Le Cellier – From the Nosy Food Lover

My family and friends joke that I eat with my nose–and they’re right. Just as a wine lover notes the appearance, smell and taste of the wine, a food lover like me appreciates delicious dishes in just the same way. The smell of good food is what I enjoy most.

The first taste of my food happens long before I’ve even touched it to my lips. The best example of this at home is the homemade bread at my local Carrabba’s Italian Grill. As soon as it’s brought to the table, my hubby unveils the crusty, domed masterpiece and distributes some to each of us. Then the Goofs all sit there with bated breath as I bring my piece straight up to my nose. We are a strange family. I breathe it in and out before I take that first bite. If I could bottle that scent, I would have Carrabba Bread scented candles all over my house.

The place where my nose gets the biggest thrill at Walt Disney World is at Le Cellier, located in the Canada Pavilion in Epcot.  Being the carnivore that I am, I’m drawn to the smell of steak grilling over a flame. It calls my name! Let’s see if you can smell some of the foods from the menu just from reading the descriptions here:  Succulent Prime Rib; Filet Mignon from aged corn-fed beef with a Mushroom Sauce served with wild mushroom risotto and white truffle-herb butter sauce;  Poutine fries made with Canadian cheddar, truffle salt and red wine reduction; Sauteed Potato Gnocci made with roasted tomatoes, summer vegetables, basil pesto and parmesan; Chocolate-on-Chocolate Whiskey Cake brushed with Canadian whiskey, layered with chocolate mousse, and finished with honey thyme anglaise; and Maple Creme Brulee.

Doesn’t that conjure up dreams of delicious food? Well, I can tell you that once the food actually made it to my mouth it was just as delicious! The Filet Mignon at Le Cellier is the most tender, juicy and tasty cut of meat I have ever eaten.  You’ll want to savor every singe bite. The mushroom sauce is fantastic and the risotto is perfectly cooked with a white truffle and herb butter sauce.  The Chocolate-on-Chocolate Whiskey Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream. This very rich dessert is big enough to share with your loved and not to be missed.

Besides all of the delectable dishes, they bring a freshly baked bread basket to the table.  Wait.  Freshly baked bread? They had me at hello! I really appreciate a restaurant that brings bread to my table.  The cone-shaped basket holds bread sticks in three delicious flavors: pretzel, sourdough, and whole grain.  I really enjoy all of them, but I must say the pretzel is a family favorite, and they kept bringing them, so be careful.

Le Cellier is definitely a favorite for our family. I begin “tasting my food” before I have even gotten to the door. I realize they raised the price from one table service credit to two for dinner, but my goodness – go for lunch, which is still one credit on the dining plan. The food is delicious and the aroma is to die for. Bon appétit!

Disney Food Report Tip: Le Cellier was my first experience with the fun and crazy personalities of Canadians. They are playful at the table and have pulled some really fun tricks on our friends, so beware…they are very quick-witted.

Brenda writes here and at Ideally Disney. She’s also a travel agent with Pixie Vacations. She loves helping families plan magical Disney vacations and would be happy to help you, so email her at Brenda@PixieVacations.com or send her a message on www.facebook.com/thepixiebrenda.