Keep Calm and Go to Disney! 10/21 - 11/4/14 COMPLETE

[kastoney]

Oui Oui, breakfast in Paris, how fancy ; )

I'm not a huge breakfast fan, but this experience looks amazing. I think I could eat my body weight in those pastries. It may not be with the price, but you and I know I could make up for that with the mimosas ; )

Seriously, this trip of yours is absolutely amazing. Any chance you are looking for a stowaway in the future ; )

 

[jabead]

I did the Parisian breakfast a couple of years ago....I thought it was great but then we drank a lot of mimosas! They were very generous pours!

Jill in CO

I can't really pinpoint why I didn't love this breakfast. In looking at the photos now and crunching the numbers it does seem great. I was disappointed when I wasn't allowed to sit with Niki and her DH, and I think this might have soured the experience for me just a bit. Someday I'll have to give it another try.

The Parisian breakfast looks very good. May have to look into that.

I love the idea of the Parisian breakfast! I might have to look into the dates on that and see if we can make it work. I kind of agree with you though, I could eat a thing or two from the bakery with a mimosa and be perfectly content. Although everything looks divine!

I believe it's offered on most Saturday mornings during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, or at least it was the last couple of years. It seems to be very popular so it will probably be offered again this year. I hope you both get the chance to experience this for yourselves. Bon Appetit!

And I just died over that breakfast. $39.00? Totally worth it.

Oh no, I'm responsible for someone's death!! I hope you have been revived. But be forewarned, there are many more French goodies coming up shortly so brace yourself.

We had a very nice trip. We ate at one new restaurant, Trattoria al Forno, and it was good, although nothing memorable. DH had the lasagna and it was good but a rather small portion for lasagna, which is usually served in a "too big to finish" size. We also ate lunch at San Angel Inn and I liked the green salsa and the Tostados de Tinga. We had dinner at Yak & Yeti and the pot stickers were excellent. That is probably the one item that stands out from that trip. The Mahi Mahi was good, too. I was hoping to be hungry enough to try the won ton dessert I hear so much about, but unfortunately, the pot stickers and entrees filled us up. And the fried chicken at Trail's End was worth the trip.

We'll be there Oct 21st to 26th, the same time as last year. I'm hoping we can get the same great weather that we had last year. I've made reservations at San Angel Inn and BOG, both for lunch, and I think that it is for right now. We'll probably add a couple last minute ADR's when we get there. It seems to work out fine that way.

Trattoria al Forno and San Angel Inn are both on my kids' list for this trip, so your input on those was much appreciated. Btw, I too love the Chicken Tostadas at SAI. Yak & Yeti is still a maybe. I had the Mahi Mahi last time and thought the sauce was too sweet so probably wouldn't get that again. But I do like both the pot stickers and the egg rolls there, plus the won ton dessert is great too. So if we do go to Y & Y, I might just stick to appetizers and dessert.

I booked a bounce back for Oct. 20 - Nov. 3 when I was there last October. If I do end up going again in October though, it probably will only be for a week. Hopefully that week will overlap your trip so we can meet up again when you don't have a bus to catch.

So many reviews to catch up on, what fun! After reading your review of Tusker House I wish I'd opted for a pre-park breakfast there instead of Crystal Palace. It seems like they have more variety than Crystal Palace and we've never met the characters in their safari outfits. Well, there's always next time.

While planning ADRs I've always skipped Teppan Edo because I can have Teppanyaki at home. But I've read so many great things I need to make sure we go the next time we're in Disney.

That pool clown is terrifying.

I totally missed that booth when we were in WS France last week. I read "Vins" and didn't realize they had slushes. I ended up with the rose one from the F&G booth so it was ok.

I had that strawberry cupcake from Boardwalk Bakery last week. I liked it but your Napoleon looks better.

You did get some great photos of Fantasmic! I'm sorry bluezoo was kind of forgettable for you.

Those juices at the Fresh buffet look like they are worth the price of admission. I think I'd grab several. If we ever stay at YC again I'll have to check out more of the Swan and Dolphin food options.

That Swan and Dolphin event looks amazing! $105 pp seems like a bargain for all of that.

I had no idea the Boardwalk had that entertainment. It reminds me a little of Key West from the pictures and description.

That breakfast event also seems to be worth it for the mimosas alone. I do see your point about not needing more than one under normal circumstances.

Welcome back!! I hope you had a great trip. Oh, I see you've started a dining report. I need to check it out very soon.

Seriously, this trip of yours is absolutely amazing. Any chance you are looking for a stowaway in the future ; )

This was probably my "once in lifetime", "it's all about me" Disney trip. I know I went overboard but at the time it was exactly what I needed. After a very stressful 5 months, I returned from this trip feeling so much better. So for me, it was definitely worth the splurge.

 

[vettegirl]

Wow what an amazing breakfast! I loooove mimosas. Oh by the way had to shift our dates for next week so not leaving until the 12th at 4:00PM. Not sure what time you are getting in and what your plans are but we will be at DT Disney and Boardwalk that final day.

 

[jabead]

After the Parisian breakfast I met up with my husband, who was having some fun in the French gift shop...





He had not yet had any breakfast and was hungry. Unfortunately, I hadn't thought to stuff the rest of my pastries into my bag before leaving the restaurant. So guess where we headed next? Three guesses, and the first two don't count.




I told him how great the hot chocolate had been at my breakfast, so he got a cup of hot chocolate and a pastry which will remain anonymous because there was no picture taken of it. You see folks, while he went through the line on the left side, paid, sat down and quickly devoured his purchases, I was busy taking photos. It was unusually quiet in the bakery at around 10:30, so I decided to take advantage of this and began photographing the food in the display cases on the right.


And so for your viewing pleasure, I present to you the many drool-worthy offerings of Boulangerie Patisserie...


I believe this was a Chausson Aux Pommes (Apple Turnover).




Eclairs - Vanilla White Chocolate or Chocolate Cream




Pain Au Chocolate (Chocolate Croissant)




Biscuit Chocolat (Chocolate Chip Cookie)




Frangipane - Almond filling between puff pastry




Palmier - Cinnamon & Chocolate Elephant Ears




Baguettes, fresh from the oven.




Croissant Jambon Fromage - Ham, Cheese, & Bechamel on a Croissant




Bleu Salad with Romaine, Imported Bleu Cheese and Croutons




Dinde B.L.T. with Turkey, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, & Garlic Aioli




Jambon Beurre - Ham, Cheese, and Dijon Mustard Butter on a Demi Baguette
& Brie Aux Pommes - Brie and Apples on a Multi-Grain Bread




Fromages - Imported Cheese Plate




Croque Monsieur - Toasted Ham & Cheese




Tartine Aux Fromages - Country Bread, Tomato Sauce, Swiss, Parmesan, and Goat Cheese




Roule Lard & Fromage - Bacon and Cheese Roll




Pissaladiere with Tomatoes, Olives, and Gruyere Cheese




Poulet Au Pistou - Chicken Breast with Cheese, Tomato, Red Onion and Pesto




Quiche Florentine with Spinach and Goat Cheese & Quiche Lorraine with Ham and Gruyere Cheese




Nicoise Salad with Tuna, Egg, and Tomatoes




And now for dessert...



Citron Tarte - Lemon Cream topped with Meringue




Fraises Tarte - Vanilla Cream topped with Strawberries


And one more pic of the strawberry tarts, because they looked sooo darn good...







Mousse au Chocolat (Chocolate Mousse)




Macaron - Macaroon with Raspberry and Lime Cream




Napoleon - Puffed Pastry layered with Cream




Cafe Liegeois - Coffee and Cream Mousse, Chocolate




Duo - White and Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake




Parfait aux Fruits - Yogurt Mousse with Berries




Framboise - Raspberry Mousse Cake




Chocolate Tarte - Caramel Cream and Chocolate Mousse




Creme Brulee - Caramelized Vanilla Custard




Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Chip Meringue




Tarte aux Pommes - Puff Pastry Dough with Caramelized Apple


After my photo session with all the lovely baked goods, I went to find my husband in the sitting area. Seeing that he had finished his breakfast, I asked if he had taken a photo of it before eating, as I have trained my family to do when we are at Disney World. His reply, "Nope." "And why not?", I asked. His reply, "Because you've already taken one." Ok, he had me there, however when asked what he had and if he liked it, his response was, "It was one of those pastry things and it was fine." Seeing that this was going nowhere, I decided it was time to just let this one slide. So this will just have to be a dining review which is lacking an actual food review. But hopefully you've enjoyed the pictures!


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Next up: Tequila Pairing Lunch at La Hacienda de San Angel

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[emmabemmainc]

Your reviews are incredible! Thank you so much for taking the time to post them!

 

[1stTimeDisneyer]

I love your husband's reasoning, it totally made me laugh. I have learned that unless, it is a new place and something we have never had, I don;t ask for a picture of my DH's food anymore. After the 100's I have taken, I figured it is time to just let him eat.

 

[rteetz]

Wow you just made me really hungry! Those eclairs, cookies, tarts, macaroons all look so good.

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

Mon amie, Barb, merci for the lovely pictures of the Parisian breakfast and the patisserie. That's about all I remember from high school French!

Got to giggle at your husband. Doesn't he know how important these reviews are to us?

Looking forward to the next review, you mentioned something about tequila.

 

[Vernie822]

Ha!! I love that he just got "one of those pastry things" I am drooling over every single one though. Which is your favorite?! I've had the frangipane and chocolate croissant.. both so delicious. Next time I think the eclair and Croissant Jambon Fromage might be my picks.

 

[OrangeKnickers]

Hi Barb! I am a long time lurker of your posts, and I have to say that I really love your food reviews. Between the Parisian Breakfast and these bakery pictures, I am drooling over here. You are making me so excited for my upcoming trip in October. Thank you for such detailed photos and reviews. I have learned so much from you over the last couple of years.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I booked a bounce back for Oct. 20 - Nov. 3 when I was there last October. If I do end up going again in October though, it probably will only be for a week. Hopefully that week will overlap your trip so we can meet up again when you don't have a bus to catch.

That I would fun. Let me know what you decide to do.

 

[kastoney]

What do you do after breakfast in Paris? Well breakfast in Paris of course ; )

Thanks for all the pictures of the amazing baked goods. Can you believe I've never actually eaten there. Will definitely change that next trip and don't worry, I'll be sure to take pictures ; )

 

[neatokimmo]

I have really really enjoyed your review. You have done so many things that are on my 20 year bucket list lol All the resorts, the special meals. The Swan/Dolphin event about killed me. It looked so good!

 

[Mom2m&k]

I think your breakfast looked delicious! I can understand for the price I would have thought there would have been a hot station but I LOVE all those pastries. I would have been in heaven!

 

[auntfrannie]

Oh Barb! I think I gained 5 lbs just looking at those pictures. I wonder how long it would take to try one of everything in those cases!

 

[jabead]

Your reviews are incredible! Thank you so much for taking the time to post them!

Thanks so much! And thank you for taking the time to let me know you are reading them. It helps to keep me motivated!

I love your husband's reasoning, it totally made me laugh. I have learned that unless, it is a new place and something we have never had, I don;t ask for a picture of my DH's food anymore. After the 100's I have taken, I figured it is time to just let him eat.

I was quite surprised at how quickly my family was trained when it came to food photos at Disney World. It was just five years ago that they would not allow any to be taken so I had to do my dining report without pictures. Now days they sometimes ask if I'd like a photo taken when we are not at Disney World. And sometimes they take photos of their food and post them on Istagram themselves.

Wow you just made me really hungry! Those eclairs, cookies, tarts, macaroons all look so good.

Yes, I probably should have posted a warning at the beginning of that post.

Mon amie, Barb, merci for the lovely pictures of the Parisian breakfast and the patisserie. That's about all I remember from high school French!

Got to giggle at your husband. Doesn't he know how important these reviews are to us?

Looking forward to the next review, you mentioned something about tequila.

Muy bien, Rachel! (No French for me in high school, but I did take a few years of Spanish)

Which coincidentally is the language spoken in the land of tequila.

Ha!! I love that he just got "one of those pastry things" I am drooling over every single one though. Which is your favorite?! I've had the frangipane and chocolate croissant.. both so delicious. Next time I think the eclair and Croissant Jambon Fromage might be my picks.

Oh, I love the Ham & Cheese croissant and would highly recommend it. I tried the frangipane for the first time at the Parisian breakfast and really enjoyed it so I'll have to have it again sometime. And while I used to love their Napoleons, they changed it when they opened the new bakery and now I don't like it anymore. But it's all good because now the Boardwalk Bakery has an excellent Napoleon.

Hi Barb! I am a long time lurker of your posts, and I have to say that I really love your food reviews. Between the Parisian Breakfast and these bakery pictures, I am drooling over here. You are making me so excited for my upcoming trip in October. Thank you for such detailed photos and reviews. I have learned so much from you over the last couple of years.

Thank you so much for letting me know that you've been following along. It's so good to hear that you have found my reviews helpful and that they have added to the excitement of planning for your upcoming trip. I hope you have a wonderful vacation! Oh, and since I too might be going again in late October, if our paths should cross please do say hello.

That I would fun. Let me know what you decide to do.

Will do!

What do you do after breakfast in Paris? Well breakfast in Paris of course ; )

Thanks for all the pictures of the amazing baked goods. Can you believe I've never actually eaten there. Will definitely change that next trip and don't worry, I'll be sure to take pictures ; )

Kari, I'm shocked! You can not go another single trip without setting foot in Boulangerie Patisserie. And that's an order...from Mickey.

I have really really enjoyed your review. You have done so many things that are on my 20 year bucket list lol All the resorts, the special meals. The Swan/Dolphin event about killed me. It looked so good!

This really was a very special (and much needed at the time) trip for me, one where I got to mark off many things from my Disney World bucket list. Traveling solo I was able to splurge and do many things that I couldn't afford to do with a family of 5. Though I love going to Disney with my kids (my upcoming trip is with my 3 kids), my solo trips have been quite special for me too.

I think your breakfast looked delicious! I can understand for the price I would have thought there would have been a hot station but I LOVE all those pastries. I would have been in heaven!

Looking back I kind of think my opinion of the Parisian breakfast was affected by my mood. I was bummed that I wasn't able to get my husband a ticket for the breakfast (especially when I was seated by myself at a table for two) and then again disappointed when I wasn't allowed to sit with my friends.

Oh Barb! I think I gained 5 lbs just looking at those pictures. I wonder how long it would take to try one of everything in those cases!

I don't know, but if I lived in the Orlando area that would definitely be something that I would do. Ahhhh...maybe someday when I retire.

 

[jabead]

We didn't get very far after leaving France before my husband declared that he was still hungry and needed another snack to hold him over until lunch. We happen to be in the area of Canada at the time so I suggested a cup of Cheddar Cheese Soup from the Canadian F & W festival booth...




He loved this...well, except for the price. He couldn't understand why a tiny cup of soup would cost $4.25. I guess I should mention here that he hasn't been to the Food & Wine festival for a few years.


Once he finished his soup we made our way to Mexico, where we were scheduled to have lunch at noon. However, it was only 11:30 so we had a little time to kill. So what do you do in Mexico when La Cava de Tequila isn't yet open?











Ha! I bet you were thinking that we went shopping, weren't you? But no, no shopping for us. Instead we went on a Gran Fiesta tour in order to discover the answer to this all-important question...





Once we found Donald, it was time to say our goodbyes...




...and check in for our lunch at La Hacienda de San Angel.







Soon after checking in we were seated at a table with three other couples...




Our table setting included the prix fixe menu for our lunch...




Three glasses of tequila and a bottle of water...




And the best thing of all, a San Angel Inn Margarita...



San Angel Inn Margarita with Tequila, orange liqueur, agave nectar and fresh lime juice, served chilled with salt on the rim



Unfortunately the second margarita in the photo was my husband's. Sadly no refills were offered on the margarita. I would have gladly accepted a second margarita in place of the straight tequila shots, but no such luck.



Our first course was then brought to the table...






Mayan Ceviche - Scallops, Onions, Cilantro, Avocado and Lime Juice served with Mango Sorbet


I generally prefer shrimp over scallops but this was good. I especially enjoyed the slice of fresh avocado.


This was paired with Casa Amigos Tequila Blanco. But before tasting the first of the three tequilas, we were introduced to Tequila Specialist, Hilda Castillo. She told us about the Blanco (white) Tequila, saying it was the youngest class of tequila. Youngest because it is bottled either immediately after distillation or within two months of the process. Then she instructed us to smell a strip of lime from the tray on our table before smelling and then tasting the tequila in order to bring out its citrus notes.




However, for me this didn't help, it still tasted like jet fuel...or what I would imagine jet fuel would taste like. From the look on his face, I'm not sure if my husband enjoyed it either...




But that didn't stop him from drinking all of his and most of mine too.


For our second course, we were presented with this soup...


Sweet Potato Cream prepared with Tequila, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Cream and Tequila reduction. Topped with queso fresco foam and cinnamon oil.


I don't really care for sweet soups, so this was just okay for me. My husband though seemed to like it, as he ate all of his and then the rest of mine.
This was paired with Partida Tequila Reposado. Hilda told us that Reposado Tequila is “rested” or tequila that is aged in an oak barrel for at least two months, but less than a year. That gives the Tequila a slightly golden hue and a smoother taste. I believe we were told to smell the cinnamon stick before smelling and then tasting this one.




I had hopes of liking this one since we were told it was smoother than the first, but sadly I didn't. So my husband ended up drinking most of this one too.

It was about this time in her presentation that Hilda requested a volunteer to demonstrate the proper way to take a tequila shot. Seeing no hands raised, she selected my husband...maybe she noticed that he was drinking most of the tequila on our end of the table.


And so, here he is showing off his tequila shot skills...




Followed by a sangrita chaser...




And then taking a bow after his "sitting" ovation...





Once the demonstration was over, it was time for our main course...
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Land & Sea - Pork Belly (prepared carnitas style) with a Tequila gastrique reduction and Octopus seared in an Ajillo pepper sauce. Accompanied by a cactus leaf salad, cilantro oil and corn puree.


So let's begin with the Pork Belly part of the entree...




As I may have mentioned previously, I have a strong aversion to fatty meat so pork belly is not really my thing. I picked at this, eating the crispier, less fatty parts and the flavor of what I tasted was pretty good. Overall, I can't really say that I liked this though, but I can say that I liked it better than the Octopus...




While I enjoy calamari, I discovered that I do not like octopus. For me, squid seems more tender and tastier. So I'd have to say that this entree was a fail for me, however my husband seemed to enjoy it.


The last of the tequilas was paired with the main course, which was Casa Noble Tequila Anejo. We learned from Hilda that Anejo Tequila is “aged” Tequila, which means it is kept in the barrel for at least one year, but less than three years. This makes the color a bit darker and the taste a bit smoother.
And yet I still didn't like it.


However I did like the tequila liqueur that was served with the dessert course...


1921 Tequila Cream Liquor​

And speaking of dessert, here it is...




Tequila Tres Leches Cake - Tres Leches Cake dipped in Tequila Liquor and topped with Coffee Whipped Cream. Served with Avocado Mint Ice Cream.


And a close up...





After tasting the tequila liqueur we were encouraged to make a hole in the middle of our cake and pour the rest of our glass into it, as my husband is demonstrating in this blurry photo...




Now this was really good! Definitely my favorite course of the meal.


So overall, of the three Food & Wine Festival pairing lunches that I attended on this trip (the Italian and French were the other two), this one was definitely the weakest link for me. However, to be fair, I should mention that the price of this meal was $75 (plus tax), which is far less expensive than the other two I attended. The Italian Regional Food & Wine Luncheon was $94 and the French one at Monsieur Paul was a whopping $135. But then again, that one included a copious amount of champagne! But anyway, if you calculate the cost of the alcohol served at the Tequila lunch it comes to more than $46 (at La Cava del Tequila the margarita is $13.50, a similar tequila flight is $22, and the 1921 Tequila Liquor is $11). Which means the 4-course meal was only $29. Quite a bargain! This of course would only hold true if you like tequila, which for the most part I guess I don't. So for me, this was a fun new experience but not one I would probably do again.

Oh, but one more interesting tidbit is that while the other two lunches I attended were sold out, the Mexican one I was able to book just one week prior to the event.​

Next up: Party for the Senses II - The Sequel

 

[rteetz]

I'm glad you found Donald! The meal looks good along with a lot of alcohol. It does seem like your husband enjoyed it.

 

[ursalita]

Those pictures of Boulangerie Patisserie have me drooling. I miss it already.

It's too bad you didn't enjoy your lunch but at least DH could finish it off for you.

 

[kastoney]

Da-na-na-na-na TEQUILA!!!!!! Great post for a little pre cinco de mayo party.

Love your three caballeros pics. The movie was on tv a few weeks back and it was the first time I'd ever seen it. The caballeros are only a small part of the movie, so we had to fast forward so my daughter could see the guys from the boat ride with the volcano and the restaurant we ate at ; )

I'm with you on tequila. I love it in my margarita, but want no part of it otherwise.

And I'm with you in fatty meat too, filet mignon all the way for me. Though I must confess I love octopus ; )

Thanks again for making me feel like I was taking shots right along with ya. Speaking of which, was the hubby in an extra good mood after dinner ; )