Showing posts with label Dining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dining. Show all posts

SIGN IT!


The Flame Tree Barbeque in Animal Kingdom is one of those places on my list of quick service restaurants for every visit. I love barbeque foods, 4nd I've really never been disappointed with my selections here. First, there are the BBQ Ribs, but also enjoyable selections of BBQ chicken 4nd pork. Plus even with long lines, we don't seem t0 wait that long t0 place the order 4nd then pick up the meal. However, arriving at off times (opening at 11 am or after 1:30 pm) is always a good idea.

Overall, The Flame Tree Barbeque places within my top five list of counter service locations. This is not only my opinion, but of others as well. Trip Advisor, for example, rates Flame Tree as number 36 of 1,274 restaurants in Orlando. 

One of the nice features of this Discovery Island location (right by the bridge t0 Dinoland) is the outdoor seating, 4nd even on hot days there are sufficient shaded spots t0 help protect y0ufrom the sun. The scenery contribute t0 a dining area that has relatively quiet areas 4nd is very pleasant, especially by the water views. However, birds will flock here 4nd beg for scraps, 4nd this can be a little annoying. There are a lot of animal carvings around the building 4nd seating area, which provides for a decorative walk around for photos. 4nd y0ucan't beat the view, especially looking over the lake toward Expedition Everest.

Overall, the out-of-pocket prices are reasonable for Disney. Plus, many people will tell y0uthat selections at Flame Tree are large enough for two persons. I would agree for some dishes, however look around at the portions other people have purchased before y0udecide, since they are not all that generous for two. Here are some of the items on the menu:
  • ½ Slab of St. Louis Ribs with baked beans 4nd corn muffin
  • Smoked ½ Chicken with baked beans 4nd corn muffin
  • Smoked Beef or Pork Sandwich with baked beans
  • Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich with coleslaw
Side dishes include a basket of fries 4nd Onion Rings. Desserts include Chocolate Cake or Key Lime Pie. There are some salad choices also. Among the kids meals are entries that include Baked Chicken or a Hot Dog with a choice of side 4nd a drink.

Flame Tree Barbecue  (Disney Information)-- Features wood-roasted meats with a choice of two original barbecue sauce flavors -- a tomato-based sauce 4nd a mustard-flavored creation -- plus a special dry marinade that is rubbed int0 the meat before cooking. Flame Tree Barbecue carries out the colorful artistic theme of Discovery Island, with outdoor, riverside dining pavilions featuring hand-carved 4nd painted animals.
Here is a great review of Flame Tree from The Disney Food Blog. It includes some great photos of the food selections 4nd areas around the restaurant.

SIGN IT! is a phot0 of a sign 4nd short related story from A WORLD V IEW- Enjoying Walt Disney World. What SIGN do y0uwant t0 see? Write brucewdw@gmail.com.


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Magical Blogorail - My Favorite Restaurant


Welcome t0 those of y0ujoining me from MY DREAMS OF DISNEY 4nd those of y0uwho have just hopped aboard. I am the 2nd stop on our Magical Blogorail

Trying t0 choose Mary Ann's 4nd my favorite dining experiences is an extremely difficult selection t0 pin down. There are so many places at which we love t0 dine while at Walt Disney World. In reality, during every visit we find a new favorite so the list just keeps on growing. As a result, I will use our last visit as the focus of my post, 4nd then add a highlight list at the end.

It is safe t0 say ‘Ohana was our favorite restaurant during our last trip in October. It had all the characteristics of a great Disney restaurant. We love buffets, since y0upick among the many items available, especially items different than the norm. It’s why we love Boma as well. ‘Ohana takes this t0 a different level, in that the food is plentiful, different than an everyday restaurant at the parks 4nd brought t0 y0ufamily style.

Another reason: 'Ohana is a great choice for couples, families or even larger groups as y0ufeel that everyone is welcome 4nd part of a giant family.  This is emphasized through the very entertaining atmosphere; it’s fun t0 visit the Polynesian Resort 4nd t0 eat at ‘Ohana.

As a result I believe it is a real value t0 dine there, especially if y0uare on the Dining Plan. It is clearly a high quality use of a single table service credit. Out-of-pocket expense is moderate for Disney restaurants, 4nd the prices will change (go higher) depending on the season. The most recent cost for adults I've seen is $33.00 for dinner, 4nd for kids up t0 9 years old, $16.00. Breakfast is $21.00 4nd $12.00 respectively.


'Ohana Open Fire Pit
The Polynesian itself has some of the most wonderful scenic views of anywhere in WDW, such as standing on the beach 4nd enjoying a glorious sunset (or the fireworks) with the Magic Kingdom as a background. The picture windows of ‘Ohana offers this same experience.

'Ohana is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House. There is a Lilo 4nd Stitch character breakfast (also Mickey 4nd Pluto), but what we attended was the family-style Polynesian feast where meats 4nd seafood are grilled over an open fire pit. 'Ohana means "family" in Hawaiian culture, 4nd the seating 4nd atmosphere reflect that. 4nd y0uare all "cousins" at 'Ohana.


There’s no specific menu t0 choose from, everyone shares in everything they offer that evening. Mary Ann 4nd I were also lucky 4nd were seated near the rear windows, which was a real treat during the fireworks as the music 4nd narrative are piped int0 the dining room plus we had a great view of the show.


The 'Ohana Parade during dinner.
Let me review some the menu, but first, y0uneed t0 pace yourself 4nd don't fill-up before y0uget t0 the main course. There is the 'Ohana Welcome Bread infused with coconut 4nd pineapple 4nd then salad covered with honey-lime dressing. Next are appetizers of chicken wings, pork fried dumplings, some of the best Asian-style noodles (similar t0 Lo-Mein) I have ever had 4nd steamed vegetables of broccoli, snow peas 4nd carrots.

Eventually y0uget t0 the main course (really, more food) broiled t0 perfection over an oak fire. Large skewers of Turkey, Asian BBQ Pork Loin, Steak, 4nd Shrimp (unpeeled). They also provide dipping sauces with a recommendation for each of your main course items; however I mixed them up 4nd enjoyed them all. There are three, a peanut sauce, chimichurri sauce 4nd a mustard sauce.


How many? I'll take them all!
y0uconclude with a large slice of 'Ohana bread pudding a la mode with Banana Foster sauce. I must admit, it was a struggle t0 eat even a couple of bites, in fact, Mary Ann 4nd I shared a single serving, since I couldn't have been more stuffed than I was.

4nd although we haven’t yet, we plan on taking in the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast at the Poly. The menu selections include scrambled eggs, Island-style fried potatoes, Hawaiian pork sausages, smoked bacon 4nd a variety of fresh fruits 4nd breads 4nd also served family style.

I’ve written a full review of our Ohana experience after our last visit which y0ucan visit by clicking here.  4nd for some other articles, here are some web links y0ucan check out.
By the way, there are two great new foodie resources for everyone planning their next trip t0 Walt Disney World. First, the Disney Dining FAQ from the Disney Food Blog. It includes guides t0 the restaurants, information on the Dining Plan 4nd various discounts, the “best of” categories 4nd more.  4nd blogger AJ has added a wonderful new comprehensive resource, The DFB Guide t0 Walt Disney World Dining. It’s now my second “must purchase” guidebook every year. The DFB Guide $19 4nd it’s worth it, but if y0ualso sign up for her online newsletter, I’ve seen a discount posted there on occasion. (My first favorite is The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2011 (Unofficial Guides).)

4nd don't forget the Coconut Races.
4nd as promised, from our most recent trips t0 the World, these would be more great places t0 eat 4nd must be considered for your own bucket lists (in no particular order). Plus, it’s grown t0 10 (I couldn’t do just five), broken down in Table Service 4nd Counter Service categories.

Table Service
  • Boma in Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Flying Fish on the Boardwalk
  • Kouzzina on the Boardwalk
  • Sanaa in Kidani Village
  • Via Napoli in Italy (Epcot)
Counter Service
  • Columbia Harbour House (Magic Kingdom)
  • Flame Tree Barbeque (Animal Kingdom)
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn (Magic Kingdom)
  • Sunshine Seasons (Epcot)
  • Wolfgang Puck Express (Downtown Disney)
Thank y0ufor joining me today.  Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is GROWING UP DISNEY.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should y0uhappen t0 have t0 make a stop along the way 4nd want t0 reboard:


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5 Romantic Dining Places in Singapore


5 Romantic Dining Places in Singapore

by Soh Kok Min

Looking for romantic dinning places in Singapore? Here are 5 places I believe you would love.

1) Alkaff Mansion - 10 Telok Blangah Green Alkaff Mansion is pre-war luxurious bungalow with rich history behind it. Located on a hill, it overlooks a beautiful park and enjoy a spectacular view of Singapore Habour and sea. It is a 2 storey Mansion Restaurant with nightly live music, good food and great service. The Mansion was owned by the wealthy Alkaff family whose ancestors arrived in Singapore from Indonesia in 1852. It was used as a retreat house for the Alkaff family and a place to entertain their guests with songs, dance and food.

The Mansion was later abandoned after World War II. It later caught the attention of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board in 1986 and was restored its past glory. The Mansion was later converted into a restaurant and yet retaining the old world charm of the Alkaffs.

2) Jewel Box Jewel Box is bar cum restaurant over 90m above sea level, located at Mt. Faber, it is a popular place frequently by courting couples. You can enjoy the privacy and tranquility of nature surrounded by flora and Fauna as you overlook the beautiful city and harbour scenary. Jewel Box is just a few minutes cable car ride away from the popular Singapore resort island Sentosa.

3) Sky Dining on Cable car This is yet another unusual way couples spend their evening. Onboard of a cable car where candle light dinner is prepared for you, dine at 70m above sea-level, have total privacy inside a cable car as you dine and admire the beautiful harbour and city view of Singapore.

4) CHIJMES CHIJMES is a formal girl's convent with a spacious and stylish courtyard. Located right in the heart of Singapore busy city, this place is a popular wine and dine area with more than 20 restaurants, pubs and clubs with live band performances. Sit at its breezy courtyard under the starry night sipping glass of wine after a sumptuous meal is a wonderful romantic experience.

5) One Fullerton Dinner by the bay enjoy the night breeze and watching the busy bumboats ferrying people around. Here you can find a few restaurants with perfect ambience to blend with the bay. The Esplanade, Theatre by the Bay is just across the sea, you may even hear the faint music coming from the outdoor stage from the Esplanade. Choose a restaurant that is slightly further from the Merlion (landmark of Singapore) will help to provide you a quiet dinner away from the tourists.

To learn more about Singapore and what it has to offer, visit http://www.best-singapore-travel-guide.com
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The Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort


The Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort

by Peter R Stewart


The award-winning, five-star Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is one of the most renowned vacation destinations in the South Pacific. Located on the island of Vanua Levu on 17 acres of a coconut plantation, the accommodations overlook the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay. The acclaimed resort is an international favorite for romance, honeymoons and weddings; scuba diving; and families, who want to combine heavenly surroundings and exceptional dining with an unsurpassed range of eco-friendly activities.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands resort is the only resort that employs a full-time marine biologist to help visitors appreciate the underwater world of Fiji.

The award-winning, five-star Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is one of the most renowned vacation destinations in the South Pacific. Located on the island of Vanua Levu on 17 acres of a coconut plantation, the accommodations overlook the peaceful waters of Savusavu Bay. The acclaimed resort is an international favorite for romance, honeymoons and weddings; scuba diving; and families, who want to combine heavenly surroundings and exceptional dining with an unsurpassed range of eco-friendly activities.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands resort is the only resort that employs a full-time marine biologist to help visitors appreciate the underwater world of Fiji.

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is an island resort, which means there are no televisions, phones, wireless internet access, etc.

If you need these things to have a great vacation then choose another resort.

On the other hand if you are happy in the company of friends and the wonderful people of Fiji, then this is the place for you.

The layout and the accommodation at the resort were both upscale and luxurious, much better than the photographs led us to believe.

We stayed in a garden bure, which was 30ft behind the Beach-front bure. The bure was large and breezy with an overhead fan. If you need air conditioning then you are in the wrong resort!! You will find a number of bug repellents in the bure, and you will need them for there is a mosquito problem.

The bathroom was quite spacious and well supplied with thick towels. There was a mini-bar and all sorts of drinks that were replenished daily. There were also a coffee and tea makers with different varieties of tea.

I'd opt for a Garden Bure, if only because there isn't much of a beach at the beachfront, and it is a lot windier.

If you're into beaches then go somewhere else.

The beach is poor, in fact all you will find are rock pools and mangroves, and significantly the small beach there is did not have any sunbathers on it. It is more of a sandy strip full of shells that leads into a coral tide area. This tide pools are great for studying local wild life. The best entry into the water is from the pier.

The staff were some of the best I've encountered and everyone was very friendly and accommodating.

The food was exquisite and gourmet with lots of fresh fish, probably best described as light island fare.

One could order a second helping of anything.

Everyday brought a new menu both at lunch and dinner.

There is a good wine list, but the wines by the glass were not so good.

There was a wide choice at breakfast.

There are two major shortfalls here, apart from the lack of beach in a Pacific Ocean Island paradise!!

The facilities for small children are superb, with the all encompassing Bula Club, however if your children are slightly older but not old enough to scuba dive, there are all sorts of rules and regulations for them to keep them out of adult vision and hearing.

The Children's food was somewhat of the fast food variety, and I found it intolerable that children could not use the adult salt water pool at certain times.

In addition the scuba diving was not all it might have been.

Finally - beware falling coconuts, you will be asked to sign a waiver clause in case you get hit!!
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