TasteBud Tuesday: Be Our Guest

Taste Bud Tuesday.

Warning: This will be a longer review than others.

Yes, I have used some of these photos already in my recap of my Princess Half Marathon weekend.

In case you were wondering, you cannot just 'go in and look around' you must have a reservation for dinner in order to make it into the Beast's Castle.

After perusing the menu I was stuck between the Chicken Breast Provencal and the Grilled Strip Steak. I told our waitress my dilemma and without hesitation she recommended the steak. She said the butter was to die for. Truthfully I was in the mood for some pommes frites.

I thought I knew exactly what my dessert choice would be. Obviously The "Grey Stuff" right?

If you'll remember correctly Be Our Guest is also the only location within the Magic Kingdom you can purchase alcohol. Sammy and I passed but I couldn't help but long for Potato Leek Soup. Next time my love, next time.

Our meal came out and I was instantly excited! The pommes frites were delicious and you see that little container with garlic butter in it...yup. I ended up having TWO it was so good. Not only did I dip my perfectly crispy fries in it but I also dipped my steak in it. The veggies were warm but had a snap to them one bitten into. I was already in love with the meal and couldn't wait to cut into the steak....

Well I will say for all the money Disney happens to be bringing in, we could sharpen the steak specific knives a little more. It was hard to cut into the steak immediately but once I secured a delectable piece and bit into it...well let me tell you it melted in my mouth. The steak was cooked perfectly. As I went to search for the next piece I encountered what would ruin the meal.... FAT, GRISSLE, call it what you wish. The steak was laden with it and unfortunately because my steak knife was crap I felt like I had done an upper body work out by the time I got another piece free. I'm not sure if it was just my piece or if it was the cut of steak. I know it's not filet mignon but I was hoping to lick my plate clean. Alas that did not happen. 

After the somewhat dissapointing steak and the overdose on the garlic butter I think it started to come out of my pores. We had the dessert cart brought out. As our waitress walked through the numerous options she mentioned a "special, limited time" Red Velvet Cupcake. In honor of Valentines Day, of course. I felt like I was betraying the "grey stuff" and requested the Red Velvet cupcake.

This is hands down one of the best red velvet cupcakes I have ever had. 

Hi. My name is Meg and I'm a red velvet cupcake snob. It has been 22 days since my last red velvet cupcake....

I'm not even kidding. Everywhere I go if RV is an option, it's a no-brainer. This cupcake did not disappoint. The frosting was a butter cream but without the overpowered taste of sugar (different) and the cake was so moist it felt apart on the fork. It was the perfect color of red and had that hit of chocolate that is required for RV cupcakes. (I wasn't kidding about my addiction.)

The best part of the dinner might have been the opportunity to meet the Beast. 

All in all I would recommend Be Our Guest to everyone if not for the decor and ambiance alone.

Have you eaten here? Would you?

Taste Bud Tuesday - The Earl of Sandwich

Those who have been to the Earl of Sandwich know it needs to introduction. I know my best friends Samantha and Emilia feel the same way as I do.

Located in Downtown Disney is the Earl of Sandwich. It is exactly as you would guess it...full of sandwiches. But this isn't just a Subway or D'Angelo's though... No no no....The Earl of Sandwich has such a heavy name to carry that it must be better than average. And luckily for your taste buds...IT.IS. I'm not one for a meatfest on my sandwich so I like to make it simple.  My go-to slice of heaven is called the Caprese. It has mozzarella cheese, basil, tomatoes (I order mine without) and balsamic vinegrette. The sandwich is toasted in heated press and wrapped up with a seal describing it's contents.

The outside is crispy enough to give you a crunch but not so much you can't actually chew through it. I am in love with this sandwich so much that if my flight is later in the day I will try to make it to The Earl of Sandwich to get myself a sandwich for the flight home. I usually opt for kettle baked plain chips to go with my sandwich but they have a good variety for you to choose from. I don't usually have any of the sweets they offer but there are the options of brownies and cookies instead of chips if you go with the dining plan.

They even have the crest of the Earl of Sandwich on the walls. Look around while you are in there and you will see some interesting things on the walls.

Have you ever eaten here? What is your favorite sandwich?

Taste Bud Tuesday - Kona Cafe

The Polynesian is one of the gem's of the Walt Disney World Resorts. It has an old charm that has stayed current. I always remember my parents stopping on the monorail line to get Kona Coffee here and now that I am older, I appreciate the flavor as well. I cannot get enough of this atmosphere. Look at how gorgeous it is. 

Okay...enough of that. Now...on to food. Everyone know's about O'Hana and it's delicious food, but what is becoming as hard to get a reservation is the Kona Cafe inside the Poly. My cousin and I LOVE to eat here and I have fallen in love with the Kahuna Breakfast. My mouth is watering right now just looking at this photo.

Included are home fries, every other home fry...eat your heart out. These are the best I have ever tasted. They have seasoning like no other and are crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. Of course Disney famous scrambled eggs, some toast and the star of the show... *drum roll please* pancakes covered with warm pieces of pineapple with a scoop of macadamia nut butter. I opt to push the butter aside as I am not a macadamia fan but the warm pineapple is something I have never experienced on a breakfast platter.

That's all I have for the Kona Cafe...It is THAT good....

Have you eaten here before? What is your favorite dish?

Taste Bud Tuesday - San Angel Inn

Truthfully, this is my favorite restaurant, in my favorite 'attraction', in my favorite park, in my favorite place in the whole world. I really believe I should have been born Mexican. My Babchi is probably rolling in her grave right now that I would rather cook and eat Mexican over Polish food but I can't help it...This place is a MUST on every vacation taken.

The atmosphere is probably one of my favorites, yes it is a little cramped and dark, but you feel like you are in a restaurant in Mexico when here. (Minus the volcano and Mayan temple being real.)

Restaurant Sign

VOLCANO!

Before I go overboard with my obsession of the Jalapeno Margarita and you shake your head saying "No, Meg, no, how could that be good!?" JUST. DO. IT. So far that motto has worked for Nike. They built an empire on it. Now drink this margarita while contemplating your own Mayan empire. The jalapeno and cucumber are muddled in the bottom of the shaker and tequila and lime juice and agave nectar are added. mmm mmm mmm. Talk about heaven. There is no real kick of jalapeno unless you actually bite into the pieces you get in your drink. Oh! But before I forget the salt on the rim, DOES definitely have a spicy punch to it, so stick to the straw if you can't handle heat.

Jalapeno Margarita

I feel like a regular some times when I eat here, I refuse to try anything else. The Pollo a las Rajas is my go to dish. I apologize I do not have a brighter photo here, don't let that deter you! It is juicy chicken on rice with creme fresh and Monterey Jack cheese on top. LORDY LORDY, is it tasty. Portion size is perfect too.

Pollo a las Rajas

Because I usually eat my entire entree including the multiple orders of chips and salsa as well as a couple margaritas, I rarely if ever get dessert here. One of the times I did (DDP) I opted for the chocolate mousse with berries. The texture and flavor are amazing. I would definitely get it again...if I wasn't so stuffed. Every. Time. I. Go.

Chocolate Mousse

Have you eaten here? What is your favorite part? Would you eat here if you haven't?

Taste Bud Tuesday - Le Cellier

Le Cellier happens to be one of my favorite places to eat, not only for the food but the atmosphere and the staff. If you have not been to Le Cellier before there are a couple things you should know. 

1. It is pricey whether you are paying cash or using the DDP (Disney Dining Plan). Out of pocket you might pay $30-$40 for some of the best entree's and it will cost you 2 Table services if you have the DDP.

2. Reservations are hard to come by. Book early and look for outside peak dining times. Eating at 8.30pm isn't unbearable if you are there during the Food and Wine Festival. Look for later times and you'll have a better chance of scoring a reservations.

3. Be prepared to fall in love. You'll get seated in one of the Provinces of Canada and if you are lucky your waiter or waitress will be from that province and tell you interesting facts about their home.

(Restaurant Sign)

Okay! Now to the food!!

Le Cellier has the most delicious bread selection of any of the restaurants on property. Once you are seated you have an assortment of breads brought to your table. Pretzel, multi-grain and plain are your options. (You cannot find a better pretzel roll.) Not to worry those of Irish decent, butter is brought with the bread!

(Bread Selection)

If you are interested in indulging in the best cheddar soup you will ever have in your life, then look no further. This gem is made with delicious cheese, Moosehead beer and bacon. Mmm mmm mmm. I have personally made this soup at home and although it is tasty, it pales in comparison to the actual real deal soup. Those visiting during the Food and Wine Festival do not need a reservation as the Canada Marketplace sells a perfect size sampling of this soup.

Tip: Save some bread for this!

On this past vacation I went on I wanted to not only save my father some money but I wanted to try something new. (Plus I could do without mushrooms on my favorite filet). I ordered the Pepper Crusted Sirloin. It had a bed of Yukon gold potatoes and was topped with Arugula, very delicious alternative to the famous Filet Mignon with Mushroom risotto.

Truthfully my family and I are all so stuffed by the time we are done with dinner that we haven't ordered dessert here in years. If you have room I do remember loving their offerings.

Have you visited Le Cellier? What is your favorite thing to order?