Disney World Restaurants are always a favorite for my family and friends!

Issue#005 July 15, 2009

Hello Friend,

DISNEY WORLD RESTAURANTS RAINFOREST CAFÉ

The Disney World Restaurants make me appreciate spending so much time in the Orlando area. Without much thought, I can pick up and drive to Disney. There are so many eating establishments in the area that you could choose a different type of food every day.

This day a storm was brewing as I drove the distance, so I hurried to park at Downtown Disney. I had the Rainforest Café in mind, so I quickly walked to the establishment. What an exciting place! As you enter the doorway, you just cannot miss the laughter and thrills of the children. I guess that is why I love it. It definitely is a place for the young and the young at heart. It would lift anyone’s spirits to see the happiness on the children’s faces, and all the bright colors.

The first things to catch my eye were all the different animals’ “hind ends” used for seating around the bar. How cute! Then I spotted the huge fish tanks, which fit right into the scheme of things. The little ones stood in wonder as the beautiful fish swam over their heads.

I had about twenty minutes to wait to be seated, but I don’t think there was a soul who minded the wait. There was so much activity going on. I truly was in the rainforest! There were birds, a waterfall and everything you would expect in a jungle. Adjoining the waiting area was a nice gift shop. All the bright items for sale there fell right into the rainforest theme. It came my time to be seated by my waiter, Winston. As soon as I sat down, the thunder began and the lights started blinking off and on at this Disney World Restaurant. I thought I had left the storm behind! It took a few minutes to realize this was not a real storm. Then the animals of the jungle came to life. The Jumbo elephants roared as the children and adults alike, ate their meals in amazement.

Winston quickly reviewed the menu with me. As you can imagine, all the listings fell right into the rainforest-jungle theme. He explained that they had a new appetizer made with fresh lobster. His description made it irresistible. I just had to try it! I then ordered the house salad and for the entre, I ordered the “Monsoon Grill”.

Before long, the lobster appetizer was brought to my table with tortilla chips. It truly was delicious! I explained to Winston about my readers, and I would like to get recipes for all of you. He said he would try to do that. Again, he returned to my table to tell me that he was told it is against the company policy to give out recipes. So I took out my note pad and began taking notes on the food. The following recipe is one that I made up to replace the “lobster cheese appetizer”.

Lobster Dip:

• 8 Ounces cream cheese
• 1 ½ Cups chopped fresh lobster
• 1 Clove minced garlic
• 1 Cup grated longhorn cheese
• 1 Tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 Tablespoons milk
• ¼ Teaspoon white pepper
+

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together well. Dump mixture into a small baking dish. Place in hot oven. Stir well after 5 minutes. Continue baking for another 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Serve hot with corn chips.

Soon my “Paradise House Salad” arrived at my table. The menu listed it as having in it mixed greens, Roma tomatoes, jicama, carrots and cucumbers. I made notes of it also having some small chopped red and yellow peppers, chopped red cabbage and a few white raisins. The dressing that I had on it tasted of mild oil, vinegar and a little sugar. The salad and dressing were perfect together and very good.

The “Monsoon Grill” was a beautiful presentation with a mix of stuffed flounder, Cyclone Crab Cake and Safari Shrimp Skewers. It was served with Caribbean Rice and Napa Veggies. I would have loved to have sampled a dessert from The Rainforest Café’s dessert list. The many chocolate desserts sounded delicious, but after such a big meal, I passed.

The price range of the entrees runs from around $14.00 to $32.00. Special dishes and prices for the children are around $6.99 to $7.99. Contact Rainforest Café for special lunch and dinner hours.

This is another Disney World Restaurant that deserves another visit and a “must” if you have children. It would be fun for a birthday or special occasion. It would be one that is not easily forgotten.

Until later, have a happy cooking experience!

Your friend, Frances

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