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At the other Disney: The Flying Fish Cafe
Disneyland in Anaheim may have the exclusive and secret Club 33, but your chances of experiencing it is slim -- you've got to have the money, the "in" and the location (above the Blue Bayou, look for the door with the number 33 on it, then knock, someone might open it up... and yes, when we ate there, it was damn good). That's why Disney World in the "other" Orange County is much better for fine dining with the mouse.
EPCOT is more for the adults in many ways. For example, through November 11th is the International Food & Wine Festival featuring cuisine samplers from over 25 countries, each specifically paired with a wine or beer from the respective country. Additionally, next to EPCOT is the Boardwalk, a faux lake surrounded by hotels and a boardwalk village with a massive ESPN sports bar (so sad about the Cubs), restaurants and clubs.
The best restaurant is the Flying Fish Cafe, where you sometimes need to reserve a table a near eight months in advance (Disney recommends 180 days). The reason this place is so popular: it's wildy creative. Just look at this soup: Aged Sherry and Brandy-laced Maryland She-Crab Crema. What the hell is that? It's blue crab, horseradish, Spanish chorizo and fines herb beignets and basil-infused olive oil.
For something a little more simple to start off with, try the Young Arugula, Asian Pear & Candied Walnut salad that comes topped with flower petals and a creamy Gorgonzola crostini.
Main entrées still stay exotic: toasted pumpkin seed-crusted Barramundi, oak-grilled wild Alaskan King Salmon and citrus/schezuan peppercorn-spiced Yellowfin Tuna Loin are just some of the choices. Non-fish eaters and vegetarians can still enjoy dinner too. Pork chops (native pepperberry and maple-glazed), char crusted New York strip steaks and pasta accommodations are available.
Maybe the best part of the menu is the daily quote about food. Last night's from W.C. Fields: "A woman once drove me to drink and I never had the decency to thank her."
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Flying Fish is no cheap fare. Main dishes run for $30 a plate and starters in the teens. However, a true foodie at Disney World can't go wrong with a place where you can go into blind-folded, point at something on the menu and be uber-satisfied at what comes out.
Previously reviewed: The California Grill
Photos by Zach Behrens/LAist
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