Panasonic Academic Challenge - 2007

Saturday, June 23, 2007

The 20th Panasonic Academic Challenge, Tom's 10th, was 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 with Kate and Sal.

Kate and Sal
Saturday was a travel day for the teams, and Tom reviewed audio and video clips until 1030 and then headed for EPCOT, joining the rest of the family near the fountain. They had already been on Test Track and Mission to Mars. After a light lunch, and using the FastPasses, Lyd, Tom and Kate went on Soarin'. After Imagination, we all walked out to World Showcase. Lyd elected to back to the room and Tom, Kate and Sal took the Friendship to Germany. The glassware was expensive, but did provide some ideas for a decanter. Then it was on to the American Adventure before returning to the room. Dinner was at Narcoossee's

EPCOT

During Tom's travels to EPCOT, he spotted two deer grazing near the monorail station. Imagination features "Figment" Tom, Kate and Sal and the American Adventure

Between Germany and Italy is a quaint model railroad.

At the American Adventure, the Voices of Liberty perform before the show.

We headed back to the room via Japan... and near England... here are some English tourists.

NARCOOSSEE'S
On the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Narcoossee's is a part of the Grand Floridian Complex. This gazebo-shaped restaurant features a seafood-based menu.

Menu | Dessert

Beverages
Tom's Manhattan (2@7) was good Kate had a Mojitocoossee (9) ...and a Nutcracker (8) after dinner
Lyd also enjoyed 2 glasses of the Chateau Ste Michelle Eroica Rieslking, Columbia Valley '06 (2@12.50)

First Course
Lyd and Kate each had the Spiced Shrimp watermelon, Arugula, Pine Nuts, and White Balsamic Vinaigrette (2@14) and pronounced it excellent Sal started with the Artisan Cheeses Humboldt Fog, Maytag Blue, and Pleasant Ridge Reserve served with Walnut Toast (12) Tom enjoyed, again, the Hearts of Romaine Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese (9)

Second Course
Lyd, Sal and Kate all chose the Wild Copper King Salmon Blood Orange Vinaigrette, Baby Carrots, Cipollini Onions, and Fingerling Potatoes (3@36) Tom selected the Grilled Sea Scallops  Toasted Orzo with Fennel and citrus salad (31)

Dessert
Lyd and Kate each had Warm Chocolate-Almond Gâteau with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream (2@7) Tom selected the Key Lime Crème Brûlée (7)
Harvey took care of us this evening Lyd and Kate in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Lyd and Tom Sal and Kate

At 2200, I captured the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom.