We're Still Hungry! A DDW July Getaway - 8/5 Complete!

[smile4stamps]

Love your Wave review! I don't know that I would have 2 salads in one meal at WDW but I guess its a lighter option when you are doing TONS of eating on the trip!!

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

I love salads so much I probably would have ordered the exact same thing as you did at the Wave. I love sweet and salty together. The summer sorbets sound wonderful too. So glad you had such a great lunch!

 

[emmysmommy]

We are really looking forward to our dinner at The Wave in August. Your review is making me wonder if I should change it to a lunch and add The Grand Floridian Cafe for dinner. I have been so good about not changing anything but I had a feeling your review would change that!

Yes, yes, do that. Then make your dinner ADR at GFC on 8/24 (Friday) and you will see us!!

 

[jabead]

Great review! .

I think I'd really like to try The Wave sometime but can't decide if I want to have breakfast there or lunch. You didn't by chance have breakfast there too on this trip, did you???

Ok, ok... I know that's cheating. I'll try to be patient.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Bob has assured me that your next Dole Whip will be an awesome experience

Thank goodness he doesn't have more important things to worry about - who needs Shanghai Disneyland or a Fantasyland expansion when food isn't being eaten at the proper temperatures?

Wow, what a great Wave review! Those salads seriously look fantastic. My sister and I had dinner here during our last trip we thought it was good but it didn't bowl us over. But this lunch really looks great (as does the dessert!). I'd really be up for doing lunch at The Wave after reading this!

The Wave is a relatively risky place to eat - I've seen comments describing the food as "bland" or "underwhelming", and also some comments on the other side of the spectrum. But when they get it right, the food is among the best you can find at a non-signature Disney restaurant.

Great review of the Wave! We went there last year for our first dinner of the trip and thought their food was very good!

Glad to hear you also enjoyed The Wave! It made a really strong impression on me this trip and I can't wait to go back.

That summer salad sounds really intriguing! And pineapple - yummy! Great reviews!

The summer salad was awesome. With a slightly updated presentation (less greens to make the plate look "neater", smaller pieces of watermelon, etc), I wouldn't be surprised to see that dish at a signature retaurant.

We are really looking forward to our dinner at The Wave in August. Your review is making me wonder if I should change it to a lunch and add The Grand Floridian Cafe for dinner. I have been so good about not changing anything but I had a feeling your review would change that!

Hmmm - difficult choice. The Wave has some items I'd love to try on the dinner menu (such as chicken with blueberry bread pudding!) and I've heard good things about their beef tenderloin. But the lunch menu has some interesting choices (entree salads, sandwiches such as the bison burger, etc). On the other hand, Grand Floridian Cafe also has differing lunch and dinner menus (although one of their most popular entrees, the Grand Floridian Burger, is available at both meals). IMO, you can't go wrong.

Love your Wave review! I don't know that I would have 2 salads in one meal at WDW but I guess its a lighter option when you are doing TONS of eating on the trip!!

This was definitely unusual for me, but all 3 salads on The Wave's lunch menu looked awesome IMO. I had a hard time narrowing it down to 2!

I love salads so much I probably would have ordered the exact same thing as you did at the Wave. I love sweet and salty together. The summer sorbets sound wonderful too. So glad you had such a great lunch!

Thanks so much! The summer salad was an especially great discovery, since I hadn't seen anything about it online. Who knows what'll be on The Wave's menu in a few months? Hopefully something equally delicious.

Yes, yes, do that. Then make your dinner ADR at GFC on 8/24 (Friday) and you will see us!!

Ok GoofySon'sMom, I changed my mind - you should have lunch at The Wave and book a dinner at GFC on August 24th.

Great review! .

I think I'd really like to try The Wave sometime but can't decide if I want to have breakfast there or lunch. You didn't by chance have breakfast there too on this trip, did you???

Ok, ok... I know that's cheating. I'll try to be patient.

Tough choice - I've had breakfast at The Wave in the past and enjoyed it. I even tried the buffet in January 2011, and it was definitely one of the better breakfast buffets at WDW. My answer would probably be "both."

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

On a random note: happy Bastille Day! Eat a croissant or another French pastry to celebrate. (I wonder if anything interesting happens at the France Pavilion today - it would be a perfect day to enjoy a snack from the boulangerie.)

After lunch and some more time at MK, I took the boat to Wilderness Lodge for a peak at Artist Point's menu.

The menu looks great as usual, with some classic dishes such as the portobello soup, the artisanal cheese plate, the cedar plank salmon (with seasonal accompaniments), and the buffalo still on the menu.

That said, we weren't really feeling the seasonal changes. This menu seemed to feature a fair amount of blue cheese (which I don't like), pork (which my mom doesn't like), and crispy/breaded/fried options (which neither one of us especially likes). I could've gotten the salmon or the swordfish and been perfectly happy with my food, but we decided that AP wasn't a must-do this time (which means it's high on the priority list for next time).

Artist Point is still easily one of my favorite Disney restaurants, and I'm sure that all this food is absolutely delicious (I recently saw a pic of the crab & corn fritter, and its presentation exceeded my expectations). So I just want to make it clear: it's not them, it's us. We ended up canceling our Artist Point ADR for the last night of the trip.

My resort hopping continued during the afternoon, and I snapped this pic of the restaurant where we would soon be eating dinner...

 

[emmysmommy]

That was a bit of a teaser... when I first glanced at your title I thought it was for an AP dining review. I need to pay better attention this late at night! So we will still be awaiting the big reveal later in your trip....

For our trip next month no AP for us either, at least for the moment. I may swap out something else but I really have some solid plans at this point. Nothing stands out for me but I'm sure DH would love to dine there for the first time.

Nice photo of Narcoosees!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

That was a bit of a teaser... when I first glanced at your title I thought it was for an AP dining review. I need to pay better attention this late at night! So we will still be awaiting the big reveal later in your trip....

For our trip next month no AP for us either, at least for the moment. I may swap out something else but I really have some solid plans at this point. Nothing stands out for me but I'm sure DH would love to dine there for the first time.

Nice photo of Narcoosees!

It certainly is a teaser. I wanted to include Artist Point's menu (and our reason for skipping AP), so sadly I had to write this update without any food to share. Your dining plans sound great even without AP, so I wouldn't spend too much time going back and forth over it (unless someone else writes a review that sways you).

 

[deenbrad]

I have to admit to being kind of glad you didn't go to Artist's Point. I've had them on and off my list so many times I just knew if you posted a good review I'd have to fit them in and I just couldn't figure out where!!

 

[jabead]

That was a bit of a teaser... when I first glanced at your title I thought it was for an AP dining review.

Why Mr. DoleWhip...you are such a tease!!! I too had to do a double-take when I saw the title of your update.

 

[smile4stamps]

On a random note: happy Bastille Day! Eat a croissant or another French pastry to celebrate. (I wonder if anything interesting happens at the France Pavilion today - it would be a perfect day to enjoy a snack from the boulangerie.)

The menu looks great as usual, with some classic dishes such as the portobello soup, the artisanal cheese plate, the cedar plank salmon (with seasonal accompaniments), and the buffalo still on the menu.

That said, we weren't really feeling the seasonal changes. This menu seemed to feature a fair amount of blue cheese (which I don't like), pork (which my mom doesn't like), and crispy/breaded/fried options (which neither one of us especially likes). I could've gotten the salmon or the swordfish and been perfectly happy with my food, but we decided that AP wasn't a must-do this time (which means it's high on the priority list for next time).

I just had a quiche from Whole Foods for my lunch... does that count?!?! I didn't know it was Bastille day till I read this lol!

I happen to LOVE pork products and breaded and fried items (i.e why I am trying to loose weight before my October trip!) so the menu looks great to me! I am frustrated with how many seafood options they are featuring though! Seems like a lot for AP!

 

[wilma-bride]

Great menu review We are just not 'posh' food people (I am far too picky) but I have to admit that I like the sound of slow roasted buffalo and oak smoked suckling pig. If only I could just get those two things on a plate with a baked potato

Looking forward to what's coming up...

 

[livinlife25]

Aww man. We are doing AP for the first time in January and I was really looking forward to another review! I did actually have a croissant today at the Farmers Market. It was chocolate and the baker had spent time in France perfecting the Old World techniques. So yummy

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yes, yes, do that. Then make your dinner ADR at GFC on 8/24 (Friday) and you will see us!!

I would love that but that is our only planned DTD night ... Course everything is subject to change!

After my mediocre AP experience last year, it is not a necessity for me this year. But DS may boycott the whole trip if he can't have the mushroom soup. It is his absolute favorite Disney food. And looking at the menu, he really hopes he can try the suckling pig! So I guess I will have to make the best of it!

 

[Quin]

And looking at the menu, he really hopes he can try the suckling pig! So I guess I will have to make the best of it!

Hope your experience this year is better ...... and I would LOVE to see a photo of the suckling pig and crab plate, just because I'm trying to picture the combination and failing miserably! It's a summertime dish so likely will not be on the menu when we go, which is too bad because AP is high on my list of restaurants for this trip. But I'm sure there will be other wonderful options.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I have to admit to being kind of glad you didn't go to Artist's Point. I've had them on and off my list so many times I just knew if you posted a good review I'd have to fit them in and I just couldn't figure out where!!

Well I'm happy to save you the trouble of reconsidering Artist Point.

Why Mr. DoleWhip...you are such a tease!!! I too had to do a double-take when I saw the title of your update.

I guess it's just another one of the surprises that'll be included in this dining report.

I just had a quiche from Whole Foods for my lunch... does that count?!?! I didn't know it was Bastille day till I read this lol!

I happen to LOVE pork products and breaded and fried items (i.e why I am trying to loose weight before my October trip!) so the menu looks great to me! I am frustrated with how many seafood options they are featuring though! Seems like a lot for AP!

Sure, quiche is French enough! Even a baguette would be adequate.

Artist Point's menu is full of seafood, since it's a staple in Pacific Northwest cuisine. I've tried dishes with mussels, crab, oysters, salmon, halibut, and scallops there and enjoyed almost all of them. But even their non-seafood dishes (such as chicken, beef, and buffalo) have been great. Hopefully they'll still have plenty on the menu that you like!

Great menu review We are just not 'posh' food people (I am far too picky) but I have to admit that I like the sound of slow roasted buffalo and oak smoked suckling pig. If only I could just get those two things on a plate with a baked potato

Looking forward to what's coming up...

I guess a lot of those dishes lose their appeal if you don't like all the side items on the plate. Glad you enjoyed the update anyway! I'm sure the buffalo and pig are excellently prepared (even without the accompaniments).

Aww man. We are doing AP for the first time in January and I was really looking forward to another review! I did actually have a croissant today at the Farmers Market. It was chocolate and the baker had spent time in France perfecting the Old World techniques. So yummy

That croissant sounds fantastic - you can taste the difference when they're freshly made by someone who respects his/her craft.

I would love that but that is our only planned DTD night ... Course everything is subject to change!

After my mediocre AP experience last year, it is not a necessity for me this year. But DS may boycott the whole trip if he can't have the mushroom soup. It is his absolute favorite Disney food. And looking at the menu, he really hopes he can try the suckling pig! So I guess I will have to make the best of it!

I'm hoping that your Artist Point experience was a fluke - the reviews have been so positive recently (I remember that your DS and DH both enjoyed their food last time), and a lot of people have commented on Artist Point's improvement over the past 1.5 years (seemingly due to a chef change). It's one of the signatures on a recent upswing IMO - I'd also include Yachtsman and a few others on the list.

I hope you have a better meal this time! Some of our most disappointing signature meals (at places like Citricos and Flying Fish) were followed by really good meals a few months later. So I'm always willing to give a place a second chance (as long as it shows potential). AP's food is seasonal and creative which means it can be risky. I'll take that over "consistent but boring" any day (I'm looking at you, Il Mulino).

Hope your experience this year is better ...... and I would LOVE to see a photo of the suckling pig and crab plate, just because I'm trying to picture the combination and failing miserably! It's a summertime dish so likely will not be on the menu when we go, which is too bad because AP is high on my list of restaurants for this trip. But I'm sure there will be other wonderful options.

The pig and crab dish does sound very interesting - an interesting pairing of proteins and accompaniments! I wish I could just order the "Asian sweet potato, sweet & sour red cabbage, mustard greens, and stone fruit sambal" - to me, this part sounds like a fantastic appetizer.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Our last meal at Narcoossee's was quite disappointing. The food was good (although not at the level of Artist Point, Yachtsman, Citricos, Flying Fish, Jiko, etc), but the service just killed it. Our server neglected us for the entire meal (I've never waited so long at a signature restaurant for a water refill), never said happy birthday to my mom (it was noted on the reservation ticket that he received), and he rudely dropped our check on the table upon seeing that we'd only given him a 20% tip (on a $180+ meal, that's still quite a lot). We were so annoyed that my mom asked to speak with a manager, only to be told he was on break. And that was that.

But like they say on Top Chef, "This isn't top waiter. It's Top Chef." And one rude server isn't enough to ruin a restaurant. What brought down Narcoossee's in the eyes of many people (based on numerous reviews I've seen) was the rather basic menu that just wasn't upscale or creative enough to compare to other Disney signature restaurants.

Then, something changed. Possibly around the start of this year, the chef from Jiko moved over to Narcoossee's, and the menu changed in noticeable ways. The surf and turf now features a cold water (instead of warm water) lobster tail, and the accompaniments are more unique. The filet mignon is served with gruyère and red onion risotto, mushrooms, red wine reduction, and white truffle oil (almost like a more refined version of Le Cellier's signature dish). The vegetarian entree, chicken entree, and other fish entrees were redone. Many appetizers (including the cheese plate and crab cake) were redone, and new ones were added. The menu at Narcoossee's looks very different than it looked just one year ago, and these changes were enough to lure us back. Somehow, this was the restaurant I was most excited to return to.

We were lucky enough to have a window table with a beautiful view of the lagoon.

And here's the menu, as of July 6th, 2012:

Our server, Harvey, did a much better job than our last server. Harvey was very friendly, and he didn't mind when we took our time ordering (we had a hard time picking appetizers).

Soon enough, we received some of their flaky sourdough bread - always a nice start to the meal.

As usual, it was served with butter and some pink Hawaiian sea salt. Many signature restaurants serve salted butter, and I just love the added crunch, flavor, and beautiful color.

We ended up picking three appetizers because we were so torn - my mom had the Maine lobster and brentwood corn bisque with poached Maine lobster, roasted sweet corn, lobster coral, and smoked paprika oil. She really enjoyed it.

Our "shared" appetizer was the seared jumbo day boat scallops with grilled petite summer vegetable salad, sauce romesco, and avocado oil. This was absolutely delicious. The scallops were perfectly cooked, sweet, and plump. Combined with the hearty romesco sauce (which had a slight heat to it), the sweet, juicy corn, and the other vegetables, this was a perfect dish for summer. It was my favorite appetizer.

Finally, my choice - I went with the Willapa Bay Japanese oysters from Washington State, served on the half shell with ginger-port mignonette and house-made cocktail sauce. This was beautifully presented over some Hawaiian sea salt and seaweed. The oysters were raw, and the shells were all full of succulent seafood. I like oysters because of their ocean-like flavor: pure, briny, and somewhat bitter (some people say "metallic"). In addition, these oysters were huge and full of meat (which might be an issue if you're more of a "slurper" than a "chewer" ). If you want fresh, raw oysters at a Disney restaurant, these should definitely fit the bill.

The accompaniments (mignonette, lemon, and cocktail sauce) were classic. I especially liked the acidity of the mignonette and lemon.

Our meal at Narcoossee's was off to a solid start - a tasty bread basket, seasonal soup, wonderful scallop dish, and fresh plate of raw oysters. But our meal had only just begun. I was torn between a whopping 5 entrees (everything except the lobster, surf and turf, or filet), and after my mom picked my top choice, I ended up making a rash decision at the last second. Hopefully the entrees would continue to impress us...

 

[wilma-bride]

Great start to your Narcoossee's meal. Those scallops l0ook divine.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Great start to your Narcoossee's meal. Those scallops l0ook divine.

The scallops were perfectly cooked - they had a nice sear on the outside (without being charred or burnt). The seasonal vegetables and romesco sauce were great accompaniments, as well.

 

[Krissalee]

The new menu looks spectacular! I haven't been to Narcoossee's in years, but that menu may require a return trip this fall.

Good choice with the oysters. West coast oysters are my favorite, and those do look plump, briny and delicious. I am envious! We occasionally succumb to my oyster cravings and bring them home from the fish market, but shucking them is such a skill, and while DH can do it, it is a lot of work and takes a lot of time.