Prawn Heads & Cupcakes & Soups, Oh My! 10/5 Complete (now with my Dining Wish List)!

[nanienamou]

Loved the carrot cake cookie! Even DH, usually not a fan of carrots and raisins absolutely loved it.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Loved the carrot cake cookie! Even DH, usually not a fan of carrots and raisins absolutely loved it.

Glad to hear you both loved that snack! I could go for another one right now - they're just that good.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

After a ride on Mission: Space, I made my way back to AKL so we could move to Wilderness Lodge. The rooms at WL are currently being renovated, and I think they look great - the new bedding, curtains, and red headboard material add a brightness that the rooms didn't have before, and I think the bedding feels more luxurious now.

The bathrooms have also received some cool changes - look at the Disney characters and beautiful textures on the shower wall!

Back to the food - our plans for that day included a late lunch at San Angel Inn, but my mom was tired and decided to stay at WL and nap. I'd been looking forward to trying SAI for a long time now - it's been receiving great reviews recently, and aside from Teppan Edo, it's the only Epcot TS restaurant I hadn't tried.

San Angel Inn has a beautiful setting, and the dark atmosphere makes it feel like you're dining riverside at twilight. I was seated one row away from the waterside tables (which were mostly 4-tops), so I still had a beautiful view.

Here's some additional context for this review: whenever I dine at a non-signature restaurant, I've almost always predetermined what I want to order in advance. At the non-signature restaurants, menus don't change very frequently, so there's a high chance that the menus you see online will be accurate (barring a sudden menu overhaul, such as the recent changes at Cape May Cafe). Before my meal at SAI, I was planning on ordering two appetizers and a dessert:

-Coctel de camarón: Acapulco-style shrimp cocktail, served with spicy marinated tomato sauce, fried flour chicharrón, avocado, and lime. This dish sounded like a refreshing and spicy way to kick off the meal.

-Tlacoyos de chilorio: corn cakes, topped with black refried beans, pork chilorio, queso fresco, sour cream, and green tomatillo sauce. I've read extremely positive reviews of this dish, so I really wanted to try it.

-Natilla de cajeta: caramelized "cajeta" custard cream served with seasonal berries and sugar powder. "Cajeta" means caramel in Spanish, and I really love dulce de leche for its intense caramel flavor. As such, after learning the English meaning of "cajeta", I knew I couldn't go wrong with this choice.

Service was slightly hit-or-miss. Things started off strong, as my server offered lemon or lime with my water (I opted for lime), and he asked if I would like my appetizers at the same time or not (I requested the shrimp first). The attentiveness level quickly dropped off, as I only received one water refill (I was done with my second glass of water before I finished my second course), and I didn't receive any tortilla chips and salsa. This could be because I was a party of one, or because I didn't order an entree. Another water refill would've been nice, but I definitely wasn't heartbroken over the chips - I knew I didn't need the calories (in fact, it would be nice if more restaurants 'forgot' to serve the bread basket!).

Soon enough, the coctel de camarón arrived. This dish had more shrimp than I expected, along with a burst of flavor from the fresh cilantro on top. The avocado added a creaminess that helped contrast with the spicy tomato flavor, while the lime added a burst of acidity. The chicharrónes were light and crunchy - I don't know what exactly they're made of, but I read that chicharrónes are typically made from fried pork rinds. With the sweet sauce on top, they were quite satisfying.

Next up were the tlacoyos de chilorio. This dish was full of flavors and textures, from the tender pork to the tangy sour cream and melty queso fresco. It wasn't the prettiest dish, but it was very tasty. If I came back and only ordered one appetizer, I'd probably pick the shrimp, but I was very happy with both of these dishes.

Finally, dessert - the natilla de cajeta. This is the intense Mexican caramel custard dessert that I'd been considering ordering for months. I had read a good review describing its awesome caramel flavor, so I couldn't wait to dig in and savor it for myself...

I took a bite, and something seemed off. It wasn't what I expected. So I took another bite. There are very few flavors I actively dislike - caramel certainly isn't one of these flavors, so why were things not unfolding as planned?

After my second bite, it hit me...

But how could it be? In a dessert?

Goat cheese!!! This "caramel custard" tasted like goat cheese! Every single bite was like a thick, creamy mouthful of goat cheese custard! It was like all of my biggest foodie nightmares had come to life - someone had pulled a devilish switcheroo on me, replacing a dessert that I knew I would love with a bowl of something that tasted like goat cheese. What could possibly be going on here?

Shortly after getting home, I decided to conduct a bit more research about "cajeta". Before the trip, I had learned that "cajeta" was the Spanish word for caramel. However, based on my studies of other romance languages (Italian and French), I should've known that translations aren't always exact. For example, "prosciutto" is commonly accepted as the Italian word for "ham", but there are distinct differences in preparation and flavor between prosciutto and ham. Cultural differences are often lost in translation, which I could've anticipated.

As it turns out, "cajeta" is a Mexican version of dulce de leche (which I love)...except "cajeta" is usually made with goat's milk.

Overall, I really liked San Angel Inn. The atmosphere is really pleasant, and the two appetizers both contained some of the flavors I love from Mexican food. The dessert wasn't exactly what I expected (in the biggest understatement I've ever made ), so next time I'd pick a different one or skip dessert entirely. Even though I didn't love the dessert, I definitely appreciate that they're preparing their "cajeta" authentically (although my impressions of "caramel" have forever been scarred - well, at least for the following 24 hours after that meal ).

 

[jmm476]

I'm sorry about the dessert! I love goat cheese but I think I would be disappointed too if I was expecting a caramel custard. The appetizers look tasty.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I'm sorry about the dessert! I love goat cheese but I think I would be disappointed too if I was expecting a caramel custard. The appetizers look tasty.

It's ok! That dessert ended up teaching me an important lesson, and while I didn't love the taste, I can certainly appreciate the authenticity behind it.

I really like Mexican food for the most part, but clearly I have a lot more to learn about it. It was kind of fun being completely stupefied by an unassuming caramel dessert.

 

[jedijill]

Ewwww...a bowl full of goat cheese. I can only take a little bit of goat cheese in something savory...definitely not a dessert!

Jill in CO

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Ewwww...a bowl full of goat cheese. I can only take a little bit of goat cheese in something savory...definitely not a dessert!

Jill in CO

Interestingly enough, in the one review I'd seen of this dessert, no mention at all was made of the 'goat' flavor. So maybe it's just those of us who are extra sensitive to goat cheese who'll even notice it at all.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Really enjoying your reviews. Not food related but love the changes to the Wilderness Lodge. Definitely brightens things up quite a bit!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi there Mr. DDW! I love your attitude with the disappointing dessert! You learned to appreciate the authenticity of the dish. Heck, for me I would just say ICK!! Sorry that one disappointed.

As for your snack options, it is so coincidental that both you me and kristen had not only the carrot cake cookie but the pineapple coconut muffin! You'll see both making a guest appearance in my review shortly.

Thanks for sharing the photos of the WL rooms. That was one resort that stood out for Michael as for where he really wanted to stay in the future. Now I can show him your room photos as well.

 

[BlovesC]

But how could it be? In a dessert?

Goat cheese!!! This "caramel custard" tasted like goat cheese! Every single bite was like a thick, creamy mouthful of goat cheese custard! It was like all of my biggest foodie nightmares had come to life - someone had pulled a devilish switcheroo on me, replacing a dessert that I knew I would love with a bowl of something that tasted like goat cheese. What could possibly be going on here?

DDW, you're my HERO! That dessert was #1 on my target list because I LOVE caramel. I probably would have burst into tears if I had ordered it and been hit with that goat cheese taste! What a horrible way to ruin a dessert! I know the stuff has its fans, but I am definitely not one of them and that cajeta is being crossed off!

Also, your WL room looks lovely! I wasn't a big fan of WVL and the rustic decor, but the renovated rooms seem to be a BIG improvement. Much brighter and less dated.

And lastly, I'm almost shocked you enjoyed that pineapple coconut cupcake from Sunshine Seasons! If we're ever in WDW at the same time, we'll have to meet up so I can give you one of my home-made versions!

 

[Tracerr00]

Oh no!!! Goat dessert!! I may have burst into tears if I'd been expecting a lovely caramelly, custardy dessert and got a mouthful of goat cheese. At least you have a great attitude about it. the other items look like something I'd enjoy though.

Thanks for the photos of WL. My sister and I love it there and we would like to plan a trip for the fall of 2013 and I think we'd enjoy the updates.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

I ate at San Angel Inn in August and got the second app that you were planning on getting. I loved it! My mom had the dessert that you had, and I tried it. Hers didn't taste like goat cheese to me. It seemed caramelly (if that's a word) so that's strange. I had the Crema Bavaria myself and that was perfect.

 

[starousse]

Thanks for posting pics of your room. I'm really looking forward to renovated rooms now. Were you on the North or South side?

 

[Minnie_Mom]

I've been following along in your dining review but have yet to post! So, here I go... jumping right in...

Love the pics of WL! The new rooms look great.

SAI was the first sit-down restaurant we ever ate at in WDW... way back when in opened in the early 1980s. While I don't remember eating here, I do remember my parent's and grandparent' not so great reviews for many years to come. We have eaten here again a couple times, but not in the last 10 years! Maybe this will go back on our list one day soon, but I definitely will not be trying the natilla de cajeta. I love carmel and I love cheese, but not together!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

I loved your SAI review! I haven't tried that restaurant since about 2001 or 2002 and my uncultured young palate wasnt expecting authentic Mexican. I'd like to try it again.

 

[krhst25]

When I last got cajeta in Mexico-- it came in a jar with a picture of a goat. As I was reading I was wandering why you chose the cajeta when I know from past reviews goat is not your thing... It does taste slightly different than caramel( more the texture than the taste IMO)but I could see how it could throw you off .

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

Eeek! I'm so far behind on your reviews! Can you believe I've actually had to work... at work. The nerve.

First, I have to say how incredibly brave you are to ride Summit Plummet. I can't do it. I'm a chicken. I can ride any roller coaster 100 times and I can do the enclosed water slides, but that darn thing freaks me out. I'm going to break out in hives just THINKING about it. But good for you for riding it multiple times.

I really want to try the Pineapple Coconut Cupcake. I tend to find WDW cupcakes a little disappointing and ridiculously rich as well, but that one looks like it might be different.

That's a shame that your San Angel experience was a little bit underwhelming. Your appetizers did look delicious though!

Hope your semester at school is off to a good start!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Really enjoying your reviews. Not food related but love the changes to the Wilderness Lodge. Definitely brightens things up quite a bit!

Glad to hear you're enjoying the reviews! And I agree about WL - before the refurb, we didn't love the rooms compared to other deluxe resort, but the brighter vibe is a huge improvement!

Hi there Mr. DDW! I love your attitude with the disappointing dessert! You learned to appreciate the authenticity of the dish. Heck, for me I would just say ICK!! Sorry that one disappointed.

As for your snack options, it is so coincidental that both you me and kristen had not only the carrot cake cookie but the pineapple coconut muffin! You'll see both making a guest appearance in my review shortly.

Thanks for sharing the photos of the WL rooms. That was one resort that stood out for Michael as for where he really wanted to stay in the future. Now I can show him your room photos as well.

That's okay - I don't know why I disliked that dessert so much, but it was an interesting experience to say the least.

I'm looking forward to seeing both of those snacks (and both of us) pop up in your review! I already know what you think of the carrot cake cookie.

And it's interesting that Michael really liked the feel of WL. When we first stepped into WL in 2008, we were both blown away by the lobby and the grounds. The rooms...not so much. But now we feel differently about them! I think WL is worth a try sometime, it's such a beautiful resort (and Roaring Fork is perhaps the best CS location for Mickey waffles ).

DDW, you're my HERO! That dessert was #1 on my target list because I LOVE caramel. I probably would have burst into tears if I had ordered it and been hit with that goat cheese taste! What a horrible way to ruin a dessert! I know the stuff has its fans, but I am definitely not one of them and that cajeta is being crossed off!

Also, your WL room looks lovely! I wasn't a big fan of WVL and the rustic decor, but the renovated rooms seem to be a BIG improvement. Much brighter and less dated.

And lastly, I'm almost shocked you enjoyed that pineapple coconut cupcake from Sunshine Seasons! If we're ever in WDW at the same time, we'll have to meet up so I can give you one of my home-made versions!

It was a very strange experience with that dessert - I wanted to taste caramel, but that goat flavor is so distinct to me (in a bad way). I'm willing to eat almost anything, but I guess goat's milk is my biggest food enemy - sounds like you're in a similar boat.

I love the new WL rooms. If you want all-out rustic, the Fort Wilderness cabins are a classic WDW option, but as a deluxe resort (with deluxe prices), I think WL's rooms should be both rustic and upscale at the same time. Like you said, I think the new rooms are a big step forward.

I would love to try one of your homemade cupcakes (and there's no doubt in my mind that it would be better than any at WDW)! That said, I really enjoyed most of the cupcakes this trip, especially when I removed the frosting. It's clear that WDW's cupcakes aren't going away anytime soon, so instead of comparing them to cupcakes in the real world, I've finally decided to simply embrace them (even if I can't embrace the frosting).

Oh no!!! Goat dessert!! I may have burst into tears if I'd been expecting a lovely caramelly, custardy dessert and got a mouthful of goat cheese. At least you have a great attitude about it. the other items look like something I'd enjoy though.

Thanks for the photos of WL. My sister and I love it there and we would like to plan a trip for the fall of 2013 and I think we'd enjoy the updates.

San Angel Inn is definitely a place I'd go back to! It's been receiving really good reviews ever since it received some updates last year, and I like that the food is more interesting and authentic than I can find at Chipotle (although trust me, I love Chipotle - I could eat their barbacoa salad every single day and be happy ).

I ate at San Angel Inn in August and got the second app that you were planning on getting. I loved it! My mom had the dessert that you had, and I tried it. Hers didn't taste like goat cheese to me. It seemed caramelly (if that's a word) so that's strange. I had the Crema Bavaria myself and that was perfect.

Hmm, very interesting. I have a feeling that the dessert isn't supposed to taste 'goaty', since it's not a flavor that many people want in their dessert. So either something was wrong with the preparation of my dish, or my palate is just hypersensitive to anything derived from goat's milk. Glad that you loved the tlacoyos and the Crema Bavaria - that dessert also sounded great to me, as did the Isla Flotante!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Thanks for posting pics of your room. I'm really looking forward to renovated rooms now. Were you on the North or South side?

We were on the north side, which has already been completed - they were working on the south side (I think on the fourth or fifth floor) during our trip.

I've been following along in your dining review but have yet to post! So, here I go... jumping right in...

Love the pics of WL! The new rooms look great.

SAI was the first sit-down restaurant we ever ate at in WDW... way back when in opened in the early 1980s. While I don't remember eating here, I do remember my parent's and grandparent' not so great reviews for many years to come. We have eaten here again a couple times, but not in the last 10 years! Maybe this will go back on our list one day soon, but I definitely will not be trying the natilla de cajeta. I love carmel and I love cheese, but not together!

Thanks for joining in, and it's so cool that SAI was your first WDW sit-down restaurant! Hopefully your parents will be able to write off any not-so-great reviews from the past, as the menu received a pretty big overhaul last year. I don't know what was up with that dessert, but SAI does offer a "dulce de leche" ice cream that sounds great, IMO (especially if it doesn't include goat's milk).

I loved your SAI review! I haven't tried that restaurant since about 2001 or 2002 and my uncultured young palate wasnt expecting authentic Mexican. I'd like to try it again.

Sounds like SAI would definitely be worth another try then. The food (especially the dessert) was very interesting - I liked how the dessert challenged my taste buds and helped me learn something new about Mexican food (even if I didn't like the flavor itself).

When I last got cajeta in Mexico-- it came in a jar with a picture of a goat. As I was reading I was wandering why you chose the cajeta when I know from past reviews goat is not your thing... It does taste slightly different than caramel( more the texture than the taste IMO)but I could see how it could throw you off .

The goat picture definitely would've been a giveaway. It's my mistake that I ended up with that dessert, since I could've easily spent a minute or two googling more details about cajeta. I saw "caramel" and was satisfied. Oh well - now it's just a funny memory (and I was so relieved to find out that goat's milk is actually an ingredient in cajeta - I thought my taste buds might have been malfunctioning).

Eeek! I'm so far behind on your reviews! Can you believe I've actually had to work... at work. The nerve.

First, I have to say how incredibly brave you are to ride Summit Plummet. I can't do it. I'm a chicken. I can ride any roller coaster 100 times and I can do the enclosed water slides, but that darn thing freaks me out. I'm going to break out in hives just THINKING about it. But good for you for riding it multiple times.

I really want to try the Pineapple Coconut Cupcake. I tend to find WDW cupcakes a little disappointing and ridiculously rich as well, but that one looks like it might be different.

That's a shame that your San Angel experience was a little bit underwhelming. Your appetizers did look delicious though!

Hope your semester at school is off to a good start!

With Summit Plummet, the first time is definitely the hardest. I think the height aspect is much more unsettling than the physical sensation itself. That said, the water parks were always fun even when I skipped Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher, so there's no pressure to do them.

My advice for the pineapple-coconut cupcake would be to remove some of the frosting, since that was the only part that was a bit too rich for me.

And thanks so much for the good wishes! I hope work is enjoyable for the most part (even if you don't have as much time on here).

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

After my meal at San Angel Inn, I walked over to Yacht and Beach Club. Here's the Yachtsman Steakhouse menu, as of August 16th:

It looks very good, but we were okay skipping Yachtsman this time. I'm interested in seeing if the menu will change after Yachtsman's current refurbishment.

My next stop was the Beach Club Marketplace. Since I didn't finish my dessert at SAI, I was still in the mood for something sweet.

The first thing that jumped out at me was an assortment of baked goods from Babycakes. Babycakes snacks are vegan, gluten-free, and overall very allergy-friendly.

These cupcakes are also available at AoA's food court.

However, the selection doesn't end there.

Cookies

Donuts

I'd read very good things about the donuts at Babycakes, so I decided to try one.

Here's the chocolate crunch donut:

And an ingredients list:

The first thing to keep in mind is that this is a vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free dessert. Vegan and gluten-free desserts can be inconsistent IMO, but I really enjoyed this snack. I've heard that Babycakes donuts are baked instead of fried, which wouldn't surprise me since this wasn't as greasy as a typical donut. Also, the texture was a bit denser, which made it feel more substantial. Finally, the donut flavor reminded me of lemon zest (and wasn't as sugary as a typical donut), while the chocolate frosting and crunch provided a decadent touch. This is one of the best snacks I've tried from Babycakes so far - it's not a traditional donut, but in some ways, I liked it even more.

I think it's great that Babycakes desserts are being offered at more and more resorts - first AoA, now Beach Club, and possibly even more resorts. Besides the fact that Babycakes treats are great for people with certain allergies and dietary restrictions, I think several of their snacks taste great.