DaveInTN 3,247 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 First....some background: Chef TJ has worked at WDW for 20 years or so, starting at Boma, then spending time at 'Ohana and 1900 Park Fare. During those years, he developed a large fan base, bordering on cult-like status, among Disney foodies, particularly those with allergies or Vegetarians/Vegans. Vegetarians and Vegans would flock to his restaurants hoping to get the "Chef TJ Experience".....a multi-course dinner that would stray off-menu but delight the diner with beautifully presented vegan-friendly dishes. During the summer of 2014, Chef TJ was moved from 1900 Park Fare to Trails End, where he is responsible for the kitchen serving both the Trails End restaurant and the Hoop de Doo Revue at Pioneer Hall. (I'm not sure whether he also is responsible for Mickey's Backyard BBQ, but my guess is that he is). On New Years Eve during our recent stay at Fort Wilderness, we attended the HDDR with our 5 girls. As my wife and I are both Plant-Based eaters (similar to Vegan), we put a note on our reservation requesting a Vegan meal. Shortly after being seated, the Chef came out to talk to us, and lo and behold....it was Chef TJ! He was extremely friendly and accomodating, and explained what he could provide to us that evening. He did say that he was fairly limited as to what he could do during the dinner show....which we fully expected and understood....but that we should come see him next door some evening. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at the HDDR (a nice platter of grilled veggies and a pasta primavera dish, along with a vegan strawberry shortcake), but we decided that we would have dinner the next night at Trails End to enjoy more of Chef TJ's cooking. Hoop De Doo Grilled Veggies: Hoop De Doo Pasta Hoop De Doo Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Ok....on to the main "Chef TJ Experience"!We decided to make our dinner at Trails End a "date night"....sending the kids off to the Contempo Cafe for some of their favorites. We arrived around 6:15pm, and before too long, Chef TJ came out to greet us. He remembered us from the Hoop De Doo, and promised us a treat. He explained what on the regular buffet was vegan-friendly (basically just the salad with balsamic and the green beans) and invited us to try those items while he worked on our first course. Trails End Salad and Green Beans While we were enjoying our salad, our server refreshed our beverages and told us we had the best Chef in the house, and that TJ was forcing everyone at Trails End to up their game. I imagine that's why Disney put him there. Before too long, Chef TJ returned with our first course.....Vegan Spring Rolls! These were absolutely delicious! They had a sweet and tangy sauce on them, and were not too greasy. In our non-Disney lives, we don't eat fried foods so I was happy that these weren't oily....they were crisp and fresh tasting. After we finished the spring rolls, we were both starting to get full, but Chef TJ was just getting warmed up! He next brought out two plates containing a toasted bun with roasted vegetables and some vegan cheese (again something we don't eat at home because we don't eat processed foods.....but hey, we're on vacation!). These were accompanied by soups....one bowl of Corn Chowder, and one of Butternut Squash soup. He said we could fight over them. They were both excellent, but we both preferred the Corn Chowder. Trails End Roasted Vegetable Sandwich with Corn Chowder Trails End Roasted Vegetable Sandwich with Butternut Squash Soup Ok, at this point, we were both getting quite full. And he had mentioned that he would be preparing a special dessert for us, which we thought he'd be bringing out next. But nope....there was another course! Next was a beautiful platter of grilled vegetables, Asian noodles and BBQ fried tofu. While this was delicious, we could barely eat any of it. Chef TJ seemed concerned that we didn't like it, but we told him it was great and would make an excellent lunch for us tomorrow. He was happy to hear that and brought a box for us....and told us it would probably be even better the next day (which it was). Finally, it was nearing the end. We knew he'd bring out some dessert, but I wasn't expecting what came next. (2 of these, in fact!) That beautiful tower of deliciousness is a skewer of bananas, strawberries and Tofutti ice cream sandwiches, stuck into an apple on the bottom, and then drizzled with chocolate syrup tableside by Chef TJ. And holy moly, it was good! Full as I was, I finished mine. We were stuffed and completely taken aback at the dining experience we had just had right at Trails End. Unbelievably, this meal was enjoyed a mere 2 minute walk from our RV in the 100 loop! Although we did take the long way back, hoping to walk off some of this food. But before doing that, we took the opportunity to snap a picture with our new favorite Disney Chef. So there you have it....my unexpected Trails End 5 course dinner for 2! All for the price of the regular Trails End buffet. I hope Chef TJ stays at Trails End long enough for us to get back there. Avatab.... Steve, PureTcrazy...rita and BradyBzLyn...Mo 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Ok I totally get the Chef TJ cult following now! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mouseketab.....Carol 1,261 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 WOW!!!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ependydad...Doug 176 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 That all looked amazing! Very cool. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
alexwyattmommy 181 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 I would give up bacon if someone would cook like that for me everyday. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
keith_h 420 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 While I don't plan on giving up meat I do seek out high quality vegetarian restaurants to keep up variety when we dine out or are traveling. From what I've seen here if Disney were to open one with Chef TJ running it I think it would be very successful. I would surely make a reservation for what that's worth as I would much rather have what you did than a buffet. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
momof3kids-Yvonne 596 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Amazing! This so needs to be shared on the Fort Fiend Facebook page. BradyBzLyn...Mo 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Memphis 105 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Wow what a deal. I hope he gets the chance and budget to "plus" the regular buffet. You should have talked to him about returning the steak fries to the GAG. lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 ... if Disney were to open one with Chef TJ running it I think it would be very successful. Agreed! Amazing! This so needs to be shared on the Fort Fiend Facebook page. Good idea - will do. :) You should have talked to him about returning the steak fries to the GAG. lol Dave was clearly bleary-eyed from all the deliciousness and let this slip. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted January 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Wow what a deal. I hope he gets the chance and budget to "plus" the regular buffet. You should have talked to him about returning the steak fries to the GAG. lol My kids got a GAG on the night that INC and I went to California Grill, and while the steak fries haven't returned, they say the fries now are better than ever. INC, Anna and I had lunch at Trails End one day and we got a basket of fries for Anna....I tried some and have to say they were darn good. I still prefer steak fries (and had some at the Plaza), but the new Trails End fries are much improved! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Good to know!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie 119 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Oh my word that all looks so good. I will be interesting to see what his influence will be at the Fort. Looks like he is off to an amazing start. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie 119 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Oh my word that all looks so good. I will be interesting to see what his influence will be at the Fort. Looks like he is off to an amazing start. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 What is the item at center left that looks suspiciously like a grilled steak? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted January 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 What is the item at center left that looks suspiciously like a grilled steak? A portobello mushroom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Roller ... aka Ed 351 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 What is the item at center left that looks suspiciously like a grilled steak?I'm guessing it's a grilled Portobello Mushroom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wendinator 109 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 My sister got a gluten-free meal from him in October and was thrilled to bits. I had no idea he was this famous though! Can't wait to tell her and ask her if she minds me posting the little video I shot of them when he delivered dessert. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 A portobello mushroom. I'm guessing it's a grilled Portobello Mushroom. Still looks like a steak to me! I don't know when this guy took over, but breakfast at TE was definitely not as good on this last trip. They used to have wonderful Frittata, but on this trip it was so bad! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted January 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Still looks like a steak to me! I don't know when this guy took over, but breakfast at TE was definitely not as good on this last trip. They used to have wonderful Frittata, but on this trip it was so bad! He works Sunday-Thursday from 2:30 pm until close....not sure if he's responsible overall for the kitchen including breakfast, but he definitely doesn't work during those hours. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 He works Sunday-Thursday from 2:30 pm until close....not sure if he's responsible overall for the kitchen including breakfast, but he definitely doesn't work during those hours. So someone else is responsible for the lousy Frittata! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Millermouseketeers MaryAnn 150 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Very nice! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
McMonsters..........Kelly 48 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 As a vegan with a kid who has severe food allergies I am looking forward to our Trails End dinner for Kellens birthday. Im in a Veg disney group and Allergy Disney group and both are all about Chef TJ! This will be our first experiece with him if we are lucky, fingers crossed we get him! Apparently, reservations at 4:30-4:45 increase your likelyhood of TJ having time to prepare his masterpiece for you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 So a little birdie told me that Chef TJ (real name Tjetjep) is one of 4 sous chefs working at the Fort that all report to head Chef Ernie. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799 Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 Was he there in July? He looks familiar. I wonder if he's the same one who made Elena's gluten free flatbread. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted January 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 So a little birdie told me that Chef TJ (real name Tjetjep) is one of 4 sous chefs working at the Fort that all report to head Chef Ernie. That makes sense. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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