We're back & better than ever - Complete!

[DonaldDoleWhip]

After starting out in DHS on Tuesday, I eventually made my way over to Epcot where I had lunch. This time, I happily went back to a CS location that's often touted as having some of Epcot's best quick service food: Tangierine Cafe. I tried this place for the first time over the summer and enjoyed it enough, so I was looking forward to returning.

This time, I got the chicken and lamb schwarma combo platter. It's normally served with hummus, tabouleh, couscous, and Moroccan bread. Instead, I decided to modify my dish again, removing the couscous and bread and getting extra tabouleh instead.

Yum! I liked this even more than my meal here over the summer. The meats were savory and delicious, the hummus was creamy, and the tabouleh had a delicious citrusy flavor from the lemon (and I love anything that tastes like fresh parsley). This was easily one of the best counter service meals I've had in one of the parks (and quite filling, too).

Along with my food, I also stopped by the adjacent dessert/coffee bar and got a hot Moroccan mint tea. I love Moroccan mint tea, and on such a windy day, it really hit the spot. (Plus, it was served unsweetened, which I love - I never add milk or sweetener to tea).

As I made my way around World Showcase, I began feeling like another glass of tea. Luckily, in China there's a perfect stop for that.

I ordered the dragon well tea, which I found out from asking the CM is basic green tea. It was very good, but extremely hot, so I walked over to Norway and took a seat while I waited for it to cool down. Very warm and satisfying

 

[pharmjenn]

I am really enjoying your reviews. My family is going this summer on the DDP, and I was concerned about the carb load. I have never followed your reviews before, but like that you are able to modify your meals to minimize the carbs.
DH and I just lost about 50lbs each, and don't really want to gain all of it back on one trip!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I am really enjoying your reviews. My family is going this summer on the DDP, and I was concerned about the carb load. I have never followed your reviews before, but like that you are able to modify your meals to minimize the carbs.
DH and I just lost about 50lbs each, and don't really want to gain all of it back on one trip!

I'm glad you're liking the reviews! It's definitely possible to maintain a healthier lifestyle while at WDW (although it's difficult - why does so much stuff have to be carb-based ).

Since you're on the DDP, I think the biggest challenge will be handling dessert. Lots of places have no-sugar-added options (although that usually doesn't mean low-cal), and some might even be willing to serve fresh fruit instead (my mom got a bowl of fresh berries for dessert at Artist Point over the summer). Either way, you should be proud of what you've accomplished, so make sure to fit in a few well-deserved treats (I definitely did - they're coming up towards the end of the trip).

 

[Linda67]

I've just caught up

All I can say is 'wow' to your Yachtsman review; the presentation of the crab and beetroot appetisers looks stunning

I'm a big fan of Tangierine Cafe, the veggie platter is wonderful and it's a lovely spot to sit outside and watch the world go by

Thanks for the tip on the Mint Tea, I would love to get one of those

 

[jabead]

Thanks so much for your wonderful review of YSH! I know we are probably in the minority here, but it is one of my favorite Signature restaurants too. I did try Shula's for the first time on my last trip and while the rest of our food was quite good, none of us were impressed with our steaks. In fact, I prefer the filet at YSH over the one I had at Shula's. I guess I am really in the minority here on that one.

Anyway, the new crab and avocado appetizer looks absolutely delicious! I'm hoping it sticks around on the menu for awhile so I get to try it. I loved the cheese plate that I had YSH (it was the same on my last two trips in 2011) and their new version looks equally good.

So thanks again for your thorough review and fantastic food pics (I really appreciate the menu pics, too). I'm looking forward to more!

 

[mousegear]

All caught up! I love Yachtsmans and it's a same that you left much of pork belly. I love pork belly that I cook it often at home also. However, I love scallops as much and it's a shame that there's so little of them.

I also love Tangierine Cafe since the food does not taste like most quick service choices.

 

[nickymaria]

Oh my gosh, loving your reviews! And that Yachtsmen review just made me switch my Sanaa dinner in two weeks to YSH! It looked fabulous - can't wait to read more!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Thanks for posting all of those menus. I know the signatures change some items fairly frequently but it is nice to see what may be available. I had heard about the new FF half portions but this is the first that I have seen it. Very cool.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I've just caught up

All I can say is 'wow' to your Yachtsman review; the presentation of the crab and beetroot appetisers looks stunning

I'm a big fan of Tangierine Cafe, the veggie platter is wonderful and it's a lovely spot to sit outside and watch the world go by

Thanks for the tip on the Mint Tea, I would love to get one of those

Yachtsman was definitely amazing this time! And I highly recommend the Moroccan mint tea - they offered it in both hot and cold varieties, so no matter what the weather, I think you'd really enjoy it.

Thanks so much for your wonderful review of YSH! I know we are probably in the minority here, but it is one of my favorite Signature restaurants too. I did try Shula's for the first time on my last trip and while the rest of our food was quite good, none of us were impressed with our steaks. In fact, I prefer the filet at YSH over the one I had at Shula's. I guess I am really in the minority here on that one.

Anyway, the new crab and avocado appetizer looks absolutely delicious! I'm hoping it sticks around on the menu for awhile so I get to try it. I loved the cheese plate that I had YSH (it was the same on my last two trips in 2011) and their new version looks equally good.

So thanks again for your thorough review and fantastic food pics (I really appreciate the menu pics, too). I'm looking forward to more!

Thanks for reading! I remember seeing your Shula's review, and it helped me realize that not everyone will love the exact same thing. Since we're not people who really awe that much over a piece of meat, I don't think Shula's is worth our time during a WDW vacation (we could try it in NYC if we really want to). Yachtsman seems to edge it out in terms of creativity for sure.

All caught up! I love Yachtsmans and it's a same that you left much of pork belly. I love pork belly that I cook it often at home also. However, I love scallops as much and it's a shame that there's so little of them.

I also love Tangierine Cafe since the food does not taste like most quick service choices.

If only I could get over the flavor and texture of the fat, I know I would've enjoyed it. Alas, fat on meat just isn't my thing - even on bacon, I always try to scrape off the white part (and nothing upsets me more than when I find a large piece of fat on my filet mignon).

Tangierine Cafe has quickly become one of my favorites. I could happily go back and order the same thing.

Oh my gosh, loving your reviews! And that Yachtsmen review just made me switch my Sanaa dinner in two weeks to YSH! It looked fabulous - can't wait to read more!

Glad you're really liking the reviews! I'm sure you'll have a great meal at Yachtsman - while the concept of Sanaa is adventurous in that the food comes from a more ethnic inspiration (Indian with some African fusion) and features interesting spices, I think Yachtsman has a more creative menu overall. Both are very good relative to other Disney restaurants.

Thanks for posting all of those menus. I know the signatures change some items fairly frequently but it is nice to see what may be available. I had heard about the new FF half portions but this is the first that I have seen it. Very cool.

I'm curious as well about the Flying Fish tasting menu! I didn't order it (and I probably never will), but it's such a great idea, given the enormous following that those dishes seem to have. In fact, right now I'm craving the snapper and banana napoleon.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

On Tuesday, we eventually headed over to Wilderness Lodge for our 5:30 dinner at Artist Point. AP is our favorite signature restaurant, largely for its relaxing atmosphere and simple yet creative Pacific Northwest cuisine. I was hoping to have another great meal here.

I requested a window table, and we were seated at a table with a nice view of Bay Lake in the background.

Here's the menu - plenty of great choices as always.

As usual, the meal started off with some sourdough bread, butter, and sea salt. Our friendly server, Rhonda, thoughtfully offered to bring over a smaller portion of the bread, since I said I wouldn't be having any this time. I think that's a great idea, as I always feel bad when a lot of food at restaurants goes to waste. It certainly looked as good as usual!

Once again, we couldn't decide on just 2 appetizers, so we picked three. Out of curiosity, I once again picked the oyster appetizer, served with dungeness crab ceviche and cucumber foam. Like Yachtsman, these oysters were served on a bed of sea salt and were cooked instead of raw. However, these oysters better retained some of that fresh ocean flavor that I like. Plus, I enjoyed the addition of a cool, refreshing ceviche and foam (as well as fresh cilantro!) - simple but creative touches. For me, these oysters were the winning oyster app.

We also went with the mussels, served with meyer lemon and fennel. Meyer lemon is sweeter than typical lemon, and the flavors of the lemon and fennel went perfectly with the perfectly cooked mussels. There was even some smokey bacon on the bottom of the dish! These are probably my favorite mussels I've had in WDW (slightly ahead of Flying Fish - the pesto sauce is delicious, but the simplicity of the meyer lemon and fennel was marvelous).

Finally, we also tried the salt roasted heirloom beets with truffled chèvre, cider poached pink lady apples, spiced walnuts, and mulled wine vinaigrette. There was a lot going on in this dish, but I loved all of it. The chèvre was creamy and had a delicious salty, earthy flavor from the truffle. The beets were sweet and I loved them with the crunchy walnuts and warmly spiced apple. This was a delightfully elevated beet and goat cheese salad.

Next up were the entrees. I was torn between the salmon, buffalo, and swordfish, but I had to go with the cedar plank-roasted salmon. This time, it was served with autumn squash, root vegetables, baby sprouts, and spice cider reduction.

Wonderful! The salmon was perfectly cooked at medium-rare, and I loved the slightly smokey fish with the sweet vegetables and creamy puree underneath. I loved how this dish incorporated autumn and winter flavors but was still vibrant, colorful, and flavorful.

My mom went with her usual protein, the chicken. This dish was served with a bleu cheese and parsnip profiterole (a puff often filled with cream or ice cream), as well as fava beens, bacon jam, and honey thyme sauce.

Wow! If only all chicken dishes could be so extraordinary. My mom really enjoyed the profiterole and felt that the bleu cheese didn't overpower it. And the bacon jam was both smokey and sweet at the same time - it was perfect with the savory chicken. If only that bacon jam could be served with every meal at WDW!

After our entrees, we shared a pot of green tea.

We also ordered the cheese plate, featuring walnut toast (top), Rogue Creamery smokey blue from Oregon (left - served with poached pear), Reypenaer VSOP (bottom - served with raisins), and Cypress Grove Creamery Humboldt Fog goat (right - served with a date).

I tried them all - the only one I really didn't like was the Humboldt Fog. It was a very strong goat cheese, and frankly that reflects more on my personal tastes than any flaw with the cheese.

The Rogue Creamery smokey blue was also a bit strong for me on its own (as most goat and blue cheeses are), but paired with the pear I thought it was delicious. The pear helped neutralize the sharpness of the cheese, leaving a savory, slightly tangy flavor.

I absolutely loved the Reypenaer VSOP gouda. It was slightly chewy, salty, and when combined with the sweet raisins tasted subtly of toffee.

The walnut toast was a delicious accompaniment as well.

In a not-so-big surprise, Artist Point delivered another meal full of incredible food, tranquil atmosphere, and great service. We've had some disappointments here (most recently the berry cobbler in summer 2010), but AP has been on a roll for us over the past several visits, and I don't think it's going to end anytime soon.

After dinner ended, we returned to the Yacht Club. I walked over to Epcot to do a few rides and catch Illuminations.

 

[Linda67]

Sounds like AP hit the spot once again
It's such a wonderful relaxing restaurant as well

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Sounds like AP hit the spot once again
It's such a wonderful relaxing restaurant as well

Artist Point was definitely a hit as usual. I wish we could've gone back again to try the swordfish or buffalo tenderloin, but maybe next time.

 

[raniroo]

I missed out on Artist Point last time and it's a definite ADR on my list for October. I am hanging to try the buffalo, but I am undecided on the appy....mussels or beets?

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I missed out on Artist Point last time and it's a definite ADR on my list for October. I am hanging to try the buffalo, but I am undecided on the appy....mussels or beets?

That's such a tough choice to make!

The mussels were more filling, and they were so delicious with the sweet lemon, fennel, a bit of bacon, and crispy bread in the bowl. The beets were also delicious, with lots of flavors going on (although the portion was small). The beet dish was more unique, but the mussel bowl was perfectly executed.

If I could only have one again, I'd probably pick the mussels. But both were great.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

It's been a busy few days, but I'll try to add the next review later tonight.

 

[mousegear]

AP's appies looks great! I would love to try those mussels and oysters. I guess I'm partial to sea food as much as I love good meat!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

AP's appies looks great! I would love to try those mussels and oysters. I guess I'm partial to sea food as much as I love good meat!

The seafood apps were both really good - I think the mussels followed by buffalo tenderloin could be an incredible meal!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

After spending some time in Epcot and watching Illuminations, I left the park and was feeling slightly hungry again (the extra walking this trip made me extra hungry). I decided to walk back to the Boardwalk instead of the Yacht Club, and I asked if there might be room for a single walk-in at Flying Fish (it was about 9:15). Sure enough, there was room at the chef's counter, so I was able to get a seat.

Sitting at the chef's counter was really fun - I liked watching the chefs move around and handle all the ingredients. Plus, you could feel some of the heat, which was kind of exciting.

Here are my pics of the menu again:

The entrees were tempting, but I knew I wouldn't have room, so I ordered two appetizers instead. I liked how my server was friendly even though I didn't order a lot of food. Soon, he brought out the sourdough bread with butter. I couldn't resist having a piece - I noticed there were some pine nuts in it, which added a pleasant crunch.

My first course was the Epcot Land Pavilion sweet Bibb and Aruba red leaf salad, with tomatoes, Epcot cucumbers, fall radishes, pomegranates, Florida citrus, elephant garlic chips, and a tangerine and white balsamico vinaigrette. I got the dressing on the side, as this salad didn't need too much dressing anyway - it was delicious. The lettuce was soft and buttery, and everything tasted fresh. The combination of flavors was great - tart pomegranate, sweet citrus, and crunchy garlic chips? Yes please!

I tried the dressing as well - it was sweet and buttery, and I loved the tangerine flavor.

My second appetizer was the Floribbean wild-caught gulf shrimp cocktail, with Vero Beach red watercress, spiced radishes, and palm hearts, and a horseradish-piquillo cocktail sauce. This looked like a small portion, but there were actually five pieces of shrimp in the bowl. The shrimp were sweet and had a slight salty flavor (that I think came from olive oil) - the accompaniments on the bottom were slightly acidic and complemented the shrimp well. I didn't need much of the cocktail sauce, and right before I finished the shrimp I decided to dip a small piece in my tangerine dressing. I should have tried that sooner, as it was great.

I loved this meal at Flying Fish. It was cool sitting at the chef's counter, and the food was really fresh and not too heavy or overworked. In fact, I would say this was one of the best meals I've had at Flying Fish.

After getting back to the Yacht Club, I logged onto the WDW website to check last-minute ADR availability for Wednesday night (we didn't have plans since we decided to cancel California Grill). Yachtsman and Artist Point both had availability at reasonable times, but we were hoping to go somewhere else. In addition, I would have liked to have a full meal at Flying Fish after my great experience there, but the only ADR available was at 8:45 (we like to have earlier dinners, such as from 5:00 - 7:30). We ended up going to sleep without an ADR for Wednesday night.

 

[jabead]

Great reviews of Artist Point and Flying Fish. I haven't been to Artist Point for awhile but your consistently favorable reviews make me think it's time for another visit. I was surprised to see that their cheese plate only included 3 cheeses when it seems like most others include 5. But that probably wouldn't stop me from trying it.

After getting back to the Yacht Club, I logged onto the WDW website to check last-minute ADR availability for Wednesday night (we didn't have plans since we decided to cancel California Grill). Yachtsman and Artist Point both had availability at reasonable times, but we were hoping to go somewhere else. In addition, I would have liked to have a full meal at Flying Fish after my great experience there, but the only ADR available was at 8:45 (we like to have earlier dinners, such as from 5:00 - 7:30). We ended up going to sleep without an ADR for Wednesday night.

I'm hoping that you were able to get an earlier reservation for Wed. night at Flying Fish, but if not then maybe Jiko??? Haven't seen a Jiko review for awhile.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Great reviews of Artist Point and Flying Fish. I haven't been to Artist Point for awhile but your consistently favorable reviews make me think it's time for another visit. I was surprised to see that their cheese plate only included 3 cheeses when it seems like most others include 5. But that probably wouldn't stop me from trying it.

I'm hoping that you were able to get an earlier reservation for Wed. night at Flying Fish, but if not then maybe Jiko??? Haven't seen a Jiko review for awhile.

AP's cheese plate only includes 3 cheeses, but the portions of each cheese were quite large and the cheeses were still of a similar quality to the other signature cheeses. I would still recommend that plate, especially if you enjoy goat and blue cheese.

And it was tough figuring out where we would eat on Wednesday night, but we ended up having a great meal at one of the signature restaurants I reviewed in this thread.