BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 From The Disney Food Blog...Guest Review: Coronado Springs Resort’s Pepper Market Jul 28th, 2011 by AJ. Bill Iadonisi returns with a colorful and impressive review of the Pepper Market at the Coronado Springs Resort. Take it away, Bill! When guests vacation to Walt Disney World, they are looking forward to going on their favorite attractions, seeing World-Class shows and entertainment, and of course meeting the Disney Characters. A trip to Disney is an exciting adventure for all. But for many, the rides and attractions are just the tip of the iceberg. I know that for myself, dining at Disney is a whole world of fun! With menu options from around the world and a huge diversity of food choices, the dining scene is a theme park unto itself.Welcome! While most guests hanker to dine in the parks, the resort venues are just as impressive. We know the classic restaurants such as Citricos, the California Grill and Jiko, but the resorts are also home to some of Walt Disney World’s “sleeper” restaurants. These eateries are hidden gems with mostly low crowds, fantastic menus and easy access. Many times when the parks are booked, you can usually walk right in or have just a short wait before dining. Some of my favorites are the Kona Café and the Captain’s Grille. And here we will review; Coronado Springs Resort’s Pepper Market restaurant.Atmosphere and Ordering Process Pepper Market is an open food court located in the main building area of Coronado Springs Resort, called “El Centro.” It is a counter-service restaurant, although your drinks are brought to the table by a server. But what makes this eatery special is its extensive menu and expansive dining area. Even during crowded times, you can usually find a table. It is themed after a south of the border-feel marketplace. Huge and airy, it is also very colorful, bright and gives the feeling of space versus claustrophobia — something we love in Disney restaurants. Dining Area As you make your way to the entrance, (next to Coronado’s table-service restaurant, the Maya Grill) you walk on terracotta tiles and past wrought iron fences adorned with green plants. Everything is vibrant and very colorful. It puts a smile on your face before you are even seated. At the entrance is a large, colorful dog holding the Pepper Market sign in his hands, er, paws. Large red chili peppers are used for gates. The dining area like the rest of the building has brightly-colored everything! Chairs, umbrellas, signs and artifacts on the walls all ooze with bright colors. Disney’s attention to detail is amazing. I have been to Mexico countless times and our friends south of the border would feel right at home here.Painted Animals Painted Animals This restaurant is unique in the fact that after you are seated, you order your drinks and are given a ticket. You now can wander around the numerous food stations, pick and choose your favorites, and have your ticket stamped at each station to reflect your menu choices. Your purchases are tallied up at the register on your way out. Desserts and Ice Cream Eats The choices here are impressive; the menu has more offerings than many table-service restaurants. Breakfast Menu - click image for larger version Breakfast Menu - click image for larger version Lunch and Dinner Menu - click image for larger version Lunch and Dinner Menu - click image for larger version There is a coffee bar right at the entrance to the Pepper Market that serves espresso, lattes, teas and cappuccinos.Coffee Bar You will find a Chef’s Station with daily specials and a fresh salad “Market” station.Chef's Station Menu Market Specials There is a Pizza and Pasta Station plus a Hot Sandwich and Grill Station. Hot Sandwich Station Hot Sandwiches The Pepper Market serves breakfast and its stations change offerings accordingly. Breakfast Station Breakfast Menu Add-On Sign And the Pepper Market also has a coffee and pastries take-out window that you can stop at on your way out to the parks without having to be seated. Coffee Window Today I had lunch with my wife, friend Joe and his wife Barb, and their son Mike. Although we arrived at noon, it was busy, but we were seated straightaway. After ordering our beverages, it was off to the food stations. I started out with the Cream of Broccoli soup ($3.99). I am a big fan of soup and this did not disappoint. A good-sized portion, rich and creamy with bits of broccoli, it was satisfying and filling. Cream of Broccoli Soup For my entrée, I am a sucker for salad. From the Market Station I ordered a Caesar salad with white breast chicken meat ($11.95). This had big chunks of chicken and large croutons sitting on a bed of garden fresh lettuce. The dressing was creamy and had just the right amount of zing. You can have the salad without chicken, if desired ($8.99). Caesar Salad with Chicken My wife Donna ordered Beef Fajitas with grilled beef tips, soft flour tortillas, beans, Spanish rice, onions and peppers, ($11.95). This dish was more than filling, and in addition, a small dish of Pico de Gallo and sour cream accompanied the entree. Beef Fajitas Now my friend Joe is a good eater, and at first I thought his selection would not be enough; but I’m happy to report it not only filled him up, but he thought it was some of the tastiest chicken he has ever had. He ordered the Chef’s special Asian chicken with white rice, roasted string beans, and red peppers ($13.99). Asian Chicken Plate He affirmed the grilled vegetables were crisp and flavorful, and the chicken tender. The sauce had a hint of spice, but not overwhelming, he wholly enjoyed his selection. Barb decided on the half-rotisserie chicken with grilled veggies and French fries. The meal was fine except she thought the chicken could have been a bit more moist. Rotisserie Chicken Mike also decided on a Chef’s special and had the broiled Mahi Mahi with a creamy hollandaise sauce, red potatoes, and roasted veggies ($13.99). The fish was flaky and firm, done just right, the veggies and potatoes were perfect. Grilled Mahi Mahi The dessert choices are plentiful as well over at the dessert station. Pastries Flan Desserts Specialty desserts churros and cookies Overall Other than the comment Barb made on the chicken, the entire experience was wonderful. Our server kept the beverages filled and was extremely attentive. The Pepper Market has an extensive menu — add any item to your plate, mix and match selections to customize your meal. A great place for a picky eater. There is a kids station (9 years and younger) with many selections. A souvenir mug is available with unlimited refills on coffee, tea, soft drinks and iced tea for your length-of-stay at the resort. Large Dining Room The restaurant opens at 7am to 11am for breakfast and 11am to 11pm for lunch and dinner. A 10% service gratuity is added to your bill. Pepper Market does not accept the DVC (Disney Vacation Club) nor Tables in Wonderland discounts. It is on the Disney Dining plan list. Always check for the Chef’s specials before making your final choice! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 We LOVE Pepper Market!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted July 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 We tried it for the first time last year and enjoyed it very much - we'll be back for sure! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Otter Spotter aka Debbie 58 Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 I haven't been to the Pepper Market in about 8 years or so. It's such an out of the way place we never think of it.Thanks, Monique, for bringing this to the fore-front of my brain! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted July 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 You're quite welcome! We'd never even given a thought to Coronado Springs before, and we generally like to go exploring the resorts. It was actually some Fiend recommendations of Pepper Market that led us over there.Aside from the food, it's actually a really beautiful resort. And Cafe Rix looks like a really cool, fun place to go hang out and have a drink! Here are some pics...LobbyEntry (with holiday decorations)Lobby fountainCafe RixEntrycool "swinging" couches and many large TVs Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 I've read lots about the place in various dining reports, but we've never tried it. In fact, I'm not sure I could find the CSR without a map. Maybe someday we will end up hopping over there to check it out. It looks great. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 I've read lots about the place in various dining reports, but we've never tried it. In fact, I'm not sure I could find the CSR without a map. Maybe someday we will end up hopping over there to check it out. It looks great.Well, for one thing for those of us that head up 429 to the turnpike, you pass right past it on the way off property.Our last morning, we generally go to the Studios, camper in tow, then ride Toy Story Mania at rope drop, then head over to Coronado Springs for a late breakfast, then start home. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Live4FW 30 Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 This is one of our favorites. We seldom make a trip to the World wihout a visit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted August 2, 2011 Report Share Posted August 2, 2011 This is one of our favorites. We seldom make a trip to the World wihout a visit.Good. Maybe you can show us where it is in November. :dance: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted August 2, 2011 Report Share Posted August 2, 2011 Ohhhhh......I just looked on a map. I know where it is! That's the big Aztec looking place on the way to AK! We also drove by it several times when we stayed at an offsite house before. Hope I didn't scare you with my "Ohhhh"....did you think a "HANA" was coming?? :rofl2: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Live4FW 30 Posted August 2, 2011 Report Share Posted August 2, 2011 Good. Maybe you can show us where it is in November. :dance:Sounds like a plan is brewing :parrot: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
momofmany...Christina 17 Posted August 6, 2011 Report Share Posted August 6, 2011 We LOVE Pepper Market too! we'll be visiting it a few times this next trip during our 4 night stay at CSR. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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