Dining

By Gloria Konsler

The next time you visit Disney World and want some great food served in a casual atmosphere, head over to Spoodles on the Boardwalk. Tapas, small appetizer portions of different dishes meant to be shared, was the original focus of this restaurant, but over the years, the items have changed to appetizers (still called tapas) and main course entrees.

On a recent trip, thirteen of us dined at a big table in front of the open kitchen. Since the evening was the perfect temperature, all the doors that front the Boardwalk were wide open, bringing the life and fun of the Boardwalk into the restaurant. One thing to note, Spoodles is not a quiet restaurant; visit for a fun-filled evening, not a quiet, romantic dinner.

From the tapas (appetizer) menu, our group ordered the Sesame Caesar Salad ($5.99), Mediterranean dips ($4.99), Crispy Fried Calamari ($7.29), Sautéed Chili Garlic Shrimp ($7.99), Grilled Lamb Skewer ($6.99), Mussels ($6.99) and the Soup of the Day ($4.99).

Everything got high marks except the Crispy Fried Calamari with Pepperoncini Relish, which was certainly tender, but "heavy" due to the cornmeal breading. No one thought it was great. Of the four diners who had the calamari, two loved the pepperoncini relish and two disliked it. Since everything else was so good, I'd recommend a "pass" on the calamari. The Barley and Mushroom Soup of the Day was **wonderful**, very hearty and flavorful. The Sautéed Chili Garlic Shrimp was very tasty and tender, good size shrimp and the chili garlic sauce added a mild zing!

We ordered two different flatbreads, Roasted Garlic and Four Cheese ($6.99) and the Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Pesto ($6.99). Both were very good and about the size of a small pizza. The flatbread itself was very thin and very crisp. Definitely order flatbreads to share; the portion size is generous.

For entrees, our group ordered Stuffed Spanish Peppers with Roasted Vegetables ($16.99), Rigatoni Pasta with Italian Sausage and Mushrooms ($14.99), Moroccan Spiced Tuna with Roasted Red Pepper Couscous ($21.99) , Fettuccini with Prosciutto, Peas in a Parmesan Cream Sauce ($15.29) and the Oak-grilled Pork Porterhouse with Goat Cheese Polenta (19.50). I asked everyone to rate their entrees on a scale of 1 to 5 and every dish received either a 4 or a 5, very high praise for every main course ordered. Everyone felt their entree was tasty and generously portioned. The Oak-grilled Pork Porterhouse with Goat Cheese Polenta was the favorite. In fact, one diner has had it her last 4 visits!

Unfortunately, no one had room for dessert. However, if they match the quality and taste of the rest of the menu items, you can be assured they will be great.

If you're looking for a fun way to spend an evening while you're in the World, a tour of the Boardwalk and dinner at Spoodles would be great fun. After dinner you can play some midway games, get your face painted or have your hair wrapped and beaded. You can get your fortune told or rent a pedal surrey and take a ride. You can visit the ESPN Club at one end of the Boardwalk or JellyRolls or the Atlantic Dance Club at the other.

Spoodles is also a great place for a late snack or dessert and coffee after Epcot's IllumiNations has ended.

Whatever you decide to do, I guarantee a great meal at Spoodles and a lot of fun on the Boardwalk.

See the Menu!

February 2003