Our November Food Porn - Lots of Places & Loads of Pictures

[weswife]

Great review!!!! I enjoyed the pics.! My DH and DS enjoyed the pics. as well!!!

 

[vettechick99]

Thanks for the reviews! Love a Zooberry...but wow on that $340 bill!

 

[bubblefactory]

Sorry for the delay, there's moreto come !

Next up was our first visit this trip to The California Grill. We've noticed it going downhill our last few trips and we've put it down to the dining plan but decided we'd had more good meals than bad so booked it twice. This first visit was early in the evening to catch sunset. It was still pretty busy but we were shown to our table in about 10 minutes. Sad to say the lounge area was FULL of diners again. It annoys me no end. :sigh: We were sat on the left side of the restaurant as you go in which is my favourite.

Our server came over within a few minutes and offered us water and took our drinks order.

I had a Cosmopolitan (quelle surprise :whistle: )

then he brought us some bread

The menu changes often and I can never decide what I want, the choices always appeal to me.

Alec chose the duck flatbread

and I finally decided on the lobster risotto

Lois asked for tomato soup and Cal helped her with it.

Both girls had the adult beef filet and ate every single bit! If you asked them now which was their favourite dish at WDW, this would be it!

I decided to go with the ostrich after trying it at Jiko several times and always enjoying it. This however was nothing like. It was tough as old boots despite it still being very pink and I really didn't enjoy it.

Al had the crispy chicken. It was really nice !

Both kids had a chocolate mousse

I tried the banana desert.....soooooooooo yummy! :eat:

Al finished with the cheese platter

With a bottle of Taittinger, glass of wine, 1 beer, couple of Shirley T's, the bill was $345 after our TIW discount/with tip. :hehe: Our server was excellent and very attentive and chatty !

 

[davinakb]

Mmm good. Thx for the WDW food porn, love the pics.

 

[Poppinsme]

Wow!!!!! Yum!
Great reviews and pics. Thanks.

 

[emmabemmainc]

I can't see any of the pictures--I'm so bummed! Each pic is just a box from photobucket saying "bandwidth exceeded"--anything I can do so I can see them?

 

[TROSELL14843]

None of the pictures are visible?
thanks

 

[emmabemmainc]

No, none of them. I figure that it's something with my computer though--as obviously everyone else can see them. I'm not sure what to do to fix it!

 

[bubblefactory]

Sorry about that, I hit my limit on photobucket. Upgraded to pro now so all pictures are back visible. Stay tuned for more !

 

[Linda67]

Loved the California Grill review
We are eating there for the first time in March - can't wait !!

 

[bubblefactory]

We took a break from shopping in the Fl. Mall to eat at California Pizza Kitchen. If you haven't been it's a chain like Pizza Hut, but much nicer. :hehe:

Bread

Lois and Cal both had the kids honey chicken pizza. They both absolutely loved it. $5.49 with a drink.

I had a margherita thin crust. It was really nice, thin and crispy just how I like them! $12.49

Al had the BBQ chicken and bacon and didn't leave any crumbs! $14.99

We always enjoy eating here and will probably go back next time we're in the mall. Service was fast and friendly and everything is super fresh. They have a really good menu of sandwiches/soups/salads too.
California Pixzza Kitchen.

 

[bubblefactory]

Next was another visit to one of our favourites, Artist Point. We arrived 10 minutes before our ADR and were seated straight away. I don't think we've ever had to wait for a table. :hehe:

Our server was over in just a few minutes and took our drinks order and told us a few things about the menu.

Bread

My cocktail was a sour apple martini :cocktail:

Old faithful......portobello mushroom soup. TDF!

I decided to try the venison spring rolls and they were very tasty.

Cal had the kids pasta and asked for it plain so they sent some cheese sauce on the side.

I absolutely love the scallops here. The dish had changed slightly but was just as yummy as I remembered. :more:

Lois wanted the adult filet but didn't like the potato choice so they switched them for some pasta no problem. :hehe:

Al went with the wild boar filet & cranberry pudding

No desserts as we were full. :hehe: Service was great as always and it was a lovely relaxed meal. We'll definitely be back!

With a few Shirley's, O'Douls and a glass of wine, the bill was $164 after our TIW discount/added tip.

 

[bubblefactory]

Next up was a trip over top the GF for afternoon tea. We were meeting up again with our good friend and super-duper TA Josephine and her lovely family. Jo suggested the GF tea and we agreed straight away as we thought it would be a nice change.

We arrived a little early and soaked up the atmosphere in the lobby. The floor was still being relaid with new marble. They have incorporated the characters from B&TB in to them and they really are beautiful. I've always loved the GF lobby, but now it's even better. Jo and her lovely family arrived and we had a chat before they called us to the table. We ordered drinks and when Jo mentioned Taittinger we couldn't say no! :wink: :champagne Bit naughty in the afternoon but what the heck....we're on vacation :lol:

The menu has the sandwiches listed and you are given a menu of teas to choose from, each getting an individual pot. Pastries are brought on a tray after. We all chose and here's what we had:

The guys chose the 'Prince Edward's Tea' - A delicious array of duck and cherry terrine, chicken and pork roulade, country pate en croute and English Blue Stilton, the "King" of English cheeses. Served with marinated fresh berries, and Cumberland sauce. We then offer our delicious fresh-baked scones served with rich Devonshire cream. Your choice of our tea with a glass of our Fonseca Bin 27 Character Port. $21.00 per guest

Jo and I (and I think Jo's DD) had the 'Buckingham Palace' - Our traditional tea sandwiches, scones and jam tarts complemented by fresh strawberries and cream, or a selection of freshly baked pastries, along with your choice of tea. $19.50 per guest

I really enjoyed them, they were lovely and fresh. Those mini onion tarts are TDF!! :eat:

The kids had the 'Mrs. Potts Tea' - For the young tea lover in your party, we offer a variety of tea sandwiches, tuna salad, ham and cheese, peanut butter and jelly on white bread. We serve our magical dark tea (chocolate milk), followed by a choice of two pastries $10.50 per guest

Here are some of the pastries we chose. The swans were divine and you can't beat a chocolate strawberry! YUM!

When we finished one plate another seemed to arrive, you certainly get plenty! :hehe: We were in there hours....literally....:lol: chatting and laughing. We had such a lovely time and can't wait to see them again. Huge to Jo, Frank, G and A.....it was fun !

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Thanks for the wonderful updates. We never went to Artist Point and have to try it for our upcoming trip. I love GF tea. enjoying your reveiws

 

[angel26]

Im on board can't wait to here more.

 

[emmabemmainc]

Sorry about that, I hit my limit on photobucket. Upgraded to pro now so all pictures are back visible. Stay tuned for more !

Thank you! I can see everything now---absolutely wonderful reviews!

 

[DisneyDarlings]

Loved reading your report and seeing all the great pics! Was excited to read about your lovely tea with Jo. She has helped my family with several wonderful trips!

 

[Linda67]

More wonderful reviews - thanks so much
The photos are really great

 

[disney_princess_85]

Your reviews are great, thanks! I like how you include some non-Disney restaurants.

 

[bubblefactory]

Next up a trip over to AKL to eat at one of our favourites ~ JIKO!!!
I love visiting AKL, the smells as soon as you enter the lobby.....Mmmmmm! Love the shop here too.

Anyway....on to the food! :eat:

I started with a Mojito cocktail. It was recommended by the server but wasn't really my thing. At least I know not to order one in the future. :hehe: $7.25

Our server brought the bread and butter and some water.

I knew before we got here what i would be having to start if it was on the menu.....and it was! hyes:
Seared Ostrich Filet - with spiced chick peas, red onion, tomato and lemon-mint yogurt $13.00

Al had the Tibs Watt in Panekoeke - stewed beef rolled in "crepes" with peppadew-olive tapenade $9.00

Lois decided to try the Taste of Africa - Trio of Dips with Assorted Breads and House-made Naan. We all tried some and I thought they were nice. $9.00

For my main course, I was spoilt for choice, but decided to go with fish. Today it was Maize-crusted Pacific Halibut - with Vegetables of the Moment and Tomato-Butter Sauce $36.00

I have to say this was the best fish I have EVER had. It was cooked to perfection and the sauce was TDF! :eat:

Al went with the Barbecue Beef Short Ribs - with Roasted Yukon Gold Potato Salad and onion-garlic sauce $37.00

Lois had her favourite, Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon - with Macaroni & Cheese and Red Wine Sauce $39.00

Miss Callie had the Grilled Filet of Beef with mashed potatoes, veggies and fruit $13.00

Once again, service was very good and we all enjoyed it. Jiko remains in our top 5 and we can't wait to go back!

With a glass of wine, 2 O'Douls and Shirley T's the bill with tax and tip was $213.00.