Foodie DxDP Family Reviews-- updated 6/22-Via Napoli

[havoc315]

Coming soon..... Hoping to be able to do live updates, nightly, during our trip of 2/17-2/22. (with photos from the iphone)

The cast -- Myself and DW, foodies when we have the opportunity. We generally eat out a couple times per week. Often in "casual" restaurants with the kids, but also often at slightly more upscale restaurants for ourselves. Asian restaurants, French American, etc.
The kiddies are DS-6, and DD-4(actually turning 4 during the trip).

The kids are picky eaters with open minds. Willing to taste new things, but neither of them are usually big eaters. DS has a major sweet tooth for cookies and cakes and ice cream. DD likes candy, has been asking for cotton candy at Disney World, but she is also a big fan of vegetables. Both kids generally prefer broccoli over french fries.

The plan of attack:

2/17, afternoon arrival. Dinner at California Grill
2/18 lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern
2/18 dinner at Chef Mickey
2/19 Lunch at Sci Fi Dine In.
2/19 dinner at CRT
2/20 lunch at Crystal Palace
2/20 dinner at Le Cellier
2/21 lunch at Via Napoli
2/21 dinner at Hoop De Doo Review
2/22 lunch at Yak and Yeti
2/22 dinner at Narcoose's

As you can see, we have allotted 15 out of 18 credits. We expect to have an occasional CS breakfast.

I'm particularly curious if anyone has any recommendations for the kid's meals and kid's desserts at these places in advance. My son especially, is a foodie-in-training... he is a big fan of Top Chef. Of course, he likes to taste the more sophisticated dishes, but then actually eat something simpler and more traditional kids fare.

 

[Jess6001]

Your plan looks great! Looking forward to reading your LTT lunch review since we will be having lunch there for the first time this year. We've done dinner there before and love it.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Both kids generally prefer broccoli over french fries.

Your kids sound like mine. I'm looking forward to your reviews!

 

[havoc315]

Your kids sound like mine. I'm looking forward to your reviews!

It's almost like they aren't my kids! I wouldn't touch a vegetable until I turned 30! Yet my daughter's favorite treat is edamame from Japanese restaurants.
And my son wolfs down carrots and melon.

 

[chocolateMinnie]

some great reservations - looking forward to a live review.

 

[irishsharon]

Looking forward to your reviews. We are planning a trip for next Feb. I am very interested on what you think of CRT and Hoop Dee Doo.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Sounds great! We will be there the same time.....see you there

 

[Zeebs]

joining in, my kids are pretty good eaters which is fab, although I won't go as far to say they prefer broc over fries.

As long as no body else on our table orders fries, my kids will eat what ever is going.

Kirsten

 

[Ela1972]

Joining in (early this time).

My DD likes the chicken/fish either piece or skewers they do at some places. These are sold as a kids meal complete with sides that can be changed. Tend to be sold at quite a few of the TS restaurants.

The chicken and fish is a "real" piece of chicken or fish either whole or in pieces, not the processed stuff.

Hope you have a great time.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Sign me up!

 

[havoc315]

3 more days and even looks like weather will cooperate. My ds has been considering his use of snack credits -- he wants Dole Whip. And my dd has been craving cotton candy for months.

 

[mstmp]

Can't wait for your reviews. We are going in Sept. Our son will be almost 5 and we are going to a lot of the same places as you!

 

[tinacaplan]

Looking forward to your reviews. Your kids sound similar to my little one; not a big eater, but loves anything Asian or Italian. Not all that interested in french fries, he'll go for the apple slices everytime. We're off on our trip in just four days!

 

[irishsharon]

 

[lblume91]

I'm in too! Looking forward to your reviews. Have a great trip!!!

 

[bluejasmine]

cant wait!

 

[havoc315]

We are LIVE.

Had a 7:25 reservation for the California Grill. We got to the hotel a bit earlier than expected, and we were hungry, so we made our way to the restaurant at around 7:00 p.m. After making our way to the 15th floor, we were seated within about 5 minutes.

My first impression of the restaurant was just how large of a space it was, with panaromic views of the Magic Kingdom. While certainly slightly on the loud side, I didn't find the noise level unbearable. Certainly still able to hold a conversation.

Service was mostly very good. Every time my beverage was running near empty, a refill appeared. My only complaint about the service, is that it took an inordinate amount of time for our orders to be taken.

So let's get to the good stuff, the food.

California cuisine is synonymous with fusion cuisine. Taking seasonal ingredients and combining them with often ethnic dishes --- thus, exotic pizzas, unusual sushi combinations.

DW and I both are sushi lovers. There isn't much "authentic" sushi on the menu here, instead it is novel maki combinations. I started with a tempura roll. (Don't have the menu handy, and I forget the specifics)

It had a lot going on. To its credit, the tempura aspect was not heavily fried. The roll was certainly tasty and on the spicy side. But the downside, was that the flavors were muddled. I couldn't taste the distinctive elements within the roll. It was good, but not great.

DW had the yellow fin tuna three ways. This was not particularly novel, but was well executed. The fish tasted of a high grade. It was a very nice way to start a meal.

The kid's menu only offers 1 appetizer. A very bare bones salad. A few pieces of lettuce, to be dipped in a ranch-type sauce. My DD did finish it off, but I'm sure she would have liked some tomatoes. Upon request, there did offer my DS a fruit plate as an appetizer. It has a nice assortment of fruit, berries, bananas and more.

To be continued....

 

[havoc315]

Entrees... starting with the kids. Mac and Cheese, and a personal pizza. Menu certainly had more adventurous offerings, but my kids were in the mood for the basics. Looked fine, but nothing special.

DW had the oak fired filet. I had a taste. It was a nice cut of meat, the Teriyaki sauce was flavorful. Only complaint was that after ordering it medium rare, it was served on the side of being quite rare. Still, DW liked it over all.

I went for the veal tenderloin. It was really a spectacular dish. The meat was perfectly cooked. The vegetables were nicely flavored with smoke and bacon. I would absolutely order this dish again.

Desserts next...

 

[havoc315]

My DD had chocolate pudding that she barely touched. I think she was full. Though both she and my DS enjoyed the Rice Crispie Treat Sushi. Gummy fish, fruit roll ups, rice kris pie treats and chocolate dipping sauce, all disguised as sushi. Creative and fun for the kids.

DW had the panna cotta. I didn't taste it, but she said it was good.

I have Espresso cheesecake. Quite good, but a bit too much going on, on the plate. WIth ice cream with espresso chips, and then a hazel nut brittle, then some caramel sauce. Felt like I could have used guidance on the best way to eat it.

Pictures of all 4...

Overall -- The meal is certainly elevated by the great views and the fireworks. But even without those extras, this is a very good restaurant. I was a bit leery about whether any Disney restaurant would truly be "signature," but this was a very good meal. I would gladly come back. And even if this restaurant had nothing to do with being at Disney World, I would eat here.

 

[Colleen27]

Yay, you've started!

I felt the same way about the tempura Malibu roll - it was enjoyable, but you don't taste each of the flavors the way you do with some of the other options. Next time try the spicy kazan roll; the sweetness of the scallops and crab is a perfect counterpoint to a nicely spicy sauce and the tempura topping adds an interesting texture to the whole dish.

An oddly specific question about California Grill... None of the online menus have been updated since before the holidays. Did you happen to notice what the ice cream/sorbet pairing with the valhrona chocolate lava cake is right now?