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

[BriarRosie]

After enjoying a good laugh we all decided to move on to Spain's booth - we'd heard good things about their offerings from more than one person during the past couple of days. At this stop Jay and I ordered the Taste of Spain (Serrano Ham, Chorizo, Manchego, Olives and Tomato Bread) and the Red Snapper Escabeche. I also ordered a glass of Poema Cava Brut which I first tried at the 2008 festival and which has since become one of my favorite sparkling wines.

Can you taste the Spain???

Aside from the horrible olives (too bad Lori wasn't there to eat 'em for me!) I really enjoyed this sampler and thought it was quite generously portioned. The snapper was also very good - nicely grilled with no excess oil or grease. The grilled vegetables were a nice surprise and still had some flavor and body to them. Everything paired nicely with the bubbly, too, which is a slightly dry, very clean brut that I think is fabulous. My only complaint, which I did vocalize at the booth, was that they served it in a squat little plastic cup instead of the plastic champagne flute that they should have used. According to the CM those are more expensive and so Disney has started limiting their use at F&W booths. Bendy's no dummy ... guests also get less booze in these squa-trocities than they do in the flutes ... BAH!

Snippity Snappity!

Bubbly and refreshing ... next time I'm just going to buy the bottle.

Oooh, olives with the fake pimento stuffing inside, with my favorite red snapper escabeche, one of the few dishes I repeated! Yes, I would have gladly taken the olives off the offensive plate. I take it that Jay is not an olive fan either?

Cutie-patooties Chelsi & Jason

Hi kids!

At this point we parted company ... us to learn about cognac and C&J to continue their food and wine grazing. Jay and I were supposed to have lunch at Chefs de France later in the afternoon but we told our friends we'd give them a call / text once we were finished. This boozie seminar was one that I was really looking forward to and it didn't disappoint - we were given a lot of great information and I took copious notes that make almost no sense five months post-festival. We tried three not-cheap Remy Martin Cognacs and a hip young metro named Steele Cooper, immediately dubbed Remington Steele Cooper by yours truly, delivered the afternoon's talk.

I am right there with you on the presenter's name! I would have logically called him Remington Steele Cooper, too. Or maybe thought he was Anderson Cooper's long lost brother. I went to a cognac seminar a few years ago that I really enjoyed. I would have enjoyed this one, too.

From left to right in the picture below: Remy VSOP, aged between 4-14 years in French oak barrels ($45 retail); Remy Martin 1738, aged 20 years in French oak barrels ($55-$60 retail); and Remy XO, aged between 10-37 years in French oak barrels ($145 retail). Why am I not surprised that even oak is better when it comes from France!!??

So seductive, shimmering in the artificial light...

Holy crap, that's expensive French stuff.

The first thing Remington did after introducing himself was to ask us a question: What is cognac?

I had three answers, none of which were apparently what he was looking for.

1) A city or region in France;
2) A fancy-schmancy brandy spelled with a lower-case letter "c;"
3) Warm and toasty in mah belly!!!

**Don't ask me what the correct answer was; I don't know.**

I wouldn't know what he was looking for, either. But I have to tell you that I still remember that Germain-Robin brandy was WAY better than Hennessy when tasted side by side.

This seminar was only about half-filled, which was a real shame. The even bigger shame, dare I say CRIME, was that all those pre-poured glasses of cognac that didn't have guests to drink them were dumped out by the staff during the presentation. What a terrible waste of fine, fine booze.

They threw away the booze! That's like throwing away chocolate!
I loved that some guy was drinking beer during this event.

We were really pleased with this event, and for the $10 we paid to attend the price was excellent given the beverages we tried. Later the next day we ran into Remington as we were exiting the International Gateway while he was headed in and we waved to him and told him how much we'd enjoyed his presentation. He not only thanked us but said, "I remember seeing you two yesterday - you seemed to be among the few who were really enjoying the event."

Awwww, shucks! If he'd had a carrying case of cognac I would have bought it from him right then and there!! So suave ... so cosmopolitan ... so cute!

Yep, he sounds more like Anderson Cooper.

We happily wandered out of the welcome center over to Club Cool, which we have never, ever, been to before ... we don't usually drink soda and when we do it's Pepsi or Doctor Pepper ... Coca Cola products set my gag reflex going. But, our friendie Michelle's (TheDISneyfamily) daughter was working there that afternoon and we'd promised Jordan that we would stop by and say hello. We also took some really cute pictures that I still haven't managed to forward to Jordan and Michelle but I will ... I promise!!

I like Club Cool because I try all the wacky flavors, including Beverly. I did see Jordan there, too. We had to do the cha-cha slide with the cast members.

We were only able to stay for a brief time because we had that Chef's ADR at 2PM; so after a hug and a thank you for joining us for our birthday get-together on Saturday, Jay and I left Jordan to the noisy, sticky horrors of Club Cool and made our way back to the World Showcase. We got distracted on the way to France by Brazil's food booth and stopped to order a plate of Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime and a Leblon Frozen Caipirinha

Shrimp stew - yum!

Frozen Pirhana

The stew was nice - a hearty dish with simple flavors and well cooked shrimpies. The star of the booth, however, was the frozen pirhana as I took to calling it. It was clean and refreshing and slightly tart - I hope these make a comeback because they were just wonderful!

Oh I loved the shrimp stew! I regret that I couldn't try everything I wanted to try at the festival, including that "pirhana" drink.

It was about this time that Jay and I decided that we really didn't want pseudo-French food for lunch; we wanted to keep wandering the showcase and get our drink-around-the-world quest underway. So, we blew off an ADR ... ... I've never done such a thing before - I am scrupulous about making, keeping, or canceling all dining reservations, but the boozie joy of the day must have gone to my head. And so the brief conversation took place that would lay the foundation for an afternoon that we hazily remember as one of the best, most fun-filled, spontaneously alcoholic times we've had at WDW ... evah!

I would so flame you for doing that if I actually cared that you did that.

Jay: Where should we start?

Bendy: I think we should start at the Ditch - their real margaritas are so much better than those frozen sugar-bombs at the outdoor stand. We can get a couple of appetizers while we're there and then we can figure out what to drink in Norway.

Jay: Mmmmm, tequila.

Stay tuned for one crazy, booze-filled afternoon at the Ditch, where a brief pitstop turned into a five hour drunk-fest! And always, thanks for reading!!

You know what's scary? I could easily be a part of that conversation. The Ditch is insidious. Before you know it, you've spent a couple hours in there eating and drinking and forgetting you're at WDW. I could not go a day without a visit there that trip. I know I'll be practically living there in October.

 

[cbg1027]

Mmmm what a good eating day so far! I have to say, I'm glad you skipped out on the Chefs ADR....it would have ruined the good eating streak!!!

And I think I found my food soulmate...you said the magic phrase....things are better when they come from France! Ok, OK, I paraphrase. But I TOTALLY agree! (Except for the mock crap that comes from the Chefs kitchen. I'm sure none of it is French anyways!)

The only exception to that rule I've found was Peaches. GA Peaches are much better than French Peaches.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

You crack me up, as always. Drinking clouds.... now there is a forecast I'd like to hear!! Totally agree with you on the squat-trocities instead of the flutes. I was disappointed in that too.

I can't believe they pre-poured all that cognac and then poured it out! Did they not have a good count of those who had purchased? Or did that many pay and not show up???

Looking forward to hearing about the 5 hour drunk fest!

 

[TigerKat]

Great update Bendy! Hmmmm, how did I miss the "pirhana"? Can't wait for The Ditch!

 

[oybolshoi]

Oooh, olives with the fake pimento stuffing inside, with my favorite red snapper escabeche, one of the few dishes I repeated! Yes, I would have gladly taken the olives off the offensive plate. I take it that Jay is not an olive fan either?

Jay likes olives just fine; I would have let the two of you split them.

I am right there with you on the presenter's name! I would have logically called him Remington Steele Cooper, too. Or maybe thought he was Anderson Cooper's long lost brother. I went to a cognac seminar a few years ago that I really enjoyed. I would have enjoyed this one, too.

Holy crap, that's expensive French stuff.

Anderson Cooper didn't even cross my mind ... I think it was the way our Mr. Cooper was dressed - he just had that Remington flair. We were really surprised at the quality of the cognac we were given to try - a very nice surprise!

I wouldn't know what he was looking for, either. But I have to tell you that I still remember that Germain-Robin brandy was WAY better than Hennessy when tasted side by side.

They threw away the booze! That's like throwing away chocolate!
I loved that some guy was drinking beer during this event.

Germain-Robin is good stuff, too. And I don't understand why they poured glasses for 100 guests if they knew it wasn't sold out. Why would they purposefully waste such good cognac? We would have paid them to allow us to drink some of the extra!

Oh I loved the shrimp stew! I regret that I couldn't try everything I wanted to try at the festival, including that "pirhana" drink.

The pirhana was terrific!

I would so flame you for doing that if I actually cared that you did that.

Thanks for not flaming ... everyone's allowed a gaffe now and then, aren't they?

You know what's scary? I could easily be a part of that conversation. The Ditch is insidious. Before you know it, you've spent a couple hours in there eating and drinking and forgetting you're at WDW. I could not go a day without a visit there that trip. I know I'll be practically living there in October.

Yes, the Ditch is totally insidious ... it's like falling into a boozy time warp.

Mmmm what a good eating day so far! I have to say, I'm glad you skipped out on the Chefs ADR....it would have ruined the good eating streak!!!

And I think I found my food soulmate...you said the magic phrase....things are better when they come from France! Ok, OK, I paraphrase. But I TOTALLY agree! (Except for the mock crap that comes from the Chefs kitchen. I'm sure none of it is French anyways!)

The only exception to that rule I've found was Peaches. GA Peaches are much better than French Peaches.

We've had good lunch experiences at Chefs in the past but it just didn't sound good on this day. And isn't all food better from France?!

You crack me up, as always. Drinking clouds.... now there is a forecast I'd like to hear!! Totally agree with you on the squat-trocities instead of the flutes. I was disappointed in that too.

I can't believe they pre-poured all that cognac and then poured it out! Did they not have a good count of those who had purchased? Or did that many pay and not show up???

Looking forward to hearing about the 5 hour drunk fest!

The only official kiosk that I recall using the plastic flutes was the champagne / dessert booth. Definitely a bummer to have bubbly in a squat cup. As for the seminar ... it wasn't sold out - we asked - so for some reason they poured 100 servings and then dumped out about 30. TRAGEDY!!!

Great update Bendy! Hmmmm, how did I miss the "pirhana"? Can't wait for The Ditch!

Thanks Kat! The pirhana was awesome ... this year you need to map out your F&W booze in advance like I did - that way you will know which drinks you want to try!

 

[eliz991]

Another great report! I have got to find a way to get to Epcot for food and wine...maybe if I just show DH (a non-disney person) your pictures....

 

[kabuki]

WOOHOO! This is the Part of the day we remember with out clues and flashbacks!
That is a typical picture of Jason and I mouth full.. waiting for more. Like a seal at Seaworld!

HI LORI!!!!!

Bring on more!

 

[hmgray95]

First of all....those are all great pics of you, Chelsi and J-squared!

Secondly....throwing away booze!?!Isn't that against the F&W fest rules?

And third...I can't wait to hear about The Ditch escapade!

 

[D&R love Disney]

Tuesday, October 20th - The Best Laid Plans of Jay and Bendy Oft Go Awry ...

The day started out like any other ... we woke up, made coffee, and opened the curtains to find a giant golfball beckoning to us.

Them's drinking clouds!

Jay and I did not despair upon seeing clouds - given our touring plan for the day a little less sun and a little more shade was a good thing. We decided to split our leftover pastries from the room service breakfast I'd ordered on Saturday, and combined with our coffee it was a wonderful, sugar-charged start to the day.

Breakfast

Once we were ready to leave we headed for Epcot, our first and only planned stop for the day. Jay and I had made it clear to X&Y that they were welcome to join us but our plan for the day was to drink around the World Showcase in a determined effort to succeed where we had failed in 2008. We haven't forgotten, China! You ruined everything, you ruiners, and no amount of Happy Lychee will make us forget the horror you visited on that Green Tea Plum Wine cooler last year! Not surprisingly, our family members wanted nothing to do with our alcoholic adventure and so we skipped off to the Welcome Center with light hearts. To aid us in our endeavors I had scheduled a Remy Martin Cognac seminar for noon - we had just enough time to pick up our tickets and then scope out a spot in Mexico while we waited for the countdown to 11AM when the food troughs and booze spickets were officially turned on.

Well rested and ready for the challenge...

Imagine our happy delight when we we spotted two familiar figures lining up at the Mexico food booth ... it was Chelsi & her Jason! They advised us that all the options here were tasty and so we opened the food touring with our friends, trying just about everything on the menu because extra food in the tummy helps to soak up booze!

Quesadilla con Chorizo and Corn Tortilla w/Shredded Pork & Purple Onions

Corn Tortilla w/Chipotle Chicken & Dos Equis Beer

Admittedly there were some items that I didn't eat much of due to onions and sour cream and spicy sauce, but the bits that I did taste were all quite yummy. And who the heck doesn't like imbibing the favorite beverage of the Most Interesting Man in the World at 11AM? The Most Interesting Man in the World, in case you don't know, is part of the current Dos Equis television ad campaign - Jay and I find those commercials an endless source of amusement. Allow me to share some fascinating factoids about, and a prescient bit of advice from, the man himself:

His charm is so contagious vaccines were created for it;
He taught a horse to read his email for him;
Alien abductors have asked him to probe them;
He lives vicariously through himself; and,
It is never too early to start beefing up your obituary.

After enjoying a good laugh we all decided to move on to Spain's booth - we'd heard good things about their offerings from more than one person during the past couple of days. At this stop Jay and I ordered the Taste of Spain (Serrano Ham, Chorizo, Manchego, Olives and Tomato Bread) and the Red Snapper Escabeche. I also ordered a glass of Poema Cava Brut which I first tried at the 2008 festival and which has since become one of my favorite sparkling wines.

Can you taste the Spain???

Aside from the horrible olives (too bad Lori wasn't there to eat 'em for me!) I really enjoyed this sampler and thought it was quite generously portioned. The snapper was also very good - nicely grilled with no excess oil or grease. The grilled vegetables were a nice surprise and still had some flavor and body to them. Everything paired nicely with the bubbly, too, which is a slightly dry, very clean brut that I think is fabulous. My only complaint, which I did vocalize at the booth, was that they served it in a squat little plastic cup instead of the plastic champagne flute that they should have used. According to the CM those are more expensive and so Disney has started limiting their use at F&W booths. Bendy's no dummy ... guests also get less booze in these squa-trocities than they do in the flutes ... BAH!

Snippity Snappity!

Bubbly and refreshing ... next time I'm just going to buy the bottle.

Cutie-patooties Chelsi & Jason

At this point we parted company ... us to learn about cognac and C&J to continue their food and wine grazing. Jay and I were supposed to have lunch at Chefs de France later in the afternoon but we told our friends we'd give them a call / text once we were finished. This boozie seminar was one that I was really looking forward to and it didn't disappoint - we were given a lot of great information and I took copious notes that make almost no sense five months post-festival. We tried three not-cheap Remy Martin Cognacs and a hip young metro named Steele Cooper, immediately dubbed Remington Steele Cooper by yours truly, delivered the afternoon's talk.

From left to right in the picture below: Remy VSOP, aged between 4-14 years in French oak barrels ($45 retail); Remy Martin 1738, aged 20 years in French oak barrels ($55-$60 retail); and Remy XO, aged between 10-37 years in French oak barrels ($145 retail). Why am I not surprised that even oak is better when it comes from France!!??

So seductive, shimmering in the artificial light...

The first thing Remington did after introducing himself was to ask us a question: What is cognac?

I had three answers, none of which were apparently what he was looking for.

1) A city or region in France;
2) A fancy-schmancy brandy spelled with a lower-case letter "c;"
3) Warm and toasty in mah belly!!!

**Don't ask me what the correct answer was; I don't know.**

This seminar was only about half-filled, which was a real shame. The even bigger shame, dare I say CRIME, was that all those pre-poured glasses of cognac that didn't have guests to drink them were dumped out by the staff during the presentation. What a terrible waste of fine, fine booze.

We thought all three of the samples tasted quite good and we learned that there is a gentle way to swirl cognac to release its aromas ... it's similar to swirling wine but it should never be done vigorously - the glass should be slowly tipped one way and then the other to allow the liquid to coat the glass. The Remy Martin 1738 was our favorite - it was smooth and crisp and had notes of caramel and baked fruit ... my scribbles indicate apricot. The VSOP was a little harsher, probably due to its lack of maturity compared to the 1738, but it was very clean and probably would taste much better and smoother on the rocks. The XO was very rich and mellow but had a lot of spiciness to it, which I didn't really enjoy.

We wants the extras ... gives them to us!!

Wanna make Jay & Bendy smile? Give 'em booze!

I took this picture because this man apparently wanted nothing to do with cognac, and chugged his beer during the entire event. Do you know how badly I wanted to ask him to let us have his good stuff while he pounded back the carbonated yeast? I just bet you do!

There is a time and place for beer; this isn't it.

Someone looks sleepy!

The slightly tipsy Bendy models the Remy Martin 1738 she just had to buy!

We were really pleased with this event, and for the $10 we paid to attend the price was excellent given the beverages we tried. Later the next day we ran into Remington as we were exiting the International Gateway while he was headed in and we waved to him and told him how much we'd enjoyed his presentation. He not only thanked us but said, "I remember seeing you two yesterday - you seemed to be among the few who were really enjoying the event."

Awwww, shucks! If he'd had a carrying case of cognac I would have bought it from him right then and there!! So suave ... so cosmopolitan ... so cute!

We happily wandered out of the welcome center over to Club Cool, which we have never, ever, been to before ... we don't usually drink soda and when we do it's Pepsi or Doctor Pepper ... Coca Cola products set my gag reflex going. But, our friendie Michelle's (TheDISneyfamily) daughter was working there that afternoon and we'd promised Jordan that we would stop by and say hello. We also took some really cute pictures that I still haven't managed to forward to Jordan and Michelle but I will ... I promise!!

We were only able to stay for a brief time because we had that Chef's ADR at 2PM; so after a hug and a thank you for joining us for our birthday get-together on Saturday, Jay and I left Jordan to the noisy, sticky horrors of Club Cool and made our way back to the World Showcase. We got distracted on the way to France by Brazil's food booth and stopped to order a plate of Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime and a Leblon Frozen Caipirinha

Shrimp stew - yum!

Frozen Pirhana

The stew was nice - a hearty dish with simple flavors and well cooked shrimpies. The star of the booth, however, was the frozen pirhana as I took to calling it. It was clean and refreshing and slightly tart - I hope these make a comeback because they were just wonderful!

It was about this time that Jay and I decided that we really didn't want pseudo-French food for lunch; we wanted to keep wandering the showcase and get our drink-around-the-world quest underway. So, we blew off an ADR ... ... I've never done such a thing before - I am scrupulous about making, keeping, or canceling all dining reservations, but the boozie joy of the day must have gone to my head. And so the brief conversation took place that would lay the foundation for an afternoon that we hazily remember as one of the best, most fun-filled, spontaneously alcoholic times we've had at WDW ... evah!

Jay: Where should we start?

Bendy: I think we should start at the Ditch - their real margaritas are so much better than those frozen sugar-bombs at the outdoor stand. We can get a couple of appetizers while we're there and then we can figure out what to drink in Norway.

Jay: Mmmmm, tequila.

Stay tuned for one crazy, booze-filled afternoon at the Ditch, where a brief pitstop turned into a five hour drunk-fest! And always, thanks for reading!!

Another great review, I love the drinking clouds!

My Rick has the same Tommy Bahama shirt that Chelsi's Jason is wearing. Bought it last year at the Poly

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I can't believe I have to ask this, but...
what is the 'Ditch'?

 

[A&A'sGrammy]

That was your best review ever. There is nothing I like better than having a day where you give into the moment. I LOVE to be spontanious.

The cognac tasting looked like great fun but couldn't they have done SOMETHING with those extra pours? That is alcohol abuse!!! (and criminally wasteful!)

The Ditch sounds like such fun, I can't wait for our next trip so I can experience it!! lol (I wish we had something planned...damn the crappy economy)

I might not post often, Bendy, but I am ALWAYS here!!!!!!!!!

 

[goldielocksraj]

Thanks for the update!! I was sure missing your reviews. I've wanted to go to F&W for several years, just snacking and drinking at the booths is my idea of a perfect vacation! It's so much fun to read your good reviews . Keep 'em coming!

 

[Redwitch]

That is alcohol abuse!!!

I ever heard that term in that context!

 

[oybolshoi]

Another great report! I have got to find a way to get to Epcot for food and wine...maybe if I just show DH (a non-disney person) your pictures....

Thanks! Food & Wine is the only way to go!

WOOHOO! This is the Part of the day we remember with out clues and flashbacks!
That is a typical picture of Jason and I mouth full.. waiting for more. Like a seal at Seaworld!

HI LORI!!!!!

Bring on more!

I feel the exact same way about this part of the day ... I actually remember what happened here. I love that picture of the two of you!

First of all....those are all great pics of you, Chelsi and J-squared!

Secondly....throwing away booze!?!Isn't that against the F&W fest rules?

And third...I can't wait to hear about The Ditch escapade!

Thanks Heather! Those are some of my favorite pictures ... until we make it to the Ditch! And the waster of all that great booze still makes me want to cry.

Another great review, I love the drinking clouds!

My Rick has the same Tommy Bahama shirt that Chelsi's Jason is wearing. Bought it last year at the Poly

Hi Deb! Drinking clouds mean less heat which means more booze!

I can't believe I have to ask this, but...
what is the 'Ditch'?

The Ditch is our nickname for La Cava Tequila, the tequila bar in the Mexico pavilion. TDC Nala translated it and the definition actually came out closer to tequila ditch than cave, so thanks to her everyone has been referring to it as the ditch ever since it opened.

That was your best review ever. There is nothing I like better than having a day where you give into the moment. I LOVE to be spontanious.

The cognac tasting looked like great fun but couldn't they have done SOMETHING with those extra pours? That is alcohol abuse!!! (and criminally wasteful!)

The Ditch sounds like such fun, I can't wait for our next trip so I can experience it!! lol (I wish we had something planned...damn the crappy economy)

I might not post often, Bendy, but I am ALWAYS here!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Grammy for the kind words - I sure appreciate them!

Alcohol abuse is the perfect term for what they did! Such a waste. And the Ditch is awesomely fun; don't miss it the next time you're there.

Thanks for the update!! I was sure missing your reviews. I've wanted to go to F&W for several years, just snacking and drinking at the booths is my idea of a perfect vacation! It's so much fun to read your good reviews . Keep 'em coming!

Thanks very much - I'm glad you're enjoying what we've put together so far; lots more to come!

I ever heard that term in that context!

She's right, though; don't ya think?

 

[Robert P]

Alrighty then. I'm back, and finally caught up.

1 - Thank you for the props on the Il Mulino drinko. Don Julio is a nice upper shelf tequila (not quite top shelf), without the price tag. I've had it included on the liquor shelf (shelves) for probably 3 years now.

2 - I am excited to learn about the half portion option at Il Mulino, especially now that they accept TIW. Very glad to know you two had a great experience there.

3 - That cow in the picture did indeed look sinister. I think there was trouble a brewin'.

4 - "It's not really a floor........."

Keep the reviews coming. I'm living vicariously through you two at the moment......
Great job!

 

[TDC Nala]

Heck yes that is standard procedure for seminar people to dump out the pre-poured booze which is why I sit in the back and sneak as much of it as possible (including 3 or 4 extra shots of pinot noir at the Caymus wine seminar)

Now, on the cruise, there was a whole unused table of prepoured whiskey shots, and they just passed them out to the rest of us. Maybe this is why I'm doing so many cruises now.

Spent last Sunday in the Ditch with my friends and their two year old (he had apple juice) and a plethora of margaritas, guac, chips, salsa and crab tostadas. Tried the new prickly pear margarita. (The Ditch facebook page needs to be updated!)

 

[praisehisname]

a hip young metro named Steele Cooper, immediately dubbed Remington Steele Cooper by yours truly, delivered the afternoon's talk.

No picture for our viewing pleasure???

3) Warm and toasty in mah belly!!!

I don't really know what cognac is, but I like your answer!

He not only thanked us but said, "I remember seeing you two yesterday - you seemed to be among the few who were really enjoying the event."

I don't why, but that struck me as funny!

Frozen Pirhana

Looks good; was it a lemon-y flavor?

Looking forward to hearing about The Ditch!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

The Ditch is our nickname for La Cava Tequila, the tequila bar in the Mexico pavilion. TDC Nala translated it and the definition actually came out closer to tequila ditch than cave, so thanks to her everyone has been referring to it as the ditch ever since it opened.

Thanks!
I'm SO going!!!
So I need to ask the expert - what should I order????????
The tequila flight looks interesting but I do like margaritas. I like 'fruity' drinks but actually don't like them too sweet. Sounds like it wouldn't work but margs are great for this because they have a lime (or other fruit) taste, but they aren't sickly sweet. But I'll drink what I have to

Serious question: Will they serve me a tequila flight and marg at the same time?

 

[TDC Nala]

The Ditch has a Margarita flight where you can try five different margaritas. I think it's only sold before 4 PM though and I think it cost $14. (I havent' ordered one, I've tried all their margs anyway)

 

[oybolshoi]

Alrighty then. I'm back, and finally caught up.

1 - Thank you for the props on the Il Mulino drinko. Don Julio is a nice upper shelf tequila (not quite top shelf), without the price tag. I've had it included on the liquor shelf (shelves) for probably 3 years now.

2 - I am excited to learn about the half portion option at Il Mulino, especially now that they accept TIW. Very glad to know you two had a great experience there.

3 - That cow in the picture did indeed look sinister. I think there was trouble a brewin'.

4 - "It's not really a floor........."

Keep the reviews coming. I'm living vicariously through you two at the moment......
Great job!

Thanks Mr. Scorpio - good to see you on the boards again! And thanks once more for the Il Mulino recommendation - so glad we finally made it there.

Bwaaahahaha ... not really a floor; it's true!

Heck yes that is standard procedure for seminar people to dump out the pre-poured booze which is why I sit in the back and sneak as much of it as possible (including 3 or 4 extra shots of pinot noir at the Caymus wine seminar)

Now, on the cruise, there was a whole unused table of prepoured whiskey shots, and they just passed them out to the rest of us. Maybe this is why I'm doing so many cruises now.

Spent last Sunday in the Ditch with my friends and their two year old (he had apple juice) and a plethora of margaritas, guac, chips, salsa and crab tostadas. Tried the new prickly pear margarita. (The Ditch facebook page needs to be updated!)

We tried to snag some extra but they stole it from us! And I don't understand why they would let it go to waste ... such a terrible shame.

Those cruise folks have it right ... let the paying guests have the extra!

Prickly pear margarita sounds mighty fine to thus old crohn!

No picture for our viewing pleasure???

I don't really know what cognac is, but I like your answer!

I don't why, but that struck me as funny!

Looks good; was it a lemon-y flavor?

Looking forward to hearing about The Ditch!

I think I must have taken a picture of him but I don't know where it is. The pirhana was a sort of lemon-lime flavor ... mild but tart and not too sweet. Delicious!

Thanks!
I'm SO going!!!
So I need to ask the expert - what should I order????????
The tequila flight looks interesting but I do like margaritas. I like 'fruity' drinks but actually don't like them too sweet. Sounds like it wouldn't work but margs are great for this because they have a lime (or other fruit) taste, but they aren't sickly sweet. But I'll drink what I have to

Serious question: Will they serve me a tequila flight and marg at the same time?

I'm not the expert on the Ditch - TDC Nala is ... and I see she's posted below so I will just direct you to her response. But it's a mighty fine place to spend your time!

The Ditch has a Margarita flight where you can try five different margaritas. I think it's only sold before 4 PM though and I think it cost $14. (I havent' ordered one, I've tried all their margs anyway)

Thanks!