counter service credit. Although the menu here states gratuity is not included in the dining plan, when we got to the register they didn't charge us. I sent dbf back to leave a few dollars on the table. I know the Pepper Market gets a bad rap many times. We really enjoyed the food and didn't find it confusing at all. Both the servers and the chefs were were very friendly and accomodating.
Ratings.....me - 7 out of 10 ( fish was slightly dry)
dbf - 8 out of 10

 

[dansyr2514]

more to come tomorrow....off to bed for me. Need to be perky to teach dance to 10 - 3 yr olds at 8:30am. Maybe I'll bring my Minnie ears....lol.

Jen....there seemed to be a shortage on Smarties this yr. I had every intention of collecting you a bag full....lol

Thanks Cassidy...it was a last minute decision but you should've seen some of the awesome costumes there.

Dobug...the golfing worked. He only played Oak Trail...2x...but it has intrigued him. I think I may be able to use the other golf courses as a tactic in my strategy for next yr.

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Thanks for the update, especially Pepper Market (we are staying for first time and I have been reading a few bad reviews)...I know I'm not looking for fine dinning but I'm hoping its a good CS place to grab if we are too tired to eat at a TS.

 

[skiingwife]

Dansyr - Where did you get that cute red top? I love it!

 

[2BusyPlanning]

Great! Can't wait to hear more. The Pepper Market does get a bad rap, and I happen to like it very much

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Our trip is coming up in less than three weeks, so I am subbing to read your reviews. A preview to the Magic so to speak.

So Far so Good! Hope to read more soon.

 

[dansyr2514]

Dansyr - Where did you get that cute red top? I love it!

Thanks!

I was actually searching for a red and white polka dot dress on ebay and came across the top. It was a last minute decision to dress up so I just went on ebay to get some ideas and found that.

 

[dansyr2514]

We planned to do La Nouba this evening so I decided we should have a nice meal before. I had never tried Flying Fish and listening to Kevin's review on the podcast, I had cancelled the original reservation we made. However, I saw some really good recent reviews on the boards...so I figured....What the heck!!

So we arrived for our reservation and were seated promptly. I had noted a celebration on the reservation. Right before we left I found out a job I had previously applied for had re opened and I was asked if I still wanted it. So I figured ...Let's Celebrate!!!!!
This is also my first experience with noting a tree nut allergy on the reservation. My advice to anyone.....unless it is a serious allergy...just ask when you get there. My allergy is specifically to food items that contain tree nuts. I don't have to worry about cross contamination. However....if cross contamination is an issue.. make sure to note it. They are very good with letting you know if there is a possibility of contamination. I know this can be serious as my nephew is very allergic to many foods and my sis need to carry an epipen at all times.

Our waiter was Curly....yes...that is correct Curly. Now despite his nametag stating he was from Detroit.....I'm still swearing to the fact he was from NY. I'm thinking a new identity from the witness protection program....hehe. He definitely had the Sopranos look and accent. Anyway, after being seated and handed a "Congratulations" menu we perused the menu. Curly said the Chef would be out shortly to discuss my food allergy. Although professional, I felt as if this was a bother to the chef....and this was only the first of many times I felt this way. Although, I have to say this chef was definitely more pleasant than some.
I started out with a wine flight.

A L T E R N AT I V E W H I T E
Nora Albariño, Rias Biaixas ‘08
Castell Silvaner Franken ‘06
Trimbach, Gewürztraminer, Alsace ‘08
All were good, with the last of the 3 having the most complex flavors to it.

Me enjoying my wine flight.

DBF and I decided to share an appy.

YellowfinTuna Tartare and Crispy Tempura Tuna-Vegetable Sushi Roll
Hijiki and Wakame Seaweed, Yuzu Tobiko,with Wasabi Foam, and Sweet-and-Spicy Sauce

Sounds great right? I have to say ...it was only ok.

Next came the main course

Oak-grilled Maine Diver Scallops Artichoke, Fresh and Sun-dried Tomato, Basil,
Pecorino Romano and Mascarpone-laced Risotto di Carnarolli,with Proscuitto di Parma Cracklins.

The scallops were amazing. I never knew scallops could taste creamy. They were done absolutely perfectly. But that was the only good thing. The risotto was extremely salty. I'm not a chef..but if you are adding pecorino romano cheese and prosciutto to a dish, I would think you would do something to counteract the saltiness. It was sent back pretty much untouched.

I would've actually mentioned it to Curly but I kinda felt bad for the guy. He was pretty busy trying to quiet down a very drunk, very loud woman...who I think may also have been part of the Sopranos at one time who was insisting she needed one more Bailey's and telling our poor waiter " Curly...you know you love me"

Anyway, La Nouba time was growing closer and I was pretty full but I found a few minutes to enjoy this.

Trio of Seasonal House-made Sorbets with fresh Plant City Berries, and Vanilla-laced Cookies

It was good and refreshing...but it was sorbet...you can't mess that up too much.

Ratings - me - 6 out of 10
DBF - 7.5 out of 10

Although Curly get a 10 out of 10. He provided excellent service and handled a table of rowdy women very diplomatically.

 

[dansyr2514]

Animal Kingdom day and to me there is no other counter service to eat at than Flame Tree BBQ. In recounting the various places to eat and their offerings to DBF I was pretty sure he was ...in his mind..somewhere on golf course hitting the perfect drive until I heard " ribs???" Ahh yes the priorities of men. So off to Flame Tree we went. I saw that little tear in his eye as he watched people walk to their tables with trays full of ribs. So as I waited in line...and was pondering out loud whether I should get the pulled pork sandwich or ribs. DBF said in his sweetest voice....Honey...I think you should get the ribs....they look really good ( and then adding very quietly) plus I would be happy to finish whatever you can't eat.
So I got the ribs. Actually we both did and yes....he did get to finish mine.

and for the carnivores.....one more pic

1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs - Served with baked beans, onion rings, key lime pie, and chocolate mousse type thingy.

Ladies...if you're trying to get your man to go to Disney....show him these pics.

Everything was awesome! The ribs are a dry rub which I prefer. However if you need a little extra spice the sweet and spicy bbq sauce at the condiment station rocks! However, the key lime pie kinda grossed me out. It had this layer of a clear gelatin like substance on the top. I'm sure it was something having to do with the lime flavoring but for me....it was just a texture thing I couldn't get past. I scraped of all the pretty decoration and the gelatin like substance and ate the rest....which was passable.

Public Service Announcement. - Please do not let your children feed the birds. There are signs posted everywhere. There are castmembers telling people, please do not feed the birds. Unfortunately, apparently the rebellious or just stupid patrons allow their children to do this. While sitting there...I saw at least 5 children run crying to their parents as the birds they were feeding decided to follow/ chase the children when the feeding stopped. Also, I saw more the one bird poop on a nearby chair, table , shirt while sitting and eating. Not only could it harm the animals but also not the most appetizing thing to look at when eating those delicious ribs.


Ratings - me - 9.5 out of 10
DBF - 9.5 out of 10

 

[Magical JenK]

Well thanks for wanting to get me some Smarties! Just knowing you were thinking of it is good enough for me!! :0)

Keep the photos coming!!

 

[franandaj]

I'm in!

 

[BecBennett]

I really should stop reading these things around lunch time...

 

[dansyr2514]

The plan was to grab some bites at the food and wine fest as an appy. Well we got one in.

Brazil - Grilled Pork Skewer with Farofa. This was ok...kinda tasted like a breaded pork chop.

This was a Sat. night and the Food and Wine festival was very crowded. So in order to get to our ressie on time, we bagged the rest of the tasting for the night.

We arrived at Le Cellier for our 7:45 ressie and were taken in immediately. The restaurant was half empty at this point which really surprised me. I think they may have removed some of the tables from the last time I was there a few yrs ago because I remember sitting very closely to the table next to you. We actually had some elbow room this time

Dbf ordered an appetizer.

Spicy Chicken and Chipotle Sausage - Served with creamy polenta and sweet onion jam
Dbf really enjoyed this. The sausage is very spicy. I tasted it and liked it but if you are not one for spicy foods you may not like this.

My appetizer was this......hehe

I tried Maudite here many yrs ago and was totally hooked. I love it. Thankfully it has become easier to get in our area.

Dbf ordered the Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon - Served wild mushroom risotto and white truffle-herb butter sauce.

It was done perfectly...however he was not a fan of the risotto but it was still good.

I had the Coffee-rubbed Kansas City Strip Steak - with hazelnut butter and
cream cheese mashed potatoes- minus the hazelnut butter due to allergies.

It was also very good and flavorful and cooked to perfection.

I ordered the maple creme brulee for dessert but forgot to take a pic...sorry.
I'm not a huge fan of maple, but I am a huge fan of creme brulee. This was very good. The maple flavor was not overpowering and the creme brulee was very light with a night sugar crust. This seemed like it was made fresh. Alot of time the creme brulee seems like it is pulled out of the fridge and they just flame the crust on top. This did not seem like that.

I also wanted to give our server a kudos. I can't remember her name but she was great...friendly and efficient. A glass was never empty and she seemed genuinely concerned if we liked the meal.

The restaurant did fill up about mid way through our dinner but it still didn't seem crowded.

I think Le Cellier is very good...however ...my opinion is that they will need to make some changes to bring it up to signature restaurant status and make it successful.

Ratings...me 8 out of 10
dbf 7.5 out of 10


Slightly off topic...but I wanted to mention how nice it was to see some really polite parents. There was a young boy ( toddler age) eating at the table next to us with his mom. He was wonderful and pleasant and a joy to watch. As toddlers do he started making some noise towards the end of the meal. Not crying or fussing ...just being silly. No problem at all. However, his mom leaned over and apologized for him. I let her know it was absolutely no problem and he was a sweetheart. I just thought it was really great that she did that though, even though it was not needed.

 

[dansyr2514]

Today we checked into BCV. Online check in was great! Everyone was friendly and efficient and yes we still got our room request. Our room was not ready yet but they made every effort to get it done as quickly as possible.
Well anyway....through no fault of the check in process but through our own laziness we were about 40 min late for our adr. I figured we'd give it a shot anyway. I had heard that this restaurant is a hidden gem....for 2 reasons....1. the food is pretty good and 2. It's generally not busy. Well it was busy this morning! I think the race had alot to do with it. Everyone must have been carbing up or something...lol. I apologized and let them know we were late but is there any chance we could still get in??? They said sure and handed us a buzzer. Well we walked about 25 ft away and the buzzer went off. Hmmmm....not a problem but we really didn't need the buzzer.
Anyway we were seated and the waiter let us know a chef would be out to discuss my food allergy. Well we waited a good 10 minutes before the chef showed up. He muttered and stumbled about the eggs didn't have nuts and the potatoes didn't have nuts...and so on and so forth and the usual speech about cross contamination until I politely interjected "how about the pastries?"...which was my main concern. "oh yeah.... not sure....they might be cross contaminated too." Good lord ! So I said thank you and decided I better just stay away from all the pastries.

Here are some pics of our plates...

Clockwise we have....caramel bread pudding, smoked salmon and a tomato or 2(left the bagels for the runners to carb up on) spinach and cheese omelette thing, bacon, ham, potatoes with onions and peppers, and sausage gravy with a biscuit.

I thought I took a pic of dbf's plate but I guess not...just subtract the pudding...add alot more bacon and a bagel and cream cheese for the smoked salmon..... and then add one more plate of the same thing...ta da! you have his breakfast.

here's some more.

Mickey waffle, grapes and watermelon

and my own creation.....grits w/ raisins, dried cranberries and brown sugar.

I don't know why I have such a fascination with grits. I love them! Not many places serve them around us.

Anyway....the food was ok. Bacon tasted like some kind of healthy bacon....definitely not from a pig. However, everything kind of lacked flavor. I never add salt to anything and found myself reaching for the salt and pepper.
Bread pudding was good!

If you are looking to fill up...this is an somewhat inexpensive option by disney standards but in no way will you find anything that you have to come back for.

BTW...I should've mentioned we both chose the buffet. I believe you can also order a la carte but pretty much everyone we saw ordered the buffet.

Also... The buffet is oddly shaped and way in a back room. It is not conducive to an easy experience if the restaurant is very busy.

Ratings - me...6.5 out of 10
dbf - 6 out of 10...I'm guessing the lower score is because of the bacon. He is quite the bacon connossieur. Or since he has learned what "charcuterie" means. We'll call him a "charcuterie connossieur"

 

[emmabemmainc]

Great reviews! Thank you for posting them!

BTW--I am just like you--I adore grits--and living in Michigan, you don't see them at too many places around here--but I always order them if they're on the menu. YUM!

 

[dansyr2514]

Great reviews! Thank you for posting them!

BTW--I am just like you--I adore grits--and living in Michigan, you don't see them at too many places around here--but I always order them if they're on the menu. YUM!

Thanks...and thanks for everyone listening. It gives me an outlet to discuss Disney. Around here( where I live/work)...most people's eyes glaze over when I start to mention Disney. Here I get to talk about it to people who love it as much as I do.

Yeah...what is it about grits? I don't like oatmeal...or other warm cereal things...but grits are good!!!!!!