Panasonic Academic Challenge - 2006

The 19th Panasonic Academic Challenge, Tom's 9th, is at the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. This annual event is a competition among states and territories of the United States giving us yet another opportunity to enjoy the fine WDW cuisine.

Thursday, June 8, 2006
A Travel Day
The morning news reports the death of terrorist Al-Zarqawi. We mounted the new lamps on the headboard and put the TV back on the newly painted side table. more
We stopped at Don Pablos in Tinseltown for a lunch of tacos.
The drive down to WDW was uneventful and we were in room 4515, on the 9th floor by 1600.
First is the entrance to the Magic Kingdom Parking lot, but there is no charge if you're going to the hotel. The sign for the hotel. The approach from the guard gate. They are painting the eastside of the building. Remember, this is the 9th floor
The California Grill
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Dinner was, as expected, at the California Grill, on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Hotel. We had our customary seats at the sushi counter and enjoyed the company of Yoshie Cabral, the head sushi chef, Takashi, and Mattie Paisley (who appeared, on the run, for a hand-shake and a hug) before he returned to his duties. Menu
Ryan was our server. He offered Lyd wine choices.
Yoshie, Pie-Fan, and Takashi prepared my masterpiece dinner.

Tom's Choices

Lydia's Choices

Tom started with a Manhatten, ($7.25)

Lyd had a glass of Klein Constantia “Vin de Constance”, South Africa ’99 $18.00
Unagi: As always, Tom's dinner, with a 2nd Manhatten, is what ever Yoshie (or Takashi) makes. It is not identified until later, if ever. It appeared on the bill as Unagi, ($22.00), but is surely worth much more. The combination of presentation and flavors is impossible to describe.
For years now, each server, in turn,  has been told that Yoshie will prepare and Yoshie will bill.		 Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras with Brioche French Toast, Honey-Ginger Sauce, and Apple Chutney ($15.00) with the Klein Constantia.
Citrus Infused Gulf Shrimp with Grilled Corn-Cous Cous Salad and Charred Tomato Vinaigrette ($13.00)  She tasted a Charles Krug Napa Savignon Blanc before deciding on a glass of the Clautiere Estate Viognier, Paso Robles ($12.25)
Oak-fired Beef Filet with Three Cheese Potato Gratin, Sugar Snap Peas, and Tamarind Barbecue Sauce ($35.00), one of her favorites, finished the evening with a glass of Raymond Reserve, Napa, Cabernet Savignon ($18.00) [Most of this course went back to the room fridge in a box!]

At 2100, in the distance to the southeast, we could see the pyrotechnics of Illuminations at EPCOT. At the same time, way off to the east, there was some display of fireworks, probably at the less popular Universal Studios.

At 2200, with the patio door still open, the fireworks over the castle were followed by the boat parade.