Polynesian Resort Dining
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Kona Cafe
Gardens thick with coconut palms and orchids, volcanic rock waterfalls,
white-sand beaches and Polynesian music set the stage at Disney's Polynesian
Resort, home of Kona Cafe.
The energetic, casual eatery is awash in warm colors with brilliant
ceramic tilework, hammered ironwork and distinctive lighting. Center
stage is a lively dessert kitchen, where a dazzling array of sweets is
arranged like fine art on the stone countertop, tempting diners before
they're even seated.
The 172-seat restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, starting
with the Sunrise Menu that features fresh juices and fruits, omelets
and the decadent Auntie Kaui's Tonga Toast, a longtime Polynesian favorite
-- banana-stuffed sourdough bread, rolled in cinnamon sugar, then fried.
The aroma of Kona coffee, one of the richest coffees in the world, wafts
through the air. Kona coffee comes from one of the most fertile regions
in Hawaii; the green coffee beans are flown to Central Florida, then
roasted to produce the house blend. Beans are ground to order throughout
the day.
The restaurant adds a Pan-Pacific spin to its Midday Menu, with pot
stickers, Thai peanut shrimp salad, and giant steaming bowls of soup
with Asian vegetables in miso broth with noodles and meat or fish. But
the restaurant also offers basic lunchtime fare: hearty salads, blackened
fish and the Big Kahuna Burger, for instance. One lunchtime favorite
is the Two-Fisted Chicken Sandwich with basil mayo, roasted peppers and
spinach salad on mountain bread.
At dinner, the stage is set for boldly flavored evening specialties,
with Pacific Rim spices jazzing up American classics like pork chops
and spoon bread.
A team of chefs spent nearly two years on the design and concept development
of the restaurant, and the work centered around the idea that the food
would be market fresh with a healthy Asian kick. A modest selection of
beers, wines and cocktails accompanies the eclectic menu.
House favorites include crispy tempura ahi tuna, macademia-crusted mahi-mahi
and pan-Asian pasta with buckwheat sota noodles and chicken. An oven-roasted
chicken with red skin mashed potatoes or grilled beef tenderloin in a
cabernet and port reduction get high marks as well.
Desserts range from tangerine crème brûlée to a
seductive Kilauea Torte, named after the active volcano on Hawaii's Big
Island, filled with warm hazelnut and chocolate that spills out like
lava when broken with a fork. Popular Ko Ko Puffs are filled with chocolate
pastry cream and topped with icing and a dollop of whipped cream.
A favorite of all ages is the Kona Cone, an oversized waffle cone dipped
in chocolate and standing upright with a spun-sugar base. The cone is
filled with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, with a flourish of lacy
sugar fans on top.
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'Ohana
Join Mickey and friends for breakfast as they
make you a part of the 'ohana (family). Enjoy a delicious American
breakfast influenced by the tastes of Polynesia.
Imagine the warmth of a glowing sunset and the
smell of oak from the grill. The bellow of conch shells welcomes you
to this family-style all-you-care-to-eat Hawaiian land of food, fun,
laughter, sharing and Polynesian hospitality. Savor skewers of meats
and vegetables and other uniquely flavored island specialties grilled
over the expansive 18-foot wood-burning fire pit.
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Captain Cook's Snack Company
Explore the American cuisine offered
at this convenient quick service restaurant. Specialties include pastries,
hamburgers, salads, pizzas, fresh fruit and novelty ice cream treats.
It's a real discovery!
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Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Feast on an all-you-care-to-eat banquet inspired
by the flavors of the South Seas. Join in the luau inspired fun as
you sample delectable treats from around the Pacific. Dine on island
favorites like Lanai roasted chicken and barbeque ribs in a beachfront
backyard cabana of a Hawaiian guesthouse.
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