Originally Posted By Tiggirl FenwayGirl, is that Cat Cora's place? I've heard lots of good things about that one!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh, this one is very hard as there are so many good places to choose from. My recommendations to a Disneylander are: California Grill - one of Disney's best restaurants on the planet. Not quite Napa Rose or the Ca Grill in Paris, this is my fav at WDW. And you cannot beat tucking into a chocolate souffle as the fireworks erupt over the MK. Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge - this is the most fun restaurant on property. Be sure to ask for ketchup! The Luau at the Poly - romantic fun with a live show remeniscent of the former Tahitian Terrace at DL. I cannot really recommend anywhere in the MK, more of a lesser evil experience IMHO - Crystal Palace breakfast and Liberty Tree are ok. However, Epcot you are spoilled for choice. I love Le Cellier (though not the new prices), Teppan Edo (though not hugely different than Benihana though - but that is a novelty for us too), Nine Draggons (they have some authentic dishes I have not seen outside of Hong Kong - not with the same flavours, and a very underrated place). I like the ambience of San Angel Inn, but the food is so so. Bierkeller is quite authentic and good too. The ompah bands and beer put it over the top. Best counter service in WDW is at the Land Pavillion IMHO, great quality. Marrakech is a mixed bag. The entertainment and decor are first rate, as is the mint tea. But the food when we went was below average (though I have been to the real Marrakech and we have some good places near us, so that may temper our opinion). Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club is great for ice cream. At the Studios, sadly I think we have been unlucky every time we have eaten here (whether Sci Fi Dine In, 50's Prime Time or the Brown Derby). But for ambience, the Sci Fi Dine In is a lot of fun, especially with the B movie trailers. DAK has the best counter service restaurants IMHO, Flame Tree BBQ was excellent, as was Tusker House before they converted to buffet (I have not dined their since). I do want to try Yak and Yeti, it sounds great. At AKL, all three of the original restaurants are great choices (Jiko, Boma, and Mara), and I have heard great things from Saana (including from an East African Indian Brit - comlicated this decolonisation stuff), she is a great cook, and if she rates it, it must be pretty good. House of Blues is ok, but it is the same as Anaheim. To be honest, I have never had a better meal in DTD than can be found in California. So we tend to avoid it. For the unique fun factor though, TRex looks like fun, and I have heard good things about Raglan Road (but I am not a huge fan of Irish food, I find it bland). That's my 2 cents, I hope it helps. FWIW. I still want to try Ohana (the kids were ill last time) and Hoop Dee Doo. Also Victoria and Alberts is a wonderful experience, but very pricey.
Originally Posted By Tiggirl Thanks Dave! You've names a lot of my favorites, which is good because I'm also trying to decide which of my favorites to return to! Do you know off the top of your head if Teppan Edo serves sushi? I know Steev really wants sushi in Japan. I hope you'll get to try Ohana sometime. The food is good (not AMAZING but good) and the view is hard to beat! And the atmospher is nice. ~Beth
Originally Posted By danyoung >And you cannot beat tucking into a chocolate souffle as the fireworks erupt over the MK.< Sadly they haven't done the souffle's in quite a while now. They used to do a chocolate souffle with a scoop of peanut butter ice cream in the middle that was to die for. I usually do a light berries and ice cream dessert now, and it's pretty decent. But them souffle's were just incredible!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Do you know off the top of your head if Teppan Edo serves sushi? I know Steev really wants sushi in Japan.<<< They did it as a starter when I was last there. I would recommend you look at www.allearsnet.com though to see the latest menues. >>>I hope you'll get to try Ohana sometime. The food is good (not AMAZING but good) and the view is hard to beat! And the atmospher is nice. <<< Thanks Beth. We really wanted to do it last time, but between child illness and Mother in law issues, it was not going to happen. Maybe next time (though I may have to prioritise Tchoup Chop over at Universal, I have heard amazing things about this Emiril Leglass (sp?) restaurant. Dan - Sorry to hear they no longer do the souffles. Though knowing Ca Grill, I am sure we would find other amazing stuff. Still a bummer to hear of another cut.
Originally Posted By FenwayGirl Kouzinna is Cat Cora's restaurant. We loved it! It is Mediteranian food with a southern flair. The restaurant has an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work..
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Don't forget the Cal Grill is known for outstanding sushi. Whether or not you liked Ratatouille you will love meeting Remy at Chef de France! The food and service is excellent also. Epcot has so many fun and wonderful places it is difficult to choose.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I would say with MMC, you could randomly point to a restaurant and have a good meal. The only other theme park on the planet I could say that about is Tivoli Gardens - the one that inspired Walt in the first place.
Originally Posted By danyoung >Still a bummer to hear of another cut.< I'm not sure I'd call this a cut as much as just a change in the menu. The souffle's were something of a hassle to prepare, and you had to order them something like 20 minutes before you were ready for dessert. I still miss 'em, though. >Don't forget the Cal Grill is known for outstanding sushi.< I was told by a waiter a couple years ago that the lady that prepares the sushi is one of the top 5 or 6 sushi artists in the world. Not the World but then entire world! And I have no reason not to believe him - it's really incredible. Try the Spicy Kazan Roll - crab, shrimp, bay scallops, tuna and fireball sauce. Just totally yummy!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo True it was a pain, but worth it. Now that Kazan roll sounds great.
Originally Posted By markonefive Something we're thrilled about is the free dining plan. Otherwise, we'd probably never get to try some of the great restaurants (just a lot of counter service or off-site). And with two younger kids (but not young enough 14 and 11), the prices for adult portions just makes you cringe when they don't feel too hungry. So now, we get to eat at the "grown up" restaurants, the girls can sub down to kids menu if they want, or order a half portion (just so food doesn't get wasted). The hardest part was narrowing down and matching the restaurant to the parks we would be in each day (park hopper option costs too much). Afte much debate and discussion, we went with: Teppan Edo for lunch one day, Marrakesh for dinner (San Angel was a close runner up) Mama Melrose for lunch the next day (with the Fantasmic seating) Boatwrights at Port Orleans for dinner the following day (although we were tempted by the Liberty Tree as well) Spirit of Aloha on the next night (two credits, but something we would never do without the Dining Plan). Thought about Chef Mickey at the Contemporary but couldn't get a decent time. Also considered a Crystal Palace breakfast. Overall, quite excited, and will report back in a few weeks after our trip.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Chef Mickey's is fun, but over-rated. There are other character venues just as good or better, The Land Grill lunch and the Ohana breakfast being two we've enjoyed in the past.
Originally Posted By Tiggirl markonefive, I'm excited to hear how you liked your picks. I'll be sitting down soon to flesh out our dining picks. I think its my favorite part of vacation planning. LOL! ~Beth
Originally Posted By Tiggirl So I decided to go with: Kouzzina Marrakesh Victoria & Alberts (I', SUPER excited for this one!) 50's Prime Time Cafe (the only one of my choices I've been to before) California Grill Teppan Edo I'm pleased with my list! ~Beth
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo As you should be, sounds like a great choice. Especially enjoy V&A's and California Grill, they are very special. Will you be at CG during the fireworks?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Sure we couldn't tempt you to bump Prime time for one of the AKL restaurants? They are pretty special.
Originally Posted By Tiggirl LOL! Dave, We did Boma last time and it was delicious! I wanted to get out and explore a few of the other hotels. I think *next* time (always planning ahead, hehe!) I want to try Jiko! ~Beth
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I have also heard amazing things about Sanaa. I am looking forward to the reviews though!
Originally Posted By Tiggirl You know I love writing trip reports! There will be reviews for sure. ~Beth
