Here are more pix from a mere 17 years ago, courtesy of my friend "Mr. X".
This is a nice portrait of the River Belle Terrace over in what I think is officially Frontierland (and not New Orleans Square). Looks pretty nice for an amusement park eatery. I have learned from previous posts that this is a favorite restaurant of many readers. Guess what? I've never eaten there! How's the food? Any better than the Blue Bayou? I always assumed that it was all prepared in the same kitchen.
Now we're in New Orleans Square, close (too close!) to the Haunted Mansion. I love the way this place looks at night! The location is primo, near the river and the New Orleans Square train station. If you can dine here in the off season (when it is not too cold) at night, it is the best. So quiet and beautiful.
Speaking of the river, here's a view looking southward - but from what? A Keel Boat? You can see the Mark Twain and a canoe, as well as the wreck of one of the old Mine Trains just visible to our left. I've read that the wreck was removed in order to be fully restored - let's hope that the rumor is true!
I've eaten at River Belle Terrace since it was Aunt Jemimas Kitchen, so it's probably more of a ritual than anything else. I've only eaten at Blue Bayou about three times in the 70s and 80s, so I'm not familiar enough with the current menu to give you a quality comparison between the two.
ReplyDeleteIn general I find most food at Disneyland to be better than the average amusement park offerings, but not as good as a nice restaurant in the real world or even Downtown Disney.
As far as you never having eaten at River Belle Terrace, I still have one item left on my Disneyland bucket list. I've never had a Monte Cristo sandwich.
I had not heard the rumor about the train being restored. That would be wonderful! I just figured it was yet another step in the Great Forgetting; the attempt to cleanse the park from any traces of its bygone charm.
ReplyDeleteExcellent pictures as always! May your box never empty.
If there is one organization capable of melding both "the new" with "bygone charm", that would be Disney. I fear, however, Tom may be correct with his concern that what little charm remains may not be long for this world.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Major for sharing the charm.
The food at River Belle is not what it used to be, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteThis place used to do the Mickey Pancake on a griddle with fresh batter and fresh fruit, made while you watched.
Now, the Mickey Pancake is a pre-fabricated thing similar to a McDonald waffle, probably made off-site in a central kitchen in Vernon.
The French Market used to have great food, prepared in that building, served cafeteria style. I remember one entree called "Veal Cutlet Pojarski". I have no idea who Pojarski was, but his cutlet was a sort of parmigiana, breaded with cheese and ham. Awesome. I haven't eaten here for 30+ years, and plan to fix that on the next trip.
The food at Blue Bayou is much as it used to be, very good for amusement park, above average for coffee shops and "Olive Garden" chain places, but not up to the caliber of some of the Downtown Disney offerings like Catal. IMHO, the Monte Christo is still the best thing on the menu. Let's be honest, no one eats there for the food, it's all about the atmosphere.
The Tonga Room in the SF Fairmont is much the same deal. Watered drinks and unidentified fried objects (UFO's) in a retro-hip hula environment. Both places are riotous fun grossly overpriced, and no one cares since they are so happy.
Great pictures of some of my favorite places. Thanks Major.
JG
It was the late 1960s, and with relatives visiting from out of town, a trip to Disneyland was in order. Pancake breakfast at Aunt Jemima's to start the day. But we kids were too excited and anxious to go on rides, so most of the food sat neglected on our plates. This same scenario could be found at numerous tables there in the dining room. Suddenly, the town Sheriff appeared in the dining room doorway, and in a booming voice let it be known that anyone not cleaning his or her plate had better not still be around come sundown. Throughout the room, there was a sudden rush to comply with the Sheriff's proclamation, as heads were bent down and forks flashed to deliver food to open mouths. It wasn't long before every child's (and more than a few adults') plate had been rendered barren.
ReplyDeleteThat flash of memory led me to research veal cutlets Pojarski. Turns out they're a thing >> http://www.vealrecipes.com/veal-pojarski/
ReplyDeleteNot exactly what I remembered, but it was over 40 years ago...
I thought it was a made-up name, but there are retro-hip recipes from that era all over the Googletubes. Seems like Disney was going First-Class at the French Market in 1967.
Anyway, thanks Major.
JG
But, but, but.... who took that last photo? Someone treading water?? Maybe the first person on a following canoe? A passing turtle? Duck-back rider? The infamous lost sub? Isn't that about where Cascade Falls was? I'm confused crosseyed.
ReplyDeleteTarzman