Flying Fish Cafe

Brilliant neon stretches above the front door, a grand introduction to Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's BoardWalk.

The sign's brilliant blue hues carry right inside the front door, where the decor conjures up thoughts of the deep sea. Giant shimmering fish scales hug the walls. Delicate lights dangle from oversized fish hooks. Sleek, golden fish arc overhead.

This stylized interior sets the stage for the cuisine of Chef Jens Dahlmann, who calls his cuisine "seasonal, creative American with European foundations." Dahlmann brings his talents to Walt Disney World Resort from the renowned Café L'Europe in Palm Beach, Fla.

Flying Fish favorites like the potato-wrapped red snapper remain on the chef's menu, but Dahlmann adds his own signature dishes like pan roasted Alaskan halibut with a fennel-red pepper compote, and a crisp salad of fennel and watermelon with red onion vinaigrette.

The cafe's stage kitchen is a high-energy dinner show for guests, with a handsome gold-tiled countertop for casual dining right in front of the oak-fired grill. A team of busy chefs turns out nightly specials like wood-fired mahi mahi with morel and chanterelle mushroom risotto and grilled baby leeks, coriander-crusted yellowfin tuna and grilled Columbia River salmon.

The menu changes frequently, with major changes each season, featuring "whatever is freshest," said Dahlmann. "The 'Chefs Thunder' on the menu is my playground for exciting specialty items," he explained, "so there is always something new when you come back."

Though fish dominates the menu, the char-crusted New York strip steak with roasted corn, Yukon Gold potatoes and sauce Foyot is a favorite, said Dahlmann. That and the banana Napoleon with crispy phyllo dough, vanilla crème brûlée and warm caramel sauce to top off the evening.

An extensive wine list offers more than 50 selections by the glass and there are suggested food and wine pairings on the menu.

Flying Fish Cafe is named for a Coney Island roller coaster, called "The Flying Turns," with cars emblazoned with "flying fish." Lighted parachutes suspended from the restaurant's ceiling pay homage to the Coney Island parachute jump, an unforgettable challenge for young daredevils. A floor-to-ceiling Ferris wheel is the most literal reminder of carefree summer days.

Dahlmann was classically trained in Swiss and German restaurants, including the Widder Hotel in Zurich and the Hotel Intercontinental in Dusseldorf, then spent his early career as a chef on cruise ships that took him to ports in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean.

On one of the ships he met Sirio Maccioni, owner of New York's famed, Five-Star Le Cirque 2000, who offered him a job. He worked at Le Cirque 2000 for three years before moving to Palm Beach's Four-Star, Five-Diamond Café L'Europe.

The restaurant is open 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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Essential Information Location BoardWalk Inn and Villas Type Sit-down restaurant. A la carte. Cuisine - seafood. Included in Disney Dining Plan Yes (2 credits) Tips & Fun Facts Save some room for a delicious assortment of desserts, including the renowned chocolate lava cake. For the real "foodie," ask for seating at the chef's counter to see the cooking action up close. This location can accommodate most special dietary needs. Advance notice may be required and cancellation fees may apply. Please indicate any special dietary need at time of reservation booking. Business Casual dress code: Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts.  Sport coats are optional. Ladies:  Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts. Not permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While T-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that T-shirts with offensive language or graphics are not acceptable. A credit card guarantee is required to make reservations. In the event that a cancellation is not made at least one day in advance, the credit card on the reservation will be charged $10 per person. Reservations can be cancelled at any table service restaurant podium, by calling 407-WDW-CNCL, at www.disneyworld.com/dining, or at any guest relations or resort front desk. Advanced Dining Reservations Reservations recommended. Book up to 180 days in advance (or up to 190 days for Disney Resort guests). Call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) Reviews & Ratings

Recommended For Adults Seniors Romance Meals Meals Served Dinner Average Cost for full meal $35 - $70 per person Typical Menu Items Crab cakes, red snapper, mahi mahi, salmon, veal, steak, lobster bisque, swordfish, scallops, key lime tart. Most popular menu items Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper. Another creation that's never left the menu at Flying Fish Cafe, the snapper is wrapped in paper-thin slices of potato and fried, then served with a creamy leek fondue and red wine reduction. The crunchy potato crust and tender white fish are a sensational combination. Strawberry napoleon, a stacked concoction with fresh berries, phyllo and fresh whipped cream. Chef's Tasting Wine Dinner The first six seats at the coveted “Chef’s Counter” are reserved for the new Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner, a nightly affair that offers five courses paired with wine for a special evening. A typical dinner might include “Spring Catch Frutti di Mare” for a starter, followed by roasted Carolina Hills organic free-range chicken with morels, spring peas and mustard spätzle. Next, slow-braised lamb shank and herbes de Provence-crusted lamb loin with heirloom gold beets, artichokes and dark cassis-laced syrah and lamb reduction. A cheese course includes Georgia’s Sweet Grass Dairy artisan cheeses, roasted plums and roasted mushroom croustade. Finish with early crop sweet Florida peaches and Tupelo honey. There are two seatings nightly Sunday through Thursday, at 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Cost is $135, $85 without wine. Make reservations at 407-WDW-DINE. There are a handful of blackout dates throughout the year (mostly around busy holidays).