Princess Storybook Breakfast Akershus
This was a good start for the day. The fresh fruit was up to Disney Standards; the smoked salmon was very good (had salmon at every meal today). I even tried the herring in tomato sauce; it was fine. I only got one pastry: the Croissant was almost perfect-flaky, buttery, and even warm. The only other item of note was the potato Casserole which was very, very good.
The Princesses spent more time with us than any of the other characters. It was a very enjoyable if somewhat expensive meal. $72.15 including $10.40 tip.
Tutto Italia
First out was a basket of bread with an olive oil dip and a small dish of olives.
Antipasto Misto - this cold assortment was our choice and it was a good one. It came with fire roasted red peppers that had been deskinned (my wife liked them); there was a whole lot of prosciutto ham at least 5 ounces; two good sized mozzarella balls; some kind of light blue cheese; various cold cuts; bean salad, grilled tomato and zuchini; marianated mushrooms; and some more olives. Everything was excellent and no we did not finish it.
Grigliata di Pesce con Salmoriglio - grilled prawns, striped bass, salmon was my entree. The two prawns came with heads and tails attached. No problem for me, I've bought fresh whole shrimp before; but, I could hear the comments of some of the kids around us. The salmon was almost perfect -moist and flavorful; but the striped bass was the best light and buttery. All in all a very good dish.
Tuscan Beefsteak Sandwich with balsamic red onions and fontina cheese - My wife's first steak of the week and she said it was great. The dish came with a small salad and deep fried, salted noodles. The were quite good and a welcome change from french fries or potato chips.
Chocolate Torta - This was one of the best desserts of the week. A deep rich chocolate with almost perfect texture and flavor.
Bugie/Chiacchere - Signature anise and Sambuca-flavored crisp pastry with both chocolate and apricot sauces. Light pastry with powdered sugar went very well with the sauces.
A short comment on the service. Excellent. I had diet coke and was never able to finish a glass. It was always replaced before it was empty.
A most enjoyable meal. Total cost $123.34 incl. $19.50 tip.
Now we come to the last meal for this review.
MARRAKESH RESTAURANT
I feel betrayed by a trusted friend. Last year I had the Mediterranean Seafood Platter and the soup. This year the waiter said the platter included the appettizer, but that I could replace the tomato salad with the soup. I said ok (it was not as if I was starving). A good side note: he said the Marrakesh Royal Feast was available on the dining plan.
The Harira soup and Seafood Bastilla were as I remembered from last year-quite good.
My wife chose the Seafood Bastilla and liked it.
As a side note, our first bread arrived about half way through my soup.
My Mediterranean Seafood Platter was way over cooked. The schrimp were tough and rubbery. The salmon as dry as the Sahara.
My wife's Shish Kebab (beef) was also overcooked.
Judging from watching nearby tables, the lamb shanks were fighting back hard and often winning. Last year, the meat almost fell of the bone, yet was moist.
The assorted pastries and my mint ice over fruit salad could not save this culinary disaster. We will return since any place can have a bad night, but I am no longer looking forward to our next visit with anticipation.
Cost $113.54 including tip of $17.95