My family and I are at Disney World in Orlando, Florida this week and it is absolutely wonderful. If you love to eat (and drink, of course), there are some places I'd like to recommend:
- Citricos at the Grand Floridian
Chef Phil Ponticelli and servers Bruce or Danny will make sure that your trip is memorable. My picks: gâteau of crab for starters; braised veal shank for the entrée; and warm chocolate banana torte for dessert. Let Bruce pick your wines from their outstanding selection. Your tummy will thank you. Definitely the best Disney dining experience (except maybe V & A). Say, "Hi!" to Bruce from us if you go.
- California Grill at the Contemporary Resort
The experience here was exciting. The menu was daring, the open kitchen was entertaining, the staff was professional, and the food and drink were top notch. Plus, the rooftop view lets you watch the evening fireworks at Magic Kingdom. If you're not feeling adventurous, just get the oak-fired filet of beef (but ask for Cedric's smashed potatoes instead of mashed). Wow!
- Flying Fish Café at Disney's Boardwalk
Chef Tim Keating has an approach similar to Chef Ponticelli's at Citricos (not surprising, since they grew up in the same neighborhood): an open kitchen, an excellent menu, and good service. Personally, I think Citricos has the edge, but Chef Tim decided to make a special foie gras french toast for my wife (to mourn its impending demise) with fresh peaches and a matching wine. It was absolutely unique and wonderful (but my citrus cheesecake with a perfectly matched Riesling ice wine was better ;-).
My wife and I hope to try
Victoria & Albert's next time.
For those of you into
pin trading, I thought I would share what I picked up. First, I was able to score four of the five Disney Villain "snowglobe" series. Then, I was able to get a couple more "hidden Mickey" pins, including a Peter Pan
Fastpass ticket (my family adores this ride) and a coveted monorail. Next time, I'll definitely be on the hunt for more monorails.
