ericaseiler
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2005
- Messages
- 238
Just back from a long weekend to celebrate DD's 10th Birthday! It was me ( a vegetarian), DH, DD10 and DD5 (she rarely eats meat, her choice) We tried some new things and went back to some ol' favs. I should note that we aren't huge fans of Disney food- finding most of it to be just OK with the exceptions of some really bad things and some pretty good things.
We drove right into EPCOT so DD could get her gift- picking a pearl/making a necklace in Japan (it was a great experience and she was very happy). While waiting for the pearl to be set into the necklace she chose, we grabbed some lunch at Tangerine in Morocco. It was our first time there. DH and I shared the veggie platter- there WAS falafel on it- I know there has been some talk about them removing it but on the platter was: falafel (3), tabbouleh, couscous, lentil salad, hummus, olives and a green salad. It came with one pita and we ordered another. We love Mediterranean/middle eastern/israeli food and have an amazing restaurant near our house- this obviously did not compare but for Disney, it was pretty good- fresh, light, different and a good value. DD10 had chicken nuggets and fries. They were not your standard "disney" nuggets but were OK. DD5 had some stuff from home (car snacks that she didn't want in the car), some of DD's fries, the apples that came with the kids meal and some of our hummus/pita.
We all were craving our fav ice cream from L'Artisan after so we went over there for: Coconut White Chocolate cone for me, Chocolate for DD10 and DH and DD5 shared a scoop of mango and a scoop of strawberry sorbet. Everyone loved it (again). Also, we stopped in Norway to pick up a School Bread (to try for first time)- no one liked it. The custard was good but the bread was hard and almost stale like. We each tried one bite and into the garbage it went.
That evening we booked California Grill for DD's Bday dinner. It also happened to be the day DD5 was graduating pre-school. She missed the graduation ceremony to be at Disney (which, as most 5 year olds would be, she was happy to do). I had pre-ordered a 6 inch Bday Cake for DD (Chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and peanut butter mousse filling- as is popular on the Cake thread- thanks for the idea- it was delish!) and a Mickey head celebration dessert as a congratulations for DD5.
Our reservation was for 530 and we arrived early as the weather was AWFUL. When we checked in, we asked for a seat by the window and they said we did in fact have a window seat. They then led us to a back area which clearly was to be used for private events. The room was set up with about 8 tables and we had a view of Bay Lake. Honestly, I was not happy with the table/view/room but they decorated it in mickey confetti and left cards for both DD's. Given the torrential downpours and limited visibility anyway, I didn't ask to move. It was slightly awkward and felt 'less special' in that area.
As a vegetarian, I knew I wanted the Vegetarian Unplugged. I thought the chef comes to speak with you and then they create a dish at each station for your plate to leave you with 4 small dishes on a plate. However, there is a menu of about 15 items that you choose from. Some are vegan, some are vegetarian. Our server wasn't that knowledgeable with items on that menu and I had a hard time choosing but I went with : Tomato and pesto flatbread (my favorite), Truffle Risotto (loved this too though it is very rich. I rarely eat risotto out since most are made with chicken stock so I was excited to try this), a tomato fennel Pho ( this was just OK, had 2 bites and gave to DD5 who liked it), and this truffle pasta dish. This was the last dish I decided on and felt a little rushed since everyone was hungry and had ordered before me. I wouldn't get this again. Truffle overkill since I ordered the risotto, and honestly, it wasn't anything that I couldn't make at home- pasta w/ vegetables in a butter sauce. DH had a hard time deciding on what to get and in the end, chose 3 appetizers as his meal so he'd get to try a few things.
He had: Club Salad ( he said it was OK, strange components, not really all cohesive but it ended up growing on him. He would not order again)
He also had the BLT Flatbread (very good, slightly too much mayo/sauce. would order again) and his favorite was Shrimp/Corn appetizer which strangely, considering we were there 3 days ago, I do not see on the menu. It was his favorite dish of the trip.
DD's got the pizza and macaroni and cheese and shared. They both really liked them. I tried both and thought they were both great too (not typical Disney kids food).
The bread really was disappointing. It could be so much better if they kept the bread under a heat lamp and served it warm.
Dessert: We skipped any CG desserts because of the special orders above. Both came out as surprises, with candles- very nice! DD's cake was beautiful. I did not order with a 'theme' as she doesn't have a favorite character and just asked for her fav colors: aqua and pink. The cake looked special and tasted great. We only finished 1/4 of it that night but took it to go. We all shared about 1/2 of it for dessert the next night too. The Mickey Head was cute and DD5 was excited. The plate was suppose to have berries but it didn't. The mouse was light and creamy but had a very deep/dark chocolate flavor (just a note for anyone that doesn't like things that are "too" chocolatey). Overall it was a nice dinner.
We went over to MK after dinner. The morning after, we took advantage of EMH at AK (7am). We brought some snacks from home, DH grabbed a coffee in the park and we all split a cheese danish (one of our Disney favorites) before our 10:50a ADR at Tusker House. We have eaten here a number of times and always found it to be decent for a buffet. We enjoy the 'different' selections and the girls love it too. We were sat in the middle aisle of the restaurant which was super busy at first, it slowed a bit after about 1115. Everything was just OK. The change over from bkfst to lunch took a lot longer than it has in the past. We all agreed we won't be back for a while. Oh! Of note, the last time we were there (January) they had taken the samosas off the buffet. I asked someone where they were, and they told me the new chef took them off but to let them know we were disappointed. I emailed them letting them know the meal was great but we were disappointed they took the samosas off-- well guess what were back?? I was happy to see the samosas were back though they did take away the mango chutney they used to serve near them. Regardless of the samosas being back, we won't return here for a while.
I was still full from brunch and DD's weren't too hungry so that evening in EP, we just went over to Sunshine Seasons. DH got a turkey sandwich and coleslaw. He said it was good but really bready so he ended up cutting in half and moving the turkey onto one half. DD's ate his extra bread. The girls shared a kids grilled cheese and tomato soup. We loved that they offered this here and it's something other than the usual kids stuff. The grilled cheese was a thick wedge, making it easy to dip. Overall, everyone liked it. We grabbed some caramel popcorn in Germany after. It was good (I mean, it IS caramel popcorn) but smelled better than it actually was.
We ate at the Mara the next morning for breakfast. It was your typical Quick Service breakfast. Nothing terrible, nothing all that good. I got an egg and cheese on what they call a "brioche bun" but really is just a hamburger bun. The breakfast potatoes were hot and crispy. DH got egg, cheese and bacon on a croissant. DD10 got waffles w/ bacon (she didn't eat the bacon as it was too thin and soggy) and DD5 had a bagel and cream cheese with grapes.
That about covers it. Will be back in September for another quick weekend
We drove right into EPCOT so DD could get her gift- picking a pearl/making a necklace in Japan (it was a great experience and she was very happy). While waiting for the pearl to be set into the necklace she chose, we grabbed some lunch at Tangerine in Morocco. It was our first time there. DH and I shared the veggie platter- there WAS falafel on it- I know there has been some talk about them removing it but on the platter was: falafel (3), tabbouleh, couscous, lentil salad, hummus, olives and a green salad. It came with one pita and we ordered another. We love Mediterranean/middle eastern/israeli food and have an amazing restaurant near our house- this obviously did not compare but for Disney, it was pretty good- fresh, light, different and a good value. DD10 had chicken nuggets and fries. They were not your standard "disney" nuggets but were OK. DD5 had some stuff from home (car snacks that she didn't want in the car), some of DD's fries, the apples that came with the kids meal and some of our hummus/pita.
We all were craving our fav ice cream from L'Artisan after so we went over there for: Coconut White Chocolate cone for me, Chocolate for DD10 and DH and DD5 shared a scoop of mango and a scoop of strawberry sorbet. Everyone loved it (again). Also, we stopped in Norway to pick up a School Bread (to try for first time)- no one liked it. The custard was good but the bread was hard and almost stale like. We each tried one bite and into the garbage it went.
That evening we booked California Grill for DD's Bday dinner. It also happened to be the day DD5 was graduating pre-school. She missed the graduation ceremony to be at Disney (which, as most 5 year olds would be, she was happy to do). I had pre-ordered a 6 inch Bday Cake for DD (Chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and peanut butter mousse filling- as is popular on the Cake thread- thanks for the idea- it was delish!) and a Mickey head celebration dessert as a congratulations for DD5.
Our reservation was for 530 and we arrived early as the weather was AWFUL. When we checked in, we asked for a seat by the window and they said we did in fact have a window seat. They then led us to a back area which clearly was to be used for private events. The room was set up with about 8 tables and we had a view of Bay Lake. Honestly, I was not happy with the table/view/room but they decorated it in mickey confetti and left cards for both DD's. Given the torrential downpours and limited visibility anyway, I didn't ask to move. It was slightly awkward and felt 'less special' in that area.
As a vegetarian, I knew I wanted the Vegetarian Unplugged. I thought the chef comes to speak with you and then they create a dish at each station for your plate to leave you with 4 small dishes on a plate. However, there is a menu of about 15 items that you choose from. Some are vegan, some are vegetarian. Our server wasn't that knowledgeable with items on that menu and I had a hard time choosing but I went with : Tomato and pesto flatbread (my favorite), Truffle Risotto (loved this too though it is very rich. I rarely eat risotto out since most are made with chicken stock so I was excited to try this), a tomato fennel Pho ( this was just OK, had 2 bites and gave to DD5 who liked it), and this truffle pasta dish. This was the last dish I decided on and felt a little rushed since everyone was hungry and had ordered before me. I wouldn't get this again. Truffle overkill since I ordered the risotto, and honestly, it wasn't anything that I couldn't make at home- pasta w/ vegetables in a butter sauce. DH had a hard time deciding on what to get and in the end, chose 3 appetizers as his meal so he'd get to try a few things.
He had: Club Salad ( he said it was OK, strange components, not really all cohesive but it ended up growing on him. He would not order again)
He also had the BLT Flatbread (very good, slightly too much mayo/sauce. would order again) and his favorite was Shrimp/Corn appetizer which strangely, considering we were there 3 days ago, I do not see on the menu. It was his favorite dish of the trip.
DD's got the pizza and macaroni and cheese and shared. They both really liked them. I tried both and thought they were both great too (not typical Disney kids food).
The bread really was disappointing. It could be so much better if they kept the bread under a heat lamp and served it warm.
Dessert: We skipped any CG desserts because of the special orders above. Both came out as surprises, with candles- very nice! DD's cake was beautiful. I did not order with a 'theme' as she doesn't have a favorite character and just asked for her fav colors: aqua and pink. The cake looked special and tasted great. We only finished 1/4 of it that night but took it to go. We all shared about 1/2 of it for dessert the next night too. The Mickey Head was cute and DD5 was excited. The plate was suppose to have berries but it didn't. The mouse was light and creamy but had a very deep/dark chocolate flavor (just a note for anyone that doesn't like things that are "too" chocolatey). Overall it was a nice dinner.
We went over to MK after dinner. The morning after, we took advantage of EMH at AK (7am). We brought some snacks from home, DH grabbed a coffee in the park and we all split a cheese danish (one of our Disney favorites) before our 10:50a ADR at Tusker House. We have eaten here a number of times and always found it to be decent for a buffet. We enjoy the 'different' selections and the girls love it too. We were sat in the middle aisle of the restaurant which was super busy at first, it slowed a bit after about 1115. Everything was just OK. The change over from bkfst to lunch took a lot longer than it has in the past. We all agreed we won't be back for a while. Oh! Of note, the last time we were there (January) they had taken the samosas off the buffet. I asked someone where they were, and they told me the new chef took them off but to let them know we were disappointed. I emailed them letting them know the meal was great but we were disappointed they took the samosas off-- well guess what were back?? I was happy to see the samosas were back though they did take away the mango chutney they used to serve near them. Regardless of the samosas being back, we won't return here for a while.
I was still full from brunch and DD's weren't too hungry so that evening in EP, we just went over to Sunshine Seasons. DH got a turkey sandwich and coleslaw. He said it was good but really bready so he ended up cutting in half and moving the turkey onto one half. DD's ate his extra bread. The girls shared a kids grilled cheese and tomato soup. We loved that they offered this here and it's something other than the usual kids stuff. The grilled cheese was a thick wedge, making it easy to dip. Overall, everyone liked it. We grabbed some caramel popcorn in Germany after. It was good (I mean, it IS caramel popcorn) but smelled better than it actually was.
We ate at the Mara the next morning for breakfast. It was your typical Quick Service breakfast. Nothing terrible, nothing all that good. I got an egg and cheese on what they call a "brioche bun" but really is just a hamburger bun. The breakfast potatoes were hot and crispy. DH got egg, cheese and bacon on a croissant. DD10 got waffles w/ bacon (she didn't eat the bacon as it was too thin and soggy) and DD5 had a bagel and cream cheese with grapes.
That about covers it. Will be back in September for another quick weekend
