A Dining Experience: The Wave… of American Flavors

Disney’s Contemporary Resort houses one of the newest restaurants to come to Disney World. The Wave, which opened in 2008, puts an emphasis on being health concious along with using local and regional produce. The restaurant is a first of its kind for Walt Disney World. More and more people every day have a stronger desire to know where the food they are putting in their bodies is coming from. While being health concious and eco-friendly isn’t exactly a new idea, it’s very innovative for a resort to expand its dining options to appeal to those that are looking for more than a burger and crinkle fries.

While visiting Disney World recently with my mom to celebrate my 24th birthday, I made a last minute reservation at The Wave for lunch. It was my very first time stepping foot in the Contemporary Resort, and I was quite impressed. I felt like a very small person in a very large hotel as I was wandering around. It took me a little while to figure out where exactly The Wave is. I think that was due to the fact that I like to walk all around places I’ve never been, get lost, and look like an idiot trying to find my way back. Just seems to be something I’m really good at.

Believe it or not, I did eventually find The Wave, and it was actually right next to the main lobby area where the check-in desk is. I think that the location is a little strange, but at least it gives the restaurant a little instant exposure. The entrance to the restaurant sure would pique anyones curiosity. It looks like you’re walking right into a super hip New York City nightclub. That vibe continues when you check out the waiting area that is to the right of the reservation check-in counter at The Wave. It reminds me of an exclusive VIP section that you’re “allowed” to go into. However, I didn’t get to be VIP that day since my mom and I were seated right away.

The restaurant, while beautiful, is much more subdued than the entrance and waiting area. One room with large wooden tables and fun chairs with a “wavy” design. It feels like a relaxed upscale restaurant but nothing like its neighboring restaurant, California Grill.

Our waitress was very… eccentric. She was so nice and happy that it scared me a little. I shouldn’t really complain, though, because having a creepily sweet waitress is far better than one who is inattentive and could not care less about you. She grabbed us a few waters while we decided on our drinks. Mom got a Coke while I decided on giving the beer flight a chance. In keeping with the local theme, The Wave has beer from Orlando Brewing Company. Of course, it’s all certified organic. The flight comes with a Blonde Ale, Brown Ale, and Pale Ale. The pours are very generous compared to most flights in and out of Disney World. The Blonde Ale was just how it should be… light, crisp, slightly sweet, and not too hoppy. It was balanced pretty well and fine to drink, but I wasn’t jumping up and down. The Pale Ale was actually the stand out beer, which surprised me since I thought I’d prefer the Brown Ale more. However, the Pale Ale was simply wonderful. The hops were noticeable without overpowering. The final beer I tried in the flight was the Brown Ale. I’m usually all about Brown Ales, but this one was just a little too watery for me to jump up and down about it. It wasn’t horrible, just not great. The beer flight is definitely a good deal quantity wise, but if you already know what you like from Orlando Brewing Company then I suggest ordering a pint of your favorite.

My love for ahi tuna was actually a large reason I chose The Wave for lunch because I just had to try the Mediterranean Tuna Salad. The tuna is herb-crusted, seared, and served with fresh greens, potatoes, green beans, roasted red peppers, and thin toast with an olive tapenade. The salad and vegetables were so light and fresh! The tuna itself was really high quality but lacking flavor. I think next time I’m going to ask for extra crack… a.k.a, the olive toast. I have a serious thing for olives, and this was my first time having them made into a spread and put on crispy toast. It will not be my last.

My mom’s entree choice, the Classic Rueben Sandwich, was highly recommended by our waitress. Mama did not regret this decision. She said it was the best reuben she’s ever had. The amount of meat was very generous, and it wasn’t soggy at all from the dressing. The potato wedges had a nice texture and actually seemed healthier and less greasy than average wedged potatoes.

Our waitress knew I was celebrating my birthday and offered me dessert on the house. She didn’t bring me out a vanilla cupcake. She brought me the dessert menu and told me to choose anything. After much contemplation, I picked the Creamy Indulgence trio. I got to try Vanilla Cheesecake with Florida Strawberries, White Chocolate Creme Brulee with Raspberry Macaroon, and Olive-Oil Infused Chocolate Truffle Mousse with Salted Caramel Sauce. It’s so incredibly hard for me to tell you my favorite of these three. They all were so different but so delicious.

My visit to The Wave was really special, and I’m so happy that I got to finally experience it. I’ll certainly be back again.

Have any of you visited The Wave before? If you haven’t, is it something you’d be interested in trying out? Let us know in the comment section!