Disney gets a bad reputation for food. But let’s be honest, after standing in the heat and paying close to $15 for frozen chicken fingers and cold fries, you’re anything less than impressed.
There is however a completely different side to Disney Dining beyond quick service and chaotic character dining. It’s a side that boasts culinary expertise and innovation – all right in our backyard.
Flying Fish Café at Disney’s Boardwalk is somewhat of a gem hidden wedged between the boisterous ESPN Zone and the walk-up pizza stand. Their main menu includes everything from Shellfish and Andouille Sausage Filé Gumbo to a Fragrant Asian Spice-crusted Yellowfin Tuna “Fillet.” The real surprise here though is the unassuming counter that faces into the kitchen. This wide granite “Chef’s Counter” is reserved for the Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner, a nightly event that pairs wines perfectly over five courses. A typical night may include a lamb shank and herbes de Provence-crusted lamb loin with heirloom gold beets and Florida peaches and Tupelo honey for dessert.
While the food is amazing, the company is even better. There’s no dining experience quite as immersive as one where you can watch your food being hand-crafted and then interact with the chef before you indulge. Mingling with the Chef is a treat because you get to see the heart and passion behind his creation. But really, the food does the talking, because after 5 courses of perfectly paired food and wine you’ll already be dreaming of your next visit.
The evening concludes with a grand dessert and photos of your party and the Chef, all delivered and signed before you walk out the door. It’s truly a treat to enjoy both the culinary creations and company at Disney’s Flying Fish Chef’s Counter.
Photo Credit: DisneyWorld.com
[…] We’ve always been fond of the Mouse, especially once we discovered the fine dining side of Disney and Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. If you missed our review of the Chef’s Table at Flying Fish, click here. […]