Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.
Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
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Food and Life

Review: Kona Cafe {Polynesian Resort, Disney World}

May 29, 2013 · Narrative

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If money were no object and someone asked for a hotel recommendation at Disney World, I will always recommend the Polynesian Resort. When we visited Disney a few years ago, when Nick was four, we found ourselves continuing to go back to the Polynesian Resort time and time again.

For, what I consider, the best gift shop out of all the resorts.

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For the awesome character family-style breakfast and dinner at ‘Ohana.

For the gorgeous environment.

May 21, 2013

May 21, 2013

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And now, after our most recent trip, I can say that another draw of this particular resort is that they have the self-serve Dole Whips, a must-eat when visiting Disney World.

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When we arrived on the Friday night of our weekend away, after checking into our hotel, we headed straight over to the Polynesian Resort, intent on killing two birds with one monorail trip.

Dinner. And (our first ever) Dole Whip.

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Unfortunately there were no openings to be had at ‘Ohana, so we ended up at their Kona Cafe. Because we had a 45-minute wait even for that, we killed our time by exploring the grounds and hitting the gift shop. The restaurant gives waiting guests a beeper that vibrates when your table is ready, and since it works anywhere on the property, it gave us free rein to keep ourselves busy elsewhere.

And for pressed penny fans, there is a machine next to the gift shop.

Score.

Our wait ended up being thirty minutes, which was perfectly timed to be right after we paid for our gift shop treasures.

The menu, while not exhaustive, covers a lot of ground. Sushi (from a spot right next door), salads, chicken, pasta, fish, and a decent selection of kids items. I ordered a salad with grilled shrimp and Gorgonzola, and since we were having dinner around 8 pm, I all but inhaled it.

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The kids both went with ravioli (shaped like Mickey, natch), and the servings were perfect. It seems that usually when you order kids’ ravioli, it is a scant four pieces. Sometimes that’s ok. Not so much for a growing, ravenous ten-year-old boy.

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A sweet bread with a honey nut butter was delivered during our meal and was scavenged. Although the kids’ meals came with dessert, we opted to skip it because we wanted to get a little Epcot time in before we headed back to our hotel. Hearing that, our waitress offered the kids cotton candy to go. And cotton candy is pretty much never denied. Unless it is in those gross, pre-packaged containers at the grocery store. Ick. And while this wasn’t carnival cotton candy, it was good.

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Although ‘Ohana is still my favorite, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Kona Cafe. The waitress was very friendly and outgoing, and service was perfect. The meal was reasonably priced, and the kids’ meals were a veritable bargain ($8.59 for their entree, drink, side item, and dessert).

A quick pop downstairs to get our Dole Whips, and we hopped on the monorail heading for an evening at Epcot.

Quick tip! As you’re leaving the Polynesian Resort, do take a moment and stop at the front desk for your free leis!

Hungry for more?
Pictures from the first time Nick visited Disney World, six years ago. Adorable baby-faced pictures from a visit he largely doesn’t remember.

Tomorrow? A review on Goddess Garden Organics and a giveaway. And while we’re talking giveaways, you still have a little bit of time to enter the Origami Owl giveaway – go get ’em!
Friday? Book review!

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: 'Ohana, Disney World, Dole Whip, Epcot, giveaway, Goddess Garden Organics, Kona Cafe, Origami Owl, Orlando, Polynesian Resort

Comments

  1. Nicole says

    May 30, 2013 at 4:30 am

    If you have time, you MUST go back to Kona Cafe for breakfast – their French toast is to.die.for. And I don’t even like French toast…. :)

    Reply
    • Cate O'Malley says

      May 30, 2013 at 8:12 am

      Thanks for the heads up – will totally check it out next time we’re there.
      Cate O’Malley recently posted..Review: Kona Cafe {Polynesian Resort, Disney World}

      Reply
  2. Joanne says

    May 30, 2013 at 6:38 am

    Sounds like a great dinner! I think we went to Ohana once when I was a kid and I remember it being super good.
    Joanne recently posted..Recipe: Asparagus and Leek Flan with Escarole and Potato Hash

    Reply
    • Cate O'Malley says

      May 30, 2013 at 8:12 am

      Easy and delicious > my kind of restaurant.
      Cate O’Malley recently posted..Review: Kona Cafe {Polynesian Resort, Disney World}

      Reply
  3. Terri says

    May 30, 2013 at 8:42 am

    Yum! We live just minutes away from the Polynesian and frequent the resort for the Dole Whips! They are awesome…and O’hana’s is one of our favorites as well but hard to get into…so we have been to Kona a few times…they have seasonal creme brulee’s, had a banana one once that was to die for as well!

    Reply
    • Cate says

      May 30, 2013 at 4:22 pm

      So jealous that you live so close to it!

      Reply
  4. Meg says

    May 30, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    I’ve heard so much about Dole Whips recently that I actually had to Google them! And yes, they look absolutely delicious. I’ve been to Disney a few times, mostly as a kid, and am sorry to say I don’t remember a ton about this excursions . . . a fact that pains my parents! They spent plenty of money and resources to get us there — and my memory is pretty spotty. Still, we have plenty of photos to remind us of our adventures . . . and I do remember staying at the Polynesian! It was mesmerizing to us as kids. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane! :)
    Meg recently posted..Book review: ‘The Wonder Bread Summer’ by Jessica Anya Blau

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      May 30, 2013 at 3:47 pm

      Meg (and others), I’m not sure if they have nation-wide locations and/or how flavors vary amongst them…BUT our local Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt carries Dole Whip, so you may be able to get your fix there. There’s also a few copycat recipes floating around the internet – it’s not quite the same without Lilo but you could close your eyes and pretend :)

      Reply
      • Cate says

        May 30, 2013 at 4:23 pm

        Thanks for the heads up – I will definitely hunt down a copykat recipe to try (we’re out of luck on Menchie’s, I think).

        Reply
    • Cate says

      May 30, 2013 at 4:24 pm

      This was my fourth time to Disney, and this year was the first time I had actually heard of the famous Dole Whips, so you’re in good company! Glad it brought back some good memories. :)

      Reply

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Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.

Pinterest

Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.
Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!

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