Foodie Friday: Akershus Royal Banquet

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is located in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot. This is a princess dining experience in a medieval themed building. When we first arrived and checked in we were given a pager. The wait time was longer than it should have been for someone that had reservations. We waited about 30 minutes after our reservation time. As you enter the building, you are take into a room with one of the princesses. The princess varies from day to day. A family photo is made, which is included with your meal, then you are seated. After we ordered our drinks the waitress pointed us to the appetizer buffet. The buffet consists of salads, cold meats and cheeses. We placed our orders and waited as the princesses made their way around the room. Each princess visits the table and takes time with guests for photos and autographs. We loved all of them, but Arial really made our night with her laughter and humor. There was also a princess parade where children are invited to "train" around the room with the princesses. Our food arrived quickly and looked delicious. I had the seered herb-dusted beef tips with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was so good. The gravy on top was great too.

Paul chose the oven roasted chicken breast with Farro vegetable risotto and Gjetso cheese sauce. He had never had risotto before and really liked it. The whole dish was delicious. Clay and Zachary both had the grilled pork tenderloin with rutabaga mashed potatoes, Haricots Verts and a caramelized onion sauce. Clay loved it all. Zachary ate only the tenderloin and the sauce.

Erin had the kids grilled chicken with roasted potatoes and vegetables. Finally it was time for dessert. We were served two identical plates containing sweet and savory chocolate mousse, traditional rice cream with strawberry sauce and flaky puff pastry filled with marscapone mousse and fresh berries. I liked the puff pastry and the mousse. The kids LOVED the rice cream! To this day they are still asking me to find them a recipe.

This was a great dining experience. We all had fun and enjoyed the food. Akershus is on the Disney Dining Plan, accepts dining reservations and uses only one table service credit.