What Happens at the Beach Club... Travels with Teens, Take Two, (PTR) 4/6 p. 29

[natebenma]

Once I had completed my photo-spread of the room, I went down to the Marketplace to take care of an important detail for the following morning. I purchased a cup of coffee and filled my travel mug with ice.

Normally I prefer to drink hot coffee (black), but I didn’t want to disturb my roommates by running the coffee maker first thing in the morning. So what I did in 2012, while staying at All Star Movies (no coffee maker) on Nate’s class trip was I would get an iced coffee the day before to get me to breakfast. I grabbed a couple of creamers and an Equal sweetener, because I can’t drink iced coffee black.

I took lots of pictures of Marketplace, which was not easy while carrying my cup of coffee and my travel mug. I won’t post those here, but I plan on adding them to one of the Marketplace Photo Threads when I have a chance.

I returned to the room and stashed the cup of coffee and the ice in the fridge.

By that time, it was approaching the time for my dinner reservation.

As soon as I had booked my plane ticket for this trip, I knew EXACTLY where I would be eating.

I have always wanted to try this restaurant, but my family has never been interested.

Greek food is my favorite cuisine. I once dated a Greek boy. I broke up with him when I started seeing Mark and I have no regrets, but boy did I hate breaking up with his family. The food was awesome!

And this restaurant would be closing FOREVER on September 30. This was my chance to try it out.

Kouzzina at the Boardwalk.

I started my walk through the hallways and out the door (I found a second secret exit in between the Beach Club and BCV).









It was a pleasant night, if a little warm.

I walked at a casual pace, taking pictures of the beautiful scenery as the sun was setting.













And when I got to this point, almost to my destination, I discovered the dreaded red “Battery-low” light on my camera.

That would not do. I had some serious food porn on the agenda!

My backup camera had been charging back at the room, so I went all the way back and retrieved it.

Retraced my steps, more quickly this time, although I still took the time to snap a few pictures along the way.









I arrived at Kouzzina just a minute or two past my 8 pm reservation time. I checked in with my name and they said “We wondered where you were” I thought that comment was a little strange. I was given a beeper and waited around 10 minutes for my table.










The restaurant has a casual, but elegant vibe. There is an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs. There were a lot of celebrations happening throughout my meal and during each one, the guests were encouraged to cheer “OPA!”











When the waitress came by to get my drink order, I told her I was ready to order. Since I was alone, there really was no reason to stretch out the meal.

I was tempted by both the Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna) and the Cinnamon Stewed Chicken with Orzo. I make my own pastitsio on occasion, but it is a lot of work to put together the pasta, meat sauce and béchamel, so I order this out whenever I can. I made the chicken once from a recipe I found on the DIS, and it was really good. I was very torn about which one to get, but when I reviewed the menu at home, I saw they had a combination plate where you could chose tastings portions of 3 different items.


Kouzzina Trio - Tasting size portions of Greek Style Lasagna, char grilled Lamb Burger and Cinnamon stewed Chicken with Orzo - $23.99
On the menu, there were other options, too, for the 3 choices like Gigantes Beans and Brussels Sprouts


The waitress brought over bread and a plate of olives, with two kinds of olive oil. She described the flavors to me. One had hint of apples and the other had a sharper flavor, I think she said. I liked them both.




Within minutes, in fact before the waitress even brought me my drink, my entrée was delivered to my table. Again, as a solo diner, that was fine with me.




Lamb Slider- I don’t see a description on the menu, but this was really good. The dressing was a tzatziki (yogurt with cucumber and mint) and the cucumber and tomato on the burger really gave it a fresh taste.




Pastitsio - Greek Styled Lasagna with Bucatini Pasta, Cinnamon-stewed Meat sauce and Bechamel

I didn’t take a separate picture of this. This was the most disappointing of the three entrees. It was good, not great. There was not enough meat and sauce to cut the richness of the dish.


Cinnamon Stewed Chicken - With Tomatoes, Herbed Orzo, and Mazithra Cheese.



This was really tasty. The chicken was tender and the orzo soaked in all of the yummy flavors of the dish.


Lemonade with Wildberry Foam




My waitress was delightful. She complimented the meal I ordered, asked about my trip and when I told her I was coming back on Tuesday for breakfast, she told me what she likes to order.

I skipped dessert and figured I could get something later if I wanted it.

The total of my bill was $27.01 (before tip) after my 10% discount for using my Disney Visa card was applied.


Fireworks as Far as the Eye Can See
Continued in Next Post or Click Here

 

[natebenma]

Continued from Previous Post

After my wonderfully filling meal at Kouzzina, I walked into the BW Bakery to look around, but it was really crowded.

A performer was out juggling drink cups, so I watched him.

Sorry for the really blurry picture- this is actually the best of the ones I took











It was right around 9:00 and Illuminations was starting so I booked it over to the bridge. This was the first time I had watched the fireworks from here, and I was pretty impressed!











When the show was over, I texted Rebecca to see where she and her mom were and told her I was on the bridge.

As I was waiting, the Frozen Fireworks at DHS started. Part of the view was blocked by a tree, but it was still good to watch a second fireworks show. While the show was going on, I saw Rebecca and Carol and waved them over.









We moved along before the fireworks ended and when we got to the Beach Club beach area the view of the fireworks was unobstructed. I have seen pictures from some of the rooms that face the lake, and some have a nice view from there.



We watched the rest of the fireworks and then discussed the rest of the evening.

Sunken Treasure with a Treasured Friend and Late Night PJ Party (This is NOT a Drill)
Click Here

 

[Wood Nymph]

That was nice to be able to eat at a restaurant that your family isn't interested in. I went to WDW once with my sisters and youngest daughter for Marathon weekend and it was nice to be able to do all the "girly" shows and other things that my DH doesn't like to do.

Thanks for posting the pictures of the Frozen fireworks. I've heard that they are really good.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I know I will never tire of seeing photos around the Boardwalk area. Just stunning.

I guess on the bright side, it's good your battery went when it did. That would have been awful if it happened after you'd departed.

Hmmm, that "We wondered where you were” comment was a bit odd. A joke maybe?

I've never been a Greek food person, but that slider looked yummy.

Ahh, nice to see Illuminations even without a park ticket. What a lovely bonus. And what a lovely second bonus with the Frozen fireworks.

 

[JanetMom]

Dee - I'm compelled to point out that your Cinnamon Stewed Chicken looks a lot like a Lamb Slider, and your plate of olives looks like a piece of furniture.

I didn't want to get too picky about your photos in such a public forum so I considered sending you a private message, but well...

 

[natebenma]

Dee - I'm compelled to point out that your Cinnamon Stewed Chicken looks a lot like a Lamb Slider, and your plate of olives looks like a piece of furniture.

I didn't want to get too picky about your photos in such a public forum so I considered sending you a private message, but well...

Thanks for that! As luck would have it I have TWO whole messages cleared, so it would have gone through, but posting here is much more effective and reliable.

 

[MEK]

If you like Greek Food you have to hit up Tarpon Springs on one of your trips to Florida. Every other restaurant is greek and when they light up that cheese thing the whole restaurant screams OPA! I love spanikopita and I can't tell you how much of it I ate in 4 days!

Your meal looks great. You are making think I might need an ADR there in one of my upcoming trips! It's been quite a while since I've had dinner there.

I like the iced coffee trick. I might have to try that since I am always the first up anywhere.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Love the sunset photos from around the lagoon
Such a pleasant stroll of an evening
Food looks good-such a shame the greek lasagne didn't measure up!
Not half bad view of the fireworks and awesome that you got to take in not 1 but 2 shows

 

[natebenma]

That was nice to be able to eat at a restaurant that your family isn't interested in. I went to WDW once with my sisters and youngest daughter for Marathon weekend and it was nice to be able to do all the "girly" shows and other things that my DH doesn't like to do.

Thanks for posting the pictures of the Frozen fireworks. I've heard that they are really good.

That was one of the things I was looking forward to- doing some things that my family didn't care about. I did a character M&G in EPCOT and I got a FP for Peter Pan (Mark likes it but I don't think the kids really care for it)

I was going to do the Behind the Seeds tour in Living with the Land if there was an afternoon thunderstorm, but the weather stayed clear, so I headed to Stormalong Bay, instead.

It was great to be able to see both sets of fireworks so well and without any effort.

I know I will never tire of seeing photos around the Boardwalk area. Just stunning.

I guess on the bright side, it's good your battery went when it did. That would have been awful if it happened after you'd departed.

Hmmm, that "We wondered where you were” comment was a bit odd. A joke maybe?

I've never been a Greek food person, but that slider looked yummy.

Ahh, nice to see Illuminations even without a park ticket. What a lovely bonus. And what a lovely second bonus with the Frozen fireworks.

I haven't spent much time on the Boardwalk, but it really is a beautiful area with lots to do and see.

That actually was good timing for the battery warning. I had time to go back and I loved the two sets of pictures of the Yacht Club while the sun was setting.

The comment was strange. I was like 5 minutes late, at most. I kind of interpreted it as "We were wondering if the single diner was going to actually show up"

Gotta love "Free Fireworks"- plus this is a frequently asked question on the FAQ thread- so I like having sample photos available to answer those questions.

If you like Greek Food you have to hit up Tarpon Springs on one of your trips to Florida. Every other restaurant is greek and when they light up that cheese thing the whole restaurant screams OPA! I love spanikopita and I can't tell you how much of it I ate in 4 days!

Your meal looks great. You are making think I might need an ADR there in one of my upcoming trips! It's been quite a while since I've had dinner there.

I like the iced coffee trick. I might have to try that since I am always the first up anywhere.

Mmmmm... sounds like my kind of town!

Don't get too excited about making a dining reservation at Kouzzina. It is closing, for good, on September 30, which is one of the reasons I was so anxious about trying it out.

An Italian restaurant is going in its place.

I prefer hot coffee in the morning, but caffeine is definitely necessary for me before I do anything else, so having an ice coffee ready to go works for me. I kept the ice in a refill mug in my fridge, with the coffee in a separate cup. Some of the ice melted, so I had to pour off a little water before adding the coffee and creamer/sweetener.

 

[natebenma]

Love the sunset photos from around the lagoon
Such a pleasant stroll of an evening
Food looks good-such a shame the greek lasagne didn't measure up!
Not half bad view of the fireworks and awesome that you got to take in not 1 but 2 shows

It was such a pretty night!

Also surreal, you know that feeling when you first arrive at Disney "I'm actually here!"

The Greek lasagna was ok, it just didn't blow me away. There's a local place that makes it around here and I really like the meat sauce they have. Mine is good too, but it is a lot of work.

This is why I can't order anything with a Mole sauce at Mexican restaurants- I am used to mine, and ones I have tried at other places don't measure up to what I am used to.

I didn't have a park ticket for that night, so being able to watch fireworks from two parks was a great way to (start) closing out the night.

 

[LovintheLodge]

Loved your photos Dee...especially the sunset ones!! Nice to get to do some things you normally don't do with the family. How did you like the DHS Frozen fireworks? I'm not a big Fantasmic fan, but love a good fireworks show.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

It was such a pretty night!

Also surreal, you know that feeling when you first arrive at Disney "I'm actually here!"

The Greek lasagna was ok, it just didn't blow me away. There's a local place that makes it around here and I really like the meat sauce they have. Mine is good too, but it is a lot of work.

This is why I can't order anything with a Mole sauce at Mexican restaurants- I am used to mine, and ones I have tried at other places don't measure up to what I am used to.

I didn't have a park ticket for that night, so being able to watch fireworks from two parks was a great way to (start) closing out the night.

OK so you know what's going to happen now don't you?? Yep we are all going to need your recipes (well I am at least ). I spent 2 weeks in Greece when I was a very poorly paid student nurse. The only "greek" food I got to eat was from a local tavern that did a very reasonably priced steak for dinner served while the waiters periodically broke into traditional dance much to the amusement of myself and my 3 friends (all student nurses). We had been so terrified by horror stories of food poisoning that we were afraid to order anything other than well done steak

 

[mickeystoontown]

Of course you did what any good Diser would do when they realize their camera battery is low....you walk however many steps, yards, miles it is back to the room for the back up camera. I'm glad that you did because the sunset pictures are beautiful! And, the food pics ain't bad either. Kouzzina was never on our radar.

Oh and I just about fainted when you posted the picture of the entertainer on the Boardwalk. You know our whole Boardwalk fiasco.

Wow! You could see the higher Illuminations fireworks really well and the Frozen fireworks were a nice bonus too.

 

[pixarmom]

We're home from Paris/London and my first Dis stop was to find your trip report! Love it and enjoying both the details (especially the selfies - too funny!) and the photos! So wish I could have joined you. Will send an e-mail soon!

 

[natebenma]

Loved your photos Dee...especially the sunset ones!! Nice to get to do some things you normally don't do with the family. How did you like the DHS Frozen fireworks? I'm not a big Fantasmic fan, but love a good fireworks show.

Thank you!

It was really nice being able to choose what I wanted to do without having to take what anyone else wanted into consideration.

What I saw of the Frozen fireworks was really good, but I don't know that it was any better than other Disney fireworks show. Maybe it is different if you watch from inside the park.

OK so you know what's going to happen now don't you?? Yep we are all going to need your recipes (well I am at least ). I spent 2 weeks in Greece when I was a very poorly paid student nurse. The only "greek" food I got to eat was from a local tavern that did a very reasonably priced steak for dinner served while the waiters periodically broke into traditional dance much to the amusement of myself and my 3 friends (all student nurses). We had been so terrified by horror stories of food poisoning that we were afraid to order anything other than well done steak

Will do! In my next post, I'll add the recipes!

For the Cinnamon Chicken, I use a recipe found here on the DIS

The pastitsio recipe I use is from Jeff Smith (The Frugal Gourmet) Three Ancient Cuisines cookbook.

Your adventures in Greek cuisine story is hilarious! and sad.

Of course you did what any good Diser would do when they realize their camera battery is low....you walk however many steps, yards, miles it is back to the room for the back up camera. I'm glad that you did because the sunset pictures are beautiful! And, the food pics ain't bad either. Kouzzina was never on our radar.

Oh and I just about fainted when you posted the picture of the entertainer on the Boardwalk. You know our whole Boardwalk fiasco.

Wow! You could see the higher Illuminations fireworks really well and the Frozen fireworks were a nice bonus too.

I had 3 cameras with me on this trip, not including my phone which has a really lousy camera. There was no way I could use the excuse- "Sorry no pictures. Out of Charge"

I'm glad, too. I love the second set of sunset pictures and otherwise I would have been inside for that.

I know, I thought of you when I was on the BW. I haven't spent much time there at all. I think there have only been a couple of entertainers in 3 trips there (one magician and this guy)

I was really happy with the "free fireworks view". There were a few people on the bridge but it wasn't crowded and there was no problem getting space on the rail.

We're home from Paris/London and my first Dis stop was to find your trip report! Love it and enjoying both the details (especially the selfies - too funny!) and the photos! So wish I could have joined you. Will send an e-mail soon!

to the report and home!

Can't wait to hear about your trip. I was watching the news of the potential volcanic eruptions and hoped that your journey home would not be disrupted.

 

[natebenma]

Pastitsio, Greek Lasagna (From the Frugal Gourmet Three Ancient Cuisines)

1 1/2 pounds ground lamb (or ground beef)
1 medium onion, diced
2 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cloves
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 can peeled tomatoes, mashed

4 Tbs butter
4 Tbs flour
3 cups milk
2 eggs
4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated

12 ounces penne pasta, dry

Cook the pasta, drain, rinse, and set aside.

Brown the meat in a heavy skillet. Add the onion and garlic and cook until just soft. Drain off any excess fat. Mix in the cinnamon, cloves, tomatoes and sauce. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for three minutes, stirring frequently. Whisk in the milk and simmer 20 minutes. Set aside.

Lightly beat the eggs. Temper the eggs/sauce: Add 1/2 cup of warm white sauce to eggs then add this mixture back to the rest of the sauce. Add half of the Parmesan.

Butter a two-quart casserole. Add half of the pasta. Top with the meat mixture. Add the rest of the pasta. Pour the white sauce over the combination. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese.

Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serves 4-6

Invite me over!


Greek Cinnamon Stewed Chicken from Kouzzina - Cat Cora, Disney's Boardwalk Inn

Recipe Ingredients Serves 4

• 1 chicken (2 1/2 to 3 pounds), cut into 8 pieces (legs, breast and thighs)
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp. dried Italian herb seasoning
• 1 cup orzo, cooked according to package directions
• 1/2 cup shredded *Mizritha cheese (a Greek hard cheese)

Recipe Directions
1. Preboil water with sea salt.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. A wet chicken will cause the oil to splatter while the chicken is sautéing.
3. Mix the cinnamon, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the chicken pieces on all sides with the seasoning.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large, nonreactive, deep skillet over high heat, do not overcrowd the chicken.
5. Add the chicken to the oil and brown for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Turn the pieces using a metal spatula, as they have a tendency to stick to the pan. Remove the pieces when they are well browned on all sides.
6. Mince three of the garlic cloves. Lower the heat to medium-high, and add the onions and minced garlic.
7. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onions have softened and are a rich golden brown.
8. Add about 1/2 cup of the water and scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula or spoon to deglaze the pan, loosening any particles stuck on the bottom.
9. When the water has evaporated, add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of water, tomato paste, Italian seasoning and remaining 2 garlic cloves, minced.
10. Return the chicken to the pan. The liquid should cover about 3/4 of the chicken pieces. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-high heat for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked. If the sauce becomes too thick, it can be thinned with a little more water. Season the finished sauce with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Serve over orzo, cooked according to package directions, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

*if not available, use a blend of ricotta salata and Romano.




(2011)

 

[teekathepony]

Oh what a lovely evening! Dinner sounds great, I'd love to try Kouzzina some time.
GORGEOUS pics from around the Boardwalk!!! SO pretty there. And love the view of the fireworks too!!

 

[natebenma]

Oh what a lovely evening! Dinner sounds great, I'd love to try Kouzzina some time.
GORGEOUS pics from around the Boardwalk!!! SO pretty there. And love the view of the fireworks too!!

I had such a nice night!

I see two problems with you trying Kouzzina

1) Aren't you and especially Johnny really picky eaters?
2) Kouzzina is closing, forever on September 30

However, looking at your ticker, you could fit it in...

Wow, every time I see your ticker or read your PTR, I am amazed that you trip is almost HERE!

The EPCOT resort area is so incredibly gorgeous!

 

[tarak]

Finally caught up with real life enough to find this. I absolutely have to try that cinnamon tomato chicken recipe. I was really tempted to try Kouzzina since my husband is Greek. But I was worried it wouldn't stand up to my mother-in-law's cooking. She makes the absolute best baklava and her spanikopita is pretty amazing, too.

Anyone who wants to try Greek fare, come to Harrisburg the second week in May. Our church has a huge festival that weekend. I would love to meet up with anyone and could be all pretentious and pronounce things like I'm actually Greek instead of just being married to one. There's also an incredible Greek restaurant in Baltimore called Ikaros. Best saganaki ever (flaming Greek cheese). Just thinking about it makes me want to drive there this weekend.

It was so much fun meeting everyone. Makes me want to ask for a Disney trip for mother's day. Brilliant idea!

 

[TeenaS]

Finally caught up with real life enough to find this. I absolutely have to try that cinnamon tomato chicken recipe. I was really tempted to try Kouzzina since my husband is Greek. But I was worried it wouldn't stand up to my mother-in-law's cooking. She makes the absolute best baklava and her spanikopita is pretty amazing, too.

Anyone who wants to try Greek fare, come to Harrisburg the second week in May. Our church has a huge festival that weekend. I would love to meet up with anyone and could be all pretentious and pronounce things like I'm actually Greek instead of just being married to one. There's also an incredible Greek restaurant in Baltimore called Ikaros. Best saganaki ever (flaming Greek cheese). Just thinking about it makes me want to drive there this weekend.

It was so much fun meeting everyone. Makes me want to ask for a Disney trip for mother's day. Brilliant idea!

I remember the Greek Festival when we lived there!