Mom & Dad - But Where's the Son? Empty Nest F&W Trip! - Update 1/12 - Frontera & Jocks!

[pepperandchips]

Looking forward to Paddlefish as well!

Well it sounds like from the news this week Paddlefish is going to be opening in 2017... So we will definitely be trying the Boathouse in 2016! (And probably paddlefish in 2017. Who are we kidding?!)

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Wednesday morning we went to breakfast at the Grand Floridian Café

They have switched to a brunch menu ...





Love the roses on the table ...



We started with mimosas with tea for me and coffee for DH



The last time we were here I had the most amazing Eggs Benedict so I had to order it again ...



Not as good this time but still good. Previously it had thick smokey American bacon instead of the traditional ham/Canadian bacon. I enjoyed the different take on the classic. Now it is served more traditional. Still good but not the same.

DH had the breakfast platter



Pretty standard. The hash browns were delicious though.

We also shared the corned beef hash



And blueberry blintzes



Too many onions in the hash for me but DH enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the blintzes. Warm and creamy with the tart blueberries. Very good.

All in all a really great breakfast. It is definitely DH's favorite place for breakfast. I am trying to convince him to go to Kona or Trails End next trip. We'll see how it goes!

After breakfast we wandered to Tomorrowland for a ride on my favorite People Mover and .... the Lights were On!



I had never been there when the lights were on so I was very excited! It was eerie quiet though!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

After some time in the MK we headed over to EPCOT. There was no lunch at the Mexico booth so we had a snack on the way to our dinner destination



Shrimp Taco and Beef Enchilada



I don't do shrimp but this was one of DH's favorite things of the Festival. I also really enjoyed the beef. Just the right amount of spice!

Lunch was a last minute addition. We were bound and determined to have good pizza! So off to Via Napoli!







Iced tea for me, wine for DH



We shared the Insalata de Cece



I had this with DS's GF in July and had to have it again. It did not disappoint. Love the dressing and the bacon.

DH really wanted the arancini so we shared those as well

Another dish that has never disappointed. Perfectly done rice, slight crisp to the breading. Very tasty.



I tried very hard to convince DH to share the Carciofi but alas, he really wanted sausage. And since I go more often and had just had the Carciofi with Julia, I agreed as long as we added pepperoni



What can I say ... AWESOME. I didn't even miss the Carciofi. In fact, I am going to have to do to VN twice reach trip so I can have both in the future! I decided that the perfect pizza deserved some wine so joined DH for his second glass



We were both full but I can't leave VN without the zeppolis





I even let DH have a couple!

After dinner we headed to DHS for the Star Wars Dessert Party. We were both so full we didn't have any of the desserts. Just grabbed a drink (for some reason no pics) and headed to the viewing area. We enjoyed just chilling waiting for the show. I love all things Star Wars so I enjoy this show but I did like the previous one a bit better.

Back at the hotel we both wanted a small snack so back to the Pop food court



Not very exciting but it hit the spot!

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Definitely try it! I didn't really give DH a choice with the Castle! LOL

LOL! And Boathouse is now on my list for our trip next fall

 

[ncc1701]

Really enjoying your reviews . We had lunch in October at the GFC . So glad they went to the brunch menu. Those hashbrowns are great . So is the mimosa Just wished they keep the regular burger with lobster .As an add on with a Kobe burger it would run $34

 

[disneyAndi14]

We stayed at GF this August and never even tried GFC, looks like a good breakfast for sure. I am with you on doing VN 2x a trip, we have had excellent pizza and arancini each visit, may have to try the dessert, looks yummy. I also love Star Wars yah!

 

[kastoney]

When will you be there? Going with my sister mid January ... maybe our paths will cross?

Dang, we're going the first part of February. Our annual passes run out in mid February so we're trying to sneak in one more trip since we aren't going to renew this year. We will be in Florida in mid-January though, just a little further South in Key West

I didn't know GFC had changed their menu. They were offering "brunch" when we were there in August, but it was really just breakfast with a Sandwich or 2 added in for good measure. This looks much more expansive though. I enjoyed their benedict before too, but like you am not the biggest canadian bacon fan.

Your VN meal looks delicious. I was thinking we'd skip it on our next trip, but now I have a massive pizza craving and that suddenly doesn't seem like such a good decision. Speaking of cravings those arancini are down right HUGE!!!!!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Really enjoying your reviews . We had lunch in October at the GFC . So glad they went to the brunch menu. Those hashbrowns are great . So is the mimosa Just wished they keep the regular burger with lobster .As an add on with a Kobe burger it would run $34

Haven't tried GFC for lunch yet. One of these days ... but not for a $34 burger! Wow

We stayed at GF this August and never even tried GFC, looks like a good breakfast for sure. I am with you on doing VN 2x a trip, we have had excellent pizza and arancini each visit, may have to try the dessert, looks yummy. I also love Star Wars yah!

Breakfast at GFC is awesome. We didn't love dinner the one time we tried it but I may give lunch a try one of these trips.

Dang, we're going the first part of February. Our annual passes run out in mid February so we're trying to sneak in one more trip since we aren't going to renew this year. We will be in Florida in mid-January though, just a little further South in Key West

I didn't know GFC had changed their menu. They were offering "brunch" when we were there in August, but it was really just breakfast with a Sandwich or 2 added in for good measure. This looks much more expansive though. I enjoyed their benedict before too, but like you am not the biggest canadian bacon fan.

Your VN meal looks delicious. I was thinking we'd skip it on our next trip, but now I have a massive pizza craving and that suddenly doesn't seem like such a good decision. Speaking of cravings those arancini are down right HUGE!!!!!

Darnit! I will be there mid January and early March but no February trip. My APs are just getting started!

I don't know that I could ever skip VN! I dream about those pizzas!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Thursday was another snack around the World day. First stop the Chocolate Studio



For our favorite pairing of the entire Festival ... Rosa Regala with the Red Wine Truffle



I normally dislike Rosa Regala ... too sweet for me but with that truffle it was amazing. We had this again sever times!

Next up was Wine and Dine



For the scallop and pork tenderloin



The scallop was very good and cooked perfectly. The pork was nothing special. Not a ton of flavor.

In our quest to try something at every booth we stopped at the Desserts and Champagne booth



For of course some champagne ...



But I don't remember which one it was! Terrible reviewer I am! I remember liking it though

Next up ... Greece



We had the Chicken Gyro and the Loaded Greek "Nachos"



Both of these were fails for us. I miss the Griddled Cheese! Neither had much flavor.

On to Scotland



For the potato pancake and the Tipsy Laird



I am not a fan of smoked salmon but DH enjoyed it. I really liked the pancake. Sometimes the most simple of things can be the best. The dessert custard was very good as well.

Next up Ireland



For the cheese plate, warm chocolate pudding and pumpkin chai tea and caramel shake



All of these were really good. Especially the shake. I could have had many of those! Not too sweet, just boozy enough!

Last stop of the day was Brazil



We had the meat pie, the cheese bread



And the pork belly



We enjoyed the meat pie and the pork belly (nice and salty) but the cheese bread had almost no flavor. I had read good reviews but it was a fail for us.

We had to stop snacking there and head back to the hotel to rest of for dinner ... Coming up California Grill!

 

[happy2012]

I've been reading on & off today when I get a chance & loving it! I love how you just live it up & enjoy! You inspired my goal this trip, it will be to enjoy some champagne,my absolute favorite treat!

 

[kastoney]

Another awesome day at F&W!!!!! You all sure are getting lots of goodies and drinkies in! Can't wait to see how CG goes

 

[momma2ethan]

The next day (Tuesday) we headed to Disney Springs where I promptly bought this ...

SO JEALOUS!!! This was actually the only thing I've asked my mom to get me for Christmas. She just laughed and told me I was cray so I'm not holding my breath.

Loving your DR and taking mental notes. We always seem to just miss F&W but will be able to get to experience it on our 2017 trip since they've bumped up the start date.

 

[RunningAriel]

What a fantastic review so far! Everything looked wonderful! Probably not the smartest idea reading dining reviews when trying to start the ol after holidays diet but I couldn't help myself.

 

[Disneyhayes]

Joining in. Love all the drinking! That's what I'll be doing on our next trip lol

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I am so sorry for the delay in posting! With the holidays and some family drama (that has culminated in my cancelling my January trip!) I just did not have the time or energy to get on line. But I am back & lets continue!

California Grill was hands down my favorite WDW restaurant before the refurb. It has been hit and miss since. But DH and I decided that we had to give it another try.



The menu ...





Very blurry!









I chose an Albarino but due to the very blurry picture, I do not remember what DH chose ....







First up the rolls ... I am not a fan of the change in rolls. I really liked the previous version



First up. we decided to try the Truffle-scented Tofu Roll - avocado, jicama, quinoa, crispy fingerlings, silken tofu, truffle emulsion



This was absolutely amazing. I do not really eat tofu but everything else intrigued me so we tried it. The flavors melded perfectly. If this stays on the menu, we would definitely get it again.

We also shared the cheese plate





This is one thing I have always enjoyed at Cali. I like the cheeses are not cold out of the fridge and love the accompaniments.

And who can resist Heirloom Tomatoes in all their Glory - burrata cheese, hazelnut, pumpkin seed oil, balsamic, tiny basil



Of our three appetizers, this was our least favorite but still very, very good.

Continued ....

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

For entrees, DH chose the SRF-Wagyu Eye of Ribeye - potato mille feuille, Tank 7 fondue, chanterelles, pole beans, port wine sauce



This was fantastic. The meat was tender and full of flavor. The potatoes were the hit of the plate for me.

I really wanted the Seafood Ramen - lobster, gulf shrimp, scallops, house-made ramen, crisp vegetables, fragrant broth but I do not eat lobster or shrimp. Happily our waiter checked and they were ok with just giving me the scallops!



Isn't it beautiful? The waiter said that normally they use bay scallops but since I did not have the other seafood they substituted. I dream of this dish. The scallops were perfectly cooked. The broth had so much flavor and who doesn't love ramen!

Dessert menu





Mickey confetti!



S'mores crème brulee



I am a sucker for crème brulee so this was a no brainer. It was good, not great but good. We were both really full though so maybe that factored in to our opinion.

All in all an AH-MAY-ZING meal that put Cali back on top of my ADR wish list for future trips. DH and I are definitely going the first week in March and plan to go for a long weekend over the summer and then back for a week long Food & Wine trip. Cali will definitely make at least one appearance this year!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Friday we were heading to the Italian Regional Lunch at Tutto Gusto. We had very high hopes after the wonderful French Family Meal experience.

First up a small breakfast to take the edge off ... The Cronut!



And iced tea in a really cute cup



After a leisurely walk around the World Showcase we arrived and were seated at Tutto Gusto





I want to say that we enjoyed this meal but I cannot. Other than our table mates who were wonderful, the whole meal was a let down for us.

First up the (blurry) bread



First course was a lobster salad. Here is DH's



One of our tablemates had an allergy and was offer prosciutto instead of lobster. I asked if I could have the same as I do not care for lobster. This seemed to upset the maître de very much. He gave a huge sigh and then said something in Italian. I have never had an experience in WDW where they didn't happily substitute or make a change for whatever the reason. The others at our table agreed that it made everyone uncomfortable. But I did get the other salad



This ended up being delicious and the highlight of the meal

The pasta course was a pumpkin ravioli in a butter sauce



This also was good but a little bland. It needed a touch of acid or something to cut the richness of the butter. But all in all it was good.

These were the wines for the meal ... I remember being surprised that I liked the French wines so much more than the Italian as I assumed I liked Italian wines better. Who knew?!



Our (again blurry) entrée was venison. What? No one at our table normally ate venison and I knew I didn't care for it. After the weirdness of my salad substitution we all decided to give it a try



Just blech. I don't like game meats anyway and this did not change my mind. I ate a few bites of the meat and enjoyed the potatoes

Next up the cheese course ...



The cheeses were very good but it was served with a very sweet wine. None of us cared for the pairing. The sommelier said it was an experiment. Definitely a fail for all of us

Dessert was a semifreddo



This was good. Light and the fruit was refreshing after the heaviness of the other courses.

All in all a definitely disappointment. This year the number 1 F&W event I will book is the French Family Meal. This one will not make our list. I know the menu changes and if we had gone on a different day we would have had a different experience. But the whole experience felt off and uncomfortable with the host and the wait staff. Completely different from the French experience.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

After lunch we met up quickly with my sister and nephew who had arrived for the weekend. My nephew had to have a turkey leg!



We planned to meet up the next day for lunch as we couldn't stay long. We were off to change for the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic















First up - Todd English's pork ribs





This was very good. Crispy and a bit salty. We both enjoyed this bite

Next up was the Waygu Slider and the steak salad









I am almost embarrassed to say that the slider was my favorite bite of the night. I have three of them! I think with all the rich fancy good we had had all week the good ole burger hit the spot!





This was another favorite bit. I think we had two of these. Perfectly cooked pasta and a lot of flavor in the sauce

Another favorite was the





Also excellent was the





Just ok was the





It was very, very windy and mine was cold so that probably factored in

Also cold but still tasty





Dessert



I was full and honestly do not even remember these



As I said, it was very windy and the band was super loud. The event felt weird to me. I think it would have been better if we were with a group of people. Originally my sister and her husband were going to join us but plans changed. Not sure I would do this again even though the food bites were overall very good

 

[kastoney]

I am so sorry for the delay in posting! With the holidays and some family drama (that has culminated in my cancelling my January trip!) I just did not have the time or energy to get on line. But I am back & lets continue!

This was absolutely amazing. I do not really eat tofu but everything else intrigued me so we tried it. The flavors melded perfectly. If this stays on the menu, we would definitely get it again.

Wow, that is some serious tofu praise. I remember someone else commenting how good this was too. Will have to try it sometime as I am a sucker for all things truffle!

Isn't it beautiful? The waiter said that normally they use bay scallops but since I did not have the other seafood they substituted. I dream of this dish. The scallops were perfectly cooked. The broth had so much flavor and who doesn't love ramen!

Yum, this looks so good. Jason had this last April and really enjoyed it too. Though he certainly didn't get all those yummy looking scallops. Awesome they subbed them for you!

First up a small breakfast to take the edge off ... The Cronut!

Nothing takes the edge off like a cronut

This ended up being delicious and the highlight of the meal

Yum, even if he was a jerk about it, this looks delicious. In addition to truffle, I'm also a sucker for proscuitto so I'd be in heaven

All in all a definitely disappointment. This year the number 1 F&W event I will book is the French Family Meal. This one will not make our list. I know the menu changes and if we had gone on a different day we would have had a different experience. But the whole experience felt off and uncomfortable with the host and the wait staff. Completely different from the French experience.

Sorry this was a let down, but at least you've eaten and learned

I am almost embarrassed to say that the slider was my favorite bite of the night. I have three of them! I think with all the rich fancy good we had had all week the good ole burger hit the spot!

Yum!!! Not much better than a perfectly cooked burger, except a perfect cooked burger in miniature form

As I said, it was very windy and the band was super loud. The event felt weird to me. I think it would have been better if we were with a group of people. Originally my sister and her husband were going to join us but plans changed. Not sure I would do this again even though the food bites were overall very good

This looks like an awesome event, though I'm sure it would be fun with others. Funny aside we had tickets for the event on the 30th as I'd planned to take my hubby for a surprise last minute trip. Sadly I couldn't get away from work so we missed out.

 

[nicoleakr]

Great reviews! I can't wait for the food and wine festival!