Jill's Solo Dining Extravaganza 5/7-5/15

[mcrabeck]

Loved your reviews and pictures. Sounds lime you are having a fabulous trip! Thanks for taking us with!

 

[jedijill]

I got home at 10pm last night and now am back to the drag. Let me get this wrapped up so I can start planning my next trip!

Thanks for everyone's comments. I don't have time to respond individually but its nice to know people are reading.

Jill in CO

 

[jedijill]

Thursday, May 12

Kona

I decided to try breakfast at Kona this morning. I've made ADRs here in the past but always miss out because I just can't get going in the morning. I decided I would make it this year!

I ordered a pot of green tea and a glass of lilikoi juice. I don't know about anyone else but I think over $4 for the juice is highway robbery even by Disney standards. It is good though.

I am not a fan of hot bananas so I ordered the macadamia nut pancakes. This were great with nuts in the actual pancakes topped with pineapple and more macadamia nut butter! These were super yummy.

Total $17.11 with TIW discount

Went over the MK and rode quite a bit before heading to DTD to shop and miss the weekend crowds. I saw this in the parking lot. Very cool! The flux capacitor was actually a box to collect donations for the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Earl of Sandwich

I love EoS. The bread is great and the sandwiches are unique and tasty! I finally decided to try something other than the Club and went with the Original 1762 which is roast beef, cheddar, and horseradish sauce. This was delicious. The horseradish was not overpowering and I would definitely order this again.

Total $8.14 with DVC member discount (sandwich and bottle of water)

Ghiradelli's


I decided to have dessert here as I have never eaten here! Several reviews lately have made this look absolutely delicious and it was certainly hot enough for ice cream. I ordered the banana split (does the banana make it healthy? )

Very nice....chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream with hot fudge, strawberry, and pineapple sauce with lots of whipped cream and a cherry!

Total $9.53 with no discount

Jiko

Jiko has always been one of my favorites. I think it has a unique menu and the wine list is wonderful. Plus AKL is one of my favorite spots (no wonder I own points there!) Tonight I was offered a seat at the Eating Place (Chef's counter). I've sat there once before and enjoyed the interactions with the chefs.

The menu has changed since the last time I was there but for the better I believe. Tonight I started with my favorite BBQ Chicken Apple flatbread. This is really good. I love the the crispness and tanginess of the granny smith apples along with the BBQ sauce. Very good!

I decided to try the beef shortribs. It was served with a truffled potato puree and carrots. Very good. The sauce had a tamarind base and was very good!

For dessert I had the Amarula creme brulee. I think this was much better than the old pistachio creme brulee. I will probably get flamed by the faithful!

The chefs said that you can still special order the filet and mac and cheese if you want.

I had a glass of pinotage wine that paired very well with the short ribs.

The only disappointment of the evening was that our server disappered for long stretches of time. He was great when he was there but just a little too long between trips to check on those of us at the counter. I didn't encounter this last time I sat at the counter so I don't believe that it has anything to do with the counter seating.

Total $75.01 with TIW discount

 

[jedijill]

Friday, May 13

Olivia's

I was staying at OKW so I always like a nice breakfast at Olivia's. It is good and usually easy to walk up to. Today was no exception.

I ordered hot green tea, orange juice, and the Olivia's Breakfast. It includes Olivia's breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, and ham, bacon, or sausage, as well as toast. The potatoes are good...sort of a potato casserole. Try the multigrain toast...its very hardy with seeds...so good!

Sorry, no pics this morning. I was not awake enough to remember!

Total $15.66 with TIW discount

I headed to SeaWorld today to see the new Shamu show and Manta. I tried to get some food before the Shamu show but the line was huge and not moving. I gave up and headed up to Shamu stadium where I discovered that they were selling pretzels and hot dogs. Perfect for a bite before the show. Hotdog, water, and Shamu ice cream. No pics...you will have to imagine what a small hotdog and Shamu ice cream look like.

Total $10.55 with 10% AP discount

Citrico's

I've eaten at Citrico's twice before and it has become one of my favorites. Unfortunately after tonight it has moved down a few notches.

I was kept waiting after my ADR for about 20 minutes. One of the ladies at the reception desk came and checked on me because I had been sitting there so long. I was finally seated and the server took another 10 minutes to acknowledge me and then another 10 minutes to bring water. Luckily I didn't have to wait on her to bring my food.

I ordered the arancini (risotto balls). These were good but not enough sauce.

There was a corn soup on the menu and after tasting the one at CG I had to try it. I shouldn't have. It was ok but didn't really have a great corn taste. (Sorry, this pic was either too dark or too light--stupid flash!)

For my entree, I ordered the Pork Two Ways. I've ordered this before and enjoyed it. In fact, this is where I fell in love with pork belly. Tonight, it was just blah. Not bad but not a stand out.

The dessert menu wasn't really calling me (shocking!) but I ordered some sort of cake with strawberry sauce. I can't find the description anywhere but this was a disappointment. It was a heavier cake although not as heavy as pound cake with some sort of not quite meringue piped on top with a side of strawberry sauce. It was ok but not great.

It took forever to get the check. At least two other tables had to wait a long time for their checks as well.

Total $77.29 with TIW discount

I wish I had gone back to California Grill instead of Citricos. Not sure what has changed but this wasn't very good for the money.

Jill in CO

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Thank you so much for your reviews. Honestly, everyone here seems completely in love with the food at Citricos - I agree with you that it has the potential to be very mediocre. Also agree that Jiko's menu has improved. I appreciate the addition of very authentic South African dishes such as peri peri chicken and malva pudding.

P.S. Just ate at California Grill. The pork belly is gone but the chocolate cake with strawberries is still here. I love it!

 

[jedijill]

Saturday, May 14

I had planned on going to the RFC at AK for breakfast but I ended up sleeping in. The heat was getting to me and I figured that sleeping in the AC was a good thing! I also had to change resorts so I finished packing up and headed over to POFQ to check in and get my new KTTW card.

Since it was too late for breakfast I headed to the MK. I was going to get something at the Mainstreet Bakery but it was packed so I went to Plan B. I got fries and cheese sauce at Pecos Bills! I truly love the cheese sauce at Pecos Bills, Casey's and Cosmic Rays. The fries are merely a cheese delivery device. Yummy!

MK was packed so I headed out and took the monorail to the Contemporary. I decided that I would try another one of the wonderful cupcakes.

Contempo Cafe

It was a toss up between the Dos Leches and the Black Forest but I decided on the Black Forest. This was very good. The chocolate cake was very moist and there was a pocket of cherries in the middle. The frosting was good and light.

Total $6.75 with a bottle of water and no discount


Garden View Tea

My friend Deb and her daughter were able to join me for tea. I wasn't able to modify my reservation earlier in the week to add them but we decided to try it anyway. Here we met the snottiest CM I have ever met. We were fully prepared to be turned away and let her know that. However, she made this rude snort and flipped her head and her attitude let us know we were inconveniencing her. She told us to wait for 15 minutes to see if there were any no shows. We were seated about 20 minutes later and luckily didn't have to deal with her anymore.

Tea was wonderful as was our server. We each ordered the Buckingham. I had the green tea with strawberry. Very delicious! We started with a variety of tea sandwiches. Kayla was able to sub in the sandwiches normally included in the kids tea with no issues. After the sandwiches, we got a scone with cream and strawberry jam. Yummy. We were finally given a choice of pastries and strawberries and cream. We all chose pastries (and chocolate covered strawberries).

This was a great way to spend the afternoon and the three of us had a chance to catch up. Very enjoyable and I will be doing the tea again.

Total $18.84 with TIW discount


Flying Fish

This was another new restaurant for me and I decided this would be a good place for my last dinner. Before checking in I watched the end of a magic show on the Boardwalk. Very funny.

Service here was fantastic. I started off with the calimari which was delicious. It was perfectly cooked and very light.

I had to try the BLT soup with Rock shrimp. This was very good. The shrimp were nicely battered and fried and the bacon was great. I really enjoyed this. Plus, the tomatoes and the lettuce come from The Land in Epcot!

I'm not a huge fish person but I had to try the potato wrapped snapper. It was very good and meaty. The leek fondue was very good and the whole thing paired with red wine sauce.

Dessert was the Banana Napolean. This consisted of a layer of creme caramel, carmelized bananas, and banana mouse. It was very light and delicious!

Total $86.58 with TIW discount

 

[jedijill]

Sunday, May 16

Rain Forest Cafe

My friend LeeAnn turned me onto the place last fall. I had no idea they served breakfast. I hadn't intended to eat here but they sent me a $10 coupon from the Safari Club so I figured I might fit it in.

I headed over on Sunday morning and was able to walk right in. I ordered hot tea, orange juice, and the Breakfast Sliders. The sliders are scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon on toasted brioche buns. They are quite tasty! This is served with country potatoes. (Sorry, forgot pictures here too!)

Total $8.71 with $10 coupon

Liberty Tree Tavern

I headed to the MK for a last walk around and decided to keep my lunch reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern. At lunch, LTT serves an a la carte menu. I've only eaten here at dinner when they had characters.

I ordered the Colony Salad as I wasn't super hungry and the heat was getting to me. This was nice and light with chunks of apples, shredded cheese, and grilled chicken. The chicken was warm which was nice. The dressing was a light vinaigrette.....I wish it had a bit more flavor but it was still nice.

I passed on dessert because I had other plans!

$14.96 with TIW discount

I can't leave the MK without something sweet though! Of all the treats what would I choose..............................................................

Yep, I had to have one last Dole Whip!

Total $3.40 with no discount.

Sadly, it was time to head to the airport. I grabbed a chicken salad sandwich at Au Bon Pain for the plane ride. It was ok and held me over since I didn't get home until 10pm mountain time.

I wanted to make a note about the TIW card and its benefits. I valet parked each evening which is included with the TIW card. This trip I noticed that the valets are very vigilant in checking receipts from your meal. I'm reading in between the lines that there has been a lot of abuse and they are cracking down. I hope they don't take away this benefit. Valet is included in V&A meal.

Also, I didn't always mention it but my totals generally include at least one glass of wine ($10 or so) so take that into account if you are keep tabs of my totals.

Thanks for following along with my reviews. I hope that folks have gotten something out of them. I can't wait to plan my next trip. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Jill in CO

 

[All7OfUs]

I've made it through the Yachtsman, but need another go through to get it all. I'll be back tomorrow or another day to finish up!! So helpful and great reviews so far!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I'm loving your reviews! You're making me hungry and I have already had dinner! I looked up your Rosa Rigale, because it looked interesting - sounds delicious - but they were featuring an Epcot F&W spot on their website, so I thought I'd share: http://www.rosaregale.com/love_at_first_sip.html

 

[jedijill]

I'm loving your reviews! You're making me hungry and I have already had dinner! I looked up your Rosa Rigale, because it looked interesting - sounds delicious - but they were featuring an Epcot F&W spot on their website, so I thought I'd share: http://www.rosaregale.com/love_at_first_sip.html

Rosa Regale is so good. It has a very low alcohol content so you can drink it without getting buzzed. It's not terribly sweet either. Very good!!!! I can find it at the liquor stores around here in Denver. I've seen it at Costco as well (my Costco has a liquor store.

Jill in CO

 

[jedijill]

I've made it through the Yachtsman, but need another go through to get it all. I'll be back tomorrow or another day to finish up!! So helpful and great reviews so far!!

Thanks for coming over!

Jill in Co

 

[cbg1027]

I love the BBQ Chicken Flatbread at Jiko too.
I agree with you - I think the Amarula Creme Brulee is better than the Pistachio.

I'm sorry Citricos wasn't up to par. That is so disappointing to hear as it's one of my favorites. I have an ADR there in three weeks, I hope it will be on point again!

Thanks for sharing your dining adventures!

 

[Millie12591]

Thank you Jill, you've given me food for thought! Pun intended. I enjoyed your reporting on the different places you've eaten at. Great job!

 

[glennbo123]

I'll have to catch up later, but wanted to sign-on after seeing your plug on Liesa's thread.

 

[butiflfeet]

Sounds like a great trip! I have to agree with you about Citricos, unfortunately we loved it in the past but our meal in December was mediocre. We also had a very long wait to be seated, about 30 minutes past our reservation time when we arrived 15 minutes prior to our reservation time. Then it took about 20 minutes between finishing each course and the other one being served. By the time we were done with our main course (2 hours after being seated) they had run out of my favorite chocolate banana tart dessert and I was just done with the place We don't have plans to go back during any upcoming trips.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Great reviews! Wow I didn't realise the lilikoi juice was $4 - can't wait to try it though!

Anything with a banana and cherry is healthy IMO!

Am glad you enjoyed Jiko's but it's a shame that Citrico's was a bit blah.

Yummy cupcake and thanks for reviewing Flying Fish!

You are right in that you can't leave without another dole whip!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Aww it's over!

Thanks for the reviews though! Great job!