The Widow, Spinster, Missus and her Boy Toy celebrate new beginnings at WDW - Completed! 7/4

[franandaj]

The next morning, I didn’t wake up until 8AM, go figure?

We got a text from Jenny that she and Michael had purchased Genie+ and had the Safari booked for 9:30-10:30. They were leaving at 8:30 and did we want to come along?

As Rocket says in Guardians of the Galaxy, Mission Breakout, “That wasn't part of the plan.”

They were gone before Jill and I even got dressed and left the room. We had planned for a leisurely breakfast in the room and we intended to stick with that plan. Besides we had two more full days than they did, and we wanted to take things easy. As it was, we were already exhausting ourselves, and we had a big night this evening.

I had a “make it and shake it” pancake mix, plus we had another pound of bacon in the fridge. So I got to work on breakfast. This is what we ended up with.

After breakfast we got underway by 10AM. Jenny was texting this while we were waiting at the bus stop.

“EE in the back hungover lol! Might yak and yeti all over Michael ” That paints an interesting picture!

At the bus stop the AK bus was 10 minutes early from what the posted sign said. Yay! There were three other people on the bus with us, so that was nice!

We arrived at the park around 11AM, I snapped this obligatory shot of the tree of life.

We headed directly for the single rider line at EE.

When we texted to Jenny that we were in the park, she replied that they were getting a drink so she wouldn't feel so hungover. Here we are in the queue.

We were on the ride in less than 15 minutes and even though we were on separate trains, it was much better than the posted wait.

Once we were off the ride, we looked at the wait for the Safari and it was 120 minutes. Hard pass. So the next thing on our agenda was FOTLK. We decided to catch the 12 noon show and got in line around 11:25. The weather was not supposed to be so good today, and while we were in line but not under a cover it started to lightly rain. Luckily it didn't persist and shortly we were in the theater.

The show was entertaining as always, while the Tumble Monkeys were doing their bit they started off with the song "Hakuna Matata" playing in the background. However as the monkeys went along with their show the soundtrack weaved in "Sing Sing Sing" (Benny Goodman), and towards the end of their part of the show even brought in "Caravan" (Duke Ellington), and then just as they finished their routine, played "Yes We Have No Bananas" (From a 1922 revue, and recorded by many artists over the years). I’m sure I’m the only person in the audience who marveled at that.

Next was the fire juggler….

I think we get a feel good song after that.

I missed a picture of the ballet bird characters….now we are into the finale.

Once it was over, we headed out of the park and back to the resort. We were going to have company this afternoon. Pamela and her Mom, JJ were going to come see us. Longtime readers might remember them from several cruises that we have taken together. But first some obligatory Photopass shots.

And then we caught a bus back to the hotel. I don’t remember if we waited very long, but I don’t think we did. According to my photos we were back in the Cabin before 1:30PM. Not bad after a 12:00 show!

 

[franandaj]

Sorry for not replying first, but I saw the opportunity to snag a top of the page spot with a new post and took it!

Not too many at Trader Sam’s… but some.

Definitely some, but then a lot have coconut too. You're still welcome to join us! Water is always good, and free in the US!

 

[pkondz]

The next morning, I didn’t wake up until 8AM, go figure?

I wonder what could have contributed to that?

We had planned for a leisurely breakfast in the room and we intended to stick with that plan

Besides we had two more full days than they did

That makes all the difference. I often book just 4 days... which means minimum one park/day and most likely rope drop to close every day. Not a whole lotta down time.

I really need to change that.

I had a “make it and shake it” pancake mix,

Is this a store bought thing, or something you pre-mixed on your own?

“EE in the back hungover lol! Might yak and yeti all over Michael ” That paints an interesting picture!

At the bus stop the AK bus was 10 minutes early from what the posted sign said. Yay! There were three other people on the bus with us, so that was nice!

I snapped this obligatory shot of the tree of life.

It must be done.

When we texted to Jenny that we were in the park, she replied that they were getting a drink so she wouldn't feel so hungover.

What does that mean? More hair of the dog? Or water?

Jill looks like maybe she could relate to Jenny's comment.

Once we were off the ride, we looked at the wait for the Safari and it was 120 minutes. Hard pass.

Nope!

However as the monkeys went along with their show the soundtrack weaved in "Sing Sing Sing" (Benny Goodman), and towards the end of their part of the show even brought in "Caravan" (Duke Ellington),

Huh! I don't think I'd know the names, but would 100% recognize hearing Sing Sing Sing and maybe Caravan (less familiar with it)

), and then just as they finished their routine, played "Yes We Have No Bananas"

Appropriate.

Pamela and her Mom, JJ were going to come see us. Longtime readers might remember them from several cruises that we have taken together.

Don't think I know them.

You both look pretty good considering the previous evening's shenanigans.

Sorry for not replying first, but I saw the opportunity to snag a top of the page spot with a new post and took it!

Of course! Would've been surprised if you hadn't.

Definitely some, but then a lot have coconut too. You're still welcome to join us! Water is always good, and free in the US!

Because who doesn't want to go to a bar and have... water...

 

[DnA2010]

Bliss!

This looks so delish, I'm always pepper on the eggs!

When I looked at the time table, the next bus wasn't scheduled to arrive for half an hour. Just then, a bus to Disney Springs showed up, it also flashed Contemporary as one of the destinations. We verified that was indeed the next stop, and hopped on.

You're so clever with the transportation system, before I go to WDW I'm going to need a big run down

Then it was on to the monorail.

Not sure why I quoted this lol, but yay monorail!

Wow! this is super nice, with the water pouring at the bottom and everything

I've never ridden this, crazy I know!

Aww! this is so cute!

Their outfits in flowers are all so perfect

We totally felt like this was a sign that Fran was here riding with us, so we took a picture.

Totally!

Jenny and Michael did something in their room.

...

So pretty! Disney touches are the best!

Nice looking group of drinks, the black rock salt kinda through me a bit

Elegant yet modern, nice!

They were encouraging the small child to be very obnoxious, egging her on when she was misbehaving. The one gal justified it by saying to us, “I’m the fun aunt!”

Oh hells no...as a parent of a young child, this would drive me crazy, and I would not allow it

Nice of the waitress to tell you guys!

Jenny and Jill got Spikey Pineapples, which was essentially a Dole Whip with Rum,

Ummm this sounds awesome!

Jill made a snarky comment, and one of the dads said, “I want to hang out with you guys!” Little did he know….

Hehe, the fun table!

Jenny gave the girls the glow cubes from the Krakatoa Punches that she and Jill had ordered.

Aww that's nice! Makenna would like that too I'm sure

While they waited, the girls insisted that we play several different silly games, none of which I really understood. Mostly Jill and Jenny played along. I started preaching the benefits of DVC to the dads, and soon their table was called.

Little girl games can indeed be hard to understand

At this point I was the only one still drinking. Everyone else had given up.

Atta girl!

I saw this pic and was like ummm is it came?

“You need to drink a glass of man up, and chug it!”

“We need to get away from these people, they lack Jesus.”

Awesome quotes to conclude the day! Disney people watching/listening is so great

I had a “make it and shake it” pancake mix,

Sounds cool and useful

“EE in the back hungover lol! Might yak and yeti all over Michael ”

Hehe Jenny you are so clever!

When we texted to Jenny that we were in the park, she replied that they were getting a drink so she wouldn't feel so hungover.

way to pony up Jenny!

The guy beside you is so serene!

Strict "hands to yourself"

The show was entertaining as always, while the Tumble Monkeys were doing their bit they started off with the song "Hakuna Matata" playing in the background.

I have seen this show, so fun!

I’m sure I’m the only person in the audience who marveled at that.

Classic!
You def rocked your tank tops! Is it a hidden mickey top?

 

[jedijill]

Breakfast was delicious and a nice easy way to start the day. I love EE and another terrible ride pic! The FOTLK show is my favorite. I go for the Tumble Monkeys and the Bird dancers....the rest of the show is just ok. LOL

Jill in CO

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Sounds like a nice relaxing way to start the day and then able to enjoy a couple attractions! We haven't done FOTLK in a while - one of these days we need to do that again. Enjoy that cabin!

 

[franandaj]

I wonder what could have contributed to that?

That makes all the difference. I often book just 4 days... which means minimum one park/day and most likely rope drop to close every day. Not a whole lotta down time.

I really need to change that.

Yes you do! You need to retire and live the good life! We ain't getting any younger! Your next birthday has a zero! (As does mine, but mine is farher away considering it was just last week)

Is this a store bought thing, or something you pre-mixed on your own?

This is not the brand that I had, but it gives you an idea of the concept.

What does that mean? More hair of the dog? Or water?

Yes, hair of the dog. Makes Jenny feel better when she is hungover.

Jill looks like maybe she could relate to Jenny's comment.

She just takes lousy ride photos. Neither of us had a hangover. We didn't start until we got to the Enchanted Rose.

Huh! I don't think I'd know the names, but would 100% recognize hearing Sing Sing Sing and maybe Caravan (less familiar with it)

I'm especially keyed into Caravan right now cause our jazz band is playing an (awful) arrangement of it. We have concert this Sunday after I get back.

Appropriate.

I thought so.

Don't think I know them.

No I don't think you do. Pam stopped doing TRs quite a while ago.

You both look pretty good considering the previous evening's shenanigans.

We bounce back well. And hydrate!

Of course! Would've been surprised if you hadn't.

I'm just glad I noticed!

Because who doesn't want to go to a bar and have... water...

True. But if you didn't have so many dislikes it would be easier!

 

[pkondz]

Yes you do! You need to retire and live the good life!

We ain't getting any younger! Your next birthday has a zero! (As does mine, but mine is farher away considering it was just last week)

I didn't know you knew that! I tend not to advertise my birthday.

This is not the brand that I had, but it gives you an idea of the concept.

Ah okay. Thanks.

Yes, hair of the dog. Makes Jenny feel better when she is hungover.

I've heard that.

We bounce back well. And hydrate!

I'm just glad I noticed!

True. But if you didn't have so many dislikes it would be easier!

Picky, picky!

 

[franandaj]

This looks so delish, I'm always pepper on the eggs!

I'm always pepper on most anything!

You're so clever with the transportation system, before I go to WDW I'm going to need a big run down

You just kind of need to know where the monorail and boats go. We just lucked out on this bus situation. Depending on where you stay, some buses are shared. Sometimes the buses at the WL are shared with Ft. Wilderness, and sometimes with the Contemporary. I just happened to be paying attention to the sign to catch this overlap.

Not sure why I quoted this lol, but yay monorail!

Wow! this is super nice, with the water pouring at the bottom and everything

Yes, it was very nice. But I don't have to go back and see it again.

I've never ridden this, crazy I know!

That is crazy! I love this ride! So cool to see all the hydroponics. We even did the Behind the Seeds tour. I would think you would like it.

Aww! this is so cute!

Their outfits in flowers are all so perfect

They do such as awesome job at Flower and Garden. I love to see the topiaries!

So pretty! Disney touches are the best!

Yes!

Nice looking group of drinks, the black rock salt kinda through me a bit

Very artistic!

Elegant yet modern, nice!

It was a nice place to toss back a few, even though we only had one!

Oh hells no...as a parent of a young child, this would drive me crazy, and I would not allow it

I wish all parents felt that way!

Nice of the waitress to tell you guys!

Yeah! We actually scored on that one!

Ummm this sounds awesome!

I'm wondering if they have this at our Sam's!

Hehe, the fun table!

We are!

Aww that's nice! Makenna would like that too I'm sure

I have lots if she wants one!

Little girl games can indeed be hard to understand

Now you tell me!

I saw this pic and was like ummm is it came?

I'm not even touching this one.....

Awesome quotes to conclude the day! Disney people watching/listening is so great

Yeah, I had to write them down as soon as they happened, becuase my tipsy brain would not have remembered!

Sounds cool and useful

Eh, it was OK. I think I might just bring a baggie of my "just add water" batter from home in the future if I want pancakes.

Hehe Jenny you are so clever!

way to pony up Jenny!

She likes her hair of the dog!

The guy beside you is so serene!

I have seen this show, so fun!

Yes it is!

Classic!
You def rocked your tank tops! Is it a hidden mickey top?

I wouldn't call it "hidden" they are pretty obvious.

 

[Flossbolna]

Oh, that breakfast looks delicious! My go to WDW is the kids counter service breakfast with two Mickey waffles and bacon. They used to offer grapes as a side, but now it’s only apple slices. Still, perfect portion size. I am sure your bacon was much superior though!

 

[franandaj]

Breakfast was delicious and a nice easy way to start the day.

I prefer not having to rush out the door in the mornings. Especially since we can do so many of the rides at DL! AK is different though!

I love EE and another terrible ride pic!

This time I wasn't riding with you to give you a heads up when it was coming!

The FOTLK show is my favorite. I go for the Tumble Monkeys and the Bird dancers....the rest of the show is just ok. LOL

I hadn't seen the show since like 2016 so I'm glad we saw it!

 

[franandaj]

Sounds like a nice relaxing way to start the day and then able to enjoy a couple attractions!

I prefer taking it easy as opposed to rushing off to the parks.

We haven't done FOTLK in a while - one of these days we need to do that again.

It's a great show, and was something fun to do when the lines were super long.

Enjoy that cabin!

We were doing our best!

 

[franandaj]

I didn't know you knew that! I tend not to advertise my birthday.

Well a few years back you went to a party and you mentioned something about it in your TR. Not sure if any ages were mentioned at that time, but at some point you mentioned how long ago you had passed a certain benchmark, and it was just about six months before I passed the same one, so I remembered.

Don't ask me what I was wearing three days ago, but random information like that sticks in my head!

 

[franandaj]

Oh, that breakfast looks delicious! My go to WDW is the kids counter service breakfast with two Mickey waffles and bacon.

You know I'm not sure I've ever really eaten a counter service breakfast at WDW! I always have the kitchen so if I don't cook something I just have cereal, yogurt, toast or some combination of the three. When I go out for breakfast it's usually at a sit down place.

 

[pkondz]

Well a few years back you went to a party and you mentioned something about it in your TR. Not sure if any ages were mentioned at that time, but at some point you mentioned how long ago you had passed a certain benchmark, and it was just about six months before I passed the same one, so I remembered.

You’re like Sherlock Holmes!

Don't ask me what I was wearing three days ago, but random information like that sticks in my head!

 

[franandaj]

You’re like Sherlock Holmes!

 

[franandaj]

So we had just visited Animal Kingdom where we rode Expedition Everest, passed on the Safari and saw the show Festival of the Lion King. That was basically our goal for today. We didn’t want to wear ourselves out, because we had a big night ahead.

On our way back to the cabin we saw this. Jenny had seen a snake on check in day as well. There was a sign warning us of snakes and alligators, so we know they weren’t kidding.

Pamela and JJ arrived shortly after 2PM and while they were visiting the skies opened up and it poured for the entire afternoon. I believe that Jenny and Michael came back to the cabin before the rain set in. While we were there in our comfy cabin just chatting, severe winds came through. People who were at Epcot were posting videos of severe windstorms under Spaceship Earth. We were nice and cozy with a fire just watching the storms. Here’s Pamela chillin’.

We spent the afternoon chit chatting before Jill and I each went to take showers and get ready. The ladies offered to give us a ride to the GF so we didn't have to pay for an Uber to get there which was very sweet. Pamela went to get the car while JJ took some pictures of us on the way. This one came out the best, so that’s the one I’m showing you.

Soon they were dropping us off and we were on our way to Victoria & Albert's. We were seated promptly and one of our servers took our pictures as well.

Now if you have been reading my other report, I’m just going to start this post out by letting you know that this meal could not have been more fabulous! Everything about it was fantastic! Did we love and savor every morsel that they served us? No, some were worth more stomach space than others.

But the servers were top notch, the timing was impeccable, and there was more than enough food that was absolutely delectable, that we did not starve and we were pleased to leave a hefty tip. In fact I think I left them about 25%.

The room was stunning. The entire place was refurbished after the pandemic and they did a beautiful job!

Then we were served a non-alcoholic beverage made from blueberry and soda water. It was delicious!

At that point we perused our menus in case there was anything we did not want to eat or we were allergic to it. They also asked if we wanted the wine pairing or the non-alcoholic pairing. They had a set of mocktails to be paired with the courses as well. Of course we picked the wine pairings!

Each table had a set up like this at the end of the table so that the servers had all our glasses at their fingertips.

Our first set of bites was called Spring Equinox, It consisted of three different components which were customized for both Jill and I.

My first was a Kingfish Crudo in a purple Potato tartlet (for me), and it was delicious.

Jill had something similar, but her fish was cooked. It was New zealand langoustines with purple potatoes and capers

We both had this little bite which contained white chocolate inside the small cone that you see, it also had English Pea and Mint. We were rather dubious about what the white chocolate was doing there, but it wasn’t sweet at all. The flavors really complemented each other.

The final bite in the trio was a biscuit made from shallots, lightly flavored with tamarind and topped with Iberico Jamon, a very thinly sliced Spanish Ham.

My next course was a very surprising course. Jill doesn’t enjoy caviar, so she was served this, Honey Nut Squash, Duck Prosciutto, with Barrel Aged Maple.

I was served a spuma of parsnip and bone marrow topped with caviar. What completely blew us both away was the potato chips that were served alongside. The server informed us that they were sliced thin with a Japanese Mandolin, not just any mandolin! And then they were seasoned with sea salt and vinegar.

If you’d have told me I’d be eating potato chips at V&A’s I’d have said you were nuts!

Then we were served bread. This was my favorite bread of the night. We were both a little disappointed with the bread service. Jill had watched YouTube videos of people having dinner, and there were some spectacular breads that she saw. None of ours rivaled her expectations. The butter was really good too!

We both took pictures of the cutlery and the presentation that they used to place it on the table.

The next course is a little confusing. The menu says, Norwegian King Crab, Kohlrabi, Lemon Verbena. We were served two dishes.

I think that the description was more of this dish.

However, my recollection is that we were served variations of the theme in both hot and cold. Jill remembered differently.

Another cool cutlery presentation.

This course was very interesting. The menu reads Wild Turbot, Spanish Carabinero, Calabrian Chili. The dish itself was turbot on the left side of the plate, and a shrimp toast on the right side.

Then the server poured the chili sauce between the two bites. It had a very small kick.

The Turbot was topped with something similar to Rice Krispies, but I’m sure made in-house and superior to Rice Krispies. This was the first course where we started pacing ourselves. There was nothing wrong with it, but we had a course of Wagu beef coming up and we certainly did not want to be too full for that! We ate about half this dish before giving up.

Our next bread service was the Focaccia served with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It was good, but the baguette was better.

[Continued in Next Post]

 

[franandaj]

[Continued from Previous Post]

Our next course was Rabbit Cappelletti, Sugar Snaps, Saffron. When I googled Cappelletti this is what I found.

Cappelletti (Italian: [kappelˈletti]) are ring-shaped Italian stuffed pasta so called for the characteristic shape that resembles a hat (cappello in Italian). Compared to tortellini, they have a different shape, larger size, thicker dough and different filling.

This was super tasty! I couldn’t help but eat every last bite!

Our next course was good, but another one where we both saved room for later. Koji-aged Quail, Sunflower “Risotto”, Sunchokes. First the plate was placed in front of us.

Then the server poured a small serving of a Barbeque style sauce. The quail itself was very good. It was just the breast. However, I didn’t really care for the risotto made from Sunflower seeds.

We were served our last bread. The butter presentation was pretty neat.

However, it was a multigrain sort of bread, which I am not at all a fan of, so I didn’t end up using any stomach space for this bread.

Our next course was pretty fabulous. It was Wild Boar, Rhubarb, and Broccolini. I actually only took one bite of the Broccolini, and I’m not sure I could recognize the Rhubarb on the plate. But the Wild Boar was served two ways. A slice of the Tenderloin (which is at the top of the plate) and made into a sausage (at the bottom of the plate).

We were given another creative cutlery, but that knife would not be necessary.

Then we came to our Wagyu Beef course. For those of you who are not familiar with the Wagyu Beef Grade Scale, the grade of the wagyu is dictated by a letter and a number. The letter can be from A to C (A being the best), and the number from 1 to 5 (5 being the best). Our next course would be Miyazaki A-5, Niigata Koshiibuki Rice, Furikake.

Neither of us paid much attention to the rice. I did take a bite. The server said it was one of his most favorite things on the menu, but when I had the Wagyu beef in front of me, the rice paled in comparison. Both of us ate every last bit of it!

This was the rice. I think I took a bite of it, but it wasn’t all that. The beef was the star!

The next course was a cheese course accompanied by a sherry. The cheese was Pierre Robert 75% and it was served in a sauce of Florida Guava and Pine Berries. It was quite tasty, and just a nice little after dinner treat. Since we would be having quite a few more!

We were served these house made saltines.

And then the cheese was spread on the crackers.

Then they began the coffee and tea service. This is the coffee.

This is the Tea. Notice the little burner underneath each of them that is glowing blue.

These are a couple videos of how the coffee maker works. Notice the “souvenir” cough that I took home with me, and still lingered weeks after the trip, at the end of this video. In fact as I write this on my last day in Germany, I realize that the cough finally left me once I was in Austria. (TR coming soon to a DISboards near you).

If you noticed, in the last video, the little glowing burner had been turned off, and just at the end he removed the heat source entirely. In this video you see the coffee finish it’s brew.

And here are my “dessert beverages”.

And the finished tea.

We were then served this “Candied Carrot, Hazelnut Praline, Cocoa Soil”. I wasn’t sure that I would like this, but it was super good, and I even sopped up the cocoa soil with the carrot filling.

Our next dessert course was Mango Pavlova, Serrano Pepper, Chantilly. These were delightful little puffs of goodness!

Finally we were served these Petit-Fours. I believe they just placed them all at the table, and told us to eat them in any order. They were all super tasty! None was more than a bite or maybe two. This was the Blueberry Macaron.

The Opera Gateau…..

Lemon Ganache Square

And the Chartreuse Baba

Every bite was different in flavor and texture, and they were all so tasty! The check came in this fancy wooden box. I guess to hide the damages! It was definitely an expensive meal, but so worth it! I was happy to have a ton of funds on my Disney Rewards Card that I had been saving for a long long time because it certainly eased the blow of the total cost!

We took an Uber back to the hotel, my first Uber that I had booked using my credit on my Platinum Amex card! See? Tons of firsts! Here are my stats for today.

 

[suse66]

When we last left off we had decided to visit Panchito, Jose, and Donald on “It’s a Small Mexico”. The wait for this was only about 20 minutes, if that. I took this panoramic shot from the International Gateway as we made our way over there.

I always love "It's a Small Mexico!"

Rocket is probably my favorite Marvel Character, so I couldn’t resist this photo of him and Groot.

When we were seated in the boat, we got this weird HA boat where a wheelchair could have rolled down the middle to sit at the front of the boat. We totally felt like this was a sign that Fran was here riding with us, so we took a picture.

Love this!

Captain Rusty was our skipper for the evening, he took us to the Contemporary after a brief stop at Fort Wilderness to pick up more passengers. Here’s a look back at the Wilderness Lodge.

Gorgeous!

They still had an Easter Egg display in the ground floor next to Steakhouse 71.

Another place I missed! I though they were only at the GF.

I was in a quandary as to what to drink for the evening. I didn’t want to mix alcohols because that would be a for sure hangover. Because most of the drinks at Trader Sams are rum based, I decided that I would stick to rum for the evening. I know, sorry @pkondz

You were in it for the long haul!

We finished our drinks, and our next stop would be the Contemporary Resort, the Lounge at Steakhouse 71. We were able to secure a couch and tables in one of the side rooms. This is where we had planned on getting most of our food. I liked the “Contemporary” light fixtures in our room.

The food there is excellent!

Michael got another Mai Tai on the second round. Jenny and Jill got Spikey Pineapples, which was essentially a Dole Whip with Rum, and they both got a second shot. I went with the Polynesian Pearl which had a creamy Rum Chata and that seemed to soothe my wonky tummy. Jenny and Michael split an order of the Kalua pork tacos. Jill and I still were not hungry.

I love that Polynesian Pearl.

In the meantime I had ordered a Lapu Lapu and some Bread Pudding. Michael ordered the sticky ribs. At this point I was the only one still drinking. Everyone else had given up.

Go Alison!!

Then we headed back on the monorail towards the Contemporary. We shared an immediate car with a family, and we laughed the entire way to MK where they exited. I don't remember the conversation but at one point the wife said to the husband, “You need to drink a glass of man up, and chug it!”

Oh my gosh, I would be DYING!!

 

[pkondz]

On our way back to the cabin we saw this. Jenny had seen a snake on check in day as well. There was a sign warning us of snakes and alligators, so we know they weren’t kidding.

Makes you wonder where the gators are… better check the hot tub!

while they were visiting the skies opened up and it poured for the entire afternoon.

Pour timing.

Here’s Pamela chillin’.

She looks pretty comfy/happy!

The ladies offered to give us a ride to the GF so we didn't have to pay for an Uber to get there which was very sweet.

Very nice.

This one came out the best, so that’s the one I’m showing you.

You both look great.

one of our servers took our pictures as well.

“As well”???

What else did they take??

I’m just going to start this post out by letting you know that this meal could not have been more fabulous!

I would expect nothing less.

Did we love and savor every morsel that they served us? No, some were worth more stomach space than others.

Interesting. I don’t think I skipped a bite. I sure was full after, though!

we were pleased to leave a hefty tip. In fact I think I left them about 25%.

Funny how it’s okay when not forced on you.

Ahem.

The entire place was refurbished after the pandemic and they did a beautiful job!

Oh!
I need to revisit, then.

They also asked if we wanted the wine pairing or the non-alcoholic pairing.

It’s like they don’t know you!

They had a set of mocktails to be paired with the courses as well.

Huh. Not sure if I’d be interested in that or not… but I’d definitely be curious.

Of course we picked the wine pairings!

No! I’m shocked!! Shocked!

Each table had a set up like this at the end of the table so that the servers had all our glasses at their fingertips.

That’s new.

Our first set of bites was called Spring Equinox, It consisted of three different components which were customized for both Jill and I.

I wondered what you meant by that at first.

My first was a Kingfish Crudo in a purple Potato tartlet (for me), and it was delicious.

Beautifully presented

We both had this little bite which contained white chocolate inside the small cone that you see, it also had English Pea and Mint. We were rather dubious about what the white chocolate was doing there, but it wasn’t sweet at all. The flavors really complemented each other.

That sounds so fascinating! Would never have thought they’d go together at all.

The server informed us that they were sliced thin with a Japanese Mandolin

I googled. I think it’s a regular mandolin but the blade is different.

If you’d have told me I’d be eating potato chips at V&A’s I’d have said you were nuts!

No kidding!

Jill had watched YouTube videos of people having dinner, and there were some spectacular breads that she saw. None of ours rivaled her expectations.

That’s unfortunate.

We both took pictures of the cutlery and the presentation that they used to place it on the table

I like that.

The Turbot was topped with something similar to Rice Krispies, but I’m sure made in-house and superior to Rice Krispies.

Nah. No-name brand.

we had a course of Wagu beef coming up and we certainly did not want to be too full for that!

Our next course was Rabbit Cappelletti,

That looks delicious

However, I didn’t really care for the risotto made from Sunflower seeds.

I don’t even understand how you could do that.

The butter presentation was pretty neat.

Clever. Slightly chilled and pared I’d guess.

I’m not sure I could recognize the Rhubarb on the plate.

Is it the dot at about 6 o’clock?

the grade of the wagyu is dictated by a letter and a number. The letter can be from A to C (A being the best), and the number from 1 to 5 (5 being the best).

I wasn’t aware of the grading system.

Our next course would be Miyazaki A-5, Niigata Koshiibuki Rice, Furikake.

One of the few places in North America that serve it.

The cheese was Pierre Robert 75% and it was served in a sauce of Florida Guava and Pine Berries.

Was very surprised by that. Sounds amazing.

Then they began the coffee and tea service. This is the coffee.

That service is so cool.

Notice the “souvenir” cough that I took home with me, and still lingered weeks after the trip, at the end of this video.

Oh dear…

We were then served this “Candied Carrot, Hazelnut Praline, Cocoa Soil”.

Another combination that surprised me.

Our next dessert course was Mango Pavlova

Mmmmm…

And the Chartreuse Baba

This appeals to me the most.

The check came in this fancy wooden box. I guess to hide the damages!