On our most recent Disney Cruise Line (DCL) cruise on the Disney Fantasy, we were traveling with two other families that we have cruised with before. We decided to link our reservations so that we could dine together as well as make Palo and Remy reservations. Our group decided to try the relatively new Les Petites Assiettes De Remy. Les Petites is offered only on the first night of cruises on the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, during the “early evening hours.” For $50 per person, guests sample small plates of Remy’s gourmet cuisine and fine wine.
Reservations for this experience cannot be booked in advance and must be done upon embarkation at the Palo and Remy check-in desk. What we found interesting was that the experience was not mentioned in the Navigator (DCL’s daily “newspaper”). One of the people in our party went to the check-in desk to inquire about signing up for this. The staff was unsure whether it was going to be offered. They would check with the chefs and let us know. So a name and stateroom number was left, indicating that there were six of us interested if it was to be offered.
Our group went to the meet and greet we had arranged for our Facebook group as well as other onboard activities already in full gear! A while later, we had heard that they would indeed be offering Les Petites at 5:30pm in Remy. Little did we know that our group would be getting an experience for just the six of us! Yes, we did truly feel like VIPs!
DIStracted Tip: Never be afraid to ask questions! If we hadn’t inquired about the unpublicized Les Petites, we wouldn’t have had this dining experience!
We were told that the attire for this dining experience would be similar to brunch. For the women, a dress or pant suit (no jeans, capris, flip-flops). No jackets were needed for the men in the group (pants and collared shirt), as required for dinner at Remy. We checked in and were immediately greeted by David, Remy’s maitre d’. He welcomed us and led us into Remy’s wine room. Our experience would start here and weave throughout the restaurant as the tasting progressed. We were offered our first wine, Tattinger Prestige Rose Brut. While we enjoyed this flute of champagne, David gave us information about the tasting, our chefs (one French, one American) and background about the restaurant. Jerome, Remy’s sommelier, also gave us information about Remy’s extensive wine offerings, pointing out a row of Lassiter wines (yes, John Lassiter of Pixar fame), autographed by the man himself.
To “cleanse our palate”, we had our first food tasting, Foie Gras Emulsion, Macadamia Nut, Salted Caramel offered in a martini glass. Its consistency was similar to a mousse and was very light. As we finished this tasting, we were led into Remy’s main dining room to a table near the windows. The view, of course, was amazing! We never sat for this tasting. Separate tables were set up for each step and ready for us along the way.
Our next tasting was Saint-Jacques de Plongee, a superbly prepared scallop that was a quick favorite of mine. Along with it, Jerome poured a glass of Puligny Montrachet, Louis Latour 2013. Although the food was “tasting-sized”, the wine pairings were not. They may not have been a full glass, but they were close! Although our group is primarily a “red wine group”, this wine was quite enjoyable.
Our tasting continued with Quail with Cardamom and Celery Root. Jerome noticed that we enjoyed the Puligny Montrachet and added an additional white wine to our tasting. It was the same wine, but a 2011 so we could compare it to the 2013 that we had just tasted.
Then we went on to sample Black Bass, Lentil and Carrots. This tasting did not have a wine pairing with it. This was the only sampling that lacked for me. It was enjoyable, just not a favorite. Each of the other tastings I could envision ordering as a dinner entree.
The Kobe Style Beef with Sauce Bordelaise was served with Chateau Gloria 2008. As we were partaking, David brought out a box to show us: three large fresh truffles, stored in rice. He used white gloves in order to pick one up. I was amazed at how large they were. Jerome also showed us part of Remy’s wine list. The presentation was amazing. This wine list included a very rare wine: 1947 Chateau Cheval Blanc costing $25,000! They have one bottle onboard and yes, you can see the bottle displayed at Remy. We were told that this wine bottle also makes an appearance in the animated movie, Ratatouille (when the food critic comes into the restaurant).
When it came time to have dessert, we were led into a room that I didn’t even realize existed! Towards the far end of Remy is a private room. David told us that it can seat up to 12 people. The room is a good size, but just like the rest of Remy, tables are set far enough apart that you never feel crowded. David gave us details about the room as dessert was brought out – Peruvian Chocolat which included a light mousse with 24k flakes on top! Along with it, Jerome served Banyuls 2011, a dessert red wine. We were also given printed menus, in a Remy folder, along with a box of Remy gourmet chocolates for each of us to enjoy later in the cruise. We all joked that we were going to hide the boxes from our children!
The entire experience was amazing and I highly recommend it. Is it worth the $50 per person up charge? Absolutely! We also gave a well-deserved generous tip. This will be something that the six of us will remember forever.
Have you dined in Remy or Palo? What did you think?
Note: Special thanks to Cher for allowing me to use some of her pictures and to both Cher and Carolyn for helping me recall some of the details for this article.
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