Deb's Digest

It is time for another Walt Disney World Dining Bits and Bites. Hopefully, now that we live in Florida, I'll be able to do these more often.

Last week Linda and I stayed two nights at the Contemporary Garden Wing (AP Rate which we got just 10 days prior) and spent both days in the Magic Kingdom and MK resort area.

This segment contains a quick service, theme park full service and signature dining.

CONTEMPO CAFE - CONTEMPORARY

Chicken Chop Salad $7.69
Deb: I have not been a fan of the Contempo Cafe, my previous 2 dining experiences were not so great. However I must say the Chicken Chop Salad was very fresh and perfect for lunch. It had the right balance of veggies, protein and carbs! I always ask for dressing on the side and was glad I did. The mayo based dressing really had little flavor and the vegis more than made up for it! I would have this again and would also recommend it to you!

Chicken Spinach and Artichoke Flatbread $8.79
Linda: This was disappointing as the description of the flatbread did not jive with what I received. The spinach and artichoke appeared to be a creamy dip spread on the flatbread - not a chicken, spinach and artichoke flatbread that was advertised. There were VERY little actual spinach or artichokes. Plus the sauce was VERY thick and not at all appetizing. I was expecting fresh spinach and chopped artichoke therefore would not order again nor recommend it.

CALIFORNIA GRILL - CONTEMPORARY

Heirloom Apple Salad - winter greens, aged Gouda, dried cranberries, pumpkin-apple dressing $14
Deb: I love when greens means something other than Romaine or Iceburg lettuce and I would expect nothing less from a signature restaurant. The selection of greens were crunchy and did remind me of "winter". I loved the aged Gouda sprinkled on the top. If there was a slight disappointment with the salad it was the dressing. I felt the pumpkin-apple dressing was on the bland side and did not have the flavors I expected. That said, it was still a great salad and I would order it again!

Creamy Parsnip and Sunchoke Soup - apple gastrique, truffled goat cheese gougere $11
Linda:
Yum Yum! Sunchoke was described as a cross of the edible parts of a sunflower and an artichoke. Seasoned perfectly, not over salted, and had a savory and sweet flavor (sweet coming from the small bits of apple). The goat cheese was in a puff pastry you can see on the side of the soup in the photo. I highly recommend and I'd order again!

Triple Cheese Flatbread - pecorino, asiago, and provolone, sun-dried tomato and arugula pesto $12
Deb: I didn't want a full, heavy dinner and so opted for the salad above and this flatbread. I'm not much of an adventurous eater so this fit the bill for me perfectly. I'm a big fan of flatbreads from the signature restaurants with Jiko and California Grill making some of my most favorites!

Dragon Roll - spicy and tataki tuna, shrimp tempura, bell pepper, avocado, chili soy glaze $28
Linda: Another Yoshi (Sushi Chef Extraordinare) Winner! A superb and very filling entree. If shared would make a great appetizer for 2. The only thing I didn't care from was the red bell pepper. Highly recommend and I'd order again.

LIBERTY TREE TAVERN - LUNCH - MAGIC KINGDOM

Colony Salad - Washington apples, sweet pecans and applewood smoked cheddar, dried cranberries Craisins, and grilled chicken tossed with field greens in honey shallot vinaigrette $14.49
Deb: I love lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern. The Colony salad is a wonderful blend of flavors accented with the apples. I forgot to order the dressing on the side so it was a bit "soupy" for me, but that was my error. I've had this salad before and I'll have it again - try it next time!

Pilgrims' Feast - traditional roast turkey with herb bread dressing, mashed potatoes and a garden vegetable $14.99
Linda: This hit the spot. I debated between this and the Tri-Corner sandwich and the server recommended the turkey - Spot on! Some of the most moist and tender turkey breast I've had in a long time. Green beans cooked just right, dressing was yummy - I joined the Clean Plate club for this one! Highly recommend!

Post Your Reviews and Read what Others Say about:
Contempo Cafe
California Grill
Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch

That's it for this edition of WDW Dining Bits and Bites!

Earlier this month I told you about a fun activity for kids at the Contemporary called Artist of the Day. Several of you wrote and told me of your experiences and I want to share them.

It also turns out there are some other resorts with an Artist of the Day activity including Saratoga Springs and the Grand Floridian. So, be sure to ask at check-in if your resort offers this fun program!

Joe and Beth Thrash

We just got back from staying at the Contemporary. Our children (ages 2, 5, and 7) saw the Artist of the Day and all picked up pictures to color. We dropped them off that evening. The next morning the first thing they wanted to do was to go and check out who had won. To their surprise, all three were selected as Artist of the Day and had their pictures displayed. They were very excited and one of the cast members from the Grab and Go came over to congratulate them. They were all given special certificates and Mickey Rice Krispy treats as a prize for winning. We took photos of each one with their picture and we were also able to pick up the coloring page the next day. It was something very special for them.

Leslie McElroy

We stayed at the Contemporary this summer and our kids colored an "Artist of the Day" picture one day during our trip. They dropped them off on our way to dinner and raced down the next morning, to find they'd both been selected as the Artist of the Day. They were thrilled to have their work hanging on the wall. I thought it was a really great and inexpensive way to bring a little magic to kids.

Julianna Farleigh

Our daughter (now age 9) enters each day of our vacation until her coloring is chosen. Last year, when the Food 'N Fun Center chose her coloring, they displayed it in a table-top frame and placed it next to the coloring supplies. She received a certificate with her first name, date and location typed on it. This year, the Tempo Grab and Go displayed her coloring on the wall you have pictured, and she also received a Mickey Rice Krispy Treat and the Disney's Artist of the Day certificate. She has also entered at the Grand FL. Cafe where the coloring sheets are at the reception desk. At Disney's Contemporary, the chosen artwork is displayed for one day, and is then given back to the artist when they pick-up their certificate. We have never been notified that our daughter's artwork was chosen, we have always had to return to where they display the artwork to see if hers has been displayed and then ask a cashier for her "award."

Cindy

The 'Artist of the Day' at the Contemporary Resort has been a part of the Food and Fun Center (former Quick Service Eatery) for quite a while and we were happy to see they're continuing with it at the new Tempo Grab and Go. My daughter has colored many pictures but alas has never been chosen as 'Artist of the Day'. It is fun for the kids to check every morning to see if they were picked and fun to see the kids who are picked as they are so excited!

Christina

We stayed at the Contemporary in April of 07; and the Artist of the Day Was there. I was 15 at the time and did it with my brother and sister who were 9. We never did win; but everyday they allow pictures until after around lunch time and then they switch it the next morning.

Lori Posey

We stayed at the Contemporary Resort back in February 2007. They had the Artist of the Day then also. It was located on the 1st floor where the Quick Serve counter was. My daughter Allie was very lucky and got selected as Artist of the Day. She loved having her pictured framed for all to see! They keep it up for the day. The next day we picked it up at the cashier and they also gave her a Year of a Million Dreams certificate stating she was the Artist of the Day! It was such a little thing but to a child it was like receiving gold!

Beth DiSalvo

Just wanted to leave you a comment regarding the "Artist of the Day" at the Contemporary. As far as I know, this has been going on for quite some time. My son did this when it was at the "original" quick service location (now the Wave). He recieved a "Magical Moment" certificate - and I think they gave him a cookie.

I also know that Artist Palette in Saratoga Springs has the Artist of the Day as well.

While exploring the Contemporary recently, I found a little area entitled Artist of the Day. It is located on the 4th floor near the entrance to Tempo Grab and Go.

The sign reads: “Artist of the Day” If you would like to participate, please choose a coloring page located below, and be sure to get a package of crayons.

When you have finished, please write your name and room number on the back of your page and place art work in the space provided below.

If your page is selected it will be framed and placed on display. Thank you for participating. If you have any questions, please ask a Cast Member.”

The photos below show 2 framed pieces of art.

Also, you can see the areas to obtain the drawing, crayons and place to deposit your completed work.

If anyone has their child try this, please let me know how it worked!

I couldn’t find anyone that seemed to know how long this would be here. Perhaps until the construction walls are removed?

The sign doesn’t say you must be staying at the Contemporary to participate. However, the request of your room number on the coloring sheet pretty much narrows it to resort guests.