Yes, finally! You see, this is what happens to me. I get in the middle of a “series” of posts (i.e. “Food” & Garden) and, then, March Madness happens.
Well, we had fun with the Magic Kingdom polls, yes? Good. Get your voting “muscles” ready, my friends. The WDW poll is only days away!
So, before I let that “tourney” distract me from the conclusion of All in WDW’s “Food” & Garden coverage, let’s dive into the FINAL Top 15. First, the …
Dishonorable Mentions
- Harissa Chicken Kebab – Taste of Marrakesh
- Falafel Pocket – Taste of Marrakesh
Sorry, Morocco. You did it to yourself. And, even though I liked your falafel less than your kebab, I’d have to say that the chicken was the bigger disappointment. It was great in 2014.
2014’s delicious kebab.
2015’s disappointing kebab.
Simple comparison of the two years, though, and I have to judge 2015 as a huge step backwards. Try again.
And, when it comes to the falafel, I don’t know what to say. How about, “Stay far away”!
Click on the dish’s name to see my actual “Flash Reports”!
Honorable Mentions
- Cheese Manicotti – Primavera Kitchen
- Pinwheel of Mozzarella and Prosciutto – Primavera Kitchen
On the other hand, I found slightly pleasant surprises in Italy.
Pre-festival, my expectations weren’t high at all. As executed, however, both of their dishes were more than acceptable.
That’s big praise from me, too, when you think about how much I’ve criticized Italy since they made the ill-fated Food & Wine Ravioli decision of 2014.
- Quinoa Vegetable “Naanwich” – Urban Farm Eats
I liked the naan. The pesto was all right but layered on a little bit thick. The cheese added a nice boost to the dish.
By the way, the quinoa “cake”, itself, included white beans as a filler. I was curious and asked the chef. Hmm. Or, was the quinoa the filler?
- Vegetable Spring Roll – Lotus House
Just plain ordinary. Honestly, an egg roll from my local Chinese take-out is just as good. I expect more, China.
The 2015 All in WDW “Food” & Garden Festival FINAL Top 15
#15 – Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash – The Smokehouse (Pre-Festival: #5)
Keeping it simple, the ends were definitely burnt. More burnt than my tastes … and, I like my beef well done! In addition, it was more hash than brisket.
No, it didn’t live up to my expectations. And, it certainly didn’t live up to 2013-14’s Smoked Beef Brisket!
#14 – Cachapas with Farmer’s Cheese – Botanas Botánico (Pre-Festival: #9)
This Venezuelan corn “pancake” was quite good. But, it was just that … a corn pancake. Good. Not “mind-blowing”.
#13 – Parisian-style Dumplings – Fleur de Lys (Pre-Festival: Unranked)
Not a member of my Pre-Festival Top 15, I owe France’s dumplings a great debt. They helped me knock Morocco’s Falafel Pocket into the Dishonorable Mentions!
If you like garlic, you’ll like this dish. The dumplings are good, but the recipe includes mushrooms. Have I mentioned how much I “like” mushrooms? Not!
#12 – Spicy Hot Dog – Pineapple Promenade (Pre-Festival: #10)
Love the condiments! The spicy mayo rocks. But, in the end, it’s just a half of a hot dog. It couldn’t beat …
#11 – Smoked Debreziner Sausage – The Smokehouse (Pre-Festival: #8)
… a solid serving of smoked sausage. I’ve heard mixed reviews. It has a very nice “spicy-ness”. Some say it’s too hot. I felt it was just right. The serving, though, was pretty generous.
OK, my friends. So, that was a start. Tomorrow? I’ll be back with the Top 10!
