Pods-n-El & The Love Bug(S)- September 24-29th,2010 at AKV Concierge! Updates 11/30

[mckryan]

Oh my goodness....look at Mama's eyelashes! Beautiful!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I just love the boys in their tuxes. Dressing up was my favorite part of cruising. I did enjoy being waited on & we took three of our sons with us on our last cruise. The kids were great, but so many things happened that we call it somewhat fondly the "Cruise From Hell." Now it makes for a good story, but at the time was so bad!

I'm so looking forward to my trip in Sept, showing my granddaughters all that Disney has to offer.

 

[Flossbolna]

My sister just told me about your TR and the cute elepühant pictures! I nearly missed this TR because you haven't added alink in your signature...

Sounds like a great start to your adult trip so far! I really need to check out the Ditch next time I am in WDW. It just did not work out the last time. Also this wine deal sounds interesting!

I would love to stay concierge one day. And I liked your view, you could see some of the savanna behind the pool as well, it seems? But I don't like the look of the bright blue pool, I very much prefered the water hole look it had before. But it seems that there are new pool chairs which look very nice!

 

[podsnel]

Just a food porn side bar here- nothing to do with Disney. But I thought you might enjoy the pics, because I took them of every single course. YUMMMMM!!!!!!

The NYC Wine & Food Festival was this past weekend- and since I live so close to the City (LUCKY ME!!!!) my friend Janie (my BFF I go to STJ with every January) and I decided to attend one of the events- the Ming Tsai Dim Sum & Disco Brunch, held at China Grill.

NYC was PACKED yesterday- the train from NJ was FULL, because it was such a beautiful day. We arrived to China Grill right on time-

And were quickly seated at Table 6, which turned out to be a GREAT place to sit!! To our left was a couple from California, Joanne & Craig, who were here for Craig's Bday celebration- Craig has a food blog called Top Chef Trail. To our right was a family of 4- the dad was Ming Tsai's agent!! Anyway, they were all very nice brunch companions. Champagne was free flowing throughout the event- Nichollas Feullatte Brut "Blue Label" NV and/ Brut Rose. Tori Dango (like a fried chicken ball- I could have eaten 10, but declined because the Mom on the right told us we needed to pace ourselves- and she was NOT kidding!!) was the passed hors d'ouvre (prepared by Kazu Hashimoto of Tanuki Tavern)-

At our place-

Island creek Oyster on the half shell with Ty Ku Sake- Fresh Wasabi Mignonette (Chef Ming Tsai, Blue Ginger)

Yukiguni Maitake- Foie Gras Shumai with Three Vinegar Emilsion (Ming Tsai)

Island Creek Oyster Flashed with Curry Oil and Yuzu-shallot-apple confit (MT again)

Next, were Lobster Pancakes, Stir Fried with Wild Mushrooms, Red Chili, Scallions & Coconut milk. Chef Bradley Day, China Grill-

Next up was Hot and Sour Soup with Lobster by CHEF SUSER LEE!!!!!! of Shang Restaurant-

Suser Freakin' LEE!!!!!

Surf & Turf Spring Roll (Beef and Shrimp) , Suser Lee. This was my favorite dish- and let me tell you, that's sayin a LOT because it was soooo hard to choose-

I think this was a lamb dumpling, but it does not match what was on our menus- so I'll just say that it was by Chef Joe Ng, Red Farm-

Lamb Spareribs Plum & Sesame Glazed, Chef Bradley Day, China Grill-

Then we got a little distracted, because Ming Tsai came over to visit our table (due to his agent being our table mate).

What a nice, nice, nice, funny, down-to-earth kind of a guy. Jane had mentioned to the Agent that her son was a HUGE Ming Tsai fan (Greg is autistic) and so they invited her to bring Greg to a Ming Tsai tasting tonight at a NJ country club. How great is THAT?? Ming was like, "Absilutely! Put him on the list, i'd love to meet him." He also signed her menu for Greg- I'll have to come back to post what it said. Anyway, the food train continued while all this was going on.


Steamed lamb dumpling with Black pepper sauce, Suser Lee-

Green Curry Chanterelle Mushroom and Latin Pepper tart, Chef Joe Ng, Red Farm

Shrimp & watercress & applewood bacon shumai (tied for my favorite) Joe Ng-

Shrimp and Crab Paste and Asparagus Dumpling-

Vegetable Noodle Box/ Mushroom Chili Broth, Chef Robert Tobin, Asia de Cuba-

Then all bets were off, as I went jumping up to ask Suser Lee for a photo-

Gotta say, seeing him was the highlight for me- knowing I ate food that he personally prepared? Priceless.

Cont's next post-

 

[podsnel]

Almost done with the food!! Crazy, huh? Boiled wonton (it was in a chicken broth), Chef Zak Pelaccio, Fatty Crab-

That was so nice because it was soooo light. We were absolutely BURSTING at this point. We tried to get a hold of this chef, because we heard he just took over the space of one of our favorite St John's restaurant, Hinds. But, no luck. Guess we'll have to grab him in January when we're in STJ.

The last course was served and all the chefs came out to thunderous applause-

Delta Airlines was a sponsor of this event, and they were raffling 2 R/T Business First seats to ANY ASIAN COUNTRY IN THE WORLD....and we didn't win. And I was SO SURE we had it in the bag!!

Anyway, the last course was a Pork Soup Dumpling by Chef Jijie Hong, Shanghai Cuisine, and Ming Tsai explained how to eat them, saying that this Chef makes the most incredible soup dumplings around-

Inside that packet was the most delicious broth and pork filling, a fabulous ending to a fabulous meal. We hung a bit longer top finish our champagne and chat with the California foodies-

They were all asking me (both the agent and the Top Chef Trail couple) what I was going to do with all the pictures. And I explained that I was taking them for some friends on a Disney website, which completely BAFFLED them!! Ah, well....I hope you thought it was worth the humiliation and you enjoyed them. What a fantastic event this was....Janie & I will MOST DEFINITELY be signing up to go again next year!! Actually, next year we may need to do more than just the one event...

 

[OhMari]

Hey Darlin'-



When are you going?

March 30-April 2, 2011.

We were suppose to be there March 27 till April 2, but my sister threw a fit, and it was either Key West or Savannah. We settled on Savannah. So we are flying into Savannah, renting a car and driving down to WDW. Let me know about things at AKL, I truly need everything I can get my hands on. My other sister is also a WDW hater, so I really want to change their minds. On our first nite, I am hitting them with Lapu Lapu's at the Poly and I just made a ressie for O'hana's. with fireworks after.

 

[MEK]

Ugghhhhhh! I can't believe it took me this long to look at your pictures. I am having the same problem again with my computer shutting down when I open up your TR. It's something my mac does not like and it shuts the safari (internet explorer) right down. Its driving me crazy because Denny has me password locked out of his pc.

I need to fix this situation fast. At least photobucket is working at work today.

Your safari pictures are spectacular. That baby elephant is the cutest thing ever. OMG! Sooooooooo cute. Your safari pics makes me want AK points again!

The food pictures are pretty amazing, too. Thank goodness I looked at them after lunch.

And, yes, in May I will feel like a fool for getting a frozen margarita over a ditch margarita. I promise I will ONLY drink at the ditch in May because I have so much catching up to do.

 

[manntra]

And, yes, in May I will feel like a fool for getting a frozen margarita over a ditch margarita. I promise I will ONLY drink at the ditch in May because I have so much catching up to do.

I will make sure to report her progress as I will be witness

Ellen....love your tour pictures....the baby elephant is adorable!! There is a tour that we are looking into in May....I can't remember what it is called....it's new
Great pictures from your trip to the city! I watched The Next Iron Chef last week and Ming was on that....seems like a genuinely nice person with a big passion for cooking I hope he does well in the competition.
So funny that they asked you what you were taking the pictures for!!! I guess not everyone knows/appreciates food porn

Tracy

 

[CRdisMom]

see you are a celebrity. We are wowed! just kidding. that looked like quiet the event. We have debated doing the minneapolis one but haven't ever gotten there...something tells me that it isn't as robust as the new york offerings...

 

[podsnel]

Hey thats my breakfast of champions! lol

So what is your next adventure?? Are you coming back east???

First let me say MEK YOU NEED TO GO TO THE DITCH!!!!!!!

Then I have to say how absolutely stunning yo all looked on the cruise !!!

Thanks, Rosie!! I loved dressing us all up!!

Should I have a cup of Swiss Miss or a glass of Heineken?


Ok....all kiddin asside here you are you tied for the lead for the most cutest & or funny (funniest?) headwear I have ever seen at WDW........


Example:
1) screenname "Lurkeylu" wearing her "Breakfast at Tiffany's" hat and ...
1a) you and your Viking headgear


That reminds me, now it's my turn to see what headgear I can come up with later on this month when I head out to the House of Mouse....


Enjoying yer trip report....all caught up and can't wait to hear more.

-------------------------------------------------------------.

P.S. *****CAPTN E-O ROCKS! ******

and .....that $20 wine card thingee you showed has me intrigued.....gonna have to check that out when I head out to Epcot's F&W festival.......



......I just gotta remember to go on the "Mission Space" attraction B-E-F-O-R-E the choice of red or white wines come into play.

T.T.F.N.

Glad you like the hats- always fun to be had at any WDW hat stand, that's for sure!!

And yea- definitely go on the spinning rides BEFORE the red or white dilemma...

Hey Ellen. Been so busy since the DVC member cruise been having troubles getting on here. But I'm all caught up on your report and loving it!

So glad to hear Sean is having a great year so far. How wonderful for you and the rest of your family.

You guys look like you are having such a great time so far. Can't wait for more.

How was the cruise? How did it compare to other Member cruises?? I want to go on one sooo badly, but I think it will have to wait til the boys are in college. September is too busy around here right when they go-

Loved the picture from your cruise. Your family is adorable and your dress was beautiful. Us Buckeye fans love Nick Swisher, an OSU alum, so thanks for those pictures too. Looking forward to more updates as I love adult only trip reportsd as that will be us in March!

Thank-you!! Glad you enjoyed the fun I was having teasing Laura the other night- but she started it on facebook!! SWISHALICIOUS, BABY!!

Love the cruise pics. I would love to take a Disney Cruise one day........I have been on a few cruises but never Disney. They aren't my favorite but I cannot imagine not loving a DC.

The service on DCL is amazing- just the way it is at WDW. And the shows are spectacular. I love how you get to eat in different restaurants, and the servers move with you. It's unique to that line, and it is the BEST thing!!

Well, we were there in July, as well as March, but I agree, we were due!! LOL We'll be staying at our home resort, BCV, in early May with some friends. The boys are renting Harleys and driving to Key West and back over 4 days, and the girls will stay and relax and visit our friends in Mexico - several times! Hahah

Gotta love BCV, and how it is so close to all our Mexican friends, LOL!! I'll be staying there in 2 weeks and 3 days!!

What are your May dates? I'll be there with DISmoms May 13th -17th, we're going to try to get a 2bdrm at BLT this year (we did BCV last year).

Oh my goodness....look at Mama's eyelashes! Beautiful!

I KNOW!! ANd doesn't it look like she's smiling, too?

 

[podsnel]

I just love the boys in their tuxes. Dressing up was my favorite part of cruising. I did enjoy being waited on & we took three of our sons with us on our last cruise. The kids were great, but so many things happened that we call it somewhat fondly the "Cruise From Hell." Now it makes for a good story, but at the time was so bad!

I'm so looking forward to my trip in Sept, showing my granddaughters all that Disney has to offer.

Thanks! I love the dressing up, too. Not that many opportunities to do that, are there? Sorry so much went wrong on your last cruise- sometimes vacations just don't work out for whatever reason, and it's so sad- we all work so hard to go on them!

My sister just told me about your TR and the cute elepühant pictures! I nearly missed this TR because you haven't added alink in your signature...

Sounds like a great start to your adult trip so far! I really need to check out the Ditch next time I am in WDW. It just did not work out the last time. Also this wine deal sounds interesting!

I would love to stay concierge one day. And I liked your view, you could see some of the savanna behind the pool as well, it seems? But I don't like the look of the bright blue pool, I very much prefered the water hole look it had before. But it seems that there are new pool chairs which look very nice!

There's a link- it's at the end- maybe you can't see it? I'm sorry- I don't know how to squish them all in, I have written too many TRs, I think.

Yes, that was savannah behind the pool, I think, but it was kind of far off. I think you are right about the old color fitting better with the theme. Still thought it was pretty, though.

March 30-April 2, 2011.

We were suppose to be there March 27 till April 2, but my sister threw a fit, and it was either Key West or Savannah. We settled on Savannah. So we are flying into Savannah, renting a car and driving down to WDW. Let me know about things at AKL, I truly need everything I can get my hands on. My other sister is also a WDW hater, so I really want to change their minds. On our first nite, I am hitting them with Lapu Lapu's at the Poly and I just made a ressie for O'hana's. with fireworks after.

I hope the TR helps you, then. Kara just told me she is going on a trip to Savannah in the spring, too. Must be "THE place". Disney haters make me nuts! I would be just like you- trying to change their minds the whole time. I hope you can make it happen!!

Ugghhhhhh! I can't believe it took me this long to look at your pictures. I am having the same problem again with my computer shutting down when I open up your TR. It's something my mac does not like and it shuts the safari (internet explorer) right down. Its driving me crazy because Denny has me password locked out of his pc.

I need to fix this situation fast. At least photobucket is working at work today.

Your safari pictures are spectacular. That baby elephant is the cutest thing ever. OMG! Sooooooooo cute. Your safari pics makes me want AK points again!

The food pictures are pretty amazing, too. Thank goodness I looked at them after lunch.

And, yes, in May I will feel like a fool for getting a frozen margarita over a ditch margarita. I promise I will ONLY drink at the ditch in May because I have so much catching up to do.

Why would that be happening? Is it only with my TR? Now I'm worried!

I LOVE those AKV points, most especially because of the special perks of Concierge. Sooooo nice to be pampered every few trips!

I will make sure to report her progress as I will be witness

Ellen....love your tour pictures....the baby elephant is adorable!! There is a tour that we are looking into in May....I can't remember what it is called....it's new
Great pictures from your trip to the city! I watched The Next Iron Chef last week and Ming was on that....seems like a genuinely nice person with a big passion for cooking I hope he does well in the competition.
So funny that they asked you what you were taking the pictures for!!! I guess not everyone knows/appreciates food porn

Tracy

There IS a new tour that is going to begin next year- they are building some new areas in the safari for it right now. The CM told us it was going to be a new premium experience and was going to replace the WDE we were on. I just saw something about it on this site-
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/tours.htm. Is that what you mean?

The people sitting with us had nothing but nice things to say about Ming- he truly did seem like a great guy. Alot of those Chefs are very nice. Always makes me glad to hear that.

see you are a celebrity. We are wowed! just kidding. that looked like quiet the event. We have debated doing the minneapolis one but haven't ever gotten there...something tells me that it isn't as robust as the new york offerings...

Yea, yea- and in May you'll be a part of my entourage!! You should go to the Minneapolis one- I bet it would be WONDERFUL!

 

[manntra]

Yes that is the tour for Animal Kingdom....I like that you can get out and hike....maybe I can go jump on an elephant or something! Just kidding!
It looks like a pretty unique experience so hopefully it is available by May

Tracy

 

[podsnel]

Yes that is the tour for Animal Kingdom....I like that you can get out and hike....maybe I can go jump on an elephant or something! Just kidding!
It looks like a pretty unique experience so hopefully it is available by May

Tracy

Ya know, when the zoologist was telling us about it, he made it sound like it was a concierge thing- but I hope it's an everyone thing!! I would love to do it in May, too!

 

[mckryan]

Gotta love BCV, and how it is so close to all our Mexican friends, LOL!! I'll be staying there in 2 weeks and 3 days!!

What are your May dates? I'll be there with DISmoms May 13th -17th, we're going to try to get a 2bdrm at BLT this year (we did BCV last year).

Eeeeee! We'll overlap at the end by a couple of days. I think we're hitting WWOHP on the 13th, but I'd love to link up and say "hey" on the 14th! We'll head home on the 15th.

 

[podsnel]

Eeeeee! We'll overlap at the end by a couple of days. I think we're hitting WWOHP on the 13th, but I'd love to link up and say "hey" on the 14th! We'll head home on the 15th.

YAY!! Sounds great!! Can't wait to meet you! We'll have to come up with a definite plan before then- What's WWOHP?

I'm actually a little stressed booking this reservation, because of the computer shutdown tomorrow- My 7 month mark is Weds, the 13th- when they will be closed. I wouldn't be so worried if we were trying to get something other than BLT- but I'm hoping it will all work out! Cross your fingers for us!

 

[podsnel]

Ohh...DUH!! Harry Potter!! Have a blast!

 

[mckryan]

YAY!! Sounds great!! Can't wait to meet you! We'll have to come up with a definite plan before then- What's WWOHP?

I'm actually a little stressed booking this reservation, because of the computer shutdown tomorrow- My 7 month mark is Weds, the 13th- when they will be closed. I wouldn't be so worried if we were trying to get something other than BLT- but I'm hoping it will all work out! Cross your fingers for us!

(shhhhhh) Harry Potter!

Oh my gosh, I hear you! I was in a little bit of a panic when I read about the shut-down and was waiting on our friends to decide which week they could go. I didn't want to lose out on BCV! One of these days I definitely want to try BLT. The location is awesome, and I kind of like the decor.

I will keep my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly for MS and when you call in you get BLT!

 

[anewmac]

omg I love the food porn!!!! what is with people not knowing about the DIS.. shesh LOL

Oh ya were heading back South, but ditching Mickey for Freddy. On a Carnival 8day in March... Im counting down.. But so glad you are going soon so i can live vivaciously through your next trippy!

 

[CRdisMom]

Thank-you!! Glad you enjoyed the fun I was having teasing Laura the other night- but she started it on facebook!! SWISHALICIOUS, BABY!!

yea yea...

you know me i'm a trouble maker keeping my fingers crossed that they system works okay to book.

 

[englishrose47]

Wow Ellen that was a lot of Food !!But looked yummy!!