BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 From the Disney Food blog. Follow the link for more photos... Guest Review: Kona Cafe Dinner at Disney’s Polynesian ResortJun 27th, 2012 by Kim.Guest author Aaron Crum returns with a review of the Kona Cafe. Let’s join him now for dinner where he shares some great eats and exciting news (Congrats!!) at this Polynesian Resort restaurant in Walt Disney World. Pass the bread, please! For those of us who frequent Walt’s playground, we know that there are endless possibilities when it comes to dining. Each trip usually requires a new adventure or a new experience.However, every now and then, you find a “diamond in the rough” (yes, Aladdin pun intended). With that being said, I find myself booking at least one meal every trip at Kona Café. This well-kept secret inside Disney’s Polynesian resort is, in my opinion, one of your “Disney Must-Do’s” (you know, that little park infomercial that is on a constant loop in your hotel room?). AtmosphereKona Café is on the second floor of the lobby in Disney’s Polynesian resort. And upon entering, you find yourself quickly transported to a tropical oasis. The foliage from the lobby is ever-present and really leads you to believe you are no longer in central Florida.There is hardly a “waiting area” specifically designed for Kona; rather, it shares a waiting space with ’Ohana. While Kona often gets busy, you can sometimes dine there without the expense of an advance dining reservation. In fact, we were there celebrating a special occasion (I will elaborate!) and we were told by the manager that they keep several time slots open in order to accommodate walk-in guests. EatsLet’s get to the good stuff, the FOOD!First to the table is a loaf of bread, accompanied by a side of macadamia nut butter. The bread was light and fluffy — you know, the kind of bread where you can eat a whole loaf by yourself and not even realize it (I can neither confirm nor deny that I did this!)? But what really tops this is the butter.The butter is whipped, but has that distinct taste of the macadamia; and that stands out due to the fact they add sea salt crystals to enhance the flavor.Bread and Macadamia Nut ButterAs if the bread wasn’t enough to get us started, we order several appetizers to pass around the table. They consisted of Sticky Wings for Two, Lump Crab Cakes, and Pot Stickers.When they set the plate down that held the Sticky Wings, I remarked that they should change the name to “Sticky Wings for several.” They didn’t skimp on the portion size, and that became a theme throughout the course of the meal!The wings were HUGE and looked just as good as they tasted. I hate it when you are faced with that enigma — you know, the dish looks too pretty to eat, but your mouth is watering just looking at it!The glaze was sweet, almost like a barbeque sauce laced with brown sugar; you folks in the south know what I am talking about. But the tanginess of the mustard drizzle was an awesome compliment to the dish. I know AJ loves her wings, and who doesn’t really, so do yourself a huge favor and get these next time you visit!Sticky WingsThe lump crab cakes were sat down on the table next. And just judging by the appearance, they looked dry and flaky. I was WRONG.When you visit most restaurants, except for ones on the coast, you end up getting more bread binding than crab. This was the opposite, there was far more crab than anything in this dish.The cake did tend to fall apart, but that was due in fact to not having enough binding to hold the crab meat together. Not a bad problem to have if you ask me.Lump Crab CakeThe last appetizers to hit the table were the pot stickers. Now, let me be transparent, I am not a big pot stickers fan, but several at our table were. So I will give you their feedback: best Pot Stickers on the property.The sauce was incredible and again, there was no skimping on the filling. I tried a bite just for good measure, and yeah, still not a real big fan. But I am not a good judge, so take it from the ones that are experts — these are some GREAT Pot Stickers!!Pot StickersMain course, and there wasn’t too much surprise here for our group. All but one of us ordered the Teriyaki-style New York Strip; it’s why we go to Kona. However, one of us ventured out and ordered the Tuna Oscar (it wasn’t me).Listen people, believe it or not, Kona has moved into the domain of one of the best steaks in all of Disney. I know everyone wants to debate about Le Cellier or Yachtsman’s, and not to take anything away from them, but Kona is usually over-looked and under-valued as it pertains to steaks.Always cooked to perfection, the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze and the pineapple offset the saltiness of the steak. The broccolini adds to the savoryness of the dish. The problem a lot of places run into with stir-fried broccolini is that they tend to over/under cook it. It either comes out cold and crunchy, or warm and soft. Not the case here, fresh, crisp and seasoned well! The potatoes were great as well. But for me, the winners are always the steak and broccolini on this dish!Teriyaki Style New York Strip SteakThe Tuna Oscar was an interesting dish. It looked awesome, and according to its diner tasted great. Everything was served hot and fresh. The crab that topped the Tuna was a pleasant surprise — jumbo lump meat and full of flavor.The tuna itself is prepared rare, and if you like tuna, it doesn’t disappoint. This isn’t your standard can of “Chicken of the Sea;” this is a seared Tuna steak, cooked to perfection. And the southern delicacy that is fried green tomatoes provided that crunch to the dish that the seared tuna lacked.Tuna Oscar Celebration TimeSo, onto the special occasion I mentioned earlier! You see, my wife and I are expecting our first child this year. Our family who dined with us was under the impression we didn’t know the sex of our baby. Well, that wasn’t entirely the truth.In fact, we were using this night to tell them our great news. We had stopped by Kona Café earlier in the week by ourselves and asked to speak to a manager. We explained to her what we were doing and wanted to put something together. This was her response, “This is awesome! Can I have your cell phone number? If we have any questions we will call you, otherwise, we will take it from here!”And that was that.So the whole meal, we were waiting for a big reveal. The waiter offered to bring us dessert menus, and instead, arriving at our table was this beautiful cupcake accompanied by smaller cupcakes for each person in our party to enjoy.Celebration CupcakeCupcakesNow, as far as taste, these weren’t your Contempo Café or Kusafiri cupcakes, but at this point it wasn’t about taste, it was about the moment. And the staff at Kona delivered.We each received pink leis to commemorate the occasion and the manager came by to offer her congratulations. We pulled her aside and thanked her for this moment and proceeded to hand her a token of our appreciation. She absolutely refused to take it, and commented that “it was payment enough to be a part of this special occasion.” OverallSo when people ask why you love Disney — this is why Disney is so great and this is why eating at Disney restaurants is just as exciting as visiting the parks. Any ordinary dining experience can turn into something extraordinary!!Have you enjoyed the Kona Cafe as a walk-in? Tell us your favorite meal at Kona Cafe!http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/06/27/guest-review-kona-cafe-dinner-at-disneys-polynesian-resort/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 I enjoy lunch at Kona...they have a coconut chicken Polynesian plate lunch that is really good. Breakfast is also very good, but my favorite dish is the tonga toast and we've recently begun just getting is downstairs for much less money. Have never had dinner there, but the steak does look tempting. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Roller ... aka Ed 351 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 The Sticky Wings and the Teriyaki Strips are well worth it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Brent... Just Brent 83 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 I used to love the steak on their old menu as well as the scallops. Both were taken off back when the DDP debuted. I may have to try this version based on the reviews. I keep wanting to love Kona again... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PureTcrazy...rita 380 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 Ed and I agree about that steak and the sticky wings! Yummy! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SCTigerCock 171 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 Hmmmm, might have to try it for dinner now. That steak does look good! :clint: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 Another ringing endorsement of the sticky wings here!And did you know that you can order them at the Tambu Lounge after 5pm and also at the Kona Sushi Bar?(shhh don't tell...) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 Are the wings similar to the ones served at Ohana? I love those wings, but after the horrendous service (and high price) of our last Ohana visit will not be dining there again for a while. Not the mention the obvious side effects.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 I think they're actually the same ones, Dave. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 I think they're actually the same ones, Dave. :heart:I have a reservation for December. I want the wings, and that steak. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tri-Circle-D 2,059 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 The next time the TCD twins want to hit the Kona sushi bar, which will be some time soon, I'm sure, I am going for the chicken wings over the BBQ eel.TCD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 We ate at Kona Sushi bar with our in-laws last year. He had the sushi... she ordered the steak. :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Family of Bears 98 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 Ya, I can vouch for that steak. So so good. I am always more of a ribeye girl, which they also have on the menu, but there is something about this steak with the pineapple that is just right. And ya, same wings as Ohana. We usually split the wings and split the steak. Between that and the bread, we are full and I think that is some of the best value for the most food you can get for dinner anywhere at Disney. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 Ya, I can vouch for that steak. So so good. I am always more of a ribeye girl, which they also have on the menu, but there is something about this steak with the pineapple that is just right. And ya, same wings as Ohana. We usually split the wings and split the steak. Between that and the bread, we are full and I think that is some of the best value for the most food you can get for dinner anywhere at Disney.That's a really good idea. Do they give you any problem splitting, or does one of you order the wings as your dinner? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Roller ... aka Ed 351 Posted June 29, 2012 Report Share Posted June 29, 2012 We've never had problems splitting meals with OldeKoot. A lot of times they will bring it already divided on two plates ... not just here - at any Disney Restaurant. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted June 30, 2012 Report Share Posted June 30, 2012 I have NEVER had any trouble having meals split at Disney at ANY restaurant. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Family of Bears 98 Posted July 8, 2012 Report Share Posted July 8, 2012 That's a really good idea. Do they give you any problem splitting, or does one of you order the wings as your dinner?Sorry, just saw this. No, never a problem splitting...in fact, they put the wings on separate plates for us when we did the sushi bar (Rick ended up eating both plates anyways) :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shoreline99 137 Posted December 7, 2016 Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 Anyone eat dinner here recently and care to comment? Just booked a reservation for our February trip. We've never eaten there before, but the menu looks good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
h2odivers...Ray 952 Posted December 7, 2016 Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 20 minutes ago, shoreline99 said: Anyone eat dinner here recently and care to comment? Just booked a reservation for our February trip. We've never eaten there before, but the menu looks good. We enjoy Kona. Food was good and so was the service. And it's at the poly. I don't think you'll be disappointed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted December 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 2 hours ago, shoreline99 said: Anyone eat dinner here recently and care to comment? Just booked a reservation for our February trip. We've never eaten there before, but the menu looks good. A whole bunch of times in October when we stayed at the Poly LOL It's also our traditional first night meal each year for a while now, and we usually hit it at least a couple of times each trip. We mostly go for the sushi, but lots of other good things as well. My new favorite from this past trip is the noodle bowl - super yummy! Highly recommend the wings and if you're in the mood for a salad they have a great one as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799 Posted December 7, 2016 Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 I love the noodle bowl! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dvccamper 32 Posted December 7, 2016 Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 Ate there in October and it was very good. In fact, last night I made their sweet bread and the macadamia nut butter...delicious! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Travisma 1,317 Posted December 7, 2016 Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 34 minutes ago, dvccamper said: Ate there in October and it was very good. In fact, last night I made their sweet bread and the macadamia nut butter...delicious! Last night I had a Hawaiian Roll with peanut butter, does that count? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted December 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2016 Ate there in October and it was very good. In fact, last night I made their sweet bread and the macadamia nut butter...delicious! I know someone that goes there specifically for the bread! She may or may not have stuffed half a loaf in her purse once too... (and no it was not me LOL) Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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