We love The Wave… of American Flavors. It’s a table service restaurant on the first floor of the Contemporary Resort that specializes in locally-sourced and seasonal foods. Known simply as ‘The Wave’, we’ve long been fans of their breakfast buffet which features Tillamook Cheddar Cheese grits and their famous sweet potato pancakes. While we often visit The Wave, it’s not quite often we review the restaurant. A group of us stopped by for lunch last week to change this.
Seasonal Soup – with Chef’s Accompaniment – $9.50
This was Italian Sausage soup. We made a joke before trying this that it looked like Chef Boyardee… and then we tried it. It’s like a gourmet version of the famous canned food. The Wave makes tasty soups and changes them quite often, so there’s no guarantee this will be there when you visit, but it’s always worth asking your server what the soup is. You won’t be disappointed.
Spice-crusted Ahi Tuna – Edamame Hummus, Mango Salsa, and Chili Oil – $11.00
Steamed Bao Bun – Slow-roasted Pork Belly and spicy Asian Slaw – $10.00
They’re not kidding, this one packs a flavorful yet spicy punch. You get two buns that are packed to the gills with pork and slaw. The pork is slow-roasted and ever so tender and tasty, the slaw adding a nice crunch and finish to each bite. Two of these and the soup and you’ll be set for lunch.
Signature Burger – Signature Blend of Beef, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Cheddar, Red Onion, House-made Pickles, Lettuce, and Tomato on a Brioche Bun – $19.00
Sustainable Fish of the Day (Market Price) – Quinoa Tabbouleh, Lime Vinaigrette, Pomegranate Molasses, Toy Box Tomatoes – $26.00
The fish today was grouper, and it’s a relatively small cut especially for the price associated. Disney has been doing away with the ‘market price’ on menus for the last few years, it’s interesting to see The Wave return to an option like this. We were displeased to learn these toy box tomatoes are, in fact, NOT from Toy Story Land. Missed synergy if you ask me. Anyway the grouper was well cooked, albeit a small portion, but what the dish lacked in fish it made up for in an endless pile of quinoa. Everything was quite good together, it’s just hard swallowing a $26 price tag for a lunch entree.
Chicken Sandwich – Herb-marinated Chicken, Avocado, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Lemon Aïoli, Lettuce, and Tomato on a Brioche Bun – $14.00
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We ate there last February and were disappointed with the food and decor. Maybe it’s time to re-visit.
I often enjoy popping into The Wave.
The restaurant itself has an atmosphere that’s kind of bland.
But the bar has a very, very cool vibe.