Mike and I had planned on taking his parents to Chefs de France for lunch on the day that they were visiting Epcot with us. We had enjoyed the restaurant previously so much that we wanted to share it with them, not to mention that their lunch special was a great deal. We spent the morning in Future World before heading over to the World Showcase around noon. His father, Terry, wanted to know how far it was to walk, as he has a bad back, and Mike pointed out the Eiffel tower as we just started through Canada. His father thought it was a little far, and noticed Le Cellier, and said he wanted to eat there instead. I was happy! I adore Le Cellier, and had been wanting an excuse to try lunch there. Why didnt we think of that instead of Chefs de France? Im not sure, really, but I was happy now.
We walked up to the restaurant, and since the podium was unmanned, we walked inside. The Cast Members inside were extremely friendly, and one of them jumped at the chance to be our server I think it was a little slow and he was getting bored. He asked if we wanted crayons, and I piped up that I did! The crayons were named after foods, which I always love. They do this at the Macaroni Grill, as well. We were seated in the middle of the restaurant, I believe in the Alberta room. It was still fairly quiet and low key inside, even though it was threatening rain, and it was lunch time on a Saturday. Shaun, our excited server, was very sociable, and loved the hat that I had lent to Mikes mom, Linda. It was the straw Mickey hat for the Flower and Garden Festival, and he wanted to try it on. I said that I had to have a picture of him with it on, and he asked me to e-mail it to him. His friend overheard and gave me his e-mail address as well, and explained that they try to get each other to do silly things with the guests. Whoever does the silliest thing has to buy the beer that weekend!
Shaun went over the menu with us, and explained that the new summer menu was coming out the next day. This menu looked great, however. Terry was looking forward to some Canadian beer, and ordered Labatts ($5.00), Linda and I had a Chateau Ste Michelle chardonnay ($7.75), and Mike had his usual diet Coke ($2.00). Shaun also recommended the Riesling, and I said that Id probably order it later. Mike asked if it was possible to have the mushroom filet for lunch, but Shaun explained that it wasnt possible, as the refrigerator with the dinner items was in another location. He was going to order the steak burger ($9.99), but I persuaded him to order the prime rib French dip sandwich instead ($14.99). Terry ordered the same thing, I had the Vancouver chicken sandwich ($10.99), and Linda just ordered the Maple Leaf Farms duck appetizer ($11.99) for her entree. Mike and I also had to share the cheddar cheese soup, of course. Terry and Mike were offered fries or potato salad with their sandwiches, and Terry chose the fries. Mike asked if they were the same fries they serve all over Disney, and was told that they were. Shaun said that the potato salad was a hot potato salad, and Mike chose that instead.
Shaun brought out the beverages and breadsticks after we ordered, and explained the history of each type of bread. He even brought two pretzel breadsticks because he said he liked them so much! This was a good thing, because then Mike and I didnt have to fight over the pretzel breadsticks. Linda and Terry split the multigrain one before we had a chance, and we asked Shaun to bring some more. He ended up bringing two more for us, and they were piping hot. The cheddar cheese soup came out at the same time, and it was great as it always is. The soup is thick and not overly cheesy, with a very very slight tang of beer, and bacon and chives on top. This time we realized we liked it better by itself, without the breadsticks, but still dipped them anyway. The soup actually comes in a small cup, but is fine to share if you have a larger meal planned. The chardonnay was delicious with the chicken sandwich, and I wasnt even trying to pair my wine with my food.
Our entrees came after we finished with the soup and breadsticks. My chicken sandwich included a Teriyaki grilled chicken breast with wasabi mayonnaise, a cucumber slaw, bacon, and Black Diamond cheddar cheese. The best part was that the bread was a large, thick, soft English muffin. This part completely made the sandwich, not to mention that the sandwich itself was excellent. The cucumber slaw was cool and refreshing, and the wasabi mayonnaise wasnt spicy at all. I didnt even realize it was supposed to be wasabi flavored until I looked at the menu again. The bacon was crisp, and the cheddar cheese was nicely sharp. The chicken was lightly flavored, tender, and juicy, and only had one small fatty/tough part. This didnt take away from the sandwich at all, though. On the side was a noodle salad, and for some reason I expected it to have an Asian flavor. It had a slightly creamy, thick sauce, with fresh vegetables. It was excellent, but not quite what I was expecting. I havent seen the new menu yet, but I hope this sandwich is still on there. Id be hard pressed to order something different if we go for lunch again.
Mike and Terrys sandwiches contained chopped prime rib with provolone cheese, and a side of au jus. I didnt try the sandwiches, but apparently they were excellent. Mike probably wouldnt order it again due to the price, though. The fries, as Shaun had said, were typical Disney fries. The potato salad, however, was wonderful. It was really a mixture of small roasted potatoes and garlic cloves, with a slightly vinegary dressing. They were seasoned nicely, and the garlic cloves were browned, mild, and delicious. I wish I had asked for it instead of the noodle salad I received. All of our sandwiches also came with small dills. I didnt try Lindas duck, either, but it came on a bed of mache, with a sweet beet sauce drizzled around it. It did look as if it were large enough for an entrée, or for two to share as an appetizer. Unfortunately I let Mike take this picture, and it did not come out at all.
Since Mike and I have drooled over the crème brulee since we went in February, we had to order it ($4.99). Shaun had even remembered that I mentioned it when we first came in. I also ordered the Riesling ($6.25) at this time, and as I had said in my Drinking around the World Showcase review, I loved it. It was a Chateau Ste Michelle, and was slightly sweet and fruity, refreshing, and just a hint of floweriness in the beginning. It didnt go too well with the crème brulee, so I drank it separately. The crème brulee was slightly different than the last time we were there, but only in the dish it was served in. Last time it was in a shallow, large dish, but this time it was in a smaller, but tall dish. The custard part is thick, creamy, and very mapley, and the crust on top is made of maple sugar, and caramelized just right. On top were a strawberry and a crisp sugar cookie in the shape of a maple leaf. The whole thing is a piece of heaven, and its the best dessert Ive had at Disney. Id wager to say its just about the best dessert Ive ever had, vying with Tchoup Chops flourless chocolate cake.
Both the service and food were excellent, as they had been before. Later, Mikes parents told us that it was one of the best meals they had had in a long time. Shaun was wonderful throughout the meal, with prompt, friendly, outgoing service. We enjoyed him so much that were hopefully going to go back soon and see if hes still there. Thats one of the sad parts about the International Program they leave after a year!
Seating was ample, even for a Saturday afternoon we had no need for a priority seating, though it never hurts. Id definitely make one for dinner, though. The atmosphere was lovely, as if were in a wine cellar (hence the name) or a house in the north without windows. Theres a fireplace on one side thats lit when its cold outside, which it definitely wasnt that day. I always recommend this restaurant for a romantic meal, and it was great for Valentines Day dinner. I cant say enough good things about this restaurant I only hope that everyone gets to try it out sometime.
Photo gallery
We walked up to the restaurant, and since the podium was unmanned, we walked inside. The Cast Members inside were extremely friendly, and one of them jumped at the chance to be our server I think it was a little slow and he was getting bored. He asked if we wanted crayons, and I piped up that I did! The crayons were named after foods, which I always love. They do this at the Macaroni Grill, as well. We were seated in the middle of the restaurant, I believe in the Alberta room. It was still fairly quiet and low key inside, even though it was threatening rain, and it was lunch time on a Saturday. Shaun, our excited server, was very sociable, and loved the hat that I had lent to Mikes mom, Linda. It was the straw Mickey hat for the Flower and Garden Festival, and he wanted to try it on. I said that I had to have a picture of him with it on, and he asked me to e-mail it to him. His friend overheard and gave me his e-mail address as well, and explained that they try to get each other to do silly things with the guests. Whoever does the silliest thing has to buy the beer that weekend!
Shaun went over the menu with us, and explained that the new summer menu was coming out the next day. This menu looked great, however. Terry was looking forward to some Canadian beer, and ordered Labatts ($5.00), Linda and I had a Chateau Ste Michelle chardonnay ($7.75), and Mike had his usual diet Coke ($2.00). Shaun also recommended the Riesling, and I said that Id probably order it later. Mike asked if it was possible to have the mushroom filet for lunch, but Shaun explained that it wasnt possible, as the refrigerator with the dinner items was in another location. He was going to order the steak burger ($9.99), but I persuaded him to order the prime rib French dip sandwich instead ($14.99). Terry ordered the same thing, I had the Vancouver chicken sandwich ($10.99), and Linda just ordered the Maple Leaf Farms duck appetizer ($11.99) for her entree. Mike and I also had to share the cheddar cheese soup, of course. Terry and Mike were offered fries or potato salad with their sandwiches, and Terry chose the fries. Mike asked if they were the same fries they serve all over Disney, and was told that they were. Shaun said that the potato salad was a hot potato salad, and Mike chose that instead.
Shaun brought out the beverages and breadsticks after we ordered, and explained the history of each type of bread. He even brought two pretzel breadsticks because he said he liked them so much! This was a good thing, because then Mike and I didnt have to fight over the pretzel breadsticks. Linda and Terry split the multigrain one before we had a chance, and we asked Shaun to bring some more. He ended up bringing two more for us, and they were piping hot. The cheddar cheese soup came out at the same time, and it was great as it always is. The soup is thick and not overly cheesy, with a very very slight tang of beer, and bacon and chives on top. This time we realized we liked it better by itself, without the breadsticks, but still dipped them anyway. The soup actually comes in a small cup, but is fine to share if you have a larger meal planned. The chardonnay was delicious with the chicken sandwich, and I wasnt even trying to pair my wine with my food.
Our entrees came after we finished with the soup and breadsticks. My chicken sandwich included a Teriyaki grilled chicken breast with wasabi mayonnaise, a cucumber slaw, bacon, and Black Diamond cheddar cheese. The best part was that the bread was a large, thick, soft English muffin. This part completely made the sandwich, not to mention that the sandwich itself was excellent. The cucumber slaw was cool and refreshing, and the wasabi mayonnaise wasnt spicy at all. I didnt even realize it was supposed to be wasabi flavored until I looked at the menu again. The bacon was crisp, and the cheddar cheese was nicely sharp. The chicken was lightly flavored, tender, and juicy, and only had one small fatty/tough part. This didnt take away from the sandwich at all, though. On the side was a noodle salad, and for some reason I expected it to have an Asian flavor. It had a slightly creamy, thick sauce, with fresh vegetables. It was excellent, but not quite what I was expecting. I havent seen the new menu yet, but I hope this sandwich is still on there. Id be hard pressed to order something different if we go for lunch again.
Mike and Terrys sandwiches contained chopped prime rib with provolone cheese, and a side of au jus. I didnt try the sandwiches, but apparently they were excellent. Mike probably wouldnt order it again due to the price, though. The fries, as Shaun had said, were typical Disney fries. The potato salad, however, was wonderful. It was really a mixture of small roasted potatoes and garlic cloves, with a slightly vinegary dressing. They were seasoned nicely, and the garlic cloves were browned, mild, and delicious. I wish I had asked for it instead of the noodle salad I received. All of our sandwiches also came with small dills. I didnt try Lindas duck, either, but it came on a bed of mache, with a sweet beet sauce drizzled around it. It did look as if it were large enough for an entrée, or for two to share as an appetizer. Unfortunately I let Mike take this picture, and it did not come out at all.
Since Mike and I have drooled over the crème brulee since we went in February, we had to order it ($4.99). Shaun had even remembered that I mentioned it when we first came in. I also ordered the Riesling ($6.25) at this time, and as I had said in my Drinking around the World Showcase review, I loved it. It was a Chateau Ste Michelle, and was slightly sweet and fruity, refreshing, and just a hint of floweriness in the beginning. It didnt go too well with the crème brulee, so I drank it separately. The crème brulee was slightly different than the last time we were there, but only in the dish it was served in. Last time it was in a shallow, large dish, but this time it was in a smaller, but tall dish. The custard part is thick, creamy, and very mapley, and the crust on top is made of maple sugar, and caramelized just right. On top were a strawberry and a crisp sugar cookie in the shape of a maple leaf. The whole thing is a piece of heaven, and its the best dessert Ive had at Disney. Id wager to say its just about the best dessert Ive ever had, vying with Tchoup Chops flourless chocolate cake.
Both the service and food were excellent, as they had been before. Later, Mikes parents told us that it was one of the best meals they had had in a long time. Shaun was wonderful throughout the meal, with prompt, friendly, outgoing service. We enjoyed him so much that were hopefully going to go back soon and see if hes still there. Thats one of the sad parts about the International Program they leave after a year!
Seating was ample, even for a Saturday afternoon we had no need for a priority seating, though it never hurts. Id definitely make one for dinner, though. The atmosphere was lovely, as if were in a wine cellar (hence the name) or a house in the north without windows. Theres a fireplace on one side thats lit when its cold outside, which it definitely wasnt that day. I always recommend this restaurant for a romantic meal, and it was great for Valentines Day dinner. I cant say enough good things about this restaurant I only hope that everyone gets to try it out sometime.
Photo gallery
