Taste of Disney

My friends Paula and Hunter (who I had not seen for 2 1/2 years) joined me for dinner at the Captain’s Grille upon my arrival at my resort for the first two nights of my trip, the Yacht Club.  This was my first time (I believe their second) having dinner there, although I’d had breakfast 4 times (twice on my last trip in Oct. 2015) and lunch once (again in Oct. 2015).  When we were seated at around 8:50 the restaurant was nearly empty, so we received excellent service from our waiter.

Here is the menu we were presented with on Oct. 25, 2016…

I already knew what I wanted for my appetizer…

Lump Crab Cake with Fire-roasted Corn Succotash and Lemon Emulsion

I’d have to say that I was a little disappointed with this.  The crab tasted “fishy” to me and I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as my favorite WDW crab cakes from the Flying Fish Cafe…

Flying Fish Cafe Signature Crab Cakes served with Vegetable Slaw, Red Pepper Coulis, Ancho Chile Remoulade

These used to be their signature appetizer but sadly they didn’t make it onto the restaurant’s new menu after the remodel.

Along with my appetizer, our server also brought us a basket of their bread and butter.  It didn’t look very enticing so none of us touched it.  When our server returned to check on us he asked if we didn’t want the bread.  Paula jokingly commented that what we really wanted were the glorious onion rolls that are served at the restaurant next door, Yachtsman Steakhouse.  He said he would see what he could do and within a few minutes this was brought to our table…

This was only made possible by the fact that I think we were our server’s only customers and therefore he had some time to kill while our entrees were being prepared in the kitchen.  We considered ourselves quite lucky and were very grateful for the favor bestowed upon us.  If you have never had the Yachtsman Steakhouse rolls, take my word for it…they are to die for!!

But now on to our entrees, which for both Hunter and I was this…

Tagliatelle Pasta with Braised Short Ribs, Fennel, Cipollini Onions, Veal Jus, Shaved Parmesan, and topped with Seasoned Greens

I thought this was good but not great.  First the broth (veal jus) was both tasty and plentiful.  It actually tasted like a good french onion soup.  Also, as you can see, there were an abundance of noodles and onions in my bowl.  The noodles were good but very filling.  My one complaint is that mine was pretty short on meat (short ribs), which is what I was really wanting/craving.

So I really should have ordered what Paula had…

Cabernet-braised Short Rib served with Corn Risotto, Pan Jus Reduction, and Corn Cream

I believe this was the same dish she had enjoyed here at their dinner two years ago and again this did not disappoint.  If I should return to Captain’s Grille for dinner on a future trip and this is still offered on their menu, I will definitely go with this.

And that just leaves dessert, which we chose from this menu…

The three of us decided to share one dessert and we (I think) unanimously chose this…

Gianduja Chocolate Cake with Hazelnuts, Salted Caramel Sauce, and Chocolate Crispies

This was very good and the perfect amount (shared by 3) after an entree laden with pasta.  I would definitely get this again if the opportunity should arise.

So overall the first meal of my trip was just okay foodwise, but the service was great and the company was fantastic.  I was looking forward to having many more meals with them.