Jessica Johnson - December 2006

Day 7 - December 28, 2006

Today was supposed to be our last full day at Disney. But, neither of us were quite ready to leave yet, and since Chris didn't have to be back at work until the following Tuesday, we decided to see if we could stay another night. Chris made some phone calls, and finally found out that we could stay, but we'd have to change rooms the following day. Since we'd already moved around so much, we figured, no problem! And happily booked another day.

With that settled, we got on with our plans for the day- and first on the agenda was meeting up with Annette and Kyle at Downtown Disney. We spent part of the afternoon wandering around and checking out the shops (and stopping for a hot dog!), before Annette and Kyle had to head to the airport to pick Joe up. Chris and I did a little more shopping before we hopped in the car and drove around to visit a few more resorts.

When we were done, we headed back to the Dolphin and took turns getting in the shower and getting ready for the night. Tonight the plans were for the whole group to head to Victoria & Albert's, to celebrate Rick's birthday. After getting ready, Chris and I headed down to the lobby to get the car, and then made our way over to the Grand Floridian.

We headed inside and found the others already in the middle of the lobby taking pictures in front of the tree. We took a few pictures as different groups, and then we had the Photopass photographer take some group pictures of us before we made our way upstairs and over to the restaurant. We checked in, and were told that there'd be a short wait, and so we settled ourselves in the lobby until they called us in.

Since we were such a large group, we knew we'd be split into two separate tables, so Chris and I headed off in one direction with Rick, Deb and Kayla, while Joanie, Bob and Marie went the other way with Annette and Joe. We got settled in, and were looking over the menu when our servers came over and offered us a glass of champagne as an apology for not being able to seat us together. Chris and I accepted it, and Deb got a glass of Moscato D'Asti instead. We went back to examining the menu, and then laughing when one of the waiters tripped a bit and launched an entire basket of rolls at the wall. It was pretty funny- it had most of the tables laughing, as well as the waiter, and one of our servers had to leave the room to get composed.

Then, the server came back and collected our menus and then asked if we would step outside for a few minutes. We were a bit confused, because we had been seated, but then the server explained that they would be able to seat us together, after all, but that we had to head to the lobby while they moved the tables around. It did mean, since we were such a large party, that we'd get a "Chef's Menu" meaning that the chef would choose the courses for us, but we were all fine with that. So, grabbing our champagne, we made our way back out to the lobby to wait, where we learned that Joe was behind our being moved. He had finally persuaded the server that we were a close group, and we'd really prefer to be seated together, and that we didn't mind the delays in serving us.

When we returned, we were escorted back over to where the others had been sitting, and found three tables put together for all of us. We got settled around the table, and then the evening started again. We were soon presented with our new menus, This time, we were given just one choice per course. The menu was quite similar to the one Chris and I had enjoyed in November with Pam and Steve, so we were able to explain what some of the courses were.

Our Amuse Bouche was up first- it was something that had Asian Pear and Shrimp. I don't eat shrimp as a rule, but this didn't even taste like it had shrimp in it. It was quite good, and a perfect way to start the meal.

Next up was the Fennel Seared Colorado Buffalo Tenderloin, Braised Fennel, Radishes and Satsuma Tangerine Vinaigrette. This was the choice I'd gone for in November, and I loved it. Everyone at the table enjoyed it. I love buffalo, and this is some of the best I've had.

Then we had the John Dory over Roasted Delicata and Pumpkin, Styrian Pumpkinseed Oil. Even though Chris and I had tried this one already (though the fish was Arctic Char), we were still hit with the immediate- fish and pumpkin? But, it really does work- there wasn't anyone who didn't like it.

Our next course was Colorado Lamb with Wild Mushroom Ragout, Porcini Pasta and Truffle Foam. Another wonderful course- though I pretty much only ate the lamb.

The next course was the Duet of Prime Angus Beef and Short Ribs with Natural Jus. This was really, really good. The Short Ribs were in a pulled style, and served inside a potato cylinder. The Angus Beef was wonderful as well, I was just sorry there wasn't more of it!

Then it was time for either the cheese, Comte Saint Antoine, Fourme D'Ambert, and Pierre Robert, or the Tropical Fruit Gelato with Micro Garden Mint. Chris and I both went for the gelato, as he'd gotten the cheese last time and didn't care for it. The gelato was amazing, as it always is, and definitely better than the cheese. I ordered a glass of the Moscato D'Asti that Deb had gotten earlier, as I'd tried hers and I loved it.

Finally, it was time for dessert, I chose the Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Souffle. Chris had the Grand Marnier Souffle. His was ok, but mine was much better, of course! Really though, both were wonderful. And, everyone got a kick out of the coffee maker.

After dessert, we lingered and chatted for a while, before paying the check, and taking our roses and menus and heading back down to the lobby. We said our goodbyes to Joanie and Bob, as they were leaving the following day, and made some tentative plans to meet up with the others for dinner that evening before we all got into our cars and headed back to the resort.

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