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.

Friday, June 9, 2006
The Dreaded Day
The Dreaded Day started in Pastoral 3 at 0900. We discussed every question and every possible answer that might be encountered during the tournament. I returned to the room at 1630. Lyd spent much of the day reading.  She spent some time riding the monorail and supporting the economy.
At 1800, we left for dinner, as planned, at Citricos. It's on the 2nd floor of the Grand Floridian Hotel across the 7 seas lagoon from the Contemporary. It's a 3-stop ride on the monorail. Tonight, we decided to enjoy starters and stop short of the entreé. (Menu - Dessert) So we split the following...

Lyd started with a Vodka Martini ($7.25)...

and I had a Manhattan ($7.25)

We each had a glass of Hartford Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 03 ($10.75) with...

Arancini: Crispy Risotto with Italian Sausage, Quattro Formaggi, and White Truffle Aioli ($8.00)

Sauteed Shrimp: with Lemon, White Wine, Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese ($12.00)
Warm Onion Tart with Walnut Vinaigrette ($8.00)

Gateau of Crab  Jumbo Lumb Crab, and Orange Fennel Coulis ($12.00)

At Nadim's suggestion, we each had a glass of Alsace Hugel, Gentil 04 ($8.50) with...
Smoked Beef Carpaccio with Fava Bean Salad and Focaccia Crisp ($11.50)

Nadim was our server this evening. Malek, our server from April, stopped by to say hello as did Phillip Ponticelli, the Chef de Cuisine of Citricos. Phillip treated us to samples of the Spanish Lentil Soup (right) and we are honored to add him to our list of WDW culinary experts that we call friends.
Panasonic Academic Challenge Tournament Director Peggy Harrod (2nd from left) happened to be in Citricos at the next table along with the representatives from Panasonic North America.

Fireworks at 10 and the boat parade shortly after, finished the evening.