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

[TarzansKat]

Okay, I'm only in the beginning of this report, but I just had to stop and comment.

They jalapeno and habanero ritas??? OMG! I'd never be brave enough. I your tolerance for spicy drinks, my friend.

 

[TarzansKat]

Champagne, wine, more wine, mini desserts shared with great friends.

This is my kind of trip report!!!

 

[TarzansKat]

Wow, I can't get over the photos from the safari tour! AMAZING!

And I'm totally suckered by the baby elephant. Too. Stinkin'. Cute.

 

[podsnel]

Okay, I'm only in the beginning of this report, but I just had to stop and comment.

They jalapeno and habanero ritas??? OMG! I'd never be brave enough. I your tolerance for spicy drinks, my friend.

Champagne, wine, more wine, mini desserts shared with great friends.

This is my kind of trip report!!!

Wow, I can't get over the photos from the safari tour! AMAZING!

And I'm totally suckered by the baby elephant. Too. Stinkin'. Cute.

Hi there!! I'm so happy you found the TR!! Soon I'll be writing one starring YOUR gorgeous Mickey tie-dyes!! I am so excited they are done, i can't WAIT to put mine on- we're going to wear them on the plane because we're wearing them to MNSSHP (with our mustaches- which is my 13 DS's idea of a costume ). WooHOOOOO!!!! Only 6 days to go!!!

 

[dvc4life]

Ellen - glad to see that I'm not the only one who doesn't sleep the night before a WDW vacation.

Less than a week for you and your off on another excellent adventure. But I can't wait to finish reading the rest of this report.

 

[rentayenta]

Self pour wine and cheese Samosas?

 

[podsnel]

We went down to the lobby, and met L&M out front for our walk to Kidani. But first-

So I start walking to go down the stairs, and they (Pods & Mike) say where ya goin'? We can go this way- through the parking lot, it's closer.

Umm...no we can't. But they know EVERYTHING, so we go to the right, walk through the parking lot, come back, and go down the driveway(because they wouldn't walk all the way back to the stairs) like I said. Lesson learned BOYS! The path to Kidani is in front of that lot...

Anyway, we made good time and were seated almost immediately upon arrival- of course, the first thing we order are drinks. Lonnie gets a mojito, and also some new friends-

She gave me Buzz, which I gave to Sean when we got home, and he LOVES him- thanks, Lonnie!! I was ready to fly the friendly African Skies as usual at Sanaa...but, what's this?? They completely changed the wine list???? There's no more flight with Chenin Blanc (which is my favorite white from Africa)??

Secret #1- if you ask, it will come-

I asked our server, and he was happy to say that if the wines were in stock, they could provide me with my favorite flight....so NICE!!

Yummm...the first Yumm of the evening! Of course we need to order the bread service- as I have said many times before, I could LIVE on Sanaa's bread service- it is INCREDIBLE!!! So, as we are deliberating over which dips should go with our TWO bread services, the waiter says, "Oh- you don't need to pick- when you get 2 bread services, you get ALL THE DIPS!!!"

Oh...happy, happy joy joy....Secret #2 is ROCKIN!! We get to try ALL THE DIPS!!!!!

From 12:00, moving clockwise - Green Mango Pickle, Coriander Chutney, Mango Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, Cucumer Raita, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Garlic Pickle, & in the center, Tamarind Chutney.

Of the dips, the red chile is most spicy, followed by the coriander chutney- those two are HOT! The raita cools it down. At the other end of the spectrum, the mango chutney was sweet, but the tamarind was sweetest. It was GREAT to be able to try all of them, because previously we had only ever ordered the same 3, since they were so delicious to us and we were afraid to miss out on them- coriander, raita & Red pepper hummus.

A new bread on the menu, pappadum, with paneer paratha underneath-

Onion kulcha with paneer paratha underneath-

The pappadum is ok- it is crispy like a cracker, we actually were having it every night up at the Concierge lounge during happy hour, but when the other choices are OK and PP, I think next time I would just order those, if it's ok with everyone I'm eating with. Because THOSE other two, I LOVE...especially the Paneer Paratha. Especially when it is slathered with coriander chutney or red chile sambal and raita...major, major drool.....

We shared a salad platter- watermelon, lime and radish (love this!), carrot, orange & mint (not so great this time around), and a new one, kuchambar, which was a tasty mix of carrots and cukes-

We also had to try the Pulled Duck with Red Curry sauce-

I really liked the , but that 5 grain cake? BLECH!! Just like the pilaf- it tastes like DIRT!! Only bad thing on the menu, I will never understand why they don't take it off???!!! And now they are trying to use up all the icky pilaf no one wants to order in a crispy gross rice cake??? DOUBLE BLECH!!Anyway.....Pods was in rare form, he was totally cracking us all up! He is a funny, funny guy!

For our main course, we were all going for the slow-cooked in Gravy, simple and well seasoned. And we ALL chose basmati rice. This one was mine, I had the Shrimp in Green Curry and a new one, coconut curry lamb-

Pods had Chicken in Red Curry and Beef Short Ribs-

Lonnie & Mike did the same, so each couple could sample everything. After all was said and done, I think my favorites are still the shrimp, followed by the short ribs or chicken (between those two I really can't pick which I enjoy more). The lamb was good, but maybe a little too fatty for me. See?

We ate them like this, for optimum sharing- great idea, loni!

Everyone enjoyed their meal- I think this is such a wonderful restaurant if you like to try different flavors and it's even better with a group that is willing to share. Pods was still cracking us up-

A guy goes into a bar with a frog on his shoulder...

And the frog says, would you believe it all started with a wart on my butt?

We spoke to our waiter, and wondered if the chef was there that night that we had met in the past (this was my 4th visit to Sanaa in under a year). He told us that our favorite chef, who was so kind and made french fries for Sean last November, was no longer there. He had been promoted to Flying Fish. Guess we will just have to go see him there next time!

Sanaa-

I really, really love that restaurant- even the decor. The safari zoologist guide in the morning had said he didn't like it here, because he thought it felt too closed in and there was nothing special about it. But I disagree. When I am dining in Sanaa, I feel like I am under a beautiful tent out on an African savannah, having exotic foods in a faraway land.

Up next- FIRE!!!

 

[podsnel]

Our wonderful meal concluded, and we thought it would be nice to walk outside Kidani to the firepit before walking back to Jambo. But first, a trip to the Loo...the Men's loo, to be exact! We needed to see if there were animals in the men's granite like there were in the ladies'....what do YOU see?

Here are the Ladies room pics-

Personally, i think the ladies scored MUCH better on this one! Outside, we admired the fire-

And the savannah-

I love this photo-

I certainly did an awful job centering THIS one....I blame it on jet lag from my African flight!

Hmmm...I must have been REALLY jet-lagged....

We walked back....

Our first plan was we needed to find the night vision glasses. So we went over there, and saw SO MUCH!! Also met some lovely people who were staying here for the first time and were completely in love with AKL. Pods did not get to do night vision when we were here in November, I think he got a call and stayed with Sean on the playground then while I took Tyler & Timmy for night-goggle action. Surprisingly, the animals (that you couldn't see at ALL with the naked eye) were busy that night- so cool!

Next we thought, wouldn't it be nice to sit by the fire at Jambo, and have a nightcap (courtesy of Mike's cooler!). So that's what we did.

The moon was so full, it was a beautiful night after all the rain. Too bad I wasn't using my tripod- I REALLY need to start doing that!!

After a few more laughs, we called it a night. So happy we had spent our evening at Jambo & Kidani, it truly felt like we were worlds away from the hustle bustle of WDW. Soooooo relaxing!

Up next- Day 3- breakfast at Kona and we're FINALLY going on some RIDES!!!!

 

[podsnel]

Ellen - glad to see that I'm not the only one who doesn't sleep the night before a WDW vacation.

Less than a week for you and your off on another excellent adventure. But I can't wait to finish reading the rest of this report.

I am trying to write as much as I can- so worried that I'll have too much double duty when I get back from the cruise- and that is my FAVORITE vacation of all, I definitely want to write about it!!!

And, FWIW...I am SO EXCITED!!!!!

Self pour wine and cheese Samosas?

EXACTLY! It's a good and GREAT thing!!

 

[tinytreasures]

Thank you Thank you Thank you
Ella was throwing a temper tantrum because she wanted a toy one of the other kids had when I told her to come look at all the animals.
She loved all the pictures and so did the other kids we spent the last 45 mins just looking at all your wonderful shots.
The only problem we have is, now she wants to eat everything she saw and is whining for lunch 2 hours early here

 

[podsnel]

Thank you Thank you Thank you
Ella was throwing a temper tantrum because she wanted a toy one of the other kids had when I told her to come look at all the animals.
She loved all the pictures and so did the other kids we spent the last 45 mins just looking at all your wonderful shots.
The only problem we have is, now she wants to eat everything she saw and is whining for lunch 2 hours early here

Hi Kathleen!! How have you been? How are the kids? I am so happy they liked the animals- and I am VERY impressed your little Ella wants to eat Sanaa food!! Good girl!!! Just so sorry it's 2 hours before lunch!

 

[tinytreasures]

Hi Kathleen!! How have you been? How are the kids? I am so happy they liked the animals- and I am VERY impressed your little Ella wants to eat Sanaa food!! Good girl!!! Just so sorry it's 2 hours before lunch!

Ella just wants food right now she wants goldfish crackers and mac/cheese

Life is busy we got a newborn so he has taken a lot of time up here. He was not a happy camper for the first 9 weeks but now has turned into the easiest baby I have ever had. He is #50 for us so we are excited to hit that big goal.
My oldest got dx with Autism. We are finally getting the help he needs at school It is a relief to tell you the truth.

The biggest news is we just applied for Avy's make a wish trip to Disney. The dr said he would sign off so we are keeping our fingers crossed till we get the official word. She is so excited.

Thanks to you we know how to handle this trip better then the last one

 

[dallastxcpa]

Anyway, we made good time and were seated almost immediately upon arrival- of course, the first thing we order are drinks. Lonnie gets a mojito, and also some new friends-

For our main course, we were all going for the slow-cooked in Gravy, simple and well seasoned. And we ALL chose basmati rice. This one was mine, I had the Shrimp in Green Curry and a new one, coconut curry lamb-

I have to say I had this Mojito in July and I am not a Mojito fan but this one was so refreshing and light. I think it was close to 100 degrees that day and this drink did not make me feel over full. It was sweet of Lonnie to give you Buzz for Sean.

Based on your recommendation both my husband and I had the Shrimp in green curry and beef short ribs with basmati also. I have to send you a big thank you because it was delicious and I can't wait to dine here again.

 

[MEK]

Excellent update Ellen. I love Sanaa. And the bread - so amazing. And good to know that you get all the dips if you order 2 orders of bread. I vow to get back there and have the wine flight!

Is in my imagination or are there body parts in those animal faces in the granite. I never knew they were there.

I would also love to do the animal night vision viewing. Last time I was at Sanaa I was just too darn tired. But I will return.

 

[rentayenta]

I have to say, and I read a lot of reports, yours is by far one of my favorite ever! Heavy on the pics, lighter on the words, booze and food porn, good friends, jet lag - it's really a great read.


My DH is making coconut lamb curry tonight.

 

[podsnel]

I almost forgot to post this!! One of the nice, pampering things on that Concierge level is the nightly turndown service- it sounds like, what's the difference, but a crisply turned down bed, with a pretty little card that says something nice from an African culture and some chocolates....well, it's just soooo inviting at the end of the day! Really polishes it off nicely.

We had the turndown service all but one night- and that was only because we were showering when she came to turndown. But when I answered the door and told her it was ok, she didn't have to do it tonight, she still gave me the card...and HANDFULLS of those chocolates!

Also in the room to welcome us when we checked in was-

Of course, we brought them all home to our boys. they were definitely happy about that!!

 

[podsnel]

We were up on Sunday morning and out the door, on our way to the Poly for breakfast at Kona Cafe.

The Poly is the one resort that Pods and I both want to stay in one day- and the want goes all the way back to childhood. So, someday....but, in the meantime, breakfast will have to do! We were handed a pager, and Lonnie & i went over to the store to shop...of course! The men stayed at the Cafe-

Soon we were buzzed...of course, loni was still finalizing purchases, but then it was time for breakfast!!! We already knew what we were having...DUH!!! But for us, just so ya know, there was NO TONGA in our toast....just too sweet. But, there was...Lilikoi Juice-

Although, every single time, I am tempted by that Wasabi Mary- next time, it's gonna be MINE!

We were having The Samoan & Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes- one for each couple. Sharing is GOOOOOOOOOOOOD!

The Samoan- Poached Eggs with hollandaise over pulled pork hash. It is da BOMB....

I had had a couple of bites in May off of my friend Joan's plate, and I am a convert now for sure!! Mike loved his, too. On THIS upcoming Friday morning,10/29, I will be trying the Kouzzina equivalent- can't wait to see how it stacks up! Lonnie & Pods had the pancakes, with Macadamia nut butter, pineapple sauce and choice of ham, sausage or bacon-

They were....good. But not AS good as they were the last two times I've had them. Oh well- I'll still get them again! The guys wanted a side, and the side they were craving was homefries. They don't exactly have homefries at Kona, but if you ask, they will bring you roasted breakfast potatoes (they are not on the menu)-

Ok- no joke- these potatoes are worshipable. Soooo yummmmmm.....I put them up there with the breakfast potatoes at Shutters at Vero Beach, which were equally DA BOMB! Here's Lonnie, trying to figure out how to snatch that last potato!

And of course, we had Kona Coffee- but we were so busy slugging it down, that we forgot a photo. sorry! We paid our check, once again loving our TIW card for saving us on the bill, and went out to leave. And got leid on the way out!! YAY!! I haven't gotten leid since my honeymoon in Hawaii nearly 25 years ago!!! Look how happy Pods was about it!

well.....maybe not.

Up next...we FINALLY get our ride on!!! And DAMN! We are some GREAT artists!!

 

[anewmac]

bread looks yummy, wine flight too!!!

and I LOVE KONA.. especially the pinnaple panicakes, I get that everytime (you know the big 2 times ive been there LOL)

Yeah rides cant wait...

So you all ready for some Magic... im getting so excited for you all! (and jealous LOL)

 

[dvc4life]

Your breakfast looked so delicious. We ate at Kona for the first time for supper on our trip in September. It was one of the best meals we have had. Loved it. Can't wait to try breakfast there sometime.

Rides you say. . . . . . .Well, let's get going!

 

[MEK]

Ellen - you are really kickin' @$$ with this TR. And whatever glitch I was having with my computer seems to be resolved, so I am not missing a beat!

Yum to the Kona breakfast. I finally tried it in September, but I had to try to Tonga Toast. I loved it. Yeah - a little sugary, but still great. I will definitely be back there! Trying Kouzzina in May, so looking forward to your breakfast recommendations there.

Lonnie's picture eyeing up the last potato is pretty funny.

Another fun update!