This was our planned mini break at the Dolphin and in view of that planned an Epcot morning as it was EMH. We had a breakfast in the room of the last two banana nut muffins.
We had just ridden Frozen Ever After when we decided it was time for second breakfast so I was pleased to see that Kringla Og Bakery was open. We haven’t eaten here before so weren’t sure what to have. I had heard of the School Bread so decided just to have that for research purposes. Marie decided on a Lefse which was a flatbread rolled with cinnamon, sugar and butter. For some reason she read it as potato bread though so I don’t know what she thought she was getting! We shared an orange juice and just used snack credits as we still had loads. It was quite busy in the small seating area but we managed to get a table.
I enjoyed the School Bread, particularly the custard inside although without it the bread would have been very dry. Marie thought hers was fine but not what she thought she was ordering. There were a few things that looked good so I think I’d like to visit again.
We started to get hungry again just before 11 so decided just to head to World Showcase. We had picked up a Food & Wine passport and had a few things in mind.
We started at Active Eats and Coastal Eats where Marie had Loaded Mac n Cheese with Nueske’s Pepper Bacon, Cheddar and Leeks and I had the True Striped Bass Tostado with Slaw and Fire-roasted Tomatillo Sauce.
I tried a wee bit of the mac n cheese and it was nice. Mine was fine although the Tomatillo Sauce wasn’t great.
Next was Flavours from Fire where I had my eye on the Smoked Corned Beef with Crispy Potatoes, Cheese Curds, Pickled Onions and Beer-Cheese Fondue after seeing Tim Tracker trying it. I also wanted to try the Steakhouse Blended Burger: Blended Beef and Mushroom Slider with Brie Cheese Fondue, Arugula and a Truffle and Blue Cheese Potato Chip on a Brioche Bun. We decided to get one of each and share.
The corned beef dish was lovely. It clearly not like our corned beef but was more like a pulled beef. The sauce was really nice and went well with the beef.
I really enjoyed the burger too, it had a really good flavour.
Marie wanted a Mimosa Flight so we headed to Simmering Sips but she changed her mind and just got the tropical mimosa. She kind of downed this as it was so hot so I don’t think she tasted it!
We decided to go via Canada for some filet. This is the Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce. Marie suggested we share then we both had a good laugh at the ridiculousness of that thought.
Now I’ve had this a few times and it was always possible to cut it with the plastic knives you get but not this year. It may have been because we didn’t have a table instead choosing to sit on a bench but it just didn’t seem as good a cut of meat. It was still tasty and we enjoyed it – we got one each.
We had a break as we passed the International Gateway deciding at that point to check in to the Dolphin. When we returned We went to Belgium and shared the Beer-braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes and the Golden Malted Belgian Waffle choosing Berry Compote over Chocolate Ganache assuming that would be quite bitter. It also comes with whipped cream.
We’ve had the beef before and it was just as enjoyable. The waffle was fab and I’m glad we got the fruit as the tartness gave the whole thing a nice flavour without making it sickly.
We continue on round and stopped at Hops & Barley in the America pavilion as I wanted to try the New England Lobster Roll with Fresh Herb Mayonnaise and a Griddled Roll. Marie didn’t get anything and didn’t want any of the lobster roll.
This was nice but didn’t blow me away.
We next went to Germany but not for F&W. Marie wanted some caramel popcorn from Karamell-Kuche. The popcorn that they make fresh in the shop counted as a snack credit so we got a bag each I also got a chocolate caramel cookie.
Incidentally, I didn't eat either at the time but neither were nice.
We decided we were done at this point with eating so headed back to the hotel. Dinner was booked for the Yachtsman since we were so close. We left about 15 minutes before our
ADR and it didn’t take long to get there. We waited about 15 minutes after checking in for our table. We were seated at a window table which I always find a bit odd about the Yachtsman as it looks on to the pool. It seemed weird to be eating in a Signature restaurant watching people hanging about at the pool. Not that we were watching but when there’s a window you can’t help look out it!
Our server was very professional (mostly) and very pleasant without being in your face. I say mostly because at one point she leaned over my plate to take away by side plate which was at the opposite side from her. She had no other option as the table was against the wall but I was still eating and I thought it was a bit impolite.
Anyway, we ordered lobster bisque to start which we’ve had here before and really enjoyed. This came out before the bread rolls and I commented to Marie that maybe we weren’t getting rolls due to cutbacks! They did arrive shortly after but I do feel that we should have had them before our appetisers.
I had started on the rolls before I remembered to take a pic.
Marie said she didn't get a cocktail but I found this photo so she must have.
The lobster bisque was beautiful and I think I probably would have been happy with the bisque and the onion rolls! Of course we also ordered steak. Both got filet, mine with potato gratin and Marie’s with mashed potato.
The steak was lovely but as usual my eyes were bigger than my belly. The potato gratin was just ok so I didn’t waste much stomach room and made sure I ate all the steak. Marie’s mash was nice though and I should have got that. I normally comment on the lack of veg but to be fair I wouldn’t have eaten it anyway I was so full.
This was a lovely meal but it cost us around $180 or so including tip. The gift card covered it but I couldn’t help but feel like we could have used it for something much more worthwhile. Another lesson learned for us about whether food at Disney is really worth it and we agreed that signature dining should be reserved for trips where we have standard (or deluxe!) dining plan.
After we had finished we waddled across to the Market at Ale & Compass to fill our mugs and get something for breakfast. We both got a cinnamon roll.
We didn’t have any dessert as we had no room.
Credits used – 15 snacks
OOP - $184.74 plus $6 for Marie’s mimosa