And now, for your vicarious dining pleasure, the reviewer (that's me, Belle5
)proudly presents: Artist Point! We were seated in the main dining area near the windows, but not up against. Last time we dined here, there were fewer of us, so we were given a primo spot at a ROUND table (which by now you know I love
) up against the window. This time AP was so crowded when we arrived (DonaldDole Whip's reviews are making a difference, I'm convinced) we were fortunate to be seated anywhere, though I did request not to be seated in the first area as you walk in, as we have been seated there once and did appreciate feeling like we were on display (I have hang-ups about that...I like my privacy)! We were seated at a long table. This was the night we were celbrating DS24's birthday.
I know that the decor at AP or even WL is not to everyone's taste, but we love it!
Each of us was brought an Amuse Bouche of Smokey Portobello Soup
with Roasted Shiitakes, Chive Oil, and Sourdough Croutons. Now, one of the reasons I was wanting to return to AP was to drown myself in this soup. The word "soup" is really too lowly a word for this glorious concoction. Bringing it for each person to sample was brilliant, as about half the table ended up ordering the Portobello Soup as their appetizer!
To our great surprise, another Amuse Bouche was brought to the table! Unfortunately, our photo turned out blurry and I can't find a description of it anywhere! If I remember correctly, it was some kind of a fresh, hot corn chip like you would have in a Mexican restaurant and there was tuna tartare on it and a spicy slaw or sauce. Anyway, those at the table who enjoy tuna tartare really enjoyed this bite! This is the item that DS25 says was one of the most amazing things he's ever tasted!
The delicious bread, butter and dipping oil that is brought to the table.
Appetizers:
I could not remember what this was, but jabead produced a menu for me. Now I know it was Huckleberry Lacquered Pork Belly with Green Papaya Slaw, Athena Melon and Lotus Root Chip! DS25 says it was a bit of a disappointment...too fatty!
Grilled Delta Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese, Apples,
and Brown Butter Vinaigrette
This was very tasty! DH ordered it and I sampled freely!
Salt-Roasted Heirloom Beets
with Truffled Chèvre, Cider-poached Pink Lady Apples, Spiced Walnuts, and Mulled Wine Vinaigrette. This was the low-point in the meal for me but it was ENTIRELY my own fault! Truffled Chèvre is goat cheese. I didn't know that or I would not have ordered this. I loathe goat cheese! I scraped off the Truffled Chèvre and gave it away to those at the table who love it. I think I was hoping for a lot more "beet" as I love them, but this seemed to be a little, delicate, lacy work of art that was quite a bit about the cheese and not the beets. If you LOVE goat cheese, I think you will like this. My intention had been to order the Portobello Soup, but had quite a bit when we were first seated (my DS8 didn't care for his so he donated to me
). I felt that since I had already had a small "fix" I should use this as an opportunity to sample another appetizer!
The clear winner in the appetizer category...The Smokey Portobello Soup
with Roasted Shiitakes, Chive Oil, and Sourdough Croutons. DS25 has told me if there is one food item from the entire trip he craves it is that soup! Yes, it's THAT good!
Entrees:
Seared Diver Scallops with Herb Spring Pea Risotto and Chardonnay Saffron Beurre Blanc. DIL ordered these and loved them! However, after tasting the entrees of others at the table, she felt that her meal may have been the "weakest".
Roasted Buffalo Tenderloin with Okinawa Purple Potato Purée, Hazelnut Cauliflower Polonaise, Onion Marmalade, and Blackberry Pinot Noir Reduction. I think all the male members of our party ordered this buffalo and they were in no way disappointed. The were moaning and oohing and aahing with every bite! It is served pretty rare (medium-rare maybe), so one of my son's needed to send his back for further cooking. Then, it was just perfect for him, as well!
Crispy Buttermilk-dipped Airline Chicken - with Herb Spaetzle, Fava Beans, Bacon Jam, and Natural Chicken Jus. This was my entree. I know you have heard about my men grunting like cavemen over their buffalo, but folks...I WON! I loved my entree! I passed my humble little chicken dish around the table and most of the guys had to admit that as fantastic as their buffalo dishes tasted, mom's chicken was the best thing on the table! I cannot begin to tell you how the flavors worked together in this dish! Those little green things that almost look like lima beans are actually Herb Spaetzle (little German dumplings). Ohhhhhhhhhh they were so good! Crave some now, want some now....can't wait to have them again! How long will they be on the menu???? One can never tell! Was it the bacon jam that made everything taste so good? I don't know. I just want more! Am I saying you will be blown away by this dish? No! I just know it worked perfectly for my tastes and my family was equally impressed.
Dessert:
The AP cappuccinos were voted a close second to the ones from Via Napoli. Remember, I think cappuccinos were ordered at all TS restaurants (and other carts and QS, as well) just so they could be compared!
DIL each ordered ourselves a pot of Eros (kind of an orange/vanilla flavor) tea in a French press. It was as good as usual!
Artist Point Berry Cobbler--Seasonal berries and housemade ice cream. This was, once again, my dessert and it paired beautifully with the Eros tea. I really enjoyed it!
Warm Chocolate Cake . . . Warm Valrhona Chocolate with Grand Marnier Chantilly and Berry Seltzer. DH ordered this and said the cake part was a typical lava cake but the spread with the berries and the liquid selzer in the cup worked together to make it a very delicious dessert.
Local Orange Blossom Lace Cannoli with Mountain Berry Mousse,White Chocolate Anglaise, Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam,and Micro Basil
I remember that my oldest son enjoyed this and my DS14 thought his was "awesome".
Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée with Chocolate-Hazelnut Biscotto. I didn't order this as we make amazing Crème Brûlée right here at home. I chided my DS22 for ordering it reminding him that he makes the best Crème Brûlée, so why would he waste this opportunity to try something different? He ordered it anyway, and we were all pea-green with envy! That was the best dessert on the table!!!
DS8 ordered the White Chocolate Mickey Puzzle and a Cookie (again) and had fun painting it and eating it. He says to tell you it was his favorite dessert in WDW!
So, Artist Point served us the best meal of our trip. But, for the cost--it should have been!!! The service at AP was my very favorite kind: the server was polite and always there, but at the same time very much in the background. He didn't think we were there to begin a new relationship with him...he understood we were dropping a fortune to have special time with our family! For this cost and environment, the service was perfect!
We have a breakfast ADR there for September when we stay at BC. I've read three negative reviews for CG all in the last month or so...so I might have to change that one. Although I know as well as anyone that restaurants at Disney seem to have their "off" and "on" nights. 
in your beet appetizer to help you like it...but they forgot to do it to mine!
