Pie That Brownie, Fruitcake! Updated Post #1832 - The End

[TDC Nala]

We were supposed to have breakfast at The Wave last October and canceled in favor of eating in the room instead. I'd still like to give them a try ... what did you have?

Pancakes! I don't like eggs so restaurant breakfasts are tough for me. They had a few eggless dishes. The pancakes came with fruit compote. Back when I ate there they had a really heavy upcharge for chicken sausage and I understand they've gotten rid of that so I would like to go back for pancakes and chicken sausage. Maybe if I get into BLT for Labor Day I'll try it again.

 

[dizneeat]

Your Kona review! Just what I wanted to hear ........ NOT!
We have our first ever breakfast ADR there in just two weeks - should we skip it? Thing is ........ we're NOT going for the Tonga toast, so maybe I should start looking somewhere else!
Thanks for the warning!

 

[oybolshoi]

Darn, I have a lunch booked at the Wave for our upcoming trip! Maybe I can still try for a breakfast!

I'm still here & enjoying all the reviews & the silliness. I just can't keep up with all of it, all of the time. So I guess I'm a semi-lurker?

We were actually thinking of booking lunch at the Wave in October ... ... just can't seem to make up our minds I suppose.

No need to keep up - all the review links are on the first page so you can take a look when you have some time. No pressure!!

I think for us, Disney has become a victim due to how many times we've visited. I can remember years & years back ( early 80's ) when Kona's coffee was some of the best we'd ever tasted. That was back in day, before buying coffee beans, grinders, french press, even cappuccino & espresso! (At least here in Nola.) Although I have to say our coffee & chicory and cafe au lait has always rocked!

I agree with you - it's been obvious to us over the last few years that some things just aren't as good as they used to be. Whether that's because something has actually changed or because we've just become too accustomed to some of them ... it's hard to know for sure. But I do remember when Fench Toast at Kona was 6 slices, not 4 (not that I could ever eat all 6 ... I usually can't eat all 4) and when the Tonga Toast was bigger and had much more filling in the center. But when Disney puts accountants in charge of food and beverage that's usually what happens.

And Jay and I loves us some cafe au lait! That's the stuff that got us hooked on coffee in the first place!

Just now saw the chocolate cigar pictures--cracking me up!

Glad you enjoyed them - they tasted great and inspired silliness ... what more could you ask for?

Sorry it was yet another disappointment at Kona--I think I might have an ADR there for breakfast, I'll have to check.. I have never been so lackadaisical about a trip before...at this rate I'll never get out of the pool except for ice cream at Beaches!

Well, while I thought it was just meh, the nephew especially was very happy. So even with the four of us - while we agreed the service was poor - the food reactions were definitely different.

And what's wrong with just having ice cream on vacation? They have soup and burgers, too, to supplement your dietary needs.

Pancakes! I don't like eggs so restaurant breakfasts are tough for me. They had a few eggless dishes. The pancakes came with fruit compote. Back when I ate there they had a really heavy upcharge for chicken sausage and I understand they've gotten rid of that so I would like to go back for pancakes and chicken sausage. Maybe if I get into BLT for Labor Day I'll try it again.

I will have to go back and take a peek at their menu ... Jay loves him some tasty pancakes. He really liked the chicken sausage when he tried it at Kouzzina - thought it was one of the best things he tried on the whole trip.

Your Kona review! Just what I wanted to hear ........ NOT!
We have our first ever breakfast ADR there in just two weeks - should we skip it? Thing is ........ we're NOT going for the Tonga toast, so maybe I should start looking somewhere else!
Thanks for the warning!

Hey Karin - don't cancel because of our experience. The service was the worst part of the morning, and just because we had an off visit doesn't mean you will. And two of the four people at our table were very happy with their food, so even that makes it hard to say "don't go." And remember, no one had a poor meal, I just felt that mine was medicore ... it wasn't cooked nearly as well as it has been in the past.

If you want to try something new for breakfast and if Kona is convenient for you then I say you and Tom should give it a try. If something else looks more appealing, then consider giving that a try instead. Fact is we just didn't have good overall luck with morning meals on this trip ... we had four breakfasts (two table service and two buffets and as far as I'm concerend they were all just bleh). Jay said for him Kouzzina was the best breakfast we had.

Grand Floridian Cafe has always been a good breakfast spot, too, if you haven't tried them.

 

[jakenjess]

Sorry about your poor service at Kona. Last week we had nine people for breakfast there, and it was a shaky start. Of course everybody didn't arrive at the same time, and I knew we wouldn't be seated until they did, but we gave the hostess the heads-up that we were arriving. When we were missing only one, she said she would seat us, and she was grabbing menus so we approached the podium. She then told us to step back, she wasn't ready yet. And this was not in a friendly, Disney-like manner either! We waited (we were all present now) and watched about six other parties, one larger than ours, get seated until finally they seated us, saying something about them forgetting about us??? Then the server told me I could only use the TWiT card for seven people. I asked her to please check; we had been able to use it for up to ten all along. She came back and said we could, they had changed their policy and not told the servers and from then on things were fine.

I agree, Brenda, though I love Tonga Toast, I'm not sure we'll be rushing back.

Looking forward to the rest of your reviews!

 

[D&R love Disney]

I hate when servers totally disappear after the initial visit!

I've never gotten the appeal of Tonga Toast, it doesn't even look good to me

For the most part Rick and I cook our own breakfast, well I pour a bowl of cereal and he makes eggs and bacon for himself The joys of staying DVC!!!!!

 

[podsnel]

I'm not a breakfast girl either- but I ADORE (and I don't know if that is even a strong enough word) those macadamia pancakes. Can't wait to have them again.

Sorry about your cousin-

 

[cntkg1]

Kona has been a place that we've wanted to try just because of the Tonga Toast....but, if you have the recipe, can you share it with me? I could probably save a bundle just making it myself.

BTW, I know Chuck loved the bacon at Cape May. Maybe they decided that they'd give you Bronchitis and me the Swine Flu in exchange for some good bacon instead. (Yeah, we laugh now, but it sure wasn't funny back then was it?)

 

[oybolshoi]

Sorry about your poor service at Kona. Last week we had nine people for breakfast there, and it was a shaky start. Of course everybody didn't arrive at the same time, and I knew we wouldn't be seated until they did, but we gave the hostess the heads-up that we were arriving. When we were missing only one, she said she would seat us, and she was grabbing menus so we approached the podium. She then told us to step back, she wasn't ready yet. And this was not in a friendly, Disney-like manner either! We waited (we were all present now) and watched about six other parties, one larger than ours, get seated until finally they seated us, saying something about them forgetting about us??? Then the server told me I could only use the TWiT card for seven people. I asked her to please check; we had been able to use it for up to ten all along. She came back and said we could, they had changed their policy and not told the servers and from then on things were fine.

I agree, Brenda, though I love Tonga Toast, I'm not sure we'll be rushing back.

Looking forward to the rest of your reviews!

Hi Lori! Welcome home. Sorry to hear you had your own service issues at Kona; it's a total bummer when that happens. I hope the rest of your dining choices went more smoothly! And thanks for reading - always glad to have you along for the ride!

I hate when servers totally disappear after the initial visit!

I've never gotten the appeal of Tonga Toast, it doesn't even look good to me

For the most part Rick and I cook our own breakfast, well I pour a bowl of cereal and he makes eggs and bacon for himself The joys of staying DVC!!!!!

It's annoying when servers do that, isn't it? And I don't like tonga toast either ... I have a huge sweet tooth but even that it waaaaaay too over the top for me.

And the only thing we make in our villas is coffee, so you guys are steps ahead of us!

I'm not a breakfast girl either- but I ADORE (and I don't know if that is even a strong enough word) those macadamia pancakes. Can't wait to have them again.

Sorry about your cousin-

Jay really liked the pancakes - this was the first time he tried them. But I don't think he liked them enough to want to go back any time soon. It's OK ... we've eaten there plenty of times over the years so it won't kill us to take a break for a bit.

As for our cousin ... some family members are just a pain, ya know?

 

[oybolshoi]

Just missed you Goose! I know I have the recipe somewhere ... I will find it for you and email it to you. We've never made it here at home because I don't care for it and it's too much mess to make just for one person.

I don't remember the bacon from Cape May ... I know I ate some but I don't recall anything about it right now. As long as he was happy ... it was a fun morning there even if the food and coffee were just meh.

I want to know which little rugrat breathed on us when we weren't looking because I was definitely starting to feel bad that night and by Saturday when we left I was already sick.

Kona has been a place that we've wanted to try just because of the Tonga Toast....but, if you have the recipe, can you share it with me? I could probably save a bundle just making it myself.

BTW, I know Chuck loved the bacon at Cape May. Maybe they decided that they'd give you Bronchitis and me the Swine Flu in exchange for some good bacon instead. (Yeah, we laugh now, but it sure wasn't funny back then was it?)

 

[KristinAnne]

Hey Lady! Kona always looks good to me, but then everytime we go to Disney and I think about eating a big breakfast, my stomach turns thinking about doing the parks on a super full stomach. I want Tonga Toast, but when it actually comes time to eat it, I can't do it. I think I'd need to do it on an off day. Sorry your service stunk!

 

[cntkg1]

Just missed you Goose! I know I have the recipe somewhere ... I will find it for you and email it to you. We've never made it here at home because I don't care for it and it's too much mess to make just for one person.

I don't remember the bacon from Cape May ... I know I ate some but I don't recall anything about it right now. As long as he was happy ... it was a fun morning there even if the food and coffee were just meh.

I want to know which little rugrat breathed on us when we weren't looking because I was definitely starting to feel bad that night and by Saturday when we left I was already sick.

I think I found it B. Let me know if you have something different plz.



Tonga Toast - Kona Cafe

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ingredients:

2 or 4 slices sourdough bread, cut 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick
1 banana
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
oil or shortening for frying
whipped butter and/or syrup

Method:

Cut a 1-inch pocket in one side of each bread slice. Cut banana in half crosswise, then split each piece lengthwise. Remove peel and stuff two pieces of fruit in each pocket of bread; set aside. Mix sugar and cinnamon; set aside. Mix together well the egg, milk and vanilla.

Heat about 4 inches of oil in a pan to 350º F. Dip stuffed bread into egg/milk mixture and let it soak a few seconds to let penetrate bread. Fry bread on both sides in hot oil until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels or wire rack. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and serve.

 

[d'Isigny]

Monday, October 19th - Breakfast at Kona Because our Mystery Guests Requested We Make it So

well...again...a lurker speaks. First things first...a big hello to HP. Have really-really enjoyed B & J's dining and 'adult beverage' adventures.

On future trips you will likely find Jay and me perched on our balcony, sipping Velvet Soul coffee and muching yummies from the Boulangerie Patisserie!

Nan and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary with an Eastern cruise and two nights at The Boardwalk this October. First question - any chance you guys have a WDW trip planned for 2010? Still hoping our paths will cross again - someday. And, am hoping you would share some additional information on 'Velvet Soul coffee' and 'yummies' available at the Boulagerie Pastisserie or alternate suggestions - via post or PM.

Fantastic trippie...YOU ROCK!!

 

[BriarRosie]

In the Bacon vs. Sausage debate, Sausage will prevail. But only as a side dish choice for breakfast. Bacon in anything else is more than welcome...even in ice cream.

But the last time I truly had decent Tonga Toast was probably my 1987 spring break trip, when it was served at the Tangeroa Terrace restaurant...which doesn't exist at the Polynesian anymore. After that, it's been fair to decent, but I still can't eat it all.

I'm not going to share a tipping story, but I have a theory why the server mentioned the tip. I think he was on auto-pilot from having to mention it to all the DDP people. He probably says it so often, it pops out without second thought.

If you want a similar cast member in auto-pilot story, here's a blurb from one of the DIS blogs, "Wheeling Around the 'World'".

The front desk cast member that assisted me was very friendly and helpful, but he was also very focused on the process at hand. When I gave him my photo ID, he looked confused, and asked “Do you have a driver’s license?” I replied “No sir…I’m visually impaired, and cannot drive.” He hesitated and then took my ID over to a manager. When he came back, he just handed my ID back to me, and typed something into the computer. He then asked me to confirm that I was the only person in my party. He then asks “Do you have a car with you?” I realize that this question is part of the process, but given my answers to his previous two questions, this question brought a grin to my face. I thought of a witty answer, but the cast member was very serious, so I just responded “No, sir.”

Both his story and your story make me think this type of things happens frequently.

 

[SmallWorld71]

In the Bacon vs. Sausage debate, Sausage will prevail. But only as a side dish choice for breakfast. Bacon in anything else is more than welcome...even in ice cream.

But the last time I truly had decent Tonga Toast was probably my 1987 spring break trip, when it was served at the Tangeroa Terrace restaurant...which doesn't exist at the Polynesian anymore. After that, it's been fair to decent, but I still can't eat it all.

I'm not going to share a tipping story, but I have a theory why the server mentioned the tip. I think he was on auto-pilot from having to mention it to all the DDP people. He probably says it so often, it pops out without second thought.

If you want a similar cast member in auto-pilot story, here's a blurb from one of the DIS blogs, "Wheeling Around the 'World'".

The front desk cast member that assisted me was very friendly and helpful, but he was also very focused on the process at hand. When I gave him my photo ID, he looked confused, and asked “Do you have a driver’s license?” I replied “No sir…I’m visually impaired, and cannot drive.” He hesitated and then took my ID over to a manager. When he came back, he just handed my ID back to me, and typed something into the computer. He then asked me to confirm that I was the only person in my party. He then asks “Do you have a car with you?” I realize that this question is part of the process, but given my answers to his previous two questions, this question brought a grin to my face. I thought of a witty answer, but the cast member was very serious, so I just responded “No, sir.”

Both his story and your story make me think this type of things happens frequently.

I think you are on to something.

 

[dizneeat]

Hey Karin - don't cancel because of our experience. The service was the worst part of the morning, and just because we had an off visit doesn't mean you will. And two of the four people at our table were very happy with their food, so even that makes it hard to say "don't go." And remember, no one had a poor meal, I just felt that mine was medicore ... it wasn't cooked nearly as well as it has been in the past.

If you want to try something new for breakfast and if Kona is convenient for you then I say you and Tom should give it a try. If something else looks more appealing, then consider giving that a try instead. Fact is we just didn't have good overall luck with morning meals on this trip ... we had four breakfasts (two table service and two buffets and as far as I'm concerend they were all just bleh). Jay said for him Kouzzina was the best breakfast we had.

Grand Floridian Cafe has always been a good breakfast spot, too, if you haven't tried them.

Thanks for your input! I showed Tom your review and we debated back and forth and have now decided to keep the ADR.
So in only 13 days time I might be able to offer my views on it!
There is ALWAYS the possibilty that we won't make it out of bed that early anyway! It wouldn't be the first time I need to get up to call Disney Dining and cancel an ADR before going back to sleep!

 

[Timon]

We loved our breakfast at Kona Cafe so much on Halloween Night, we went back the next day!

Sorry about your waiter, it's tough to really enjoy your meal, no matter how good it is, if your waiter sucks!

 

[goldielocksraj]

Ugg, so sorry to hear about the service, but hopefully the fun with nephew & niece-in-law made up for it!

I really enjoyed this review (well, ALL of them!!!), my sis & I are taking a quick one-night trip to WDW this weekend w/o doing any parks, and the one TS breakfast we're having is Kona Cafe b/c I LOVE BREAKFAST!!!! Sooo looking forward to the macadamia nut pancakes.

 

[dvc4life]

Ummmmmmmm, have you ever eaten supper there? Breakfast has always looked so good to us, but when we go in March we are going to eat supper there one night. I don't remember, have you ever eaten there? And if so, was it any good? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[oybolshoi]

Hey Lady! Kona always looks good to me, but then everytime we go to Disney and I think about eating a big breakfast, my stomach turns thinking about doing the parks on a super full stomach. I want Tonga Toast, but when it actually comes time to eat it, I can't do it. I think I'd need to do it on an off day. Sorry your service stunk!

Hey yourself! And Congrats ... I see by your ticker that you have something wonderful to celebrate!

I think I found it B. Let me know if you have something different plz.

Tonga Toast - Kona Cafe

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ingredients:

2 or 4 slices sourdough bread, cut 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick
1 banana
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
oil or shortening for frying
whipped butter and/or syrup

Method:

Cut a 1-inch pocket in one side of each bread slice. Cut banana in half crosswise, then split each piece lengthwise. Remove peel and stuff two pieces of fruit in each pocket of bread; set aside. Mix sugar and cinnamon; set aside. Mix together well the egg, milk and vanilla.

Heat about 4 inches of oil in a pan to 350º F. Dip stuffed bread into egg/milk mixture and let it soak a few seconds to let penetrate bread. Fry bread on both sides in hot oil until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels or wire rack. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and serve.

Sounds right to me.

well...again...a lurker speaks. First things first...a big hello to HP. Have really-really enjoyed B & J's dining and 'adult beverage' adventures.

Welcome back my friend!

Nan and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary with an Eastern cruise and two nights at The Boardwalk this October. First question - any chance you guys have a WDW trip planned for 2010? Still hoping our paths will cross again - someday. And, am hoping you would share some additional information on 'Velvet Soul coffee' and 'yummies' available at the Boulagerie Pastisserie or alternate suggestions - via post or PM.

Fantastic trippie...YOU ROCK!!

Happy early anniversary to you and Nan - you are going to have a fabulous trip! Having already established via PM that our paths will not cross (DAMN) I will tell you that Boulangerie (tucked in the back of the French area in Epcot) is open from 11AM-9PM and they sell wonderful French pastries, sandwiches, and a nice little cheese plate. We've never had a bad food item from them.

And the Velvet Soul is a coffee that Jay orders from his on-line coffee bean place ... Specialty Java . Com .... it's our favorite coffee!

In the Bacon vs. Sausage debate, Sausage will prevail. But only as a side dish choice for breakfast. Bacon in anything else is more than welcome...even in ice cream.

But the last time I truly had decent Tonga Toast was probably my 1987 spring break trip, when it was served at the Tangeroa Terrace restaurant...which doesn't exist at the Polynesian anymore. After that, it's been fair to decent, but I still can't eat it all.

I'm not going to share a tipping story, but I have a theory why the server mentioned the tip. I think he was on auto-pilot from having to mention it to all the DDP people. He probably says it so often, it pops out without second thought.

If you want a similar cast member in auto-pilot story, here's a blurb from one of the DIS blogs, "Wheeling Around the 'World'".

The front desk cast member that assisted me was very friendly and helpful, but he was also very focused on the process at hand. When I gave him my photo ID, he looked confused, and asked “Do you have a driver’s license?” I replied “No sir…I’m visually impaired, and cannot drive.” He hesitated and then took my ID over to a manager. When he came back, he just handed my ID back to me, and typed something into the computer. He then asked me to confirm that I was the only person in my party. He then asks “Do you have a car with you?” I realize that this question is part of the process, but given my answers to his previous two questions, this question brought a grin to my face. I thought of a witty answer, but the cast member was very serious, so I just responded “No, sir.”

Both his story and your story make me think this type of things happens frequently.

That's the funniest not funny story I've seen all day! I think you're probably spot on that it happens alot.

I think you are on to something.

Yep!

Thanks for your input! I showed Tom your review and we debated back and forth and have now decided to keep the ADR.
So in only 13 days time I might be able to offer my views on it!
There is ALWAYS the possibilty that we won't make it out of bed that early anyway! It wouldn't be the first time I need to get up to call Disney Dining and cancel an ADR before going back to sleep!

Have a great trip and don't sweat the Tonga ... it will always be there for another day!

We loved our breakfast at Kona Cafe so much on Halloween Night, we went back the next day!

Sorry about your waiter, it's tough to really enjoy your meal, no matter how good it is, if your waiter sucks!

Hiya Cass - I'm glad to hear that Kona is someplace you had a good experience. And you're right ... if the service stinks it's hard to enjoy the meal.

Ugg, so sorry to hear about the service, but hopefully the fun with nephew & niece-in-law made up for it!

I really enjoyed this review (well, ALL of them!!!), my sis & I are taking a quick one-night trip to WDW this weekend w/o doing any parks, and the one TS breakfast we're having is Kona Cafe b/c I LOVE BREAKFAST!!!! Sooo looking forward to the macadamia nut pancakes.

Thanks for joining the fun and have a great trip to WDW this weekend! I hope your breakfast and service at Kona are wonderful!

Ummmmmmmm, have you ever eaten supper there? Breakfast has always looked so good to us, but when we go in March we are going to eat supper there one night. I don't remember, have you ever eaten there? And if so, was it any good? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

We have never eaten at Kona for anything other than breakfast, but I've heard good things about their dinner menu. We were going to try it a year or so ago but decided to nosh around the World Showcase instead.

 

[kxs401]

Ummmmmmmm, have you ever eaten supper there? Breakfast has always looked so good to us, but when we go in March we are going to eat supper there one night. I don't remember, have you ever eaten there? And if so, was it any good? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I love dinner at Kona because the Tuna Oscar is one of my favorite restaurant dishes ever.