The full trip report is over, but the details still need filling in. Read on for more May 2021 WDW fun!
When planning out the advanced dining reservations for our May trip, the first name I threw out was Tiffins. I’ve been to Nomad Lounge, the attached bar space, many a time, but never the restaurant proper. I heard it was kinda expensive but worth it, and luckily Becky was down! Follow along with the menu here.
I must say here, at the outset of my review, that this really is a top-notch restaurant. Although the themes are far removed, the vibe reminded me of California Grill – upscale but friendly. It’s got the same rich explorer’s outpost vibe as Nomad Lounge, plus beautiful sculptural art on the walls plus dim the lights for ~ambience.~
The service is similarly exemplary. Our server Matt was friendly, enthusiastic, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu.
TIFFINS DRINKS!
Case in point: the first thing we did was ordered drinks, of course. There was a specialty drink that caught my eye: a mango margarita with ancho chili liqueur. As I have mentioned menu a time before, I have a thing for spicy cocktails… but I ALWAYS get the Hightower Rocks at Nomad Lounge. It’s been my jam for almost five years!
So, what to do? Tried and true or something new? Neither… or rather, both! I hit upon inspiration and asked Matt if he could ask the bartender to make my Hightower Rocks, which for the uninitiated is basically a watermelon margarita by any other name, spicy. He could and he did! Look at this beauty:
With a jalapeno + watermelon garnish as the topper. Magnificent. And it was magnificent – the inherent sweetness of the watermelon juice played very nicely with the chili, where the spice took a backseat to the fruit but the heat slowly built. I dub this a drink hack and I encourage anyone who also enjoys drinks with a kick to try it.
…APPETIZERS!
I seem to vaguely recall the Tiffins used to offer complimentary bread, but we didn’t receive any (not sure if that’s a COVID thing or a permanent change). But that was all right, as we had our eyes on the appetizer menu anyway. Once again we fell prey to the siren call of the charcuterie board.
For some reason this is not listed on the regular menu, but I can assure you it’s a thing! I should’ve written down exactly what was on it as sans menu I can’t recall, but alas, here we are. What I can tell you is that the meats and cheeses provided were very tasty but not particularly memorable. Now, I do remember loving the pickled vegetables, because those are just a thing I’m into, and the focaccia it came with was on point. No more crackers on my charcuterie board from now on! It’s focaccia bread or get out of my face!
…ENTREES!
As my main entree I selected… tofu. NO WAIT HEAR ME OUT. It’s North African-Spiced Tofu. The tofu is marinated and there’s a tomato chutney and everything! I just really like super flavorful spices as they tend to appear in African and South Asian cooking, and this sounding up my alley, so I took a chance.
Ultimately I wasn’t disappointed – the flavor on this dish was killer. I could straight up drink the sauce it came with. It wasn’t curry, but it kinda reminded me of curry. In the family, if you will. And I freakin’ love curry, so bring it on. The vegetable mix is supposed to include snow peas, but I’m not into those, so the chef gave me double kale and I got a whole mountain of it to dunk in the sauce. Gooooood times.
The only slight letdown? The tofu itself. It’s supposed to be chermoula-marinated, but it didn’t really permeate the block. I wish it’d been a bit firmer, and maybe fried for a nice crisp. Of course, drown anything in that sauce and it becomes delicious. I had a nice glass of wine with it too, which always makes a meal more enjoyable. 😉
…TIFFINS FINALE: DESSERT!
During our meal, we overheard Matt tell another table that the Lion King dessert was the best dessert in the entire Animal Kingdom. Well, clearly we needed to get in on that action. It’s described on the menu as caramel mousse, chocolate brownie, and strawberry mango sauce. First and foremost, though, the presentation is absolutely adorable. Where can I get one of those “Remember who you are” plates?
As for the taste, it was pretty good, because how can caramel and brownie be bad? But I found the flavors a bit too gentle for my tastes – I would’ve prefer something with a little more punch. It might be the best dessert in DAK from a photography standpoint, but I’d try something else next time.
I don’t know why I always end up ending these reviews on a down note when I 110% enjoyed myself. Tiffins was awesome! The menu here is a bit more adventurous, and I loved the opportunity to try new things, and as I mentioned earlier, the service was excellent. I will definitely be back. I’m thinking next time we do an appetizer and sides bonanza. Who’s in?
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