I have started detailed dining review threads several times, but I never found time to complete them. So I decided to go with a shorter “just back”-style review. This was a solo trip by a male, 40, annual pass and Tables in Wonderland card holder. Prices include gratuities.
Saturday, Oct. 20
Dinner - Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd Skipper Canteen. I had a ADR here, with a FastPass for Jungle Cruise during the previous hour. It is really a nice combo! The workload before this one-week vacation has been heavy, I slept just a couple of hours before leaving for the airport, and the arrival day is a long day. So I was especially tired and I had a relaxing (while non-Signature) dinner here. Skipper Canteen is my favorite sit-down restaurant in Magic Kingdom. This is truly a good achievement of the Imagineers in the restaurant category, in pure Disney tradition (except it is not dry!). I love going to the restroom to read the “latest” news.
While the S.E.A. Shu Mai (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) is my favorite appetizer, I discussed the other options with my server, May, and decided to go with the Shiriki Noodle Salad, “famously served at Hotel Hightower on December 31, 1899,” according to the menu (please let me know about this reference whether you catch it). I didn't regret. It was flavorful, colorful, and spicy.
Then I ordered my favorite entree, which is a sustainable white fish, served with spiced couscous. I licked everything in this plate. The glass of wine, a Franciscan Chardonnay (California), was a good pairing. Total with tip, and TIW 20% discount: $55,73.
Sunday, October 21.
Food & Wine Festival Event - French Family Meal Traditions, Monsieur Paul. I had experienced the Food & Wine Festival through the food kiosks, culinary demonstrations, and wine tasting seminars over the past years. This was my first F&W event. I quickly realized that for regular park goers who don't care about the amount of time spent in restaurants (e.g., annual passholders), this is the way to go! We were 8 people at the same table : three couples and two solo customers. The event was scheduled from 12:00 to 3:30pm, and it actually last a little more than three hours.
That was a 5-course meal, each paired with a glass of wine (and we had some refills!).
We started with a housemade dill roll with smoked salmon and lemon cream. Paired with a Lillet rosé.
We continued with a salmon in puff pastry, with a tartar sauce. Paired with another rosé, Berne Emotion, from Côtes de Provence area.
The main course was a braised duck with mashed potatoes, served in “shepherd pie style” (I quote the menu). It was paired with a glass of Château Cap L'Ousteau, Grand Reserve 2015, from Haut Médoc.
The meal was completed with a cheese served with bread and compote, paired with a Château Saint-André Corbin (St. Emilion, Bordeaux). The dessert was a Valrhona Satilia dark chocolate mousse, with passion fruit ganache, hazelnut chocolate cake, passion fruit sorbet. It was served with a sparkling, Lucien Albrecht Brut, a crémant from Alsace.
That was truly a wonderful experience. The food and the wine were amazing. Furthermore, I was sat with other Disney parks fans who had genuine knowledge about WDW restaurants, so we had a lot to discuss about. It was really enjoyable. The only minor criticism is that the host had nothing to say beyond reading the menu. It would have been interesting to get more information about the wineries, the grapes, etc. This was also my first visit at Monsieur Paul, the location is very elegant. After eating so much food, I came close to fall asleep on the boat, on my way to Disney's Hollywood Studios!
At $100.24 (no discount available), I found this event to be a good value, not only by Disney standard, but also for a similar meal outside Disney, especially once we factor in the quantity of wine we drank.
Late dinner - California Grill. I scheduled an ADR at California Grill around 9:40pm, so I had about six hours to digest the French meal. It was also a good timing to catch the Magic Kingdom Halloween party fireworks at 10:15pm.
I began with the comforting and famous Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, paired with a glass of Michael Pozzan pinot noir (Russian River Valley, California). The server mistakenly brought the white wine I had ordered for the following course. However, he brought the glass back to a fresh location and served the pinot noir within a minute.
After the fireworks show, I had the Spicy Kazan Roll, with the scallops and the fireball sauce hidden in the centre of the plate. Whereas I typically drink a German riesling with this plate, I saw on the wine list the Franciscan Chardonnay I had at Skipper Canteen the day before, and I selected it. Since the refurbishment of California Grill, I always have a thought for former sushi chef Yoshie Cabral, who crafted this plate (as well as other sushi listed on the menu).
Aside the meal, I was surprised to realize that two old ladies who sat at the table next to mine had two small dogs in a basket during their meal. More interesting, at the end of the evening, as the restaurant was more quiet, I realized that a server was filming, as a young man was kneeling and made a proposal to his girlfriend. That was another great meal in an outstanding location. I don't know other restaurants where guests can insert a fireworks extravaganza between two courses on a consistent basis. It is a remarkable achievement that the staff is successful to manage and to adjust their service to a such interruption! Total with tip and TIW 20% discount : $70.18.
Monday, October 22.
Luncheon - Enzo's Hideaway. Following a long construction period, I could not wait to visit this location, once rumored to be a Walt's tunnel bar at Disney Springs. Well, the concept referring to Walt Disney has disappeared, but the one of a hidden place was kept. I was also attracted by a rare 40% discount available in Fall 2018 for annual passholder (lunch time only). As part of Disney Springs broader storyline, this prohibition-era “secret gem” is decorated with many newspapers pages about the prohibition issue, etc.
The menu summarizes the story: “While inspecting the building prior to taking full ownership, Enzo discovered a long-hidden place below the terminal that connected abandoned sections of the next-door power plant [note: the Edison's]. To Enzo's astonishment, he came across a Prohibition-era hideaway where a team of flying rum-runners once gathered. Evidence of smuggler activity remained, untouched for decades. Enzo decided that the space might make an irresistible spot for dining and socializing to highlight the family recipes he grew up on, highlighting specialties from Rome and nearby regions.”
My server Gianluco brought some pieces of bread with olive oil. I started with Suppli' alla Romana, which are similar to arancini. They are described on the menu as fried rice balls with peas, prosciutto di Parma, and Taleggio cheese. Then I had the “Classic Lasagna,” which was a recommandation of the server, who specified that pasta are made fresh on a daily basis. The lasagna was indeed very good, but the entree was a little heavy for a luncheon, especially with warm weather conditions outside.
Enzo's Hideaway is an interesting Italian restaurant, but it doesn't challenge Il Mulino (Swan hotel), which is my favorite Italian venue at WDW. Total with tips and annual pass 40% discount: $30.32.
Dinner - Jiko. A dinner at Jiko is typically my most anticipated meal in a WDW vacation. I had a late night reservation (9:20pm), so I could attend Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom (definitely a downgrade without the live performers). I had been served several times by Shellie at this restaurant, so I ask when I signed up at the podium. While her tables were already busy for the remaining of the evening, an arrangement was made within a couple of minutes and I was sat in her section.
An helper brought a wet towel smelling the rose, and another person served me a complimentary glass of Moroccan cold tea, which was very refreshing. I decided to make a meal with three appetizers instead of ordering an entree. I also left Shellie deciding which wine to pair with my choices. This sommelier has never disappointed me, she is very knowledgeable about Jiko extensive wine list. So she introduced me to some changes on the menu since my last visit, and she made some recommendations of appetizers.
So I followed one of Shellie's recommendations and I began with the Mauritius poached shrimp, served with a Meyer lemon-sumac vinaigrette, rougaille sauce, pickled radish, and chile oil. I started to eat with my eyes as the plate was beautiful. And it was a fireworks of flavors in my mouth!
(To be continued... next post)
Saturday, Oct. 20
Dinner - Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd Skipper Canteen. I had a ADR here, with a FastPass for Jungle Cruise during the previous hour. It is really a nice combo! The workload before this one-week vacation has been heavy, I slept just a couple of hours before leaving for the airport, and the arrival day is a long day. So I was especially tired and I had a relaxing (while non-Signature) dinner here. Skipper Canteen is my favorite sit-down restaurant in Magic Kingdom. This is truly a good achievement of the Imagineers in the restaurant category, in pure Disney tradition (except it is not dry!). I love going to the restroom to read the “latest” news.
While the S.E.A. Shu Mai (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) is my favorite appetizer, I discussed the other options with my server, May, and decided to go with the Shiriki Noodle Salad, “famously served at Hotel Hightower on December 31, 1899,” according to the menu (please let me know about this reference whether you catch it). I didn't regret. It was flavorful, colorful, and spicy.
Then I ordered my favorite entree, which is a sustainable white fish, served with spiced couscous. I licked everything in this plate. The glass of wine, a Franciscan Chardonnay (California), was a good pairing. Total with tip, and TIW 20% discount: $55,73.
Sunday, October 21.
Food & Wine Festival Event - French Family Meal Traditions, Monsieur Paul. I had experienced the Food & Wine Festival through the food kiosks, culinary demonstrations, and wine tasting seminars over the past years. This was my first F&W event. I quickly realized that for regular park goers who don't care about the amount of time spent in restaurants (e.g., annual passholders), this is the way to go! We were 8 people at the same table : three couples and two solo customers. The event was scheduled from 12:00 to 3:30pm, and it actually last a little more than three hours.
That was a 5-course meal, each paired with a glass of wine (and we had some refills!).
We started with a housemade dill roll with smoked salmon and lemon cream. Paired with a Lillet rosé.
We continued with a salmon in puff pastry, with a tartar sauce. Paired with another rosé, Berne Emotion, from Côtes de Provence area.
The main course was a braised duck with mashed potatoes, served in “shepherd pie style” (I quote the menu). It was paired with a glass of Château Cap L'Ousteau, Grand Reserve 2015, from Haut Médoc.
The meal was completed with a cheese served with bread and compote, paired with a Château Saint-André Corbin (St. Emilion, Bordeaux). The dessert was a Valrhona Satilia dark chocolate mousse, with passion fruit ganache, hazelnut chocolate cake, passion fruit sorbet. It was served with a sparkling, Lucien Albrecht Brut, a crémant from Alsace.
That was truly a wonderful experience. The food and the wine were amazing. Furthermore, I was sat with other Disney parks fans who had genuine knowledge about WDW restaurants, so we had a lot to discuss about. It was really enjoyable. The only minor criticism is that the host had nothing to say beyond reading the menu. It would have been interesting to get more information about the wineries, the grapes, etc. This was also my first visit at Monsieur Paul, the location is very elegant. After eating so much food, I came close to fall asleep on the boat, on my way to Disney's Hollywood Studios!
At $100.24 (no discount available), I found this event to be a good value, not only by Disney standard, but also for a similar meal outside Disney, especially once we factor in the quantity of wine we drank.
Late dinner - California Grill. I scheduled an ADR at California Grill around 9:40pm, so I had about six hours to digest the French meal. It was also a good timing to catch the Magic Kingdom Halloween party fireworks at 10:15pm.
I began with the comforting and famous Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, paired with a glass of Michael Pozzan pinot noir (Russian River Valley, California). The server mistakenly brought the white wine I had ordered for the following course. However, he brought the glass back to a fresh location and served the pinot noir within a minute.
After the fireworks show, I had the Spicy Kazan Roll, with the scallops and the fireball sauce hidden in the centre of the plate. Whereas I typically drink a German riesling with this plate, I saw on the wine list the Franciscan Chardonnay I had at Skipper Canteen the day before, and I selected it. Since the refurbishment of California Grill, I always have a thought for former sushi chef Yoshie Cabral, who crafted this plate (as well as other sushi listed on the menu).
Aside the meal, I was surprised to realize that two old ladies who sat at the table next to mine had two small dogs in a basket during their meal. More interesting, at the end of the evening, as the restaurant was more quiet, I realized that a server was filming, as a young man was kneeling and made a proposal to his girlfriend. That was another great meal in an outstanding location. I don't know other restaurants where guests can insert a fireworks extravaganza between two courses on a consistent basis. It is a remarkable achievement that the staff is successful to manage and to adjust their service to a such interruption! Total with tip and TIW 20% discount : $70.18.
Monday, October 22.
Luncheon - Enzo's Hideaway. Following a long construction period, I could not wait to visit this location, once rumored to be a Walt's tunnel bar at Disney Springs. Well, the concept referring to Walt Disney has disappeared, but the one of a hidden place was kept. I was also attracted by a rare 40% discount available in Fall 2018 for annual passholder (lunch time only). As part of Disney Springs broader storyline, this prohibition-era “secret gem” is decorated with many newspapers pages about the prohibition issue, etc.
The menu summarizes the story: “While inspecting the building prior to taking full ownership, Enzo discovered a long-hidden place below the terminal that connected abandoned sections of the next-door power plant [note: the Edison's]. To Enzo's astonishment, he came across a Prohibition-era hideaway where a team of flying rum-runners once gathered. Evidence of smuggler activity remained, untouched for decades. Enzo decided that the space might make an irresistible spot for dining and socializing to highlight the family recipes he grew up on, highlighting specialties from Rome and nearby regions.”
My server Gianluco brought some pieces of bread with olive oil. I started with Suppli' alla Romana, which are similar to arancini. They are described on the menu as fried rice balls with peas, prosciutto di Parma, and Taleggio cheese. Then I had the “Classic Lasagna,” which was a recommandation of the server, who specified that pasta are made fresh on a daily basis. The lasagna was indeed very good, but the entree was a little heavy for a luncheon, especially with warm weather conditions outside.
Enzo's Hideaway is an interesting Italian restaurant, but it doesn't challenge Il Mulino (Swan hotel), which is my favorite Italian venue at WDW. Total with tips and annual pass 40% discount: $30.32.
Dinner - Jiko. A dinner at Jiko is typically my most anticipated meal in a WDW vacation. I had a late night reservation (9:20pm), so I could attend Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom (definitely a downgrade without the live performers). I had been served several times by Shellie at this restaurant, so I ask when I signed up at the podium. While her tables were already busy for the remaining of the evening, an arrangement was made within a couple of minutes and I was sat in her section.
An helper brought a wet towel smelling the rose, and another person served me a complimentary glass of Moroccan cold tea, which was very refreshing. I decided to make a meal with three appetizers instead of ordering an entree. I also left Shellie deciding which wine to pair with my choices. This sommelier has never disappointed me, she is very knowledgeable about Jiko extensive wine list. So she introduced me to some changes on the menu since my last visit, and she made some recommendations of appetizers.
So I followed one of Shellie's recommendations and I began with the Mauritius poached shrimp, served with a Meyer lemon-sumac vinaigrette, rougaille sauce, pickled radish, and chile oil. I started to eat with my eyes as the plate was beautiful. And it was a fireworks of flavors in my mouth!
(To be continued... next post)