Who am I? Lady GaGa or something? 2/8 A Little Trip Around the World, Sort of...

[KatMark]

I can't believe you are home already. Didn't you just leave?

I've started a Pre-Trip report with MaryAZ for our January girl trip (it's linked in my signature) if you want to pop in.

 

[MEK]

We're home! We had a fabulous trip! The weather was perfect! We ate, we drank, we toured, we rode rides and just had a great time!

I'll be back very soon with a TR update here and a link to my new TR, but first I need a title for it

Welcome Back! Glad you had a great time! Title for your TR hmmmmmm.....How about.....

How many times can my kids call and text me on one trip?

How much fun can I have with my DH without getting salt on my ****?

How many drink pictures does it really take to torture my DIS friends who are home working (or stuck in rush hour traffic)?

I've got more, if you're interested.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I can't believe you are home already. Didn't you just leave?

I've started a Pre-Trip report with MaryAZ for our January girl trip (it's linked in my signature) if you want to pop in.

I know!! Time flies!!

I'll definitely stop by your new PTR!!

Welcome Back! Glad you had a great time! Title for your TR hmmmmmm.....How about.....

How many times can my kids call and text me on one trip?

How much fun can I have with my DH without getting salt on my ****?

How many drink pictures does it really take to torture my DIS friends who are home working (or stuck in rush hour traffic)?

I've got more, if you're interested.

You're too funny!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Ok, so I'm getting back in the groove after our trip last week! Not to mention I just started my TR! Come over and join in!! You can find it here; Joy From the World!

I left off with us at MNSSHP! Actually with DS4 and I waiting outside HM for MIL and the 2 big kiddos! While Ryan and I waited I got a text from DH that he was on his way to MK!

I also texted Tracy (manntra) and Christine (2xcited2sleep) to find out if they were in MK and where they were! It turns out that they were at HM as well and waiting in the queue! I told them that we would wait outside to say hi to them after! I also texted Jen (jenjolt) and made plans to meet for the later parade!

DH soon arrived and explained that FIL had been a bit, ummm inebriated, and needed to go to bed. Ok! Apparently they had a lot of fun at ESPN!

It also turns out that DH had a bit of a headache himself. He kept saying that he didn’t know why he had a headache, blah, blah, blah! Until I explained to him that it wasn’t a headache! It’s called a hangover!!! HELLO!!!!

MIL and the kiddos returned and the kids wanted to go to the HM kiosk shop. MIL bought them cute light up necklaces.

We waited a few minutes and soon Tracy, her niece and Christine arrived! We said a quick hello and chatted a bit! Then we were off again! The kids decided they wanted to ride IASW again. It was pretty much a walk on! We did a trick or treating and the kiddos decided they wanted to go on Buzz!

After a quick adventure on Buzz I mentioned being tired and Johnny decided he wanted to go back to the room. Which meant Ryan wanted to go to! We talked for a few minutes about what to do. Dorothy wanted to stay so DH volunteered to stay in MK with her.

We headed toward Main Street to discover that there was 9,000,000 there waiting for HalloWishes! I told DH that the boys and I would stay to watch it because there was no way I would be able to fight the crowd out!!

I love HalloWishes!!! Of course, I skipped the pics

Then the boys, MIL and I headed out!

We got back to BLT quickly and soon we were headed to bed!!! Of course, DH and DD weren't far behind! It couldn't have been more then 45 minutes before they returned!

Day 3!!!

We slept in a little, me too!!! We had breakfast in the room. Nothing special that morning, just fruit and yogurt for me, donuts for the kids and bagels for DH, MIL and FIL!

Soon we were off to Epcot, leaving MIL and FIL in the room!

We took the monorail to TTC and then transferred to the Epcot Monorail. While we were walking up the ramp we found this guy waiting to greet us!



The monorail ride was enjoyable and we soon found our way through security and turnstiles and into Epcot!



For some reason I was again a giant failure at picture taking, boo!! I promise my December trip report will make up for it! I’ll try to keep with short as to not bore you! LOL!

Our first ride was SSE, which was basically a walk on!






Then we headed to the land! Actually, I believe I headed to the land to get FP for Soarin while DH headed into innoventions with the kiddos.

Innoventions is one of my least favorite attractions in WDW, not sure why but I feel like they could come up with something better. So I took my time getting the FP, using the ladies room and enjoying a sunny, beautiful day!

When I met up with the family again we headed over for a quick ride on Nemo! We toured the seas briefly and did turtle talk with crush!

Then we headed off to see Figment at Ryan’s request!

After Nemo DH got a call from MIL and FIL, they were finally heading into Epcot! We met them by Electric Umbrella because it was time to get some lunch! After lunch it was time to head back Soarin. DH decided to let FIL use his FP for Soarin. So, him, DD, DS8 and I all rode together!

Then we headed into WS for a nice stroll and a few drinks before it was time to head back to the room to get ready for dinner!

DH, MIL, FIL and the kiddos were going off to Whispering Canyons. I was going someplace much more fancy ​

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Melissa. Glad you got to meet up and say hi to some DISer's after HM. I hate getting stuck for the fireworks when trying to leave, but then end up being happy when I see them because I love them (I'm with you -- Hallowishes is awesome).

Sounds like a great start to your day at Epcot. I, too, don't care for Innoventions...just doesn't do it for me.

I can't wait to hear where you went to eat (but then to me anything would be better than WCC ).

 

[xoktenox]

Ohhh I'm excited to hear where your fancy dinner was at...

I can't wait to get to see HalloWishes for the first time!

It sounds like this trip is going much better than the last time you had your in-laws with you! I hope it stays that way!!

 

[manntra]

I remember texting with you all through the HM but then that you left soon after that.

Oooh can't wait to hear all about your fancy dinner

Tracy

 

[brookelizabeth]

You can't leave us hanging with the fancy dinner! I cannot wait to hear about it!

Off to catch up on your new TR too!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Great update, Melissa. Glad you got to meet up and say hi to some DISer's after HM. I hate getting stuck for the fireworks when trying to leave, but then end up being happy when I see them because I love them (I'm with you -- Hallowishes is awesome).

Sounds like a great start to your day at Epcot. I, too, don't care for Innoventions...just doesn't do it for me.

I can't wait to hear where you went to eat (but then to me anything would be better than WCC ).

I LOVE Hallowishes!! Sooooo much!!

I just don't get inventions at all! I have absolutely no desire to go in there, ever!

Ahhhh, I can't wait to tell everyone about dinner!!!

Ohhh I'm excited to hear where your fancy dinner was at...

I can't wait to get to see HalloWishes for the first time!

It sounds like this trip is going much better than the last time you had your in-laws with you! I hope it stays that way!!

I can't wait to tell everyone about dinner! It was soooooooooo fabulous!

You will LOVE hallowishes! You will LOVE the Halloween party in general! It's fabulous!!

This trip was much, much better!

I remember texting with you all through the HM but then that you left soon after that.

Oooh can't wait to hear all about your fancy dinner

Tracy

We did leave! Boo!!! But, thankfully there was another party to be had!

I bet you can't, cause you would know nothing about it

You can't leave us hanging with the fancy dinner! I cannot wait to hear about it!

Off to catch up on your new TR too!

Soon, I promise! I can't wait to tell everyone about the dinner!

Thanks for joining the TR!

 

[MEK]

Great update! Can't wait to see where that special dinner was!

 

[TanzUnited99]

at DH not knowing why he had a headache aka a hangover!!

Hallowishes is amazing! I thought Innoventions was okay for a rainy day but there are more enjoyable things to do at Epcot on a sunny one.

Looking forward to hearing all about your fancy dinner!

 

[Poolrat]

Merry Christmas

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Great update! Can't wait to see where that special dinner was!

Thanks! Soon I promise!!

at DH not knowing why he had a headache aka a hangover!!

Hallowishes is amazing! I thought Innoventions was okay for a rainy day but there are more enjoyable things to do at Epcot on a sunny one.

Looking forward to hearing all about your fancy dinner!

UGH! I was sooo annoyed at him!!!

I LOVE hallowishes! It's fabulous!! I just don't get Innoventions!

I'll have my dinner update up soon! Promise!

Merry Christmas

Thanks! Hope you had a great Christmas!!!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

So, I left off with myself getting all gussed up for a fancy dinner while DH, the kids, MIL and FIL got ready for dinner at Whispering Canyons Café!

I left the room and headed for the monorail! A few stops away I found myself at my destination! GF!

I was the first to arrive of the group that I would be dining with that evening, but after a few minutes Jen (jenjolt) arrived!

We chatted for a few about how excited we were to be for the meal we were about to have and soon the rest of our dinner party arrived! Tracy (manntra), her niece, and our dinner planner extraordinary Christine (2xcited2sleep!)

So, we were off to check in for dinner at the Chef’s Table at Victoria and Albert’s!! Woo hooo!!

I believe we waited a few minutes before we were escorted through the main dining room, through the kitchen and back to the Chef’s Table!!!

The Maitre D explained how the meal would work and such. Of course, we briefly discussed the purse stool as well! Yes, at V&A there is a small stool next to each chair so you can put your purse on it! The Maitre D also explained the wine pairing, which Tracy, Christine and I were happy take He also took our picture!



The Chef also came over, spoke to us and toasted to a wonderful evening with us!

Then we began to enjoy the most fabulous meal ever! I ate things I never thought I would, enjoyed things I thought I would and can’t a bad thing about the meal!

First came the Amuse-Bouche, which to the best of my knowledge literally translates from French to English as Mouth Amuser!

I didn’t get a picture of it because my camera has issues with taking food pics! The horror!

It consisted of a Soft-poached Quail Egg with Galilee Caviar, Ahi Tuna with Pickled Ginger, Maine Lobster Charmoula and Butternut Squash Soup. It was paired with a Cuvee Brut. My least favorite thing of the night was the Quail Egg, I’m not big on eggs in general so that could have had a lot to do with it! Everything else was fabulous!!! I would love, love, love to have some of the Butternut Squash Soup right now!

Next was Heirloom Tomatoes, Iberico Ham-wrapped Gulf Shrimp, and Burrata Cheese with Yellow Tomato Gazpacho. It was paired with Michel Reddle Sancerre “Les Tuilieres”, Loire 2009!



Up next was Cold “Smoked” Niman Ranch Lamb with Fuji Apples and Curry Dressing with Grans-Fassian Piesporter Kabinett Riesling 2007. This was probably my favorite course of the night. The presentation alone was phenomenal. But I hate lamb and curry. But this was so good! I wish I could remember more about it other then I know I loved it! I also loved the wine! It was FABULOUS!









A picture of the kitchen,



A picture of the room,



Next came Sake-Soy Marinated Alaskan King Salmon with BokChoy and Soy Beans. It was paired with Kanbara “Bride of the Fox” Goltyakumangoku Junmai Ginjo, Nigata, which was Sake. I’m not a huge fan of salmon, I’m not sure why. But this was unbelievably good! I know Jen is also not a big fan of Salmon either and she enjoyed this dish a lot as well! The Sake was a bit much for me! Yikes!! It gave me goosebumps it was soooo strong! It reminded me of grain alcohol! But, I tried it and am glad I did! I also must have forgotten to take a picture of this course! Opps!

After that was Roasted Quail with Asian Pear and Serrano Ham Jus. The pairing was Cerrato Rossana Dolcetto d’Alba, Piedmont 2006! While I didn’t enjoy the quail egg I did enjoy quail! I was a little worried that it would be gamey but it wasn’t at all!



Next was Veal Sweetbreads and Shank with Chantrelle Mushroom Ragout paired with Domaine La Roquete Chaeauneuf du Pape, Rhone 2005. Yes, sweetbreads! This was one thing I was a little concerned about the chef serving! I wasn’t sure I would be able to eat it! Just getting past what sweetbreads are was a little work for me. But, in the given situation, the given environment and the fact that everything they had served us was amazing I felt I had to try it! It was different, it was strong but it wasn’t bad! It definitely wasn’t what I thought it would be like. I didn’t eat the whole thing, because it was so strong of it but I would try it again!



After the Sweetbreads we moved on to Australian Kobe-Style Beef with Garlic-Potato Puree. The pairing was Clos Du Bois Marlstone Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2006. Honestly, I can’t remember too much about this course other then I’m sure it was fabulous!!



After the beef we took a break from our meal and went to the lobby to walk off some of the food and shop!!!

Picture in the lobby,



Upon our return to the dining room we moved onto cheese! The Cheese Plate consisted of Southern Belle Chevre, Gouda Goat, Colston Bassett Stilton and 24 Month Parmigiano-Reggiano, it was paired with Quinta do Crasto Late Bottle Vintage Porto 2006. Again, cheese isn’t something I’m overly fond of but I enjoyed most of the choices, the parm was a bit strong for my liking though. The Port was more to my liking






I believe it was also around this time that we overheard the chef in the kitchen discussing the thickness of what appear to be prosciutto. One of the younger chefs was slicing it and one of the older, apparently more experienced, chefs came over to look at it. He told the younger chef that it was too thick, gave him a few pointers and went back to what he was doing. A few minutes later the older chef asked the younger one if it was getting any thinner. The younger chef replied “not anytime soon,” to which the older chef replied “that’s not good enough!” It was the closest we got to a Gordon Ramsey kind of moment! LOL!

Next was Orange Panna Cotta with with Chartreuse-Pineapple Sorbet! This had a fantastic flavor!! It was so good!



Last was Mocha-scented Tanzaine Chocolate Mousse Timbale and Chocolate Cocktail! I believe the Maitre D may have referred to this as “chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!” It was divine and it was sprinkled with edible gold!



I can’t say enough about this meal, the service or the experience! The food was unlike anything I’ve ever eaten before, everything was beyond phenomenal! Like I said earlier, I ate things that night that I never would have eaten outside of the room. The company that the meal was consumed in was also amazing!

We had such a good time in the 5 or so hours we were there! We ate, drank and laughed! I think the chefs and Maitre D all thought we were crazy by the end of the evening! It was such a fabulous night! An amazing meal with fabulous friends! Couldn’t ask for anything better!

If any of my dinner companions would like to chime in please go ahead!
​

 

[IheartDDuck]

Oh my goodness, what an amazing experience that must have been! It's one of the restaurants that's on my list, I just have to bite the bullet and be willing to put out the money! Everything just sounds great. There's nothing better than a great meal with great friends.

 

[MEK]

Wow! What a great experience. Yours is the second detailed report I've seen on the Chefs table and it does look so fascinating. I'm glad you all enjoyed it and you all look fabulous. I love how you get a dinner break to roam the GF. That's awesome. And the wine goes with you. Perfect. I hope I get a chance to eat there some day.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Oh my goodness, what an amazing experience that must have been! It's one of the restaurants that's on my list, I just have to bite the bullet and be willing to put out the money! Everything just sounds great. There's nothing better than a great meal with great friends.

It was such an amazing experience!!!! The price was steep! Especially when the Maitre D originally brought a combined bill! I should have taken a picture of that! But, it was totally worth every single penny and I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Wow! What a great experience. Yours is the second detailed report I've seen on the Chefs table and it does look so fascinating. I'm glad you all enjoyed it and you all look fabulous. I love how you get a dinner break to roam the GF. That's awesome. And the wine goes with you. Perfect. I hope I get a chance to eat there some day.

It was such a great experience!! Absolutely amazing! We really needed that break!! It was soooooooo much food! The wine wasn't staying on the table!! Especially the Riesling! Tracy and I throughly enjoyed it!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Melissa! Hope you had a very merry Christmas and a happy birthday today as well! I am going to try very hard to keep up with your trip report from now on!

What a fun night out with the girls! That's a fantastic picture of you all with your wine in the GF!

All of your food looks delicious -- like you said, I would never imagine trying some of that stuff, so how neat that you not only got to try it but liked it as well!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Melissa, you did a great job of describing dinner! I agree, it was a wonderful, special, fantastic evening! I was definitely a bit concerned going in, being a fairly picky & definitely unadventurous eater, but I told myself I was going to try everything and am so glad I did. Who knew I actually like salmon when it is well prepared??

Here's one of the pics you missed:

Amuse Bouche - I dream of that butternut squash soup (can't believe I'm saying that) -- so good!!

Salmon - I agree the sake was "give you goosebumps strong" ... but seems I drank it anyway... Guess I missed a pic of that one too!

So, so so glad we had an opportunity to try it. We totally lucked out on getting the ADR! One other note for anyone considering this in the future - the V&A site says the Chef's Table is for "up to 10" - I really can't imagine having any more than six without it getting really crowded at the table. Just my two cents.

Amazing food, tremendous service and so neat to watch the goings on in the kitchen... highly recommend it!! In fact, had gone in thinking this was a "once in a lifetime" kind of experience but now think I might like to do it again!