The Food Won't Taste as Good Unless You Take a Picture of it First! - Chefs de France

[st4rrab0vemybed]

mmm, the apple strudel looks absolutely delish! I could totally go for one right now, lol.

 

[hurleysweety]

All of the F&W stuff looks so amazing! I especially want to try that pretzel roll with the sausage. The smoothie looks great too. I wish they made them like that everywhere they sell smoothies in WDW. I ordered one in the MK and one at HS when I was there and they were both really watered down, with chunks of ice in them, not smooth and thick like that one looks. I guess the F&W is a slightly smaller size but it's also cheaper than the icky ice ones I got!

Interesting you mention the smoothie at MK. Was it in tomorrowland? DH saw one there one day, but not when he wanted one. They looked delicious, but very easily could have been the less-than-satisfying icy concotions you mention. Hmm...Either way, this smoothie is available year-round at the gelato/drinks booth in Italy. The regular version is $4.99, I think

Great reviews! Looking forward to reading more!!

Thanks, hoping to post at least one a day/night!

This is great. We are heading to WDW this weekend and Im so looking forward to F&W, but we are on the DDP so the snack tickets will be buying most of the F&W snacks. I see most of what you have reviewed so far is $5 or less, is that because you are trying to get the most bang for your buck with cash? In my case I'll be trying to get the most bang for my buck with snack tickets so the more expensive the better. I do however want to try all the good stuff and some of that is the less expensive things. Should I just go ahead and spend cash on the $3 items? Any advice is appreciated.

If you have the DDP, F&W is an absolute amazing journey. I saw people getting ice cream sandwiches and bags of chips, in Epcot, with snack credits. I just wanted to politely tap them on the shoulder, turn them around, and point them to the amazing delicious lobster roll that is $7.50 at the Hops and Barely booth (located near America).

Since this was our last trip for awhile, we weren't being as tight with money as we usually are when it comes to snacking. We'd pick what we wanted, and sometimes it turned out to be $$$ and sometimes only $ - no rhyme or reason. A whole lot different than our honeymoon where we went to McDonalds for the dollar menu like 6 times, and only ate at 2 TS on a 6 day trip!

I would guess that on the days you eat around the world, you'll get more than your one snack allotment/day. If I had DDP, I would use a credit on anything more than $3.50. That said, don't get stuff just because they are $6 or $7 either - thats a tricky trap to fall into! Pick what you like, and then decide if you'll use a snack credit or not. Remember, there are plenty of other non-F&W snacks that are up in the $4-5 range too, however, most of these are desserts, at other parks and resorts. If you haven't yet, check out the snack thread and find the things that you and your fam likes the best. No use spending a snack credit on $7.50 lobster if you don't like seafood. Hope this helps!

Loving your reviews

The Shrimp Tacos were my fave dish at F&W and DH loved the Lettuce Wraps - looking forward to reading more

Thanks! Yes, the actual shrimp was pretty good. Not chewy or too fishy tasting. I think that everyone wished that had gotten a shrimp taco instead!

Great reviews, and that white chocolate macadamia mousse looks and sounds absolutely divine!

Thanks! The mousse tastes just like a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie which are my fav. $1.50 for one, or the trio for $3.75. My sweet tooth says, "TRIO!"

Great reviews...those desserts look amazing!

Thanks! Wish I could make desserts like that...especially in miniature form!

mmm, the apple strudel looks absolutely delish! I could totally go for one right now, lol.

Um yes, please, more apple strudel this way!! I'm pretty sure it beats any apple dessert I've had, grocery store, bakery, homemade...just don't tell grandma...

 

[hurleysweety]

Our ADR for chefs de france was at 6:50pm. My plan was to leave the hotel (VWL) around 6 to arrive around at the restaurant around 6:30pm. However, this was ill-planned. Leaving Epcot after F&W around 2:00pm, only to come back, park, and then walk all the way back to Chefs De France - not one of my finest planning moments.

This was my number one choice for the trip, next to a return ADR for brown derby. I was so excited to eat here and had very high expectations; ya, that's not the best mindset to have...

I should mention that this review is from the perspective of four, tired people. A few of whom were over-tired and well, we could have easily had a pizza and crashed at 9:00pm instead. Oh well, live and learn. This restaurant was my pick, and not to spoil the review, but I feel the only bad choice I've made in four trips. Not so much the time, place, food, etc. But more so the planning and flexibility. Whoops...(Another whoops, don't show your DH the lunch menu when you are eating dinner there...they often have different items...haha)

Somehow, we made it by 6:45, including a stop at the fountains for a picture. for me, for DH.

We arrived to a rather busy restaurant. When I told the host that I had a reservation, his reply was, "Here?" Uh...yes, here... Just another one of the not-so-awesome CMs we encountered.

We hung out by the fountains while we waited. Not to bad of an area to wait in, other than the poor CMs who have to yell party names about 7 times to find them.

In about 10 minutes, we were called and got seated in the side room area, in the corner, we could look out and see some of the France pavillion, fountain area. It was a pretty nice table. Note, the space in here does feel cramped - and I'm a small person.

Our waitress came promptly, asked about our DDP, and seemed very efficient. She wasn't too interested in being our friend, just being our server and getting her job done. But she, unfortunately, was the type that loses interest in the table when she realizes we aren't each ordering an appetizer and some fancy cocktail, bottle of wine, etc.

Here is a photo of the paper menu.

When she returned with our four waters, I ordered a glass of wine; the chardonnay. She immediately told me that it was a blend, and was I sure I wanted to order that one. Um, yes...I'm sure... She seemed unappy with my choice. Weird, didn't let it bother me though.

It did take awhile to receive my wine. It came after our bread. It was crisp, light, refreshing. Perfect compliment to my entree choice. Sorry, can't remember the wine name.

Soon our bread came. Our meal always gets better when food comes.

The bread was hot, fresh, and sooo yummy. It had a crispy crust outside and soft, french bread inside. We ate the two baguettes before our meal arrived. Yum!

Next up, the entrees. For some reason, DFIL was totally discouraged by the menu or something. Not sure what was up. DMIL was a little confused to - I think the whole French entree names threw them off a bit. So all I had to do was mention mac and cheese and lasagna, and that's what they ended up ordering. DH and I had planned all along to order a flat bread and then a big entree to share.

After we had ordered our drinks, she had asked about appetizers, we said no. But when we ordered entrees, she asked us each individually if we would like an appetizer.
Her, each time<<"How about an appetizer to start?"
We each said, in turn >>"No thank you"
Her, each time<<"Are you sure? Maybe soup? Salad?"
We each said, in turn>>No...with a confused awkward look

Perhaps she is required to ask so many times? I just wanted to tell her at this point, we will tip you just fine if you stop picking on our eating habits. She looked confused again when I just wanted a flat bread as my entree. Like I was the first person to ever do this...ughh.

Ok...more food porn. Done ranting on medicore service...I think!

Tomate et fromage de chevre - Tomato and goat cheese $13.99

This was actually pretty good. It didn't look like what I was expecting. But the very thin crust, robust sauce, and creamy goat cheese made this amazing. This was the perfect size entree for me since I wasn't too hungry. I would order this again.

Gratin de Macaroni - Macaroni baked with cream Gruyere cheese $18.99

DFIL claimed this to be the best macaroni and cheese he's ever had! I had a bite and it was delicious. However, for me, that is just too much rich and creamy. I would need about a quarter of that portion and a side salad instead. But for cheese lovers and macaroni connoisseurs, you've found a must eat treat!

Trio de fruits de mer au bouillion de homard - sauteed scallops, mahi mahi, and black tiger shrimp served in a lobster broth with gnocchi $31.99

DH and I both picked this entree because he likes seafood and I LOVE gnoochi (well, that's an overstatement - I never eat it, so when I had the chance, I always take it!) This was by far, the best entree out of the four. The broth was incredibly flavorful, the seafood was tender and fresh. The gnocci was superb. Another plus? It came with grape tomatoes which DH and I both share a common love for - we were very satisfied with this dish. I also liked it because I know its something that would be hard to make at home (I don't like ordering things that I can make myself, yet I go against this philosophy all the time...). I would for sure order this again!

Lasagnes de legumes du soleil a l'huile d'olive au thym - Zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, onions and bell peppers baked into thin layers of pasta $19.99

When DMIL and DFIL couldn't decide what to get, I started naming off things that I thought sounded good. I mentioned lasagna, and since it wasn't one of the more $$$ entrees, and DMIL wasn't as hungry, I think she chose this entree for that sole reason. I felt bad. This wasn't very good. It was probably the healthiest big entree on the menu. It wasn't covered in cheese, more of a thin tomato sauce. The vegetables were tender and well prepared, but this was not your mother's veggie lasagna. I would not recommend for her to order this again. Felt bad it was one I recommended...

We were fading fast at this point. We got another sigh from our waitress when we didn't want to see the dessert menu. Oh well, sorry lady, geesh! Guess we'll be out of your way soon. We used TiW, so that helped a bit. We didn't not like Chefs de France, because we liked our food for the most part. IMHO, we were the unfortunate recipients of that one table that gets overlooked since the other server's tables are bigger, ordering more food, drinks, etc. The overall experience wasn't especially great. And my high expectations were let down.

We in no way felt rushed, but we were only here for less than an hour. I had planned an hour and a half. So we were early for my plan to watch illuminations. Another whoops in planning.

Overall, I would give this meal a 6.5/10 for Table Service.

 

[Linda67]

It's always a shame when you are really looking forward to trying somewhere and it doesn't quite hit the mark

Sounds like the service was a bigger issue than the food

Looking forward to hearing how HBD was for you

 

[librarygeek]

As for the smoothie - yeah, it was in Tomorrowland, I think it was Auntie Gravity's - I was surprised it wasn't good because the place really just sells smoothies, and it wasn't just some small cart on the side of the street like the one I had at HS.

So sorry you had bad service, that sounds really frustrating! We had lunch here and our server was very good - he was cute, almost shy in a way! Seemed to have no problem that we just got entrees and one dessert to split, and stuck with water for drinks.

DH and I had very mixed perspectives on this meal. He absolutely loved and it says it was one of his favorite of the trip. I didn't really enjoy it, but I think it's because of what I ordered - I also got the veggie lasagna. Yeah, I was not expecting it to be completely drowned in tomato sauce and it was just not that good. However, the creme brulee we had for dessert was amazing.

 

[Mum from oz]

Just wanted to say I am loving your reviews!

The Tokyo Sunset looks amazing!!

Sorry about Chefs de France not being the experience you wanted it to be. When I was there in May the food was great but the service was also underwhelming.

 

[hurleysweety]

So not to leave my dining report hanging on a bad note, here's a bit about the rest of our night. I promise, it'll be about food!

Everyone was being super nice about the restaurant, claiming they enjoyed it and thanks for taking them there. I think they were trying to see the best in it, and look forward to the other places (afterall, who wants to eat their best meal on the first night anyway - trying to find a positive outlook, I was in Disney afterall!)

DH and I wanted to find DMIL and DFIL a place to sit and view Illuminations. It was only 7:45, but every bench was full or being saved until we reached Canada. And trust me, we looked in every nook and cranny.

We finally found a little area that had some tree obstacles. But as we arrived to see if there were any seats, a family vacated an entire bench in lieu of finding a better spot. We took it immediately. DH took off for the bathroom. About 15 minutes later, he arrived back, smiling, happy, and with this:

Australia - Lamington (chocolate and coconut covered Yellow Cake)–$3.00

He had this cheesy grin on his face; put another bite in his mouth and claimed, "I need another one!" Turns out DH wanted a small dessert and wandered over to Australia after he remembered me showing him a coconut cake online before the trip. Oh man, this might be the best thing ever. Chocolate covered, moist yellow cake, then covered with sweet shredded coconut. If I remember right, its more of a semi-sweet or even dark chocolate than a milk chocolate. This makes the coconut taste even better. DMIL and DFIL were curious and asked for one each as well. So off we went to get three more!

Here is a cross section of the deliciousness:

If you don't like coconut, you will not like this cake. But if you like it, you will LOVE this cake. I overhead a lady saying that they "ruined it" because it had coconut on it.

I don't think it can be that hard to make either so I think I'm going to attempt to make these mini desserts as a surprise for DH someday.

I'm sure its obvious, but this cake gets a 10/10!

 

[hurleysweety]

It's always a shame when you are really looking forward to trying somewhere and it doesn't quite hit the mark

Sounds like the service was a bigger issue than the food

Looking forward to hearing how HBD was for you

Yup - glad it came across that way. I feel like who you're with, how everyone is doing, attitude, ect really play into how good of a meal you have. A lousy meal is a lousy meal, but a lousy meal in good company and conversation makes a difference! I would say it was pretty good food, less than great service, and rather tired conversation and company. Not the best mix. But like I said, it means the best was yet to come. Plus, I learned some more about planning and ADRs.

Oh HBD - our fav restaurant in WDW. We had our first excellent experience in May. I never finished that review....

As for the smoothie - yeah, it was in Tomorrowland, I think it was Auntie Gravity's - I was surprised it wasn't good because the place really just sells smoothies, and it wasn't just some small cart on the side of the street like the one I had at HS.

So sorry you had bad service, that sounds really frustrating! We had lunch here and our server was very good - he was cute, almost shy in a way! Seemed to have no problem that we just got entrees and one dessert to split, and stuck with water for drinks.

DH and I had very mixed perspectives on this meal. He absolutely loved and it says it was one of his favorite of the trip. I didn't really enjoy it, but I think it's because of what I ordered - I also got the veggie lasagna. Yeah, I was not expecting it to be completely drowned in tomato sauce and it was just not that good. However, the creme brulee we had for dessert was amazing.

Darn smoothies - can't be that hard to make, right? Our favorite smoothie is hard to get because its served at Le Cellier. And somehow, going to a fancy steakhouse for a smoothie doesn't make too much sense. We had them there in May 2010 when we were on the DDP and they were included as a drink. YUMMMMM!

See, I love it when they don't care that you order water. We don't drink soda...ever. I don't think DH has ever ordered anything but water since we've been dating. A few times, maybe a smoothie or non-alcoholic specialty, but those are few and far between. And I get a glass of wine about 1 out of 4 times we dine out. I love when they don't care if you order the $8 entree or the $28 entree; when the server is just genuine, prompt, and eager to serve and please. I guess I expect too much....

I'm sad we didn't do dessert. I was pretty full, considering I wasn't even that hungry for dinner in the first place. Creme brulee is one of my favorite desserts - so I'm sure it was amazing at a french restaurant! Maybe I'll go back and order a glass of wine and creme brulee.

 

[hurleysweety]

Just wanted to say I am loving your reviews!

The Tokyo Sunset looks amazing!!

Sorry about Chefs de France not being the experience you wanted it to be. When I was there in May the food was great but the service was also underwhelming.

Thanks!

And thanks for "underwhelming" - that is the best word to describe it! I think I might try it again for lunch. There is a ham and cheese sandwich of sorts that sounds right up my alley!