NoOrdinaryPrincess's Inaugural Dining Report: And we're back! (Updated 10/18)

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

As you may have guessed from the previous post, the envelope I received at the conclusion of our Le Cellier anniversary dinner led us to



Japan!

This final letter discussed the importance of recognizing those who helped to shape the life and journey that we lead. As this particular adventure occurred in early May, a Mother's Day gift seemed most appropriate. This required a stop by the pick-a-pearl counter where both J and I picked out lovely pearls for our mothers.



Instead of photographing the gifts we chose to record personal video for our mothers that are a bit too private to share on a public forum. Suffice to say the mothers were pleased with their gifts.

This was the final letter I received on this birthday adventure (J mentioned that he considered adding more quests, but [correctly] assumed that I would prefer a less structured, more spontaneous day]. However, it doesn't appear to be the end of the story, as the bottom of the final note read



Will the blue envelopes make a reappearance on our upcoming trip? Your guess is as good as mine. Our traveling companion, A, let slip that J had some kind of surprise up his sleeve, but I have no idea what that might be, and, if you hadn't figured it out by now, he's the kind of guy who likes surprises. [Though, I have my own surprises planned for him this time, would you like to hear about it?]

For those who were just here for the food, thank you for indulging me on my little adventure, and don't worry, more food is coming. Next up, Tangerine Cafe!

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Glad you really enjoyed the mushroom filet at Le Cellier! And I really like that your next task was to stop at Japan and get pearls for your mothers - that's such a thoughtful task!

It'll be interesting to see the surprises that you both have planned for each other.

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

I've really enjoyed reading about your birthday/anniversary trip to WDW. So sweet that you both thought of your moms.

Hope your upcoming trip is just as wonderful and looking forward to reading your reviews!

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

Originally Posted by DonaldDoleWhip

Glad you really enjoyed the mushroom filet at Le Cellier! And I really like that your next task was to stop at Japan and get pearls for your mothers - that's such a thoughtful task!

It'll be interesting to see the surprises that you both have planned for each other.

Thanks for reading along, and providing such kind and useful feedback. I will include a snippet of surprise in my PDR posts at your request. I hope I can help fill your Disney fix until you can plan your own trip back.

Originally Posted by Smiling Cheshire Cat

I've really enjoyed reading about your birthday/anniversary trip to WDW. So sweet that you both thought of your moms.

Hope your upcoming trip is just as wonderful and looking forward to reading your reviews!

Thank you so much for your kind words and for reading along. I've been enjoying your DR as well. Our moms are pretty special people. They deserve to be recognized.

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

It had been a long day at the park. We had been at Epcot since about 20 minutes before rope drop and now it was time to start staking out a seat for Illuminations. As I saved our seats at a table in France, J ran over to Morocco for the Lamb Shawarma platter.



My notes remind me the lamb was well-cooked. The hummus was good, but would have benefited from more garlic. My notes are failing me on the other parts of the meal and, I must admit, the intervening 5 months and a *ahem* pair of Grand Marnier slushes [I do not take photographic evidence of such debauchery] have blurred my memory a bit. I suppose that's all the more reason to try this dish again on my trip next week.

This was the perfect ending to the perfect day. Sitting in the most Magical Place on Earth watching my favorite fireworks show with delicious Disney cuisine, and the greatest adventure partner a girl could ask for.

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

However, the months have not diminished my recollection of the next morning's breakfast at Captain Cook's!

Now, as J will be sure to remind everyone, I require a substantial breakfast to be functional (or *ahem* pleasant) in the morning. I also have an active sweet tooth, but peculiarly I'm normally not a big fan of sweets for breakfast, preferring heartier faire. I make an exceptions for Tonga Toast and Dole Whips however.


[notice the book in the corner?]



The Tonga Toast was delicious. Thick sourdough cinnamon sugar and banana. Very sweet but delicious.




The Dole Whip was excellent as well. Captain Cook's does not serve the float option, but the soft serve didn't disappoint. We selected the pineapple vanilla swirl. The texture was more granular than I was expecting, but it was pleasant.

I suppose this concludes the record of my May trip. I will post some final thoughts, and a PDR for the vacation that starts on Monday, in a few hours.

[vettegirl]

Mmm tonga toast and dole whips, Disney Heaven

[emmysmommy]

What a great preface to your upcoming trip! I am thoroughly captivated and love that there are some great adventures and surprises to come. For your May trip, what a great start with EoS (and my favorite the Caprese) while your Le Cellier sounds like it didn't disappoint!

You have a delightful style to your writing and I am so looking forward to hearing more!!

[insert my own disclaimer: I don't know how I missed this and didn't join earlier! ]

[Roma]

I'm loving your reviews and looking forward to hearing what happens on your next trip! Your husband sounds a lot like mine... aren't they keepers .

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Tonga Toast and dole whips...at the same time? That's such a perfect Disney breakfast! I might have to borrow that idea eventually.

And it's awesome that your trip is so soon! Have a great time, and I'm looking forward to hearing about it.

[MLinDisney]

That looks like a great table for Illuminations. Was it right by the railing? The dinner from Morocco looks delish too!
We had the Dole whip for snack and Tonga toast for breakfast. Loved that Tonga toast! I don't know why but I didn't like the Dole whip. Next trip I try the Dole whip float. I read that its better than the Dole whip.
Again I love your writing style! I enjoyed following your blue envelopes and liked the book recommendations!

I'm looking forward to reading all about your upcoming trip!

[nfggirl5454]

Originally Posted by NoOrdinaryPrincess

Feel free to fill my thread up with as much YA talk as you want! I *love* the Lizzie Bennett Diaries. Why haven't they shown us Darcy yet? I feel like they might be building up too much anticipation for their own good.

Do I watch Vlogbrothers videos? French the Llama, how could I not? Really. Seriously. Can we have a nerd[fighter] party on the Disboards, please? [I'm sure anyone else on the boards reading this likely thinks we're crazy by now, but this is my DR, and I'll be as tangentially nerdy as I like!]

Thanks for reading along and DFTBA

I love the Lizzie Bennet Diaries too! I'm a few behind though - the last I saw we were about to meet Wickham. I can't wait to see who they choose for Darcy. All the other characters have been perfect so far, and Ben Li is so cute. I don't watch all the Vlogbrothers videos, though I enjoy Hank's songs (especially the ones about Harry Potter). And I saw that you mentioned the Temeraire books. I've read the first one and really liked it. The only problem is that my to-read book has at least 200 books!

Back to food now: I just went to Le Cellier for the first time a few weeks ago, and your picture of the filet makes me want to go back soon. That's what I ordered, of course (sub mashed potatoes for the risotto though). I'm looking forward to hearing about your next trip!

[jecskc]

Loved your Dining Review. Can't wait to read about your current trip when you get back !!! Have a great time !! Drink a Grey Goose Slushie for me !!

[Wills Mom]

Delighted to have found your PDR. You have a way with words and I've really enjoyed the blue envelopes idea your darling DH did for you! Looking forward to reading all about your upcoming trip And don't worry that you'll disappoint, you won't

[jerseytinkerbell]

Tonga Toast and Dole Whip sounds like the best breakfast ever! I may have to re-create this on a future trip.

Your hubby sounds incredibly sweet! The scavenger hunt he created for you is incredibly thoughtful. The book he based it on sounds terrific too. Thanks for the recommendation!

Looking forward to reading all about your latest trip!