So we went from the best of meals to the worst of meals. Talk about a huge swing on the Disney Dining pendulum!
When I awoke on this day, I was not feeling well. I could barely eat anything at breakfast, and we had lunch coming up at Sanaa. I was a little concerned about the spiciness, but figured I would feel better by the time we got there.
I did not feel better by the time we got there.
For me, I ordered the bread service, but just couldn't help myself, and asked to also try the extra spicy (and sour) Peri-Peri sauce.
Tummy to me: Don't do it man, don't do it!
Obviously I was not content to just have the three sauces, but would order the entire board of them with the naan.. Breads include Traditional Naan, Garlic Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kulcha, and Paneer Paratha. Accompaniments - Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Garlic Pickle, Spicy Jalapeno-lime pickle, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney.
Tummy to me: Duuuuuude???
I really liked most of these, my wife liked the cucumber raita, but the Naan bread itself was only ok. Some of it was a little soggy. I have had much better naan, but the sauces were a treat. That is, until I started not feeling so hot. Needless to say, this was about all I could eat, except for a bit of my DW Samosa.
Speaking of which: Samosas Potato and Pea Samosas with Tamarind and Mango Chutney.
We both agreed that we liked the flavor of this, but did not care for the pastry dough that they used. We both prefer the more traditional samosas. I also tasted the cole slaw on here and that tasted like straight up vinegar! This dish was only ok for us.
My DD ordered another middling kids meal, with a burger and veg.
We weren't exactly being wowed at this point.
My DW surprised me by not ordering the lamb skewers and instead the Chicken Tikka Massala, which I can't find a description for, but that is ok, because what came was not chicken tikka massala.
That looks like a sauced up tandoori chicken to me. Either way, it was soooooo far off what we were expecting, that my DW had no interest in it. Unlike the night before, a floor manager stopped by and asked about our untouched entree. We stated it wasn't what we were expecting. They quickly took it back and removed it from the bill. They asked my DW if she wanted something else, but she didn't want another main. Unlike the night before at a SIGNATURE restaurant, they actually checked on our meals and remedied a situation. This was the type of Disney service I had been expecting to be the norm, instead it was an outlier.
Now, I think this little exchange put our server on edge, as she then tried to bring the bill, thinking we weren't happy and we're wanting to go. We told her that instead we wanted to see the dessert menu. I had been telling my DW that they were known for two things, their desserts and their bread service, so she had decided that was what she wanted to fill up on.
She went with the African Triple Mousse: Manjari 64% dark chocolate of Madagascar, Jivara milk chocolate, Ivoire white chocolate, chocolate biscuit, and strawberries.
She really enjoyed this! I did have a strawberry or two!
My tummy was in full on rebellion at this point, so I just ordered a cup of coffee. I probably shouldn't have, as that did not sit well either as it was VERY strong.
Planning on sleeping tonight bud?
Then, the star of the afternoon, my DD dessert!
The African Shield Brownie
We probably enjoyed this too much! My DD LOVED this. Honestly, we were gushing with laughter and enjoyment over just how awesome this one dessert was! It was the sort of creative offering I think we were expecting more of on this trip. We were all laughing and enjoying ourselves, and our relieved server even joined in. Most awesome kids meal item ever! My DD enjoyed making new colors and telling us what 'green' tasted like! It was fantastic!
So, was it a great meal? No. Would I rush back to Sanaa? No. Would I go back? Absolutely. The service was attentive and top notch. I feel that they maybe should let more Indian influences take charge here rather than marrying it up, but I get that is the theme.
Either way, we left happy, though that would be all I could eat the rest of the day. I did have a couple of awful Goofy's Glaciers (My DD pawned hers off on me later in the day) but could only watch at dinner.
Soooooooooo much sugar and artificialness! DO NOT ORDER! The Banana was ok, lol.
So our lunch at Sanaa was a success. The atmosphere is wonderful, we saw plenty of animals on the safari, and the bread service and desserts were quite good. I am not crazy about the mains here, even if I had been up for it, but I would still recommend a lunch here. So for service, atmosphere and food, I give our Sanaa lunch a solid (7/10).
Up next, the trip is winding down, we have some food and wine edibles and one last blowout dinner at Manginos.