irishsharon
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2010
- Messages
- 694
chocolate !
Third time's a charm. Finally doing a review! With pics. 3/27 added Cape May Cafe
- Thread starter Cimicats
- Start date
chocolate !
bluejasmine
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2005
- Messages
- 9,176
That dessert looks heavenly and Im not a short ribs fan but wow that looks great too!
Tarheel Tink
Cosmos mariner-destination unknown
- Joined
- Aug 21, 1999
- Messages
- 1,766
That onion soup was "souper" hot when I got it also! It took forever to get to eating temperature as everyone else at my table finished their starters.
loganpaulsmom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2010
- Messages
- 1,056
great reviews so far.. and you are totally making me hungry!
Cimicats
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2009
- Messages
- 175
That onion soup was "souper" hot when I got it also! It took forever to get to eating temperature as everyone else at my table finished their starters.
ha ha, I like that "souper" hot. Same here, my DH was done with his bisque and I was still waiting for mine to cool off.
Cimicats
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2009
- Messages
- 175
Thanks everyone, I'm so glad you are enjoying the reviews. Sometimes I feel like I'm rambling on but I am glad you are staying tuned!
Today we changed things up. No Captain's Grille breakfast. Shocking, I know. We had decided to do 50's Prime Time Cafe for lunch since we were going to be at HS. See, this is why I need a two TS dining plan.
We had a 12:30 reservation and were seated after about 10 minutes. The place was packed so I was worried they were going to be running really late but it wasn't bad.
We decided to start with some onion rings.
These were really good, nice batter, sweet onion and unlike the Chefs de France onions not too hot!
I went with a chocolate milkshake and DH went with a vanilla malted.
My DH LOVES their malteds. I thought the milkshake was good too. Now, it was a little strange because that is how my shake came, no glass. I thought ok, I guess that is how they come. Well as lunch went on I see all the other shake drinkers in the place get a glass with theirs. Hmm...
Our waitress was very nice but not a "character". It was kind of a bummer and they had specials she didn't tell us about which was too bad because I saw them go by and it was a meatloaf chicken combo!
Anyhoo, DH and I both had the fried chicken.
DH had the meatloaf last time and said he preferred that. I had the fried chicken last time and remembered it being better. Not that it was bad this time, just ok. The greens and potatoes were ok too, nothing I would rush to have again.
While we had a nice lunch, I think I'm done with 50's Cafe for now.
Later on... SNACK TIME!
I love the mickey ice cream bars. I think they are sooo good.
For dinner we had La Hacienda de San Angel. We had an 8:15 reservation, I made it with the idea of watching Illuminations.
They were running behind but we were seated within about 15 minutes.
We were in Disney celebrating my birthday, and on this reservation indicated that. I was hoping we'd get a good table for viewing
Um yeah, that made no difference because we were seated in the back. This was my view.
More on this later.
Chips and salsa they bring to the table.
On the meal plan we would get the entree and dessert. We decided to order a starter too. The botana - chicken tostado, Chilorio sope (marinated pork), and cheese empanada
yum, yum, and yum. I thought all three were delicous.
Oh and we got drinks too. I got the guava margarita and my DH got the classic.
I loved mine. Not too sweet, really nice flavor. DH liked his too. Table next to us got the tequila flight, I wish I tried that too!
For dinner we got La Hacienda - mixed grill which had flank steak, chicken, chorizo and vegetables.
This next picture shows the beans, rice and tortillas
Everything was delicous, except the steak. The steak was disgusting, like shoe leather. I can't remember the last time I had such a tough steak(probably cooked it myself
). I should have known when I cut into it, or rather tried to cut into it. Then it was just chew chew chew chew chew chew. Yuck. I know it isn't a filet, but still, you should be able to chew it.
It is too bad because everything else was fantastic. The chicken was amazing, so moist and those little chorizo sausages were tasty little nuggets too. The refried beans were creamy and so yummy. If I could have left the steak off and got extra chicken it would have been an A+ meal.
Finally it was dessert time. I ordered the helado which was 3 flavors of a sherbert like ice cream. So refreshing. DH got a chocolate custard like dessert, sorry I forget what it was called. And I forgot to take pics. Sorry!
They also brought out a dish of vanilla ice cream with a candle and sang happy birthday in spanish. That was cute.
Illuminations starts and I could see portions of it through the windows to my left. I'd see random shots of fireworks and the globe floating by. In my opinion there aren't many tables that have great seating for illuminations. The way the room is set up I wouldn't feel comfortable standing by the windows either, but that is just me.
The other bad thing is our server cashed out a big table before ours and they must have had multiple dining plans because it literally took 30 minutes for us to get our bill. She was apologetic but, I was getting antsy to leave(especially after having no view of illuminations).
I would give them another shot becuase most of the food was great, and the drinks fab, I just wouldn't plan it around illuminations.
Tomorrow is our last day
We finally have a QS and dinner at California Grill. Til then, have a great night!
Today we changed things up. No Captain's Grille breakfast. Shocking, I know. We had decided to do 50's Prime Time Cafe for lunch since we were going to be at HS. See, this is why I need a two TS dining plan.
We had a 12:30 reservation and were seated after about 10 minutes. The place was packed so I was worried they were going to be running really late but it wasn't bad.
We decided to start with some onion rings.
These were really good, nice batter, sweet onion and unlike the Chefs de France onions not too hot!
I went with a chocolate milkshake and DH went with a vanilla malted.
My DH LOVES their malteds. I thought the milkshake was good too. Now, it was a little strange because that is how my shake came, no glass. I thought ok, I guess that is how they come. Well as lunch went on I see all the other shake drinkers in the place get a glass with theirs. Hmm...
Our waitress was very nice but not a "character". It was kind of a bummer and they had specials she didn't tell us about which was too bad because I saw them go by and it was a meatloaf chicken combo!
Anyhoo, DH and I both had the fried chicken.
DH had the meatloaf last time and said he preferred that. I had the fried chicken last time and remembered it being better. Not that it was bad this time, just ok. The greens and potatoes were ok too, nothing I would rush to have again.
While we had a nice lunch, I think I'm done with 50's Cafe for now.
Later on... SNACK TIME!
I love the mickey ice cream bars. I think they are sooo good.
For dinner we had La Hacienda de San Angel. We had an 8:15 reservation, I made it with the idea of watching Illuminations.
They were running behind but we were seated within about 15 minutes.
We were in Disney celebrating my birthday, and on this reservation indicated that. I was hoping we'd get a good table for viewing
Um yeah, that made no difference because we were seated in the back. This was my view.
Chips and salsa they bring to the table.
On the meal plan we would get the entree and dessert. We decided to order a starter too. The botana - chicken tostado, Chilorio sope (marinated pork), and cheese empanada
yum, yum, and yum. I thought all three were delicous.
Oh and we got drinks too. I got the guava margarita and my DH got the classic.
I loved mine. Not too sweet, really nice flavor. DH liked his too. Table next to us got the tequila flight, I wish I tried that too!
For dinner we got La Hacienda - mixed grill which had flank steak, chicken, chorizo and vegetables.
This next picture shows the beans, rice and tortillas
Everything was delicous, except the steak. The steak was disgusting, like shoe leather. I can't remember the last time I had such a tough steak(probably cooked it myself
). I should have known when I cut into it, or rather tried to cut into it. Then it was just chew chew chew chew chew chew. Yuck. I know it isn't a filet, but still, you should be able to chew it.It is too bad because everything else was fantastic. The chicken was amazing, so moist and those little chorizo sausages were tasty little nuggets too. The refried beans were creamy and so yummy. If I could have left the steak off and got extra chicken it would have been an A+ meal.
Finally it was dessert time. I ordered the helado which was 3 flavors of a sherbert like ice cream. So refreshing. DH got a chocolate custard like dessert, sorry I forget what it was called. And I forgot to take pics. Sorry!
They also brought out a dish of vanilla ice cream with a candle and sang happy birthday in spanish. That was cute.
Illuminations starts and I could see portions of it through the windows to my left. I'd see random shots of fireworks and the globe floating by. In my opinion there aren't many tables that have great seating for illuminations. The way the room is set up I wouldn't feel comfortable standing by the windows either, but that is just me.
The other bad thing is our server cashed out a big table before ours and they must have had multiple dining plans because it literally took 30 minutes for us to get our bill. She was apologetic but, I was getting antsy to leave(especially after having no view of illuminations).
I would give them another shot becuase most of the food was great, and the drinks fab, I just wouldn't plan it around illuminations.
Tomorrow is our last day
We finally have a QS and dinner at California Grill. Til then, have a great night!
lilandvisma
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2009
- Messages
- 1,245
Wow...sorry to hear about your meal there 
We have so many authentic mexican places here that I just can't get myself to make an ADR here but some of that food does look SO yummy it makes me want to !
IDK why I'm just realizing this now but your cats are gorgeous!
We have so many authentic mexican places here that I just can't get myself to make an ADR here but some of that food does look SO yummy it makes me want to ! IDK why I'm just realizing this now but your cats are gorgeous!
Cimicats
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2009
- Messages
- 175
Wow...sorry to hear about your meal there
IDK why I'm just realizing this now but your cats are gorgeous!
Thanks
They are my babies. Much bigger now, but that photo was a once in a lifetime shot!
Cimicats
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2009
- Messages
- 175
This was our last full day at WDW and it was my birthday 
Our plan today was to head to MK. We had an early dinner at California Grill and I was determined to use a QS!
I don't have a picture but today and yesterday we had just grabbed croissants and a coffee at the BC Marketplace. It was a quick way to get up and out.
We decided to do Pecos Bill because it was around 11:45 and we were there. Having an early reservation at California Grill, I didn't want to eat lunch too late.
DH & I both opted for the Cheeseburger. With the DDP we got the burger, fries, soda and dessert, we each got chocolate cake.
It was getting busy and there were fries flying as I was trying to balance the tray and get the condiments. You had to have your food when you sat a table and they had people there to help you find one. Luckily we spotted one right away but it was pretty packed.
Burger was fine, I was in the mood for one so it tasted ok. Fries are eh. I don't think they are anything special. I thought the chocolate cake was pretty good though, very fudgy.
We spent our day at MK and went back to our hotel to get ready for California Grill. Our reservation was 5:30 and after about a 10 minute wait, they brought us to our table. This was my view.
My DH booked this trip as a surprise and he made this ressie(as well as the Chefs de France, so sweet!) and at the time was only able to get 5:30. I knew we'd miss the fireworks but that was ok, we had seen them here before. Now this was the week of the time change, when we got up to the dining room, the blinds were all down leaving just about a foot space(I put my camera under the blind for that pic).
Here is our bread basket and butter. I thought both were so good. I mean I know it is just butter, with some salt sprinkled on top, but hmmm hmmm good.
This was the white wine we tried. It was very good. My request was something not too dry and not too sweet and it fit the bill prefectly. Might have been the wine of the day, I saw it served at a few tables.
We were using the DDP for this so it would be 2TS each. We'd get our entree and dessert but then we also decided to do Sushi and apps OOP.
Tempura Bonsai Roll Tuna, Avocado, Chive, Jícama, Sweet Onion Sauce, Wasabi Cream
This was so amazing. LOVED it. I was considering ordering another plate instead of my entree. The picture doesn't do it justice at all. The tempura was on either end, sorry I didn't get it in the pic.
For my starter I had pork belly. This isn't on their menu online, but I had to get it because I love pork belly. It was so delicious. Tender, nice sweet sauce, I could have licked the plate clean. Sadly, I had offered, pre arrival, to swap starters with DH after we finished half. Dang, dang, dang.
DH ordered the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli - with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Pesto, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Basil
This was good, but not great. I love goat cheese but I found it a little mushy and not a wow dish. I longed to have my pork belly back but DH was enjoying it so much I didn't want to ask to switch back
For entrees we both selected the Oak-fired Filet of Beef - this came with a potato au gratin and carrots. The Filet was cooked to perfection and so tender. I found the meal to be a bit salty though. I don't use salt a lot so I admit, for the average person it probably would taste fine. DH thought his tasted perfect. It wasn't too salty to enjoy.
As you can see by the pics, it is a little dark because the blinds were still down. That was one drawback of having the early ressie.
For dessert, DH opted for the Apple Torte
It was amazing! Really good. Our waiter recommended a madeira wine to go with it. I just love how a wine can compliment the flavor of a dessert like that.
I went with the Valrhona Chocolate Cake which had the molten center and strawberry ice cream.
YUMMMMMMMM. So good, can't go wrong with chocolate. Though I would have been happy with this or DH's apple dessert
I had coffee with my cake, though I wish I had asked our waiter to recommend something to go along with mine!
One nice thing, after having the blinds down through dinner, someone comes from the kitchen and says "ladies and gentlemen, the California Grill sunset!" then the blinds start to lift and we see a beautiful sunset.
I know California Grill seems to be hit or miss for some people but we really enjoyed our meal. I would go back for sure.
Our trip comes to a close, but not before one more meal! Cape May Cafe Character Breakfast tomorrow!
Have a great night!
Our plan today was to head to MK. We had an early dinner at California Grill and I was determined to use a QS!
I don't have a picture but today and yesterday we had just grabbed croissants and a coffee at the BC Marketplace. It was a quick way to get up and out.
We decided to do Pecos Bill because it was around 11:45 and we were there. Having an early reservation at California Grill, I didn't want to eat lunch too late.
DH & I both opted for the Cheeseburger. With the DDP we got the burger, fries, soda and dessert, we each got chocolate cake.
It was getting busy and there were fries flying as I was trying to balance the tray and get the condiments. You had to have your food when you sat a table and they had people there to help you find one. Luckily we spotted one right away but it was pretty packed.
Burger was fine, I was in the mood for one so it tasted ok. Fries are eh. I don't think they are anything special. I thought the chocolate cake was pretty good though, very fudgy.
We spent our day at MK and went back to our hotel to get ready for California Grill. Our reservation was 5:30 and after about a 10 minute wait, they brought us to our table. This was my view.
My DH booked this trip as a surprise and he made this ressie(as well as the Chefs de France, so sweet!) and at the time was only able to get 5:30. I knew we'd miss the fireworks but that was ok, we had seen them here before. Now this was the week of the time change, when we got up to the dining room, the blinds were all down leaving just about a foot space(I put my camera under the blind for that pic).
Here is our bread basket and butter. I thought both were so good. I mean I know it is just butter, with some salt sprinkled on top, but hmmm hmmm good.
This was the white wine we tried. It was very good. My request was something not too dry and not too sweet and it fit the bill prefectly. Might have been the wine of the day, I saw it served at a few tables.
We were using the DDP for this so it would be 2TS each. We'd get our entree and dessert but then we also decided to do Sushi and apps OOP.
Tempura Bonsai Roll Tuna, Avocado, Chive, Jícama, Sweet Onion Sauce, Wasabi Cream
This was so amazing. LOVED it. I was considering ordering another plate instead of my entree. The picture doesn't do it justice at all. The tempura was on either end, sorry I didn't get it in the pic.
For my starter I had pork belly. This isn't on their menu online, but I had to get it because I love pork belly. It was so delicious. Tender, nice sweet sauce, I could have licked the plate clean. Sadly, I had offered, pre arrival, to swap starters with DH after we finished half. Dang, dang, dang.
DH ordered the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli - with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Pesto, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Basil
This was good, but not great. I love goat cheese but I found it a little mushy and not a wow dish. I longed to have my pork belly back but DH was enjoying it so much I didn't want to ask to switch back
For entrees we both selected the Oak-fired Filet of Beef - this came with a potato au gratin and carrots. The Filet was cooked to perfection and so tender. I found the meal to be a bit salty though. I don't use salt a lot so I admit, for the average person it probably would taste fine. DH thought his tasted perfect. It wasn't too salty to enjoy.
As you can see by the pics, it is a little dark because the blinds were still down. That was one drawback of having the early ressie.
For dessert, DH opted for the Apple Torte
It was amazing! Really good. Our waiter recommended a madeira wine to go with it. I just love how a wine can compliment the flavor of a dessert like that.
I went with the Valrhona Chocolate Cake which had the molten center and strawberry ice cream.
YUMMMMMMMM. So good, can't go wrong with chocolate. Though I would have been happy with this or DH's apple dessert
I had coffee with my cake, though I wish I had asked our waiter to recommend something to go along with mine!
One nice thing, after having the blinds down through dinner, someone comes from the kitchen and says "ladies and gentlemen, the California Grill sunset!" then the blinds start to lift and we see a beautiful sunset.
I know California Grill seems to be hit or miss for some people but we really enjoyed our meal. I would go back for sure.
Our trip comes to a close, but not before one more meal! Cape May Cafe Character Breakfast tomorrow!
Have a great night!
vinotinto
Just Keep Swimming
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2009
- Messages
- 7,012
Oh, the sacrifices made for the sake of the reviews.
We sure get it on the Restaurant board. I'm sure the Top Chef fans are hanging out in here and not the Theme Parks Strategies board
WaltsMummy
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2011
- Messages
- 7
Loving your reviews. Have booked Cali Grill for my next trip, can't wait to try the steak and valrhona chocolate dessert!
Cimicats
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2009
- Messages
- 175
Well, this is it, our last day Our flight was at 1:45 so I booked us breakfast at Cape May Cafe for 9. This worked out well because the ME was due to pick us up at 10:40.
The offerings were close to Captain's Grill except for a few changes, which is understandable as there will be more kids eating here I'm sure. No eggs benedict but they do have an egg pizza and also not a frittata but a veggie egg bake that was yummy.
So, we have eggs, potatoes, Mickey waffle, cheese danish, egg pizza and the caramel bread pudding. Yes, I was so happy to see it again.
Plate number two
New to this plate, sausage, egg bake, watermelon.
It is funny, I'm eating the same food as Captain's Grill, but it tasted better there. For example, I thought the scrambled eggs and bread pudding tasted better at Captain's Grill. DH felt like they were the same. Of couse this buffet isn't just about food, it is also about the Characters. I liked having this as our last stop because it was that last dose of Disney before we were on our way. They do a great job here, it isn't too hectic and I'm amazed at how well everything is run.
One of DH's plates. Mickey Waffle, sugar cookie, chocolate croissant and the biscuit with gravy. DH loved the chocolate croissants.
Thinking back on our meals, I think California Grill and Chefs de France were our favorite. I might try La Hacienda again, but order something else(or get into that tequila bar!). The only place I would definitely skip next time is 50's Prime Time Cafe.
I thank you all for reading and look forward to reading all of your dining reviews. Our next trip is September 2012 and I can't wait to plan. Oh and hopefully I'll get my 2 TS dining plan by then
Our flight was at 1:45 so I booked us breakfast at Cape May Cafe for 9. This worked out well because the ME was due to pick us up at 10:40.
The offerings were close to Captain's Grill except for a few changes, which is understandable as there will be more kids eating here I'm sure. No eggs benedict but they do have an egg pizza and also not a frittata but a veggie egg bake that was yummy.
So, we have eggs, potatoes, Mickey waffle, cheese danish, egg pizza and the caramel bread pudding. Yes, I was so happy to see it again.
Plate number two
New to this plate, sausage, egg bake, watermelon.
It is funny, I'm eating the same food as Captain's Grill, but it tasted better there. For example, I thought the scrambled eggs and bread pudding tasted better at Captain's Grill. DH felt like they were the same. Of couse this buffet isn't just about food, it is also about the Characters. I liked having this as our last stop because it was that last dose of Disney before we were on our way. They do a great job here, it isn't too hectic and I'm amazed at how well everything is run.
One of DH's plates. Mickey Waffle, sugar cookie, chocolate croissant and the biscuit with gravy. DH loved the chocolate croissants.
Thinking back on our meals, I think California Grill and Chefs de France were our favorite. I might try La Hacienda again, but order something else(or get into that tequila bar!). The only place I would definitely skip next time is 50's Prime Time Cafe.
I thank you all for reading and look forward to reading all of your dining reviews. Our next trip is September 2012 and I can't wait to plan. Oh and hopefully I'll get my 2 TS dining plan by then
irishsharon
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2010
- Messages
- 694
Thanks for the wonderful reviews and food porn
princess aleya
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2009
- Messages
- 1,083
Thanks for your review, everything looked delish. Great Pics!
MAGIC...itis!
Stayed At Every WDW Resort
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2010
- Messages
- 696
Thank you for a great report. Looking forward to your next report.
thank you for your reviews!
I was just contemplating having my bday dinner at La Hacienda and hoping for a table with a good view of Illuminations.....I'm rethinking that now!
Also planning to do Cape May as breakfast on our last day, and that one I'll stick with!
I was just contemplating having my bday dinner at La Hacienda and hoping for a table with a good view of Illuminations.....I'm rethinking that now!
Also planning to do Cape May as breakfast on our last day, and that one I'll stick with!
Tarheel Tink
Cosmos mariner-destination unknown
- Joined
- Aug 21, 1999
- Messages
- 1,766
Did you make reservations for your breakfasts at Captain's Grille? We will be at the Beach Club in several weeks and we would love to try it.
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