We checked in at AKL, reunited with our luggage, and headed to the pool. For the purposes of reporting, we all had drinks at the Uzima pool, M. and P. had beer, DH had a cocktail, and I had a Mai Tai. All were good! I didn’t notice poolside service while we were there, we went to the pool bar and ordered. One nice touch during our stay was a lifeguard who offered us a chilled towel, folded into a rosette. Very refreshing!
We cleaned up and headed to Narcoossee’s by Lyft. Lyft worked well, we were at the GF in about 18 minutes, no traffic, dropped off at the front door. We had no idea where Narcoossee’s was, this was a new restaurant for us, but I did know it was on the Seven Seas Lagoon. After asking for directions, we headed there, admiring the GF along the way. I’d like to stay at all the hotels, but the GF does not call to me in the way the Poly or AKL or Beach Club does. I think it’s just too nice for me. Is it stuffy? Let me know!
We found our way to Narcoossee’s, checked in and waited about 15 minutes for a table. This gave M. a chance to check in with her kids (shhh, don’t let them know we’re in Disney!). We were finally shown our table at the corner of the first level, near the bar pit. I found the bar pit a little odd, I’m wondering what the thinking behind that was--mini orchestra? Small pool? At any rate, the bar tenders did make some very nice cocktails, which we started with. DH ordered a Manhattan and I ordered a Mojito. M. ordered an IPA and P. ordered a Bloody Mary. We used the DxDDP again, to maximize the drink and appetizer options at a fairly pricey location.
Our apps were so well done! DH had the Caesar Salad, which was a deconstructed salad—it looked good, just be prepared that it’s not your usual Caesar. M. and I shared appetizers, M. had the cheese plate and I ordered the calamari. The cheese plate was very fun. As others here have mentioned, the pairings really make the cheese. The prosciutto was thinly sliced, not chewy and not fatty. The calamari were good, not rubbery at all (for all rings) and crisp—M. and P. really liked this dish. I’d note that our server, Chevy, who was excellent by the way, suggested that we have the tomato coulis on the side and that was a great recommendation. P. had the lobster bisque and said it was very good.
For our mains, everyone except DH had the 2 lb. steamed lobster, which was so nicely prepared, sliced and cracked and super easy to eat. The lobster was very tender and simply seasoned, which is how I like my lobster. Our group has spent years vacationing in Maine and we all agreed that this presentation has us spoiled after many, many experiences where a shower was needed after eating lobster because it can be such a mess. The lobster was accompanied by one of my favorite things this trip: the fallen corn soufflé. It was not eggy at all, so soufflé seems like the wrong descriptor, but it was like a cornbread that was super moist with a swipe of butter on top. I was getting full, but I had to eat all of this, it was just so good. The meal was also served with asparagus that was crisp enough and a nice accompaniment.
DH had the filet. He does not care for seafood, which is one reason it took us such a long time to try this restaurant. DH is a very good sport and always likes a filet, so he was happy with his meal. Thank you, Disney, for always having a choice like that! I would note, as I look at the menu online, that there are no vegetarian or Chicken dishes listed for adults, but there is a kid’s menu.
As we were eating our lobsters, our friend P. remarked, “We are eating like kings!” several times. I know that he and M. had no food expectations for this trip and were pretty amazed at all the great restaurants. We were out yesterday night and they are still talking about all of the delicious meals.
For dessert, we had the Coconut and Chocolate Crème Brulee, the Almond Crusted Cheesecake, and the Narocoossee’s Candy Bar. The Candy Bar was boxed up and died in the fridge at AKL. The Almond Crusted Cheesecake was as delicious as reported here on the DIS. Very creamy and the lambert cherry sauce is a slightly tart accompaniment. I liked that overall it didn’t seem too sweet. The fail was the Coconut and Chocolate Crème Brulee. M. took one bite and declared, “This tastes like Bain de Soleil!” We were quoting her for the rest of the trip! Everytime something coconut appeared, we just had to say that. M. thought it tasted artificial, needless to say, she really didn't like it. We also had coffee with our dessert, this was included with the dining plan.
When the bill arrived, I was relieved to see that the dining plan credits were maximized, reaffirming the choice to do DxDDP. For 4 people, without the DxDDP our bill would have been just over $500, including tip. It was about $100 per person, we tipped our excellent waiter a little extra. That’s a more expensive meal for us and not our usual, but with cocktails on the dining plan, it was great to see that everything was covered.
Next up, we have a discombobulated day at Epcot and Magic Kingdom and use our snack credits!