I may be "stuffy", but I'm also Stuffed

[Niki Andiokno]

Hi everyone! I am back from my first non-commando WDW Theme Park vacation. Trust me, not by choice. I caught bronchitis and a sinus infection right before I left. My first thought was "How am I gonna taste all this wonderful Disney food?" Well, alot of sleep, time in the jacuzzi and alot of antihisthamines later, I think I did a pretty good job. We spent a week at Villas at Wilderness Lodge in January.

I have done a couple of food reports in the past, but I was never able to take photos. DH just didn't understand the food porn thing. Since he has seen his buddys now do it on facebook, he doesn't think I am such a food obsessed nerd. He finally agreed! We Got Porn!!!!

Anyway, let me introduce myself. I am a 40-something lawyer from Chicago. I missed my calling though, as I really am a food obsessed nerd. I love to cook, especially desserts. Had I known how to cook before I went to school, I might be working at Disney right now. as a pastry chef. At least I like to dream it could have been. I am not picky, but have certain favorites. I LOVE seafood, any food so spicy it turns your ears red, and anything chocolate.

This is a recent photo of me, just so you can put a face to the name. I hope the photobucket thing works.

DH is a 50-something Filipino, who practices law with me. I know, I know. Working with your spouse? And then vacationing together? It has worked for all 22 years of marraige. I guess don't fix it if it ain't broke. He is very much like me as far as food. He is not picky, but has certain favorites. He loves fresh seafood, anything pork and fatty (a Filipino thing) and chocolate. I found out this trip he is anti-cupcake. Since we typically share desserts, no cupcakes for me. Here is a photo of DH with our welsh terrier Ellie.

Just so you have the entire family, here is our dobie Strider.

We went to WDW to celebrate our 22nd anniversary, as family issues made us cancel our 20th celebration. Don't get too excited, though. Other than the pin and a couple of Happy Anniversaries at check-in, we didn't get anything special.

Well, there you have the players. I'll get on with the food in the next post. Here is where we ate:

Roaring Forks
Cooke's of Dublin
O'Hana
Flame Tree BBQ
Il Mulino
Tangerine Cafe
Sunshine Seasons
Kimono's
Fulton's Crab House
ESPN Zone
Restaurant Marrakesh
Caramel Kuche
Starring Rolls Bakery
Wolfgang Puck Express
Beaches & Cream

Now lets get to the good stuff. FOOD!!!!

 

[LilRonGal]

Hi neighbor! So glad you managed to get over your sickness enough to enjoy your trip. I swear, if I feel an inkling of anything coming on for my trip in 3 weeks, I'm hitting King Spa and getting in that 200F sauna so I can sweat it right out!

Excited to see the food pix!!!

 

[auntfrannie]

Looking forward to reading your reviews! I've been thinking about Kimono's for my next trip and don't see too many reviews out there.

 

[iloveeeyore]

I'm in! Can't wait!

 

[wiigirl]

I am in!

 

[Niki Andiokno]

Good Evening y'all! I'm finally starting my food report.

After a long drive from Chi-town, most of it spent coughing and sneezing, I was exhausted. We got a late start because of my sorry butt, so we checked in really late, around 10:30. I was also starving. I was really disappointed we didn't make our Rose n Crown ressie. As I heard good things about Roaring Forks, I rushed there. I had a hankering for a big juicy burger. DH and I both ordered bacon cheeseburgers. They were OK, and the bacon was pretty crisp. The fries were really good. It was hard for us to really enjoy this, as we were tired and hungry. A tire probably would have been sufficient. I don't think we will go here again. Typical fast food with fries that were a bit better than average.

Sorry, no pic here. I was just too worn out and sick.

 

[Niki Andiokno]

The next morning I woke up and decided golf was not in my near future. By the time DH was done golfing, it was almost lunch. We decided to hit Downtown Disney. Every time we would try to check out Cooke's of Dublin, it has been closed. No that day! I was so happy to see it was open.

I had been looking forward to scallops, which are one of my favorite foods. To get them at a counter service restaurant just made me ecstatic!!

Here is my plate of wonderful scallops and chips. This was really good. The scallops were big sea scallops. Not all pieces were whole scallops, but most were. The pieces were very sweet. The breading was crisp, and not too heavy. Even though this is a pretty expensive CS entree at $12.95. I have paid over three times more at sit down restaurants for far inferior product. If you order the scallops here you are getting a great deal. Oh, the chips were good too. Very plentiful. I couldn't finish them.

DH did not care for his One & One nearly as much. FYI DH is the fish fry KING! He has sought out the best fish fry everywhere we have gone except Orlando. He prefers haddock, mostly beer battered, and all you can eat. Trust me, he can eat plate after plate of fish. As a little background, DH has lost 97 lbs. over the last five years. No particular diet, just not eating as much. All that goes out the window when you put a plate of fried fish in front of my man. He understood that no CS is going to do all you can eat. Imagine his dismay when a sole lonely sad piece of fish arrived with his chips. I have to say it was rather small. He said the tast was unremarkable.

Here he is, waiting for what he hoped was a great piece of fish. Unfortunately I didn't get a pick of his food. He devoured the little fishy in about three bites while I was photographing my beautiful scallops.

The biggest suprise here was the Dalky mustard. I don't like mustard very much. I will eat it in recipes, but never just on something. Until that day. The sweetness of the mustard, with a bit of spice thrown in, was amazing. DH ate all his fries, which for him is unusual, dunked in this stuff. Yummy.

We decided to end our meal sharing a Doh Bar.

I was so excited to try this. After seeing photos of this on the boards, I had one at a suburban festival last summer and was hooked. Crunchy outside. Ooey Gooey on the inside. I just couldn't wait to order one here.

I am sad to say that it just didn't stand up to the one at the fest. In fact, I couldn't finish it. This was a snickers in soggy, greasy pancake batter. It was so soggy that after only a couple bites it fell off the stick. Not slide off the end, but literally fell apart and off the stick. DH took one bite and scratched it off his list. I tried to like it, tried to finish it, but in the end it was a goopy greasy mess. Sorry.

I would definately go back to Cooke's of Dublin. The scallops were awesome. DH, on the other hand, will have to be hog tied. Maybe I will just sit him at the neighboring bar with a brew while I dunk my beautiful scallops in Dalky mustard.

 

[Ro Z]

Looking forward to more!

 

[Niki Andiokno]

After Cooke's I went back to sleep the afternoon away. Drugs, wonderful Drugs. When done with my 5 hour nap, we were off to O'Hana! This has always been DH's favorite restaurant in WDW. Are you catching the drift here? The man loves all you can eat. What better to eat than meat and shrimp?

We arrived about 45 minutes early so we can hit the Tambu lounge. This is my favorite bar in all of WDW. I have always gotten the most excellent Mai Tai here, and I am a Mai Tai fan. What not to love about rum and exotic fruit juice? Once in awhile DH will go for a backscratcher, but he was also in a mood for a mai tai.

and here is the real thing

I love the frothy goodness on top. Excellent testiment to a Mai Tai. We didn't do it this time, as I didn't want to overdo it on my meds, but you can get these beauties in a to go cup. Every other time I have come here, I have been able to get one in a styrophome cup to take with me to the beach to watch Wishes. Just a little tip. Fireworks are always even better with a Poly Mai Tai in your hand. I'm certain the bartender will do this with any drink. Take your pick.

On to dinner. We got a nice table where we could see the fireworks going on outside, even though part of it was blocked by a tree. Our server was very nice and always had our glasses of water full and mai tai replenished when we chose.

First we had bread. This was really good. Your can taste the pineapple. We also had great salad with honey lime dressing. This was really good, nice and tangy. As you can see from this super blurry photo we devoured the bread at lightning speed.

We next got sticky wings and potstickers. I can't find a photo. I was a little disappointed with the potstickers. The inside had a good taste, but the outside was a bit hard. I prefer steamed dumplings over fried, and often make potstickers at home. These just didn't do the trick. DH really liked them though. The wings were good, almost as good as Kona Cafe, but just a little different. We still devoured them all.

Next we got noodles and mixed vegetables. The veggies were really crisp and nice. I hate mushy veggies. DH didn't "waste" his time on these. The noodles disappointed us both, as they seemed dry and had a bit too much sesame oil on them. If not for the sesame oil taste, they would not have had any taste. I typically love these noodles, but not those.

Then came what we were there for, the MEAT!!!! Isn't this beautiful? Glorious meat cooking over a real flame. Look at that fire.

As my appetite still wasn't what it should be, I was going to only get one piece of steak and about a million shrimp. First came steak, which was a bit overdone. I noticed and requested our server bring me some that was medium rare instead. He promised to return shortly. In the meantime, he said to try the pork. I declined, but he told me to eat one, just for him. Trust him. I said OK and he went to get me my meat. OMG this was delicious. It had a bit of ginger taste to it, and was extremely moist and tender. As soon as he came back with the steak, I told him I was glad he made me try it. That was really good pork. The steak he brought was cooked medium, which I expected. I actually wanted it that way. O'Hana steak always seems to be just a little more done than the degree you ask for. I then chantegd, "Bring Me Shrimp" "Bring Me Shrimp !!!!

Shrimp I got. I had over a dozen of these. Honestly I could skip everything and just eat these babies. I am so glad they brought back the shrimp from the barbie. So much better than those appetizer shrimp. These were decent size, but smaller than in the past. That didn't bother me, but DH was not quite as pleased. He comes from an area where he could get great shrimp all the time. While he loved the flavor, he felt they were a little small. I also got tired of peeling them after awhile. DH just kept eating the shells, telling me I was missing all of the flavor.

For dessert we had the delectable bread pudding. Until this, I would only eat my own bread pudding with creme anglaise and brandy sauce. This is really, really good. I managed a few bites, but was again ready for bed.

All in all, a solid meal. Not certain if we will go back soon, though. I think it ran its course for DH, who said this was his favorite. It seems as though the DDP has jacked up the prices of all of the buffet and all you can eat places. I'm just not sure I want to drop a hundred dollars on this again. But we shall see. DH may not be able to resist next October when we go again.

 

[auntfrannie]

So happy to see the scallops reviewed from Cooke's of Dublin! I just saw them on the menu yesterday and added it to my list of places to try in May. They look delicious!

 

[weswife]

Great review so far! We enjoyed our dinner at O'Hanna too! My DS loved the shrimp!

Great pics!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I am in! I just had the bronchitis/sinus infection combo and it kicked my tail for almost a month. Can't imagine being in WDW! Glad you were able to enjoy the trip.

Those scallops look really good. Hoping we get a chance to try them on our DTD day!

 

[Niki Andiokno]

Looking forward to reading your reviews! I've been thinking about Kimono's for my next trip and don't see too many reviews out there.

So happy to see the scallops reviewed from Cooke's of Dublin! I just saw them on the menu yesterday and added it to my list of places to try in May. They look delicious!

I am in! I just had the bronchitis/sinus infection combo and it kicked my tail for almost a month. Can't imagine being in WDW! Glad you were able to enjoy the trip.

Those scallops look really good. Hoping we get a chance to try them on our DTD day!

Thanks for reading all. I'm really excited to finally be able to put photos in my trip report.

I will try to get to my Kimonos review done tonight. It is a must do for me every trip. sushi here is far superior to any where else on property, and even many other places.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Can't wait for Kimonos. We just discovered that we like sushi this past summer. I am anxious to try it now!

 

[disnut1149]

Hi
Great reviews!! Can't wait for more. Thanks!!

 

[Niki Andiokno]

Hi again. I'm snowed in, and have cancelled my weekend in Louisiana. At least it gives me a chance to do another update or two.

Sunday brought us to Animal Kingdom. Since I slept in, we got there around 10:30. After doing Expedition Everest and Safari, I started to lose steam. I knew I needed some nourishment. Animal Kingdom has but one place for us, Flame Tree BBQ! We love this place. First up, and most importantly, Onion Rings. DH and I crave these at home. Sweet onion, crispy batter, fried goodness. These never disappoint.

I really like good pulled pork. It is just so hard to make it right. Mine has to brine overnight and then smoke on the grill for 12 hours. Flame Tree comes close to this for me. A little dryer, but still so good. You get a big helping of pulled pork that has a slightly smokey flavor. I pick up a little brown sugar taste, I think. Anyway, it is so yummy. I cover it in a bit of BBQ sauce, then slap a big glob of the slaw right on top. I can't really say I like the slaw on its own, but I'm not a big mayo person. Generally not a slaw person either. But put creamy coleslaw over some good pulled pork and you have complete southern yumminess.

DH likes the ribs. He says he feels full after gnawin' on them there bones. He also likes the sauce, but wishes it were a bit spicier. We like our sauces spicy. Here he is enjoying the ribs and people watching. He also likes the slaw and really likes the beans.

He also had a bottled water. I haad a coke zero I brought from the room. I remember my last trip everywhere seemed to sell zero. All I kept seeing was diet coke this time. So I brought one from the villa. I think Sunshine seasons was the only place I saw it this trip. But who knows. All my anti-stuffy drugs kept me high as a kite. I don't take medicine often, so even day-quil knocks me for a loop.

As I was eating, a duck bit me in my booty. I have never been goosed by a duck. He really liked me and wouldn't leave me alone. It gives the term bootylicious a whole new meaning. Watch out Beyonce, Niki is in da House.

I have to say my little nips were kinda cute the first time, as it totally suprised me. I wasn't even looking that way. After a couple times though, it was just plain obnoxious. This bird was aggressive. Guests really need to stop feeding these little guys, and clean up their tables when done. If there was no feeding going on, those ducks would stop. This little guy certainly had no concept of personal space.

This is one of my favorite lunch places. The onion rings are a great value, compared to a TS place. And just as good, too. This is a must do for us.

 

[DLFan123]

Nice start! Looking forward to reading more! The story about the duck is cute.

 

[Niki Andiokno]

Sunday night was themost anticipated meal of the trip. Bummer was, I had some camera issues, so I don't have many photos.

Il Mulino is my absolute favorite restaurant. I love the darkness, wood floors, brass and tile decor. The waitstaff has always been extraordinary here. We had a waiter, waitress, bus boy and manager all wait on us. The meal was perfectly paced, and every need was promptly fulfilled.

Onto the food. We started out with an amuse buche of sausage slices and egplant raitta. The little sausage slices were some kind of salami. I don't like salami, but this was tasty, not greasy or salty. The eggplant is just heavenly. It is served a little cooler than room temperature. Spices were really good and the eggplant was so tender.

We got foccacia bread with garlic and tomato in our bread basket. I had to stop myself from filling up on this.

Here is where the photos stop. Not even an entree. So sorry. I hope I can describe the yumminess of this food.

Our appetizer was selected following the server's suggestion. Meatballs in marinara sauce. I was not totally happy with the meatballs, but I am more of a seafood appie kinda girl. The sauce was good. The meatball had a bit too much filler for me. DH loved it and claimed it one of his favorite meatballs. This meatball quickly lost its luster when he had a truly great one later in the trip, but we will get to that later.

DH had linguini or risotto (don't remember_ that was really good. Muscles, clams, shrimp, crab and fish in a nice pepper sauce with a bit of spice. Really good.

Mine was even better. I had the grouper in a white wine sause over broccoli rabe. The fish was tender and sweet to counter the bitter greens. The white wine sauce was so light, but really added to the flavor. The only disappointment here was that the last time I ate this it was served over orzo pasta. I love orzo, so I really missed it here. But that is really just a filler. The best part of this dish is the fish. I can't describe how great this really is.

We ended the night with my absolute favorite dessert, Tartufo. Words can't fully describe this chocolate greatness. No one does it like Il Mulino. Imagine a sweet, plump, juicy, red cherry soaked in brandy. Surround it with a sweet ball of zabiglione gelato. Dip that into rich dark chocolate. Serve it with zabiglione cream. To me, this is heaven. I have never had anything like this. So simple, yet so rich and tasty. Every ingredient in this is excellent and could stand on its own, yet they are in perfect harmony when put together. I just can't say enough about this dessert.

But wait. I'm not quite done. There was one more suprise. (or not so suprise any more, but still excellent.) Limoncello. This was brought out by the server in a big brass bucket and poured into little liquor glasses. This is sweet, yet tart, very alcoholic and very refreshing. This is the perfect way to end a great meal.

This was a totally romantic dinner. If you want a nice dinner with a great bar and excellent wine list, Il Mulino is the way to go.

One last point. I got a coupon from orlandoconventionaid.com giving me 20% off. That saved me quite a bundle, between the wine and good food. That website is worth a look.

 

[Niki Andiokno]

The next day found me feeling a bit better, so I decided to tackle Epcot. After seeing Captain EO for the first time, Soarin over California and riding the new Test Track, I wanted to search out some lunch. I have heard so many things about Tangerine Cafe, I decided to drag my hubby halfway around the world. We realized that the Friendship Boat was just pulling up, and it lands right in Morrocco. Tired after only a couple hours, I took my first Friendship Cruise. It was slow, but I was really trying to conserve energy. By the time our cruise was done, I was famished.

DH and I have been on a cous cous kick lately, so this was an easy sell for DH. We split a chicken and lamb schwarma platter. Wow, this is alot of food! DH and I love to eat, and can really put it away. This is now my favorite counter-service in Epcot. Unfortunately my camera issues had not been resolved, so no photos. We got great pita bread, Really flavorful hummus that tasted of roasted peppers, tabbouleh and the meat. The chicken was well spiced and flavorful. The lamb was melt in your mouth good.

This is now a must do for us.

A little later, we had to have dessert. DH loves the strawberry shortcake at Sunshine Seasons. We shared one of these clouds of creamy strawberry goodness. I wish I knew how to post photos from other reports, because this is just so pretty. This is the best strawberry shortcake I have ever had.

 

[Niki Andiokno]

I finally got my camera working, so WE HAVE PICS!!!!

This night we went to another one of my favorites, Kimonos in the Swan. Although this was a weeknight, packed with people doing karaoke. Most of them were young business people, probably there for a seminar or something. The singers were better than most of those at your local hole in the wall bar.

But you are here for the food and drinks.

First up, we have the alcohol. This is a Sake Sangria. Yes, it is served in a little pitcher. Sake Sangria is both sweet and tart, and filled with alcohol. By the time I finished this monster, the blackberries and blueberries on the bottom were liquor filled and really yummy. You can definately taste the sake. If you are a woosie who likes drinks that don't taste like alcohol, this is NOT for you. If you want a sweet, tart, wonderful alcoholic beverage that will last a long time and really throw you for a loop, this is it! I love this thing. It is on my must do list from now on.

We started out with the Beef Satay appetizer. This was excellent, if even a little small. Still, big enough for two people to whet their appetite. The beef was super tender and the peanut sauce was divine.

Next up, MARVELOUS SUSHI!! Here is our first platter:

You can't really see it, but I had the best yellowtail nigiri. This was so sweet and smooth. The texture was meaty. Also on this plate is Banzai Roll - Spicy tuna, avocado and eel; and the Kimono Roll - tuna, yellowtail and salmon. These were excellent. We finished this right away. DH and I wanted more.

We decided to make gluttons of ourselves that night. We called the tiny Japanese watress over and asked for the menu. Then she laughed in the condescending way only skinny Asian women can, and said, "Oh! Your still hungry? Hee Hee!) I should be offended, but I travel to Asia quite often and know how the culture is. If you are a size 8 or bigger, you shop at stores like "Fat Fannie's". It's OK. YES I'M STILL HUNGRY!

We ordered this:

Here we have a Tuna Roll and Shrimp Tempura Roll. Both of these were really good. This hit the spot, and we were ready to leave.

One final piece of good news. You can get a 20% discount from both orlandoconventionaid.com, which includes alcohol, and DVC, which does not.


If you are looking for great sushi, this is the best at WDW. There are always Japanese People and locals here right along with the conference people.