I thought that now that I am back home I would revisit the restaurants where we ate in the off-chance that someone stumbles across this and might be of some benefit to them.  On our first day at the World, I was famished by the time we checked in and did some exploring.  The family ate at Hurricane Hannah’s and, for me, this was a no go.  Fortunately, I had done some research and found that the Boardwalk Bakery had pre-made gluten free turkey and roast beef sandwiches.  The turkey sandwich was on Udi’s Bread (I think) and was topped with lettuce and tomato.  There was a cucumber salad in the box as well.  Once you slathered enough mustard on the sandwich, it was actually good.  The bread did exactly as non-toasted gluten-free bread does (crumbled) but all in all it was a good 11 bucks spent.  Later in the week, for variety, I had the roast beef sandwich.  There was nothing on top of this and the bun was chewy since it had been refrigerated.  It came with a side of fruit.  No amount of condiments could save this sandwich.  The meat was good but it was painfully dry.  Go with the turkey.  With that said, it was nice to have some options.

Our big dinner to celebrate my birthday was planned for this evening at Narcoossee’s located in the Grand Floridian Resort.  Anyone, planning a trip needs to know the importance making your dining allergies known when you make your reservations.  When we checked in, they were aware and had the chef visit my table to discuss my options with me.  I was even provided a gluten-free menu.  Much of the regular menu was accessible- an observation that did not go unnoticed.  Our server here was excellent and attentive.  Not just to my allergy needs, but just all-around on it.  As we finished our drinks that we grabbed at the bar, she took our appetizer order.  I went for the Crispy Rhode Island Calamari with the Pepperoncini-Olive Relish and Tomato Coulis.  The dish was 15 bucks, but since it was the first calamari I’ve had in two years, it was worth it.  I am not normally a fan of anything olive related, but I devoured the entire dish.  I probably could’ve gone for more, but I was busy destroying the rolls that were brought to me.  Wow.  Warm, soft, and not the least bit crumbly.  The boss went for the PEI Mussels in the Tomato-White Wine Saffron Broth.  Hers was 18 dollars and also very good.  My rolls were perfect for soaking up the broth.  The best part was that our meal had just started!

Our wine arrived ( a nice white) and we waited for our entrees.  I’ll start with the dish the boss ordered.  She had the Key West Shrimp and Brown Rice Pasta with savoy spinach, baby heirloom tomatoes, and lemon-chardonnay garlic cream.  Hers was 39 dollars if you are keeping score.  It was also tasty.  There were several large shrimp and the sauce was good.  While I think she made a good choice, I feel mine was better.  And that brings me to my dish.  I decided to enjoy the “Inspiration from the Sea and Season”  My Florida Wreckfish was served with Lentils and root cellar vegetables, pickled wild mushrooms, Florida citrus vinaigrette, a squash puree and sorrel Aioli.  If it sounds busy, it was.  There were many tastes and textures on the plate.  The squash puree acted as a nice binder and the fish was flaky and moist.  At 42 dollars, the price was reasonable and it was nice to have something more local.  I could’ve gone for Striped Bass or Flounder.  Since those aren’t exactly different, the wreckfish fit the bill.

For dessert we ordered a press-pot.  I do love a press-pot!  I also had the chocolate creme brûlée.  This brûlée was magnificent.  I don’t normally go for them, but this one sounded great.  The brûlée sat on top of a chocolate/coconut custard.  It was like eating a melted chocolate bar.  Simply divine.  Having dined here, I can understand its classification as a “signature” restaurant.  The views are lovely, especially with the castle in the background.  It is also nice to stroll the grounds and the lobby area of the hotel before dinner and again after to burn off a fantastic meal.    Don’t forget to make reservations well ahead of time and ignore the cost.  For a resort area the cost isn’t abnormal and for a similar meal at home, I expect the same prices.  After eating this good off the bat, I couldn’t wait to see what else I could have!