Guest Author Paul Kuconis returns with a review of another great dish — the Confit Natural Bacon Appetizer at Artist Point restaurant! Take it away, Paul…
A categorical hidden gem at Walt Disney World is the resort hotel restaurants. Any of us who have traveled on business have always, where possible, shied away from ‘eating in the hotel.’ Expensive and low quality, but convenient, and that’s about it!
Although that is changing in the ‘outside the World’ world, it is the total opposite ‘within the World’, especially evident in the Deluxe Resort Hotel group.
Take for instance Artist Point, nicely tucked away in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Atmosphere
Nothing beats the view of the Lodge as you cruise up the driveway!
Approach to Wilderness Lodge-Impressive!
The only thing that outdoes the exterior view is the lobby. Seven floors of open concept with timber pillars and totem poles present the ‘Wow’ factor. Every time I arrive and hit the lobby I still say ‘Wow”. It just can’t be beat!
You Can’t Beat the View in the Lobby!
Sometimes the activity in the lobby can dissuade folks from eating in one of Disney’s lobby-situated restaurants; and if you are one of those folks you are missing out.
Although reasonably close to Whispering Canyon Cafe, Artist Point is surprisingly quiet and restful.
Artist Point Entrance.
The walkway to the hostess station and seating area takes you away from the hustle and bustle of activity.
The First Real View into Artist Point.
The Heavy Timber Theme Is Continued Throughout the Seating Area.
Our Table With A View
OK. Enough of the Atmosphere stuff! Let’s get to the‘meat’ of the matter!
The Menu!
Confit Natural Bacon Appetizer
The Chef maintains several signature dishes on the menu and keeps things interesting by adding new items such as the Confit Natural Bacon appetizer.
Confit Natural Bacon!
This was a definite ‘must try’! Let me warn you; this is not your father’s bacon! As soon as Sean, our server, described the dish to include pork belly I was all in!
Pork belly? What is that? Simply put, it is a boneless cut of fatty meat from the belly of the pig and is the protein of choice for bacon. As a menu item, pork belly is just an upscale version of bacon, plated and presented differently. And that is a good thing!
Confit? What is that? Confit is derived from an ancient method of preserving meat (usually goose, duck, or pork) whereby it is salted and slowly cooked in its own fat. The cooked meat is then packed into a crock or pot and covered with its cooking fat, which acts as a seal and preservative.
Chef leaves the bacon in the confit for two days, enough time to impart nice flavors.
Confit Natural Bacon Appetizer.
The quail egg was perfectly cooked and was proportional to the bacon; and the Blood Orange Glaze had a hint of heat from habanero peppers — a nice complement to cut the fattiness of the bacon.
The bacon had a nice, crispy outside and a moist and tender center. The chow mein noodle bed included scallions, carrots, and red cabbage; a nice combination.
It all worked so well together. Too bad it is not offered as an entrée.
Inside the bacon.
A must-try restaurant — Artist Point, and a must-try appetizer — Confit Natural Bacon. You will not be disappointed!
What’s your favorite appetizer or dish at Artist Point? Have you dined at this Wilderness Lodge restaurant recently? Let us know in the comments below!
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Oh, Bacon. How do we love thee? Let us count the ways..
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This appetizer seems to be a very modern and advanced dish in both preparation and presentation. It’s a plate I would expect in a four star restaurant. Let’s hope it is a sign of things to come all over WDW.
Had for the second time last week…best appetizer on property.
That appetizer looks fantastic, wow! Artist Point is the one Signature I have not tried. It’s on the schedule for next time.
Pork Belly = happy human belly 🙂
I have been a long-time fan of Artist’s Point! Does anyone know if this appetizer is available at the Territory Lounge next door?
Wilderness Lodge is my home resort – thanks for all the pictures of the “atmosphere” – it really makes me feel like I’m walking through the lobby and hearing “Welcome home!”
One of my husbands favorite restaurants and definitely his favorite resort. Hope we can get back there while this is still on the menu! Thanks for the post!
I was at Artist Point on 10/21 and I got this appetizer. While I enjoyed this and the cheese plate, the rest of the meal was disappointing. It was the worst meal of our trip, which is disappointing because it was for our anniversary. Sadly, I won’t be returning. Not only was the rest of the food flavorless (we got a trio of buffalo, venison and a boar sausage) but they were having issues all night. Luckily we only waited about a half an hour after our reservation, but other families there waited 2 hours after their own reservation time. It was just disappointing all around.
This WAS our favorite restaurant since it’s opening. On the last visit the food was bland and uninspired. One guest in our party could not get a cappuccino because the machine had been broken for over six months. Our waiter was very rude also. Chef Al needs to return!!
Carolyn — Thanks so much for letting us know about your experience! Here’s hoping that things turn around the next time you visit.