8/15 Cat Cora’s Kouzzina Photos, Video and Review
With it’s official opening still a month away, Cat Cora’s Kouzzina quietly opened it’s doors to the public this morning. I was surprised to see the restaurant unveil it’s sign last week and start taking reservations for August 15th, well ahead of the September 17th grand opening date.
For anyone who has been to Spoodles, the restaurant will feel familiar. The short time that it took to remodel brought some changes, but there is no mistaking what restaurant Kouzzina replaced. There are differences in the decor, which I was told was meant to be very simple – Cat Cora wanted it to feel like you could be entering your own dining room. The kitchen tile is the same, but the appliances have been replaced. Tables and chairs are now darker, but the Italian bread table I’d never noticed in Spoodles stands out due to the difference in color (it’s a beautiful table!) The map in the lobby has been touched up as well. There should soon be some photos of Cat Cora in the main dining room, but otherwise the decor is set.
The biggest difference between Cat Cora’s Kouzzina and Spoodles is the menu. Breakfast has Greek twists on many favorite dishes, but dinner is where the menu really shines. From the Cinnamon Stewed Chicken to Pastitsio (greek style lasagna), there are many entrees you won’t find anywhere else on Walt Disney World property. There is even a glossary on the side of the menu which explains menu items such as “Kouzzina” (it means kitchen) and “Kalamata” (dark purple olives).
I had made a 9am breakfast reservation. The restaurant was not busy, but the Boardwalk itself was very quiet this morning. I was greeted by several Kouzzina cast members, now dressed in sedate blue shirts (unlike the yellow of Spoodles). They were very friendly and excited about the new restaurant, giving me tips on what would be good when I came back for dinner (I already have my heart set on the Cinnamon Stewed Chicken)!
My server was friendly and took my order – I chose the french toast with a side of bacon ($10.49). The french toast was wonderful! It’s made with challah bread, and french toast is something I don’t order out often because of how often it is served with the center undercooked. It was made perfectly, and came with a plenty of syrup and a huge pat of real butter. On the side, I could have ordered bacon or sausage. I chose the bacon, which was nice and crisp. There are many wonderful choices for breakfast, including a Vegetable Flatbread (scrambled eggs, roasted red peppers, spinach and feta for $11.99) and Spinach, Tomato and Feta Scrambled Eggs (served with breakfast potatoes with choice of bacon or chicken sausage for $11.99). For those who have Tables in Wonderland, Kouzzina does honor the discount as well as the Disney Dining Plan!
I was told that part of the reason for the September 17th grand opening is due to Cat Cora just recently giving birth (just a few weeks ago).. In the meantime, I think that Kouzzina a wonderful addition to the Boardwalk! Cat Cora’s Kouzzina is open for breakfast and lunch.
To see a couple of video clips I took of the restaurant, go here!
Around the lobby – I was told that the Hidden Mickey below used to be above the Spoodles kitchen:
