Thank you for allowing me a forum where I can relive what "might" be my favorite meal of the trip (stay tuned to see if that really is the case)! Grand Floridian Cafe-We have some history with this restaurant. Four years ago we hosted my mom's 70th birthday at this restaurant. Some friends and relatives from around the country joined us for the small event and together we enjoyed good service, great food and a beautiful and delicious custom cake. Two years ago, we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at the GF Cafe along with my parents and sons. Things didn't start out so well for that momentous occasion! A hostess with an attitude yelled at us for being fifteen minutes late...even though the monorail was broken down. Once again, we were served food, but that time it was not so wonderful... We had good service and a spectacular, tiered custom anniversary cake. We skipped GF Cafe on our last visit because of our overall disappointment on our anniversary. DH talked me into trying it, one more time, on this vacation. I LOVE my DH for this!! First of all, GF Cafe has a new chef and he is just beyond talented! Our service from start to finish was friendly, more than efficient and full of fun and laughter! I loved our server! The chef came out to meet us and we had a great conversation with him and gave him our heartfelt compliments. Now to the FOOD!
Fried Green Tomatoes with Goat Cheese (chef substituted boursin cheese for me) and Corn-Tomato Chow-Chow. I know this does not photograph very well. It may not be pretty but it is YUMMY, if you like this sort of thing! Please don't miss that the chef switched out the cheese for me, as this dish normally comes with goat cheese (which I loathe)!
Corn and crab chowder. I am allergic to crab, but those who ordered this soup are still talking about it! It was THAT good! I don't see it on the regular menu, but if you go sometime soon, they may still be offering it.
Cheese Plate
Truffle Tremor, Reypenaer Gouda, and St. Pete’s Select Blue Cheese with assorted accoutrements and Sesame Crackers
Seasonal Greens Local Specialty Greens, Pears, St. Pete’s Select Blue Cheese, Candied Walnuts, and Pear-Champagne Vinaigrette
Sorry for the blurry pic...I think this might be the Shrimp and Grits
Jumbo Shrimp with Chorizo and Fennel served on top of Creamy Mascarpone Cheese Grits. Not sure who ordered this, or what they thought...but I know everyone raved about their meals, so it COULDN'T be anything but a good report!
This was split in the kitchen so my sons could do some meal sharing: Grand Floridian Burger Angus Chuck Burger, Butter-poached Lobster, Red Onion Marmalade, Crispy Prosciutto, and Arugula on a Brioche Bun with Chips. My sons who shared this felt it was one of the best burgers they've ever tasted.
And now...arguably, my favorite dish of the trip...(I kind of want to cry and beg for some right now) Bronzed Pan-Seared Corvina. This is not on the regular menu so I am having a difficult time with the description, but I think I remember there being a corn pudding of some sort underneath the fish. The flavors, the sauces, the spices all worked together to melt-in-the-mouths of those of us who ordered this succulent dish!
This gets the award for most fun cappuccino of the trip...but, unfortunately, it was only average in taste. My sons felt the cinnamon Mickey was used to cover up the actual taste of the coffee. We are HUGE coffee people. Two of our sons have worked at Starbuck's, each for quite some time. One lived in Italy for a semester (and then visited Italy again) and enjoyed a lot of cappuccino there and in other countries. I tell you this so you can know their level of knowledge and that their opinions on coffee should carry some weight.
Chocolate Fondue Dark Chocolate Ganache with Fruit. This was my dessert. I couldn't bear the thought of a pastry, but fruit with chocolate just SEEMED lighter! It was wonderful!
Dessert Sampler: Key Lime Tart with a Chocolate Crust topped with Caramelized Sugar, Boston Cream Pie Vanilla Chiffon Cake filled with Vanilla Custard and topped with a Dark Chocolate Glaze, Lemon Cheesecake Dome topped with White Chocolate Ganache,Fresh Berry Tart Layer of Almond Cake topped with Seasonal Berries and Apricot Glaze, Chocolate Mickey
Most of the people at the table shared this dessert with someone else. I know these samplers were total hits with everyone. In particular, I heard the Boston Cream Pie and the Lemon Cheesecake Dome complimented in the best terms.
I can't imagine not returning to GF Cafe during our next trip, unless we hear the chef has changed.
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I am glad you're following along, as your magnificent reviews have helped me make many dining decisions!
