Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Re-brand: WDW Destination

I've re-branded by blog to WDW Destination! I'm asked so frequently about a wide variety of Walt Disney World related questions that I wanted to branch out from just covering WDW dining.

For those of you that are new, allow me to introduce myself! My name is Meg and I'm a 29 year old Marketing Professional from Toronto, Canada. By day, I work in the marketing department at one of the largest accounting firms in the world. By night, I blog about Walt Disney World!

My first trip was at the age of 2 and I've been hooked ever since, having visited Walt Disney World more than 50 times! Over the course of these trips, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge on the Walt Disney World Resort. My friends, family and coworkers are always asking my advice on their upcoming Disney trips. I'm constantly answering questions like: What resort should I stay at? Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it for my family? What are MagicBands? What is the best approach to FastPass+? That's why I started this blog! I'm here to help with all your Walt Disney World vacation planning questions! I've got lots of exciting things in store. So stay tuned!

Friday, September 30, 2011

WDW Cravings Countdown: Day 1 - Victoria & Albert's, October 28th 2010

WDW Cravings Countdown

Day 1 - Victoria & Albert's, October 28th 2010

Our third experience at Victoria & Albert's was just shy of one year ago, on October 28th, 2010 (my Mom's birthday.) Our reservation was for 5:45pm and we arrived right on time. I must say, I was shocked to find nearly every table in the restaurant occupied! I could only assume that the influx of foodies for Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival caused this surprising surge in diners at our favorite Walt Disney World restaurant.

The fullness of the restaurant definitely changed the atmosphere. It was louder than usual, and had a more boisterous and celebratory vibe than its usual elegant and calm din. It was different – I can’t say better or worse necessarily, but different.

We were seated at a table for four, in the north east corner of the restaurant (if you are to assume the kitchen entrance is north). Interestingly, we have never been seated at the same table twice! We have occupied three of the four "corner" tables. I am curious to see if we will complete the set, so to speak, with our upcoming reservation on October 7th.

Our servers, Dan and Dave were very attentive. We have been served by Dan on a previous visit to Victoria & Albert's. He had quite a bit of fun rapidly listing the seemingly endless inventory of ingredients in each dish so that I could madly scribble them into my small notebook.

This was my best friend Tania’s first experience at Victoria & Albert's, and while she was a bit overwhelmed at first (aren’t we all the first time?) she loved every bite and every minute of our meal.

First up, the obligatory shots of the beauty of the Victoria & Albert’s place setting.

Decorative Charger Plate
Softly lit lamp & flawless roses

Gift from the Chef
Amuse Bouche
Amuse Bouche
The amuse was presented on a plate with four compartments. Going from the top right, clockwise we have:
- Tomato “Consume”
- Lobster Crepe with Osetra Caviar
- Smoked Salmon “Panna Cotta” with Dill and Salmon Roe
- Olive Oil Poached Baby Heirloom Tomato with Pesto and Sea Salt

Tomato "Consume"
The Tomato “Consume” was easily the star of the plate. It looks so deceptively simple, I mean it is a shot glass of colourless liquid, how can it be impressive? The flavour that came out of that unsuspecting liquid was nothing short of sublime! And that is coming from someone who does NOT like tomatoes. It was light, acidic, perfectly seasoned, wonderfully refreshing and I wished there was more of it.

Lobster Crepe with Osetra Caviar
The Lobster Crepe with Osetra Caviar was creamy and sinful. The textural and flavor contrasts were wonderful. The soft crepe, the creamy lobster and the salty pop of the caviar perfectly accented each other. I would say it was tied with the next item as a solid 2nd on the plate.

Smoked Salmon “Panna Cotta” with Dill and Salmon Roe
The Smoked Salmon “Panna Cotta” with Dill and Salmon Roe was delicious as well. Slightly more herbaceous than the Lobster Crepe, but sharing a similar textural/flavor contrast of creamy and smooth with salty popping roe. The added richness and smokiness of the salmon are what really made this dish.

Olive Oil Poached Baby Heirloom Tomato with Pesto and Sea Salt
Now, I will admit that I am biased when it comes to the Olive Oil Poached Baby Heirloom Tomato with Pesto and Sea Salt. As I have mentioned previously, tomatoes are one of the few foods that I cannot stand. I love the flavor but the texture of a raw or whole tomato is just downright unpleasant to me. That being said, Victoria & Albert’s is about the only place in the world that will find me willingly eating (and often enjoying) tomatoes. This was fresh and light. But it was the weakest item on the plate in my opinion.

1st Course
Cold Appetizer

When you are presented a menu at Victoria & Albert’s it can be quite daunting. There before you lay countless delicious options and you are expected to order all at once!

My Dad has a few food allergies, and therefore had a slightly modified menu (in that it contained no white-fleshed fish or blue cheese). My menu had the same blue cheese modification. As I reflected on a first course, my choices were as follows:

Balsamic marinated charred octopus with tomato and watermelon

OR

Buffalo “waldorf” with apples, walnuts and vinaigrette

However, as I peered at his menu I noticed a slight difference—my Dad had Balsamic marinated charred gulf shrimp! Mmmm…now that sounds amazing. So we pushed our luck...my Dad, Tania & myself all ordered the modified shrimp dish. Thankfully, the kitchen had prepped enough of the shrimp that we were all able to receive our requested dish.
 
Balsamic Marinated Charred Gulf Shrimp with Tomato and Watermelon
This was easily the most complex dish I have ever been served at V&A. For something with such a simple description it was positively singing with intricate flavour! The tender shrimp, the tangy balsamic, the sweet crisp watermelon and the acidity of the tomatoes all played off each other. Some of the unique elements on the plate were pickled watermelon rind and salted yellow watermelon.

Unfortunately I did not get a chance to sample my Mom's choice, the Buffalo "Waldorf", but she said it was delicious!

Buffalo "Waldorf" with apples, walnuts and vinaigrette
Bread 1
Petite Baguette with House-made lightly-salted butter


Sweet mother of all that is holy, I could eat 100 of these. How Chef Eric manages to get the perfectly crisp crust and the airy light interior of a full baguette into this miniature version is mind-blowing. They are always served slightly warm and the smell is unbelievable – takes me back to my trip to Paris in a heartbeat!

2nd Course
Fish Course

While we were “boring” in our choice for this course (we all selected the Sake-Soy marinated Wild Alaskan King Salmon served on a bed of basmati rice with edamame and hojumiji mushrooms), this course was anything but boring!

Sake-Soy Marinated Alaskan King Salmon with Basmati Rice, Edamame and Hojumiji Mushrooms

My Mom tried this same preparation in March and I am sure that Dad and I skipped out on sampling because we were too entranced by our lobster bisque, because we definitely would have remembered this!!

The salmon is perfectly cooked to a tender and juicy medium. The outside delicately flakes away while the inside remains meltingly soft and vibrantly coral coloured. The marinade is earthy and salty yet perfectly balanced. The basmati rice is nutty and complimented by the sweet edamame and the rich hojumiji mushrooms. We each practically licked our plates clean. This was absolutely the star of the evening.

Our server, Dan, told us that the salmon is “day-boat” caught. This means that it was in the ocean, in Alaska on Oct 27th and on our plates on Oct 28th. Wow!

Sadly, Chef Hunnell told us (when we toured the kitchen after the meal) that he was planning on changing the salmon preparation soon. How soon, I don’t know. If this item is still on the menu, I highly recommend it.

Bread 2

This is the point in the meal when the second bread is served, typically a brioche, my favorite! However, it was not served. This will come up later….

The reason it wasn’t served? An incredibly interesting table was seated behind us. It was a couple, and they ordered an exceptionally extravagant meal. From what I saw, upgrades included the full ounce of caviar for each ($180/person), the turbot for each ($30/person), the wagyu for each ($80/person) in addition, I saw two bottles of wine, one white, the other red, that I would estimate at $250-$350/bottle. (In case you were adding…the meal likely cost between $1600 and $1900). This table shared the same servers as us and we noticed, from time to time, that they were a touch distracted by the VIPs. It wasn’t enough to be a real service flaw (as the table was fascinating to observe) but it was slightly irritating when they forgot the bread service.

3rd Course
Hot Appetizer

For the third course we had three options the traditional duck three ways, a butternut squash soup and a roulade of rabbit.

Generally, we are a foodie family. I have tried all sorts of game such as buffalo, elk, venison, ostrich, wild boar, duck…but I cannot wrap my head around eating rabbit. No matter how hard I try, no matter how many times I hear how delicious it is, I just can’t. The same goes for Mom, Dad and my best friend. I think a large factor is that I had a rabbit as a pet, as did Tania.

Anyways, as a result we had two courses from which to choose. Mom and Tania selected the Butternut Squash Soup with Butternut Tortellini. I love soup presentation here. The server sets down a warmed bowl and pours the soup from a heated pitcher to ensure that the soup stays the perfect temperature for your entire course. The tortellini was served on the side and was a one bite wonder based on the fact that both practically inhaled it! I was able to steal one spoonful of the soup and it was creamy, rich and slightly spiced (I would guess nutmeg…allspice…cinnamon or the like).

Butternut Squash Soup with Butternut Tortellini
Dad and I selected the Duck Three Ways. In fact, Dad and I have never selected any other option for this course. What is interesting is that the pairing and execution have changed ever so slightly each time we have had it. Our first variation was paired with cherries, the second with butternut squash and the this time, it was paired with strawberry.

The duck breast was served with a pomegranate strawberry gastric. The sausage was served with salsify, dried strawberry slivers and the confit was served with a strawberry rhubarb puree. The sweet tangy strawberries perfectly accented the rich, fatty duck. Loved it!

Duck Three Ways - Duck Breast, House-made Duck Sausage and Duck Confit, paired with variations of Strawberry
 Bread 3
Multigrain with Salted Butter

Our third bread course came before the missed second bread (which I will describe later). Let me preface this by saying, I dislike multigrain bread. Typically I find it doesn't have a good crust or a good crumb. It can be too dry and often I find it tasteless.

Now this....this multigrain is a masterpiece!


It has a perfectly crispy crust, a soft and airy crumb, the perfect balance of earthy and salty tastes. It is paired with house-made salted butter and it is absolutely delicious.

4th Course
Entree

First up is Mom's Veal three ways, tenderloin, shank and sweetbread with marble potatoes and sauce soubise.

Veal Three Ways - Tenderloin, Shank & Sweet Bread with Marble Potatoes & Sauce Soubise
I have never ordered this entree myself, but I believe I will if it still exists when I return to V&A in Oct 2011. I stole a bite of the sweetbread and it was one of the most divine morsels of food I have ever tasted. The soubise sauce is a mild onion cream sauce and it perfectly compliments the tender veal. Mom loved this and practically inhaled it.

Next up is Tania's Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin and Belly with root vegetable potato gratin, roasted baby beets and bacon sherry sauce.

Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin and Belly with Root Vegetable Potato Gratin, Roasted Baby Beets and Bacon Sherry Sauce
Ths was the very first entree I ever had at Victoria and Albert's. It is a sinful combination of rich, sweet and salty. The tenderloin is what pork should taste like. The bacon sherry sauce is acidic and salty without being overly so. The pork belly is fatty, the richness coasts your mouth and is then cut by the acid in the sauce. The root vegetable gratin is earthy and is balanced by the sweetness of the beets.

Tania prefers her meat well done, but i was so proud of her when she ordered this medium well. That slight tinge of pink adds moisture and makes a world of difference. In addition, she really wasn't a fan of the pork belly, so she gave it to me. I was thrilled as it was my favorite item on the plate when I had that entree.

Lastly, Dad and I ordered the Australian Kobe Beef with Smoked Garlic Potato Puree, Braised Short ribs, 5 day Oxtail Jus and seasonal vegetables with black garlic.

Australian Kobe Beef

This entree is sublime. It is well worth the $35 additional charge. One day I will try the Wagyu but until that point, the Australian Kobe is perfect. The servers will suggest you order it medium rare at most. While I am usually a girl who prefers medium steak I took the advice and I'm so glad I did. The high fat content makes the beef extra juicy. Compared to the Kobe I ordered at medium temperature in March, this was magnitudes better.

The Oxtail jus is a thing of beauty in and of itself. It is complex, nearly syrup-like and a sublime compliment to the beef. The smoked garlic potato puree is the best edition of mashed potatoes I have ever had. You know the Cabernet braised short ribs and mashed potatoes from the France booth at F&W? This is like that but 1000 times better. Dad and I enjoyed every last bite.

When we finished our entrees, I realized that we had missed a bread. I overheard one of our waiters describing an herbed brioche with pumpkin butter. I knew that there would be no bread course served between entree and the 1st dessert, and as we had only been served the baguette and the multigrain I was disappointed. The brioche is my favorite of the three breads at Victoria & Albert's.

Dad informed our head waiter that the bread course had been overlooked and at first, our waiter insisted it had not. Now, I had been taking pictures and making notes all evening. Our waiters made a point of slowly listing the ingredients and components of the complex dishes to me. So, I pointed out that I only had two breads noted and our waiter was aghast.

Service flaws are very rare here. To illustrate this I will tell a story from our first visit. When you are seated, you are offered bottled spring water. If you accept, your glass never goes empty throughout the course of the evening. The waiters and waitresses move with such swiftness that you seldom realize your glass is being refilled, you just notice that it never empties.

Mom drinks copious amounts of water and after our amuse bouche, she drained the remaining half of her glass of water and set it on the table. As our waiter wandered past, having just been to the kitchen to check on our first course, he literally gasped and practically sprinted over to promptly refill her glass. I swear, he looked as though he had seen a ghost.

Missing Bread
Herbed Brioche with Pumpkin Butter

We were instantly brought the missing bread and I am so glad we were. It was wonderful. Flaky, buttery, meltingly soft, and the pumpkin butter gave perfect earthy notes of fall to the otherwise grassy and sweet herbed brioche.

Herbed Brioche with Pumpkin Butter

5th Course
Pre-dessert

You've got to love a restaurant that gives you TWO dessert courses. Tania and I both selected:

White Chocolate Gelato with tableside Lindt Chocolate Shavings and Micro Orchids

Despite my adoration for all cheeses (except blue which I am allergic to), I have always selected the gelato course at V&A. Partially because it comes with a pairing of Moscato di Asti (a wonderfully slight sweet sparkling wine) but also because I never realized that white chocolate had an actual flavor before!! It always had a non-taste to me and then I tried this an the lightbulb went on..."Oh so THIS is what white chocolate tastes like!"

The mirco orchid is also highly cool! This dainty little edible flower that looks too gorgeous to eat has a fascinating watermelon-like flavor.

Mom & Dad have always opted for the cheese course, and they stayed true to their previous preference. Dad is allergic to blue cheese, like me, so the pictured cheese selection does not have any blue.


I apologize as I do not have the cheese descriptions with me. I know that each has a specific accompaniment and that both Mom & Dad raved about them. I think I might have to try the cheeses on our next visit.

6th Course
Dessert

I always end my evening at V&A with....

Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Souffle with Godiva Anglaise and Milk Chocolate Ice Cream
This is heaven on a plate. It has souffled perfectly, the outside is crusty and lightly coated in sugar, the inside is gooey and spongy and heavenly. This soufflé is served with a Godiva Chocolate Anglais sauce and a fantastic chocolate ice cream.

Dad chose one of his all time favorite desserts....

Grand Mariner Souffle with Anglaise and Vanilla Ice Cream
This is slightly lighter than its chocolate cousin, in that it isn't as intensely rich. It is equally outstanding though. Served with a vanilla ice cream if I am not mistaken, and a traditional Creme Anglais.

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee
I love the presentation on this dish with the amazing arched tuille cookie. DMom raves that this is the most perfect creme brulee she has ever had. Served in a wide, shallow bowl so you get 1/2 inch of custard and a perfectly even and thick bruleed coating.

Tania went with the suggestion of our waiter, and ordered the staff favorite....

Caramelized Banana Gateau
This is a very complex dessert. Mom & Dad had it on our first visit to Victoria & Albert's. A cylinder of tuille cookie is filled with sponge cake, caramelized bananas, a marscapone mousse and something else that I cannot recall. It is topped with a spun sugar sheet and it easily the most beautiful of all the Victoria & Albert's desserts.

After our desserts we took a tour of the kitchen, met with Chef Hunnell and returned to the table.

Parting Gifts
Friandise, Roses & Breakfast Bread

Friandise are small chocolates or candies presented at the end of the evening...


Our plate contained chocolate rum caramels topped with Australian murray river sea salt, pumpkin cake topped with cinnamon cream and pineapple chipotle fruit jellies. DMom & Tania did not care for the fruit jellies, but loved the punpkin cake. Dad and I did not care for the pumpkin cake but adored the fruit jellies. We all loved the rum caramels!

In addition, Tania, my Mom & I were presented with long-stemmed red roses and my Dad was given a fig and walnut bread for breakfast the next morning.

And so ends yet another fantastic experience at V&A.A week from tonight we will enjoy our 4th meal at Victoria & Albert's. I promise I will update the blog with that review as soon as possible.

My WDW Cravings Countdown has concluded! We leave our house in approximately 4 hours and the blog, as well as my twitter account and my reviews on http://www.thedisboards.com (User name: Tinkerbelle_325) will be live!

WDW Cravings Countdown: Day 2 - Counter Service Favorites

WDW Cravings Countdown

Day 2 - Counter Service Favorites

I'll start this off by saying that we aren't really counter service people. We have nothing at all against fast food (I love KFC every few months etc.) but we just don't feel that Disney does fast food that well. With a few very special exceptions!

First up:


Wolfgang Puck Express


Exterior

It is almost a crime to refer to this restaurant as "counter service". Sure, you line up at, and order from, a counter. But that is where the comparisons stop.

After you have placed your order, you are handed a number and asked to find a seat anywhere you would like. There is lots of seating, both indoors and outdoors (under a covered patio). You are free to get a drink as you exit the counter area and enter the seating area. However, from this point on, your glass will be refilled for you by a member of the wait staff.

The majority of items are cooked to order here. With the exception of items that require advanced preparation such as the meatloaf or baked macaroni and cheese.

The food is presented on real plates, with real cutlery. The wait staff bring your food, any condiments you require etc.

In addition to this wonderful restaurant-style, and good service, the food is fantastic!

Some of our favorites include:

Corona Light & Cherry Coke
I am such a sucker for Cherry Coke! It is nearly impossible to find in Canada now, which makes me very sad. I practically lived off the stuff in high school.

Anyways, this is one of the few places on WDW property that regularly carries Cherry Coke in the fountain variety.

 My parents also love getting a corona here.


Meatball Pizza
The pizzas at Wolfgang Puck Express are superior to nearly all Disney pizza (with the exception of Via Napoli). They are thin crust, with gourmet toppings. After all, Wolfgang Puck DID invent the gourmet pizza! It should be good! This particular variety is great. The perfect amount of cheese and sauce, with slices of tender homemade meatballs scattered on top.

Chinois Chicken Salad
As I stated in the 'Ohana countdown, I am not a huge salad lover. However, this salad could make ANYONE a salad lover! Crunchy napa & red cabbage, slivered carrots, tender roasted chicken and crunchy wontons, all tossed in a tangy rich asian honey mustard dressing. It is heavenly. We get one every time and all share as it is massive!

Crispy Chicken Strips and BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
The crispy chicken strips are "just" chicken fingers. But they are darn good ones. And the fries? Better than the best McDonald's fries you've ever had! The chicken is coated in panko for a particularly crunchy exterior, which subsequently locks the moisture in as well. The fries are tossed with an herb and garlic mixture, along with large grains of sea salt. Another must have on every visit.

Sadly, the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla pictured in back is no longer on the menu. It was a yummy option and we were sad to see it go. It was two large flour tortillas, filled with roasted chicken, jack cheese, smokey BBQ sauce and pico de gallo. The top was then swirled with more smokey BBQ sauce and ranch dressing for a creamy contrast.


Side of Macaroni & Cheese
The mac & cheese here is to die for. The recipe has changed slightly over the years, but I believe it always includes four cheeses. The cheese combination is a blend of sharp, hard, creamy and stringy cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, goat cheese & mozzarella etc. It is very rich, so a side portion is more than enough!

Creme Brulee
You wouldn't think that a counter service restaurant (outside of Boulangerie Patisserie at the France Pavilion) would do a great creme brulee would you? Well, Wolfgang Puck Express does! The custard is the perfect balance between firm and wobbly. The crust is thick, well caramelized and cracks beautifully when you hit it with a spoon.

Another fantastic option at Wolfgang Puck Express is....BREAKFAST!

We only discovered this a few trips ago, but the unique breakfast items here make it worth a visit.


Breakfast Pizza
The "Breakfast Pizza" sometimes known as the "Smoked Bacon Pizza" is something that made this egg-hating girl, like eggs! A thin crispy pizza base is topped with mozzarella & cheddar cheeses, scrambled eggs, smoked bacon and tomatoes, and swirled with ranch dressing. Wow! Just wow! It is exactly as it sounds, a full breakfast on a pizza and it works. Try it and you'll love it.

Crispy Cornflake French Toast
The Crispy Cornflake French Toast sounds so interesting that I just had to order it. You get three slices of toast, covered in cornflakes and cinnamon sugar, served with fruit and maple syrup. This is a texture phenomenon. It is super crisp on the outside, and meltingly soft and custardy on the inside. The secret? The "toast" is a plain bagel, sliced in three! The bagel has enough substance that it can absorb the right amount of egg mixture to stay soft on the interior, but not disintegrate when it is dredged in the cornflakes and deep fried to a crunchy golden brown.

The other exception to our "we don't do counter service" rule is:


Flame Tree BBQ

We have loved Disney's Animal Kingdom from the very first time we set foot in the park. The details, the intricacies and stories that are woven into each attraction, land, and even each pathway, are incredible. We could spend hours simply walking around and enjoying the atmosphere.

Our very first visit, we stumbled across Flame Tree BBQ and I have to be honest, it was the smell that led us there. That smokey, sinfully good smell of barbecue! We were skeptical, how good could theme park BBQ be?

I'll preface my answer by saying: We don't have "good" BBQ in Toronto. I've never tried true southern BBQ but I'm dying to. In lieu of that - Flame Tree is AMAZING! Far better than anything we can get at home.

What shocked us, was the amazing seating area. Multiple tiers of canopied seating, tables out in the open in a jungle-like area, with fountains, trickling streams, a lily pond! It is like an oasis!

Even more interesting, the predator and prey theme! Take a look around text time you are there. Every seating canopy has a different predator and prey. There are anteaters and ants, owls and rabbits etc. And it is the most carnivorous restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom, so that theme is pretty darn appropriate!



BBQ Chicken Salad
Mom's item of choice at Flame Tree BBQ is....a salad?!? I know what you are thinking. How can that possibly be a favorite item? But it is great! The lettuce and veggies are crisp and refreshing. There is a light oil and vinegar dressing and the chicken! It is smoked and tossed in both a spice rub and BBQ sauce. It is juicy, tender and very flavourful.

St. Louis Ribs
Dad and I go straight for the St. Louis ribs. They have varying degrees of how good they are, but the majority of the time they are outstanding. Good ribs shouldn't "fall off the bone" but rather, should be easily bitten off without the bone slipping out. These are just that. The meat is tender, seasoned with a tasty rub and then you get to add as much or as little sauce as you'd like. And the sauce....it's bliss. I have tried to replicate it at home, with reasonable success. The balance between smoke, tang, spice, and sweet is perfect.

Onion Rings
The onion rings are surprisingly good! And for someone like me who isn't a fan of beans or coleslaw, they are a good alternative side. Though, you cannot substitute them for the sides given with the ribs.

Well, this update has made me incredibly hungry! We're leaving in less than 24 hours! :) Day 1 coming up tomorrow!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

WDW Cravings Countdown: Day 3 - 'Ohana!

WDW Cravings Countdown

Day 3 – 'Ohana!
 
'Ohana is such a fun restaurant. It is located on the 2nd floor of the Great Ceremonial House at Disney's Polynesian Resort. For those that don't know, 'Ohana means "family" in Hawaiian. The dinner served at 'Ohana is all about family! Your servers will refer to themselves as your "cousins" and the meal itself is served "family style." This means that all items are brought to your table in shareable portions. Everything is also "all-you-care-to-eat. 

Our last meal at 'Ohana was October 2010, and while my parents won't be dining at 'Ohana this trip, I will. And in a sense it will be a "first" for me. Every time I have dined at 'Ohana, I've seen those large parties at the tables in the middle of the room, celebrating a birthday or a wedding rehearsal dinner…well this trip, I'll be part of one of those large parties!

I am dining at 'Ohana for my best friend's Welcome Dinner for her Disney Fairytale Wedding!

I know that some feel 'Ohana can be hit or miss, and it will be interesting to experience it as part of a large party! But, we have always had good to great meals here. For the price, you can't beat the food! Though I do miss the scalloped potatoes which were removed during a menu change a few years ago!



Perfect View from Window Table

Sunken Treasure and Blue Glowtini
I'm trying to figure out why on earth I didn't get a Lapu Lapu. For those of you asking...what on earth is a Lapu Lapu, see the picture below!

These lovely hollowed out pineapples, filled with rum, sweet & sour and pineapple juice are to die for! And man are they strong! I have a pretty high tolerance, but after a few Lapu Lapus....well, let's say I'd get acquainted with the floor quite quickly!

After you have checked-in at the podium, a hostess will escort you to your table. As you enter the restaurant she will stop by the dessert kitchen to show you the sinful Pineapple Bread Pudding (more on that later!) and will pick up your "Welcome" bread. They will also walk you past the wood-burning fire pit where all the meats are cooked.

Pineapple Coconut Bread
This bread is nice. It has chunks of pineapple and coconut throughout, but isn't so sweet that it tastes like a pastry. A tip: If you ask your server for butter they will bring you some. It vastly improves the bread.

Shortly after being seated, your "cousin" will stop by with the salad course:

Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
I am not the world's largest salad fan, far from it actually. However, this salad is light, sweet, tart and refreshing! It is the perfect start to the meal.

At the same time, your cousin will drop off the dipping sauces that accompany the appetizers and meats:

Dipping Sauces
Clockwise from top the sauces are:
Peanut - this pairs well with the noodles and the chicken
Sweet & Sour - this pairs well with the pot stickers and the shrimp
Spicy Mustard - I LOVE the spicy mustard and I feel it pairs well with everything, but the wings, the steak and the pork are the suggested pairings from what I recall.


Pork Pot Stickers
These are quite tasty. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside. The filling is pork with Asian flavors like ginger and lemongrass. They drizzle some sweet and sour sauce over these before they bring them to the table.

Honey Coriander Sticky Wings
I could easily make an entire meal out of just these wings. They are sticky, salty, and sweet. Like a thick soy sauce with added spices. In fact, I have replicated them at home successfully. The sauce is soy, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, ginger powder, a bit of sesame oil, some coriander and a few other ingredients.

Stir Fried Vegetables
These are exactly what they sound like: Stir Fried Vegetables. A bit boring, but good.

Pineapple Lo Mein Noodles
These have grown on me over the years. As I stated earlier, I miss the scalloped potatoes!! But, as a huge pasta fan, I tried these and they are very tasty. The sweetness from the pineapple balances out the soy based sauce. They are thicker than a spaghetti noodle and they are a bit softer in texture than an al dente pasta.

Chicken & Beef
It can be quite the challenge to get pictures of the meats at 'Ohana. They are all cooked over the open, wood-burning fire pit and presented on large skewers. The options are:
- Oak Grilled Chicken
- Asian Barbecued Pork Loin
- Marinated Sirloin Steak
- Spicy Grilled Peel and Eat Shrimp


After you've had your fill of all the appetizers, sides and meats, you will be presented with:

Pineapple Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream and Bananas Foster Sauce
Angels sing and the heavens open when this dessert is presented...I'm not kidding! This is bliss. It is only of the best desserts at Walt Disney World. The warm, custard-y bread pudding, the crunchy baked top, the cool ice cream and the sweet caramel sauce are the perfect combination!

Throughout the course of the evening, entertainment will be provided by one of two entertainers, one male and one female. The male entertainer is a bit more laid back, and the female entertainer is a bit more high energy. They sing songs, wander the dining room interacting with guests and host games for children, such as coconut races and hula lessons!

Overall, I love 'Ohana. Between the food and the fun atmosphere I make a point of returning here every few trips