I’ll admit that I don’t have the best memory. I  don’t remember a lot of details about birthday parties or special events. But great food sticks in my mind, and I can remember the taste of some of my favorite foods years later. When I cruised on the Disney Fantasy in April, I could not wait to return to Palo, a Northern Italian inspired adult-only restaurant, to once again eat the rack of lamb that I had been dreaming about for a year.

Both Palo and Remy, Disney’s signature adult-only restaurants on the Fantasy and Dream, are situated on Deck 12 with Meridian, a gorgeous lounge in between the two venues. (On the Magic and Wonder, Palo is located on Deck 10.) Dinner is by reservation only and requires a $30 per person fee.

DIStracted Tip: You don’t need a reservation to enjoy a drink at Meridian. Be sure to stop by one evening for one of their signature cocktails including the Balsamic Grande Martini made with muddled strawberries and aged balsamic vinegar.

My return to Palo did not disappoint. My husband and I were escorted to a table by the window overlooking the sea and welcomed by our server. The hush of the dining room was a welcome change from the fun hustle and bustle of our usual family dinners. Our server visited with the antipasti cart from which we were served a plate of aged Parmesano Reggiano, various cured meats, and colorful marinated olives and vegetables drizzled with your choice of infused olive oils and aged balsamic vinegar. Bread sticks and warm flat bread accompanied the antipasti which we paired with a refreshing sparkling bellini.

Palo’s menu has something for every taste and palate. Although there is a service fee and charges for adult beverages, you may order freely from all of the courses on the menu. I began with the Mozzarella and Plum Tomato appetizer which included house made mozzarella, juicy flavorful tomatoes, fresh basil and more balsamic vinegar (Can you tell I’m a fan of aged balsamic?) My husband’s grilled shrimp appetizer was spectacular. The shrimp was huge yet perfectly cooked.

Next, I swooned over the Risotto di Mare, a saffron risotto chock full of seafood including shrimp, mussels and clams, while my husband relished the Penne Arrabbiata which was topped by a spicy tomato sauce and more of that amazing grilled shrimp. After such a great start to our meal, we paused for an intermezzo, a refreshing sorbet.

When it came time for our entrée, there was no doubt I would order the Rack of Lamb that I had dreamt about for the past year. It lived up to my memories with a flavorful oregano parmesan crust and the most tender flavorful lamb that I ate down to the bone. My husband chose the Osso Bucco, the most tender veal shank served with a tiny spoon to scoop out the precious flavor-rich marrow at the center of the bone.

The most memorable rack of lamb…

Palo’s delicious offerings continue through dessert. My husband and I both chose the signature chocolate soufflé, made to order and served tableside with vanilla bean and chocolate sauce. We could drink each of those warm sauces plain but poured over the soufflé, the dessert becomes magical!

Adding the magic to the chocolate soufflé

One of the many things I love about Disney Cruise Line is the opportunity to disconnect from the day-to-day world and reconnect with my husband and children. Dinner is always a special time with my family to catch up on the day’s happenings, indulge in fabulous food and relax as we are spoiled by Disney’s fantastic service. But once each cruise, we forgo the rotational dining experience for an unforgettable date-night. I’ll be dreaming about this meal until next time at Palo!