The Empress Lilly has been magically transformed into a sleek and modern waterfront eatery in the bustling Disney Springs area of Walt Disney World. That newly reimagined restaurant is called Paddlefish.
Here are highlights from their Grand Opening last week. Please keep in mind that this was a preview event so all of the images are tasting size portions of the dishes.
SIPS AND BITES
NOT EVERYONE’S MARGARITA
Nuestra Soledad Mezcal, El Destilador Blanco, jalapeño, Creme de Mure, house sour
PINOT GRIGIO
Zenato, Italy
LILLY SPRITZ
Mas Fi, Cocchi Rosa, seltzer
FUNKY BUDDHA
Floridian Hefeweizen
UINITA BREWING COMPANY
Baba Black Lager
CIGAR CITY
Jai Alai IPA
ADMIRAL’S PUNCH
Smith & Cross Jamaican rum and Kirk and Sweeney Dominican rum (serves 4)
CAPTAIN HANDSOME
Boyd & Blair vodka, fresh raspberries, Framboise, thyme
LITTLE BIRD
Boyd & Blair vodka, Nue ra Soledad mezcal, Ab cot du Roussillon, pineapple
AHI POKE
Sweet black soy, yuzu, avocado, radish, Asian pickle
MARKET FRESH OYSTERS
Champagne-cucumber mignonette, house made hot sauce, cocktail sauce
TABLESIDE LOBSTER GUACAMOLE
Maine lobster, tortilla planks, tajin
HAMACHI CRUDO
Blood orange, lime, chili, jicama, aji panca
SPECIALTY SEAFOOD BOIL
Served with Plant City farmer’s market corn, new potatoes and jalapeño cornbread
THE BURGER
9 ounce proprietary blend, house made pickles, red onion, pimento cheese, brioche
CRAB FRIES
Hand cut potatoes, lump blue crab, spicy Louie dressing
CRAB CAKE
Maque choux, fried green tomato, remoulade
SCALLOPS
Brown butter, cauliflower puree, crispy Brussels sprouts, bacon
LOBSTER ROLL
1 1/4 pound Maine lobster, butter, split top bun
CHARRED CARROT CAKE
Caramelized carrot puree, cream cheese mousse, shortbread cookie crumb
CHOCOLATE BOURBON PECAN TART
Candied bacon, sea salt, dulce de leche ice cream
DOUGHNUTS & COFFEE
Cinnamon sugar doughnut holes, coffee gelato, vanilla-honey tuille
Equally as important as the quality and taste of the food and beverages is the service and atmosphere. Paddlefish has nailed it in both departments. Let’s look around shall we?
ATMOSPHERE
I was thoroughly impressed with this new Walt Disney World eatery and can not wait to go back for more mini doughnuts and cocktails out on the many open spaces the ship offers.
Paddlefish
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World
1670 Buena Vista Dr.
Orlando FL 32830
(407) 934-2628
PaddlefishRestaurant.com
A huge shoutout to Paddlefish for hosting me at this dinner.
