Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to eat we go! 24 ADR's/7 Trips-THE TEA. Complete...for NOW

[figment814]

So would you recommend O'hana's breakfast over Chef Mickey's??

I actually just ate at Chef Mickey's this past weekend, and there will be a review coming up...but I would definitely pick 'Ohana over Chef Mickeys.

I am sooooooooo with you on this!!! The ice cream even tasted better! I have a feeling they switched because it was cheaper to make the ones they serve now

Anyhow...am loving your reviews! Keep em coming!

i'm glad you are enjoying everything!

 

[figment814]

Well, we initially had reservations at Coral Reef, but we overfed ourselves at 'Ohana! So...we cancelled at our Coral Reef Ressies and decided to play it by ear!

We spent some time at innoventions, sorting garbage, participating in the velcro show (much to my embarrasment!) and now have a video game with/of myself!

After that, we headed towards World showcase and I began dreaming of trying counter service at Morocco or Germany, and DBF says "Let's eat at Mexico!" Uh Oh. Based on previous reviews, I wasn't overly jazzed about trying it, but I figured why not? If I hated it, I could always get school bread or two!

We walk up to the check in desk and wait in line behind two couples. Here are experienced some of the rudest behavior I had experienced at Disney...and not from staff from other patrons! We were cut in front of by two people, and then a drunk guy who was asking for the bathroom. And then shouted to his friends in line for the ride.

Anywho...the host was pleasant, gave us a pager, and we were seated pretty quickly thereafter

So we get our seats...

I really think that San Angel Inn has a wonderful atmosphere. We really enjoyed it!

DBF, who is usually picky, thought we should try the duck taco which I believe had pineapple salsa on it as well.

These had a really good flavor.

I ordered the Pollo a las Rajas.

Grilled chicken breast served over red peppers, onions, chile poblano, chorizo (Mexican sausage) and melted cheese.

This was very good! The breast was tender, the sauce was creamy, and the vegetables were well cooked, not overdone.

DBF ordered Sirloin Asado con Chilaquiles

Grilled sirloin steak, with Chilaquiles (layers of fried corn tortilla, green tomatillo sauce, topped with fresh cheese, onions, sour cream) and served with Mexican rice and beans (hold the sour cream)

He really enjoyed it, I thought it was okay. I am not a fan of tomatillo sauce, so it may just be my pallette.

I didn't want dessert, but dbf insisted and ordered the flan...

Turns out, we don't like flan.

So the final verdict?


Three smilies...I might return just for the chicken, and would definitely get the duck tacos again. Renovation or not, we will probably return eventually just a dozen other restaurants I want to try first!

Up Next: California Grill...2 people, 3 entrees...

 

[Uncle Remus]

Turns out, we don't like flan.



Flan is a li'l different, but I like it.

Love the reviews, I may have to schedule that Ohana breakfast for Sep.

 

[dancemomnj]

Love the reviews!

 

[figment814]

Love the reviews!

Thanks! MOre to come...

Turns out, we don't like flan.



Flan is a li'l different, but I like it.

Love the reviews, I may have to schedule that Ohana breakfast for Sep.

Thanks uncle remus! I'm sure I'll try flan again someday, who knows maybe I just didn't like it here!

 

[figment814]

We had very late, well for us, reservations at California Grill. We arrived a little early, and headed up to the bar and got seats right away. We ordered our drinks (Malbec for me, not sure what DBF.)

We were seated pretty quickly, and then it was time for fireworks...and my second wine...this will haunt me a little later...like minutes...

Our waiter waited to bring our bread until we returned from the show...I have only seen wishes from CG, and it is a wonderful experience. (though I was irritated by a group of several couples who talked loudly through the whole thing.)

I wasn't in the mood for a cheese plate, and none of the appetizers looked that good to us. DBF could not decide on an entree, so he decided we should order three!

This is where the wine begins to get me in trouble...moved on shortly to glass number three...on an empty stomach....

So for my entree, I got...

I was pretty tipsy and dug in before I remembered to take a picture. It was a nice presentation before I destroyed it.

Unfortunately this is an item that is not on the on-line menus...It is an ostrich filet. VERY VERY good...

For our "split" entree we got

A filet, with a type of barbecue sauce, on mashed potatoes. This was also very good.

DBF got Grilled Pork Tenderloin with goat cheese polenta, button mushrooms and zinfandel glaze...but substituted mashed potatoes for the polenta. I had this dish last october, and it was better this time around!

I was not overly pleased with signature dessert I had last time, so this time I ordered...

Caramel Apple - Warm Heirloom and Granny Smith apple, golden raisin, and walnut tart with caramel ice cream, rum-caramel sauce, and apricot almond jam

This was much more up my alley...in the background you can see DBF's Valrhona Chocolate Cake and Raspberry - Warm chocolate cake with molten center, housemade raspberry ice cream and raspberry sauce.

As of now I have eaten at 5 signature restaurants, and I would return to any of them in a second. California Grill is worth it for the fireworks alone, and the food has been good both times I've been there. But I would probably not consider it my number one (maybe tied for number 2).
1/2

 

[katiebelle21]

I love that you bought three entrees to split! I always have a hard time picking what I want to order because everything sounds so good.

As of now I have eaten at 5 signature restaurants, and I would return to any of them in a second. California Grill is worth it for the fireworks alone, and the food has been good both times I've been there. But I would probably not consider it my number one (maybe tied for number 2).

What is your favorite signature restaurant?

 

[figment814]

I love that you bought three entrees to split! I always have a hard time picking what I want to order because everything sounds so good.



What is your favorite signature restaurant?

Flying Fish has been the best meal I have had at WDW bar none. But Jiko was amazing as well.

(I have also eaten at Brown Derby and Artist Point, which both have good food, but not the great atmosphere of the others.)

 

[figment814]

We decided to take it easy on Day 2 of our 48 hour trip. After grabbing a quick breakfast snack at Artist Palette, we laid out by the pool before heading to downtown disney for some shopping and a bite to eat.

I was thinking Earl of Sandwich, but DBF suggested T-Rex. We had eaten there twice in the fall, and we love the atmoshpere, and DBF enjoys the food.

There was a bit of line for food, so we decided to see if there were seats at the bar....and there were. We had eaten previously in the Ice Room and the other area, so that wasn't a necessity for us. (Though we do love the ice room!)

The bar itself is pretty cool.

We decided to start with an appetizer...

Melalosaurus Mozzarella - Seared Mozzarella with creamy marinara and mozzarella fingers

The Moz sticks are awesome...though I have never found a mozzarella stick I didn't like (as long as it's cooked!)

We have had the appetizer before, and it was definitely better than the last time, as the seared mozzarella was warm all the way through, which it wasn't last time.

For my main, I wasn't wanting anything too heavy, so I went with...

Lost World Chicken Salad Sandwich - Rotisserie chicken with tarragon, celery, onions, toasted almonds and mayonnaise, served on a croissant

It was very good, and lasted me the rest of the day.

I would rate T-Rex


It's good, and I like eating there, but it is not overly special to go back multiple times. If I had an 8 year old son who was into dinosaurs, I'd make it a must visit though.

 

[iluvpluto27]

I'm really enjoying your reviews. I love Cali Grill and that Apple Pie thing looks delicious!

 

[katiebelle21]

Flying Fish has been the best meal I have had at WDW bar none. But Jiko was amazing as well.

Thanks! I agree that Jiko is amazing. I haven't tried Flying Fish yet, but I'll have to check it out.

 

[Boatingmom]

Where is T Rex?

 

[figment814]

Where is T Rex?

Downtown Disney, right by the McDonalds. I think it opened in October.

 

[figment814]

We ate breakfast at Roaring Forks, 3 out of 4 morning while staying at the Wilderness Lodge on the Girl's Trip.

I won't do a full review as I think most counter service breakfast our created equal, so I just grab a bagel and yogurt and go on my way. (My experience is limited, so I'm sure there are some standouts out there.)

But here are two pics of real food we had...

Croissant Sandwich Doc had on the first morning.

And a yummy breakfast pastry I tried, and only ate about half (It was good but rich.)

 

[frdeb1999]

Another wonderful installment! We were actually quite pleased with T-Rex and were'nt expecting much....deffinately cute atmosphere for kids.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I have devoured your reviews in one sitting! Awesome!! Can't wait for more!

 

[figment814]

For those who didn't read the not too exciting pre-story, I was in the World for a quick 48 hour trip with DBF, and returned 4 days later for a Girl's only trip. I did most of the planning, because, well, I love to plan.

Tusker House was our first ADR, but not part of the original plan, as it didn't really sound all that appealing to me, and I am generally not a fan of buffets. But then I heard about the special Nemo show seating. I had never seen the show mainly because I am not patient enough to wait in line for 45 minutes or more.

We showed up about 15 minutes before our scheduled time and waited patiently while the hostess helped another customer, standing just a couple of feet behind the podium. As soon as she was done, a woman stepped right behind me and shouted (seriously), "I have a reservation," as if psychicly she knew i didn't. (Even though I did.) This also happened to me the week prior at San Angel Inn, thought that time the psychic abilities were more honed because I actually didn't have a reservation. Thankfully, the hostess asked for the next person in line, and I stepped up and gave her my name and reservation time...loudly enough for the shouter to hear me. I of course got an equally loud harumph.

We were told they were quite behind schedule and would have a 30-40 minute wait.

Great, I thought, not exactly a good start for the 'ol Tusker House.

Luckily, we waited only about 10 minutes, before we were led to our seats.

When we were seated, I was a little confused about the concern over wait time, as the restaurant was only half full.

And this is where the review starts going up...

Quite a large buffet area, so I didn't know where to start, so I walked around and started over by the salads, which is probably how I ended up with a very small plate with a lot food on it.

and a little bit closer

I am pretty sure this plate contained a sampling of most of these below:
Marrakesh Couscous with Roasted Vegetables
Vegetable Samosa
Jollaf Rice
Pearl Couscous laced with Sweet Basil Essence
Basmati rice with Toasted almond slivers
Tomato and Cucumber Salad with fresh mint and Yogurt Dressing
Tunisian Couscous Salad
Curried Basmati Rice
Cury Chicken


For my second plate, I went with a little more protein

Hummus, pita, tabbouleh, mashed potatoes, golden potatoes, Carved beef and pork loin.

And finally, desserts...

Warm Banana-Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, a carrot cake, a chocolate lava cake, and a seven layer bar type thing.

This was some seriously good food from beginning to end. The only things I wouldn't have eaten at least two servings except for the cucumber salad and the red curry chicken. But, this is really a matter of personal tastes. When I got to the dessert table, all that was left of the bread pudding was a few bits stuck to the corners of the pan. I asked if it would be possible to get a new pan, and I got to try some DELICIOUS warm, moist bread pudding. So very good! The sauce for the beef and pork were amazing. Our server was great, friendly and anticipated our drink needs.

So mirror, mirror on the wall, what's your call?


(This is a seriously great meal, but obviously not on par with a signature...but the five stars comes from comparing it to other lunches/buffets etc that I have had on property.)

 

[skellingtonfreak]

Thanks for the awesome review of SAI! I have been eyeing those duck tacos ever since I saw them on the menu. I love real Mexican food...no Tex-Mex for me.

And we thought the pork at TH was absolutely amazing...one of the best things we ate on that trip.

 

[figment814]

Thanks for the awesome review of SAI! I have been eyeing those duck tacos ever since I saw them on the menu. I love real Mexican food...no Tex-Mex for me.

And we thought the pork at TH was absolutely amazing...one of the best things we ate on that trip.

Definitely try the duck tacos if you can...DBF liked them and he is very picky!

 

[figment814]

When I was planning this trip I knew that I wanted to eat a a signature restaurant I hadn't tried before. Since we were staying at Wilderness Lodge, Artist Point was the easiest choice, particularly based on our plan of attack for our four days.

We got back to the hotel after a long, but wonderful day at Animal Kingdom Lodge. We got downstairs and across the hotel a little early, and waited in the bar for a little while. Unfortunately, the wine list in the bar is minimal, and not what is in the restaurant. I decided to stick with water...even so the bartender was quite attentive to us.

We were seated soon enough, and we placed our drink orders.

We had been joking about the cheese plate earlier, and decide that would be one of our appetizers.

It was good, but not as great as some of the others I've tried. Also, I like when they give you a little card explaining the cheeses (California Grill has a great description card.)

We also ordered another appetizer...

This is wild boar with a mushroom bread pudding. I am not sure what an appropriate word to describe this is....HEAVEN would be close. I expected wild boar to be pork like (Boar= wild pig in my brain I guess). I was wrong, but in a good way. It had a more beef like consistency, but very tender, melt in your mouth kind of beef. The mushroom bread pudding it was served with was a perfect match. This has surpassed the ostrich at Jiko, as my favorite appetizer. WOW!

I had been looking forward to trying the Buffalo steak...but when we go the menu it wasn't there. I had been warning Doc, that the menus were out of date and not to get her heart set on something...and guess what I did...

I debated about what to get, but after awhile decided...I'm in Disney and how often do I get to try Buffalo spareribs...so I went with the buffalo subsitute.

This was....interesting. It's been almost two weeks, and I can still taste it. It was extremely rich, and served with an extremely rich side (scalloped potatoes). While I enjoyed it, after a few bites, I had had enough.

I had read several reviews that described Artist Point as having Signature food, in a very un-signature atmosphere. While I don't think it's the prettiest signature restaurant, I am a big fan of the arts and crafts style, so there were parts I did love.

I loved the chandeliers

We thought about ordering dessert, but we were disappointed with the selection. They all contained fruit I know, the horror of fruit with dessert! (This is sarcasm in case you missed it )

Overall, I enjoyed Artist Point, but I won't be rushing back any time soon. I really want to try Narcossee's, Citricos, and Yachtsman first, and go back to Jiko again.

Even though I loved the appetizer, my overall experience, as compared to other sigatures...