I might be solo but I still got to eat *California Grill*

[ClareH37]

This was my first visit during the food & wine festival, I was staying solo at the BWI CL and not on a dining plan.

I had a mix of signatures, non signatures, snacks as well as a food & wine special dining event at Tutto Italia. Some were previously made ADRs with a couple of spur of the moment decisions too. Had mostly fantastic dining experiences this trip but with just a couple of disappointments. I'm also have celiac disease (although luckily am not sensitive to cross contamination).

I'll be reviewing:

Hollywood Brown Derby (lunch) - here
Rose & Crown (lunch) - here
Boardwalk Bakery (dinner)
Boardwalk Room Service (breakfast) - here
Boardwalk club level offerings (various) - here
Kouzzina (breakfast)
Babycakes NY (snack)
Flying Fish (dinner) - here
Food & Wine Pairing Tutto Italia - here
Tappen Edo (dinner) - here
Grand Floridian Cafe (lunch) - here
California Grill (dinner) - here
San Angel Inn (lunch)
Dolphin Fountain (dinner)
Fultons (lunch)
Captains Grill (lunch)

 

[dancin Disney style]

Yay I'm first....can't wait to get started!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ClareH37]

Yay I'm first....can't wait to get started!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome I'll be starting any minute now

 

[ClareH37]

My first review is of my breakfast at the London Gatwick (airport) Sofitel, I'd stayed overnight at the airport before my flight so I wouldn't have such an early start.

I love room service, it feels so decadant, especially when you're still wearing your robe and lounging on the bed lol

I'd ordered an 'English' breakfast which consisted of bacon, baked beans (Heinz of course which us Brits love) and hash browns, with a separate bowl of porridge, toast (gluten free) which came in the paper bag, little pots of jam and a nice pot of chamomile tea - I'm a nervous flyer and swear by chamomile as a relaxant.

20 minutes after ordering my breakfast arrived, it was attractively presented on a tray and everything was hot, as it should be.

Although I was assured the hash browns were gluten free I didn't feel confident that they were, so I left them unfortunately. The bacon was perfectly crisp and had a smoked slightly salty taste, absolutely delicious.

This was a perfect start to my long (9 hour flight) travelling day. I was travelling British Airways Club World (business class), unfortunately the gluten free meal/afternoon tea were appalling, I ended up surviving on bananas (available in the Club 'kitchen', a great concept where you can help yourself to snacks during the flight), and crisps (potato chips). No pictures of what they offered I'm afraid, I was too unimpressed!

I opted for a hot dog (no bun) with french fries from the Boardwalk to go kiosk for my evening meal, again sorry no pictures as I was too tired, I didn't even manage half of the hot dog as tiredness got the better of me. I was so tired I can't even remember what it tasted like lol

However, full reviews will commence the next day.

 

[chocolateMinnie]

can't wait for these reviews.

 

[ClareH37]

To cut a very very long story short, I had meant to be meeting a cyber pal for lunch at 50's Prime Time after we already had breakfast at 1900 Park Fare the same morning (no review, I'm skipping that one). The BWI CL had printed off my AP for me, unfortunately when I arrived at the studios it wasn't working, nearly 1 later it was finally rectified at Guest Services, along with my TIW card. I therefore missed my lunch at 50's Prime Time.

I was getting hungry and wanted somewhere to eat, I was also feeling jet lagged so didn't want to wander far, so ended up at the Hollywood Brown Derby. There were only accepting ADRs, no walk-ins, but as I was a 'solo' and staying onsite I was advised I could sit on the patio. It was a gorgeous day so why not.

I was shown to my table and my server appeared shortly afterwards, I think he must have been having an 'off day', he was not the most welcoming of servers and for the first time in any of my dining experiences, solo or not, I felt uncomfortable.

I had a great view from my table and I enjoyed sitting there sipping my sprite with my sunglasses on people watching.

There were a few items that appealed on the menu and after discussing my gluten allergy with my server, who then went to check with the chef, it had to be a steak for my first proper meal in Orlando.

I knew I wouldn't be able to cope with the 8 oz filet so opted for the 6 oz filet.

Chared Filet of Beef - glazed with a red wine reduction topped with Cabernet and Roasted shallot butter, over white truffle forest mushroom whipped potatoes

One minor thing, which I appreciate might be a little picky, the plate that my meal arrived on was not what I'd expect from a signature restaurant, it appeared quite old and 'bruised', i.e. scuff marks all over it. Perhaps due to the kitchen being extremely busy (as my server kept telling me) they'd run out of plates!

Now, this was where I really hit my first disappointment of this trip. The steak wasn't exactly the most tender, it was pretty tough and just under half way through I started to get a lot of gristle which was really quite unpleasant. My server was nowhere to be seen.

Whilst the filet was not great, the white truffle forest mushroom whipped potatoes were heavenly and the red wine reduction with shallot butter more than made up for my disappointing filet. However, $36 for a plate of whipped potatoes is too extravagant, even for me lol

At no time did my server appear, I was getting a little unhappy (I probably would have been more so but I was jet lagged remember), I eventually went to get up and go to the podium at the entrance to the restaurant to talk to someone, at this time my server suddenly appeared. I was not asked why I had left half my meal, was everything 'OK', etc., I was glad to leave.

Very disappointing, but I'm willing to give the Brown Derby another chance when I return in 2013.

 

[bowbat]

What a bummer about the Brown Derby! We also ate there in November (we were there -- BWI CL, no less -- at the end of the month), and had an absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. Our server was AMAZING and our food was fantastic. That said, I have read many, many poor reviews of their steaks (we had the grouper, bisque & Cobb salad) -- that seems to be a real weak spot on their menu -- and service also seems to be hit-or-miss. Hope you have better luck if you try them again.

 

[ClareH37]

can't wait for these reviews.

Thank you, hope you enjoy

What a bummer about the Brown Derby! We also ate there in November (we were there -- BWI CL, no less -- at the end of the month), and had an absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. Our server was AMAZING and our food was fantastic. That said, I have read many, many poor reviews of their steaks (we had the grouper, bisque & Cobb salad) -- that seems to be a real weak spot on their menu -- and service also seems to be hit-or-miss. Hope you have better luck if you try them again.

I was there 7-15 November so looks like we missed each other. I was so disappointed in Brown Derby but know it's luck of the draw so am not going to cross it off my list, I really wish I'd had that grouper, maybe next time

 

[gardengirl628]

Count me in! Never tried HBD, no reason to try it now.

 

[kelleigh1]

Glad HBD isn't on our list. I'm not a big steak eater anyway, but I would be very turned off by all that gristle too and bad service is a big turnoff too.

 

[tluvstink]

Great reviews so far. I agree with you regarding room service. I love it too!:thumbsup

Terri

 

[archdandy]

Joining in! I agree that room service is very decadent and a great way to start a long day of travelling. It's too bad that Brown Derby was a disappointing meal. I've never had an urge to eat there as the menu doesn't appeal to me but I always hear great reviews.

 

[Linda67]

Shame HBD wasn't great for you
We had a wondeful lunch there in October but the restaurant certainly wasn't busy that day
Looking forward to reading more

 

[ClareH37]

Count me in! Never tried HBD, no reason to try it now.

I'm going to give it another go, but will keep an eye on the reviews too.

Glad HBD isn't on our list. I'm not a big steak eater anyway, but I would be very turned off by all that gristle too and bad service is a big turnoff too.

The gristle was a definite turn-off, I'm really picky with meat as it is so this was the last thing I needed.

Great reviews so far. I agree with you regarding room service. I love it too!:thumbsup

Terri

Thank you, I could quite happily have room service all the time lol

Joining in! I agree that room service is very decadent and a great way to start a long day of travelling. It's too bad that Brown Derby was a disappointing meal. I've never had an urge to eat there as the menu doesn't appeal to me but I always hear great reviews.

Hopefully my next visit will be 100% better

Shame HBD wasn't great for you
We had a wondeful lunch there in October but the restaurant certainly wasn't busy that day
Looking forward to reading more

I hadn't eaten at HBD since 2004 so was really pleased I they were able to squeeze me in, I think though I just hit it at the wrong time, my server clearly wasn't thrilled that day, and I got a duff piece of meat.

 

[ClareH37]

I'm not a great breakfast person, I tend to like just a bowl of porridge (similar to Oatmeal) and a cup of tea or fruit juice.

The great thing about staying club level is the hot oatmeal.

The oatmeal was piping hot, tasty and filling - with a sprinkle of brown sugar and a glass of orange juice to accompany it, this was just what I needed to set me up for the morning ahead in Epcot.

This was my first visit during the Food & Wine festival, I might be a little strange in my thoughts here but I just wasn't over impressed with the booths.

I was meeting a friend for lunch at Rose & Crown at 12.30 but by 11.30 I was getting just a little hungry and as I was 'in' Canada it was the ideal time to try the one item that had appealed to me.

Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta

I loved this! The sausage was meaty and flavoursome, the sweet corn polenta was a new one on me (wish they do this in the UK!) and the onion jam was the perfect accompaniment. I polished this off and could have had another one if I wasn't meeting my friend for lunch.

So after my breakfast and 'snack', it was time to meet my friend for our lunch at Rose & Crown. I've eaten at Rose & Crown over the last few trips with mixed results, mostly good, but a couple of duff evening meals. What would this trip bring?

I'm pleased to say lunch was great.

We were originally shown to a two-top table inside, I asked if it would be possible to sit outside as it would be a shame to miss out on the sun - knowing we were British and of course Rose & Crown is staffed by British CMs I think helped, as they obviously knew it wasn't very warm or sunny at home in the UK

Our new table was on the lower patio overlooking the lake - perfect Our server loved having two British ladies to look after, particularly as we all supported the same UK football team, Arsenal. The chef came to discuss my gluten allergy and we all spent time laughing and joking about UK football, as the chef didn't support Arsenal - I don't know if it's the same in the US but in the UK we're pretty passionate about our football teams and there's quite a bit of rivalry between different supporters.

Both of us opted for the 'United Kingdom Pub Burger'; Angus Beef Patty with Applewood-smoked Bacon, Cheddar, crispy Shallots, and House-made HP Sauce with English Chips

I had the gluten free version, no crispy shallots, and a gluten free bun. The burger was cooked well done, juicy and what I'd call 'really' meaty, bearing in mind most burgers in the UK tend to have 'fillers' as opposed to just being meat, and taste nowhere as good as US burgers. The chips (french fries) were crispy, hot and thick cut, overall this was a really good lunch.

The picture does not do it justice, it was a huge portion and neither of us finished.

I was glad the Rose & Crown did not disappoint at lunch again, it's one of my favourite spots for an Epcot lunch, so this is on my 'must do' list again.

 

[Cinders Mum]

Great start to your reviews Miss Clare, but where are the rest?? come on girl, crack on, no excuses now honey. xx

 

[ClareH37]

Great start to your reviews Miss Clare, but where are the rest?? come on girl, crack on, no excuses now honey. xx

You're a hard task master Val

Having to resize the photos, taking a bit longer than I thought but nearly there

 

[ClareH37]

The Boardwalk InnKeepers Club lounge with a selection of offerings:

Afternoon snacks
- home-made potato chips and cookies

- iced tea, lemonade, bottled mineral water (evian) and sodas

Evening 'cheese & wine'
- cheeses, potato salad, smoked salmon on onion, orzo salad (this isn't gluten free as it contains orzo but luckily I realised shortly after putting on my plate)

- Mozzarella, chickpea salad, beef kebob with tomato sauce

- Mozzarella, chickpea salad, veggies (carrot and artichoke), tapande, tzatziki (cucumber yogurt dip)

 

[gogo]

Enjoying your reviews especially of the BWI club level offerings. We will be at the BWI January 20th and although I have a standard room booked, I've been thinking about possibly upgrading to Club Level.

Not quite sure yet.

 

[Linda67]

Great reviews

I've never eaten at the Rose and Crown but it does seem to get really good reviews

Nothing like a bit of football banter with your lunch to make you feel right at home