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21st Commissioner's Academic Challenge at Walt
Disney World
Tuesday,
April 25, 2006
Travel Day |
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We cast aside the
alarm clock, normally set for 0600 and slept until 0615. It's a
beautiful morning and promises to be a nice day to travel. We've
already survived one scare---last week I wrote to Heather White at
the Concierge office to check on our reservations and learned that
our expected arrival date was Wednesday as opposed to the real
arrival date of Tuesday. A call to Peggy took care of the problem.
We packed and puttered about and then left the house at 1200. We
picked up additional cash, got the car washed and then had soup,
salad and breadsticks at the Olive Garden. Our drive was uneventful
and we pulled into the Contemporary at 4. The front desk, continues
to a weak link at the hotel and we didn’t get to the room until
1645. The room, 4522, has the same redecoration as the higher
floors. There is still no full-length mirror, the towel racks are
across the bathroom and those ridiculous sinks!! Just before 1800 we
checked in at the CG podium on the 2nd floor and they took us up. |
The California Grill
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Takashi was pleased to see us. He
showed us another picture of his son Luke and also a picture of his
wife, Noriko. He says she checks our website looking for his
picture. Mattie Paisley rushed up with a quick handshake for me and
a hug for Lydia and then rushed back to his grill. Eric, our waiter,
took Lyd’s order. Here is the
menu |
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She started with her beloved Seared
Hudson Valley Foie Gras with Brioche French Toast, Honey-Ginger
Sauce, and Apple Chutney ($15) with the requested the Royal
Tokaji, Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos ’99 ($15). |
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Next, Lyd ordered the Castroville
Artichoke and Lobster Salad with Meyer Lemon Viniagrette, Mâche,
Cucumber and Crème Fraîche ($17). This came with an un-named
reisling ($9). |
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Finally, Lyd could not pass up the
Oak-fired Beef Filet with Three Cheese Potato Gratin, Sugar Snap
Peas and Tamarind Barbecue Sauce ($35) accompanied by a glass of
merlot ($12). |
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two manhattans ($7.25@) and Takashi made Sushi Deluxe ($24). |
Takashi is
quite the artist, marrying the food and the drink.
Presentation is as important as taste |
The finished
product is quite a masterpiece! |
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All good
evenings must come to an end, so we said good night to
Takashi, Mattie and Cory. |
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And left
something for the busboy.... |
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