Disney Kouzzina Review

Before my most recent trip to Walt Disney World, Kouzzina wasn’t even on my radar. I knew Cat Cora (of Iron Chef fame) had a restaurant on the Boardwalk, but I was always too busy playing in the parks, or going to character meals to consider it. But my latest trip has changed my tune!

We were staying on the Boardwalk during this trip, so when my travel companions suggested Kouzzina for our first night in Disney World, I thought it would be great since it would be a quick walk from our room. They had dined there on a previous trip and thought we would all enjoy it.

What I found was a restaurant that seemed so serene I almost forgot I was on Disney property, however the service was certainly of the high quality we have come to expect from Disney.

Since we had Advanced Dining Reservations, we were quickly seated at Kouzzina. Our waiter came over and told us that the dishes on the menu were inspired by the recipes Cat Cora grew up making with her grandparents. As Chef Cora is from Mississippi, our waiter described the cuisine as “Southern-style Greek”.

Before our meal, we were served bread with two different types of olive oils for dipping and along with some olives. All were wonderful!

I ordered the oak-fired pork tenderloin served with feta gremolata, zucchini cornbread and vegetables*. At the chef’s suggestions, the pork was cooked to medium. To say I enjoyed my pork would be an understatement. I still have dreams about it! It was tender and full of flavor. The feta gremolata added the perfect accent, without overpowering the flavor of the tenderloin. I did manage to stop myself from licking the plate.

For dessert I ordered the baklava (pistachio-walnut and cinnamon pastry with vanilla praline gelato*). It was the perfect ending to my meal, as it was not as sweet as the baklava I usually get here in Detroit. One of my friends got the loukoumades (freshly made Greek doughnuts drizzled with warm honey and cinnamon*) and let me try one. Neither would be a bad choice to end a wonderful meal at Kouzzina!

During the meal the manager visited our table twice to make sure we were all enjoying ourselves. The entire staff was really friendly and attentive.

And I have been raving about Kouzzina ever since! Upon my return home I have had several people suggest their breakfast. Upon viewing the vast and varied menu, I think it will be on my must-do list for our next trip. The offerings range from a traditional Mickey Waffle to the more exotic creations that I am drawn to such as the Stacked Kouzzina Breakfast (Two poached eggs, kalamata olive toast, artichoke spread, and sweet potato hash with choice of bacon or chicken sausage*).

I am very happy that Kouzzina by Cat Cora is now on my Disney radar!

To find out more about Kouzzina and how MickeyTravels can assist you with your Advanced Dining Reservations visit us at www.mickeytravels.com or give us a call at 1-888-812-8750

 

Devene Godau, CPDT-KA
MickeyTravels – Guest Blogger

*All food descriptions were taken from the menu located on Disney’s website.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Have you ever dreamed of going on an African Safari and seeing all the amazing animals roaming around right in front of you?  If so, then Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the place for you!

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe resorts.  The South African wildlife theme of the resort is breathtaking, from the large mud fireplace to the thatched ceilings, real African artifacts and the African music playing softly in the background.  And let’s not forget about the animals roaming the grounds- zebras, giraffes, ostrich, flamingos, greater kudu, impalas, white-bearded wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and more!  There are over 200 animals and 30 different species of wildlife that roam four tropical savannas.

You will have an opportunity to see the exotic animals from special alcoves throughout the resort as well as from balconies of the Savanna View rooms!  That’s right… you can wake up in the morning, open your balcony door, and have a cup of coffee while watching giraffes or zebras wandering around right outside your room!  There are Safari Guides at the outside viewing areas to answer questions and share information about the animals.  A special activity offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is night vision goggles to watch the animals roaming the savannas when it is dark out.  The animals truly are amazing and make a stay at this resort a once in a lifetime experience.