PrincessAuroras Sinful Food Reviews with Pictures!

[PrincessAurora]

Well Mousekateers - here starts my trip down "food porn alley". We will start with Artist Point. Our server was Daniel and he was very friendly. I will have to say that I am writing this with a small handicap as I was pretty toasted when I ate here (thanks to Dave at the Tune-In Lounge at MGM but more of that on the Trip Reports).

Our starters were:

Smoky Portobello Soup with Roasted Shiitakes and Chive Oil - $7

This was amazing. A lovely smoky taste that blended well with the earthiness of the mushrooms. - Grade: A

Living Lettuces with Cucumber, Radish and Lemon Vinaigrette - $8

As I don't eat rabbit food very much, this one was in the court of "Tink". She declared it a nice light salad with a nice bite. Grade: B

Our Entrees were:

Grilled Buffalo Sirlon Steak with Sweet Potato-Hazelnut Gratin and Sweet Corn Jam - $32

This was a very nice cut of meat. I wish it would have had a tiny more kick to it but still exceptional. The sweetness paired with the char was lovely. The potatoes were good but since I prefer sweet potatoes over yams, I marked them down. If you like yams, this is a really nice dish. The nutty crunch is very nice with the sweet potatoes. Grade: A- for the steak. B+ for the yams.

Hatfield PorkChop on Tillamook Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Maytag Crust - $26

Now I am allergic to blue cheese and don't really like pork so this was Grumpys dish though I must remark that it appears someone has been stealing ideas from Chef Annette over at Jiko with the meat paired with Mac & Cheese. Jiko is still better. The pork was pronounced lovely but a tiny bit tough while the mac and cheese was so creamy and tangy with the cheese that it made you cry. Grade: A for both.

Our desserts were:

Valrhona Chocolate Truffle Cake with Soarin' Honey-Blood Orange Coulis - $9

This one was Grumpys again. He pronounced the cake a bit too dry and overpowered by the sauce. I'm not much of a "ton o' chocolate" person but it looked lovely. Grade: B-

Anjou Pear Tart with Ice Wine Mousse - $8

This was really nice. The textures of the soft crust with the flan like fruit filling coupled with the Ice Wine Mousse was light and refreshing. Too bad this is leaving the menu very soon due to low orders. Get it while you still can. Grade: B+

OK, I can't even read the rest of my notes after that, my writing had become so poor. I do remember that the kids there were well behaved and the atmosphere was very nice. Artist Point is my number 3 pick for this trip for dinner.

Next up will be Flame Tree BBQ and Jiko!

 

[swankybeth]

Great reviews and pics, can't wait for more! The Ice Wine mousse sounds fabulous, too bad my trip is not until December and it sounds like it will be gone before then.

 

[3princesses4us]

The only thing I love more than trip reports are trip reports with pictures & prices! Thanks!

 

[PrincessAurora]

DAY TWO: ANIMAL KINGDOM

Our Counter Service was at Flame Tree BBQ. We all had the pulled pork sandwich with drink and dessert. I had the frozen lemonaide. Tink had the chocolate cake.

I really like this sandwich. The pork is really full of flavor and the majority of the sauce, you get on the side so the bread doesn't get soggy. I know I said that pork isn't my thing but that is more like pork chops or pork loin not so much with pulled pork or bacon. Don't even get me started on those pork rind things. We use to feed those to the dog as a treat.

Disney is also giving you the option of getting a bag of baby carrots in place of fries which I recommend. Face it, fries aren't that good for you. Having a healthy alternative is nice and gives you more "junk food points" so you can have a Mickey Bar later (which I did). You can also put these bags in a purse and munch on them while you are waiting for the parade.

DINNER AT JIKO

I love Jiko. The hotel is beautiful and the dining is always special. I was stone cold sober today (and for the majority of the trip after the Tune-In Lounge incident) so I have better notes for this dinner.

1/4-1/3 of the tables had children dining. These were from high-chair to 10 years and all were well behaved. They were all enjoying themselves and the 2 year old even had the good manners not to scold his Dad when HE knocked his wine glass over and broke it on the floor.

APPETIZERS:

Maize & Sweet Potato Tamales: Herbed Maize Pudding and Trufffled Sweet Potato Mash, with Shredded Goat Cheese in Corn Husk Boat - $8

This was soooo yummy I can hardly describe it. The pudding was firm, almost like fine polenta in texture. The goat cheese gave the sweetness of the potatoes a tangy edge. I ate one and took the other one to go so I could save room for dessert. Grade: A-

Taste of Africa: Kalamata Olive Hummus, Moroccan Chermoula, and Malayan Spinach-Lentil Dip with Pappadam, whole wheat lavosh, and flax seed naan bread. - $9

Grumpy had this. If you are brave, this gives you some really new flavors to sample with various crackers/bread. I tried a few. The red one which he really liked had a hot finish that my white breadish sensibilities needed to follow with some water. Not uber hot, just a little spicy. He really liked this and gave it an A-.

Bread with butter: I am mentioning this, though I don't have a picture because the butter was amazing. it was called Indian butter and was served with fresh baked wheat bread. The butter contained: ginger, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, brown sugar, salt and pepper along with a few other spices. AMAZING! Grade: A

ENTREES:

Wood Grilled Filet Mignon with macaroni & Cheese and Red Wine Sauce - $34

One of these days, I'm going to order something else. However the last 3 trips, I've always had this dish for my entree and don't regret it. One of the best filets on property. So juicy, so tender, the white mac & cheese blend so well. Artist Point really needs to stop stealing this idea. Amazing. Grade: A

Berbere-braised Lamb Shank with Toasted Couscous, baby spinach and Berbere Sauce - $27

Grumpy had this and it was his favorite of the trip. I did get a bite and the lamb was really good. It fell right off the bone. The only small thing he didn't like was he found the couscous a bit too moist for his taste. Still overall, he really liked this dish. Grade: B+

Pan-roasted and Maize-crusted halibut with vegetables of the moment, tomato-butter sauce and crispy sweet potatoes - $30

Tink had this dish and it was wonderful. If it is on the menu on my next trip, I am ordering it. The breading was very, very light. Just a light crunch. The fish was moist and flaky. The sauce blended just well and the thin crispy strips of potato gave a niec texture to the dish. WONDERFUL! Grade: A

DESSERT:

OK, here is where my review goes south out of sheer pique. I wanted the Tanzanian chocolate candy purses with the orange dipping sauce and I wanted them now. I have been having dreams about them. I saw on Debs site that in a recent menu they were listed. Well, WERE is the operative word. Chef Annette was missing in action the night we were there and none of the other desserts appealed to me. I was so upset that I swore to downgrade Jiko based on the fact that I couldn't get my favorite dessert. I was having to learn to live with greater disapointment than that for that story is for later in the trip.

I don't have the dessert menu so I will give the descriptions from memory. Be afraid.

Expedition Everest Banana Split - $9

This has three kinds of ice cream. I believe chocolate, vanilla and coffee with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. As you can see, this is more like a "deconstructed" banana split. It looks very toney and Grumpy wasn't grumping so I can assume it was very good. Grade: A-

Fruit Napolean with Sorbet - $9

I wasn't paying too much attention since I was still depressed from being denied my fav dessert. The sorbet was nice, i can't remember what kind it was. The fruit was good but the two slices of phyllo dough made this a bit difficult to eat. I remember there were kumquats in the fruit. A nice, light offering but not spectacular. (I know, I know, I'm bitter) Grade: B+

Jiko remains in the number 2 slot for dinner and ties for second place all around with our lunch destination on day 3.

NEXT: Akershus and Bistro de Paris

 

[krismom]

Mmmm more please! I am so tired of eating at the "family" restaurants all the time- maybe my kids could handle Jiko?!

 

[java]

OOH I love a picture to go with the story!!! All I can add is that I have never been to Jiko but I think it may have to go on the list for the next trip. (hey I want to check out AK lodge too!) Keep it coming. I promise to photo my food and post when I get back (will also include photos of any cute waiters along the way)

 

[PrincessAurora]

I don't see any reason why your kids couldn't go to Jiko. Like I said there were kids there of all ages. I would just judge your kids attention span and using their inside voices. There are lots of neat things to look at, there are familiar menu items as well as some more "grown up" ones as well and the best thing are frozen fruit drinks that are yummy. You should definatly do it.

 

[PrincessAurora]

DAY THREE - PART ONE

Epcot and AKERSHUS PRINCESS LUNCH

OK, first let me say that I was hesitant to go with all the Princesses. I like Princesses but the addition of "all Princess, all the time" has definatly changed the audience that now attends this wonderful dining place and not always for the better.

Especially for lunch and dinner you get some people that don't even want to try "weird food". They come in, order a hot dog and miss out on the BEST FOOD that I have had in ages. In fact this trip Akerhaus tied JIKO for number 2 best food that I have had on this trip. On some things, it BEAT Jiko.

First you get to sample the cold buffet. There are no pictures of these items because I was such a PIG that I literally vacummed all my food, crying tears of joy. So engrossed was I in these amazing flavors that I FORGOT to take the picture.

Here are a few of the items that were offered: pickled herring, egg salad, shrimp salad, potato salad, beet salad, tomato/onion salad, lefts, roast beef, ham, cheese, pickles, smoked salmon, brown goat cheese, chicken salad... o god...... I had little bits of everything and was in HEAVEN. Grade: A

For lunch I had the Pan Seared Trout served with stewed red cabbage, apples, bacon and garnished with a roasted onion and beet jam.

As you can see, I was pretty much done with my entree when I realized that I hadn't taken picture of anything. So you can see the destruction. The trout was lightly crispy, moist and tender. The sweetness of the jam and the cabbage added an extra flavor level to the fish. Grade: A

Tink & Grumpy had the Soup and Sandwich: A Jarlsberg Cheese & Leek Soup paired with Pan Seared Salmon served open face on toasted multigrain bread, lettace, tomato and topped with a roasted garlic caper mayonaisse.

As you can see, they didn't pause in chowing their way through this as well. They said the salmon was sooo moist and flavourful and the soup beat the PANTS off the cheddar cheese soup in Canada. Grade: A

For dessert there is one plate that contains all of these desserts that you can share.

Rice Cream with Strawberries and sauce (My FAV!!), Chocolate Mousse finished with a chocolate waffle and chocolate shavings (MUCH better than France - lighter and fluffier) and a Lingonberry Tart topped with an oatmeal streusel (A nice little soft cookie) Grade: A

For details on our great server Kjetil and our princess adventure, you will have to wait for the trip report!

Price is $24.99 for adults and $13.99 for kids 9 and under. Kids entrees include Grilled chicken breast with corn & potatoes, Cheese Ravioli, Hot Dog and Turkey & Cheese rollup in leftse with grapes.

Adults, I BEG YOU - don't eat a hot dog. Try the food. It is AMAZING! Your taste buds will thank you!

Next: Bistro de Paris

 

[richard_andmel]

Great reviews. Is the Tanzanian chocolate candy purses with the orange dipping sauce off the menu now? I am really disappointed if that is the case.

Mel

 

[Belle5]

Really enjoying your reviews!

 

[PrincessAurora]

Great reviews. Is the Tanzanian chocolate candy purses with the orange dipping sauce off the menu now? I am really disappointed if that is the case.

Mel

Yes they are off which is why I threw such a fit. Now they may come back at some point (they did before) but honestly the desserts they had, while pretty, were not nearly as good.

Must work on France now and having trouble retrieving Citricos and Raglan Road pictures. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

 

[Mister Disney]

WOW WOW WOW

GREAT photos and reviews.....

 

[erikthewise]

Wonderful reviews! I don't think I've ever seen individual dishes rated before -- that and the photos are nice touches.

I only ate at Akershus once before it "went Princess" and really enjoyed it. I have a solo ADR there for next month (business trip) but am not sure about it. I know I'll love the food so I'll probably go through with it.

 

[PrincessAurora]

Wonderful reviews! I don't think I've ever seen individual dishes rated before -- that and the photos are nice touches.

I only ate at Akershus once before it "went Princess" and really enjoyed it. I have a solo ADR there for next month (business trip) but am not sure about it. I know I'll love the food so I'll probably go through with it.

Please do. The cast members that work there REALLY appreciate it. They have been a bit distressed with the new direction as the food is no longer the focus and it brings in a whole new crowd that really doesn't appreciate the food. It really makes their day when you go for the food in spite of the Princesses.

And I will say that the characters were all really chatty, played with me, were good sports, especially Aladdin when I wondered what he was doing at a Princess Breakfast and does he need to tell Jasmine something.

 

[liamsaunt]

I am really enjoying your reviews and pictures. It looks like you ate at all my favorite places! I am looking forward to the rest.

 

[PrincessAurora]

WOW WOW WOW

GREAT photos and reviews.....

OMYGOD - Mister Disney liked my reviews and food porn pics. This sooo made my day! I think your Chefs Table review and pics are just the best. You guys are welcome to share our table any day! I'll be back in April 07 and really am crossing my fingers for Chefs Table with my foodie best friend.

 

[PrincessAurora]

OK off we are to France. I had eaten lunch at Chefs de France a few years back and found it mediocre. When Tink wanted to eat in France I decided on Bistro de Paris. It was more upscale and I liked the menu better. However it is NOT on the dining plan. So I used my Disney card points to pay for 2/3 of the meal. I should have told Tink that France was full, gone to Le Cellier and save my points to buy stylish designer sunglasses.

The atmosphere was lovely. We were seated at a window with a decent view of Illuminations. They had tableclothes and silverware and cute napkins folded like dinner jackets.

Things were looking promising. The Amouse Bouche (no picture) was a piece of smoked salmon wrapped around a bit of mashed potatoes with chive. Akershus' salmon was MUCH better in texture and flavor. Grade: B+

We decided to get the Chefs Tasting Menu. It sounded good and was reasonably priced. $65 without wine pairings (which is what we had), $100 with wine pairings.

APPETIZERS:

Rare seared tuna with Jamacian Pepper, sauce of lemon confit and banyuls vinegar, arugula coulis and a crunchy vegetable salad.

Grumpy had this and found it nice but a bit bland. It seemed to be missing a flavor or two. Grade: B

Grilled quail with baby frisee salad and poached egg, creamy green lentil vinaigrette and cheese chips

Bland. The egg was lukewarm, the quail was difficult to eat and the flavors were not there. I was trying to get a bit of everything on the fork to blend the flavors and had to add salt and pepper to try to give it some flavor. Beautiful presentation but little wow factor. Grade: B

FISH COURSE

Provencal bouillabaisse, scallops, shrimps, stripped bass, mussels and codfish served with aioloi and toasted bread.

Pretty but bland and lacking any bite or kick. The fish all took on the flavor of the tomato base with no flavors of their own coming through. Grade: B-

Seared scallops with a fluer de sel on a goat & sun dried tomato ravioli with creamy lettace sauce.

Pretty but bland. Are you seeing a pattern here? The scallops were cooked perfectly but the lack of any dynamic flavors continued this pretty but bland parade. Grade: B

SORBET

Apple sorbet with apple liquor and dried apple slice

Say it with me now! B - L - A N - D - Y It was palatte cleansing but pedestrian. Grade: B-

Here is where I got a glass of red that had been paired with my meat. I live by Napa. I know wines. I love wines. This wine sucked. It was soooo tanic that I could clean rust off chrome with it. French wine is really over rated.

MEAT COURSE

Roasted beef tenderloin with marrow, potato boulangere with comte cheese, green asparagus, red wine and juniper berry sauce.

This steak doesn't hold a candle to Jiko. It was very tender but bland. No real flavor. The potato gratin in the ramakin was better. A bit of flavor starting to poke its head through the snow. Grade: Meat - B, Potatoes - B+

CHEESE COURSE
This was $5 extra per person. I am allergic to blue cheese so they served all goat cheese. wow. The 3 French goat cheeses were mild to nutty to slightly pungent. These cheeses were fair but it wasn't Red Hawk but then what is. Check out cowgirl creamery in Point Reyes. AWESOME! This cheese - ho hum. Grade: B+

DESSERT

Well only dessert left and I have not shed one tear of food joy on this whole pricey menu. I am hoping for one standout.

This assortment includes creme brulee (decent but not great - B+), Banana Tart Meringue (I don't like banana cream pie so this did nothing for me. Tink thought it was the best of the lot and gave it a B+), Warm chocolate lava cake with 70% dark chocolate (a bit dry. I ate the remainder of it for breakfast the next day. - B), Gingerbread ice cream (really good. This is a standout - FINALLY and I gave it an A-) and caramelized rice pudding (while not a rice cream, it was REALLY good. It was creamy, slightly warm with a nutmegy taste that went really well with the ice cream. ONE THING that I really liked though there was hardly any of it (Grade: A-)

Overall, our meal was bland and pedestrian. While the price for the offerings is good, the chef missed the boat. They could have been standout or even noteworthy but are just fine. What is wrong with FRANCE?! I am placing this in 10th place overall behind even Fultons. The chef needs to follow Chef Gray around for a month or so. This place really needs some help to make it great.

NEXT: Ohanas Character Breakfast and Citricos

 

[Mister Disney]

OMYGOD - Mister Disney liked my reviews and food porn pics. This sooo made my day! I think your Chefs Table review and pics are just the best. You guys are welcome to share our table any day! I'll be back in April 07 and really am crossing my fingers for Chefs Table with my foodie best friend.

You have SO already put my reviews to shame. I wish more people would take pictures for us food pornies out there.

Keep up the good work.

I'll have a new set of reviews when we go down Easter Weekend so stay tuned!

 

[swankybeth]

Thanks for the reviews and pics. It's a shame about Bistro de Paris, it seemed like such a good place. I guess I'm glad I've never tried it....

 

[anny_c_99]

I have so enjoyed reading your reviews...Thanks...and the picutures...WOW!