Photobombs & Premium Bars: A DxDP DR Where the Prince's Eat the World! *COMPLETE*

[elyse43230]

Bonus Snack Time!!

Lafou's Brew at Gaston's Tavern in (New) Fantasyland

Gaston00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

First let me quickly say that (New) Fantasyland is amazing! Gaston's Tavern is so cute and the whole area is just enchanting! I love how they have the barrels behind the cash registers so it's like they are really pouring "brew" into your glass!

Surely you noticed I did not get the snack credit version of this. I paid for the souvenir stein. I just thought it was so cute I had to have it.

As far as the drink goes, it's frozen apple juice! A lot of people say it's very sweet, but do you think apple juice is too sweet? If you do, don't get this? The foam part is the most fun because it has a strong flavor and it's fun to lick up!

 

[sheila <3 WDW]

Bonus Snack Time!!

Lafou's Brew at Gaston's Tavern in (New) Fantasyland

Gaston00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

First let me quickly say that (New) Fantasyland is amazing! Gaston's Tavern is so cute and the whole area is just enchanting! I love how they have the barrels behind the cash registers so it's like they are really pouring "brew" into your glass!

Surely you noticed I did not get the snack credit version of this. I paid for the souvenir stein. I just thought it was so cute I had to have it.

As far as the drink goes, it's frozen apple juice! A lot of people say it's very sweet, but do you think apple juice is too sweet? If you do, don't get this? The foam part is the most fun because it has a strong flavor and it's fun to lick up!

I love LeFou's brew!! We got it twice on our trip, once we got both glasses. So yummy.

 

[LisaTC]

Hey, fellow Buckeye! Your reviews are awesome. The pixie dust story about your M&D going to V&A brought tears. They look so sweet and happy. What a wonderful family time. You've given me some great new choices in WPC & trying LaFou's Brew! Kudos!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

enjoying your reviews - especially your "tips"

Also happy to read some reviews already of meals that will be new to us our next trip - Kona for dinner and then V&A for our 10th anniversary dinner (hopefully we can have our 40th there as well)

 

[Kellitinkerbelli]

Yum! Thanks for that

 

[nym4588]

Great report so far! Kona Café is one of the places I'm most excited about. I think I have it penciled in three different times over our trip!

 

[elyse43230]

Liberty Tree Tavern (L)

I was so excited to FINALLY try LTT for lunch after reading reviews of that OOEY GOOEY CAKE! I mean, doesn't everyone go to LTT for lunch for the gooey toffee cake? I had been to LTT for dinner, and so I was excited to try this the lunch menu!

With that said, I might have been TOO excited for dessert, because I forgot to take pictures of our appetizers! Dad got the clam chowder, Bro got a salad, and Mom and I split the crab dip. I actually don't like crab dip so I didn't try it!

Moving on to entrees!

I got the pilgrim's feast! I just love this mini-Thanksgiving dinner! To me, the best part was the meat and the green beans! So fresh and delicious!
Pilgrims' Feast - traditional roast turkey with herb bread stuffing, mashed potatoes and a garden vegetable $16.99

LTT00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Bro got the BLT. He loved the pork on this, and that the meat was thick and hearty which is not normal for a BLT which has thin slices of bacon. Big hit with him!
The Liberty Boys BLT - slow roasted pork, fresh Greens and tomatoes on House-made Bread with caramelized shallots and mushroom-mayonnaise spread $13.99

LTT01 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Dad wanted lighter fare so he ordered the dinner salad. This is a delicious, sweeter salad. The chicken is warm and tender and I had a few bites of this and enjoyed it!
Colony Salad - Washington apples, sweet pecans and applewood smoked cheddar, dried cranberry Craisins, and grilled chicken tossed with field greens in honey shallot vinaigrette $14.49

LTT02 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Mom got the pot roast. She thought this was good too and especially liked the veggies and potatoes as well!
New England Pot Roast... Our Tavern Keeper's Favorite - braised beef in a cabernet wine and mushroom sauce served with mashed potatoes and garden vegetables $18.99

LTT03 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Dad was feeling rebellious for dessert and got the fruit crisp. I believe this was blueberry. My dad loves crisps and fruity desserts like this so he was happy!
Fruit Crisp - baked seasonal fruits with a crisp streusel topping and homemade ice cream $5.49

LTT05 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Bro, Mom, and I got the YOU KNOT WHAT dessert. And let me say I took and bite and the ANGELS BEGAN TO SING!! This has become my favorite dessert at WDW (tied with the fried wontons at Yak & Yeti). This is a soft, warm cake topped with ice cream and chocolate and caramel sauce. Then they added some crunch with the toffee bits. It was so good and I recommend LTT HIGHLY!
Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake - vanilla cake with a gooey toffee filling, vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce $7.49

LTT04 by elyse43230, on Flickr

 

[elyse43230]

Sigh. As I was uploading the pictures for this review, I felt a pang of sadness at the memory of our evening at Epcot. I think Mom and Dad were stretched a little thin and at the end of their rope. As a result, this wasn't a very enjoyable meal for them.

I don't think there was anything off with the service at Chefs de France or the food. In fact, I personally had a wonderful, delicious meal there. It has always been one of my favorite restaurants at the World Showcase. However, we didn't have a good time here and Mom and Dad both said this was their least favorite meal.

Our server was so nice and handsome! I just love their accents here, and I am always looking around at all the young French people and enjoy the atmosphere.

The hot, fresh baguette. I love this so much! It's warm and soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside.

Chefs02 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Appetizers​

Dad, and Bro got the lobster bisque. They both enjoyed this.
Bisque de homard - Lobster bisque - $8.99

Chefs00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Mom and I got the onion soup. We both LOVED this. This is something I crave as I plan trips to Disney World. Just the best!
Soupe A l oignon Gratinee - The classic onion soup topped with Gruyere cheese. - $7.99

Chefs01 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Entrees​

Bro ordered the grilled tenderloin. Bro enjoyed the meal like I did, so he loved this entree! The potatoes are really good too.
Filet de boeuf grille, sauce au poivre noir Gratin Dauphinois et haricots verts - Grilled tenderloin of beef with black peppercorn sauce, original potato gratin of Savoy and green beans. - $34.99

Chefs03 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Mom and Dad both ordered the seafood dish. Unfortunately, they both did not like this. They said the sauce was too thin and the flavor was strange. They also did not think that the seafood was cooked well and was rather rubbery. Not a hit.
Coquille St Jacques et crevette. gnocchis Provencales - Seared scallops and shrimps served with gnocchis, provencales (tomato, peppers and fresh herbs. - $31.99

Chefs04 by elyse43230, on Flickr

I ordered the macaroni. This is my favorite dish at Chefs and I still love it. I just love the noodles with this rich sauce and the crunchy baked on cheese topping. It is so rich though, I can only eat less than half! But this is just heaven on a dish for me!
Gratin de macaroni - Baked macaroni with cream and gruyere cheese. - $18.99

Chefs05 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Desserts​

Bro ordered the creme brulee. He ate the entire thing! Yummy!
Creme Brulee - Vanilla creme brulee - $7.25

Chefs06 by elyse43230, on Flickr

The rest of us (Mom, Dad, and I) ordered the profiteroles. Dad and I liked this as any sane person would. The flavor of that chocolate sauce is so rich and you can just spoon it up! Mom, however, doesn't like chocolate so I have no idea why she ordered this. And she ate barely any of it.
Profiterolles au Chocolat - Puff choux with vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce. - $7.25

Chefs07 by elyse43230, on Flickr

And for your viewing pleasure:

2013-06-11 19.14.56 by elyse43230, on Flickr

 

[elyse43230]

It has been exactly 1 month since I ate the food I'm about to post! Luckily, I am not too depressed about my Disney trip being over since (as you can see from my sig) another trip awaits me next summer!

Moving on! On our DHS day, we had a late breakfast at...

Captain's Grille
Yacht Club​

I had heard about the Captain's Grille from various food posts on the DIS and elsewhere. It seemed like such a gem of a breakfast buffet! Not only do they have said scrumptious buffet, but they had a delicious-looking a la carte menu. Since we were on the meal plan, we thought the buffet was the wisest choice!

Here are our plates:

Scrambled eggs, fruit, DELICIOUS Mickey Waffles!

Captain00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Fruit (all the fruit was fresh and juicy), french toast, pancakes, and I can't tell what's at the tippy top

Captain01 by elyse43230, on Flickr

More scrambled eggs, fruit, pancakes and bacon

Captain02 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Bacon in the middle, potatoes, the egg thing is a souffle, salmon, tomato with a cream cheese (topping), croissant

Captain03 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Warm bread pudding, cinnamon roll, eggs, mini-muffin and cheese danish

Captain04 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Everything here was DELICIOUS! I highly recommend Captain's Grille as a fantastic buffet spot. We enjoyed this breakfast very much!

 

[elyse43230]

We stopped by the ever-popular snack destination Starring Rolls several times during our Disney trip. Here was one trip.

Bro's banana split. He loves banana desserts so this was a hit. I didn't get a taste before he polished his plate!

Rolls00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Bro's SECOND choice: Napoleon. I had a bite of this. It is okay but liked the OLD version at France better.

Rolls02 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Dad's cheese danish. These are good, pretty standard Disney danish.

Rolls01 by elyse43230, on Flickr

My choice: Chocolate Eclair. I wanted to let it sit out longer before I ate it (they serve them cold), but we ran out of time. So I ate half and liked it okay but would have liked it so much more if it was room temperature!

Rolls03 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Inside eclair. Wanted to show you it had LOTS of filling. (Very messy!)

Rolls04 by elyse43230, on Flickr

And just a side note: I have one tattoo already that I got in high school (and no, I don't regret it! ) But now that I am 28, I think it's time for my second. For YEARS now I've wanted a Disney tattoo but I wanted it centered around Walt Disney himself, not a character. When I saw this, in the shop after the Backlot Tour, I felt inspiration take over. His true signature. An interesting idea for a tattoo!


DSCF2395 by elyse43230, on Flickr

 

[elyse43230]

Hollywood Brown Derby (D)
Hollywood Studios​

I think we all know that in general, the sit down restaurants (and the QS) at DHS leave much to be desired. However, for me, The Hollywood Brown Derby is the exception every time! I have loved this restaurant every time I go. Today was no exception and we had a delicious, yummy dinner.

Warm rolls with crispy outside and tender inside. Yum! I don't know what specialness is on that butter, but I'm sure it was good.

Derby00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Appetizers​

Mom, Dad, AND Bro got the crab spring rolls. There was a reason for this: they were delicious! Plus that crab claw is so fun! They were trying to figure out who had the most meat in their claw! These were light a crispy.
Blue Lump Crab Spring Rolls - snow crab claw and a Asian slaw with spicy miso aioli $13.00

Derby01 by elyse43230, on Flickr

I love shrimp so this is right up my alley. Everything on this plate was so good.
Andouille-crusted Prawn - over Black Diamond cheddar grits, wilted greens and ancho oil $12.00

Derby02 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Entrees​

Bro got the chicken. That hash is as good as it looks! I am not an avocado fan so I didn't care for the puree.
Ashley Farms Free-range Breast of Chicken - served over house-made spiced chorizo, yellow plantain hash, and an avocado and heirloom tomato puree $30.00.

Derby03 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Dad got the pork chop, He couldn't believe how big it was but he ate almost all of it! And he mentioned if a few times during the trip how good it was.
Sterling Silver Pork Chop - with smoked gouda and heirloom apple slaw served over potato hash with bacon, Napa cabbage, sweet peppers and a cider jus $33.00

Derby04 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Mom and I got the duck. The duck over the polenta was good, but the roasted duck with the cherry sauce was OUT OF THIS WORLD. So tender and just unique in every way.
Duck Two Ways - sauteed confit with swiss chard over an herb and goat cheese polenta cake finished with a pan-seared maple bourbon duck magret with a sun-dried cherry sauce $35.00

Derby05 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Desserts​

Mom got the grapefruit cake. I think this is weird and gross (the cream cheese frosting is good but does not make up for that bitter grapefruit flavored cake). But Mom always gets it here, just because it's so weird!
Grapefruit Cake - Light Layers of Yellow Cake with fresh Grapefruit-Cream Cheese Icing $8.00

Derby06 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Bro got the chocolate 3 ways. This was awesome! I loved the layers.
Chocolate Three Ways - Praline Milk Chocolate Cream, crunchy ganache and orange-chocolate mousse $9.00

Derby07 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Dad and I got the cheesecake. Now I had some issues with this. I liked the cute chocolate "caviar" on top and the strawberry "trough" on the top with the filling, but you see those Nerd candies looking pink balls inside the cake? Those taste like cereal to me. And they're texture is weird. I got another dessert later in the trip with the SAME weird strawberry cereal balls and was like, NOOO! Not a fan. This would have been awesome if it didn't have the weird puffy cereal thingys in it.
Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with macerated strawberries and dark chocolate caviar crisps $9.00

Derby08 by elyse43230, on Flickr

We had awesome service and just a fun time at HBD. I always come here on my Hollywood Studios day and this day was no different!

 

[seasidespences]

Love this HBD review...it's our first ADR in September...so looking forward to it!!!

 

[elyse43230]

Love this HBD review...it's our first ADR in September...so looking forward to it!!!

I can't imagine that you won't love it! I find that they change their menu frequently, so make sure you check out the updated menu before you leave for your trip so you can get excited!

 

[elyse43230]

I'm kind of getting sad that this dining review is almost over! I only have a few restaurants left, but they are good ones, that's for sure! But before we get to some Signature meals (Le Cellier and Citricos, to be exact), let's talk about one of my hands-down favorite spots in Walt Disney World, Kona Cafe for BREAKFAST!

Kona Cafe (B)
Polynesian Resort​

My family loves the World Showcase. I could spend all day there and then another and not get bored. We love to sample the snacks, see the cool merchandise, and of course DRINK THE DRINKS!

So to get our World Showcase adventure off to a great start, we went to Kona Cafe for breakfast. This is a MUST-DO for me, every trip!

Once again, we were seated immediately and a wonderful waitress. She was funny and personable. First Bro and Dad got a pot of the "best kept secret" at Disney World...

100% Kona Coffee French Press Pot $7.49 (serves 2)

Kona00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Mom and I also got the Lilikoi Juice juice (no pic). Remember on the meal plan you can only get 1 drink choice with breakfast so you can't get coffee AND juice (technically).

Dad got a (boring) omelet. He thought it was wonderful.
Ham and Cheese Omelet - with home-fried potatoes and a biscuit $11.49

Kona01 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Mom, Bro, and I got the (cue angels singing) TONGA TOAST. I got it with the fruit and they got it with bacon. Now you MUST eat this with the strawberry sauce, IMHO. My brother used syrup, but I literally pour the sauce on every bite of this. My brother told me I "drowned every morsel" in it (no joke, I poured it on each forkful). He couldn't believe how much I loved that sauce and said my plate looked like a "massacre" when I was done.
Tonga Toast - banana stuffed sourdough bread, rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with Strawberry Compote and your choice of ham, bacon, or sausage $12.99

Kona02 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Not so great pic of the inside of Tonga Toast.

Kona03 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Does it look like a "massacre" to you?

Kona04 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Needless to say, I love Tonga Toast way more than any person should. I guess it's just everything I like (I'm a big fan of anything cinnamony) and it makes for a perfect plate.

I think I should get a T-Shirt for finishing every bite of my Tonga Toast!

And for your viewing pleasure, here's my brother photobombing my "I'm in the UK" self-picture (aka: selfie). I thought it would be cute to take a selfie of myself in each country holding something like a flag to represent the country. My brother caught on and started photobombing ALL of them. It became a running joke the whole trip!


DSCF2571 by elyse43230, on Flickr

 

[elyse43230]

Bonus snacktime!

We stopped by the Kringla Bakeri og Cafe early on our journey around the World Showcase. I'm a school bread lover, so I can't pass this up!

We used two snack credits and got school bread and the cheesecake.

I had school bread for the first time in 2009 and it has been a love affair ever since. I like that the bread around it is not sweet but the creamy inside is so it's the perfect blend of sweet that's not too much. I also DO NOT like coconut but for whatever reason this is still wonderful to me and the coconut enhances this treat nicely!
School Bread $2.69

Norway00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Cross-section. YUM!

Norway01 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Mom started eating this before I had a chance to take a pic, but you can still see what it looks like! I can't find this exactly treat on Allears, but this was the cheesecake they sell with some sort of almond topping. This was DELICIOUS and definitely something you should when you hit up the World Showcase!

Norway02 by elyse43230, on Flickr

 

[joanne.sear]

Oh yum! The school bread is going on my list!

Looking forward to more xx

 

[mickeymotto]

Great pics and reviews! Can't wait for the rest of them.

 

[elyse43230]

Ummm... Hi!

So I took my GRE's and went on a few more summer trips and next thing I knew it had been like 2 months since I updated my DR! Ahh!

Let's jump straight back into it!

Le Cellier (Lunch)​

I was very excited to eat at Le Cellier once again. I have eaten here for two trips now and BOTH times it was superb. It was a highlight of the trip for us. The entire family had a wonderful time and LOVED the food. Let's break it down:

AMAZING bread basket. Let's be honest, it's AALLLLL about the pretzel bread!

Cellier00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Appetizers​

Bro and I both ordered the tomato salad. WOW! This was such a surprise and was a hit for the whole table. We loved being "brave" and trying the gelee which tasted like a cucumber to me (so not like much of anything). The tomatoes and cheese were divine which such a rich flavor. I don't like this as much as the Tomato Stack they used to sell here, but this is a great second place!
"Waterkist" Heirloom Tomato - House-made Mozzarella, tomato gelee, lavash, micro basil, Minus "8" Vinegar $12

Cellier01 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Mom and Dad ordered the seafood ravioli. They loved it!
Seafood Ravioli - lobster, scallop, and jumbo lump crab, spring onion, citrus beurre blanc $16

Cellier02 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Entrees​

I ordered the chicken. As a non-mammal eater, one would think I wouldn't like Le Cellier, but this chicken was out of this world. You can just tell by looking at that crispy skin that this chicken was awesome! And it was!
Roasted Free-range Chicken - quinoa, fennel, roasted tomatoes, baby artichokes, natural jus $35

Cellier03 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Dad and another (can't remember if it was Mom or Bro!) had the famous filet mignon! Everyone agreed that it was the best filet mignon they EVER had. I know there are some reviews that Le Cellier is bad, lower quality, whatever, but that is SO not the case on the day we went.
Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon - 8 oz. Canadian Beef Tenderloin with wild mushroom risotto, pickled pearl onions, white truffle butter sauce $43

Cellier04 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Lamb Rack (from Allears - Lamb Rack with truffle-celeriac puree, baby vegetables, lamb jus) (thanks wilma-bride for identifying this for me!)

Cellier05 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Desserts and Alcohol!!​

Bro got the whisky flight. We all enjoyed!

Cellier06 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Mom and I EACH got our own Ice Wine flight! O M G! My favorite thing ever! This is actually a wonderful value, because you get the most expensive Ice wine in this sampler!

Cellier07 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Dad got the sorbet which was a blueberry(?) maybe and had candied ginger on top. So unique and delicious! Not too sweet. They got the fun Congratulations decoration for their anniversary!

Cellier08 by elyse43230, on Flickr


Cellier09 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Mom and Bro got the trio of Chocolate. I'll tell you right now that we were FIGHTING over those cookies criss-crossed on the top. They were so good!

Cellier10 by elyse43230, on Flickr

I got the white chocolate cheesecake. Loved this. Delicious and unique crust cookie.
White Chocolate Cheesecake - Citrus Shortbread cookie, Seasonal Berries and Raspberry air - $10.00

Cellier11 by elyse43230, on Flickr

Overall, Le Cellier was a joy for us. We loved the atmosphere and had a wonderful and funny waiter. We will keep coming back!

 

[elyse43230]

I was so excited to check out the newly renovated French Bakery. The line is so efficient and fast. In fact, we were almost out of time for the day, but we had enough time to go and get these snacks!

TOP: Eclair, RIGHT: Apple Tart, LEFT: Raspberry-Line Macaroon

France00 by elyse43230, on Flickr

The eclair was pretty good, better than the one at Starring Rolls. The Apple tart was NOT good. I just thought it was bland, oddly. It didn't even taste really like apples. Pass this.

Now the raspberry macaroon. I was sooooo sad when I realized this was NOT a snack credit, but it was hands down the most delicious snack! Fresh raspberries, tart lime cream, and that macaroon cookie thing is just AMAZING. Worth paying OOP for this baby!

 

[Tink2Day]

Why oh why am I so silly to read these dining reports when I've only had a grilled cheese (homemade) sandwich since lunch yesterday?


Everything looks yummy, keep torturing me with the wonderful food pictures.