Table for Humina, Humina?_____completed! 7/30

[Shenanigoat]

Welcome back Laura...we missed you! I hope everything is well with you and your family

Great update....so apparently being impaled through the heart will kill both vampires and scallops...good information to know!

Thanks, it's good to be back. I also think forks work against zombies, but only if you get them in the head.

Nice to see ya back!

Nice to see you back too.

I was anxiously awaiting your next review (I rely on "update" in the subject line...I know, a snazzy system I have.) I was a little bummed it was taking longer than usual, but didn't check the actual thread. Sorry to hear why it took longer

I keep hearing good things about Raglan Road (well, minus MickeyNiki's review!) I might have to try it for myself!!

I use the "update" too, lol. And btw, I love your screenname! Figment is my homeboy!

 

[Shenanigoat]

This morning when I got to Hollywood Studios there were already lines at the un-gated turnstiles. Usually I'm the first one there, sauntering up with my coffee and a paperback to kill the time, but not today. Next to the entrance for the Hollywood and Vine breakfasters there were 2 turnstiles that didn't have lines. I stood at one of those and double checked with the CMs that this was OK. Of course it was. Don't be sheep, find your own turnstile at ropedrop! They usually open almost all of them, and you can always ask.

baa-ram-ewe

So, while those suckers stood in a long line I took some shots of the entrance area and tried to drink my icky disney coffee. Nobody even joined me in line until right before they let us in. Maybe I smell or something? I don't know, but I can't tell you how many times at both WDW and DL I have been at or near the front of a line, even showing up late, just by paying attention. I was at the front of the line to run to TSM again, but this morning we got the park opening show! We didn't have this earlier in the week with the EMH.

nerd alert, nerd alert!

Today I had lunch, once again, at the Brown Derby. I'm glad I got in two meal here this trip, because I'm not stopping there this September. Once again there was no crowd waiting to get in.

bueller?

Since the lobby was devoid of other touristas I took a bunch of photos... of the photos.

In that last shot, I actually did a faithful reproduction of the Brown Derby for my Sims 2 game. I made my downtown look like ye olde Hollywood. It took me a day to make it.

This time I was seated on the opposite side from where I sat before, and the place was a bit more full than it had been earlier this week.

Trying to mix it up with my booze consumption, I ordered the Peach Tree Punch, at the suggestion of my waiter. Skyy Vodka, Peach Snapps, OJ, Sprite, and a splash of Grenadine.

It's like a cabana in my mouth.

I also had a basket of bread and this time the butter wasn't a buttercicle!

butterpops- find them in your grocer's freezer section.

I ordered the Coconut Shrimp appetizer, same as before. It was just as tasty as earlier in the trip and it's something I would get again.

I'm not a shrimp, I'm a king prawn!

For my entree I decided to get some fish. The Pan Fried Grouper w/ Zucchini and squash.

Grouper? I hardly know her!

This was tastier than I thought it would be. Flaky fish. The veggies were seasoned well, and the portion size was good. It went well with the appetizer selection to.

I saw a dessert that combined two things I love: chocolate and chocolate, I thought I'd give it a try. Flourless Chocolate Cake with red wine sauce and sel gris caramel ice cream.

arty farty celebration party

The chocolate cake was dense, as you would imagine, but it didn't feel like too much. The icecream was excellent and I could have eaten a whole pint of it myself.

My server, Abner, was super sweet and attentive. My water glass didn't go empty on his watch.

Still, next time I want to sit in one of the booths...

And this is an old photo, but the Brown Derby has my favorite bathrooms in all of Disney World. There is a side door to get to it and it's the only one I use in Hollywood Studios. My Nana's bathroom was similar, but with pink, black, and white.

And another good meal at the Brown Derby came to a close. I like the Peach Tree Punch a bit more than the Hollywood. I would probably get the grapefruit cake on my next meal here, but it was nice to get something different. My server was awesome, so if you get Abner you will be in good hands. Again, a meal that I feel isn't worth 2 TS credits, but I would pay OOP for it, especially since there aren't many other places in HS I would eat at. And it helps that it's so pretty inside.

Next up: A boozy break, followed by Tutto Italia- the inspiration for my Dining Review title.

Hope to see you there.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Fantastic reviews! Thanks for the "warnings" on the ninja cocktails. Not sure if it was your intention or not but I'll surely be seeking those babies out on my next trip!

Happy to hear of your love of Chefs but I have to say I'm not sure you got the full experience without a very cute waiter to serve you.

So very sorry to hear about your Nana. She sounds like a neat lady!

Thanks for sharing your reviews and humor. I'm really enjoying this!

 

[oybolshoi]

Jay and I are biting the brown bullet thanks to you and ChelleinNC who is actually ChelleinWDW right now ... we're going to lunch at the derby in October.

And the topside picture of your dessert ... the chocolate garnish looks like a tongue to me. Am I the only one who thinks that? Maybe I need to booze in order to see more clearly ...

Excellent update.

Excellent.

 

[onelilspark]

So since we've now bonded over Figment, I have a personal question to ask...

The bathroom at Brown Derby...I've heard it's always clean and you don't have to be eating there to use it. And that it opens when the park opens. True??

 

[robinm1215]

Glad to see you back Laura!

I really enjoyed your latest reviews. Coconut shrimp is a fav of mine but I've never been to Brown Derby. Your review made everything look so good. Oh, and Tusker House looked great too. Might have to consider these for Oct although I don't know how I'd fit them in...

Ohhh how I miss my Jersey Beefsteaks....

& the corn!!!!!

You'd think... I live in the middle of farm land & you'd think they could figure out how to grow a decent tomato...

I think you're right... they could turn the Meadowlands back into farm country as soon as the close the landfill...

NJ definitey has great tomatoes and corn. The sweet corn in the summer is my favorite and I'm so spoiled I only really like that kind, and it has to be from a farmer's market because it's better there

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

Thanks for another great update. That grouper and dessert looks really good.

 

[wilma-bride]

Another great review - love the sound of the Peach Tree Punch

 

[mefordis]

Okay, when I saw Biergarten on your list, all I could think was that I'd want to be sitting at your table!

 

[hmgray95]

I vaguely recall eating at the Brown Derby years ago with my mother, and wasn't all that thrilled with it, and every time I make my reservations for my trips, I always bypass it because I feel like it's not worth the 2TS credits. But I think I am going to have to re-consider that idea on a future trip.....your reviews have been very enlightening for me!

 

[Shenanigoat]

Fantastic reviews! Thanks for the "warnings" on the ninja cocktails. Not sure if it was your intention or not but I'll surely be seeking those babies out on my next trip!

Happy to hear of your love of Chefs but I have to say I'm not sure you got the full experience without a very cute waiter to serve you.

So very sorry to hear about your Nana. She sounds like a neat lady!

Thanks for sharing your reviews and humor. I'm really enjoying this!

It's either a warning or invitation, as far as Ninja drinks go

Jay and I are biting the brown bullet thanks to you and ChelleinNC who is actually ChelleinWDW right now ... we're going to lunch at the derby in October.

And the topside picture of your dessert ... the chocolate garnish looks like a tongue to me. Am I the only one who thinks that? Maybe I need to booze in order to see more clearly ...

Excellent update.

Excellent.

Well I thought my RR dessert looked like a fanny, so seeing a tongue isn't that weird And kudos for giving into the Brown Derby! Your visit will make up for the fact that I'm foresaking it on this trip.

So since we've now bonded over Figment, I have a personal question to ask...

The bathroom at Brown Derby...I've heard it's always clean and you don't have to be eating there to use it. And that it opens when the park opens. True??

Well, between you and me... that is true. The entrance is on the side, next to the wall in the animation courtyard. That takes you into a hallway (the BD lobby will be in front of you) and the restrooms are off to the side. It is open when the park opens, always clean, and never busy. But this conversation never happened.

Glad to see you back Laura!

I really enjoyed your latest reviews. Coconut shrimp is a fav of mine but I've never been to Brown Derby. Your review made everything look so good. Oh, and Tusker House looked great too. Might have to consider these for Oct although I don't know how I'd fit them in...

I'm glad my reviews are interesting you in different places. That's why I like to read them too, it give me ideas for futher expanding my waistband.

Thanks for another great update. That grouper and dessert looks really good.

Thanks! They were might tasty, especially the icecream on the dessert.

Another great review - love the sound of the Peach Tree Punch

It was really refreshing, just like I prefer my midday drinks.

Okay, when I saw Biergarten on your list, all I could think was that I'd want to be sitting at your table!

I would love you sitting at my table- then I wouldn't be sitting with the crankypants family again

I vaguely recall eating at the Brown Derby years ago with my mother, and wasn't all that thrilled with it, and every time I make my reservations for my trips, I always bypass it because I feel like it's not worth the 2TS credits. But I think I am going to have to re-consider that idea on a future trip.....your reviews have been very enlightening for me!

I have DDP this trip and I'm skipping BD because of the 2TSs. I'll pay for it OOP but I won't waste those credits there. Maybe you can pop in late or something for a cocktail and dessert? That wouldn't cost you much.

 

[Shenanigoat]

In the early afternoon my plan was to walk from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT, walk around WS for a bit, then monorail through the MK resorts in the evening. This was not to be however.

I entered the International Gateway and could hear the Faux Four playing in the UK. Saying that I like the Beatles is like saying that I like to breathe, it's just a fact of life.

John, when did you get so chubby? And alive?

I then wandered over toward Morocco way to get a beverage. I saw a couple with a drinks from there and asked them what they thought, and it was a resounding . I thanked them and moved on to seek some refreshment elsewhere.

So I get how many wishes?

Japan isn't really a swinging place for boozing, even though they do have a sake bar. I wasn't really in the mood for that though. I was being quite picky that day it seems.

And now it's time to ponder that eternal question. The one that plauges philosphers, theologians, and the great minds of our time.

Who has the bigger wardrobe: Minnie Mouse or Hello Kitty?

At this point I decided nuts to this, and went to a sure spot for a refreshing WS beverage. France.

bonjour

Many a talented diser has written an ode to this frozen slushy drink. I thought it was only OK. Maybe it's just not the drink for wandering around basking in the UVA's. I think I'll try it again on my next trip to see if it was just be being persnickety.

I took my drink and was walking through the UK when I couldn't help but notice (because they were jovially barking for people to watch the show) that the World Showcase Players were about to perform. So I stopped and watched and proceeded to laught my tiny behind off.

Grail! Grail! Grail! Ugh!

If you are a fan of very silly things, then I recommend this show. I think I ended up watching it 5 more times over the remainder of the trip. It's also conveniently located right by the pub, so you can keep yourself refreshed for the entertainment.

A romantic nightspot and an impenetrable fortress.

A dragon! A dragon! I swear it was a dragon!

I enjoyed another Welsh Dragon and caught the next British Invasion show. It's kind of interesting how they change their costumes throughout the evening so that they progress along the Beatles Timeline. I'm so used to hearing the songs though that any slightly off note or something was just like to me. Still, they are a crowd pleaser and I always see tons of people back in the UK singing along.

It was getting on in the evening at this point, so I didn't end up going on my monorail tour. Well, there's always September.

Next up: a mini report on the Riverside Mill, then Tutto Italia

 

[mefordis]

Awesome, awesome, awesome! You crack me up. I hope you do your Tutto review this evening so I have something to read while waiting for dh to get home!

 

[whogirl'smom]

I got behind a little; I'm so sorry about your Nana.

The reviews are great! I do love some coconut shrimp. Sorry the Grand Marnier didn't knock your socks off--I promise one day if you have a kid, and they are throwing a hellish fit in WS, it will knock shoes, socks and pedicure right off!

 

[onelilspark]

I hope you don't mind...but these are the drinks to get in France!

Left is the ever so popular Grey Goose Slushie and the one on the right is my personal all-time favorite beverage ever...the Pomagrante Kir. It's not on the menu, but they'll still make it for you. In September, skip the Orange one (admission: I'm not a fan of orange stuff...I think I am, but then I try it and go hmmm, no. not so much.) and get either of those two. I promise that you won't regret it.

(And your secret is safe with me )

 

[oybolshoi]

you love the Beatles, too?

yes...we are obviously sistahs from different mothas. I lurves the boys from liverpool more than any other band, evah.

 

[hmgray95]

you love the Beatles, too?

yes...we are obviously sistahs from different mothas. I lurves the boys from liverpool more than any other band, evah.

Why am I not surprised? Could you two be anymore alike?!? It's really starting to scare me at this point.

 

[irongirlof12]

Love your style of review - my DD7 has put in an order for the hello kitties.

I agree with you: re pears, very under-rated fruit.

 

[wilma-bride]

I agree with onelilspark - you should have gotten the lemon slushie not the orange one. The lemon is lovely

 

[Shenanigoat]

Awesome, awesome, awesome! You crack me up. I hope you do your Tutto review this evening so I have something to read while waiting for dh to get home!

Sorry I didn't get to it yet. My Mother had a pool party/fiesta so I was busy. I'll have it up Monday.

I got behind a little; I'm so sorry about your Nana.

The reviews are great! I do love some coconut shrimp. Sorry the Grand Marnier didn't knock your socks off--I promise one day if you have a kid, and they are throwing a hellish fit in WS, it will knock shoes, socks and pedicure right off!

Thanks for the s. I really appreciate it.

And my Mom has told me to that booze enjoyment does go up in direct correlation to the racket that your spawn makes.

I hope you don't mind...but these are the drinks to get in France!

Left is the ever so popular Grey Goose Slushie and the one on the right is my personal all-time favorite beverage ever...the Pomagrante Kir. It's not on the menu, but they'll still make it for you. In September, skip the Orange one (admission: I'm not a fan of orange stuff...I think I am, but then I try it and go hmmm, no. not so much.) and get either of those two. I promise that you won't regret it.

(And your secret is safe with me )

I got the Grey Goose Slushie later in the trip. It was much better!

you love the Beatles, too?

yes...we are obviously sistahs from different mothas. I lurves the boys from liverpool more than any other band, evah.

My Spouse and I bonded over the Beatles. We met at work and I saw the Beatles calendar in his cubicle. One year later he worked up the gumption to ask me out. We NJ girls are intimidating to CA softys.

Why am I not surprised? Could you two be anymore alike?!? It's really starting to scare me at this point.

As stated in the Friendy Board- I am not trying to Single White Female her.

Love your style of review - my DD7 has put in an order for the hello kitties.

I agree with you: re pears, very under-rated fruit.

Thanks! I too wanted to get all the hello kitties. So cute.

I agree with onelilspark - you should have gotten the lemon slushie not the orange one. The lemon is lovely

Later in the trip I do get one. I even like lemon more than orange, so I don't know what I was thinking. I blame Samantha Brown.