I haven't been this excited about my birthday since I turned 21! COMPLETE

[phabric]

Enjoyed reading your reviews.

 

[jabead]

Our lunch plans on this day were to visit several of the Flower & Garden food booths, as there were at least a dozen things that I wanted to try. The first booth we encountered when entering World Showcase was...




We all wanted to try the tilapia, so I bought one for us to share.



Ghost pepper-dusted tilapia with crisp winter melon slaw and mint oil featuring The Original Sauce Man’s Kick It Up Rub - $4.75


This was very tasty! I was a bit afraid of the word ghost pepper in the description, as I had heard that ghost pepper is the world's hottest chili pepper, but it ended up being just slightly spicy...nothing to worry about.


By the time we reached the Mexico booth, an alternative stop was proposed by one of us...it was probably me. So we entered the Mexico pavilion with the intention of getting an avocado margarita for Hunter and me and somehow ended up having a light lunch at San Angel Inn. Ok, again that was probably me. {I'll be reviewing this lunch in a separate post} Following our lunch, Hunter begged Paula and me to do the El Rio del Tiempo boat ride with him, so of course we did. Then it was back outside to the nearly 90 degree heat, which quickly lessened my desire to stop at more outdoor food booths. We glanced at the menu at the China booth and moved on to Germany, where Paula and Hunter stopped at the Trinken cart for (I believe) shots of Apfel and Jagermeister. I made it as far as Italy before I requested a reprieve from the hot sun and we ducked into the cool darkness of Tutto Gusto {again to be reviewed separately}. Once we had emerged from Tutto, my appetite had recovered enough for one more thing from a F & G booth. Last year one of my favorite F & G fest foods was from the Smokehouse booth, located by the American pavilion.



I was very happy to see that this was again on their menu, and so my next and final choice from the F & G booths was the...



Smoked Beef Brisket with Collard Greens and Jalapeño Corn Bread - $6.75

This was as delicious as I had remembered. The brisket was excellent, the corn bread very good, and even the collard greens were quite edible.

Paula wanted to try one of their Piggylicious Bacon Cupcakes...



I'll let her speak for herself (in her dining report) regarding this, but after the small bite of it that I had I would say that these were not nearly as tasty as they looked.

We then made two more stops in France, one of these at the bakery, where Paula & Hunter got a few things to have on hand at their villa. Hunter also bought me a Napoleon (boxed to go) to be used in my taste test comparison with a Napoleon which I will get later in the trip from the Boardwalk Bakery. This comparison review will come later in my report. Our last stop before leaving Epcot was at the French wine shop, where Paula & Hunter made some purchases. I saw this sign on their counter...



My oldest daughter and I did this Wine Walk three years ago and the exact same wines were served for the same price of $20 and the same 2 oz. pour size. So I was quite surprised to see that nothing about this had changed in three years, especially the price.

Here are the photos from my May 2011 Dining Report...

Valckenberg Madonna Spatlese and Liebfraumilch (along with our passport)

Castello Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio and the delicious red sparkling wine, Rosa Regale

Chateau Tour de Segur (red Bordeaux) and Georges Duboeuf Pouilly Fuisse (dry Chardonnay)​

Next up: Lunch at San Angel Inn

 

[disney meema]

That smokehouse stand foods looks so yummy ... I hope they have that stand in the fall.

 

[jabead]

Hi Barb - I, too, am a bit late to the Party. Been reading, just not commenting. First I have to ay that I have had the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli at Cali twice and absolutely love it both time. Not sure if they have changed the recipe with the renovation?

I have yet to try that berry bread pudding but I am hoping our September trip will be the one that rectifies this! It always looks sooooo good when I see it!

Looking forward to the rest!

Hi Vicki! Yes, the disappointing ravioli really took me by surprise. I thought for sure that I would like it, or maybe even love it. I'm thinking that mine was plated and then sat around too long before being served. Plus of course, I had to take about a dozen photos of it (as I was still trying to figure out the settings on my borrowed camera) before I began eating. So I probably need to give it another try sometime.

We actually drove this time. We loved having a car and driving to the parks, but that was a long haul. Not sure what we will do next time.

Ahhh yes, been there done that...many times. On my last family trip in March 2013 we had four drivers (two of them were 17 and 23 year olds who were accustom to staying up quite late at night), so we decided to try and save some money and drive down. We left on Friday night and drove straight through, arriving in time to have a late lunch at our resort, Wilderness Lodge. The only problem was that the kids "pooped out" on us and were sound asleep by midnight, so my DH and I had to do all the overnight driving. So yeah, I won't be doing that again anytime soon.

Hi Barb,
Great review so far. I haven't really been following stuff since my Sept trip as I always take a couple months off from Disney related things after every trip to recharge and then work has been crazy this year. Jealous that you and others have gotten to take several trips since my last trip LOL. But Luanne and I just made ADRs for a trip in late Oct. Then Luanne and her sister have a trip planned in Nov. Then I will taking my mom for her first ever visit (at age 72) in December and we will be joined by my sister and her family and my brother (also his first ever visit) and his lady friend and her daughter (also their first visit) so that should be a great time.
Looking forward to seeing more of your review.

Eric

Hi Eric and welcome back to the boards! I remember you quite well, as you were the very first to report live from last year's Food & Wine festival. It sounds like you and Luanne have several upcoming trips to plan for. I'm particularly interested in your late October one, as that is when I will be there next. If you should happen to see me out and about, please say hi.

Wow, the photos of the WL Christmas tree are gorgeous! I love the look of WL and we usually make time to visit each vacation but I can't seem to tear myself away from POFQ, lol. However, the photos of the awesome waffles available at Roaring Fork makes a stay there even more tempting!

I know a lot of people love the croissant berry pudding at Sunshine Seasons but DH and I tried it two years ago and were very underwhelmed. The serving we had was very dry, bland, and tasteless. I'm guessing we just got a bad batch? I might have to try it again sometime to compare.

Enjoying your reviews!

Hi Carol! Actually POFQ is at the top of my list of Disney resorts that I would like to try, but it is becoming more and more difficult to break away from the Epcot resort area since Epcot is my favorite park and I love being able to walk to it. Plus now that I have found the Wilderness Lodge, well that just makes it harder to try something new.

One of these days I really need to try the croissant breadpudding. I am not a huge fan of bread pudding in general but when I find one I love (like my own home made lol) I really love it. Next trip in October I have to get one.

I have made adrs for October but figure once our dismeet plans come in I will make some changes. You, or any one else are welcome to come with us to any ressies I have already made. So far I have Olivia's Cafe, La Hacienda, Il Mulino, Bluezoo, Chefs de France, Yak n Yeti and Restaurant Marrakesh. I have also purchased my tickets to the Swan & Dolphin Food and Wine Classic for October 31.

I just can't wait.

Hi Niki! When do you plan to have dinner at La Hacienda? I haven't decided on my arrival date yet (waiting on airfares, etc.) but if the timing works out and you wouldn't mind a tag-along then I would be very happy to have dinner with you there.

We are leaving in a few days for our trip and it will be our first time staying at Wilderness Lodge! I'm loving your reviews and can't wait to finally try the berry croissant pudding at Sunshine Seasons. After many, many trips I still haven't tried it but this trip it will be happening

I hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy your first stay at the WL. When you get back, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.

I've been drooling,,,,errr lurking. But after the berry croissant picture, I had to join in to say how yummy everything looks and what a terrific review!

Thanks for drooling, lurking, and now posting! As my week progressed, I got more adept at using my son's camera so I hope there will be many more drool-worthy food photos coming your way.

Oh Barb, I had fallen terribly behind with your reviews, but the bonus is that means I just had lots of yummy food pictures to drool over

We are trying Raglan Road for the first time in June, dinner not brunch though and I am hoping to save room for that bread and butter pudding

What a wonderful dinner at CG with Paula and Hunter and a great way to spend your birthday. The broth with your ravioli does look a little watery though

Yummy waffles at my fave resort - we shall miss WL next trip

Looking forward to your next installment

Hi Linda! I'll be very interested in hearing about your Raglan Road experience. And you must promise to try the bread pudding, whether you have room left for it or not.

Enjoyed reading your reviews.

Thanks for reading, phabric!

That smokehouse stand foods looks so yummy ... I hope they have that stand in the fall.

In the fall during the F & W festival, the American pavilion is host to the Hops & Barley booth, home of the popular lobster roll. While the offerings at H & B are usually pretty good, I still prefer the Smokehouse brisket.

 

[Niki Andiokno]

I have La Hacienda for 7:30 on Saturday the 25th. If that doesn't work for your schedule we can always switch it around. It would be great to on down a margarita (or 2) with you.

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

All I can say is yum and it makes me want July to come much faster than it is!

 

[jabead]

Despite the fact that we did not have an ADR, with just a short wait we were seated at a premium waterside table in the center of the restaurant with a great view...





It was fun to wave at the people in the boats as they floated by...





I love the dark, nighttime atmosphere of this restaurant...

However, it is not conducive to taking great photos, especially for someone who is trying to learn how to use a new camera. Sooo...I'll just apologize now for the photos you are about to see.


Let's begin with the menu photos...








Hunter and I both started with an Avocado Margarita...



Avocado Margarita - 100% agave premium Tequila, melon liquor and fresh avocado mixed with fresh lime juice and agave nectar syrup, served frozen with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim. - $14

Technically this is not one of the margaritas that is listed on the San Angel Inn drink menu, but I politely asked our server if we could get one from La Cava de Tequila. After speaking to the manager, these were delivered to our table...



Many of you already know how much I love these so I'll skip all the superlatives and just say, "Ahhhhh."


Paula and Hunter ordered two appetizers to share, the Sopa Azteca (tortilla soup) and the Tlacoyos de Chilorio (pork corn cakes), and I ordered another of my favorites...



Tostadas de Tinga - Pulled chicken seasoned with toasted tomato and chipotle, served on tostadas with black refried beans, green tomatillo sauce, queso fresco, and sour cream - $10.50


And here is my blurry attempt at a close-up view...



The shredded chicken on these tostadas is so moist and flavorful. A couple of these tostadas (I gave the third one to Paula & Hunter) and an avocado margarita and I am a very happy lady. ​

Next up: Happy Hour at Tutto Gusto

 

[mamaboogie]

Hi Barb!

Really enjoying your review so far. The CG birthday meal looked amazing!

Can't wait for more

 

[JulieODC]

Just discovered this DR ---- and have been drooling over it for the last 15 minutes while I caught up! Great, yummy choices so far! Sounds like a fabulous trip already!

 

[disney meema]

Your avocado margarita looks so delicious ... How would you describe it. Savory salty taste?

 

[emmysmommy]

Oops! Sorry to arrive late but the consolation is that I've been able to enjoy all these reviews thus far.

All I can say about Ger's Bread Pudding at Raglan Road is - AMAZINGNESS!! I don't leave any morsels behind. I had them box up what I didn't eat, add some additional cups of sauces, and ate the left-over's for breakfast! The egg dish wasn't at all what I thought it would be too.

That amuse bouche from CA Grill looks heavenly. We received a slight variation of it later in the trip. Yum!

You did a great job with the new camera for only having a crash course!

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your reviews.

And finally, I'm so glad that we were able to spend time with you on this trip.

 

[jabead]

As I mentioned earlier, I only made it from Mexico to Italy before I was ready for another break from the heat.






Tutto Gusto wine cellar seemed to fill the bill so in we went. I had told Paula and Hunter about a delicious pasta dish that I had had here back in May 2012...

Rughetta e Patate- Corkscrew-shaped noodles with arugula, potato, pancetta, tomatoes, pecorino cheese


I wanted to get this again and share it with Paula and Hunter, however when I looked at the menu it was nowhere to be found.







Hunter asked our server about the missing pasta dish and she said that she had never heard of it. I seem to recall that she told us that she had worked there for more than 6 months and had never seen the Rughetta e Patate on the menu. Though I was almost certain that it had appeared on the menu during our visit here in December (only 5 months ago), arguing over its one time existence seemed rather pointless.

But just for the record, here is the photographic evidence...



The December 2013 menu posted outside and the menu we were given inside, both showing the Rughetta e Patate under the "Cavatappi" section.





But what's gone is gone, so I drowned my sorrow in a glass of the tasty sangria that Paula and Hunter ordered...





I'm not certain, but I think this is the same sangria that is served at Via Napoli.
​

Next up: Dinner at Jiko

 

[jabead]

I have La Hacienda for 7:30 on Saturday the 25th. If that doesn't work for your schedule we can always switch it around. It would be great to on down a margarita (or 2) with you.

While I think I will probably be there by Saturday, the 25th, just to be safe, would either Monday or Tuesday night work for you? (10/27 or 10/28) I plan to arrive by Sunday night (10/26) at the very latest.

All I can say is yum and it makes me want July to come much faster than it is!

Glad you are enjoying it, Karla!

Hi Barb!

Really enjoying your review so far. The CG birthday meal looked amazing!

Can't wait for more

Hi Shari! I really was thrilled to be able to have my birthday dinner at California Grill. At my age, birthdays seem to pretty much all run together but that one will be a birthday that I will remember for awhile.

Anyway, thanks for reading and glad to have you along!

Just discovered this DR ---- and have been drooling over it for the last 15 minutes while I caught up! Great, yummy choices so far! Sounds like a fabulous trip already!

I'm glad you found me, Julie! It looks like you have a special vacation coming up very soon. I hope you enjoy your first Disney cruise!

Your avocado margarita looks so delicious ... How would you describe it. Savory salty taste?

It has more of a sweet, fruity taste than savory/salty. Some say it tastes like bananas, which I can see. I don't think it tastes like avocado at all, but I think I remember Hunter saying that he could taste the avocado in it and he most likely has a more discerning palate with being a chef.

Oops! Sorry to arrive late but the consolation is that I've been able to enjoy all these reviews thus far.

All I can say about Ger's Bread Pudding at Raglan Road is - AMAZINGNESS!! I don't leave any morsels behind. I had them box up what I didn't eat, add some additional cups of sauces, and ate the left-over's for breakfast! The egg dish wasn't at all what I thought it would be too.

That amuse bouche from CA Grill looks heavenly. We received a slight variation of it later in the trip. Yum!

You did a great job with the new camera for only having a crash course!

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your reviews.

And finally, I'm so glad that we were able to spend time with you on this trip.

Hi Brenda and welcome back! You have impeccable timing as you and Michael are about to make your first appearance in my dining report.

It was so great to be able to hang out with you, Paula, Hunter, and Beth again...and to finally get to meet Michael. I could not have asked for better dining companions. Thank you so much for allowing me to crash your party!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I am still not quite ready to go back to San Angel after two poor experiences but each time I see a review I get a step closer! Not sure we will even consider it with F&W. Hoping to do some of the events so probably no full meals in EPCOT. I do love that avocado margarita though!

 

[JintyB]

This report just makes me hungry! I am definitely going to try an avocado margarita in the summer

 

[jenjersnap]

I think I would enjoy SAI as your food looks delicious and my kid (it is just the two of us this trip) would love to wave at people riding the Gran Fiesta but I just looked at the kid's menu...it is terrible with a quesadilla as the only "Mexican" food item. Boooo!

I don't think I have posted in your trip report yet...happy belated birthday! I spent my birthday last Halloween at WDW and it was a blast!

 

[vettegirl]

Enjoying the reviews!!

 

[jabead]

On Monday evening, our plans brought us to the beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at its signature restaurant...





I was again tagging along with Paula & Hunter...




But this time we were also dining with another couple who had just arrived at Disney World...



Brenda (emmysmommy) & her DH, Michael (aka emmysdaddy)



The restaurant looked very busy when we arrived for our 8:30 ADR...




We were seated at a table by the open kitchen and in front of the twin tandoor ovens...





We began our evening together with a celebratory toast (courtesy of our dear DIS friend, Linda...aka Linda67)...






This was from a bottle of Graham Beck Brut Rose, a sparkling wine from South Africa. It was very good and a perfect start to a dinner where we were celebrating four birthdays and Paula and Hunter's 10th anniversary. Thanks again, Linda!


Then it was time to look over the menu, beginning with the Appetizers...




From this section, Paula & Hunter ordered the Taste of Africa for us all to share...





This included three kinds of bread...



Pappadam, Poppy Seed Lavash, and Naan



...and four dips.




Bhuna Masala (red), Sagh Dahl (green), Moroccan Chermoula (red with green specks), and Kalamata Hummus (tan) - $9.00


I tasted and enjoyed all of these, but my favorite was the hummus. It was delicious!



And speaking of delicious things, the appetizer which I ordered was also a big hit with everyone who tasted it...




Inguday Tibs in Brik - Mushroom, Spinach, and Cheese in crispy Tunisian Filo with Apples and Curry Vinaigrette - $10.00

This reminded me of the Greek appetizer pastries, spanakopita, however, IMHO these were even better.


While we were munching on the appetizers, we realized that the usual basket of Dabo bread had not been brought to our table so we had to ask for it.



Dabo Bread (Ethiopian Honey Wheat) served with Tandoori-spiced butter



Here are the next two sections of the menu...



While I strongly considered ordering the chicken flatbread and/or the tomato salad for my entree, I ultimately decided against it. I'm not sure, but I don't recall anyone ordering a flatbread, soup, or salad.


So moving on now to the entrees...




Having had a bad experience here previously with a "fatty" short rib, I eliminated that as an option. I believe that "Nigerian-style" whole fish means with the head on so I passed on that too. I'm not really a fan of either scallops or lamb and I wasn't feeling the pork loin or vegetarian dish. That left three viable options for me, the chicken, the filet, and the one that I finally chose...



Maize-crusted Monkfish served with Vegetables of the Moment and Tomato-Butter Sauce - $39

I was surprised by how much I liked this. I had never had monkfish before but if this first taste was typical of this white fish then I would have to say that I'm a fan. It was mild in flavor similar to cod, but with a firmer texture. The tasty crust was light and slightly crispy and the tomato-butter sauce was much more enjoyable for me than the ravioli's tomato broth from the previous night at California Grill.


And that just leaves dessert. I don't seem to have taken a photo of the dessert menu, but it's quite possible that we didn't get to see it because we were given complimentary birthday/anniversary desserts...





In looking at an online dessert menu, I believe this was the Kenyan Coffee Crème Brûlée topped with a Madeleine with Coriander Glaze (however, it could have been just regular creme brulee, not listed on the menu)...



I don't remember too much about how this tasted so I'm just going to say that this was okay, nothing memorable.

Although the service here was spotty, the food and the company made this a great meal. We were having such a good time that before you know it we were the last people there, which made for some great empty restaurant photos...







I had not been to Jiko for a few years, but this dinner has convinced me that I need to try to squeeze in a return visit here in October.​

Next up: Breakfast at the Grand

 

[vettegirl]

What a beautiful review and I know the company was even better. I am going to have to give Jiko another try some day. We had a bad experience 3 years ago, however your pictures and reviews have me convinced to go back another for another try

 

[tdashgirl]

Ok, the smokehouse kiosk looks amazing. I'm now very interested to see what Paula has to say about those cupcakes