After Morimotofest we were plastered. We had to go back to the room and rest. Cap'n Mark and family, as well as more of Mike's family were supposed to join us at the resort for dinner where I intended to cook. I literally was in no shape to cook. Mike's cousin was going to bring Filipino food, and I already had some snacks. Vina had made brownies. I figured we would all have to be good as far as food. Plus, I know that if a Filipino person tells you she is bringing food, lots of food will be brought.
As a side note, I was very disappointed by the grills at Old Key West. Our building was about a block from the closest picnic/grill area. When we got there, the area was small. The grills were ancient charcoal grills like at a public park. They were rusty and dirty. No way I would grill on those.
Ditas brought food from Kabayan Grill, a local Filipino restaurant. As expected, she brought so much food. There was Pancit bihon, a Filipino rice noodle dish with pork, chicken, shrimp, cabbage, carrots and other veggies; BBQ pork on a stick; and bangus, whole milkfish cut in half lengthwise, including head, and deep fried without breading served with vinegar garlic sauce. We also had some sausage and peppers I had brought from Chicago and quickly cooked, fresh tomatoes with mozzarella and balsamic vinegar and some roasted veggies.
We had so much food! Everything was ok, and I appreciate that she covered for my drunken state. I will say that I would not suggest that anyone looking for Filipino food go here. Maybe I am biased because not only do we have excellent Filipino delis in Chicago, but I cook these dishes at home all the time. This was nowhere near as good as anywhere else I have had these dishes. Vina wholeheartedly agreed. Joaquin came back to Orlando Monday night and ate the leftovers. He felt the same way. There has to be better Filipino food out there. Nonetheless, I appreciate the gesture wholeheartedly, and none went home hungry.
Mike's other cousin brought an orange pineapple cake that was to die for.
We did have some really good wine. At Epcot, I picked up a bottle of my Monkey wine in the Germany pavilion. I picked up a pinot noir and a rose. People don't normally think of pinot noir when they hear Germany. This wine comes from a valley in Germany near the Black Forest. Of the two bottles, I like the pinot based rose better than the pinot noir itself. It has a light and refreshing feel to it. The flavor is just slightly sweet on the finish, with flavors of strawberry and cherry. When looking for a cool bottle in the Germany pavilion pick up Valley of the Monkey. Plus, the monkeys engraved on the bottles are just so pretty. They are actually engraved!
The next bottle was Chinon Rose. This is much more dry than my favorite monkey. Also very refreshing. Tart strawberry here.
Finally, a sweet red wine for Mrs. Cap'n. She really only enjoys sweet wine. I wanted her to try something other than the typical Moscato or the Rosa Regale I have brought her before. I conferred with the owner of my local wine bar, and he suggested Dornfelder. He told me that it should be served slightly chilled. He also told me that even people who don't like sweet wine like this. Sign me up! This bottle was FABULOUS!!
This was my first time trying the eponymous varietal, supposedly very popular in Germany. This was very smooth and sweet. There was no cloying sweetness, just the taste of sweet red grapes and fruit. At our table, even the dry lovers appreciated the flavor. I could just stick a straw in this and slurped away. Since Mrs. Cap'n had the only full glass, it was for her anyway, the rest of us were just left wanting more. I am already buying this for Thanksgiving. Another fantastic German wine.
We had a wonderful time with friends and family. We even met a new cousin from Tampa. I thank God that I married into such a warm and welcoming family, who actually follows along with my shenanigans. Here we are. Please excuse the drunken Rudolph red nose LOL.