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House of Blues Steak Salad

Restaurant Reviews By September 19, 2022 Tags: , , No Comments

As I wrote in a recent dining review, House of Blues at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World has grown in recent popularity. Well, at least in terms of people searching for an advance dining reservation via MouseDining, this place has increased in popularity. As someone that spends a small amount of time pondering theme park dining, this place intrigues me. House of Blues functions as a worthy third-party restaurant on Disney property. Depending on where you live, you may have a House of Blues restaurant near you. Until recently, advance dining reservations were not challenging to get here. Of course, the popularity of some Disney Springs restaurants ebb and flow.

The menu here offers some solid bar style appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, shrimp and grits, and some decent southern BBQ style food also for example. They also offer five different types of salads. For some reason, my dining groups have been ordering more salads as their main entrée lately. Perhaps that relates to the fact that I am getting older, but who knows? On this occasion, I ordered the “Smoked Brisket Sandwich” as my main entrée. One member of my group ordered the “Steak Salad.” Based on the quality of this salad, I should have made it my primary selection.

The Steak Salad costs $20. The menu description reads “USDA Prime steak, mixed field greens, cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, blue cheese crumbles, red onion, cucumber, (and) balsamic vinaigrette.” This might not sound impressive. Yet, I think many guests will enjoy this. In my previous article about the brisket sandwich, I stated that Hard Rock Café over at Universal Orlando offered a better sandwich. In a potential battle of steak salads, House of Blues probably wins. That discussion must wait for another day.

This salad came wonderfully prepared. We requested the steak medium well. The steak came prepared exactly that way. From a presentation standpoint, the entrée came like a small cut up steak with a nice salad as your side. I joked about it being a make your own salad. If this came with a starch, like a potato, this could pass a “poor man’s” steak dinner.

In fairness, this salad does not come with the highest grade of steak. Of course, this entrée costs only $20. Yet, I found the steak well prepared with a good flavor to match the salad. It brought good flavor and tenderness. Also, as menu description indicates, this salad contains a good balance of ingredients. The salad offered good flavor by itself. The vinaigrette salad dressing works well and provides a nice touch of creaminess.

Overall, I found this salad refreshing and good value. I would suggest eating it simply like a steak and a side salad. You do get more salad than a standard side salad but this presentation reminds me of that idea. Of course, you might want to eat the steak mixed with the salad. On this occasion, we combined those in very few bites. This would make a great entrée for someone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.

On the negative side, the price point of $20 for a salad might alarm some. Yet, we all know these are theme park resort prices. Still, at a House of Blues outside of Disney World, you would pay basically the same price for this. Also, if you arrived here very hungry or craving carbohydrates, this salad would leave you disappointed. Ye, I suspect most people fitting that category would find some other tasty entrée to enjoy. I do like the idea of adding a baked potato or French fries to this for feel of a steak dinner though.

Would I recommend this? I think I would. In fairness, I doubt most people visit House of blues to just get a salad. However, if you find yourself here wanting a salad, this good option awaits you. As always, eat like you mean it!

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Least Secret Menu Item Ever

Restaurant Reviews By September 16, 2022 Tags: , No Comments

There resides something within us as humans that we enjoy knowing or having something others do not. Theme parks play off this idea with concepts like lightning lanes, early theme park admission, and dessert parties. Our friends at Chick Fil-A gets the benefit of this because people crave the chicken sandwich even more when it is Sunday. Humans want what they cannot have and want to know secrets that others fail to know. Fans of the Disney theme parks love hearing some new rumors for example. Ironically, I am typing this review during the big D23 event in California. The hype just to know something new about the Disney corporation’s plans draw lots of attention.

On a lesser scale of this apparent human trait, the idea of a secret menu item at restaurants causes people to want to try it. Our friends over at Universal Orlando have mastered the secret of exclusive menu item for just their passholders during passholder appreciation days there. Even in Universal Orlando’s marketing they speak about how others will be jealous of you with exclusive/secret menu items since others did not know about it.

Walt Disney World restaurants also use this trick. They currently use it in a different way. In another review, I wrote about the secret menu appetizer at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. For that example, you do need to know to ask or hope someone tells you the code name “Gator Sticks.”

Yet, over in Magic Kingdom, one of the longest running “secret menu” items still can be found. At “Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen” or “Skipper’s Canteen for short, guests may order a secret menu appetizer. However, this qualifies as the worst kept secret in terms of Disney dining. I could bore you with all the supposed reasons this appetizer remains “off menu” but I would really like you to read more of this article. Thus, I will refrain.

In case you do not know, the Pao de Queijo at Skipper’s Canteen qualifies as this marginally secret menu item. Depending on which server you get when dining here, they may just tell you about it before asking for your drink order. Like I said, this appetizer fails to be very secret.

As the name indicates, these are Brazilian style cheese bread. This type of bread has grown in popularity at Orlando area theme parks in recent years, especially at food festivals. These come to your table as balls of cheesy bread. The cheese bread also gets served alongside some poblano cream cheese and chimichurri sauce. Though these are off-menu and infrequently not available, they cost $13. If you are a drinks and appetizer type person, this secret menu item might go well with you beverage. Also, considering slightly more upscale alcoholic beverages are rumored to come to this table service dining location, the right combination might be here for you.

So, how is the cheese bread here? In simple terms, they offer good flavor. This cheese bread will not change your life. Still, you will not feel you wasted your money on these either. My companion for a recent meal ordering these compared them to an asiago cheese bagel that I love. This cheese bread can be heavy but for $13 you get a good portion size.

The sauce and cheese with them add to the experience in a positive way. The sauce adds a bit of spice but nothing like the Dan Dan Noodles in terms of spice. The bread can be very doughy or chewy. Some might find it a bit too chewy though I feel it helps when mixed with sauce combination. When I had this last month, I found them slightly lower quality then previously. Yet, of course, diners often romanticize things they enjoyed previously.

Overall, this makes a solid appetizer at a reasonable theme park table service price. Even your picky eater will enjoy these. Based on the portion size, these appetizers can easily be shared. Finding decent food at Magic Kingdom can be difficult sometimes. As you might imagine, I used MouseDining for this reservation. In fact, I changed this reservation at least five times. If the full character dining adventures for over $60 with Beast or Cinderella do not meet your needs, making an advance dining reservation at Skipper Canteen could be your dining solution while at Magic Kingdom. As always, eat like you mean it!

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You Really Ordered a Salad From Raglan Road?

Restaurant Reviews By September 14, 2022 Tags: No Comments

During my August trip to Orlando area, I visited Raglan Road restaurant on my first night there. Trying to do useful food reviews, I focused on menu items that were new at Raglan Road. When I went, about eight new items were on the menu there. I ordered one of the new appetizers and one of the new entrees. For my entrée, I ordered a salad. Yes, I said a salad. With all the options of menu items, I selected a salad. Why would I do that?

First and foremost, this salad qualified as a newer item on the Raglan Road menu. Second, I had already ordered an appetizer before this entrée. Third and finally, I knew the next day involved two table service dining reservations along with trying about eight treats at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. In simple terms, a salad can make a good choice during your Walt Disney World dining experience. I realize people say vacation calories do not count. Still, a bit of nutrition sounds like a good idea at least once during a vacation.

However, this counts as no ordinary salad. If you were thinking I ordered a generic salad with no frills, think again. I ordered “That Salad With Chicken.” I wonder who got paid a salary to come up with that title for this salad. This salad costs $20.This salad provides diners with “grilled Bell & Evans chicken breast, arugula, roasted broccolini, pickled red cabbage, confit tomatoes, roasted butternut squash, red quinoa, and smoked almonds, A lovely honey mustard dressing comes with this salad.

`              The presentation of the salad earns high marks. In addition, the salad matches well with the complimentary soda bread service provided at Raglan Road. For the record, the soda bread presents a wonderful flavor here to start your meal.

So how was this salad?  As expected, the chicken here comes very well prepared but more about that balance of flavor later. The arugula and other greens match the dressing almost perfectly. I found myself wanting more arugula with a touch of the dressing when finished. Even though I ate almost morsel of this salad, the portion rates as large for a $20 salad at Disney Springs. That rating should perhaps be higher based on the solid overall flavor of this salad. The accompanying vegetables and quinoa were also prepared very well.

On the negative side, the broccolini, though prepared very well, tasted a little too salty by itself. I also found it harder to chew that expected. In fairness, I generally avoid broccolini in my everyday dining so I might have a bias in this case. Also, the smoked almonds, though nice, fell to bottom of salad quickly. When you order this, plan for that aspect.

The key to this salad falls on the chicken to bring it together. The chicken offers a reasonably seasoned flavor. Initially, I thought the chicken was be a bit dry. Yet, in seems apparent that the chicken balances the other components, especially the broccolini. Guests get a reasonable amount of chicken with this salad. As a result, the chicken holds it all together flavor-wise. Based on that apparent intent, this salad with chicken makes a good option for diners looking for some nutrition in their Disney dining regiment. Of course, do not be fooled. Just because this menu item calls itself a salad, there are plenty of yummy calories within it. I doubt you will feel you sacrificed too much getting this salad.

As of time of writing this, I have another dining reservation at Raglan Road coming up in less than a week. Yes, I booked that with the help of the MouseDining reservation alert system. If I were not going back to review some other new menu items at Raglan Road, I would not hesitate to order this again. Considering I am scheduled to review about thirty food items at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando in that same week, I probably could use a salad or two (or five). Yet, this salad meets the expected standard of a place like Raglan Road. Thanks for reading this review. As always, eat like you mean it!

 

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Gator Sticks at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin?

Restaurant Reviews By September 9, 2022 No Comments

Since opening in 2016 in Disney Springs, Chef art Smith’s Homecomin’ draws large interest from diners. This restaurant currently ranks as the most searched for restaurant at Disney Springs via MouseDining. With over 20 table service dining options, that ranking says something about people’s desire to eat here. The delectable comfort food here provides a great experience. The service at Homecomin’, though often slow, brings excellent “Southern” hospitality.

For example, during a recent trip to Homecomin’, our server Anthony treated everyone wonderfully. The dining experience took well over an hour though. In fairness, we did order lots of food and beverages. My dining companions ordered a shine flight this afternoon which added to the fun and length of our dining experience. For the record, they enjoyed their flight of beverages. This afternoon, I stuck with my refillable sipper cup to support by diet soda addiction.

One of my primary intentions for this trip revolved around ordering an appetizer that I had not eaten at Homecomin’ previously. I went to order it and noticed it was no longer on the menu. I asked our server Anthony about it. He quickly told me that they still had it. He said it was now on the “secret menu.” Apparently, this secret menu item hides better than the secret menu item at “Skipper’s Canteen” at Magic Kingdom.

These are Gator Bites

The secret code name for this appetizer currently is “Gator Sticks.” Now, those should not be confused with the “Gator Bites” served here. These “Gator Sticks” do not taste like gator. They are “Okra Fries.” Okra Fries used to be on the appetizer menu at Homecomin’. The old description of these read “hand-cut okra, lightly battered and crispy fried, and served with their delicious icebox dressing.” I did notice the price went up to $16 now.

Okra Fries fit the southern comfort food setting at Homecomin’ well. I respect that many of you cringed when I told you these were okra with a code name of “Gator Sticks.” However, I enjoy fried okra. Based on my family of origin, I have enjoyed excellent well-prepared fried okra. If you have eaten less than well-prepared okra, then you have every reason to cringe at this secret menu appetizer.

So how were these okra fries? First, the portion size even for $16 provides plenty of food for everyone. I found myself overwhelmed by the large number of okra fries given. I ate most of them but I could not even eat all of them. Second, these matched well with the icebox dressing. The icebox dressing here somehow tastes better than it should for a relatively simple dressing. Third, the okra fries presented a solid flavor and were well prepared.

On the negative side, based on preparation style, you might want to cut these okra fries into smaller bites. The texture of some of the okra fries might be challenging for some to eat. There will be no delicate dainty bites of these creations. Okra often can be chewy so some pieces might taste that way.

Overall, I found “Gator Sticks” enjoyable. Clearly, the portion size earns high marks. However, I think many people will be too overwhelmed with this style appetizer. With all the great food at Homecomin’, using valuable stomach space on this appetizer seems unwise. However, if you have a large group wanting to split a unique appetizer, this one makes a terrific choice.

Finally, if you have read some of my other dining reviews at Homecomin’, then you know this place makes a challenging advance dining reservation to get. For this most recent trip, I personally used MouseDining.com alerts to adjust this reservation at least ten times. I wish I was exaggerating. I changed days, time of day, and number of people several times. Though I got a bit concerned, every change was met by an alert from MouseDining eventually. Since Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ ranks as the most searched for advance dining reservation, I became a pleased customer.

Whether you want the Chef Art’s Burger, these “Gator Sticks”, Mama’s Mac and Cheese, the Church Lady Deviled Eggs, or just yummy chicken, Homecoming’ offers great food. As always, eat like you mean it!

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How Did Breakfast at Ohana Measure Up?

Restaurant Reviews By September 8, 2022 Tags: , , No Comments

One of the many popular restaurants at Walt Disney World resides at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Guests can enjoy breakfast or dinner at this table service location. As you might imagine, getting an advance dining reservation here can be tricky. For my most recent trip, I used MouseDining.com to acquire my original reservation. I also used it to change it several times to get the exact day and time I wanted. Eventually, I got a late breakfast time slot. I wanted a late slot since I knew I would be staying up before typing blogs after an evening at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Could Ohana repair the damage to my system from little sleep and scary food from the Halloween party at Magic Kingdom? Would the food be so average that it would not wake me up after typing until 4am? Would I even make my 11:20am reservation?

Good news I woke up in plenty of time. We arrived at The Polynesian Village Resort with plenty of time to make a reservation. We did experience similar delays to being seated as we experienced at Topolino’s Terrace the day before. After we were seated, we quickly got a fruit plate and breakfast pineapple bread. As usual, fruit just tastes better in Florida compared to most of the USA. The pineapple bread tasted fine but nothing special.

One of the least positive parts of this breakfast relates to the coffee. The coffee tasted like standard boring hotel coffee. I did quickly point out to my dining companions that therefore you can buy upgraded coffee with this breakfast. Of course, this breakfast comes with POG juice. Also, this place supported my diet soda addiction by bringing me a Coke Zero.

Early in our meal, they brought us waffles. Since we were dining at Ohana, we got Stitch and Mickey waffles. These Stitch shaped items make only Stitch guests get to see at Ohana until September 27th when characters return to this breakfast.

Related to characters returning, the current price of breakfast here is $25/adult. I expect price to increase when characters return though.

Back to the food, the waffles provided normal quality. I preferred the Stitch waffles over Mickey waffles. Yet, you may find Mickey tastes better.

The skillets come with plenty to enjoy. I learned from another guest that you can order ham without pineapple. Yet, I wonder why you would do that. The ham with pineapple tasted great. However, many people feel the ham is not as good as before theme parks closed in 2020. I found the sausage tasted average for table service dining. The eggs were very well prepared. They were not as good as eggs for breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace. The potatoes were well seasoned. I found them a great compliment to the other elements of these skillets. Finally, the biscuits were just okay.

Was this breakfast worth our time and money? I think it was. For $25 to get unlimited refills of any of these breakfast food items here currently makes a decent value. Considering larger breakfast buffets over at Universal Orlando start at $27, this price looks okay for Ohana. I could easily visualize a parent saying to everyone in group: “eat up, guys…if you want more food before our 3:00 dining reservation, you are on your own.” Then they might say something like: “If you leave here hungry, it is your own fault.”

Though I currently feel this makes a great value at $25, we will wait to see what price is starting September 27th with Stitch and friends returning to harass dining guests. Can you find a better breakfast on the property? Yes, you can. Can you find it at this price? No, you probably cannot. In fairness, I have several guest reports about Ohana not as glowing as mine. Reports seem to vary significantly. You can decide if this works for your group though. Remember, there are many reasons this restaurant ranks high in terms of Walt Disney World reservations searched for. For many people, this breakfast measures up very well. As always, eat like you mean it!

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Smoked Brisket Sandwich at House of Blues Disney Springs

Restaurant Reviews By September 6, 2022 No Comments

With over twenty table service dining options at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, you will not get bored in terms of dining. If you desire a certain type of cuisine, you should be able to find it at Disney Springs. One of the top five most searched for Disney Springs reservations, using MouseDining.com, is the House of Blues. Over the last five months, people have been searching for reservations far more than previously. I have visited the House of Blues in other cities. When my travel companion suggested dining here, I made an advance dining reservation for a weekday evening.

When we arrived for our evening meal, the check-in process rated as very awkward. The restaurant staff struggled to find my reservation. However, once that was resolved, we were seated on time for our dining reservation. I appreciated being seated on time after several long waits for other dining reservations during my August trip.

The servers showed incredible care and courtesy. Many of them lacked experience there but they worked hard. My companion saw some coloring pages. The coloring pages enable you to color a picture of the Blues Brothers. Since I would be visiting Universal Orlando the following day, it seemed odd to be see tribute to the Blues Brothers when the Blues Brothers show happens at Universal Orlando. Yes, I understand the ownership structure of House of Blues. Yet, it still seemed off in this setting. Back to the coloring pages, my companion only got orange and blue crayons but did a fabulous job making Jake and Elwood look good with those two colors.

The servers did seem to push the alcoholic beverages a bit too much. Apparently, on this night, ordering a soft drink counts as a mistake. I state that since I never got a refill of my beverage during my meal. If you are familiar with my dining reviews, you know I have a diet soda addiction, so this stressed me a bit. Still, I did get a beverage to go after completing my meal.

On this evening, I selected to order the “Smoked Brisket Sandwich.” This sandwich comes with a brioche bun, Memphis BBQ sauce, and house-made slaw. This sandwich also came with fries as a side. The sandwich cost $17. In terms of initial appearance, this sandwich looked adequate.

So how was the sandwich? In a few words, it lacked quality of similar sandwiches at Orlando theme park restaurants. Before discussing that, the portion size of the brisket exceeded normal expectations. If looking for a sandwich being over-filled, this one qualifies.

Promotional Photo from House of Blues

However, the rest of the sandwich failed to measure up. The taste of the brisket rates as average. It depended on the BBQ sauce for flavor. If you enjoy a sweet style BBQ sauce, you will like that aspect, however. The bun quality seemed average at best. The slaw with this sandwich tasted okay but did not fit on sandwich if you desire that. Also, the fires were simply average. I expected a larger bun but with the smaller bun it makes the portion size of brisket look bigger.

The brisket sandwich here looks smaller than a comparable one at Hard Rock Café over at Universal Orlando. As you may have detected, I expected far more from this sandwich from the House of Blues. I had heard great things about these sandwiches so maybe you will have a better experience. Still, I found this sandwich lacking. As always, eat like you mean it!

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What to Expect at a Magical Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace

Restaurant Reviews By September 1, 2022 Tags: , No Comments

During my most recent trip to Orlando, I got an advance dining reservation for one of the most difficult places to get a reservation on Walt Disney World property, Topolino’s Terrace. Yes, I got this reservation about thirty days before using MouseDining.com alerts. So, do not lose hope if your desired dining options are not available 60 days in advance. Before discussing our wonderful breakfast experience, I should use the proper name for this restaurant. The full name is Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. As I have written before, this place gets lots of hype but is well worth it!

For my plan, I wanted a late breakfast before we attended Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party later that day. I surprised my spouse by telling her that we were going to the party that morning via a semi-creative method. I desired a late breakfast to give her time to plan and relax before a long night in Magic Kingdom.

Since that was just a breakfast with my spouse and I, I had concerns about the character breakfast aspect. Characters interacting with past middle-aged males can lead to awkwardness. Yet, I knew my spouse wanted to do that. However, I will cover more about that in a moment.

Now, Topolino’s Terrace resides on the top floor of Disney’s Riviera Resort in the EPCOT resort area. Walt Disney World says you can take in sweeping rooftop views here. They tell the truth about that. The view from here rates as excellent. Based on our schedule, I did not have time to truly enjoy that view though. Even the view from the small area once you get off the elevator offers some great views.

To get to Topolino’s Terrace, you will need to enter the Riviera Resort. From the lobby area, follow signs to the east elevators down the hall from lobby. You should see signs indicating that. Once it is time for your reservation, you will take the elevator to the top floor where the restaurant resides. I suggest using the “My Disney Experience” app to do mobile check-in. Our reservation was for 12:05pm. Since breakfast hours end at 12:15pm, I believe this is the last seating for breakfast for the day. I checked in on time. We eventually moved to the waiting area. Our table was called at 12:33. During this trip, being seated later than your reservation became commonplace.

We were seated. Soon after, our excellent server Michael came to greet us. He brought us the Topolino’s version of POG juice.

As usual, we quickly got the breakfast pastries brought to our table. They tasted remarkable. In fact, I asked for more later in our meal. Soon after our pastries arrived, Minnie Mouse came to greet us. My spouse wore her Minnie Mouse shirt and ears to breakfast. She got some photos to earn “street cred” with younger family members that adore Minnie. These character interactions like all during this breakfast seemed effortless for all. They lead to some excellent conversation (well, conversation by us toward characters not speaking of course).

If you are an adult adverse to character interaction, this setting alleviates much of that awkwardness. I fail to enjoy characters as a grey-haired male, but these characters added to our breakfast enjoyment. Considering you get to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, if casual character interaction merits you attention, this breakfast does that very well. Also, the character in their themed outfits adds to this experience. By the way, do not ask Mickey or Donald why they have not put a ring on Minnie and Daisy respectively. They might just walk away from you.

Now, breakfast here costs $42 for adults. That may seem high to you. However, for a character breakfast at Walt Disney World, that price rates as reasonable. In addition, once you understand how the system works at Topolino’s then the value starts to rise. Each adult guest gets to choose one main entrée. On this occasion, I chose the Butchers Steak entree. My spouse ordered “Two Eggs Any Style.” The other entrées offered are:

Frittata Gruyère

 

Avocado Toast

Fruit Plate

Wild Mushroom Scramble (Plant-Based)

Sour Cream Waffle

Side portion seen in photo

Smoked Salmon

Bread Pudding.

 

The key to ordering here revolves around ordering everything you want all at once. You only get one main entrée. Yet, you can have as many sides as you want and/or smaller versions of the other entrée also. As Michael pointed out, they just ask that you order this all at once. In theory, you could order one main entrée which already comes with some sides. Then, you could get as many of the other entrées in smaller form at same time. I thought of it as buffet you just order all at once. In future reviews, I will break down the pros and cons of each breakfast entrée. I suggest no matter what entrée you select, that you ask for a sour cream waffle.

If you dine here getting a pastry or two and then just one entrée, this place will be nice but lacks value. However, if you order an entrée and two smaller entrees as sides, this place offers a solid value. Michael even asked me directly about an annual pass discount. Over the last few months, we have seen less and less checking by Cast Members for dining discounts.

The service here reaches top notch level. For example, my spouse noticed some kids had themed waffles on a stick with their meal. Michael brought some to her. The best part of this breakfast meal, besides maybe the characters, involves the wide variety of menu items and flavors you can enjoy. In fact, I have yet to find anything lacking in solid flavor and quality here.

On the negative side, the process to get a reservation here adds stress. Of course, MouseDining.com can help with some of that. The check-in process could be better also. For breakfast at least, if you desire a quiet setting, this would not be the best place with all the character interaction. Though I really enjoyed my meal without characters, the food by itself falls below being worth $42. Also, like many table service meals, picky eaters will be overpaying. Of course, if you desire truly signature dining, the dinner menu fulfills that. The evening cuisine tastes so much better. Still, the breakfast quality offered here exceeds most places.

Once again, I really enjoyed this breakfast. In fact, it made Ohana breakfast the next day look weak by comparison. Spoiler…we had a great experience at Ohana also. Would I do this again? I can answer positively to that. Be on the lookout for more specific reviews of the breakfast entrees here at MouseDining.com As always, eat like you mean it!

 

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Skipper Dan’s Dan Dan Noodles from Skipper Canteen

Restaurant Reviews By August 30, 2022 Tags: No Comments

During my most recent trip to Magic Kingdom to enjoy Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, I decided to dine at “Skipper’s Canteen.” Of course, as a theme park food blogger, I must point out the official name of this restaurant is “Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen.” I think you can see what most people refer to this place as Skipper’s Canteen. Also, this table service dining restaurant correlates to the Jungle Cruise attraction. I rode the Jungle Cruise attraction later in the evening after a meal at Skipper’s Canteen.

If you have ridden Jungle Cruise, then you know to expect lots of “corny” jokes. The Skipper’s Canteen continues that trend. So, expect plenty of jokes but do not expect good jokes.

On the evening I went I used mobile check-in for my advance dining reservation made with assistance of MouseDining.com. I then got comfortable in a chair in the covered outdoor waiting area. The Cast Member outside suggested I wait there. A few minutes later, I got a push notification from “My Disney Experience” telling me that my table was ready. I checked with the Cast Member. They said to continue to wait that my table was not actually ready yet. I understand these mix-ups happen. However, my spouse checked inside and was told that our table was indeed ready. Like I said, these things happen. Also, with Disney technology, we should know to double-check based on large number of glitches that commonly happen.

My main intention to visit Skipper’s Canteen involved ordering a new menu item, the “Skipper Dan’s Dan Dan Noodles.” These basically replaced the “Perkins Thai Noodles.” For the record, Disney Parks Blog recently said several new items existed here. However, a few of those have been around for a while. These noodles started appearing on menu at Skipper’s Canteen in mid-July unlike the Hangar Steak advertised as new but it arrived way earlier in year.

This noodle entrée costs $26. The menu description reads “thin noodles tossed in a savory spicy chili sauce topped with crispy pork, pickled mustard greens, radish, and cucumbers.” The server warned me that these noodles would be spicy. Yet, they used to do with the Perkins noodles sometimes also. I would not define the Perkins noodles as spicy previously.

Dan Dan Noodles with Tofu

So how were these when I had them? In fairness, these noodles did offer some legitimate spice. I would define it as spicy by theme park levels. Still, this would not be as spicy as if you ordered this at a more authentic dining establishment somewhere else. In comparison to the “spice heat” level of several of the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party food items I would try later, this paled in comparison on spicy heat scale.

The flavor of this deserves consideration. The spice level fits this dish well. Most importantly, the components all brought decent flavor with them. Compared to Dan Dan Noodles served at other area theme park resorts, this makes a better option. Also, the seasoned pork brings a nice flavor to this dish. The pork also came well prepared.

My Dan Dan Noodles

However, this one comes with a higher price point than other places. The standard peril of being hungry within Magic Kingdom causes budget concerns. Yet, $26 for this within Magic Kingdom rates as expected. I found the portion size a bit smaller than expected though. Though the vegetables provide nice flavor, I struggled with the texture of them. I have issues with some cooked vegetables regarding texture so this might not be a surprise.

As expected, this new menu item fits the pattern and theme at Skipper’s Canteen. The food here will rarely blow you away. However, the food should always function as a good option. Can you find better options at Walt Disney World? Yes, however, at this price point within Magic Kingdom, a better value for this level of food might be tough to find. You will need to enjoy a touch of spicy food with your meal for this one. All in all, I see this new menu item as a good inclusion to Skipper’s Canteen. As always, eat like you mean it!

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Chicken Donut at Raglan Road Disney Springs

Restaurant Reviews By August 25, 2022 Tags: , , No Comments

If you read this article title correctly, you may now be intrigued, confused, or perhaps both. When I planned my visit to Raglan Road restaurant in Disney Springs, this newer appetizer caught my eye. My love and admiration for well-prepared donuts can be found throughout the internet. However, I do not believe I have ever consumed a chicken donut. Is Raglan Road trying to merge flavors like Salt & Straw does with ice cream? Perhaps Ian Malcom, from the Jurassic Park movie, would say, “Your chefs were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” After I try this, will I think of doughnuts the same again? Will I run to Everglazed, also in Disney Springs, to remember what extravagant doughnuts should look and taste like? I ordered this with excitement and a touch of fear all at same time.

Despite that, I visited Raglan Road intending to enjoy (or survive) this “donut.” Raglan Road enjoys creating unique menu item titles and descriptions. The “Chicken Donut” menu description starts with the words “(yes you read that correctly).” Apparently, I joined a large group of people fascinated but checking our glasses when reading this item on menu. The rest of the menu description continues by telling us to expect a savory donut hole stuffed with chicken, wild mushrooms. This donut comes topped with savory maple glaze, crispy chicken, and bacon crumbs. Just so our parents do not scream at us for this food decision, the chefs provide us a pickled salad to balance the donut. The “Chicken Donut” costs $18.

Photo by Jon Self

Before discussing the quality of this appetizer, I have a few clarifications for Raglan Road. Though this donut portion size would not compete with extravagant theme park doughnuts, this fails to be a donut hole. In fact, when I ordered it, it came in shape of a doughnut with a hole in middle. If you are visualizing a doughnut hole from your favorite local doughnut shop, think again. Also, this creation tastes crisp on the outside with “filling” on inside. I would have called this a chicken filled doughnut.

Photo by Jon Self

So how did this taste? First, the pickled salad tastes exactly as it should. I would have preferred the carrots a bit softer, however. Also, expect the carrots to soak up more of the vinegary taste. Yet, the quality of this pickled salad rates high. For the record, I generally dislike pickled salads but enjoyed this. Having eaten the “donut”, the salad balances it very well.

Regarding the donut proper, the outer coating felt very crisp—probably too much when I had it. Yet, if trying to create imagery of fried filled doughnut, that outer shell works. I, and others with me, though outer shell created a difficult barrier to cut though

The portion size for these rates as above average. This functions as a sharable appetizer. Yet, guests may find the $18 price tag a bit high for something donut size with a tiny salad.

The best aspect of this donut revolves around the filling. When you get a bite containing some outer crispy shell, the filling, and some salad, this appetizer works great. I found myself surprised how well the flavors balance. Individually, the salad and outer coating decrease in enjoyment. The bacon crumbles taste great. However, for my donut, the bacon moved to one section. I experienced bacon overload in that bite. Despite that, the bacon and maple glaze serve this donut well. Also, the filling tasted fabulous. I would have loved more of that by itself.

Photo by Jon Self

On the less positive note, the nature of this donut leads to a battle for your taste buds. Clearly, many flavors demand your attention as you eat this. Some guests will experience too many flavors. However, my main criticism involves the filling being overwhelmed. The outer shell tended to dominate the quality filling in many bites. The combination of fried texture and softer creamy texture sounds great. Still, in this case, on this night, we got too much fried texture.

Promotional photo from Raglan Road

Would I order this again? I might. However, I would not plan an evening at Raglan Road just to get this appetizer. Yet, if I went with a group and someone wanted to order it, I would not discourage them.

Promotional Photo by Raglan Road

Raglan Road offers great entertainment during your meal. Perhaps, in addition to the quality of food, that explains why this restaurant consistently ranks high in terms of Disney Springs restaurants being searched for in terms of reservations. MouseDining.com can help with this type of reservation, of course. As always, eat like you mean it!

 

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What Should I Expect When I Dine at Space 220?

Restaurant Reviews By August 22, 2022 Tags: No Comments

If you have an advance dining reservation to Space 220 in Epcot, consider yourself lucky. In terms of desired table service dining options at Walt Disney World, this place ranks as one of most desired on the resort property. This themed dining experience functions with a prix fixe menu. The lounge/bar area enables guests to order a la carte, however. This relatively new restaurant resides near the Mission Space attraction. The anticipation and fanfare for this place opening was impressive.

If you display the proper balance of skill and luck to get an advance dining reservation at Space 220, there exist a few things for you to know before you arrive. When you arrive, you may find a queue awaiting you. However, once you get inside, you get your boarding pass for your trip to “space.” From there, you are escorted down a hallway to the elevator to go to space. Be prepared at this point to be asked if you have eaten in space before. If you came up with a funny answer, I would love to hear them. While traveling in this elevator, you can view down toward Epcot or above to see where you will end up in “space.” The theming builds on you travelling 220 miles into space thus the name Space 220.

Photo courtesy of Vacationeers Podcast

At the end of your space elevator ride you will “dock” with the space station. At this point, a Space 220 agent will meet you as you leave the elevator. You then take your boarding pass down to the space agent at the end of a corridor. At this point, you have arrived at the “Centauri” space station in this thematic presentation.

Whether you enjoy this theatre style presentation of you taking an elevator to space or not, you must compliment the skill at which it is done. The screen technology could be better. Still, it serves this restaurant very well.

Once you are seated, you should be able to casually view the “video screen/windows.” The screen technology functions as quality entertainment. Some guests felt that the characters periodically floating by “outside” take away from overall theme after a little while.

Photo courtesy of MainStMagic.com

Okay, so, how does the food taste? Just to be clear, a common narrative about Space 220 has developed online that the food tastes poor. That narrative qualifies as unfair. The key question involving Space 220 relates to price point. This place will hurt your bank account. The lunch option cost $55 and the dinner cost $79. Remember, these prices reflect quality table-service dining with the price fixed menu. The lunch comes with an appetizer and entrée. The dinner also includes a dessert. If an alcoholic beverage is desired, you should plan on paying top dollar. In simple terms, plan on spending a significant amount of money for your space meal.

Photo courtesy of Main Street Magic Podcast

The flavor quality of the appetizers (they call them liftoffs here) rates above average. The most mentioned standouts are four-fold. They are:

Big Bang Burrata (Burrata di Mozzarella, Grilled Artichoke Hearts, Arugula, and Sunflower Seed Romesco)

Starry Calamari (Fried Calamari, Italian Cherry Peppers, Spicy Marinara, and Roasted Pepper Citrus Aioli)

Blue Moon Cauliflower (Tempura Fried Cauliflower, House made Hot Sauce, and Blue Cheese Dust)

Neptune Tartare (Yellowfin Tuna, Yuzu Ginger Miso, Soy, Avocado, Radish, Mango Coulis, Micro Greens, and Sesame Crackers)

Photo courtesy of Vacationeers Podcast

At least in terms of value with the prix fixe menu, the entrées struggle a bit in terms of being worth the money paid. In my opinion, the lunch entrées fail to measure up. They taste good but nothing special overall. For example, you can select burgers, steak salad, pasta dishes, chicken, and steak & frites.  The dinner entrées reflect the higher price. Still, most guests find the price paid not worth the money spent even on the theming. Once again, the food here tastes good. However, you will wonder if the steak, duck, or salmon you ordered was good value. On a more positive note, I have only heard good things about the desserts at Space 220.

Photo courtesy of MainStMagic.com

As you can tell, I find it tough to recommend the Prix Fixe menu table service dining here. However, I suggest you make a reservation for the Space 220 Lounge. Of course, MouseDining can help with that. Still, the lounge dining option allows you to just order what you want. I have heard very few complaints about dining at the lounge. The only real criticism involves not being able to see the “windows/screens” very well since facing the bar.

Photo Courtesy of Vacationeers Podcast

In my opinion, for most people, this restaurant qualifies as a one-time experience. I doubt many people will desire to come back for the table service dining prix fixe menu very often. I can see people enjoying the lounge options often though.

On the positive side, this place offers great air conditioning, excellent theming and video technology, great service, food arriving quickly at the table, and above average food quality. On the negative side, I see questionable value of prix fixe menu, high beverage prices, and the setting is dark making reading menu tough.

Photo courtsy of Main Street Magic Podcast

If going here, get yourself a lounge reservation or try walk-up there. You can enjoy the “space” experience for way less money that way. As always, eat like you meant it!

 

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