The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Menus - 4/2013: La Hacienda COMPLETE! 7/26

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Oh my, I missed an update. Great review of B&C - got to say that I am a little disappointed by the menu changes. I always have the chicken sandwich with added bacon and cheese, not sure how the chicken caesar sandwich would compare. We will still go back, though, as it's one of our favourites - I always have Sprite with orange and raspberry syrups added - yummers

My DH is now drooling over the No Way Jose, his absolute favourite.

Have you ever eaten at The Fountain over at the Swolphin? Reason I ask is it appears to be similar to B&C and, since we are staying at The Swan later this year, we thought we might give it a try. Haven't seen any reviews of it at all though

Aw, it's always a downer when they take a favorite off the menu I didn't know about the raspberry syrup - must try that next time! I have not eaten at The Fountain yet.

Awesome B&C review! The Oreo bonbons are now out of my head, replaced by the awesomeness of that No Way Jose!

October seems so far away ...

Haha, glad the bonbons are finally out of your mind! I can't get them or the No Way Jose out of my head!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Day 6, Part 1

Our original plan for today was to hit DHS at rope drop, have lunch at Sci-Fi, come back for a pool break, have a light dinner at Hurricane Hanna's then return to DHS for Fantasmic!

But we realized the day before that we were starting to hit the point in the trip where we needed to take a breather. So we decided to switch up or plans and have a relaxing morning at the pool and make our way leisurely to DHS in the mid-afternoon then stay straight through until F!

We cancelled our lunch at Sci-Fi and I hopped on the Mobile Magic site to check out dinner options. I saw there was an early opening at 50s PTC and decided to scoop it up. Prior to the trip we'd been going back and forth on whether or not to switch our Sci-Fi lunch to 50s so this seemed like a sign.

Since dinner was early, I knew lunch would need to be as well so we started the day with just a light breakfast of cereal in the room. We headed to the pool and by 10:30 my stomach was already grumbling! When Hurricane Hanna's opened up at 11 a.m. we were first in line.

I had studied the menu before the trip and knew exactly what I wanted - the shrimp and lobster roll with citrus mayo. DH picked the same thing and DD opted for chicken nuggets. Since I'd had fries the night before, I asked if I could substitute watermelon for my side. The CM said she could charge me the sandwich-only price (a couple dollars cheaper) and then charge me $1.99 for the watermelon. Worked for me. DH got some sort of slaw as his side.

While DH waited for the food to come up, I grabbed a table.

I found the seating area to be relaxing - a nice seaside-themed vibe.

They must make everything to order because it took about 10-15 minutes for our order to come up. Here is the much anticipated shrimp and lobster roll:

(Does anyone else see a little hidden Mickey on the roll?!)

Sadly, this was a miss for me. On the positive side, I loved the mini Parker-house rolls that it was served on. They were tasty (and cute, too!) and the citrus mayo had a good flavor. On the downside, the mayo was too liquid-y and I really didn't detect any lobster in this at all. Now looking at the pictures I see what I think is a few pieces, but at the time I kept thinking it seemed more like that imitation crab meat that you get in some California rolls. With all that said, it certainly didn't stop me from eating it but this is not something I'd order again. The side of watermelon was fresh and flavorful so I was definitely glad I made that substitution.

DD enjoyed her kids meal and the presentation here is great:

I think HH is a great option for poolside dining. Even though I didn't love what I got, I'd definitely give it another try and I like that they try to offer some unique options.

 

[wilma-bride]

Never eaten at Hurricane Hanna's - I do like their poolside drinks though

 

[Linda67]

Never eaten at Hurricane Hanna's - I do like their poolside drinks though

Priorities Joh ..... priorities

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Never eaten at Hurricane Hanna's - I do like their poolside drinks though

Priorities Joh ..... priorities

Can you believe I never made time for a frosty adult beverage from HH's?? For shame!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Day 6, Part 2

We had a 4:30 p.m. ADR for 50s Prime Time Cafe.

It was pretty quiet when we arrived and I asked the CM checking us in if we could get a TV table. She didn't think it'd be a problem at all.

We settled into the waiting area to take in the atmosphere (I love all the period nick-knacks) and soon enough we were shown to our table, which was indeed a TV table .

I really liked our server - she was in character enough to be fun, but not so much that we felt uncomfortable (easily embarrassed). DH purposely let DD have a bit of fun ratting him out for "elbows on the table" (picture lots of pointing over his head and saying, "look what he's dooooo-ing" to get our server's attention!).

DH and I thought it was a mighty fine idea to enjoy something from Dad's liquor cabinet. So we did!

DH had Dad's Electric Lemonade and I had Grandma's Picnic Punch. Both excellent and didn't seem too strong going down put packed a punch once we started walking around after dinner!

For entrees, DH and I both picked the sampling of Mom's favorite recipes:

Our server said she likes to make sure everyone eats their veggies, so we could swap out the greens if we don't like them. This was a good thing for me because last visit here I had my veggies "choo-choo'd" to me, so I figured it wise to opt for green beans, which are a favorite of mine. DH stuck with the greens.

I was most looking forward to trying the pot roast, since that was one of my grandma's specialties and I miss it dearly. But it turned out to be my least favorite of the three. The meatloaf was outstanding (and that's one of those things that I never order out since I only like my own) and the fried chicken was also delicious! I'm not a huge mashed potato and gravy fan, but these were really good.

All in all, this entree was a hit and DH managed to be a member of the "clean plate club."

I love that they use Viewmasters for the dessert menu and was happy to see S'mores are still on the menu. This dessert is a sentimental favorite because DH and I had them on our very first visit to WDW together. For old time's sake we had to split an order.

Just as good as I remember! Our server bid us farewell with the warning of, "No Tower for an hour!" and off we went.

This meal was a hit for us and it'll definitely be in our line-up again.

 

[winnieatepooh]

Great reviews! I'm considering switching my sci-fi ADR to 50's too, as they just had a lovely looking menu change (hated the last vegetarian option!) and I'm looking forward to trying it - I love the theme here so much!

 

[seasidespences]

Love your 50's review...can't wait to try that sampler and the s'mores! Yum! Just what I needed to see as I embark on a much needed diet before our trip I September...drool!!!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Great reviews! I'm considering switching my sci-fi ADR to 50's too, as they just had a lovely looking menu change (hated the last vegetarian option!) and I'm looking forward to trying it - I love the theme here so much!

Oooh, I have to check out the menu change! I love how well the DHS restaurants are themed!

Love your 50's review...can't wait to try that sampler and the s'mores! Yum! Just what I needed to see as I embark on a much needed diet before our trip I September...drool!!!

Thank you! Haha, I'm always dieting leading up to a WDW trip - then I treat myself when I'm there. I figure all the walking balances it out! Or at least some of it ! Enjoy!

 

[wilma-bride]

Sadly, 50s is no longer an option for us since they switched to the all-day menu. I don't like mashed potatoes at all and probably the only thing I would like on the menu (the fried chicken) comes with mashed potato and gravy - ugh! I know you could probably ask to sub but, for me, there is little fun in going to a restaurant when you know you only have one option on the menu. Shame as I think I would really like the herb cheese appetiser and I love the S'mores dessert.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Sadly, 50s is no longer an option for us since they switched to the all-day menu. I don't like mashed potatoes at all and probably the only thing I would like on the menu (the fried chicken) comes with mashed potato and gravy - ugh! I know you could probably ask to sub but, for me, there is little fun in going to a restaurant when you know you only have one option on the menu. Shame as I think I would really like the herb cheese appetiser and I love the S'mores dessert.

So just go for the app & dessert! I am actually planning that option for several meals in August as I often prefer appetizers and rarely want dessert if I have both the app & the entree.

I just added 50's for lunch in August. I really want that sampler again! I figure Andrew and I can split it so I can still have the cheese app and the s'mores dessert!

 

[wilma-bride]

So just go for the app & dessert! I am actually planning that option for several meals in August as I often prefer appetizers and rarely want dessert if I have both the app & the entree.

I just added 50's for lunch in August. I really want that sampler again! I figure Andrew and I can split it so I can still have the cheese app and the s'mores dessert!

I might just do that since 50's is the only place Gary has requested to eat in November. Since he rarely gets involved in the planning, when he does show an interest, it would be nice to be able to accommodate him

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Day 7, Part 1

First off, sorry for the longggg delay in getting an update posted. Life has handed us some hard stuff in the past couple of months and this fell off my radar. I'm not sure I have any readers left, but just in case I'll plug along because I myself hate it when I start reading a report and it never finishes. My memories may be starting to get a bit fuzzy now, but in any event, on with the show!

We must've had breakfast in the room this morning and it couldn't have been anything memorable because I have no photos. But in terms of lunch, I was very excited to be trying someplace new to us: Via Napoli.

I waited in line at the podium to check us in while DD got a stamp for her "stick Duffy" at the Kidcot station. I must've been fascinated by this chandelier because I have quite a few photos of it.

The lobby was crowded and bustling, but once we were shown to our table I didn't feel that it was that crowded in the restaurant at all. We had a nice, centrally located table near this long communal table:

A while later it was occupied by an elementary school group - lucky kids! Field trips sure weren't like that when I was growing up!

We also had a nice view of the pizza ovens:

It was quite a hot day and I knew immediately that I wanted an Aqua Fresca. DH thought that sounded good so he got one too. I had strawberry and he had blood orange.

This was so tasty and refreshing.

I really wanted to try the pizza but I also had my eye on some apps so DH and I decided to order a few things and share. We started with the prosciutto and melon.

Now I've had this dish many times and it's a pretty standard presentation but the real headline here was the freshness of the prosciutto - it was so flavorful and delicious. Definitely a step above what I've had elsewhere.

Next we had the shrimp and cannellini bean salad.

This one was just okay for me. Nothing wrong with it by any means, just not a standout.

We then split an individual sized mushroom pizza.

This was truly fantastic! The flavor of the sauce, crust and cheese was just divine and worked together so well! I eat my fair share of pizzas and enjoy trying various styles (NY, Chicago, thin crust, Sicilian, etc.) and I definitely enjoyed this interpretation. Even with the two apps, I could've eaten more pizza. Although I think a large would've been too much. Maybe next time we'd get a large and just one app.

But not to worry, that just meant there was room for dessert!

I've known since time immemorial that I wanted to try the zeppolis so that was a done deal for me. DH was hemming and hawing about sharing with me or getting the pistachio gelato (one of his faves) and I told him just go for his own (yeah, you know I just didn't want to share!).

The zeppolis were everything I'd hoped they'd be and more. Light little fried bits of deliciousness with chocolate dipping sauce ! I'm not a fan of pistachio ice cream so I didn't try that although I did taste the brittle, which was very good.

A note about DD's meal - I was trying to lay off the pictures because the poor kid just isn't into it. But she started with the kids fruit cup, then had the cheese pizza and the kids chocolate gelato. THEN our sweet waiter surprised her with another dessert for her birthday, along with a serenade of Happy Birthday in Italian. That one I did snag a photo of :

She gobbled up everything put in front of her, including two desserts, so it's safe to say she liked Via Napoli!

We have eaten at VN's sister location Naples 45 in NYC several times so I wasn't prepared to be blown away by VN (not because we don't like Naples 45 but just thinking it would be a "been there done that" experience). Boy was I wrong! This meal was really a highlight and I can't wait to return! The only downside I can think of is that the a la cart kids meal (i.e. not on DDP) gets pretty expensive. But the trade off, I'd say, is definitely worth it and it was a really great quality kids meal.

 

[jpessa]

Still reading and following! Don't worry we all know how life is, and how it sometimes gets in the way of the Dis... Hope everything is ok.

 

[jedijill]

I'm still here too! I liked Via Napoli too...I need to try it again soon.

Jill in CO

 

[MrsB1228]

I'm still here as well! We LOVE VN, it's a must-do every trip. We're big fans of the quattro formaggi pizza and the "ugly but good" sundae is one of my favourite desserts in the WS. Can't wait to have it again in September!

Really enjoyed the update!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Still reading and following! Don't worry we all know how life is, and how it sometimes gets in the way of the Dis... Hope everything is ok.

Thanks so much - I appreciate that!

I'm still here too! I liked Via Napoli too...I need to try it again soon.

Jill in CO

Yay, I'm so glad I still have readers! Thanks for sticking with me.

I'm still here as well! We LOVE VN, it's a must-do every trip. We're big fans of the quattro formaggi pizza and the "ugly but good" sundae is one of my favourite desserts in the WS. Can't wait to have it again in September!

Really enjoyed the update!

Thanks for still being here! Oooh, I want to try the "ugly but good" sundae as well. That sounded so good! Enjoy it!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Day 7, part 2

We checked DD into the kids' club for the evening and had date night! At first we'd thought of making a dinner ADR but then decided to just wing-it to a couple of places that we wouldn't go with DD. We started off at La Cava del Tequila. The other times we've gone here it was a weekday afternoon. We were prepared for it to be more crowded than we've experienced before (this was a Friday night) and we were right:

I used my expert crowd weaving skills to secure us a table and one confused3) chair but a moment later a chair from another table became available so all was good.

There only seemed to be one server and boy was he hopping! It was a little bit of a wait to put in our order for sangria (me), some sort of margarita that I can't remember for DH and chips and guacamole.

This was a tasty way to start off the evening but I do prefer to visit during a quieter time. Next we moved on to Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, which I've been anxious to try.

I'm not sure if you can make ADRs here, but we didn't have one. A group of four in front of us was turned away so I had an "oh no" moment thinking we wouldn't get in but sure enough, they had a spot for us!

And a great spot it was, a little alcove with loveseats for two in each corner.

Our table:

Don't be deceived by how empty it looks, I took these at the end of our meal, which was a little after park closing.

We started off with drinks. A Limoncello martini for me:

And an Italian iced tea for DH:

We also ordered a selection of plates. First off, proscuitto panini (you can get one or two on an order), which is served with a nice Caesar salad wedge on the side.

If I was looking for a small meal this would've done the trick. It was the same delicious proscuitto from earlier in the day and the salad was very good.

Then we got one of the plates for two or more called La Serenissima. This included:
Asiago - semisoft, butter scented
Asparaghi Bianchi - white asparagus, lemon, olive oil and parmesan
Insalata di Mare - shrimp, squid, octopus, lemon, extra virgin olive oil

I seem to have only gotten a photo of the seafood salad:

The cheese was very mild and flavorful. I also enjoyed the asparagus. Seafood salad isn't really my thing but DH loves it so he enjoyed that.

For dessert we got a cherry shooter.

I don't remember the specifics of this dessert other than that I liked it!

And I would be remiss if I didn't order a cannoli, which is a favorite of mine.

This is the same one they serve at Tutto Italia and it was as good as I remember.

I'm very happy we got a chance to try out Tutto Gusto. The food and service was really good and the atmosphere really makes you feel like you could've been transported to Italy.

 

[JulieODC]

Thanks for the review of Tutto Gusto! We'd love to try it on our next trip...looks delish!

 

[MrsB1228]

Tutto Gusto looks wonderful! What a great idea for a date night, no rushing off to ADR's. Too bad both places were so busy, but I guess that's to be expected since both places are so popular. We've never actually ordered anything at La Cava, since each time we've been by it's been crazy crowded. I'm determined to try it soon, LOL!

Great update, thanks for sharing!