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Le
Cellier Steakhouse
Located in Epcot - Canada Pavilion
Dinner
We were surprised on how cold it was as we stepped
out of our hotel onto Disney’s Boardwalk. This was the second day of our
annual working vacation at Walt Disney World and it was the first time we
had come up for air since our early morning trip to the Boardwalk Bakery.
Some time between that first cup of coffee and the early evening the
temperature had dropped down into the forties, which for Orlando is cold
even during February.
As we walked the short distance to Epcot the cold weather seemed to fit
nicely into our plans for dinner that night. We were headed to Le Cellier
located in the Canadian Pavilion of The World Showcase in Epcot.
After passing through the International Gate, which serves a secondary
entrance to Epcot we quickly came upon the impressive stone Chateau-styled
structure that is the Canadian Pavilion. Along side the pavilion is a
cobble stone path that winds it’s way through Victoria Gardens. This
beautiful garden is designed with the intent to give guests a taste of the
famous Butchart Gardens of British Columbia. Following the path it led us
down to the entrance of this subterranean restaurant.
Le Cellier during its previous incarnation as a cafeteria-styled
restaurant had for many years suffered the reputation as the worst eatery
in Epcot. It was here that those who were unable get a table at one of the
other Epcot restaurants would often be banished. That is why I was more
than a little surprised when a cast member had recommended it so highly to
us. He even went so far as to boast that they served up the best steak on
Walt Disney World property. I did not want to challenge him or even worst
yet laugh out loud, but this was indeed a bold declaration. Tonight we
would see for ourselves if he were right.
The dining room is windowless so there was no view of World Showcase
Lagoon or any other part of Epcot for that matter. This fact might
actually fall into the plus column, especially if after touring Epcot all
day you find yourself suffering from a mild case of sensory overload. Two
things struck me as being reminiscent of some of the other Epcot
restaurants I have dined at. One, because of how close the tables are
arranged to each other I felt as though I was expected to share the dining
experience with the family from New York that was seated next to me.
Secondly, although the conscripted natives from the host country that make
up part of the wait staff certainly offer a unique flavor to the dining
experience and add an insight to the culture of their native land. They
are however often young and not necessarily as experienced as the servers
found at other Walt Disney World restaurants outside of Epcot’s World
Showcase. But what they may lack in experience, as was the case with our
server is often made up in enthusiasm and a genuine desire to please their
guests.
There was really very little decision making that went into selecting our
entrées. The only really serious debate was over the wine and the
appetizer. By the time our young server was ready to take our order we had
settled on two bowls of Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup made with Canadian
black diamond cheddar cheese, smoked bacon and Moosehead beer for our
appetizers. For our entrees we heeded the advice of the Canadian loyalist
and beef lover we had spoken with earlier and ordered up two Filet Mignons
each topped with arugula butter and severed with roasted garlic herb
mashed potatoes. I thoroughly enjoyed the hearty meal that was presented,
especially the cheddar soup, but was it the best steak at Walt Disney
World? I am still holding out hope that I have yet to find the best steak
at Walt Disney World and until I do I will continue to enjoy the journey.
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup - Canadian black diamond cheddar cheese,
smoked bacon and Moosehead beer $3.99
7 oz. Filet Mignon - topped with arugula butter and served with roasted
garlic herb mashed potatoes $23.99
Editors Note: Partial menu included here that is intended to
give the reader a better understanding of the cuisine and price. |
Appetizers
Rock Crab Spring Rolls - rock crab rolled in a wonton skin with an Asian
salad and citrus honey glaze $9.99
Seared Scallops - warm potato risotto, Meyer lemon, creme fraiche and
caviar $8.99
Beefsteak Tomato Stack - shiitake mushrooms, wilted spinach, balsamic
reduction $6.79
Entrees
14 oz. New York Strip Steak - roasted Yukon potatoes, caramelized sweet
onions, bacon vinaigrette, finished with arugula butter $24.99
Wild Mushroom Beef Stroganoff - tenderloin of beef with fresh wild
mushrooms over pappardelle noodles $21.99
Grilled Double Lamb Chop - with roasted Yukon potatoes, olive vinaigrette,
sauce pipperade $25.99
Duck Two Ways - seared breast and confit over applewood braised cabbage
with balsamic duck jus lie $22.99
Rosemary Garlic Seared Chicken - roasted garlic and herb mashed potatoes,
French green beans $17.99
Maple Ginger Glazed Salmon - roasted sweet corn, pecans, watercress $18.99
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