**The Solo Trip Which Led to a Deluxe Addiction!** COMPLETE 4/3 SNACKS!

[happy2012]

The cobbler looks best to me too!!! I really <3 the WL & was thinking of trying AP next time. But we only do 1 signature a trip do we'll have to see. Nothing should have been luke warm & I don't like when I'm thirsty & waiting for a refill. IMO, it's too expensive to not LOVE everything about the meal!!! But, I never got a mickey straw @ a sig,lol!!!! I'm already excited to read your April review!!!!

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Joining in!

I'm drooling over your Boma and Crystal Palace pictures.

I'm disappointed to hear about the service at Artist Point. I have traveled solo for work a few times, it can be difficult to get good service when it's just you, but I wouldn't have expected that at a WDW restaurant.

Your dog is adorable by the way.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Awe, I wonder if they changed the bread at Artist Point. We had delicious hot sourdough with that delicious butter sprinkled with the Black Sea salt...I could soooo go for some of that right now!

 

[jude&jonah]

A girl after my own heart! Steak, mac and cheese, and grilled turkey sandwiches... mmmm! Exactly what I love in a restaurant- hah! We wanted to go to BOG but never made it there- I was convinced we would! We just gave up and never felt like doing the line. Agreed I think lunch looks much better.

Thanks for the reviews!

 

[emmebear]

emme loves her mickey straw! thanks for posting that as i had no idea you could buy them. i picked one up at cosmic ray's for lunch on saturday. she loves that straw!

 

[jwfla422]

Great reviews! Just to let you know, since your visit they have fixed the tile of the rose on the floor , we were there last month and took a picture and the tiles you show missing were replaced. We also liked The Rose Gallery room too because it was bright and cheerful, not that the ballroom isn't cheerful, love the snow falling, but The Rose Gallery is warm and inviting in a different way.

I think you're right about the amount of seating vs. the kiosks however if you went early like we did I noticed it was pretty full inside when we left, I'm not sure if they added more kiosks if it would create a problem of seating not available after a while??

Sorry to hear AP had it's issues. We went there as well last month after a several year hiatus because it wasn't too good. This time around it was very good. And, to answer some of your concerns, the mushroom soup SHOULD be HOT, mine was. The mushrooms shouldn't have been chewy, mine were soft. We had the sour dough bread as another poster mentioned. It was delicious! Before we left our server, Donald gave us a box because they had just made more and it was getting late. I still have some in my freezer!!! (I was able to flash freeze it because we were staying at the cabins and had a frig with a freezer).

Donald is an EXCELLENT server whom we actually recognized from 7 yrs prior! who served us at Citricos. We talked to him about the salmon because last time it was raw and the server we had then insisted, "that's the way its cooked", well who's paying the $30 something for it??? He brought it back out and it was like rubber (like it was microwaved and it took another 15 min), after an irritating discussion with the manager it was taken off our bill but it just left a "bad" impression so it took a long time for us to return.

Donald said they should cook things the way the guest wants, but they tend to UNDERCOOK stuff there so you need to tell them COOKED THROUGH or medium means cooked through but still red. I would have sent that steak back if it was as bloody as you mentioned but the server should have asked you if you like raw meat as they should be familiar with how things are cooked. I know it was probably an after-the-fact thought, but still...

Anyhow the salmon I had was good but still not as good as I remember it being years ago (certainly better than the last visit)...but it was amazing in the past, now it could be the type or the cut because I know it changes depending on the time of the year. I didn't feel there was enough of the mashed sweet potatoes and they did put a small side of that kale stuff that you had and I didn't care for it much either (I think it's more like a garnish but they need a more "desirable" garnish), right?

In a signature like that your glass should have consistently be filled, if it wasn't real busy and you were a party of 1 there were no excuses for that. I don't know if our experience would have been different if Donald wasn't our server but he made it a good experience.

Your desert looked heavenly, wish we would have tried it, maybe next time. But it makes me wonder if we go again and don't have Donald for our server if we will only get "mediocre" service? I'm glad you enjoyed it for the most part though.

Service can "so" make or break a meal. We had lousy service at Sanaa and this was a meal I was really looking forward to so much and it wasn't really good for us. I was disappointed, but I wonder if the server was different if it would have been better (maybe I would have been guided better regarding menu selections). Your server at AP should have asked you if you like your meat raw?

 

[rachel09985]

I had a reservation at Le Cellier for lunch. My reservation was at 11:30, so right when they opened up.

Le Cellier sign with Christmas decorations is gorgeous.

I was literally the first person that checked in for lunch. I got to sit in a empty waiting area and watch at least 3 groups get turned away for not having a reservation. People must not realize they need reservations. I don't get it.

Right when they open they sing the Canadian national anthem. That is such a cool feature of getting there at opening.

I got sat the row of two tops in the back right. Of course right after I got sat they sat a party of two right next to me. That was a little awkward. I wish they would have spaced us apart. I just wrote in my trip journal for my meal and kept to myself. It wasn't too bad!

I Just asked for two pretzel breadsticks for the bread. As always delicious. Perfectly baked and soft and chewy.

They could be good by themselves but I like a bit of butter on them.

I ordered (RIP) the corn polenta with the spicy sausage. Sorry for the photo quality.

Wow, this was delicious once I took off the red peppers and the garden on top! That lettuce or whatever on top was gross and too leafy. I have never had polenta before and this was delicious. It reminded me of the corn souffle at Don Pablos but more of a creamy consistency. The spicy sausage paired so well with the sweet corn polenta. The flavors were awesome and I am sad that is off the menu now.

Of course I ordered the filet with the mushroom risotto with the truffle butter sauce.

This was better than ever! The risotto was a creamy texture unlike before when it has been stiff. The steak is perfectly cooked and perfect lunch portion. The truffle butter sauce is ah-mazing. That is what makes this steak amazing. I could eat this all the time. I am addicted. Maybe they will give me a glass of the truffle butter sauce next time to drink!

Last time I had the mousse pecan pie thing in a glass and I wasn't crazy about it. I also had the creme brulee here and wasn't crazy about it either, so I stuck with the good chocolate mousse. I hope this is on the menu still because this mousse is insane!

They have just recently changed the antlers to a chocolate mold instead of cookie. The mousse is so creamy and cold and homemade tasting. It is rolled in cookie crumbs.

Here is the inside! Delicious!

This was an excellent meal! It was an A+ for lunch. I know some people don't love it or think it is over rated but I don't. I will eat here every trip. I am sad it isn't 1 credit still but I will still go and pay OOP.

My total here was $51.61. Great value for one credit! Not so much if it was two!

 

[rachel09985]

The cobbler looks best to me too!!! I really <3 the WL & was thinking of trying AP next time. But we only do 1 signature a trip do we'll have to see. Nothing should have been luke warm & I don't like when I'm thirsty & waiting for a refill. IMO, it's too expensive to not LOVE everything about the meal!!! But, I never got a mickey straw @ a sig,lol!!!! I'm already excited to read your April review!!!!

I am so excited for my April reviews too!

Joining in!

I'm drooling over your Boma and Crystal Palace pictures.

I'm disappointed to hear about the service at Artist Point. I have traveled solo for work a few times, it can be difficult to get good service when it's just you, but I wouldn't have expected that at a WDW restaurant.

Your dog is adorable by the way.

It is so weird to me that you would get bad service when dining solo? Just because your check is lower? It wasn't bad service by any means just a little upset about the drink not getting refilled. Thanks for the comment about my pup!

Awe, I wonder if they changed the bread at Artist Point. We had delicious hot sourdough with that delicious butter sprinkled with the Black Sea salt...I could soooo go for some of that right now!

I did some research and it was still sourdough bread when I was there. It didn't taste like it and it wasn't that good to me! I did like the butter and the dipping sauce though.

A girl after my own heart! Steak, mac and cheese, and grilled turkey sandwiches... mmmm! Exactly what I love in a restaurant- hah! We wanted to go to BOG but never made it there- I was convinced we would! We just gave up and never felt like doing the line. Agreed I think lunch looks much better.

Thanks for the reviews!

Haha yes those three things are awesome! that line is insane!!

emme loves her mickey straw! thanks for posting that as i had no idea you could buy them. i picked one up at cosmic ray's for lunch on saturday. she loves that straw!

Maybe they will give us free mickey straws at one of the restaurants! We should ask.

Great reviews! Just to let you know, since your visit they have fixed the tile of the rose on the floor , we were there last month and took a picture and the tiles you show missing were replaced. We also liked The Rose Gallery room too because it was bright and cheerful, not that the ballroom isn't cheerful, love the snow falling, but The Rose Gallery is warm and inviting in a different way.

I am so glad they fixed the tile! It seemed sort of weird to be breaking already. We have the same feeling about the Rose gallery. It was bright and comfy! I liked the booths.
I think you're right about the amount of seating vs. the kiosks however if you went early like we did I noticed it was pretty full inside when we left, I'm not sure if they added more kiosks if it would create a problem of seating not available after a while??

Yeah maybe. I think they must still be testing some of the options too. Maybe they will add more order yourself kiosk.
Sorry to hear AP had it's issues. We went there as well last month after a several year hiatus because it wasn't too good. This time around it was very good. And, to answer some of your concerns, the mushroom soup SHOULD be HOT, mine was. The mushrooms shouldn't have been chewy, mine were soft. We had the sour dough bread as another poster mentioned. It was delicious! Before we left our server, Donald gave us a box because they had just made more and it was getting late. I still have some in my freezer!!! (I was able to flash freeze it because we were staying at the cabins and had a frig with a freezer).
That is soo nice that he gave you a load to freeze!! What a nice server!
Donald is an EXCELLENT server whom we actually recognized from 7 yrs prior! who served us at Citricos. We talked to him about the salmon because last time it was raw and the server we had then insisted, "that's the way its cooked", well who's paying the $30 something for it??? He brought it back out and it was like rubber (like it was microwaved and it took another 15 min), after an irritating discussion with the manager it was taken off our bill but it just left a "bad" impression so it took a long time for us to return.

Donald said they should cook things the way the guest wants, but they tend to UNDERCOOK stuff there so you need to tell them COOKED THROUGH or medium means cooked through but still red. I would have sent that steak back if it was as bloody as you mentioned but the server should have asked you if you like raw meat as they should be familiar with how things are cooked. I know it was probably an after-the-fact thought, but still...

Anyhow the salmon I had was good but still not as good as I remember it being years ago (certainly better than the last visit)...but it was amazing in the past, now it could be the type or the cut because I know it changes depending on the time of the year. I didn't feel there was enough of the mashed sweet potatoes and they did put a small side of that kale stuff that you had and I didn't care for it much either (I think it's more like a garnish but they need a more "desirable" garnish), right?

In a signature like that your glass should have consistently be filled, if it wasn't real busy and you were a party of 1 there were no excuses for that. I don't know if our experience would have been different if Donald wasn't our server but he made it a good experience.

Your desert looked heavenly, wish we would have tried it, maybe next time. But it makes me wonder if we go again and don't have Donald for our server if we will only get "mediocre" service? I'm glad you enjoyed it for the most part though.

Service can "so" make or break a meal. We had lousy service at Sanaa and this was a meal I was really looking forward to so much and it wasn't really good for us. I was disappointed, but I wonder if the server was different if it would have been better (maybe I would have been guided better regarding menu selections). Your server at AP should have asked you if you like your meat raw?

If I go back to AP I would definitely request Donald. I looved that cobbler. It was so good. We are trying Sanaa in April. I hope I get good service!

 

[emmebear]

i was disappointed in my risotto @ le cellier when i ate there. i'm glad yours was better. mine was super stiff but my steak was cooked perfectly.

i should have gotten the app that you ordered...instead i ordered the very disappointing poutine. it was nothing like the poutine i've had to my many visits to montreal. i dream about that poutine. le cellier should be very ashamed of their poutine!

great report rachel! it's fun to see what you did & ate after we left. you were busy!!

 

[rachel09985]

i was disappointed in my risotto @ le cellier when i ate there. i'm glad yours was better. mine was super stiff but my steak was cooked perfectly.

i should have gotten the app that you ordered...instead i ordered the very disappointing poutine. it was nothing like the poutine i've had to my many visits to montreal. i dream about that poutine. le cellier should be very ashamed of their poutine!

great report rachel! it's fun to see what you did & ate after we left. you were busy!!

I remember you telling me your risotto was stiff. Mine was stiff in November too. This time it was super creamy.

Yeah their poutine stinks. It should have the curds on it!

I was busy! I would have preferred you guys to be there because it was lonely being by myself at Epcot. I didn't talk to anyone besides CMs!

 

[Li Li]

Hi, just found your report! I wanted to chime in that the rose mosaic was fine when my husband and I were there after you at the end of January, but it looks like someone beat me to it!

Also, we definitely noticed the drink thing at BOG, in that it would be really easy to just walk up and grab a drink even if you didn't pay for it. The staff is so busy delivering food and cleaning tables, and then, with everybody walking around the restaurant to see the different rooms...well, like I said, all too easy to grab a free drink. Weird.

 

[princess aleya]

I'm loving your report. I have always wanted to try Artist Point, the soup looked really good. I like my soup hot too, I think I would have sent it back if it was only luke warm. I totally agree with you on the steak, there is no way I could have eaten it with that much blood on the plate.

 

[rachel09985]

Hi, just found your report! I wanted to chime in that the rose mosaic was fine when my husband and I were there after you at the end of January, but it looks like someone beat me to it!

Also, we definitely noticed the drink thing at BOG, in that it would be really easy to just walk up and grab a drink even if you didn't pay for it. The staff is so busy delivering food and cleaning tables, and then, with everybody walking around the restaurant to see the different rooms...well, like I said, all too easy to grab a free drink. Weird.

I am so glad they fixed the rose mosaic! Yeah everyone could get a free drink.

I'm loving your report. I have always wanted to try Artist Point, the soup looked really good. I like my soup hot too, I think I would have sent it back if it was only luke warm. I totally agree with you on the steak, there is no way I could have eaten it with that much blood on the plate.

Thanks! Lol I like my steak cooked not raw! Haha. It was still mooin' or whatever bison does. haha!

 

[rachel09985]

Now time for my own review of Les Chefs de France!

I got in early to my reservation. When you are by yourself you gotta eat to keep yourself busy!!


I wanted to splurge and order a glass of wine. I don't normally drink alcohol at dinner. I told him I wanted to order a sweeter but not too sweet wine. I suggested the Pierre Sparr Riesline but he told me that is a very dry wine. I didn't want that. He suggested the Bougogne Blanc Chardonnay. I normally don't like chardonnay but I decided to try it.

It was very good. It was not too sweet but wasn't too dry. Perfect!

After I ordered a friend came around: Remy! I thought he was only at lunch but I guess he was at dinner too.

His handler was funny. RANT: I was squeezed into a 2 top right in the middle of the restaurant and my table was wobbly so they put something under it to hold up the table. When Remy and his handler passed I literally had to move my table so they could pass by. That was kinda weird. I felt like no one really apologized or anything. After that I had to reset my table to not be wobbly. I hate when tables are wobbly at restaurants.

For my appetizer I ordered the lobster bisque. I was worried that the french version would be different from what i have had but this was very good.

It was very creamy, actually HOT, lots of lobster, and just delicious!!

I also got a french baguette. This was good. It was crusty but wasn't too crusty and it was easy to tear.

Ambience...

For my entree I ordered the gratin macaroni with a gruyere cream sauce.

When I was first presented this plate I thought to myself the portion size was smaller than what I expected it to be.

I didn't love this. I am glad I tried it but it was pretty flavorless. It did have that light nutmeg taste and it wasn't that enjoyable for me. It was ok though. It was very rich I agree so the small size was fine. I only ate about 3/4 of it.

The funny story is, that when the server took it away from me I told him I was too full and he was like, yeah this is a lot. It is an american portion size, playing into the fact europeans portions are smaller. I just though that was funny considering I thought the portion size was small and he told me this was an american portion size!.

View outside.

For dessert I ordered the vanilla creme brulee!!

Now this is what creme brulee should taste like it!! It was sooo light, so creamy, so fresh tasting, cool, and just so good! The brulee topping was perfect and it was just awesome! I want it right now.

This was a big portion size.

All in all a very good experience! I don't think the entrees stand out to me much but the ambience, desserts, and appetizers are outstanding!!

There was a couple sitting next to me that had a TIW card and were taking food photos too! If you guys are on the DIS say hi! LOL!

 

[happy2012]

Nice review Rachel. I really wanna try Chefs de France next trip for the lunch menu. I know I'll stay clear of the mac n cheese now. The pre fixe menu w/ the salad & quiche look yummy to me!! IDK that my DH will love the smaller portions since Biergarten was his fav last time.

 

[emmysmommy]

Ambience...

That's funny that there's a cute French server in your ambience photo!

I LOVE the creme brulee as well. It is a large portion (especially after eating the American portion of food) so I usually leave feeling over-stuffed!

I didn't know Remy makes an appearance at dinner too - good to know.

 

[vettegirl]

I have read before the Mac and cheese there wasn't the most flavorful, however that crime brûlée is fantastic. Thanks for sharing your review

 

[vettegirl]

Just realized my iPhone said crime brûlée, meant creme, silly autocorrect

 

[rachel09985]

Nice review Rachel. I really wanna try Chefs de France next trip for the lunch menu. I know I'll stay clear of the mac n cheese now. The pre fixe menu w/ the salad & quiche look yummy to me!! IDK that my DH will love the smaller portions since Biergarten was his fav last time.

that quiche looks yummy to me too!! I love biergarten too! He might like the france place!

That's funny that there's a cute French server in your ambience photo!

I LOVE the creme brulee as well. It is a large portion (especially after eating the American portion of food) so I usually leave feeling over-stuffed!

I didn't know Remy makes an appearance at dinner too - good to know.

I didn't know he made appearances either!! Of course you would notice the cute french server! lol just kidding!! I will never forget your story of the french waiter that put his phone number on the receipt. that is hilarious.

I have read before the Mac and cheese there wasn't the most flavorful, however that crime brûlée is fantastic. Thanks for sharing your review

That is good that you have read that before! I felt i was crazy because everyone always likes it and i didn't like it that much.
I got what you meant about the creme brulee! The iphone does weird things!

 

[rachel09985]

Since I was officially off property now for my work trip I "thought" I wasn't going to be eating any more Disney food! However, after our training we found out no one had any required dinner plans.

Instead of eating dinner with my co workers I decided to go to Kona, the restaurant I missed the first day!!! I was so excited. I probably should have socialized with my new co workers but Disney takes priority over that

I had a lot of taxi drama on the way there but I won't discuss that right now.

I got to Kona about 5:30 and there was barely anyone there. I got in just fine and asked for a table in the back.

The waitress brought over the bread with the macadamia nut butter.

I declare this the best bread service on property

The butter is so creamy, sweet, fresh, and perfect temp and it is just irresistible. Savory lovers might not love this, but I do. The butter is amazing whipped goodness. I could eat the butter plain that is how good it is. I know that is gross, but it is the truth.

The bread is good and tearable and light. Delicious! However, the butter makes the bread.

For my entree I got the chicken with mango and coconut sauces served with a side salad.

That salad was crazy good but so simple. The dressing is actually the same honey lime dressing that used to be served at 'Ohana except this salad has almonds and strawberries which are perfect.

The chicken could have used a little more sauce as it was a bit dry, but it was still very good!

For my dessert I got the Kona Coffee Panna Cotta.

This was ok but a bit dry and not creamy enough. It was a very strong coffee flavor which I didn't expect but it did say coffee so I can't be too upset. I like coffee too but this was a little too much. I liked the cookie decoration thing that was stuck around it.

All in all a great meal at Kona! It was such an unexpected surprise and at this point I was a pro at eating alone at Disney.

The best part was that I got to put it on my company card