Dawa Bar in Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is one my families favorite parks at Disney.  I think it's because it's so authentic.  I really truly feel like I'm in Africa when I'm there. 

This park is special to me and Keith because we spent a day here on our honeymoon in 2004.  At that time it was a little smaller because they were in the process of building Expedition Everest (my kids call it Mt. Never Rest) and we couldn't wait to come back someday and see it.

I ended up chickening out.  I was worn out from our whirlwind Florida vacation and I didn't think the ride would agree with me.  I'm also a little bit afraid of heights.

What I did enjoy was visiting the Dawa Bar in Africa.  I had read up ahead of time about all of the places to get a cocktail in Disney World and this place stood out to me.

It looks like a real bar on a street in Africa, open air....patio type place.  They also serve African wine, beer and specialty cocktails.

I'm a sucker for a specialty cocktail!

African Margarita with Sauza Gold Tequila, Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur from South Africa, Sweet-and-Sour, and Lime Juice   $8.75

Sugar Cane Mojito  with Starr African Rum and Sugar Cane Syrup mixed with Fresh Mint, Lime, and a splash of Soda   $9.75 

Both of these cocktails were delicious and refreshing!    I would have had more....but they were also strong and I was afraid I'd get Lost in Africa!


Linking up with Becca at R We There Yet Mom for Friday Daydreamin'. 

Chefs De France

We spent an amazing day exploring EPCOT and I didn't expect to eat at such a fancy place.  I fully expected to just get something quick and easy and maybe a glass of wine somewhere.

My husband had a plan.  Which really....is so rare of him.   I love being surprised and was shocked to learn that he had made reservations for our family to eat dinner at Chefs De France in France!

The restaurant is beautiful with golden walls and I felt transported.  Our wait staff spoken to us in french and I tried out my rusty high school french and realized it was too long ago and gave up.

My husband ordered a bottle of wine!  Oh...I felt so fancy!

I could not wait to order and started with Bisque de Homard (Lobster Bisque).  I had this soup once before when iKeith and I were dating and I was anxious to have it again.  It was delicious and creamy...with a mound of fresh lobster in the center.  I could have just eaten this and been very happy!

For my main course, I went with the Plat de cote de boeuf au cabernet avec pates - Beef short ribs braised in Cabernet with pasta, pearl onions and mushrooms.  It was served over noodles.  The ribs were so tender and seasoned so well!  I loved every single bite.

For dessert, I enjoyed Creme Brulee.  By this point I was so full that I decided to share with my husband.  Normally, I wouldn't let him touch my favorite dessert but I was feeling generous.

My husband enjoyed the Coquille St Jacques et crevette. gnocchis Provencales - Seared scallops and shrimps served with gnocchis, provencales (tomato, peppers and fresh herbs. - and my kids each had a flat bread pizza.

At the end of our meal, we were surprised by a visit from Ratatouille!

Click here for Chefs De France Menu.