~We seldom report of having eaten too little~ w/ PICS! ~ UPDATE: New Thread Started!

[mchelle77]

I've got to sub for these reviews (And now I'll go back and catch up on the PAST few hundred reviews! )

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

May I ask what that tasty huge beverage to the right of the creme brulee might be? It looks delish!

It was a Pomegranate Kir, my favorite drink at France

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Poly CL Offerings

Evening THURS

Vegetable Lo Mein Noodles

Veggies & Dip

Cheese & Crackers

Make Your Own Lettuce Wraps

PB&J, Pitas and Hummus

Desserts THURS

Breakfast FRIDAY

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

LIBERTY TREE

Traditionally, I have lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern on my first MK day. Today, the plan was to meet up with Jaclyn & Chris at about 11:45 for lunch.

Well, I am a rope drop girl and knew that I had to see the MK Welcome Show. We arrived at the MK at about 8:45 and found it pleasantly uncrowded. As we waited for the show to start my Mom asked me "So do you think Jaclyn & Chris will do rope drop today?" I was pretty sure they would and said that I was keeping an eye out for Chris because he is so tall and easy to spot . Well the moment I said that I turned around and....

Tada! There was Jaclyn & Chris This was the first time I saw Jaclyn's ring (so gorgeous! You have to post a pic hun!). We decided to watch the show together and then go our seperate ways until lunch.

We met up at LTT at 11:45 and were seated right away for our 12 ADR. Sadly, I am missing one food picture, Chris' burger, but I'm sure Jaclyn has it!

Crab & Spinach Dip - we shared this appetizer and it is easily enough for 3, if not 4. The dip had a nice parmesan and tomato crust, with creamy cheese, spinach and crab beneath. The flatbread is warm as well and tastes like fresh pita. Yum! My only complaint was that literally 2 minutes after the appetizer hit our table, our entrees were delivered . None of us were in the mood to fight it, so we just ate the appetizer in between bites of our entrees. Jaclyn and I joke that whenever we go out to eat together we get poor service, yet it never happens when she goes out with Chris. Oh the joy of being two 20-something girls who waitstaff assume won't tip! Well duh, we won't tip if you treat us like crap! 8/10

Pilgrim's Feast - Jaclyn & I both had this and as always, it was heavenly! The portion size is entirely too much, but the meal is so comforting. The turkey was moist and delicious, the gravy was thick and not too salty, the potatoes were light and buttery, the stuffing was dangerously good and even the green beans are great--garlicky and crisp. 8/10

KONA ISLAND SUSHI BAR

Ah yet another story behind this meal. Like many on these boards, we tried Kona about 4 years ago and fell in love! The atmosphere may not be the greatest to some, but for those that love the Poly, this place is great! The food has been consistently excellent and the service relatively good....that is until a year or so ago. We have noticed a severe decline in service, both by the host/hostess staff and the wait staff.

Tonight, we had an ADR for 5:15, with a plan to continue on to MNSSHP after and it seems that everyone else had that plan too ! Or a good number of them did (split evenly with Ohana).

We walked up to the desk at 5:15, and it took a good 5 minutes for either of the two hostesses to acknowledge us. There were no other guests at the podium, though there were about 20 people waiting not far from it. At 5:15 we are checked in and told it will be 10 minutes. No problem. We waited with the masses.

Several other parties of 3 or 4 walked up to the podium, checked in and were taken directly to tables. Hmm . We also noticed that only 2/3rds of the tables in the restaurant were occupied. We continued to wait, figuring those guests *may* have had earlier ADR times.

By 5:45 we are getting a bit agitated. Multiple parties the same size as ours have been seated now and we feel as though we may have fallen through the cracks. A half an hour wait is extreme, especially for a restaurant that still has at least a dozen four-top tables open.

My Mom goes to hand the pager back to the hostess and it ignored another 5 minutes. We give up and go to the Kona Sushi Bar (which had plenty of seating) and kept the buzzer out of curiosity, to see how long it would have taken for us to be seated.

Our server here, I think his name was Josh, was pleasant and quick. He tookour drink order within 5 minutes of us sitting dowm and had our drinks to us within 5 minutes of ordering. The crab cakes came shortly after the drinks as did the wonderful bread and macadamia butter

Crab Cakes - we were thrilled to discover that you can get anything from the full cafe menu at the sushi bar! Dad and I adore the crab cakes and polished them off quickly. 8/10

California Luau Roll - this is my Mom's favorite sushi roll from Kona. I like the pineapple, but I'm not a huge fan of the avocado and I feel that it needs a bit more texture. 7/10 to me.

Shrimp Tempura Roll - while we like this roll, it just doesn't measure up to the shrimp tempura roll from the California Grill. 8/10.

Volcano Roll - Oh sweet heaven on a plate! This roll is the best spicy tuna on property (the Spicy Kazan Roll from California Grill is on a whole other level and is more than just tuna ). I could eat several of these. The cool fresh tuna, the pickled vegetables, the spicy mayo, the shrimp salad and the tempura crunch make this balanced, spicy, sweet and satisfying! 9/10.

Lapu Lapu - these are a must have every trip. Tropical, sweet and always a bit too strong, I think they make the MK even more fun

Bread & Macadamia Butter - I literally crave this bread and butter every day and wish I could get something that compares here in Canada.

Ohana's Bread Pudding! - we must be the luckiest people in the world, because every time we ask for this dessert we get it! We asked in the Kona Cafe last year, no problem. Now at the sushi bar too?? Oh my...I just thought of the best late night meal ever...lol...volcano roll and bread pudding...Mmmm!

 

[nonnasally]

Thank you so much for the awesome pics. We have four weeks to go until we arrive for DH's 60th Birthday surprise trip. I have posted this on other threads last night but as I am looking at all the wonderful food I need to ask a favor -- SOME PRAYERS PLEASE,
Tuesday DH fell at work. His prelim. x-rays show a fracture in his back. He is going for an MRI and second opinion on Monday. He knows nothing about the trip except that he was to take off for the week. It is also DGD's 6th birthday and her and DD will be going too. I paid for the trip in full and never got the insurance ( first time I ever did that)! The whole trip was based around the F&W for DH and MNSSHP for DGD. ( Got those tics for the 27th) I am a bit down but not defeated. I am hoping for the best and still looking forward. Just need to know my DISer friends are thinking good thoughts, too.

Here's a question. I did not get any tics for any of the seminars. Will we still be able to attend certain things last minute? Also, were the food pics from the Poly all from Kona's or O'Hana's. I missed the post about where they were taken. Sorry for the longgggggggggg post but I am wide awake with excitement! Thanks for listening.

 

[BriarRosie]

I was loving the festival kiosk food porn, and can't wait to see what else you try. But then I was in sushi heaven and think I found my perfect meal at the Kona Sushi bar, based on a few of your pictures.

KONA SUSHI BAR

Volcano Roll

Lapu Lapu

Bread & Macadamia Butter

Ohana's Bread Pudding!

Sorry guys I'm WAY too tired to do anything more than post LOL. I'll add commentary very soon

Sushi, with the Kona bread and macadamia butter, plus the 'Ohana dessert? That's the beauty of eating at the sushi bar, I guess!
I definitely have to try it one of these trips, but there's never enough time in the day!

Thank you so much for the awesome pics. We have four weeks to go until we arrive for DH's 60th Birthday surprise trip. I have posted this on other threads last night but as I am looking at all the wonderful food I need to ask a favor -- SOME PRAYERS PLEASE,
Tuesday DH fell at work. His prelim. x-rays show a fracture in his back. He is going for an MRI and second opinion on Monday. He knows nothing about the trip except that he was to take off for the week. It is also DGD's 6th birthday and her and DD will be going too. I paid for the trip in full and never got the insurance ( first time I ever did that)! The whole trip was based around the F&W for DH and MNSSHP for DGD. ( Got those tics for the 27th) I am a bit down but not defeated. I am hoping for the best and still looking forward. Just need to know my DISer friends are thinking good thoughts, too.

Here's a question. I did not get any tics for any of the seminars. Will we still be able to attend certain things last minute? Also, were the food pics from the Poly all from Kona's or O'Hana's. I missed the post about where they were taken. Sorry for the longgggggggggg post but I am wide awake with excitement! Thanks for listening.

I'm sorry to hear about your DH. Hope it's not as serious as it sounds!

Since the seminars only started today, we don't know if you'd be able to attend last minute. We'll have to see what others who attended today's events have to say.

And they ate at the Kona Sushi Bar, open at 5pm, I believe, no ADRs required.
I did know you could get Kona's menu there, as evidenced by the crab cakes, but I didn't know you can get the 'Ohana dessert.

 

[nonnasally]

I appreciate your well wishes. Hopefully some of the seminars will be available last minute. Not sure which to choose so I will just have to wing it under the present circumstance. Still love reading about other people's experiences and comments. It keeps the juices flowing and is my late night salvation. Save some food for the late October goers

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Good Morning Everyone!

After a much needed sleep in we are off to Epcot! Today is F&W Festival for EVERY meal...ok well not breakfast that was Poly CL....but Lunch & Dinner are F&W

As far as crowds and weather go, they are LIGHT and PERFECT respectively

I'll update again tonight. Thanks again for following!

 

[oybolshoi]

That sushi at the Kona bar looks fabulous! I wish they were open a bit later in the evening ... I think I read somewhere that they close at 10PM.

Have a great time today - can't wait to see those F&W pics!

 

[ReneeA]

OMG!! I've gained 10 pounds just reading this thread!!

Wonderful pics - looks like fabulous trips!!

 

[milmore104]

Good Morning Everyone!

After a much needed sleep in we are off to Epcot! Today is F&W Festival for EVERY meal...ok well not breakfast that was Poly CL....but Lunch & Dinner are F&W

As far as crowds and weather go, they are LIGHT and PERFECT respectively

I'll update again tonight. Thanks again for following!

Oh I am so happy to hear that about the weather and crowds. I was getting rather worried it was going to be super busy when we get there! Only 4 more days to go.

Quick ? about Kona Sushi Bar. Is it really like a "bar" or is it an actual restaurant? My DH LOVES sushi and no one else likes it. I was wondering if it was somewhere we could go and order a drink and he could get some sushi? Thanks!

 

[BriarRosie]

Oh I am so happy to hear that about the weather and crowds. I was getting rather worried it was going to be super busy when we get there! Only 4 more days to go.

Quick ? about Kona Sushi Bar. Is it really like a "bar" or is it an actual restaurant? My DH LOVES sushi and no one else likes it. I was wondering if it was somewhere we could go and order a drink and he could get some sushi? Thanks!

I think of a "sushi bar" as more of a counter to sit near while the sushi chef prepares the sushi. You can probably sit with him while he orders sushi and get one of the Kona appetizers, like the crab cakes or sticky wings. And obviously they serve drinks, as evidenced by the Lapu Lapu in Tink's food review.

I believe it's first come, first served, no ADRs for it.

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

Yummy Yummy Yummy!
5 weeks until our trip and our first Food and Wine Festival

I am loving your reviews and pictures!

Can't wait until you post again~!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Hi Guys!

I'm so sorry but I am so exhausted tonight. I'll be in the room most of the afternoon tomorrow before V&A and will update then

 

[Me&3]

Now for the part you have all been waiting for....

The Food & Wine Festival Preview!​

Wrist band gift cards

First up: CANADA

Cheddar Cheese Soup 5/5
Salmon 5/5
Spicy Sausage 0/5 My god this was bad! Too spicy, insanely greasy and runny polenta

GREECE

Chicken Souvlaki 3/5
Spanikopita 5/5
Wine 0/5 it was sickeningly sweet

NEW ZEALAND

Lamb Slider 4/5

FRANCE

Escargot en Brioche 5/5
Cabernet Braised Short Ribs 5/5
Chocolate Milk Creme Brulee (yup that is right, made with Chocolate Milk) 5/5

Ok...now I must go collapse into bed because I am literally exhausted.

UP Tomorrow:
Liberty Tree Tavern lunch
Kona Cafe dinner

Thanks for taking a picture of the gift cards I was hoping someone would put it on. I can't wait till Oct. to get one they are such a great idea. We love to use them at the water parks too. The pictures are so cute and different. Have a great time.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Ok, I now know what bliss feels like

I can honestly tell you that every single bite of everything I had at Victoria and Albert's was PERFECTION.

We arrived at 5:15pm and from the moment we walked through those doors we felt as though we were in another world. It was elegant, opulent, but incredibly comfortable and inviting. Our meal was exceptionally long and paced impeccably. We left the restaurant at 8:55pm, after a tour of the kitchen.

I am far too tired to do the entire review, but I can tell you the items I had. I will go over every detail as best I can in due time, but for now....

Tink's Menu for the evening of September 27, 2009.

Amuse Bouche – Celebration of Summer Tomato

• - caprese salad, buffalo mozzarella, heirloom cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and extra virgin olive oil
• - roasted tomato and fennel custard
• - roma tomato sorbet with olive oil powder
• - heirloom tomato paper with olive oil poached octopus

Pommery Royale Brut NV

Sesame Crusted Big Eye Tuna with Tat Soi Salad, Lotus Chips, Tamari Honey Foam, Tuna Carpaccio topped with Tuna Tartare and Wasabi caviar
Marcel Deiss Pinot Blanc Bergheim, Alsace 2005

White King Salmon (side note: this salmon is a huge rarity, only 5% of the king salmon population has white or ivory flesh, caused by the fish not absorbing the pigment in shrimp etc. Our server, Mike described it as a "once in a lifetime experience") with California Asparagus, Crab Sphere and Sauce Bearnaise
Baileyana Chardonnay "Firepeak Vineyard" Edna Valley 2006

Duck Breast, Duck Sausage with Rhubarb and Salsify and Duck Confit with Duck Proscuitto, with Cherry Reduction Sauce

Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin and Belly with Baby Beets, Root Vegetable Gratin and Sherry Bacon Vinaigrette
Trinitas "Old Vine" Zinfandel, Contra Costa Country 2005

White Chocolate Gelato with Micro Spearmint and Tableside White Chocolate Shavings
Paolo Saracco Moscato D`Asti, Piedmont 2006

Tanzanian Chocolate Pyramid with Hazelnut Crisp, Edible 24 carat gold and strawberries, Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Soufflé with Godiva Anglais, Peruvian Chocolate Ice Cream on Chocolate Puff Pastry

I loved every second of the experience and can announce with MUCH excitement that I will be dining at V&A for my 25th birthday in March

 

[Me&3]

Everything sounds so deliteful at V&A. Can't wait to see and hear more.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Hey hon...if you get a chance and are in the area would you be so kind to snap a picture of the new FF menu? We will be eating there this Fri night and I am hoping they have the pumpkin risotto on the menu.

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time..PM me your cell so we can get together for a drink in Epcot!

Nic

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Hey hon...if you get a chance and are in the area would you be so kind to snap a picture of the new FF menu? We will be eating there this Fri night and I am hoping they have the pumpkin risotto on the menu.

/me hijacks

I'm staying at the BWI and took this as I was walking back to our room after Hollywood Studios today as we are planning on eating there Wednesday.

 

[kabuki]

/me hijacks

I'm staying at the BWI and took this as I was walking back to our room after Hollywood Studios today as we are planning on eating there Wednesday.

Thank you for this! This is our ADR the 1st night we are in! Hope the Oysters are still around!